The Cotman Letters 1838-1864

107

shall be the last I cannot help it had I the money they
should have it. I have done more than I intended in
this way {?} it is new and I quite enjoy it. I leave
well pleased with its effects & happy quite. My plan is now
to rise at seven and get two good hours work before break-
fast now for perseverance.
Aid me O Jove! For good is my intent
To work most vigorously am I bent
With thy kind aid I may do wonders
Come to paint you with all your Thunders
At least I soon may come to paint the head
Of any man right well to earn my bread
And should I leave no name when I am dead
I may provide for mouths that would be fed
And if I can do this one point is gained
Once on the winning side the others soon obtained
Thus if you'll aid I may be handed down
With a most glorious lay laurel crown
I would not joke on this but really
I think light of it most sincerely.

Thursday Dec. 20th 1838. Rose late nothing done before
breakfast not even shaved sad shame must mend.
Delightful ride to Thorpe gave a first lesson to Mrs. Clive
very nice & agreeable woman Lady of the Poor Law Commissioner.
Afterwards rode until two, met two ladies and rode along
side through park and about, dined too late ot
answer Father's letter received yesterday containing kind
hansome and unexpected Xmas box. write tomorrow
morning. before breakfast if possible to send with Turkey on
Saturday. Drank tea with ladies at St.Michael's met there
to my surprise an interloper pleasant enough not with-
standing. Very rediculous, chep etc, etc. Why is a Lover
like a ladies lap dog? Do ye give it up? Cause why it