487. To Thomas Wedgwood MS. Wedgwood Maseum. Pub. E. L. G. i. 247. Nether Stowey, Bridgewater. Feb. 10th. 1803. Thursday Dear Wedgewood Last night Poole & I fully expected a few lines from you -- & when the newspaper came in without it, we felt as if a dull Bore of a Neighbour had been ushered in after a knock of the Door, which had made us all rise up, & start forward to welcome some longabsent Friend. Indeed in Poole's case this Simile is less overswoln than in mine: for in contempt of my convictions & assurances to the contrary Poole (passing off the Brommagem Coin of his Wishes for sterling Reasons) had persuaded himself fully, that he should really see you in propritl personâ. -- The truth is, we had no right to expect a letter from you / & I should have attributed your not writing to your having nothing to write, to your bodily dislike to writing -- or (tho' with reluctance) to low Spirits -- but that I have been haunted with the fear, that your Sister is worse -- & that you are at Cote in the mournful office of comforter to your Brother. -God keep us from idle Dreams! Life has enough of real pains. -- I wrote to Captn Wordsworth about the Chinese or India Drawings, from 50£ to 100£ -- as you desired me -- & desired him likewise to get me some Bang --. Wordsworth, in an affectionate Letter, answers me -- 'Mr Wedgewood shall have the pictures if we return to bring them home. Indeed, I should find the greatest pleasure in serving or pleasing him in any thing. But I hope, I shall be able to get some for him before we sail. The Bang if possible shall also be sent: if any country Ship arrives, I shall certainly get it. We have not got any thing of the Kind in our China Ships.' -- Now the words Italicized may perhaps not be what you wish. If so -- if you would much rather that they should be brought by Wordsworth himself from China -- give me a line, that I may write & tell him not to get any before he sails. -- We shall hope for a letter from you to night --. I need not say, dear Wedgewood, how anxious I am to hear the particulars of your Health & Spirits. -- On Saturday I had a Διαρρ'hoea diarrhoeissima, et con furore, which continued on me for about 18 hours; & left me, weak indeed, but free from rheumatic pains & the accompanying feverishness. I am now pretty well -- if I continue as well, all will do! -- Poole's account of his Conversations &c in France are very interesting & instructive -- If your inclinations led you hither, you would be very comfortable here -- but I am ready at an hour's warning, ready in heart & mind, as well as body & moveables. -- -921- With respectful remembrances & affectionate good wishes to your Brother & Sister I am, | dear Wedgewood, | Your's most truly ever, S. T. Coleridge