MS location unknown. Printed in Coleridge, Life p. 329
Dearest Marianne-
I have the sketch-book still (only it is at the bottom of some dusty hoards, which I have not time to irritate to-day) with all our party on Bishopstoke Hill. Dear Marianne, it is much to be thankful for to have a real friend of one’s youth on into ‘boar hairs,’ and friends and household do all they can to make it a bright day. Emily Awdry comes for two days to-day. She will be in time to see those lovely pancratiums in their glory. My flowers were gathered and made up yesterday; they are not so beautiful as yours, but they have the merit of lasting.
Do you remember that Amaranth on the lucus a non lucendo principle was Mr. Wither’s New College name?2 I have a bunch that has lasted on a whole year. (Botanically I know these are not amaranths.)
Yes, my dear Charles Yonge, gone now fifty years ago, had the same birthday. I have been routing out the record of old scenes at Puslinch, which delight Helen greatly, and bring back old faces long gone.-
Your most affectionate
C. M. YONGE.