Henry Crabb Robinson, [30] Russell Square, London, to Dora Quillinan, Rydal Mount, 20 May 1847.

Russell Square

London

20th May 1847.

My dear friend

     I cannot resist the desire to write a few lines to you, tho’ it must depend on the state of your health and spirits when this letter reaches Rydal whether it ought to be given to you. I have just received a short letter from your dear husband which has raised emotions, by no means conflicting, but which tho’ concurrent cannot but weaken each other. Sorrow, at the sad state of your bodily health, and envy that envy which when combined as now with affection & esteem, is more properly admiration.  He writes me word that you are “calm & happy” with “affections as alive as ever” “willing to live & resigned to departure[”] &c &c... In truth, you are (supposing the very worst which is uncertain,) but a step or two in advance on that road which we are alike travelling ... And when I think of all the consolations that attend you in your present affliction And draw a comparison between you to day and myself tomorrow I have not the assurance to offer so insolent a feeling as pity – I have never felt and have seldom even seen what a sick bed is; but perhaps on that very account entertain an exagerated [sic] apprehension of its terrors – I would gladly sacrifice years of my life, if years are now in store – being now in my 73d year, to enable a faithful friend to write of me what Mr Quillinan has written of you – I have no doubt that the chearfulness you are able to exhibit is in a great degree the effect of a resolution to leave with you, dearest friends, husband, father, mother brothers as many sources of consolatory recollection as can be brought within a small space of time.

     If your life be not spared until I am enabled to revisit Westmoreland permit me to take this farewell of you with the assurance of my perfect esteem; which indeed is felt by all you know you [sic]. But all is uncertain. Here is my eldest brother now in <–> ^London^, whose death I considerd as certainly immediate several years ago – And he is imperfectly enjoying himself He is gone out with my second brother But I could not wonder were a fit to have taken place since he left me this morning

     My tenderest regards to all your friends now so anxiously administering to your comfort

                     Your affectionate friend

                                H. C. Robinson

Mrs Quillinan

Text: WLL, Robinson, Henry Crabb/8, Wordsworth Trust and Museum, Grasmere. Robinson’s last letter to Dora before her death that July. He writes in his diary on 20 May 1847: ‘I went to the Russ: Institn to read the Times and I wrote letters today to Mrs Quillinan, a taking of leave, having received a very kind & also a chearful letter from Qu: speaking of her as happy and resigned – a remarkable letter under such circumstances.’