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　　LETTER 72

　　CHARLES LAMB TO WILLIAM GODWIN

　　[Dec. 4, 1800.]

　　Dear Sir,—I send this speedily after the heels of Cooper (O! the dainty expression) to say that Mary is obliged to stay at home on Sunday to receive a female friend, from whom I am equally glad to escape. So that we shall be by ourselves. I write, because it may make some difference in your marketting, &c.

　　C. L.

　　Thursday Morning.

　　I am sorry to put you to the expense of twopence postage. But I calculate thus: if Mary comes she will

　　eat Beef 2 plates, 4d.

　　Batter Pudding 1 do. 2d.

　　Beer, a pint, 2d.

　　Wine, 3 glasses, 11d. I drink no wine!

　　Chesnuts, after dinner, 2d.

　　Tea and supper at moderate

　　calculation, 9d.

　　——-

　　2s. 6d.

　　From which deduct 2d. postage

　　——

　　2s. 4d.

　　You are a clear gainer by her not coming.

　　[If the date be correct this becomes the first extant letter proper which Lamb sent to the author of Political Justice. Godwin was then forty-four years old, and had long been busy upon his tragedy "Antonio," in which Lamb had been assisting with suggestions. In this connection I place here the following document, which belongs, however, naturally to an earlier date, but is not harmed by its present position.] The Works of Charles and Mary Lamb — Volume 5