[1] My dear Mr Schlegel
I scarcely know how to venture on a letter which I write with the deepest feelings of unfeigned regret; yet I cannot bear to rest in ignorance of all that relates to the last sufferings & hours of one, we who knew loved, & all who heard, admired. I have till I left Town a few days since constantly heard indirectly, & I dreaded the fatal conclusion from Madame de Rumford’s account. Can I tax your kindness at no distant Day to give me something on which to fix my lingering remembrances of dear dear Madame de Staël? I have the sweet & bitter it is true of long friendship, delightful enjoyments, unceasing kindness, & now alas irrecoverable loss. I wish to hear of the Duchess de Broglie to whom this must be indeed a severe trial; & I would through you dare to make a request. I should greatly value any valueless trifle which ever was in the hand of our dear lost friend; therefore if at any future time such a little token (its value would be measured by no common calculation) I could be found for me [2] pray name it to the Duchess. I cannot condole with you for what can be said in real sorrow but the unavailing remark that it is the lot of humanity, or the higher consolation that it is the will of Heaven, & the trial of Infirmity. I think of poor Miss Randoll, to whom if unable. I trust only business connected with past friendship would make you unwilling, to answer me, I beg you will devolve the duty of satisfying not curiosity but affection. I shall address this to Paris & I trust you will believe that I shall always remember our first and last meeting with a sentiment which will ensure you besides your own right, another right to my regard. I am
Very sincerely yours
Jane Davy
July 23. 1817
Guys Cliff
Warwick
Direct always 23 L. Grosvenor St
I scarcely know how to venture on a letter which I write with the deepest feelings of unfeigned regret; yet I cannot bear to rest in ignorance of all that relates to the last sufferings & hours of one, we who knew loved, & all who heard, admired. I have till I left Town a few days since constantly heard indirectly, & I dreaded the fatal conclusion from Madame de Rumford’s account. Can I tax your kindness at no distant Day to give me something on which to fix my lingering remembrances of dear dear Madame de Staël? I have the sweet & bitter it is true of long friendship, delightful enjoyments, unceasing kindness, & now alas irrecoverable loss. I wish to hear of the Duchess de Broglie to whom this must be indeed a severe trial; & I would through you dare to make a request. I should greatly value any valueless trifle which ever was in the hand of our dear lost friend; therefore if at any future time such a little token (its value would be measured by no common calculation) I could be found for me [2] pray name it to the Duchess. I cannot condole with you for what can be said in real sorrow but the unavailing remark that it is the lot of humanity, or the higher consolation that it is the will of Heaven, & the trial of Infirmity. I think of poor Miss Randoll, to whom if unable. I trust only business connected with past friendship would make you unwilling, to answer me, I beg you will devolve the duty of satisfying not curiosity but affection. I shall address this to Paris & I trust you will believe that I shall always remember our first and last meeting with a sentiment which will ensure you besides your own right, another right to my regard. I am
Very sincerely yours
Jane Davy
July 23. 1817
Guys Cliff
Warwick
Direct always 23 L. Grosvenor St
