1677, 'yet better in my mind than in my body. My legs swelling; my belly is not only big but hard; and my breath short; and methinks I see the same horse bridled and saddled for me that carried off your father.... My belly seems to myself a wooden belly.'[1] But he pulls through, and after a time is able to sit up at a table, and at once writes to Lady Petty to keep up her spirits. 'To let you see,' he continues, 'how waggish I am, I acquaint you that I had my picture drawn this week by Mr. P. Lely in a beard of 31 days growth, and in my owne hair without perewig, and in the simplest dress imaginable, without so much as a Band, and so as the picture is like myself, if I had never stirr'd from Romsey....[2] I would not have you troubled at the apprehensions I take of my owne growing infirmities. I feele nothing serious, but severall things which require my care. I'll assure you my whole study is to make things cleare, and to naile loose things fast, for you and my children; and hope there are some about me (who should be your friends), that will prevent impostures from Rooks and strangers. As for others I am not solicitous. The first piece of my new care for my owne health is the fitting our garden for my exercise and diversion. The walks will be 1,000 ft. about, planted with the best walled fruit that Ireland affords. The stone and Brick wall will be 1⁄5 part of a mile, the House you sufficiently know is very meane, but 300l. will make an apartment which will serve you for a shift, for I am not furiously bent to the building of a great house, till I see a change in my affairs; altho' I do elude my melancholy sometimes by contriving many noble places upon paper....'[3]
In 1677, the vicissitudes of English politics having led to the restoration of Ormonde to the Lord-Lieutenancy of Ireland, Sir William saw the prospect brighten before him. There were still, however, difficulties and delays. 'My Lord
- ↑ Sept. 27, Nov. 10, 1677.
- ↑ This picture is now the property of Mr. Charles Monck, of Coley Park, Reading. In the original picture Sir William was represented holding a skull in his hand, but the skull has been painted out. It may also be mentioned in connection with the above letter, that the word 'beard' was frequently used at the time for any hair on the lips and chin.
- ↑ Oct. 6, 1677.
