Dbab Mabah,

I must reluctantly mention, what I could still wish to
conceal : but the month of December approaches, and I may have
been already betrayed by the Sheffield gazette. Your suspicions

> 11 Wilhelm de Severy.
164 GIBBON'S C0BBB8P0NDSK0E. [1787.
were but too just, and both my feet have been for some days past
in the iron fetters of the gout. This obstacle must retard, though
it shaU not prevent my journey to Bath, and as soon as I am able
to travel I shall summon Lord S., who with his daughter Maria is
impatient to start. No term can be possibly assigned, but I feel
wi^ pleasure that the bitterness of the fit is past or passing, and
the gouty tide now appears to ebb ; whether its retiring motions
will be slow or rapid, fluctuating or r^ular, I cannot foresee, but I
wish you to believe that my pain is not a little aggravated by my
disappointment. Tou will excuse my brevity, as I cannot write in a
pleasant attitude, but in the course of next week you shall receive
some account of my proceedings, either from me or Gaplen.
Adieu.
Ever yours,

B. G.
518.
To Lord Sh^ld.
Satmday, Deo. 1, 1787.
