Even though a long time has elapsed since I last wrote to you,¹ I would not have you think on that account that I have ever forsaken your memory or would ever wilfully shirk any duty owed to your distinguished self. But I have for some time put off the task of writing, partly for want of someone to whom I could safely entrust a letter, partly because my occupations detained me, and in some measure too for lack of news. It will devolve upon your great kindness to grant me pardon if at times inadvertence is the cause of...