Page:Biographia Hibernica volume 2.djvu/300

 296 HAMILTON. tionate and valued sister Elizabeth, where, after reposing a few days, he proceeded to Dublin to see his eldest sister. In his subsequent journey to London, he enjoyed the society of this lady; and when he had transacted h i s necessary business, and published the “History o f the Rohilla War,” they set off for the tranquil cottage, and joined their dear sister, and this affectionate family was, for the first time since their mother's death, reunited under the same roof. During several months, Mr. Hamilton was sedulously engaged i n unravelling a l l the intricacies o f the Persian tongue; and i n this happy domestic circle time passed rapidly away. I n 1788, Mr. Hamilton quitted this agree able retreat for London, attended b y his sisters. With the consummation o f Mr. Hamilton's labours, ended the happiness o f the little party that had s o long subsisted i n affectionate cordiality. The printing o f the Hedaya being completed, Mr. Hamilton was appointed resident a t the Vizier's court, and had consequently t o prepare for his departure from England. I t should b e observed, the East India Directors undertook t o defray the expense o f print ing the Hedaya, and t o receive a certain number o f copies, the remainder t o b e the property o f the translator; but, o n the suggestion o f some intimate friends, Mr. Hamilton presented a memorial t o the directors, which Mr. Hastings warmly supported, i n consequence o f which, they pur chased the copyright and the unsold copies o f the work. He now prepared for his departure t o the East, and i n the summer o f 1791, his sisters took their leave o f him, and returned t o the North; but his affectionate heart, after some weeks, followed t o bid a last adieu. I n September h e returned t o London, but owing t o some unexpected cir cumstance, his embarkation was deferred t o the spring. I n his last journey from Scotland h e caught a cold, which produced alarming pulmonary symptoms. A voyage t o Lisbon was urged b y his medical friends, but h e could not resolve t o go, until some concerns a t the India House were concluded; and exerting himself more than was consistent with the state o f his health, h e was not i n a state t o under