Page:The Letters Of Queen Victoria, vol. 3 (1908).djvu/40

26 of, and in short any of these little matters, which are painfully felt here, and which always produce an uncomfortable and distrustful effect. The Emperor expressed himself in the most grateful manner towards yourself, and I think is pleased at your having permitted me to be present on this occasion. . .. Hoping that you will approve of my humble endeavours here, and with sincere regards to Albert, I beg to remain, my dear Cousin, your most dutiful Cousin,

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, 9th May 1854. My DEAREST UNCLE,—Accept my best thanks for your kind letter of the 5th. I return you the Emperor’s kind letter. Nothing could be more satisfactory than the reception George met with by everybody at Vienna—beginning with the Emperor. They showed him much confidence, and he obtained from them intelligence which I think no one else would. The Fleets have done their duty admirably at Odessa; the town has not been touched, and all the fortifications and many ships have been destroyed. . ..

We had a concert last night, and I saw good Sir H. Seymour, who is full of your kindness and goodness; and a most worthy, honourable and courageous little man he is. If the poor Emperor Nicholas had had a few such—nous ne serions pas ou nous en sommes. But unfortunately the Emperor does not like being told what is unpleasant and contrary to his wishes, and gets very violent when he hears the real truth—which consequently is not told him! There is the misery of being violent and passionate ; if Princes and still more Kings and Emperors are so, no one will ever tell them the truth, and how dreadful that is! I think one never can be too careful in bringing up Princes to inculcate the principle of self-control.

We have a good deal of rain and thunder since yesterday, which I hope will revive poor parched Nature. I must now