When I come home I shall, if my purse is sufficient, bring a couple of rabbits for Selina and Jane.
Your affectionate son, THOMAS B.MACAULAY.
It will be seen that this passing fondness for mathematics soon changed into bitter disgust.
Clapham May 28, 1813.
My dear Tom,--I am very happy to hear that you have so far advanced in your different prize exercises, and with such little fatigue.

I know you write with great ease to yourself, and would rather write ten poems than prune one; but remember that excellence is not attained at first.

All your pieces are much mended after a little reflection, and therefore take some solitary walks, and think over each separate thing.

Spare no time or trouble to render each piece as perfect as you can, and then leave the event without one anxious thought.

I have always admired a saying of one of the old heathen philosophers.