Chapter 263

CHARLES LAMB TO THOMAS ALLSOP [P.M. July 13, 1820.]

Dear Sir, I do not know whose fault it is we have not met so long. We are almost always out of town. You must come and beat up our quarters there, when we return from Cambridge. It is not in our power to accept your invitation. To-day we dine out; and set out for Cambridge on Saturday morning. Friday of course will be past in packing, &c., moreover we go from Dalston. We return from Cam. in 4 weeks, and will contrive an early meeting.

Meantime believe us, Sincerely yours, C. L., &c. _Thursday_,

[It was during this visit to Cambridge that Lamb wrote his _Elia_ essay on "Oxford in the Vacation."]