Beer, a pint, 2d.
Wine, 3 glasses, 11d. I drink no wine!
Chesnuts, after dinner, 2d.
Tea and supper at moderate
calculation, 9d.
---------
2s. 6d.
From which deduct 2d. postage
----------
2s. 4d.

You are a clear gainer by her not coming.

[If the date be correct this becomes the first extant letter proper
which Lamb sent to the author of _Political Justice_. Godwin was then
forty-four years old, and had long been busy upon his tragedy "Antonio,"
in which Lamb had been assisting with suggestions. In this connection I
place here the following document, which belongs, however, naturally to
an earlier date, but is not harmed by its present position.]




LETTER 73


CHARLES LAMB TO WILLIAM GODWIN

[No date. Autumn, 1800.]