Will you choose between these added to the lines on Sheridan? I think they will wind up the panegyric, and agree with the train of thought preceding them.

Now, one word as to the Committee: how could they resolve on a rough copy of an Address never sent in, unless you had been good enough to retain in memory, or on paper, the thing they have been good enough to adopt? By-the-by, the circumstances of the case should make the Committee less avidus gloriae, for all praise of them would look plaguy suspicious. If necessary to be stated at all, the simple facts bear them out.

They surely had a My sole object is one

right to act as they pleased.
which, I trust, my whole conduct has shown; viz.
that I did nothing insidious-sent in no Address
whatever-but, when applied to, did my best for
them and myself; but above all, that there was no
undue partiality, which will be what the rejected will
endeavour to make out. Fortunately-most fortun-
ately I sent in no lines on the occasion. For I am
sure that had they, in that case, been preferred, it
would have been asserted that I was known, and

owed the preference to private friendship. This is what we shall probably have to encounter; but, if once spoken and approved, we shan't be much embarrassed by their brilliant conjectures; and, as to criticism, an old author, like an old bull, grows cooler (or ought) at every baiting.

The only thing would be to avoid a party on the night of delivery — afterwards, the more the better, and the whole transaction inevitably tends to a good deal of discussion. Murray tells me there are myriads of ironical Addresses ready, some, in imitation of what is called my style. If they are as good as the Probationary Odes, or Hawkins's Pipe of Tobacco, it will not be bad fun for the imitated.— Ever, etc.

TO LORD HOLLAND

October 2, 1812.

A copy of this still altered is sent by the post, but clxi this will arrive first. It must be 'humbler '-' yet aspiring' does away the modesty, and, after all, truth is truth. Besides, there is a puff direct altered, to please your plaguy renters.

I shall be at Tetbury by 12 or 1-but send this for you to ponder over. There are several little things marked thus altered for your perusal. I have dismounted the cavalry, and, I hope, arranged to your general satisfaction.-Ever, etc.

At Tetbury by noon.-I hope, after it is sent, there will be no more elisions. It is not now so

long-73 lines-two less than allotted. I will alter all Committee objections, but I hope you won't permit Elliston to have any voice whatever, except in speaking it.

TO MR. MURRAY

clxii

Cheltenham, Oct. 12, 1812.

I have a very strong objection to the engraving of the portrait, and request that it may, on no account, be prefixed; but let all the proofs be burnt, and the plate broken. I will be at the expense which has been incurred; it is but fair that I should, since I cannot permit the publication. I beg, as a particular favour, that you will lose no time in having this done, for which I have reasons that I will state when I see you. Forgive all the trouble I have occasioned you.

I

I have received no account of the reception of the Address, but see it is vituperated in the papers, which does not much embarrass an old author. leave it to your own judgment to add it, or not, to your next edition when required. Pray comply strictly with my wishes as to the engraving, and believe me, etc.

P.S.-Favour me with an answer, as I shall not be easy till I hear that the proofs, etc., are destroyed. I hear that the Satirist has reviewed Childe Harold, in what manner I need not ask; but I wish to know if the old personalities are revived? I have a better reason for asking this than any that merely concerns myself; but in publications of that kind, others, particularly female names, are sometimes introduced.

TO LORD HOLLAND

Cheltenham, Oct. 14, 1812.

My dear Lord,-I perceive that the papers, yea, clxiii even Perry's, are somewhat ruffled at the injudicious preference of the Committee. My friend Perry has, indeed, et tu Brute-d me rather scurvily, for which I will send him, for the M. C., the next epigram I scribble, as a token of my full forgiveness.

Do the Committee mean to enter into no explanation of their proceedings? You must see there is a leaning towards a charge of partiality. You will, at least, acquit me of any great anxiety to push myself before so many elder and better anonymous, to whom the twenty guineas (which I take to be about two thousand pounds Bank currency) and the honour would have been equally welcome. 'Honour,' I see, hath skill in paragraph-writing.'

I wish to know how it went off at the second reading, and whether any one has had the grace to give it a glance of approbation. I have seen no paper but Perry's and two Sunday ones. Perry is severe, and the others silent. If, however, you and your Committee are not now dissatisfied with your own judgments, I shall not much embarrass myself about the brilliant remarks of the journals. My own opinion upon it is what it always was, perhaps pretty near that of the public.-Believe me, my dear Lord,

etc. etc.

P.S.-My best respects to Lady H., whose smiles will be very consolatory, even at this distance.

TO MR. MURRAY

clxiv

Cheltenham, Oct. 18, 1812.

Will you have the goodness to get this parody of a peculiar kind (for all the first lines are Busby's entire) inserted in several of the papers (correctly— and copied correctly; my hand is difficult)-particularly the Morning Chronicle? Tell Mr. Perry I forgive him all he has said, and may say against my Address, but he will allow me to deal with the Doctor (audi alteram partem)-and not betray me. I cannot think what has befallen Mr. Perry, for of yore we were very good friends;-but no matter, only get this inserted.

I have a poem on Waltzing for you, of which I make you a present; but it must be anonymous. It is in the old style of English Bards and Scotch Reviewers.

P.S.-With the next edition of Childe Harold you may print the first fifty or a hundred opening lines, of the Curse of Minerva, down to the couplet beginning

Mortal ('twas thus she spake), etc.

Of course, the moment the Satire begins, there you will stop, and the opening is the best part.

TO MR. MURRAY

clxv

Oct. 19, 1812.

Many thanks, but I must pay the damage, and will thank you to tell me the amount for the engraving. I think the Rejected Addresses by far the best thing of the kind since the Rolliad, and wish you had