their publication, and I like the C. H. (Childe Harold) imitation one of the best. Lady O. (Oxford) has heard me talk much of you as a relative of the Cokes, etc., and desires me to say she would be happy to have the pleasure of your acquaintance. You must come and see me at K. I am sure you would like all here if you knew them. The 'Agnus' is furious. You can have no idea of the horrible and absurd things she has said and done since (really from the best motives) I withdrew my homage. Great pleasure' is, certes, my object, but 'Why brief, Mr. Wild?' I cannot answer for the future, but the past is pretty secure; and in it I can number the last two months as worthy of the gods in Lucretius. I cannot review in the Monthly; in fact I can just now do nothing, at least with a pen; and I really think the days of authorship are over with me altogether. I hear and rejoice in Bland's and Merivale's intentions. Murray has grown great, and has got him new premises in the fashionable part of town. We live here so shut out of the monde that I have nothing of general import to communicate, and fill this up with a 'happy new year,' and drink to you and Drury.—Ever yours, dear H., B. TO MR. MURRAY clxx February 20, 1813. In Horace in London I perceive some stanzas on Lord Elgin in which (waiving the kind compliment to myself) I heartily concur. I wish I had the pleasure of Mr. Smith's acquaintance, as I could communicate the curious anecdote you read in Mr. T.'s letter. If he would like it, he can have the substance for his second edition; if not, I shall add it to our next, though I think we already have enough of Lord Elgin. What I have read of this work seems admirably done. My praise, however, is not much worth the author's having; but you may thank him in my name for his. The idea is new-we have excellent imitations of the Satires, etc., by Pope; but I remember but one imitative Ode in his works, and none anywhere else. I can hardly suppose that they have lost any fame by the fate of the Farce; but even should this be the case, the present publication will again place them on their pinnacle.—Yours, etc. TO MR. ROGERS March 25, 1813. I enclose you a draft for the usurious interest due clxxi to Lord -'s protégé ;—I also could wish you would state thus much for me to his Lordship. Though the transaction speaks plainly in itself for the borrower's folly and the lender's usury, it never was my intention to quash the demand, as I legally might, nor to withhold payment of principal, or, perhaps, even unlawful interest. You know what my situation has been, and what it is. I have parted with an estate (which has been in my family for nearly three hundred years, and was never disgraced by being in possession of a lawyer, a churchman, or a woman, during that period), to liquidate this and similar demands; and the payment of the purchase is still withheld, and may be, perhaps, for years. If, therefore, I am under the necessity of making those persons wait for their money (which, considering the terms, they can afford to suffer), it is my misfortune. When I arrived at majority in 1809, I offered my own security on legal interest, and it was refused. Now, I will not accede to this. This man I may have seen, but I have no recollection of the names of any parties but the agents and the securities. The moment I can, it is assuredly my intention to pay my debts. This person's case may be a hard one; but, under all circumstances, what is mine? I could not foresee that the purchaser of my estate was to demur in paying for it. I am glad it happens to be in my power so far to accommodate my Israelite, and only wish I could do as much for the rest of the Twelve Tribes.—Ever yours, dear R., BN. TO MR. MURRAY clxxii April 21, 1813. I shall be in town by Sunday next, and will call and have some conversation on the subject of Westall's designs. I am to sit to him for a picture at the request of a friend of mine; and as Sanders's is not a good one, you will probably prefer the other. I wish you to have Sanders's taken down and sent to my lodgings immediately-before my arrival. I hear that a certain malicious publication on Waltzing is attributed to me. This report, I suppose, you will take care to contradict, as the author, I am sure, will not like that I should wear his cap and bells. Mr. Hobhouse's quarto will be out immediately; pray send to the author for an early copy, which I wish to take abroad with me. P.S.-I see the Examiner threatens some observations upon you next week. What can you have done to share the wrath which has heretofore been principally expended upon the Prince? I presume all your Scribleri will be drawn up in battle array in defence of the modern Tonson-Mr. Bucke, for instance. Send in my account to Bennet Street, as I wish to settle it before sailing. TO MR. MOORE (May?) 1813. My dear Moore,—'When Rogers' must not see clxxiii the inclosed, which I send for your perusal. I am ready to fix any day you like for our visit. Was not Sheridan good upon the whole? The 'Poulterer' was the first and best.-Ever yours, etc. I. When Thurlow this damn'd nonsense sent, (I hope I am not violent), Nor men nor gods knew what he meant, clxxiv Oh you, who in all names can tickle the town, But now to my letter-to yours 'tis an answer- |