blematical; though the public will probably purchase a certain quantity, on the presumption of their own propensity for the Giaour and such 'horrid mysteries.' The only advantage I have is being on the spot; and that merely amounts to saving me the trouble of turning over books which I had better read again. If your chamber was furnished in the same way, you have no need to go there to describe-I mean only as to accuracy-because I drew it from recollection. This last thing of mine may have the same fate, and I assure you I have great doubts about it. But, even if not, its little day will be over before you are ready and willing. Come out 'screw your courage to the sticking-place.' Except the Post Bag (and surely you cannot complain of a want of success there), you have not been regularly out for some years. No man stands higher,—whatever you may think on a rainy day, in your provincial retreat. 'Aucun homme, dans aucune langue, n'a été, peutêtre, plus complètement le poëte du cœur et le poëte des femmes. Les critiques lui reprochent de n'avoir représenté le monde ni tel qu'il est, ni tel qu'il doit être; mais les femmes répondent qu'il l'a représenté tel qu'elles le désirent.'-I should have thought Sismondi had written this for you instead of Metastasio. Write to me, and tell me of yourself. Do you remember what Rousseau said to some one- 'Have we quarrelled? you have talked to me often, and never once mentioned yourself.' P.S.-The last sentence is an indirect apology for my egotism, but I believe in letters it is allowed. I wish it was mutual. I have met with an odd reflec tion in Grimm; it shall not—at least the bad part— be applied to you or me, though one of us has certainly an indifferent name-but this it is:-' Many people have the reputation of being wicked, with whom we should be too happy to pass our lives.' I need not add it is a woman's saying—a Mademoiselle de Sommery's. ccxxix TO MR. ASHE 4 Bennet Street, St. James's, Dec. 14, 1813. Sir, I leave town for a few days to-morrow: on my return, I will answer your letter more at length. Whatever may be your situation, I cannot but commend your resolution to abjure and abandon the publication and composition of works such as those to which you have alluded. Depend upon it, they amuse few, disgrace both reader and writer, and benefit none. It will be my wish to assist you, as far as my limited means will admit, to break such a bondage. In your answer, inform me what sum you think would enable you to extricate yourself from the hands of your employers, and to regain, at least, temporary independence, and I shall be glad to contribute my mite towards it. At present, I must conclude. Your name is not unknown to me, and I regret, for your own sake, that you have ever lent it to the works you mention. In saying this, I merely repeat your own words in your letter to me, and have no wish whatever to say a single syllable that may appear to insult your misfortunes. If I have, excuse me; it is unintentional. Yours, etc., BYRON. TO MR. LEIGH HUNT Dec. 22, 1813. My dear Sir, I am indeed 'in your debt,'—and, ccxxx what is still worse, am obliged to follow royal example (he has just apprised his creditors that they must wait till ye meeting), and intreat your indulgence for, I hope, a very short time. The nearest relation and almost ye only friend I possess, has been in London for a week, and leaves it to-morrow with me for her own residence.—I return immediately; but we meet so seldom, and are so minuted when we meet at all, that I give up all engagements till now, without reluctance. On my return, I must see you to console myself for my past disappointments. I should feel highly honoured in Mr. B's permission to make his acquaintance, and there you are in my debtfor it is a promise of last summer which I still hope to see performed. Yesterday I had a letter from Moore: you have probably heard from him lately; but if not, you will be glad to learn that he is the same in heart, head, and health. TO MR. MURRAY December 27, 1813. Lord Holland is laid up with the gout, and would ccxxxi feel very much obliged if you could obtain, and send as soon as possible, Madame D'Arblay's (or even Miss Edgeworth's) new work. I know they are not out; but it is perhaps possible for your Majesty to command what we cannot with much suing purchase, as yet. I need not say that when you are able or willing to confer the same favour on me, I shall be 289 VOL. I. T obliged. I would almost fall sick myself to get at Madame D'Arblay's writings. P.S.-You were talking to-day of the American edition of a certain unquenchable memorial of my younger days. As it can't be helped now, I own I have some curiosity to see a copy of trans-Atlantic typography. This you will perhaps obtain, and one for yourself; but I must beg that you will not import more, because, seriously, I do wish to have that thing forgotten as much as it has been forgiven. If you send to the Globe editor, say that I want neither excuse nor contradiction, but merely a discontinuance of a most ill-grounded charge. I never was consistent in anything but my politics; and as my redemption depends on that solitary virtue, it is murder to carry away my last anchor. |