"January 13. 1814."I have but a moment to write, but all is as it should be. I have said really far short of my opinion, but if you think enough, I am content. Will you return the proof by the post, as I leave town on Sunday, and have no other corrected copy. I put 'servant,' as being less familiar before the public; because I don't like presuming upon our friendship to infringe upon forms. As to the otherword, you may be sure it is one I cannot hear or repeat too often."I write in an agony of haste and confusion.—Perdonate."
"January 13. 1814.
"I have but a moment to write, but all is as it should be. I have said really far short of my opinion, but if you think enough, I am content. Will you return the proof by the post, as I leave town on Sunday, and have no other corrected copy. I put 'servant,' as being less familiar before the public; because I don't like presuming upon our friendship to infringe upon forms. As to the otherword, you may be sure it is one I cannot hear or repeat too often.
"I write in an agony of haste and confusion.—Perdonate."
LETTER 157. TO MR. MURRAY.
"January 15. 1814."Before any proof goes to Mr. Gifford, it may be as well to revise this, where there arewords omitted, faults committed, and the devil knows what. As to the dedication, I cut out the parenthesis ofMr.[9], but not another word shall move unless for a better. Mr. Moore has seen, and decidedly preferred the part your Tory bile sickens at. If every syllable were a rattle-snake, or every letter a pestilence, they should not be expunged. Let those who cannot swallow chew the expressions on Ireland; or should even Mr. Croker array himself in all his terrorsthem, I care for none of you, except Gifford; and he won't abuse me, except I deserve it—which will at least reconcile me to his justice. As to the poems in Hobhouse's volume, the translation from the Romaic is well enough; but the best of the other volume (ofmine, I mean) have been already printed. But do as you please—only, as I shall be absent when you come out,do,pray, let Mr.Dallasandyouhave a care of thepress. Yours," &c.
"January 15. 1814.
"Before any proof goes to Mr. Gifford, it may be as well to revise this, where there arewords omitted, faults committed, and the devil knows what. As to the dedication, I cut out the parenthesis ofMr.[9], but not another word shall move unless for a better. Mr. Moore has seen, and decidedly preferred the part your Tory bile sickens at. If every syllable were a rattle-snake, or every letter a pestilence, they should not be expunged. Let those who cannot swallow chew the expressions on Ireland; or should even Mr. Croker array himself in all his terrorsthem, I care for none of you, except Gifford; and he won't abuse me, except I deserve it—which will at least reconcile me to his justice. As to the poems in Hobhouse's volume, the translation from the Romaic is well enough; but the best of the other volume (ofmine, I mean) have been already printed. But do as you please—only, as I shall be absent when you come out,do,pray, let Mr.Dallasandyouhave a care of thepress. Yours," &c.
TO MR. MURRAY.
["1814. January 16.]"I do believe that the devil never created or perverted such a fiend as the fool of a printer.[10]I am obliged to enclose you,luckilyfor me, thissecondproof,corrected, because there is an ingenuity in his blunders peculiar to himself. Let the press be guided by the present sheet. Yours, &c."Burn the other."Correctthis alsoby the other in some things which I may have forgotten. There is one mistake he made, which, if it had stood, I would most certainly have broken his neck."
["1814. January 16.]
"I do believe that the devil never created or perverted such a fiend as the fool of a printer.[10]I am obliged to enclose you,luckilyfor me, thissecondproof,corrected, because there is an ingenuity in his blunders peculiar to himself. Let the press be guided by the present sheet. Yours, &c.
"Burn the other.
"Correctthis alsoby the other in some things which I may have forgotten. There is one mistake he made, which, if it had stood, I would most certainly have broken his neck."
LETTER 158. TO MR. MURRAY.
"Newstead Abbey, January 22. 1814."You will be glad to hear of my safe arrival here. The time of my return will depend upon the weather, which is so impracticable, that this letter has to advance through more snows than ever opposed the Emperor's retreat. The roads are impassable, and return impossible for the present; which I do not regret, as I am much at my ease, andsix-and-twentycomplete this day—a very pretty age, if it would always last. Our coals are excellent, our fire-places large, my cellar full, and my head empty; and I have not yet recovered my joy at leaving London. If any unexpected turn occurred with my purchasers, I believe I should hardly quit the place at all; but shut my door, and let my beard grow."I forgot to mention (and I hope it is unnecessary) that the lines beginning—Remember him, &c. mustnotappear withThe Corsair. You may slip them in with the smaller pieces newly annexed toChilde Harold; but on no account permit them to be appended to The Corsair. Have the goodness to recollect this particularly."The books I have brought with me are a great consolation for the confinement, and I bought more as we came along. In short, I never consult the thermometer, and shall not put up prayers for athaw, unless I thought it would sweep away the rascally invaders of France. Was ever such a thing as Blucher's proclamation?"Just before I left town, Kemble paid me the compliment of desiring me to write atragedy; I wishI could, but I find my scribbling mood subsiding—not before it was time; but it is lucky to check it at all. If I lengthen my letter, you will think it is coming on again; so, good-by. Yours alway,"B."P.S. If you hear any news of battle or retreat on the part of the Allies (as they call them), pray send it. He has my best wishes to manure the fields of France with aninvadingarmy. I hate invaders of all countries, and have no patience with the cowardly cry of exultation over him, at whose name you all turned whiter than the snow to which you are indebted for your triumphs."I open my letter to thank you for yours just received. The 'Lines to a Lady Weeping' must go with The Corsair. I care nothing for consequence, on this point. My politics are to me like a young mistress to an old man—the worse they grow, the fonder I become of them. As Mr. Gilford likes the 'Portuguese Translation[11],' pray insert it as an addition to The Corsair."In all points of difference between Mr. Gifford and Mr. Dallas, let the first keep his place; and in all points of difference between Mr. Gifford and Mr.Anybody-else, I shall abide by the former; if I am wrong, I can't help it. But I would rather not be right with any other person. So there is an end of that matter. After all the trouble he has taken about me and mine, I should be very ungrateful to feel or act otherwise. Besides, in point of judgment, he is not to be lowered by a comparison. Inpolitics, he may be right too; but that with me is afeeling, and I can'ttorifymy nature."
"Newstead Abbey, January 22. 1814.
"You will be glad to hear of my safe arrival here. The time of my return will depend upon the weather, which is so impracticable, that this letter has to advance through more snows than ever opposed the Emperor's retreat. The roads are impassable, and return impossible for the present; which I do not regret, as I am much at my ease, andsix-and-twentycomplete this day—a very pretty age, if it would always last. Our coals are excellent, our fire-places large, my cellar full, and my head empty; and I have not yet recovered my joy at leaving London. If any unexpected turn occurred with my purchasers, I believe I should hardly quit the place at all; but shut my door, and let my beard grow.
"I forgot to mention (and I hope it is unnecessary) that the lines beginning—Remember him, &c. mustnotappear withThe Corsair. You may slip them in with the smaller pieces newly annexed toChilde Harold; but on no account permit them to be appended to The Corsair. Have the goodness to recollect this particularly.
"The books I have brought with me are a great consolation for the confinement, and I bought more as we came along. In short, I never consult the thermometer, and shall not put up prayers for athaw, unless I thought it would sweep away the rascally invaders of France. Was ever such a thing as Blucher's proclamation?
"Just before I left town, Kemble paid me the compliment of desiring me to write atragedy; I wishI could, but I find my scribbling mood subsiding—not before it was time; but it is lucky to check it at all. If I lengthen my letter, you will think it is coming on again; so, good-by. Yours alway,
"B.
"P.S. If you hear any news of battle or retreat on the part of the Allies (as they call them), pray send it. He has my best wishes to manure the fields of France with aninvadingarmy. I hate invaders of all countries, and have no patience with the cowardly cry of exultation over him, at whose name you all turned whiter than the snow to which you are indebted for your triumphs.
"I open my letter to thank you for yours just received. The 'Lines to a Lady Weeping' must go with The Corsair. I care nothing for consequence, on this point. My politics are to me like a young mistress to an old man—the worse they grow, the fonder I become of them. As Mr. Gilford likes the 'Portuguese Translation[11],' pray insert it as an addition to The Corsair.
"In all points of difference between Mr. Gifford and Mr. Dallas, let the first keep his place; and in all points of difference between Mr. Gifford and Mr.Anybody-else, I shall abide by the former; if I am wrong, I can't help it. But I would rather not be right with any other person. So there is an end of that matter. After all the trouble he has taken about me and mine, I should be very ungrateful to feel or act otherwise. Besides, in point of judgment, he is not to be lowered by a comparison. Inpolitics, he may be right too; but that with me is afeeling, and I can'ttorifymy nature."
LETTER 159. TO MR. MURRAY.
"Newstead Abbey, February 4. 1814."I need not say that your obliging letter was very welcome, and not the less so for being unexpected."It doubtless gratifies me much that ourfinalehas pleased, and that the curtain drops gracefully.[12]Youdeserve it should, for your promptitude and good nature in arranging immediately with Mr. Dallas; and I can assure you that I esteem your entering so warmly into the subject, and writing to me so soon upon it, as a personal obligation. We shall now part, I hope, satisfied with each other. Iwasand am quite in earnest in my prefatory promise not to intrude any more; and this not from any affectation, but a thorough conviction that it is the best policy, and is at least respectful to my readers, as it shows that I would not willingly run the risk of forfeitingtheir favour in future. Besides, I have other views and objects, and think that I shall keep this resolution; for, since I left London, though shut up,snow-bound,thaw-bound, and tempted with all kinds of paper, the dirtiest of ink, and the bluntest of pens, I have not even been haunted by a wish to put them to their combined uses, except in letters of business. My rhyming propensity is quite gone, and I feel much as I did at Patras on recovering from my fever—weak, but in health, and only afraid of a relapse. I do most fervently hope I never shall."I see by the Morning Chronicle there hath been discussion in theCourier; and I read in the Morning Post a wrathful letter about Mr. Moore, in which some Protestant Reader has made a sad confusion aboutIndiaand Ireland."You are to do as you please about the smaller poems; but I think removing themnowfrom The Corsair looks likefear; and if so, you must allow me not to be pleased. I should also suppose that, after thefussof these newspaper esquires, they would materially assist the circulation of The Corsair; an object I should imagine atpresentof more importance toyourselfthan Childe Harold's seventh appearance. Do as you like; but don't allow the withdrawing thatpoemto draw any imputation ofdismayupon me."Pray make my respects to Mr. Ward, whose praise I value most highly, as you well know; it is in the approbation of such men that fame becomes worth having. To Mr. Gifford I am always grateful, and surely not less so now than ever. And so good night to my authorship."I have been sauntering and dozing here very quietly, and not unhappily. You will be happy to hear that I have completely established my title-deeds as marketable, and that the purchaser has succumbed to the terms, and fulfils them, or is to fulfil them forthwith. He is now here, and we go on very amicably together,—one in eachwingof the Abbey. We set off on Sunday—I for town, he for Cheshire."Mrs. Leigh is with me—much pleased with the place, and less so with me for parting with it, to which not even the price can reconcile her. Your parcel has not yet arrived—at least theMags. &c.; but I have received Childe Harold and The Corsair."I believe both are very correctly printed, which is a great satisfaction."I thank you for wishing me in town; but I think one's success is most felt at a distance, and I enjoy my solitary self-importance in an agreeable sulky way of my own, upon the strength of your letter—for which I once more thank you, and am, very truly, &c."P.S. Don't you think Buonaparte's nextpublicationwill be rather expensive to the Allies? Perry's Paris letter of yesterday looks very reviving. What a Hydra and Briareus it is! I wish they would pacify: there is no end to this campaigning."
"Newstead Abbey, February 4. 1814.
"I need not say that your obliging letter was very welcome, and not the less so for being unexpected.
"It doubtless gratifies me much that ourfinalehas pleased, and that the curtain drops gracefully.[12]Youdeserve it should, for your promptitude and good nature in arranging immediately with Mr. Dallas; and I can assure you that I esteem your entering so warmly into the subject, and writing to me so soon upon it, as a personal obligation. We shall now part, I hope, satisfied with each other. Iwasand am quite in earnest in my prefatory promise not to intrude any more; and this not from any affectation, but a thorough conviction that it is the best policy, and is at least respectful to my readers, as it shows that I would not willingly run the risk of forfeitingtheir favour in future. Besides, I have other views and objects, and think that I shall keep this resolution; for, since I left London, though shut up,snow-bound,thaw-bound, and tempted with all kinds of paper, the dirtiest of ink, and the bluntest of pens, I have not even been haunted by a wish to put them to their combined uses, except in letters of business. My rhyming propensity is quite gone, and I feel much as I did at Patras on recovering from my fever—weak, but in health, and only afraid of a relapse. I do most fervently hope I never shall.
"I see by the Morning Chronicle there hath been discussion in theCourier; and I read in the Morning Post a wrathful letter about Mr. Moore, in which some Protestant Reader has made a sad confusion aboutIndiaand Ireland.
"You are to do as you please about the smaller poems; but I think removing themnowfrom The Corsair looks likefear; and if so, you must allow me not to be pleased. I should also suppose that, after thefussof these newspaper esquires, they would materially assist the circulation of The Corsair; an object I should imagine atpresentof more importance toyourselfthan Childe Harold's seventh appearance. Do as you like; but don't allow the withdrawing thatpoemto draw any imputation ofdismayupon me.
"Pray make my respects to Mr. Ward, whose praise I value most highly, as you well know; it is in the approbation of such men that fame becomes worth having. To Mr. Gifford I am always grateful, and surely not less so now than ever. And so good night to my authorship.
"I have been sauntering and dozing here very quietly, and not unhappily. You will be happy to hear that I have completely established my title-deeds as marketable, and that the purchaser has succumbed to the terms, and fulfils them, or is to fulfil them forthwith. He is now here, and we go on very amicably together,—one in eachwingof the Abbey. We set off on Sunday—I for town, he for Cheshire.
"Mrs. Leigh is with me—much pleased with the place, and less so with me for parting with it, to which not even the price can reconcile her. Your parcel has not yet arrived—at least theMags. &c.; but I have received Childe Harold and The Corsair.
"I believe both are very correctly printed, which is a great satisfaction.
"I thank you for wishing me in town; but I think one's success is most felt at a distance, and I enjoy my solitary self-importance in an agreeable sulky way of my own, upon the strength of your letter—for which I once more thank you, and am, very truly, &c.
"P.S. Don't you think Buonaparte's nextpublicationwill be rather expensive to the Allies? Perry's Paris letter of yesterday looks very reviving. What a Hydra and Briareus it is! I wish they would pacify: there is no end to this campaigning."
LETTER 160. TO MR. MURRAY.
"Newstead Abbey, February 5. 1814."I quite forgot, in my answer of yesterday, to mention that I have no means of ascertaining whether the NewarkPiratehas been doing what you say.[13]If so, he is a rascal, and ashabbyrascal too; and if his offence is punishable by law or pugilism, he shall be fined or buffeted. Do you try and discover, and I will make some enquiry here. Perhaps someotherin town may have gone on printing, and used the same deception."Thefac-simileis omitted in Childe Harold, which is very awkward, as there is anoteexpressly on the subject. Prayreplaceit asusual."On second and third thoughts, the withdrawing the small poems from The Corsair (even to add to Childe Harold) looks like shrinking and shuffling after the fuss made upon one of them by the Tories. Pray replace them in The Corsair's appendix. I am sorry that Childe Harold requires some and such abetments to make him move off; but, if you remember, I told you his popularity would not be permanent. It is very lucky for the author that he had made up his mind to a temporary reputation in time. The truth is, I do not think that any of the present day (and least of all, one who has not consulted the flattering side of human nature,) have much to hope from posterity; and you may think it affectation very probably, but, to me, my present and past success has appeared very singular, since it was in theteeth of so many prejudices. I almost think people like to be contradicted. If Childe Harold flags, it will hardly be worth while to go on with the engravings: but do as you please; I have done with the whole concern; and the enclosed lines, written years ago, and copied from my skull-cap, are among the last with which you will be troubled. If you like, add them to Childe Harold, if only for the sake of another outcry. You received so long an answer yesterday, that I will not intrude on you further than to repeat myself,"Yours, &c."P.S. Of course, in reprinting (if you have occasion), you will take great care to be correct. The present editions seem very much so, except in the last note of Childe Harold, where the wordresponsibleoccurs twice nearly together; correct the second intoanswerable."
"Newstead Abbey, February 5. 1814.
"I quite forgot, in my answer of yesterday, to mention that I have no means of ascertaining whether the NewarkPiratehas been doing what you say.[13]If so, he is a rascal, and ashabbyrascal too; and if his offence is punishable by law or pugilism, he shall be fined or buffeted. Do you try and discover, and I will make some enquiry here. Perhaps someotherin town may have gone on printing, and used the same deception.
"Thefac-simileis omitted in Childe Harold, which is very awkward, as there is anoteexpressly on the subject. Prayreplaceit asusual.
"On second and third thoughts, the withdrawing the small poems from The Corsair (even to add to Childe Harold) looks like shrinking and shuffling after the fuss made upon one of them by the Tories. Pray replace them in The Corsair's appendix. I am sorry that Childe Harold requires some and such abetments to make him move off; but, if you remember, I told you his popularity would not be permanent. It is very lucky for the author that he had made up his mind to a temporary reputation in time. The truth is, I do not think that any of the present day (and least of all, one who has not consulted the flattering side of human nature,) have much to hope from posterity; and you may think it affectation very probably, but, to me, my present and past success has appeared very singular, since it was in theteeth of so many prejudices. I almost think people like to be contradicted. If Childe Harold flags, it will hardly be worth while to go on with the engravings: but do as you please; I have done with the whole concern; and the enclosed lines, written years ago, and copied from my skull-cap, are among the last with which you will be troubled. If you like, add them to Childe Harold, if only for the sake of another outcry. You received so long an answer yesterday, that I will not intrude on you further than to repeat myself,
"Yours, &c.
"P.S. Of course, in reprinting (if you have occasion), you will take great care to be correct. The present editions seem very much so, except in the last note of Childe Harold, where the wordresponsibleoccurs twice nearly together; correct the second intoanswerable."
TO MR. MURRAY.
"Newark, February 6. 1814."I am thus far on my way to town. Master Ridge[14]I have seen, and he owns to havingreprintedsomesheets, to make up a few complete remaining copies! I have now given him fair warning, and if he plays such tricks again, I must either get an injunction, or call for an account of profits (as I never have parted with the copyright), or, in short, any thing vexatious, to repay him in his own way. If the weather does not relapse, I hope to be in town in a day or two. Yours," &c.
"Newark, February 6. 1814.
"I am thus far on my way to town. Master Ridge[14]I have seen, and he owns to havingreprintedsomesheets, to make up a few complete remaining copies! I have now given him fair warning, and if he plays such tricks again, I must either get an injunction, or call for an account of profits (as I never have parted with the copyright), or, in short, any thing vexatious, to repay him in his own way. If the weather does not relapse, I hope to be in town in a day or two. Yours," &c.
TO MR. MURRAY.
"February 7. 1814."I see all the papers in a sad commotion with those eight lines; and the Morning Post, in particular, has found out that I am a sort of Richard III.—deformed in mind andbody. Thelastpiece of information is not very new to a man who passed five years at a public school."I am very sorry you cut out those lines for Childe Harold. Pray re-insert them in their old place in 'The Corsair.'"
"February 7. 1814.
"I see all the papers in a sad commotion with those eight lines; and the Morning Post, in particular, has found out that I am a sort of Richard III.—deformed in mind andbody. Thelastpiece of information is not very new to a man who passed five years at a public school.
"I am very sorry you cut out those lines for Childe Harold. Pray re-insert them in their old place in 'The Corsair.'"
LETTER 161. TO MR. HODGSON.
"February 28. 1814."There is a youngster, and a clever one, named Reynolds, who has just published a poem called 'Safie,' published by Cawthorne. He is in the most natural and fearful apprehension of the Reviewers; and as you and I both know by experience the effect of such things upon ayoungmind, I wish you would take his production into dissection, and do itgently.Icannot, because it is inscribed to me; but I assure you this is not my motive for wishing him to be tenderly entreated, but because I know the misery at his time of life, of untoward remarks upon first appearance."Now forself. Pray thank yourcousin—it is just as it should be, to my liking, and probablymorethan will suit any one else's. I hope and trust that you are well and well doing. Peace be with you. Ever yours, my dear friend."
"February 28. 1814.
"There is a youngster, and a clever one, named Reynolds, who has just published a poem called 'Safie,' published by Cawthorne. He is in the most natural and fearful apprehension of the Reviewers; and as you and I both know by experience the effect of such things upon ayoungmind, I wish you would take his production into dissection, and do itgently.Icannot, because it is inscribed to me; but I assure you this is not my motive for wishing him to be tenderly entreated, but because I know the misery at his time of life, of untoward remarks upon first appearance.
"Now forself. Pray thank yourcousin—it is just as it should be, to my liking, and probablymorethan will suit any one else's. I hope and trust that you are well and well doing. Peace be with you. Ever yours, my dear friend."
LETTER 162. TO MR. MOORE.
"February 10. 1814."I arrived in town late yesterday evening, having been absent three weeks, which I passed in Notts. quietly and pleasantly. You can have no conception of the uproar the eight lines on the little Royalty's weeping in 1812 (now republished) have occasioned. The R * *, who had always thought themyours, chose—God knows why—on discovering them to be mine, to beaffected'in sorrow rather than anger.' The Morning Post, Sun, Herald, Courier, have all been in hysterics ever since. M. is in a fright, and wanted to shuffle; and the abuse against me in all directions is vehement, unceasing, loud—some of it good, and all of it hearty. I feel a little compunctious as to the R * *'sregret;—'would he had been only angry! but I fear him not.'"Some of these same assailments you have probably seen. My person (which is excellent for 'the nonce') has been denounced in verses, the more like the subject, inasmuch as they halt exceedingly. Then, in another, I am anatheist, arebel, and, at last, thedevil(boiteux, I presume). My demonism seems to be a female's conjecture; if so, perhaps, I could convince her that I am but a mere mortal,—if a queen of the Amazons may be believed, who says αριστον χωλος οιφει. I quote from memory, so my Greek is probably deficient; but the passage ismeantto mean * *."Seriously, I am in, what the learned call, a dilemma, and the vulgar, a scrape; and my friends desire me not to be in a passion; and, like Sir Fretful, I assure them that I am 'quite calm,'—but I am nevertheless in a fury."Since I wrote thus far, a friend has come in, and we have been talking and buffooning till I have quite lost the thread of my thoughts; and, as I won't send them unstrung to you, good morning, and"Believe me ever, &c."P.S. Murray, during my absence,omittedthe Tears in several of the copies. I have made him replace them, and am very wroth with his qualms,—'as the wine is poured out, let it be drunk to the dregs.'"
"February 10. 1814.
"I arrived in town late yesterday evening, having been absent three weeks, which I passed in Notts. quietly and pleasantly. You can have no conception of the uproar the eight lines on the little Royalty's weeping in 1812 (now republished) have occasioned. The R * *, who had always thought themyours, chose—God knows why—on discovering them to be mine, to beaffected'in sorrow rather than anger.' The Morning Post, Sun, Herald, Courier, have all been in hysterics ever since. M. is in a fright, and wanted to shuffle; and the abuse against me in all directions is vehement, unceasing, loud—some of it good, and all of it hearty. I feel a little compunctious as to the R * *'sregret;—'would he had been only angry! but I fear him not.'
"Some of these same assailments you have probably seen. My person (which is excellent for 'the nonce') has been denounced in verses, the more like the subject, inasmuch as they halt exceedingly. Then, in another, I am anatheist, arebel, and, at last, thedevil(boiteux, I presume). My demonism seems to be a female's conjecture; if so, perhaps, I could convince her that I am but a mere mortal,—if a queen of the Amazons may be believed, who says αριστον χωλος οιφει. I quote from memory, so my Greek is probably deficient; but the passage ismeantto mean * *.
"Seriously, I am in, what the learned call, a dilemma, and the vulgar, a scrape; and my friends desire me not to be in a passion; and, like Sir Fretful, I assure them that I am 'quite calm,'—but I am nevertheless in a fury.
"Since I wrote thus far, a friend has come in, and we have been talking and buffooning till I have quite lost the thread of my thoughts; and, as I won't send them unstrung to you, good morning, and
"Believe me ever, &c.
"P.S. Murray, during my absence,omittedthe Tears in several of the copies. I have made him replace them, and am very wroth with his qualms,—'as the wine is poured out, let it be drunk to the dregs.'"
TO MR. MURRAY.
"February 10. 1814."I am much better, and indeed quite well, this morning. I have receivedtwo, but I presume there are more of theAna, subsequently, and also something previous, to which the Morning Chronicle replied. You also mentioned a parody on theSkull. I wish to see them all, because there may be things that require notice either by pen or person."Yours, &c."You need not trouble yourself to answer this; but send me the things when you get them."
"February 10. 1814.
"I am much better, and indeed quite well, this morning. I have receivedtwo, but I presume there are more of theAna, subsequently, and also something previous, to which the Morning Chronicle replied. You also mentioned a parody on theSkull. I wish to see them all, because there may be things that require notice either by pen or person.
"Yours, &c.
"You need not trouble yourself to answer this; but send me the things when you get them."
TO MR. MURRAY.
"February 12. 1814."If you have copies of the 'Intercepted Letters,' Lady Holland would be glad of a volume; andwhen you have served others, have the goodness to think of your humble servant."You have played the devil by that injudicioussuppression, which you did totally without my consent. Some of the papers have exactly said what might be expected. Now Idonot, andwillnot be supposed to shrink, although myself and every thing belonging to me were to perish with my memory. Yours, &c. BN."P.S. Pray attend to what I stated yesterday ontechnicaltopics."
"February 12. 1814.
"If you have copies of the 'Intercepted Letters,' Lady Holland would be glad of a volume; andwhen you have served others, have the goodness to think of your humble servant.
"You have played the devil by that injudicioussuppression, which you did totally without my consent. Some of the papers have exactly said what might be expected. Now Idonot, andwillnot be supposed to shrink, although myself and every thing belonging to me were to perish with my memory. Yours, &c. BN.
"P.S. Pray attend to what I stated yesterday ontechnicaltopics."
LETTER 163. TO MR. MURRAY.
"Monday, February 14. 1814."Before I left town yesterday, I wrote you a note, which I presume you received. I have heard so many different accounts ofyourproceedings, or rather of those of others towardsyou, in consequence of the publication of these everlasting lines, that I am anxious to hear from yourself the real state of the case. Whatever responsibility, obloquy, or effect is to arise from the publication, should surelynotfall upon you in any degree; and I can have no objection to your stating, as distinctly and publicly as you please,yourunwillingness to publish them, and my own obstinacy upon the subject. Take any course you please to vindicateyourself, but leave me to fight my own way; and, as I before said, do notcompromiseme by any thing which may look likeshrinkingon my part; as for your own, make the best of it. Yours, BN."
"Monday, February 14. 1814.
"Before I left town yesterday, I wrote you a note, which I presume you received. I have heard so many different accounts ofyourproceedings, or rather of those of others towardsyou, in consequence of the publication of these everlasting lines, that I am anxious to hear from yourself the real state of the case. Whatever responsibility, obloquy, or effect is to arise from the publication, should surelynotfall upon you in any degree; and I can have no objection to your stating, as distinctly and publicly as you please,yourunwillingness to publish them, and my own obstinacy upon the subject. Take any course you please to vindicateyourself, but leave me to fight my own way; and, as I before said, do notcompromiseme by any thing which may look likeshrinkingon my part; as for your own, make the best of it. Yours, BN."
LETTER 164. TO MR. ROGERS.
"February 16. 1814."My dear Rogers,"I wrote to Lord Holland briefly, but I hope distinctly, on the subject which has lately occupied much of my conversation with him and you.[15]As things now stand, upon that topic my determination must be unalterable."I declare to you most sincerely that there is no human being on whose regard and esteem I set a higher value than on Lord Holland's; and, as far as concerns himself, I would concede even to humiliation, without any view to the future, and solely from my sense of his conduct as to the past. For the rest, I conceive that I have already done all in my power by the suppression.[16]If that is not enough, they must act as they please; but I will not 'teach my tongue a most inherent baseness,' come what may. You will probably be at the Marquis Lansdowne's to-night. I am asked, but I am not sure that I shall be able to go. Hobhouse will be there. I think, if you knew him well, you would like him."Believe me always yours very affectionately,"B."
"February 16. 1814.
"My dear Rogers,
"I wrote to Lord Holland briefly, but I hope distinctly, on the subject which has lately occupied much of my conversation with him and you.[15]As things now stand, upon that topic my determination must be unalterable.
"I declare to you most sincerely that there is no human being on whose regard and esteem I set a higher value than on Lord Holland's; and, as far as concerns himself, I would concede even to humiliation, without any view to the future, and solely from my sense of his conduct as to the past. For the rest, I conceive that I have already done all in my power by the suppression.[16]If that is not enough, they must act as they please; but I will not 'teach my tongue a most inherent baseness,' come what may. You will probably be at the Marquis Lansdowne's to-night. I am asked, but I am not sure that I shall be able to go. Hobhouse will be there. I think, if you knew him well, you would like him.
"Believe me always yours very affectionately,
"B."
LETTER 165. TO MR. ROGERS.
"February 16. 1814."If Lord Holland is satisfied, as far as regards himself and Lady Hd., and as this letter expresses him to be, it is enough."As for any impression the public may receive from the revival of the lines on Lord Carlisle, let them keep it,—the more favourable for him, and the worse for me,—better for all."All the sayings and doings in the world shall not make me utter another word of conciliation to any thing that breathes. I shall bear what I can, and what I cannot I shall resist. The worst they could do would be to exclude me from society. I have never courted it, nor, I may add, in the general sense of the word, enjoyed it—and 'there is a world elsewhere!'"Any thing remarkably injurious, I have the same means of repaying as other men, with such interest as circumstances may annex to it."Nothing but the necessity of adhering to regimen prevents me from dining with you to-morrow."I am yours most truly,"BN."
"February 16. 1814.
"If Lord Holland is satisfied, as far as regards himself and Lady Hd., and as this letter expresses him to be, it is enough.
"As for any impression the public may receive from the revival of the lines on Lord Carlisle, let them keep it,—the more favourable for him, and the worse for me,—better for all.
"All the sayings and doings in the world shall not make me utter another word of conciliation to any thing that breathes. I shall bear what I can, and what I cannot I shall resist. The worst they could do would be to exclude me from society. I have never courted it, nor, I may add, in the general sense of the word, enjoyed it—and 'there is a world elsewhere!'
"Any thing remarkably injurious, I have the same means of repaying as other men, with such interest as circumstances may annex to it.
"Nothing but the necessity of adhering to regimen prevents me from dining with you to-morrow.
"I am yours most truly,
"BN."
LETTER 166. TO MR. MOORE.
"February 16. 1814."You may be assured that the only prickles that sting from the Royal hedgehog are those which possess a torpedo property, and may benumb some of my friends.Iam quite silent, and 'hush'd in grim repose.' The frequency of the assaults has weakened their effects,—if ever they had any;—and, if they had had much, I should hardly have held my tongue, or withheld my fingers. It is something quite new to attack a man for abandoning his resentments. I have heard that previous praise andsubsequent vituperation were rather ungrateful, but I did not know that it was wrong to endeavour to do justice to those who did not wait till I had made some amends for former and boyish prejudices, but received me into their friendship, when I might still have been their enemy."You perceive justly that I mustintentionallyhave made my fortune like Sir Francis Wronghead. It were better if there were more merit in my independence, but it really is something nowadays to be independent at all, and thelesstemptation to be otherwise, the more uncommon the case, in these times of paradoxical servility. I believe that most of our hates and likings have been hitherto nearly the same; but from henceforth they must, of necessity, be one and indivisible,—and now for it! I am for any weapon,—the pen, till one can find something sharper, will do for a beginning."You can have no conception of the ludicrous solemnity with which these two stanzas have been treated. The Morning Post gave notice of an intended motion in the House of my brethren on the subject, and God he knows what proceedings besides;—and all this, as Bedreddin in the 'Nights' says, 'for making a cream tart without pepper.' This last piece of intelligence is, I presume, too laughable to be true; and the destruction of the Custom-house appears to have, in some degree, interfered with mine; added to which, the last battle of Buonaparte has usurped the column hitherto devoted to my bulletin."I send you from this day's Morning Post thebest which have hitherto appeared on this 'impudent doggerel,' as the Courier calls it. There was another about mydiet, when a boy—not at all bad—some time ago; but the rest are but indifferent."I shall think about youroratoricalhint[17];—but I have never set much upon 'that cast,' and am grown as tired as Solomon of every thing, and of myself more than any thing. This is being what the learned call philosophical, and the vulgar lack-a-daisical. I am, however, always glad of a blessing[18]; pray, repeat yours soon,—at least your letter, and I shall think the benediction included."Ever," &c.
"February 16. 1814.
"You may be assured that the only prickles that sting from the Royal hedgehog are those which possess a torpedo property, and may benumb some of my friends.Iam quite silent, and 'hush'd in grim repose.' The frequency of the assaults has weakened their effects,—if ever they had any;—and, if they had had much, I should hardly have held my tongue, or withheld my fingers. It is something quite new to attack a man for abandoning his resentments. I have heard that previous praise andsubsequent vituperation were rather ungrateful, but I did not know that it was wrong to endeavour to do justice to those who did not wait till I had made some amends for former and boyish prejudices, but received me into their friendship, when I might still have been their enemy.
"You perceive justly that I mustintentionallyhave made my fortune like Sir Francis Wronghead. It were better if there were more merit in my independence, but it really is something nowadays to be independent at all, and thelesstemptation to be otherwise, the more uncommon the case, in these times of paradoxical servility. I believe that most of our hates and likings have been hitherto nearly the same; but from henceforth they must, of necessity, be one and indivisible,—and now for it! I am for any weapon,—the pen, till one can find something sharper, will do for a beginning.
"You can have no conception of the ludicrous solemnity with which these two stanzas have been treated. The Morning Post gave notice of an intended motion in the House of my brethren on the subject, and God he knows what proceedings besides;—and all this, as Bedreddin in the 'Nights' says, 'for making a cream tart without pepper.' This last piece of intelligence is, I presume, too laughable to be true; and the destruction of the Custom-house appears to have, in some degree, interfered with mine; added to which, the last battle of Buonaparte has usurped the column hitherto devoted to my bulletin.
"I send you from this day's Morning Post thebest which have hitherto appeared on this 'impudent doggerel,' as the Courier calls it. There was another about mydiet, when a boy—not at all bad—some time ago; but the rest are but indifferent.
"I shall think about youroratoricalhint[17];—but I have never set much upon 'that cast,' and am grown as tired as Solomon of every thing, and of myself more than any thing. This is being what the learned call philosophical, and the vulgar lack-a-daisical. I am, however, always glad of a blessing[18]; pray, repeat yours soon,—at least your letter, and I shall think the benediction included.
"Ever," &c.
LETTER 167. TO MR. DALLAS.
"February 17. 1814."The Courier of this evening accuses me of having 'received and pocketed' large sums for my works. I have never yet received, nor wish to receive, a farthing for any. Mr. Murray offered a thousand for The Giaour and Bride of Abydos, which I said was too much, and that if he could afford it at the end of six months, I would then direct how it might be disposed of; but neither then, nor at any other period, have I ever availed myself of the profits on my own account. For the republication of the Satire Irefused four hundred guineas; and for the previous editions I never asked nor received asous, nor for any writing whatever. I do not wish you to do any thing disagreeable to yourself; there never was nor shall be any conditions nor stipulations with regard to any accommodation that I could afford you; and, on your part, I can see nothing derogatory in receiving the copyright. It was only assistance afforded to a worthy man, by one not quite so worthy."Mr. Murray is going to contradict this[19]; but your name will not be mentioned: for your own part, you are a free agent, and are to do as you please. I only hope that now, as always, you will think that I wish to take no unfair advantage of the accidental opportunity which circumstances permitted me of being of use to you. Ever," &c.
"February 17. 1814.
"The Courier of this evening accuses me of having 'received and pocketed' large sums for my works. I have never yet received, nor wish to receive, a farthing for any. Mr. Murray offered a thousand for The Giaour and Bride of Abydos, which I said was too much, and that if he could afford it at the end of six months, I would then direct how it might be disposed of; but neither then, nor at any other period, have I ever availed myself of the profits on my own account. For the republication of the Satire Irefused four hundred guineas; and for the previous editions I never asked nor received asous, nor for any writing whatever. I do not wish you to do any thing disagreeable to yourself; there never was nor shall be any conditions nor stipulations with regard to any accommodation that I could afford you; and, on your part, I can see nothing derogatory in receiving the copyright. It was only assistance afforded to a worthy man, by one not quite so worthy.
"Mr. Murray is going to contradict this[19]; but your name will not be mentioned: for your own part, you are a free agent, and are to do as you please. I only hope that now, as always, you will think that I wish to take no unfair advantage of the accidental opportunity which circumstances permitted me of being of use to you. Ever," &c.
In consequence of this letter, Mr. Dallas addressed an explanation to one of the newspapers, of which the following is a part;—the remainder being occupied with a rather clumsily managed defence of his noble benefactor on the subject of the Stanzas.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE MORNING POST.
"Sir,"I have seen the paragraph in an evening paper, in which Lord Byron isaccusedof 'receiving and pocketing' large sums for his works. I believe no one who knows him has the slightest suspicion of this kind; but the assertion being public, I think it ajustice I owe to Lord Byron to contradict it publicly. I address this letter to you for that purpose, and I am happy that it gives me an opportunity at this moment to make some observations which I have for several days been anxious to do publicly, but from which I have been restrained by an apprehension that I should be suspected of being prompted by his Lordship."I take upon me to affirm, that Lord Byron never received a shilling for any of his works. To my certain knowledge, the profits of the Satire were left entirely to the publisher of it. The gift of the copyright of Childe Harold's Pilgrimage I have already publicly acknowledged in the dedication of the new edition of my novels; and I now add my acknowledgment for that of The Corsair, not only for the profitable part of it, but for the delicate and delightful manner of bestowing it while yet unpublished. With respect to his two other poems, The Giaour and The Bride of Abydos, Mr. Murray, the publisher of them, can truly attest that no part of the sale of them has ever touched his hands, or been disposed of for his use. Having said thus much as to facts, I cannot but express my surprise that it should ever be deemed a matter of reproach that he should appropriate the pecuniary returns of his works. Neither rank nor fortune seems to me to place any man above this; for what difference does it make in honour and noble feelings, whether a copyright be bestowed, or its value employed, in beneficent purposes? I differ with my Lord Byron on this subject as well as some others; and he hasconstantly, both by word and action, shown his aversion to receiving money for his productions."
"Sir,
"I have seen the paragraph in an evening paper, in which Lord Byron isaccusedof 'receiving and pocketing' large sums for his works. I believe no one who knows him has the slightest suspicion of this kind; but the assertion being public, I think it ajustice I owe to Lord Byron to contradict it publicly. I address this letter to you for that purpose, and I am happy that it gives me an opportunity at this moment to make some observations which I have for several days been anxious to do publicly, but from which I have been restrained by an apprehension that I should be suspected of being prompted by his Lordship.
"I take upon me to affirm, that Lord Byron never received a shilling for any of his works. To my certain knowledge, the profits of the Satire were left entirely to the publisher of it. The gift of the copyright of Childe Harold's Pilgrimage I have already publicly acknowledged in the dedication of the new edition of my novels; and I now add my acknowledgment for that of The Corsair, not only for the profitable part of it, but for the delicate and delightful manner of bestowing it while yet unpublished. With respect to his two other poems, The Giaour and The Bride of Abydos, Mr. Murray, the publisher of them, can truly attest that no part of the sale of them has ever touched his hands, or been disposed of for his use. Having said thus much as to facts, I cannot but express my surprise that it should ever be deemed a matter of reproach that he should appropriate the pecuniary returns of his works. Neither rank nor fortune seems to me to place any man above this; for what difference does it make in honour and noble feelings, whether a copyright be bestowed, or its value employed, in beneficent purposes? I differ with my Lord Byron on this subject as well as some others; and he hasconstantly, both by word and action, shown his aversion to receiving money for his productions."
LETTER. 163. TO MR. MOORE.
"February 26. 1814."Dallas had, perhaps, have better kept silence;—but that washisconcern, and, as his facts are correct, and his motive not dishonourable to himself, I wished him well through it. As for his interpretations of the lines, he and any one else may interpret them as they please. I have and shall adhere to my taciturnity, unless something very particular occurs to render this impossible. Donot yousay a word. If any one is to speak, it is the person principally concerned. The most amusing thing is, that every one (to me) attributes the abuse to theman they personally most dislike!—some say C * * r, some C * * e, others F * * d, &c. &c. &c. I do not know, and have no clue but conjecture. If discovered, and he turns out a hireling, he must be left to his wages; if a cavalier, he must 'wink, and hold out his iron.'"I had some thoughts of putting the question to C * * r, but H., who, I am sure, would not dissuade me if it were right, advised me by all meansnot;—'that I had no right to take it upon suspicion,' &c. &c. Whether H. is correct I am not aware, but he believes himself so, and says there can be but one opinion on that subject. This I am, at least, sure of, that he would never prevent me from doing what he deemed the duty of apreuxchevalier. In such cases—at least, in this country—we must act according to usages. In considering this instance, I dismiss my own personal feelings. Any man will and must fight, when necessary,—even without a motive.Here, I should take it up really without much resentment; for, unless a woman one likes is in the way, it is some years since I felt alonganger. But, undoubtedly, could I, or may I, trace it to a man of station, I should and shall do what is proper."* * was angerly, but tried to conceal it.Youare not called upon to avow the 'Twopenny,' and would only gratify them by so doing. Do you not see the great object of all these fooleries is to set him, and you, and me, and all persons whatsoever, by the ears?—more especially those who are on good terms,—and nearly succeeded. Lord H. wished me toconcedeto Lord Carlisle—concede to the devil!—to a man who used me ill? I told him, in answer, that I would neither concede, nor recede on the subject, but be silent altogether; unless any thing more could be said about Lady H. and himself, who had been since my very good friends;—and there it ended. This was no time for concessions to Lord C."I have been interrupted, but shall write again soon. Believe me ever, my dear Moore," &c.
"February 26. 1814.
"Dallas had, perhaps, have better kept silence;—but that washisconcern, and, as his facts are correct, and his motive not dishonourable to himself, I wished him well through it. As for his interpretations of the lines, he and any one else may interpret them as they please. I have and shall adhere to my taciturnity, unless something very particular occurs to render this impossible. Donot yousay a word. If any one is to speak, it is the person principally concerned. The most amusing thing is, that every one (to me) attributes the abuse to theman they personally most dislike!—some say C * * r, some C * * e, others F * * d, &c. &c. &c. I do not know, and have no clue but conjecture. If discovered, and he turns out a hireling, he must be left to his wages; if a cavalier, he must 'wink, and hold out his iron.'
"I had some thoughts of putting the question to C * * r, but H., who, I am sure, would not dissuade me if it were right, advised me by all meansnot;—'that I had no right to take it upon suspicion,' &c. &c. Whether H. is correct I am not aware, but he believes himself so, and says there can be but one opinion on that subject. This I am, at least, sure of, that he would never prevent me from doing what he deemed the duty of apreuxchevalier. In such cases—at least, in this country—we must act according to usages. In considering this instance, I dismiss my own personal feelings. Any man will and must fight, when necessary,—even without a motive.Here, I should take it up really without much resentment; for, unless a woman one likes is in the way, it is some years since I felt alonganger. But, undoubtedly, could I, or may I, trace it to a man of station, I should and shall do what is proper.
"* * was angerly, but tried to conceal it.Youare not called upon to avow the 'Twopenny,' and would only gratify them by so doing. Do you not see the great object of all these fooleries is to set him, and you, and me, and all persons whatsoever, by the ears?—more especially those who are on good terms,—and nearly succeeded. Lord H. wished me toconcedeto Lord Carlisle—concede to the devil!—to a man who used me ill? I told him, in answer, that I would neither concede, nor recede on the subject, but be silent altogether; unless any thing more could be said about Lady H. and himself, who had been since my very good friends;—and there it ended. This was no time for concessions to Lord C.
"I have been interrupted, but shall write again soon. Believe me ever, my dear Moore," &c.
Another of his friends having expressed, soon after, some intention of volunteering publicly in his defence, he lost no time in repressing him by the following sensible letter:—
LETTER 169. TO W * * W * *, ESQ.
"February 28. 1814."My dear W.,"I have but a few moments to write to you.Silenceis the only answer to the things you mention; nor should I regard that man as my friend who said a word more on the subject. I care little for attacks, but I will not submit todefences; and I do hope and trust thatyouhave never entertained a serious thought of engaging in so foolish a controversy. Dallas's letter was, to his credit, merely as to facts which he had a right to state;Ineither have nor shall take the leastpublicnotice, nor permit any one else to do so. If I discover the writer, then I may act in a different manner; but it will not be in writing."An expression in your letter has induced me to write this to you, to entreat you not to interfere in any way in such a business,—it is now nearly over, and depend upon ittheyare much more chagrined by my silence than they could be by the best defence in the world. I do not know any thing that would vex me more than any further reply to these things."Ever yours, in haste,"B."
"February 28. 1814.
"My dear W.,
"I have but a few moments to write to you.Silenceis the only answer to the things you mention; nor should I regard that man as my friend who said a word more on the subject. I care little for attacks, but I will not submit todefences; and I do hope and trust thatyouhave never entertained a serious thought of engaging in so foolish a controversy. Dallas's letter was, to his credit, merely as to facts which he had a right to state;Ineither have nor shall take the leastpublicnotice, nor permit any one else to do so. If I discover the writer, then I may act in a different manner; but it will not be in writing.
"An expression in your letter has induced me to write this to you, to entreat you not to interfere in any way in such a business,—it is now nearly over, and depend upon ittheyare much more chagrined by my silence than they could be by the best defence in the world. I do not know any thing that would vex me more than any further reply to these things.
"Ever yours, in haste,
"B."
LETTER 170. TO MR. MOORE.
"March 3. 1814."My dear Friend,"I have a great mind to tell you that Iam'uncomfortable,' if only to make you come to town; where no one ever more delighted in seeing you, noris there any one to whom I would sooner turn for consolation in my most vapourish moments. The truth is, I have 'no lack of argument' to ponder upon of the most gloomy description, but this arises fromothercauses. Some day or other, when we areveterans, I may tell you a tale of present and past times; and it is not from want of confidence that I do not now,—but—but—always abutto the end of the chapter."There is nothing, however, upon thespoteither to love or hate;—but I certainly have subjects for both at no very great distance, and am besides embarrassed betweenthreewhom I know, and one (whose name, at least,) I do not know. All this would be very well if I had no heart; but, unluckily, I have found that there is such a thing still about me, though in no very good repair, and, also, that it has a habit of attaching itself toonewhether I will or no. 'Divide et impera,' I begin to think, will only do for politics."If I discover the 'toad' as you call him, I shall 'tread,'—and put spikes in my shoes to do it more effectually. The effect of all these fine things I do not enquire much nor perceive. I believe * * felt them more than either of us. People are civil enough, and I have had no dearth of invitations,—none of which, however, I have accepted. I went out very little last year, and mean to go about still less. I have no passion for circles, and have long regretted that I ever gave way to what is called a town life;—which, of all the lives I ever saw (and theyare nearly as many as Plutarch's), seems to me to leave the least for the past and future."How proceeds the poem? Do not neglect it, and I have no fears. I need not say to you that your fame is dear to me,—I really might saydearerthan my own; for I have lately begun to think my things have been strangely over-rated; and, at any rate, whether or not, I have done with them for ever. I may say to you what I would not say to every body, that the last two were written, The Bride in four, and The Corsair in ten days[20],—which I take to be a most humiliating confession, as it proves my own want of judgment in publishing, and the public's in reading things, which cannot have stamina for permanent attention. 'So much for Buckingham.'"I have no dread of your being too hasty, and I have still less of your failing. But I think ayeara very fair allotment of time to a composition which isnot to be Epic; and even Horace's 'Nonum prematur' must have been intended for the Millennium, or some longer-lived generation than ours. I wonder how much we should have had ofhim, had he observed his own doctrines to the letter. Peace be with you! Remember that I am always and most truly yours, &c."P.S. I never heard the 'report' you mention, nor, I dare say, many others. But, in course, you, as well as others, have 'damned good-natured friends,' who do their duty in the usual way. One thing will make you laugh. * * * *"
"March 3. 1814.
"My dear Friend,
"I have a great mind to tell you that Iam'uncomfortable,' if only to make you come to town; where no one ever more delighted in seeing you, noris there any one to whom I would sooner turn for consolation in my most vapourish moments. The truth is, I have 'no lack of argument' to ponder upon of the most gloomy description, but this arises fromothercauses. Some day or other, when we areveterans, I may tell you a tale of present and past times; and it is not from want of confidence that I do not now,—but—but—always abutto the end of the chapter.
"There is nothing, however, upon thespoteither to love or hate;—but I certainly have subjects for both at no very great distance, and am besides embarrassed betweenthreewhom I know, and one (whose name, at least,) I do not know. All this would be very well if I had no heart; but, unluckily, I have found that there is such a thing still about me, though in no very good repair, and, also, that it has a habit of attaching itself toonewhether I will or no. 'Divide et impera,' I begin to think, will only do for politics.
"If I discover the 'toad' as you call him, I shall 'tread,'—and put spikes in my shoes to do it more effectually. The effect of all these fine things I do not enquire much nor perceive. I believe * * felt them more than either of us. People are civil enough, and I have had no dearth of invitations,—none of which, however, I have accepted. I went out very little last year, and mean to go about still less. I have no passion for circles, and have long regretted that I ever gave way to what is called a town life;—which, of all the lives I ever saw (and theyare nearly as many as Plutarch's), seems to me to leave the least for the past and future.
"How proceeds the poem? Do not neglect it, and I have no fears. I need not say to you that your fame is dear to me,—I really might saydearerthan my own; for I have lately begun to think my things have been strangely over-rated; and, at any rate, whether or not, I have done with them for ever. I may say to you what I would not say to every body, that the last two were written, The Bride in four, and The Corsair in ten days[20],—which I take to be a most humiliating confession, as it proves my own want of judgment in publishing, and the public's in reading things, which cannot have stamina for permanent attention. 'So much for Buckingham.'
"I have no dread of your being too hasty, and I have still less of your failing. But I think ayeara very fair allotment of time to a composition which isnot to be Epic; and even Horace's 'Nonum prematur' must have been intended for the Millennium, or some longer-lived generation than ours. I wonder how much we should have had ofhim, had he observed his own doctrines to the letter. Peace be with you! Remember that I am always and most truly yours, &c.
"P.S. I never heard the 'report' you mention, nor, I dare say, many others. But, in course, you, as well as others, have 'damned good-natured friends,' who do their duty in the usual way. One thing will make you laugh. * * * *"
LETTER 171. TO MR. MOORE.
"March 12. 1814."Guess darkly, and you will seldom err. At present, I shall say no more, and, perhaps—but no matter. I hope we shall some day meet, and whatever years may precede or succeed it, I shall mark it with the 'white stone' in my calendar. I am not sure that I shall not soon be in your neighbourhood again. If so, and I am alone (as will probably be the case), I shall invade and carry you off, and endeavour to atone for sorry fare by a sincere welcome. I don't know the person absent (barring 'the sect') I should be so glad to see again."I have nothing of the sort you mention butthe lines(the Weepers), if you like to have them in the Bag. I wish to give them all possible circulation. TheVaultreflection is downright actionable, and to print it would be peril to the publisher; but I think the Tears have a natural right to be bagged, and theeditor (whoever he may be) might supply a facetious note or not, as he pleased."I cannot conceive how theVault[21]has got about,—but so it is. It is toofarouche; but, truth to say, my satires are not very playful. I have the plan of an epistle in my head,athim andtohim; and, if they are not a little quieter, I shall embody it. I should say little or nothing ofmyself. As to mirth and ridicule, that is out of my way; but I have a tolerable fund of sternness and contempt, and, with Juvenal before me, I shall perhaps read him a lecture he has not lately heard in the C——t. From particular circumstances, which came to my knowledge almost by accident, I could 'tell him what he is—I know him well.'"I meant, my dear M., to write to you a long letter, but I am hurried, and time clips my inclination down to yours, &c."P.S.Think againbefore youshelfyour poem. There is a youngster, (older than me, by the by, but a younger poet,) Mr. G. Knight, with a vol. of Eastern Tales, written since his return,—for he has been in the countries. He sent to me last summer, and I advised him to write one ineach measure, without any intention, at that time, of doing the same thing. Since that, from a habit of writing in a fever, I have anticipated him in the variety of measures, but quite unintentionally. Of the stories, I knownothing, not having seen them[22]; but he has some lady in a sack, too, like The Giaour:—he told me at the time."The best way to make the public 'forget' me is to remind them of yourself. You cannot suppose thatIwould ask you or advise you to publish, if I thought you wouldfail. I really havenoliterary envy; and I do not believe a friend's success ever sat nearer another than yours do to my best wishes. It is forelderly gentlemento 'bear no brother near,' and cannot become our disease for more years than we may perhaps number. I wish you to be out before Eastern subjects are again before the public."
"March 12. 1814.
"Guess darkly, and you will seldom err. At present, I shall say no more, and, perhaps—but no matter. I hope we shall some day meet, and whatever years may precede or succeed it, I shall mark it with the 'white stone' in my calendar. I am not sure that I shall not soon be in your neighbourhood again. If so, and I am alone (as will probably be the case), I shall invade and carry you off, and endeavour to atone for sorry fare by a sincere welcome. I don't know the person absent (barring 'the sect') I should be so glad to see again.
"I have nothing of the sort you mention butthe lines(the Weepers), if you like to have them in the Bag. I wish to give them all possible circulation. TheVaultreflection is downright actionable, and to print it would be peril to the publisher; but I think the Tears have a natural right to be bagged, and theeditor (whoever he may be) might supply a facetious note or not, as he pleased.
"I cannot conceive how theVault[21]has got about,—but so it is. It is toofarouche; but, truth to say, my satires are not very playful. I have the plan of an epistle in my head,athim andtohim; and, if they are not a little quieter, I shall embody it. I should say little or nothing ofmyself. As to mirth and ridicule, that is out of my way; but I have a tolerable fund of sternness and contempt, and, with Juvenal before me, I shall perhaps read him a lecture he has not lately heard in the C——t. From particular circumstances, which came to my knowledge almost by accident, I could 'tell him what he is—I know him well.'
"I meant, my dear M., to write to you a long letter, but I am hurried, and time clips my inclination down to yours, &c.
"P.S.Think againbefore youshelfyour poem. There is a youngster, (older than me, by the by, but a younger poet,) Mr. G. Knight, with a vol. of Eastern Tales, written since his return,—for he has been in the countries. He sent to me last summer, and I advised him to write one ineach measure, without any intention, at that time, of doing the same thing. Since that, from a habit of writing in a fever, I have anticipated him in the variety of measures, but quite unintentionally. Of the stories, I knownothing, not having seen them[22]; but he has some lady in a sack, too, like The Giaour:—he told me at the time.
"The best way to make the public 'forget' me is to remind them of yourself. You cannot suppose thatIwould ask you or advise you to publish, if I thought you wouldfail. I really havenoliterary envy; and I do not believe a friend's success ever sat nearer another than yours do to my best wishes. It is forelderly gentlemento 'bear no brother near,' and cannot become our disease for more years than we may perhaps number. I wish you to be out before Eastern subjects are again before the public."
LETTER 172. TO MR. MURRAY.
"March 12. 1814."I have not time to read the whole MS.[23], but what I have seen seems very well written (bothproseandverse), and, though I am and can be no judge (at least a fair one on this subject), containing nothing which yououghtto hesitate publishing uponmyaccount. If the author is not Dr.Busbyhimself, I think it a pity, on hisownaccount, that he shoulddedicate it to his subscribers; nor can I perceive what Dr. Busby has to do with the matter except as a translator of Lucretius, for whose doctrines he is surely not responsible. I tell you openly, and really most sincerely, that, if published at all, there is no earthly reason why you shouldnot; on the contrary, I should receive it as the greatest complimentyoucould pay to your good opinion of my candour, to print and circulate that or any other work, attacking me in a manly manner, and without any malicious intention, from which, as far as I have seen, I must exonerate this writer."He is wrong in one thing—Iam noatheist; but if he thinks I have published principles tending to such opinions, he has a perfect right to controvert them. Pray publish it; I shall never forgive myself if I think that I have prevented you."Make my compliments to the author, and tell him I wish him success: his verse is very deserving of it; and I shall be the last person to suspect his motives. Yours, &c."P.S. Ifyoudo not publish it, some one else will. You cannot suppose me so narrow-minded as to shrink from discussion. I repeat once for all, that I think it a good poem (as far as I have redde); and that is the only pointyoushould consider. How odd that eight lines should have given birth, I really think, toeight thousand, includingallthat has been said, and will be on the subject!"
"March 12. 1814.
"I have not time to read the whole MS.[23], but what I have seen seems very well written (bothproseandverse), and, though I am and can be no judge (at least a fair one on this subject), containing nothing which yououghtto hesitate publishing uponmyaccount. If the author is not Dr.Busbyhimself, I think it a pity, on hisownaccount, that he shoulddedicate it to his subscribers; nor can I perceive what Dr. Busby has to do with the matter except as a translator of Lucretius, for whose doctrines he is surely not responsible. I tell you openly, and really most sincerely, that, if published at all, there is no earthly reason why you shouldnot; on the contrary, I should receive it as the greatest complimentyoucould pay to your good opinion of my candour, to print and circulate that or any other work, attacking me in a manly manner, and without any malicious intention, from which, as far as I have seen, I must exonerate this writer.
"He is wrong in one thing—Iam noatheist; but if he thinks I have published principles tending to such opinions, he has a perfect right to controvert them. Pray publish it; I shall never forgive myself if I think that I have prevented you.
"Make my compliments to the author, and tell him I wish him success: his verse is very deserving of it; and I shall be the last person to suspect his motives. Yours, &c.
"P.S. Ifyoudo not publish it, some one else will. You cannot suppose me so narrow-minded as to shrink from discussion. I repeat once for all, that I think it a good poem (as far as I have redde); and that is the only pointyoushould consider. How odd that eight lines should have given birth, I really think, toeight thousand, includingallthat has been said, and will be on the subject!"
LETTER 173. TO MR. MURRAY.
"April 9. 1814."All these news are very fine; but nevertheless I want my books, if you can find, or cause them to be found for me,—if only to lend them to Napoleon, in "the Island of Elba," during his retirement. I also (if convenient, and you have no party with you,) should be glad to speak with you, for a few minutes, this evening, as I have had a letter from Mr. Moore, and wish to ask you, as the best judge, of the best time for him to publish the work he has composed. I need not say, that I have his success much at heart; not only because he is my friend, but something much better—a man of great talent, of which he is less sensible than I believe any even of his enemies. If you can so far oblige me as to step down, do so; and if you are otherwise occupied, say nothing about it. I shall find you at home in the course of next week."P.S. I see Sotheby's Tragedies advertised. The Death of Darnley is a famous subject—one of the best, I should think, for the drama. Pray let me have a copy when ready."Mrs. Leigh was very much pleased with her books, and desired me to thank you; she means, I believe, to write to you her acknowledgments."
"April 9. 1814.
"All these news are very fine; but nevertheless I want my books, if you can find, or cause them to be found for me,—if only to lend them to Napoleon, in "the Island of Elba," during his retirement. I also (if convenient, and you have no party with you,) should be glad to speak with you, for a few minutes, this evening, as I have had a letter from Mr. Moore, and wish to ask you, as the best judge, of the best time for him to publish the work he has composed. I need not say, that I have his success much at heart; not only because he is my friend, but something much better—a man of great talent, of which he is less sensible than I believe any even of his enemies. If you can so far oblige me as to step down, do so; and if you are otherwise occupied, say nothing about it. I shall find you at home in the course of next week.
"P.S. I see Sotheby's Tragedies advertised. The Death of Darnley is a famous subject—one of the best, I should think, for the drama. Pray let me have a copy when ready.
"Mrs. Leigh was very much pleased with her books, and desired me to thank you; she means, I believe, to write to you her acknowledgments."
LETTER 174. TO MR. MOORE.
"2. Albany, April 9. 1814."Viscount Althorp is about to be married, and I have gotten his spacious bachelor apartments inAlbany, to which you will, I hope, address a speedy answer to this mine epistle."I am but just returned to town, from which you may infer that I have been out of it; and I have been boxing, for exercise, with Jackson for this last month daily. I have also been drinking, and, on one occasion, with three other friends at the Cocoa Tree, from six till four, yea, unto five in the matin. We clareted and champagned till two—then supped, and finished with a kind of regency punch composed of madeira, brandy, andgreentea, norealwater being admitted therein. There was a night for you! without once quitting the table, except to ambulate home, which I did alone, and in utter contempt of a hackney-coach and my ownvis, both of which were deemed necessary for our conveyance. And so,—I am very well, and they say it will hurt my constitution."I have also, more or less, been breaking a few of the favourite commandments; but I mean to pull up and marry, if any one will have me. In the mean time, the other day I nearly killed myself with a collar of brawn, which I swallowed for supper, andindigested for I don't know how long: but that is by the by. All this gourmandise was in honour of Lent; for I am forbidden meat all the rest of the year, but it is strictly enjoined me during your solemn fast. I have been, and am, in very tolerable love; but of that hereafter as it may be."My dear Moore, say what you will in your preface; and quiz any thing or any body,—me if you like it. Oons! dost thou think me of theold, orratherelderly, school? If one can't jest with one's friends, with whom can we be facetious? You have nothing to fear from * *, whom I have not seen, being out of town when he called. He will be very correct, smooth, and all that, but I doubt whether there will be any 'grace beyond the reach of art;'—and, whether there is or not, how long will you be so d——d modest? As for Jeffrey, it is a very handsome thing of him to speak well of an old antagonist,—and what a mean mind dared not do. Any one will revoke praise; but—were it not partly my own case—I should say that very few have strength of mind to unsay their censure, or follow it up with praise of other things."What think you of the review ofLevis? It beats the Bag and my hand-grenade hollow, as an invective, and hath thrown the Court into hysterics, as I hear from very good authority. Have you heard from * * *?"No more rhyme for—or rather,from—me. I have taken my leave of that stage, and henceforth will mountebank it no longer. I have had my day, and there's an end. The utmost I expect, or even wish, is to have it said in the Biographia Britannica, that I might perhaps have been a poet, had I gone on and amended. My great comfort is, that the temporary celebrity I have wrung from the world has been in the very teeth of all opinions and prejudices. I have flattered no ruling powers; I have never concealed a single thought that tempted me. They can't say I have truckled to the times, nor to popular topics, (as Johnson, or somebody, said ofCleveland,) and whatever I have gained has been at the expenditure of as muchpersonalfavour as possible; for I do believe never was a bard more unpopular,quoad homo, than myself. And now I have done;—'ludite nunc alios.' Every body may be d——d, as they seem fond of it, and resolve to stickle lustily for endless brimstone."Oh—by the by, I had nearly forgot. There is a long poem, an 'Anti-Byron,' coming out, to prove that I have formed a conspiracy to overthrow, byrhyme, all religion and government, and have already made great progress! It is not very scurrilous, but serious and ethereal. I never felt myself important, till I saw and heard of my being such a little Voltaire as to induce such a production. Murray would not publish it, for which he was a fool, and so I told him; but some one else will, doubtless. 'Something too much of this.'"Your French scheme is good, but let it beItalian; all the Angles will be at Paris. Let it be Rome, Milan, Naples, Florence, Turin, Venice, or Switzerland, and 'egad!' (as Bayes saith,) I will connubiate and join you; and we will write a new 'Inferno' in our Paradise. Pray think of this—and I will really buy a wife and a ring, and say the ceremony, and settle near you in a summer-house upon the Arno, or the Po, or the Adriatic."Ah! my poor little pagod, Napoleon, has walked off his pedestal. He has abdicated, they say. This would draw molten brass from the eyes of Zatanai. What! 'kiss the ground before young Malcolm's feet, and then be baited by the rabble's curse!' Icannot bear such a crouching catastrophe. I must stick to Sylla, for my modern favourites don't do,—their resignations are of a different kind. All health and prosperity, my dear Moore. Excuse this lengthy letter. Ever, &c."P.S. The Quarterly quotes you frequently in an article on America; and every body I know asks perpetually after you and yours. When will you answer them in person?"
"2. Albany, April 9. 1814.
"Viscount Althorp is about to be married, and I have gotten his spacious bachelor apartments inAlbany, to which you will, I hope, address a speedy answer to this mine epistle.
"I am but just returned to town, from which you may infer that I have been out of it; and I have been boxing, for exercise, with Jackson for this last month daily. I have also been drinking, and, on one occasion, with three other friends at the Cocoa Tree, from six till four, yea, unto five in the matin. We clareted and champagned till two—then supped, and finished with a kind of regency punch composed of madeira, brandy, andgreentea, norealwater being admitted therein. There was a night for you! without once quitting the table, except to ambulate home, which I did alone, and in utter contempt of a hackney-coach and my ownvis, both of which were deemed necessary for our conveyance. And so,—I am very well, and they say it will hurt my constitution.
"I have also, more or less, been breaking a few of the favourite commandments; but I mean to pull up and marry, if any one will have me. In the mean time, the other day I nearly killed myself with a collar of brawn, which I swallowed for supper, andindigested for I don't know how long: but that is by the by. All this gourmandise was in honour of Lent; for I am forbidden meat all the rest of the year, but it is strictly enjoined me during your solemn fast. I have been, and am, in very tolerable love; but of that hereafter as it may be.
"My dear Moore, say what you will in your preface; and quiz any thing or any body,—me if you like it. Oons! dost thou think me of theold, orratherelderly, school? If one can't jest with one's friends, with whom can we be facetious? You have nothing to fear from * *, whom I have not seen, being out of town when he called. He will be very correct, smooth, and all that, but I doubt whether there will be any 'grace beyond the reach of art;'—and, whether there is or not, how long will you be so d——d modest? As for Jeffrey, it is a very handsome thing of him to speak well of an old antagonist,—and what a mean mind dared not do. Any one will revoke praise; but—were it not partly my own case—I should say that very few have strength of mind to unsay their censure, or follow it up with praise of other things.
"What think you of the review ofLevis? It beats the Bag and my hand-grenade hollow, as an invective, and hath thrown the Court into hysterics, as I hear from very good authority. Have you heard from * * *?
"No more rhyme for—or rather,from—me. I have taken my leave of that stage, and henceforth will mountebank it no longer. I have had my day, and there's an end. The utmost I expect, or even wish, is to have it said in the Biographia Britannica, that I might perhaps have been a poet, had I gone on and amended. My great comfort is, that the temporary celebrity I have wrung from the world has been in the very teeth of all opinions and prejudices. I have flattered no ruling powers; I have never concealed a single thought that tempted me. They can't say I have truckled to the times, nor to popular topics, (as Johnson, or somebody, said ofCleveland,) and whatever I have gained has been at the expenditure of as muchpersonalfavour as possible; for I do believe never was a bard more unpopular,quoad homo, than myself. And now I have done;—'ludite nunc alios.' Every body may be d——d, as they seem fond of it, and resolve to stickle lustily for endless brimstone.
"Oh—by the by, I had nearly forgot. There is a long poem, an 'Anti-Byron,' coming out, to prove that I have formed a conspiracy to overthrow, byrhyme, all religion and government, and have already made great progress! It is not very scurrilous, but serious and ethereal. I never felt myself important, till I saw and heard of my being such a little Voltaire as to induce such a production. Murray would not publish it, for which he was a fool, and so I told him; but some one else will, doubtless. 'Something too much of this.'
"Your French scheme is good, but let it beItalian; all the Angles will be at Paris. Let it be Rome, Milan, Naples, Florence, Turin, Venice, or Switzerland, and 'egad!' (as Bayes saith,) I will connubiate and join you; and we will write a new 'Inferno' in our Paradise. Pray think of this—and I will really buy a wife and a ring, and say the ceremony, and settle near you in a summer-house upon the Arno, or the Po, or the Adriatic.
"Ah! my poor little pagod, Napoleon, has walked off his pedestal. He has abdicated, they say. This would draw molten brass from the eyes of Zatanai. What! 'kiss the ground before young Malcolm's feet, and then be baited by the rabble's curse!' Icannot bear such a crouching catastrophe. I must stick to Sylla, for my modern favourites don't do,—their resignations are of a different kind. All health and prosperity, my dear Moore. Excuse this lengthy letter. Ever, &c.
"P.S. The Quarterly quotes you frequently in an article on America; and every body I know asks perpetually after you and yours. When will you answer them in person?"
He did not long persevere in his resolution against writing, as will be seen from the following notes to his publisher.
TO MR. MURRAY.