“Your two letters are before me, and our bargain is so far concluded. How sorry I am to hear that Gifford is unwell! Pray tell me he is better; I hope it is nothing but cold. As you say his illness originates in cold, I trust it will get no further.
“Mr. Whistlecraft has no greater admirer than myself: I have written a story in 89 stanzas, in imitation of him, called Beppo (the short name for Giuseppe, that is, the Joe of the Italian Joseph), which I shall throw you into the balance of the Fourth Canto, to help you round to your money; but you perhaps had better publish it anonymously; but this we will see to by and by.
“In the Notes to Canto Fourth, Mr. Hobhouse has pointed out several errors of Gibbon. You may depend upon H.’s research and accuracy. You may print it in what shape you please.
“With regard to a future large Edition, you may print all, or any thing, except ‘English Bards,’ to the republication of which at no time will I consent. I would not reprint them on any consideration. I don’t think them good for much, even in point of poetry; and, as to other things, you are to recollect that I gave up the publication on account of the Hollands, and I do not think that any time or circumstances can neutralize the suppression. Add to which, that, after being on terms with almost all the bards and critics of the day, it would be savage at any time, but worst of all now, to revive this foolish Lampoon.
The review of Manfred came very safely, and I am much pleased with it. It is odd that they
should say (that is, somebody in a magazine whom the Edinburgh controverts) that it was taken from Marlow’s Faust, which I never
read nor saw. An American, who came the other day from Germany, told Mr. Hobhouse that Manfred was
| 152 | NOTICES OF THE | A. D. 1817. |
“Will you send to Hanson, and say that he has not written since 9th September?—at least I have had no letter since, to my great surprise.
“Will you desire Messrs. Morland to send out whatever additional sums have or may be paid in credit immediately, and always, to their Venice correspondents? It is two months ago that they sent me out an additional credit for one thousand pounds. I was very glad of it, but I don’t know how the devil it came; for I can only make out 500 of Hanson’s payment, and I had thought the other 500 came from you; but it did not, it seems, as, by yours of the 7th instant, you have only just paid the £1230 balance.
“Mr. Kinnaird is on his way home with the assignments. I can fix no time for the arrival of Canto Fourth, which depends on the journey of Mr. Hobhouse home; and I do not think that this will be immediate.
“P.S. Morlands have not yet written to my bankers apprizing the payment of your balances: pray desire them to do so.
“Ask them about the previous thousand—of which I know 500 came from Hanson’s—and make out the other 500—that is, whence it came.”
