Believe me, ever yours truly,
BYRON.
My best remembrances to all.
I shall draw for _fifty_ this week.
Is anything done about Miss M[a.s.singberd]? You have not mentioned her.
268.--To John Murray.
Oct. 23, 1812.
DEAR SIR,--Thanks, as usual. You go on boldly; but have a care of _glutting_ the public, who have by this time had enough of "C. H."
"Waltz" shall be prepared. It is rather above 200 lines, with an introductory letter to the Publisher. I think of publishing, with "C.
H.", the opening lines of the "_Curse of Minerva_" as far as the first speech of Pallas,--because some of the readers like that part better than any I have ever written; and as it contains nothing to affect the subject of the subsequent portion, it will find a place as a _descriptive fragment_.
The _plate_ is _broken_? between ourselves, it was unlike the picture; and besides, upon the whole, the frontispiece of an author"s visage is but a paltry exhibition. At all events, _this_ would have been no recommendation to the book. I am sure Sanders would not have _survived_ the engraving. By the by, the _picture_ may remain with _you_ or _him_ (which you please), till my return. The _one_ of two remaining copies is at your service till I can give you a _better_; the other must be _burned peremptorily_. Again, do not forget that I have an account with you, and _that_ this is _included_. I give you too much TROUBLE to allow you to incur EXPENSE also.
You best know how far this "Address Riot" will affect the future sale of "C. H." I like the volume of "_rejected A._" better and better. The other parody which Perry has received is _mine_ also (I believe). It is Dr. Busby"s speech versified. You are removing to Albemarle Street, I find, and I rejoice that we shall be nearer neighbours. I am going to Lord Oxford"s, but letters here will be forwarded. When at leisure, all communications from you will be willingly received by the humblest of your scribes. Did Mr. Ward write the review of H. Tooke"s Life? [1] It is excellent.
Yours ever,
B.
[Footnote 1: See "Quarterly Review", vol. vii. p. 313. The article alluded to was written by the Hon. J. W. Ward, afterwards Earl of Dudley.]
269.--To John Hanson.
Eywood, Presteign, Hereford, Octr. 31st, 1812.
DEAR SIR,--The inclosed bill [1] will convince you how anxious I must be for the payment of Claughton"s first instalment; though it has been sent in without due notice, I cannot blame Mr. Davies who must feel very anxious to get rid of the business. Press C., and let me have an answer whenever you can to this Place.
Yours ever,
B.
P.S.--I am at _Lord Oxford"s_, Eywood, as above.
[Footnote 1: The bill was Byron"s for 1500, and the enclosure ran as follows:
"Lord Byron.
"A Bill for 1500, drawn by Scrope B. Davies, lies due at Sir _James Esdaile_ and Co"s., No. 21, _Lombard-Street_.
"All Drafts intended for the Payment of Bills, to be brought before Half past Three o"Clock.
"Please to call between 3 and Five o"Clock."
The same day Byron writes a second letter to Hanson:
"Do pray press Claughton, as Mr. D."s business must be settled at all events. I send you his letter, and I am more uncomfortable than I can possibly express myself upon the subject. Pray write."]
270.--To John Hanson.
Presteign, Novr. 8th, 1812.
DEAR SIR,--Not being able (and to-day being Sunday also) to procure a stamp, as the Post town is very remote, I must request this letter to be considered as an Order for paying fifteen hundred pounds to S.B. Davies, Esq., and the same sum to your own account for the Tythe purchase. Mr.
D."s receipt can be indorsed on the bond.