shed it; but this passes for a
trait of sensibility. What strange beings men are, in and out of
the Wye!

"I have to ask you a thousand pardons for not fulfilling some
orders before I left town; but if you knew all the cursed
entanglements I _had_ to wade through, it would be unnecessary to
beg your forgiveness.--When will Parliament (the new one)
meet?--in sixty days, on account of Ireland, I presume: the Irish
election will demand a longer period for completion than the
constitutional allotment. Yours, of course, is safe, and all your
side of the question. Salamanca is the ministerial watchword, and
all will go well with you. I hope you will speak more frequently, I
am sure at least you _ought_, and it will be expected. I see
Portman means to stand again. Good night.

"Ever yours most affectionately,

"[Greek: Mpahiron]."[56]

[Footnote 55: "Early in the autumn of 1812," says Mr. Dallas, "he told
me that he was urged by his man of business, and that Newstead _must_ be
sold." It was accordingly brought to the hammer at Garraway's, but not,
at that time, sold, only 90,000_l._ being offered for it. The private
sale to which he alludes in this letter took place soon after,--Mr.
Claughton, the agent for Mr. Leigh, being the purchaser. It was never,
however, for reasons which we shall see, completed.]

[Footnote 56: A mode of signature he frequently adopted at this time.]

* * * * *

LETTER 110. TO MR. MURRAY.

"Cheltenham, September 27. 1812.

"I sent in no Address whatever to the Committee; but out of nearly
one hundred (this is _confidential_), none have been deemed worth
acceptance; and in consequence of their _subsequent_ application to
_me_, I have written a prologue, which _has_ been received, and
will be spoken. The MS. is now in the hands of Lord Holland.

"I write this merely to say, that (however it is received by the
audience) you will publish it in the next edition of Childe Harold;
and I only beg you at present to keep my name secret till you hear
further from me, and as soon as possible I wish you to have a
correct copy, to do with as you think proper.

"P.S.--I should wish a few copies printed off _before_, that the
newspaper copies may be correct _after_ the _delivery_."

* * * * *

LETTER 111