. TO MR. MURRAY.

"Cheltenham, Oct. 12. 1812.

"I have a very _strong_ objection to the engraving of the
portrait[57], and request that it may, on no account, be prefixed;
but let _all_ the proofs be burnt, and the plate broken. I will be
at the expense which has been incurred; it is but fair that _I_
should, since I cannot permit the publication. I beg, as a
particular favour, that you will lose no time in having this done,
for which I have reasons that I will state when I see you. Forgive
all the trouble I have occasioned you.

"I have received no account of the reception of the Address, but
see it is vituperated in the papers, which does not much embarrass
an _old author_. I leave it to your own judgment to add it, or not,
to your next edition when required. Pray comply _strictly_ with my
wishes as to the engraving, and believe me, &c.

"P.S.--Favour me with an answer, as I shall not be easy till I hear
that the proofs, &c. are destroyed. I hear that the _Satirist_ has
reviewed Childe Harold, in what manner I need not ask; but I wish
to know if the old personalities are revived? I have a better
reason for asking this than any that merely concerns myself; but in
publications of that kind, others, particularly female names, are
sometimes introduced."

[Footnote 57: A miniature by Sanders. Besides this miniature, Sanders
had also painted a full length of his Lordship, from which the portrait
prefixed to this work is engraved. In reference to the latter picture,
Lord Byron says, in a note to Mr. Rogers, "If you think the picture you
saw at Murray's worth your acceptance, it is yours; and you may put a
_glove_ or mask on it, if you like."]

* * * * *

LETTER 112. TO LORD HOLLAND.

"Cheltenham, Oct. 14. 1812.

"My dear Lord,

"I perceive that the papers, yea, even Perry's, are somewhat
ruffled at the injudicious preference of the Committee. My friend
Perry has, indeed, 'et tu Brute'-d me rather scurvily, for which I
will send him, for the M.C., the next epigram I scribble, as a
token of my full forgiveness.

"Do the Committee mean to enter into no explanation of their
proceedings? You must see there is a leaning towards a charge of
partiality. You will, at least, acquit me of any great anxiety to
push myself before so man