age, unless Mr.
Shiel be really worthy his success. The more I see of the stage,
the less I would wish to have any thing to do with it; as a proof
of which, I hope you have received the third Act of Manfred, which
will at least prove that I wish to steer very clear of the
possibility of being put into scenery. I sent it from _Rome_.

"I returned the proof of Tasso. By the way, have you never received
a translation of St. Paul which I sent you, _not_ for publication,
before I went to Rome?

"I am at present on the Brenta. Opposite is a Spanish marquis,
ninety years old; next his casino is a Frenchman's,--besides the
natives; so that, as somebody said the other day, we are exactly
one of Goldoni's comedies (La Vedova Scaltra), where a Spaniard,
English, and Frenchman are introduced: but we are all very good
neighbours, Venetians, &c. &c. &c.

"I am just getting on horseback for my evening ride, and a visit to
a physician, who has an agreeable family, of a wife and four
unmarried daughters, all under eighteen, who are friends of Signora
S * *, and enemies to nobody. There are, and are to be, besides,
conversaziones and I know not what, a Countess Labbia's and I know
not whom. The weather is mild; the thermometer 110 in the _sun_
this day, and 80 odd in the shade. Yours, &c.

"N."

* * * * *

LETTER 284. TO MR. MURRAY.

"La Mira, near Venice, June 17. 1817.

"It gives me great pleasure to hear of Moore's success, and the
more so that I never doubted that it would be complete. Whatever
good you can tell me of him and his poem will be most acceptable: I
feel very anxious indeed to receive it. I hope that he is as happy
in his fame and reward as I wish him to be; for I know no one who
deserves both more--if any so much.

"Now to business; * * * * * * I say unto you, verily, it is not so;
or, as the foreigner said to the waiter, after asking him to bring
a glass of water, to which the man answered, 'I will, sir,'--'You
will!--G----d d----n,--I say, you _mush_!' And I will submit this
to the decision of any person or persons to be appointed by both,
on a fair examination of the circumstances of this as compared
with the preceding publications. So there's for you. There is
always some row or other previousl