y to all our publications: it
should seem that, on approximating, we can never quite get over the
natural antipathy of author and bookseller, and that more
particularly the ferine nature of the latter must break forth.

"You are out about the third Canto: I have not done, nor designed,
a line of continuation to that poem. I was too short a time at Rome
for it, and have no thought of recommencing.

"I cannot well explain to you by letter what I conceive to be the
origin of Mrs. Leigh's notion about 'Tales of my Landlord;' but it
is some points of the characters of Sir E. Manley and Burley, as
well as one or two of the jocular portions, on which it is founded,
probably.

"If you have received Dr. Polidori as well as a parcel of books,
and you can be of use to him, be so. I never was much more
disgusted with any human production than with the eternal nonsense,
and tracasseries, and emptiness, and ill humour, and vanity of that
young person; but he has some talent, and is a man of honour, and
has dispositions of amendment, in which he has been aided by a
little subsequent experience, and may turn out well. Therefore, use
your government interest for him, for he is improved and
improvable.

"Yours," &c.

* * * * *

LETTER 285. TO MR. MURRAY.

"La Mira, near Venice, June 18. 1817.

"Enclosed is a letter to _Dr._ Holland from Pindemonte. Not knowing
the Doctor's address, I am desired to enquire, and, perhaps, being
a literary man, you will know or discover his haunt near some
populous churchyard. I have written to you a scolding letter--I
believe, upon a misapprehended passage in your letter--but never
mind: it will do for next time, and you will surely deserve it.
Talking of doctors reminds me once more to recommend to you one who
will not recommend himself,--the Doctor Polidori. If you can help
him to a publisher, do; or, if you have any sick relation, I would
advise his advice: all the patients he had in Italy are dead--Mr. *
*'s son, Mr. Horner, and Lord G * *, whom he embowelled with great
success at Pisa.

"Remember me to Moore, whom I congratulate. How is Rogers? and what
is become of Campbell and all t'other fellows of the Druid order? I
got Maturin's Bedlam at last, but no other parcel; I am in