yenne. However, I have
grievances enough to occupy me that way too;--but for fear of
adding to yours by this pestilent long diatribe, I postpone the
reading of them, _sine die_.

"Ever, dear M., yours, &c.

"P.S. Don't forget my godson. You could not have fixed on a fitter
porter for his sins than me, being used to carry double without
inconvenience."

* * * * *

LETTER 193. TO MR. MURRAY.

"August 4. 1814.

"Not having received the slightest answer to my last three letters,
nor the book (the last number of the Edinburgh Review) which they
requested, I presume that you were the unfortunate person who
perished in the pagoda on Monday last, and address this rather to
your executors than yourself, regretting that you should have had
the ill luck to be the sole victim on that joyous occasion.

"I beg leave, then, to inform these gentlemen (whoever they may be)
that I am a little surprised at the previous neglect of the
deceased, and also at observing an advertisement of an approaching
publication on Saturday next, against the which I protested, and do
protest for the present.

"Yours (or theirs), &c.

"B."

* * * * *

LETTER 194. TO MR. MURRAY.

"August 5. 1814.

"The Edinburgh Review is arrived--thanks. I enclose Mr. Hobhouse's
letter, from which you will perceive the work you have made.
However, I have done: you must send my rhymes to the devil your own
way. It seems, also, that the 'faithful and spirited likeness' is
another of your publications. I wish you joy of it; but it is no
likeness--that is the point. Seriously, if I have delayed your
journey to Scotland, I am sorry that you carried your complaisance
so far; particularly as upon trifles you have a more summary
method;--witness the grammar of Hobhouse's 'bit of prose,' which
has put him and me into a fever.

"Hogg must translate his own words: '_lifting_' is a quotation from
his letter, together with 'God d----n,' &c., which I suppose
requires no translation.

"I was unaware of the contents of Mr. Moore's letter; I think your
offer very handsome, but of that you and he must judge. If he can
get more, you won't wonder that he should accept it.

"Out with Lara, since it must be. The tome look