With our thanks, pray convey our kind respects to Mrs. Robinson, and the Lady before mentioned.

Your obliged Ser’t

CHARLES LAMB.

India House

11 Nov. 22.

[This letter is addressed to R. Robinson, Esq., Bury, Suffolk, but I think there is no doubt that Thomas Robinson was the recipient.

Thomas Robinson of Bury St. Edmunds was Henry Crabb Robinson’s brother.  Lamb’s “Dissertation on Roast Pig” had been printed in the London Magazine in September, 1822, and this pig was one of the first of many such gifts that came to him.]

LETTER 299

CHARLES LAMB TO JOHN HOWARD PAYNE

Wednesday, 13 November, ’22.

Dear P.—­Owing to the inconvenience of having two lodgings, I did not get your letter quite so soon as I should.  The India House is my proper address, where I am sure for the fore part of every day.  The instant I got it, I addressed a letter, for Kemble to see, to my friend Henry Robertson, the Treasurer of Covent Garden Theatre.  He had a conference with Kemble, and the result is, that Robertson, in the name of the management, recognized to me the full ratifying of your bargain:  L250 for Ali, the Slaves, and another piece which they had not received.  He assures me the whole will be paid you, or the proportion for the two former, as soon as ever the Treasury will permit it.  He offered to write the same to you, if I pleased.  He thinks in a month or so they will be able to liquidate it.  He is positive no trick could be meant you, as Mr. Planche’s alterations, which were trifling, were not at all considered as affecting your bargain.  With respect to the copyright of Ali, he was of opinion no money would be given for it, as Ali is quite laid aside.  This explanation being given, you would not think of printing the two copies together by way of recrimination.  He told me the secret of the two Galley Slaves at Drury Lane.  Elliston, if he is informed right, engaged Poole to translate it, but before Poole’s translation arrived, finding it coming out at Cov.  Gar., he procured copies of two several translations of it in London.  So you see here are four translations, reckoning yours.  I fear no copyright would be got for it, for anybody may print it and anybody has.  Your’s has run seven nights, and R. is of opinion it will not exceed in number of nights the nights of Ali,—­about thirteen.  But your full right to your bargain with the management is in the fullest manner recognized by him officially.  He gave me every hope the money will be spared as soon as they can spare it.  He said a month or two, but seemed to me to mean about a month.  A new lady is coming out in Juliet, to whom they look very confidently for replenishing their treasury.  Robertson is a very good fellow and I can rely upon his statement.  Should you have any more pieces, and want to get a copyright for them, I am the worst