“P.S.  If you do not publish it, some one else will.  You cannot suppose me so narrow-minded as to shrink from discussion.  I repeat once for all, that I think it a good poem (as far as I have redde); and that is the only point you should consider.  How odd that eight lines should have given birth, I really think, to eight thousand, including all that has been said, and will be on the subject!”

[Footnote 23:  The manuscript of a long grave satire, entitled “Anti-Byron,” which had been sent to Mr. Murray, and by him forwarded to Lord Byron, with a request—­not meant, I believe, seriously—­that he would give his opinion as to the propriety of publishing it.]

* * * * *

LETTER 173.  TO MR. MURRAY.

     “April 9. 1814.

“All these news are very fine; but nevertheless I want my books, if you can find, or cause them to be found for me,—­if only to lend them to Napoleon, in “the Island of Elba,” during his retirement.  I also (if convenient, and you have no party with you,) should be glad to speak with you, for a few minutes, this evening, as I have had a letter from Mr. Moore, and wish to ask you, as the best judge, of the best time for him to publish the work he has composed.  I need not say, that I have his success much at heart; not only because he is my friend, but something much better—­a man of great talent, of which he is less sensible than I believe any even of his enemies.  If you can so far oblige me as to step down, do so; and if you are otherwise occupied, say nothing about it.  I shall find you at home in the course of next week.

     “P.S.  I see Sotheby’s Tragedies advertised.  The Death of Darnley is
     a famous subject—­one of the best, I should think, for the drama. 
     Pray let me have a copy when ready.

     “Mrs. Leigh was very much pleased with her books, and desired me to
     thank you; she means, I believe, to write to you her
     acknowledgments.”

* * * * *

LETTER 174.  TO MR. MOORE.

     “2.  Albany, April 9. 1814.

     “Viscount Althorp is about to be married, and I have gotten his
     spacious bachelor apartments in Albany, to which you will, I hope,
     address a speedy answer to this mine epistle.

“I am but just returned to town, from which you may infer that I have been out of it; and I have been boxing, for exercise, with Jackson for this last month daily.  I have also been drinking, and, on one occasion, with three other friends at the Cocoa Tree, from six till four, yea, unto five in the matin.  We clareted and champagned till two—­then supped, and finished with a kind of regency punch composed of madeira, brandy, and green tea, no real