tale is a word of which it repents me to have nicknamed poesy.  ‘Fable’ would be better; and, secondly, ’Persian Tale’ reminds one of the lines of Pope on Ambrose Phillips; though no one can say, to be sure, that this tale has been ’turned for half-a-crown;’ still it is as well to avoid such clashings.  ’Persian Story’—­why not?—­or Romance?  I feel as anxious for Moore as I could do for myself, for the soul of me, and I would not have him succeed otherwise than splendidly, which I trust he will do.

“With regard to the ‘Witch Drama,’ I sent all the three acts by post, week after week, within this last month.  I repeat that I have not an idea if it is good or bad.  If bad, it must, on no account, be risked in publication; if good, it is at your service I value it at three hundred guineas, or less, if you like it.  Perhaps, if published, the best way will be to add it to your winter volume, and not publish separately.  The price will show you I don’t pique myself upon it; so speak out.  You may put it in the fire, if you like, and Gifford don’t like.

     “The Armenian Grammar is published—­that is, one; the other is
     still in MS. My illness has prevented me from moving this month
     past, and I have done nothing more with the Armenian.

“Of Italian or rather Lombard manners, I could tell you little or nothing:  I went two or three times to the governor’s conversazione, (and if you go once, you are free to go always,) at which, as I only saw very plain women, a formal circle, in short a worst sort of rout, I did not go again.  I went to Academie and to Madame Albrizzi’s, where I saw pretty much the same thing, with the addition of some literati, who are the same blue[132], by ——­, all the world over.  I fell in love the first week with Madame * *, and I have continued so ever since, because she is very pretty and pleasing, and talks Venetian, which amuses me, and is naive.

     “Very truly, &c.

     “P.S.  Pray send the red tooth-powder by a safe hand, and
     speedily.[133]

        “To hook the reader, you, John Murray,
          Have publish’d ‘Anjou’s Margaret,’
        Which won’t be sold off in a hurry
          (At least, it has not been as yet);
        And then, still further to bewilder ’em,
        Without remorse you set up ‘Ilderim;’
          So mind you don’t get into debt,
        Because as how, if you should fail,
        These books would be but baddish bail. 
        And mind you do not let escape
          These rhymes to Morning Post or Perry,
          Which would be very treacherous—­very,
        And get me into such a scrape! 
        For, firstly, I should have to sally,
        All in my little boat, against a Gally;
        And, should I chance to slay the Assyrian wight,
        Have next to combat with the female knight.