“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 looks pretty enough—­on
     the outside, I shall be in town next week, and in the mean time
     wish you a pleasant journey.

     “Yours,” &c.

* * * * *

LETTER 195.  TO MR. MOORE.

     “August 12. 1814.