Volume II Part 6 (1/2)

178.--To R.C. Dallas.

Newstead Abbey, September 4th, 1811.

My dear Sir,--I am at present anxious, as Cawthorn seems to wish it, to have a small edition of the 'Hints from Horace' [1] published immediately, but the Latin (the most difficult poem in the language) renders it necessary to be very particular not only in correcting the proofs with Horace open, but in adapting the parallel pa.s.sages of the imitation in such places to the original as may enable the reader not to lose sight of the allusion. I don't know whether I ought to ask you to do this, but I am too far off to do it for myself; and if you condescend to my school-boy erudition, you will oblige me by setting this thing going, though you will smile at the importance I attach to it.

Believe me, ever yours,

BYRON.

[Footnote 1: 'Hints from Horace', written during Byron's second stay at Athens, March 11-14, 1811, and subsequently added to, had been placed in the hands of Cawthorn, the publisher of 'English Bards, and Scotch Reviewers', for publication. Byron afterwards changed his mind, and the poem remained unpublished till after his death.

The following letter from Cawthorn shows that considerable progress had been made with the printing of the poem, and that Byron also contemplated another edition of 'English Bards, and Scotch Reviewers'.

The advice of his friends led him to abandon both plans; but his letter to Cawthorn, printed below, is evidence that in September he was still at work on 'Hints from Horace':

”24, c.o.c.kspur Street, Aug. 22'd, 1811.

”My Lord,--Mr. Green the Amanuensis has finished the Latin of the Horace, and I shall be happy to do with it as your Lords.h.i.+p may direct, either to forward it to Newstead, or keep it in Town. Would it not be better to print a small edition seperate ('sic'), and afterwards print the two satires together? This I leave to your Lords.h.i.+p's consideration. Four Sheets of the 'Travels' are already printed, and one of the plates (Albanian Solain) is executed. I sent it Capt. H[obhouse] yesterday to Cork, to see if it meets his approbation. The work is printed in quarto, for which I may be in some measure indebted to your Lords.h.i.+p, as I urged it so strongly. I shall be extremely sorry if Capt. H. is not pleased with it, but I think he will. Your Lords.h.i.+p's goodness will excuse me for saying how much the very sudden and melancholy events that have lately transpired--I regret--Capt. Hobhouse has written me since the decease of Mr.

Mathews. I am told Capt. H. is very much affected at it. I have received some drawings of costumes from him, which I am to deliver to your Lords.h.i.+p. Is it likely we shall see your Lords.h.i.+p in Town soon?

”I have the honour to be your Lords.h.i.+p's

”Most respectful and greatly obliged Servt.,

”JAMES CAWTHORN.

”If a small edition is printed of 'Horace' for the first” [words erased] ”that, and I think in all probability the 'E. Bards' will want reprinting about March next, when both could be done together. Do not think me too sanguine.”

A few days later, Byron writes to Cawthom as follows:

”Newstead Abbey, September 4th, 1811.

”More notes for the 'Hints'! You mistake me much by thinking me inattentive to this publication. If I had a friend willing and able to correct the press, it should be out with my good will immediately.

Pray attend to annexing additional notes in their proper places, and let them be added immediately.

”Yours, etc.,

”BYRON.”]

179.--To John Murray. [1]