Volume II Part 9 (2/2)

You have placed me in a very ridiculous situation, but it is past, and nothing more is to be said on the subject. You hinted to me that you wished some alterations to be made; if they have nothing to do with politics or religion, I will make them with great readiness.

I am, Sir, etc., etc., BYRON.

[Footnote 1: As soon as Byron came to town, he was a frequent visitor at 32, Fleet Street, while the sheets of 'Childe Harold' were pa.s.sing through the press.

”Fresh from the fencing rooms of Angelo and Jackson, he used to amuse himself by renewing his practice of 'Carte et Tierce', with his walking-cane directed against the bookshelves, while Murray was reading pa.s.sages from the poem with occasional e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.i.o.ns of admiration, on which Byron would say, 'You think that a good idea, do you, Murray?' Then he would fence and lunge with his walking-stick at some special book which he had picked out on the shelves before him.

As Murray afterwards said, 'I was often very glad to get rid of him!'”

(Smiles's 'Memoir of John Murray', vol. i. p. 207).]

186.--To R. C. Dallas.

Newstead Abbey, Sept. 15, 1811.

My dear Sir,--My agent will not he here for at least a week, and even afterwards my letters will be forwarded to Rochdale. I am sorry that Murray should _groan_ on my account, tho' _that_ is better than the antic.i.p.ation of applause, of which men and books are generally disappointed.

The notes I sent are _merely matter_ to be divided, arranged, and published for _notes_ hereafter, in proper places; at present I am too much occupied with earthly cares to waste time or trouble upon rhyme, or its modern indispensables, annotations.

Pray let me hear from you, when at leisure. I have written to abuse Murray for showing the MS. to Mr. G., who must certainly think it was done by my wish, though you know the contrary.--Believe me, Yours ever, B--

187.--To John Murray.

Newstead Abbey, Sept. 16, 1811.

DEAR SIR,--I return the proof, which I should wish to be shown to Mr.

Dallas, who understands typographical arrangements much better than I can pretend to do. The printer may place the notes in his _own way_, or any _way_, so that they are out of _my way_; I care nothing about types or margins.

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