Chapter 44

"Cheltenham, September 23. 1812.

"Ecco!--I have marked some passages with _double_ readings--choose between them--_cut_--_add_--_reject_--or _destroy_--do with them as you will--I leave it to you and the Committee--you cannot say so called 'a _non committendo_.' What will _they_ do (and I do) with the hundred and one rejected Troubadours? 'With trumpets, yea, and with shawms,' will you be assailed in the most diabolical doggerel. I wish my name not to transpire till the day is decided. I shall not be in town, so it won't much matter; but let us have a good _deliverer_. I think Elliston should be the man, or Pope; _not_ Raymond, I implore you, by the love of Rhythmus!

"The passages marked thus ==, above and below, are for you to choose between epithets, and such like poetical furniture. Pray write me a line, and believe me ever, &c.

"My best remembrances to Lady H. Will you be good enough to decide between the various readings marked, and erase the other; or our deliverer may be as puzzled as a commentator, and belike repeat both. If these _versicles_ won't do, I will hammer out some more endecasyllables.

"P.S.--Tell Lady H. I have had sad work to keep out the Phoenix--I mean the Fire Office of that name. It has insured the theatre, and why not the Address?"

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TO LORD HOLLAND.

"September 24.

"I send a recast of the four first lines of the concluding paragraph.

"This greeting o'er, the ancient rule obey'd, The drama's homage by her Herald paid, Receive _our welcome too_, whose every tone Springs from our hearts, and fain would win your own. The curtain rises, &c. &c.

And do forgive all this trouble. See what it is to have to do even with the _genteelest_ of us. Ever," &c.

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