Chapter 57

"Oct. 23. 1812.

"Thanks, as usual. You go on boldly; but have a care of _glutting_ the public, who have by this time had enough of Childe Harold. 'Waltzing' shall be prepared. It is rather above two hundred lines, with an introductory Letter to the Publisher. I think of publishing, with Childe Harold, the opening lines of the 'Curse of Minerva,' as far as the first speech of Pallas,--because some of the readers like that part better than any I have ever written, and as it contains nothing to affect the subject of the subsequent portion, it will find a place as a _Descriptive Fragment_.

"The _plate_ is _broken_? between ourselves, it was unlike the picture; and besides, upon the whole, the frontispiece of an author's visage is but a paltry exhibition. At all events, _this_ would have been no recommendation to the book. I am sure Sanders would not have _survived_ the engraving. By the by, the _picture_ may remain with _you_ or _him_ (which you please), till my return. The _one_ of two remaining copies is at your service till I can give you a _better_; the other must be _burned peremptorily_. Again, do not forget that I have an account with you, and _that_ this is _included_. I give you too much trouble to allow you to incur _expense_ also.

"You best know how far this 'Address Riot' will affect the future sale of Childe Harold. I like the volume of 'Rejected Addresses' better and better. The other parody which Perry has received is mine also (I believe). It is Dr. Busby's speech versified. You are removing to Albemarle Street, I find, and I rejoice that we shall be nearer neighbours. I am going to Lord Oxford's, but letters here will be forwarded. When at leisure, all communications from you will be willingly received by the humblest of your scribes. Did Mr. Ward write the review of Horne Tooke's Life in the Quarterly? it is excellent."

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