Chapter 83

"February 22. 1815.

"When the sum offered by you, and even _pressed_ by you, was declined, it was with reference to a separate publication, as you know and I know. That it was large, I admitted and admit; and _that_ made part of my consideration in refusing it, till I knew better what you were likely to make of it. With regard to what is past, or is to pass, about Mr. M * *, the case is in no respect different from the transfer of former copyrights to Mr. Dallas. Had I taken you at your word, that is, taken your money, I might have used it as I pleased; and it could be in no respect different to you whether I paid it to a w----, or a hospital, or assisted a man of talent in distress. The truth of the matter seems this: you offered more than the poems are worth. I _said_ so, and I _think_ so; but you know, or at least ought to know, your own business best; and when you recollect what passed between you and me upon pecuniary subjects before this occurred, you will acquit me of any wish to take advantage of your imprudence.

"The things in question shall not be published at all, and there is an end of the matter.

"Yours," &c.

* * * * *

The letter that follows will give some idea of those embarrassments in his own affairs, under the pressure of which he could be thus considerate of the wants of others.