Life of Lord Byron, Vol. 4 With His Letters and Journals

Chapter 105

Chapter 105125 wordsPublic domain

"Ravenna, May 25. 1820.

"A German named Ruppsecht has sent me, heaven knows why, several Deutsche Gazettes, of all which I understand neither word nor letter. I have sent you the enclosed to beg you to translate to me some remarks, which appear to be _Goethe's upon_ Manfred--and if I may judge by _two_ notes of _admiration_ (generally put after something ridiculous by us) and the word '_hypocondrisch_,' are any thing but favourable. I shall regret this, for I should have been proud of Goethe's good word; but I sha'n't alter my opinion of him, even though he should be savage.

"Will you excuse this trouble, and do me this favour?--Never mind--soften nothing--I am literary proof--having had good and evil said in most modern languages.

"Believe me," &c.

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