Life of Lord Byron, Vol. 4 With His Letters and Journals
Chapter 105
"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.
* * * * *