Chapter 35

"Ravenna, May 20. 1821.

"Since I wrote to you last week I have received English letters and papers, by which I perceive that what I took for an Italian _truth_ is, after all, a French lie of the Gazette de France. It contains two ultra-falsehoods in as many lines. In the first place, Lord B. did _not_ bring forward his play, but opposed the same; and, secondly, it was _not_ condemned, but is continued to be acted, in despite of publisher, author, Lord Chancellor, and (for aught I know to the contrary) of audience, up to the first of May, at least--the latest date of my letters. You will oblige me, then, by causing Mr. Gazette of France to contradict himself, which, I suppose, he is used to. I never answer a foreign _criticism_; but this is a mere matter of fact, and not of _opinions_. I presume that you have English and French interest enough to do this for me--though, to be sure, as it is nothing but the _truth_ which we wish to state, the insertion may be more difficult.

"As I have written to you often lately at some length, I won't bore you further now, than by begging you to comply with my request; and I presume the 'esprit du corps' (is it 'du' or 'de?' for this is more than I know) will sufficiently urge you, as one of '_ours_,' to set this affair in its real aspect. Believe me always yours ever and most affectionately,

"BYRON."

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