Chapter 39

"Ravenna, May 30. 1821.

"Dear Moray,

"You say you have written often: I have only received yours of the eleventh, which is very short. By this post, _five_ packets, I send you the tragedy of Sardanapalus, which is written in a rough hand: perhaps Mrs. Leigh can help you to decipher it. You will please to acknowledge it by return of post. You will remark that the _unities_ are all _strictly_ observed. The scene passes in the same _hall_ always: the time, a _summer's night_, about nine hours, or less, though it begins before sunset and ends after sun-rise. In the third act, when Sardanapalus calls for a _mirror_ to look at himself in his armour, recollect to quote the Latin passage from _Juvenal_ upon _Otho_ (a similar character, who did the same thing): Gifford will help you to it. The trait is perhaps too familiar, but it is historical, (of _Otho_, at least,) and natural in an effeminate character."

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