55 — To John M. B. Pigot

Piccadilly, August 16, 1806.

I cannot exactly say with Caesar, "Veni, vidi, vici:" however, the most important part of his laconic account of success applies to my present situation; for, though Mrs. Byron took the

trouble

of "

coming

," and "

seeing

," yet your humble servant proved the

victor

. After an obstinate engagement of some hours, in which we suffered considerable damage, from the quickness of the enemy's fire, they at length retired in confusion, leaving behind the artillery, field equipage, and some prisoners: their defeat is decisive for the present campaign. To speak more intelligibly, Mrs. B. returns immediately, but I proceed, with all my laurels, to Worthing, on the Sussex coast; to which place you will address (to be left at the post office) your next epistle. By the enclosure of a second

gingle of rhyme

, you will probably conceive my muse to be

vastly prolific

; her inserted production was brought forth a few years ago, and found by accident on Thursday among some old papers. I have recopied it, and, adding the proper date, request that it may be printed with the rest of the family. I thought your sentiments on the last bantling would coincide with mine, but it was impossible to give it any other garb, being founded on

facts

. My stay at Worthing will not exceed three weeks, and you may

possibly

behold me again at Southwell the middle of September.

Will you desire Ridge to suspend the printing of my poems till he hears further from me, as I have determined to give them a new form entirely? This prohibition does not extend to the two last pieces I have sent with my letters to you. You will excuse the

dull vanity

of this epistle, as my brain is a

chaos

of absurd images, and full of business, preparations, and projects.

I shall expect an answer with impatience; — believe me, there is nothing at this moment could give me greater delight than your letter.