205—to Thomas Moore 1
8, St. James's Street, October 30, 1811.
Sir
,—You must excuse my troubling you once more upon this very unpleasant subject. It would be a satisfaction to me, and I should think to yourself, that the unopened letter in Mr. Hodgson's possession (supposing it to prove your own) should be returned
in statu quo
to the writer; particularly as you expressed yourself "not quite easy under the manner in which I had dwelt on its miscarriage."
A few words more, and I shall not trouble you further. I felt, and still feel, very much flattered by those parts of your correspondence, which held out the prospect of our becoming acquainted. If I did not meet them in the first instance as perhaps I ought, let the situation I was placed in be my defence. You have
now
declared yourself
satisfied
, and on that point we are no longer at issue. If, therefore, you still retain any wish to do me the honour you hinted at, I shall be most happy to meet you, when, where, and how you please, and I presume you will not attribute my saying thus much to any unworthy motive.
I have the honour to remain, etc.
Footnote 1:
"Piqued," says Moore (Life, 144), "at the manner in which my efforts towards a more friendly understanding were received,"
he had briefly expressed his satisfaction at Byron's explanation, and added that the correspondence might close.
