251—to Lord Holland
Sept. 27, 1812.
I
believe
this is the third scrawl since yesterday—all about epithets. I think the epithet "intellectual" won't convey the meaning I intend; and though I hate compounds, for the present I will try (
col' permesso
) the word "genius gifted patriots of our line"
instead. Johnson has "many coloured life," a compound —— but they are always best avoided.
However
, it is the only one in ninety lines
, but will be happy to give way to a better. I am ashamed to intrude any more remembrances on Lady H. or letters upon you; but you are, fortunately for me, gifted with patience already too often tried by
Your etc., etc.,
Byron
.
Footnote 1:
This, as finally altered, stood thus:
"Immortal names emblazon'd on our line."
Footnote 2:
Reduced to seventy-three lines.
