253—to John Murray
Cheltenham, September 27, 1812.
Dear Sir,—I sent in no
Address
whatever to the Committee; but out of nearly one hundred (this is
confidential
), none have been deemed worth acceptance; and in consequence of their
subsequent
application to
me
, I have written a prologue, which
has
been received, and will be spoken. The MS. is now in the hands of Lord Holland.
I write this merely to say, that (however it is received by the audience) you will publish it in the next edition of
Childe Harold
; and I only beg you at present to keep my name secret till you hear further from me, and as soon as possible I wish you to have a correct copy, to do with as you think proper.
I am, yours very truly,
Byron
.
P. S.—I should wish a few copies printed off
before
, that the Newspaper copies may be correct
after
the
delivery
.
