268—to John Murray

Oct. 23, 1812.

Dear Sir

,—Thanks, as usual. You go on boldly; but have a care of glutting the public, who have by this time had enough of C. H. Waltz shall be prepared. It is rather above 200 lines, with an introductory letter to the Publisher. I think of publishing, with C. H., the opening lines of the Curse of Minerva, as far as the first speech of Pallas,—because some of the readers like that part better than any I have ever written; and as it contains nothing to affect the subject of the subsequent portion, it will find a place as a descriptive fragment.

The plate is broken? between ourselves, it was unlike the picture; and besides, upon the whole, the frontispiece of an author's visage is but a paltry exhibition. At all events, this would have been no recommendation to the book. I am sure Sanders would not have survived the engraving. By the by, the picture may remain with you or him (which you please), till my return. The one of two remaining copies is at your service till I can give you a better; the other must be burned peremptorily. Again, do not forget that I have an account with you, and that this is included. I give you too much Trouble to allow you to incur Expense also.

You best know how far this "Address Riot" will affect the future sale of C. H. I like the volume of "rejected A." better and better. The other parody which Perry has received is mine also (I believe). It is Dr. Busby's speech versified. You are removing to Albemarle Street, I find, and I rejoice that we shall be nearer neighbours. I am going to Lord Oxford's, but letters here will be forwarded. When at leisure, all communications from you will be willingly received by the humblest of your scribes.

Did Mr. Ward write the review of H. Tooke's Life   ⁴⁰ ? It is excellent.

Yours ever,

B.