"You wanted some reflections, and I send you _per Selim_ (see his speech in Canto 2d, page 46.), eighteen lines in decent couplets, of a pensive, if not an _ethical_ tendency. One more revise--positively the last, if decently done--at any rate the _pen_ultimate. Mr. Canning's approbation (_if_ he did approve) I need not say makes me proud.[110] As to printing, print as you will and how you will--by itself, if you like; but let me have a few copies in _sheets_. "November 24. 1813. "You must pardon me once more, as it is all for your good: it must be thus-- "He makes a solitude, and calls it peace. '_Makes_' is closer to the passage of Tacitus, from which the line is taken, and is, besides, a stronger word than '_leaves_' "Mark where his carnage and his conquests cease-- He makes a solitude, and calls it--peace." [Footnote 110: Mr. Canning's note was as follows:--"I received the books, and, among them, The Bride of Abydos. It is very, very beautiful. Lord Byron (when I met him, one day, at dinner at Mr. Ward's) was so kind as to promise to give me a copy of it. I mention this, not to save my purchase, but because I should be really flattered by the present."] * * * * * LETTER 148. TO MR. MURRAY. "November 27. 1813. "If you look over this carefully by the _last proof_ with my corrections, it is probably right; this _you_ can do as well or better;--I have not now time. The copies I mentioned to be sent to different friends last night, I should wish to be made up with the new Giaours, if it also is ready. If not, send The Giaour afterwards. "The Morning Post says _I_ am the author of Nourjahad!! This comes of lending the drawings for their dresses; but it is not worth a _formal contradiction_. Besides, the criticisms on the _supposition_ will, some of them, be quite amusing and furious. The _Orientalism_--which I hear is very splendid--of the melodrame (whosever it is, and I am sure I don't know) is as good as an advertisement for your Eastern Stories, by filling their heads with glitter. "P.S. You will of course _say_ the truth, that I am _not_ the melodramist--if any one charges me in your presence with the performance." * * * * * LETTER 149. TO MR. MURRAY. "November 28. 1813. "Send another copy (if not too much of a request) to Lady Holland of the _Journal_[111], in my name, when you receive this; it is for _Earl Grey_--and I will relinquish my _own_. Also to Mr. Sharpe, and Lady Holland, and Lady Caroline Lamb, copies of 'The Bride' as soon as convenient.