His friend, Mr. Merivale, one of the translators of those Selections from the Anthology which we have seen he regretted so much not having taken with him on his travels, published a poem about this time, which he thus honours with his praise. LETTER 154. TO MR. MERIVALE. "January, 1814. "My dear Merivale, "I have redde Roncesvaux with very great pleasure, and (if I were so disposed) see very little room for criticism. There is a choice of two lines in one of the last Cantos,--I think 'Live and protect' better, because 'Oh who?' implies a doubt of Roland's power or inclination. I would allow the--but that point you yourself must determine on--I mean the doubt as to where to place a part of the Poem, whether between the actions or no. Only if you wish to have all the success you deserve, _never listen to friends_, and--as I am not the least troublesome of the number, least of all to me. "I hope you will be out soon. _March_, sir, _March_ is the month for the _trade_, and they must be considered. You have written a very noble Poem, and nothing but the detestable taste of the day can do you harm,--but I think you will beat it. Your measure is uncommonly well chosen and wielded."[116] [Footnote 115: When these monthly disbursements had amounted to 70_l._, Ashe wrote to beg that the whole remaining sum of 80_l_. might be advanced to him at one payment, in order to enable him, as he said, to avail himself of a passage to New South Wales, which had been again offered to him. The sum was accordingly, by Lord Byron's orders, paid into his hands.] [Footnote 116: This letter is but a fragment,--the remainder being lost.] * * * * *