"Correct this proof by Mr. Gifford's (and from the MSS.), particularly as to the _pointing_. I have added a section for _Gulnare_, to fill up the parting, and dismiss her more ceremoniously. If Mr. Gifford or you dislike, 'tis but a _sponge_ and another midnight better employed than in yawning over Miss * *; who, by the by, may soon return the compliment. "Wednesday or Thursday. "P.S. I have redde * *. It is full of praises of Lord Ellenborough!!! (from which I infer near and dear relations at the bar), and * * * *. "I do not love Madame de Stael; but, depend upon it, she beats all your natives hollow as an authoress, in my opinion; and I would not say this if I could help it. "P.S. Pray report my best acknowledgments to Mr. Gifford in any words that may best express how truly his kindness obliges me. I won't bore him with _lip_ thanks or _notes_." * * * * * TO MR. MOORE. "January 13. 1814. "I have but a moment to write, but all is as it should be. I have said really far short of my opinion, but if you think enough, I am content. Will you return the proof by the post, as I leave town on Sunday, and have no other corrected copy. I put 'servant,' as being less familiar before the public; because I don't like presuming upon our friendship to infringe upon forms. As to the other _word_, you may be sure it is one I cannot hear or repeat too often. "I write in an agony of haste and confusion.--Perdonate." * * * * * LETTER 157. TO MR. MURRAY. "January 15. 1814. "Before any proof goes to Mr. Gifford, it may be as well to revise this, where there are _words omitted_, faults committed, and the devil knows what. As to the dedication, I cut out the parenthesis of _Mr._[9], but not another word shall move unless for a better. Mr. Moore has seen, and decidedly preferred the part your Tory bile sickens at. If every syllable were a rattle-snake, or every letter a pestilence, they should not be expunged. Let those who cannot swallow chew the expressions on Ireland; or should even Mr. Croker array himself in all his terrors them, I care for none of you, except Gifford; and he won't abuse me, except I deserve it--which will at least reconcile me to his justice. As to the poems in Hobhouse's volume, the translation from the Romaic is well enough; but the best of the other volume (of _mine_, I mean) have been already printed. But do as you please--only, as I shall be absent when you come out, _do_, _pray_, let Mr. _Dallas_ and _you_ have a care of the _press_. Yours," &c. [Footnote 9: He had at first, after the words "Scott alone," inserted, in a parenthesis,--"He will excuse the _Mr._----'we do not say _Mr._ Caesar.'"] * * * * * TO MR. MURRAY.