The opinion, however, which a great writer of our day (himself one of the few to whom his remark replies) had the generosity, as well as sagacity, to pronounce on this point, at a time when Lord Byron was indulging in the fullest lavishment of his powers, must be regarded, after all, as the most judicious and wise:--"But they cater ill for the public," says Sir Walter Scott, "and give indifferent advice to the poet, supposing him possessed of the highest qualities of his art, who do not advise him to labour while the laurel around his brows yet retains its freshness. Sketches from Lord Byron are more valuable than finished pictures from others; nor are we at all sure that any labour which he might bestow in revisal would not rather efface than refine those outlines of striking and powerful originality which they exhibit when flung rough from the hand of a master."--_Biographical Memoirs_, by SIR W. SCOTT.] * * * * * LETTER 180. TO MR. MURRAY. "2. Albany, April 29. 1814. "Dear Sir, "I enclose a draft for the money; when paid, send the copyright. I release you from the thousand pounds agreed on for The Giaour and Bride, and there's an end. "If any accident occurs to me, you may do then as you please; but, with the exception of two copies of each for _yourself_ only, I expect and request that the advertisements be withdrawn, and the remaining copies of _all_ destroyed; and any expense so incurred I will be glad to defray. "For all this, it might be as well to assign some reason. I have none to give, except my own caprice, and I do not consider the circumstances of consequence enough to require explanation. "In course, I need hardly assure you that they never shall be published with my consent, directly, or indirectly, by any other person whatsoever,--that I am perfectly satisfied, and have every reason so to be, with your conduct in all transactions between us as publisher and author. "It will give me great pleasure to preserve your acquaintance, and to consider you as my friend. Believe me very truly, and for much attention, "Your obliged and very obedient servant, "BYRON. "P.S. I do not think that I have overdrawn at Hammersley's; but if _that_ be the case, I can draw for the superflux on Hoare's. The draft is 5_l._ short, but that I will make up. On payment--_not_ before--return the copyright papers." * * * * * In such a conjuncture, an appeal to his good nature and considerateness was, as Mr. Murray well judged, his best resource; and the following prompt reply, will show how easily, and at once, it succeeded. LETTER 181. TO MR. MURRAY. "May 1. 1814. "Dear Sir,