LETTER 431. TO MR. MURRAY. "Ravenna, May 28. 1821. "Since my last of the 26th or 25th, I have dashed off my fifth act of the tragedy called 'Sardanapalus.' But now comes the copying over, which may prove heavy work--heavy to the writer as to the reader. I have written to you at least six times sans answer, which proves you to be a--bookseller. I pray you to send me a copy of Mr. _Wrangham_'s reformation of '_Langhorne_'s Plutarch.' I have the Greek, which is somewhat small of print, and the Italian, which is too heavy in style, and as false as a Neapolitan patriot proclamation. I pray you also to send me a Life, published some years ago, of the _Magician Apollonius_ of Tyana. It is in English, and I think edited or written by what Martin Marprelate calls '_a bouncing priest_.' I shall trouble you no farther with this sheet than with the postage. Yours, &c. N. "P.S. Since I wrote this, I determined to enclose it (as a half sheet) to Mr. Kinnaird, who will have the goodness to forward it. Besides, it saves sealing-wax." * * * * * LETTER 432. TO MR. MURRAY. "Ravenna, May 30. 1821. "Dear Moray, "You say you have written often: I have only received yours of the eleventh, which is very short. By this post, _five_ packets, I send you the tragedy of Sardanapalus, which is written in a rough hand: perhaps Mrs. Leigh can help you to decipher it. You will please to acknowledge it by return of post. You will remark that the _unities_ are all _strictly_ observed. The scene passes in the same _hall_ always: the time, a _summer's night_, about nine hours, or less, though it begins before sunset and ends after sun-rise. In the third act, when Sardanapalus calls for a _mirror_ to look at himself in his armour, recollect to quote the Latin passage from _Juvenal_ upon _Otho_ (a similar character, who did the same thing): Gifford will help you to it. The trait is perhaps too familiar, but it is historical, (of _Otho_, at least,) and natural in an effeminate character." * * * * * LETTER 433. TO MR. HOPPNER. "Ravenna, May 31. 1821. "I enclose you another letter, which will only confirm what I have said to you. "About Allegra'--I will take some decisive step in the course of the year; at present, she is so happy where she is, that perhaps she had better have her _alphabet_ imparted in her convent. "What you say of the _Dante_ is the first I have heard of it--all seeming to be merged in the _row_ about the tragedy. Continue it!--Alas! what could Dante himself _now_ prophesy about Italy? I am glad you like it, however, but doubt that you will be singular in your opinion. My _new_ tragedy is completed.