is entertained of the man who wounded him having been instigated by me, or any of the party. I enclose you copies of the depositions of those with us, and Dr. Craufurd, a canny Scot (_not_ an acquaintance), who saw the latter part of the affair. They are in Italian. "These are the only literary matters in which I have been engaged since the publication and row about 'Cain;'--but Mr. Murray has several things of mine in his obstetrical hands. Another Mystery--a Vision--a Drama--and the like. But _you won't_ tell me what _you_ are doing--however, I shall find you out, write what you will. You say that I should like your son-in-law--it would be very difficult for me to dislike any one connected with you; but I have no doubt that his own qualities are all that you describe. "I am sorry you don't like Lord Orford's new work. My aristocracy, which is very fierce, makes him a favourite of mine. Recollect that those 'little factions' comprised Lord Chatham and Fox, the father, and that _we_ live in gigantic and exaggerated times, which make all under Gog and Magog appear pigmean. After having seen Napoleon begin like Tamerlane and end like Bajazet in our own time, we have not the same interest in what would otherwise have appeared important history. But I must conclude. "Believe me ever and most truly yours, "NOEL BYRON." * * * * * LETTER 492. TO MR. MURRAY. "Pisa, May 17. 1822. "I hear that the Edinburgh has attacked the three dramas, which is a bad business for _you_; and I don't wonder that it discourages you. However, _that_ volume may be trusted to _time_,--depend upon it. I read it over with some attention since it was published, and I think the time will come when it will be preferred to my other writings, though not immediately. I say this without irritation against the critics or criticism, whatever they may be (for I have not seen them); and nothing that has or may appear in Jeffrey's Review can make me forget that he stood by me for ten good years without any motive to do so but his own good-will. "I hear Moore is in town; remember me to him, and believe me "Yours truly, N.B. "P.S. If you think it necessary, you may send me the Edinburgh. Should there be any thing that requires an answer, I will reply, but _temperately_ and _technically_; that is to say, merely with respect to the _principles_ of the criticism, and not personally or offensively as to its literary merits." * * * * * LETTER 493. TO MR. MOORE. "Pisa, May 17. 1822.