"I have nearly (_quite three_) four new cantos of Don Juan ready. I obtained permission from the female Censor Morum of _my_ morals to continue it, provided it were immaculate; so I have been as decent as need be. There is a deal of war--a siege, and all that, in the style, graphical and technical, of the shipwreck in Canto Second, which 'took,' as they say, in the Row. Yours, &c. "P.S. That * * * Galignani has about ten lies in one paragraph. It was not a Bible that was found in Shelley's pocket, but John Keats's poems. However, it would not have been strange, for he was a great admirer of Scripture as a composition. _I_ did not send my bust to the academy of New York; but I sat for my picture to young West, an American artist, at the request of some members of that Academy to _him_ that he would take my portrait,--for the Academy, I believe.[88] "I had, and still have, thoughts of South America, but am fluctuating between it and Greece. I should have gone, long ago, to one of them, but for my liaison with the Countess Gi.; for love, in these days, is little compatible with glory. _She_ would be delighted to go too; but I do not choose to expose her to a long voyage, and a residence in an unsettled country, where I shall probably take a part of some sort." [Footnote 87: The particulars of this event had, it is evident, not yet readied him.] [Footnote 88: This portrait, though destined for America, was, it appears, never sent thither. A few copies of it have since been painted by Mr. West, but the original picture was purchased by Mr. Joy, of Hartham Park, Wilts; who is also the possessor of the original portrait of Madame Guiccioli, by the same artist.] * * * * *