The following, from Lord Melbourne to Panizzi, conveys the notion that the former discovered the beauties of Ovid’s Metamorphoses rather late in life:— “South Street, Feb. 27, 1846. “My dear Mr. Panizzi, I have lately been looking at the Metamorphoses of Ovid, a book in which I find much beautiful poetry and more curious matters. Burman, in his note upon the title of the poem (Vol. II. of his edition, p. 7) says that the poem was founded upon an ancient Greek poem by the writer, of the name of Parmenius Chius. What is Burman’s authority for this Parmenius, and where are the traces of his poem? I do not remember ever to have read his name, and I cannot find it in the Index to Quinctilian, who, I thought, had mentioned every poet of any eminence, Greek or Latin. Yours faithfully, MELBOURNE.” A letter from the Hon. Mrs. Norton, on the subject of Lord Melbourne’s friendship for Panizzi (to which a second on the same subject is added), must be quoted, though it is not without something of melancholy interest:— “Chesterfield Street, (November, 1845) Friday evening. “Dear Mr. Panizzi, I met Lord Melbourne at dinner to-day, and mentioned to him having seen you and Mr. Thackeray. He begged me to write, for him, to ask you if you would dine with him on Monday, and Mr. Thackeray also. Will you let me know, as soon as convenient, and will you, who are an old friend of Lord Melbourne’s, explain anything that may seem odd and blunt in his mode of inviting without introduction, though indeed he persists very obstinately that Mr. Thackeray is a _clergyman_, with whom he is, or ought to be, acquainted. I said I did not think it clerical to write about the _Bishop of Bullocksmithy_, and that I did not think Mr. Thackeray was a clergyman at all. But this is not of importance in comparison of his coming to dinner at half-past seven (punctual) on Monday. I wish you would now and then call on Lord Melbourne, as since he is invalided he takes great pleasure in receiving visits from his friends, and I think about four o’clock or a little later (when there is no House of Lords) is a good moment to find him. Poor Lady Holland’s death has deprived him of a very near neighbour, where he could be (without fatigue or form) in pleasant society. She had certainly a very real regard for him. Yours, &c., &c., CAROLINE NORTON.” “Dear Mr. Panizzi,