As to the alterations sent nothing definite is known, but some details bearing on this point will be found in our Notes, p. 105, &c. (To Gisborne, 10 April) ’I know what to think of Adonais, but what to think of those who confound it with the many bad poems of the day I know not.’  This expression seems to indicate that Mr. Gisborne had sent Shelley some of the current criticisms—­there were probably but few in all—­upon Adonais:  to this matter I shall recur further on. (To Gisborne, 18 June.) ’The Adonais I wished to have had a fair chance, both because it is a favourite with me, and on account of the memory of Keats—­who was a poet of great genius, let the classic party say what it will.’

Earlier than the latest of these extracts Shelley had sent to Mr. Severn a copy of Adonais, along with a letter which I append.

’Pisa, Nov. 29th, 1821.

’DEAR SIR,

’I send you the Elegy on poor Keats, and I wish it were better worth your acceptance.  You will see, by the preface, that it was written before I could obtain any particular account of his last moments.  All that I still know was communicated to me by a friend who had derived his information from Colonel Finch, I have ventured [in the Preface] to express as I felt the respect and admiration which your conduct towards him demands.

’In spite of his transcendent genius, Keats never was, nor ever will be, a popular poet; and the total neglect and obscurity in which the astonishing remains of his mind still lie was hardly to be dissipated by a writer who, however he may differ from Keats in more important qualities, at least resembles him in that accidental one, a want of popularity.

’I have little hope therefore that the poem I send you will excite any attention, nor do I feel assured that a critical notice of his writings would find a single reader.  But for these considerations, it had been my intention to have collected the remnants of his compositions, and to have published them with a Life and criticism.  Has he left any poems or writings of whatsoever kind, and in whose possession are they?  Perhaps you would oblige me by information on this point.

’Many thanks for the picture you promise me [presumably a portrait of Keats, but Shelley does not seem ever to have received one from Severn]:  I shall consider it among the most sacred relics of the past.  For my part, I little expected, when I last saw Keats at my friend Leigh Hunt’s, that I should survive him.

’Should you ever pass through Pisa, I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you, and of cultivating an acquaintance into something pleasant, begun under such melancholy auspices.

’Accept, my dear Sir, the assurance of my highest esteem, and believe me

’Your most sincere and faithful servant,

’PERCY B. SHELLEY.

‘Do you know Leigh Hunt?  I expect him and his family here every day.’