The parties met, and Mr. Murray agreed to give L525 for “Mazeppa,” and L1,575 for the first and second cantos of “Don Juan,” with “The Ode to Venice” thrown in.

In accordance with Lord Byron’s directions to his publisher to “keep the anonymous,” Cantos I. and II. of “Don Juan” appeared in London, in quarto, in July 1819, without the name of either author, publisher, or bookseller.  The book was immediately pounced upon by the critics; but it is unnecessary to quote their reviews, as they are impartially given in the latest accredited editions of Lord Byron’s poems.  A few criticisms from Mr. Murray’s private correspondence may be given.

Mr. Gifford to John Murray.

RYDE, July 1, 1819.

“Lord B.’s letter is shockingly amusing. [Footnote:  Probably that written in May; printed in the “Life.”] He must be mad; but then there’s method in his madness.  I dread, however, the end.  He is, or rather might be, the most extraordinary character of his age.  I have lived to see three great men—­men to whom none come near in their respective provinces—­Pitt, Nelson, Wellington.  Morality and religion would have placed our friend among them as the fourth boast of the time; even a decent respect for the good opinion of mankind might have done much now; but all is tending to displace him.”

Mr. Murray, who was still in communication with Mr. Blackwood, found that he refused to sell “Don Juan” because it contained personalities which he regarded as even more objectionable than those of which Murray had complained in the Magazine.

When the copyright of “Don Juan” was infringed by other publishers, it became necessary to take steps to protect it at law, and Mr. Sharon Turner was consulted on the subject.  An injunction was applied for in Chancery, and the course of the negotiation will be best ascertained from the following letters: 

Mr. Sharon Turner to John Murray.

October 21, 1819.

DEAR MURRAY,

... on “Don Juan” I have much apprehension.  I had from the beginning, and therefore advised the separate assignment.  The counsel who is settling the bill also doubts if the Chancellor will sustain the injunction.  I think, when Mr. Bell comes to town, it will be best to have a consultation with him on the subject.  The counsel, Mr. Loraine, shall state to him his view on the subject, and you shall hear what Mr. Bell feels upon it.  Shall I appoint the consultation?  The evil, if not stopped, will be great.  It will circulate in a cheap form very extensively, injuring society wherever it spreads.  Yet one consideration strikes me.  You could wish Lord Byron to write less objectionably.  You may also wish him to return you part of the L1,625.  If the Chancellor should dissolve the injunction on this ground, that will show Lord B. that he must expect no more copyright money for such things, and that they are too bad for law to uphold.  Will not this