“This was written on some Frenchwoman, by Rulhieres, I believe. 
     Yours.”

[Footnote 42:  The “Dama,” in whose company he witnessed this representation, thus describes its effect upon him:—­“The play was that of Mirra; the actors, and particularly the actress who performed the part of Mirra, seconded with much success the intentions of our great dramatist.  Lord Byron took a strong interest in the representation, and it was evident that he was deeply affected.  At length there came a point of the performance at which he could no longer restrain his emotions;—­he burst into a flood of tears, and, his sobs preventing him from remaining any longer in the box, he rose and left the theatre.—­I saw him similarly affected another time during a representation of Alfieri’s ‘Philip,’ at Ravenna.”—­“Gli attori, e specialmente l’ attrice che rappresentava Mirra secondava assai bene la mente del nostro grande tragico.  L.B. prece molto interesse alla rappresentazione, e si conosceva che era molto commosso.  Venne un punto poi della tragedia in cui non pote piu frenare la sua emozione,—­diede in un diretto pianto e i singhiozzi gl’ impedirono di piu restare nel palco; onde si levo, e parti dal teatro.  In uno stato simile lo viddi un altra volta a Ravenna ad una rappresentazione del Filippo d’Alfieri.”]

* * * * *

LETTER 338.  TO MR. MURRAY.

     “Bologna, August 23. 1819.

“I send you a letter to R * ts, signed Wortley Clutterbuck, which you may publish in what form you please, in answer to his article.  I have had many proofs of men’s absurdity, but he beats all in folly.  Why, the wolf in sheep’s clothing has tumbled into the very trap!  We’ll strip him.  The letter is written in great haste, and amidst a thousand vexations.  Your letter only came yesterday, so that there is no time to polish:  the post goes out to-morrow.  The date is ‘Little Piddlington.’  Let * * * correct the press:  he knows and can read the handwriting.  Continue to keep the anonymous about ‘Juan;’ it helps us to fight against overwhelming numbers.  I have a thousand distractions at present; so excuse haste, and wonder I can act or write at all.  Answer by post, as usual.

     “Yours.

     “P.S.  If I had had time, and been quieter and nearer, I would have
     cut him to hash; but as it is, you can judge for yourselves.”

* * * * *

The letter to the Reviewer, here mentioned, had its origin in rather an amusing circumstance.  In the first Canto of Don Juan appeared the following passage:—­

    “For fear some prudish readers should grow skittish,
    I’ve bribed My Grandmother’s Review,—­the British!