it should seem that, on approximating, we can never quite get over the natural antipathy of author and bookseller, and that more particularly the ferine nature of the latter must break forth.

     “You are out about the third Canto:  I have not done, nor designed,
     a line of continuation to that poem.  I was too short a time at Rome
     for it, and have no thought of recommencing.

“I cannot well explain to you by letter what I conceive to be the origin of Mrs. Leigh’s notion about ‘Tales of my Landlord;’ but it is some points of the characters of Sir E. Manley and Burley, as well as one or two of the jocular portions, on which it is founded, probably.

“If you have received Dr. Polidori as well as a parcel of books, and you can be of use to him, be so.  I never was much more disgusted with any human production than with the eternal nonsense, and tracasseries, and emptiness, and ill humour, and vanity of that young person; but he has some talent, and is a man of honour, and has dispositions of amendment, in which he has been aided by a little subsequent experience, and may turn out well.  Therefore, use your government interest for him, for he is improved and improvable.

     “Yours,” &c.

* * * * *

LETTER 285.  TO MR. MURRAY.

     “La Mira, near Venice, June 18. 1817.

“Enclosed is a letter to Dr. Holland from Pindemonte.  Not knowing the Doctor’s address, I am desired to enquire, and, perhaps, being a literary man, you will know or discover his haunt near some populous churchyard.  I have written to you a scolding letter—­I believe, upon a misapprehended passage in your letter—­but never mind:  it will do for next time, and you will surely deserve it.  Talking of doctors reminds me once more to recommend to you one who will not recommend himself,—­the Doctor Polidori.  If you can help him to a publisher, do; or, if you have any sick relation, I would advise his advice:  all the patients he had in Italy are dead—­Mr. * ’s son, Mr. Horner, and Lord G *, whom he embowelled with great success at Pisa.

“Remember me to Moore, whom I congratulate.  How is Rogers? and what is become of Campbell and all t’other fellows of the Druid order?  I got Maturin’s Bedlam at last, but no other parcel; I am in fits for the tooth-powder, and the magnesia.  I want some of Burkitt’s soda-powders.  Will you tell Mr. Kinnaird that I have written him two letters on pressing business, (about Newstead, &c.) to which I humbly solicit his attendance.  I am just returned from a gallop along the banks of the Brenta—­time, sunset.  Yours,

     “B.”

* * * * *

LETTER 286.  TO MR. MURRAY.

     “La Mira, near Venice, July 1. 1817.