which I merely listened to when he was here to avoid squabbles and sermons; but I have occasion for the principal, and had never any serious idea of appropriating it otherwise than to answer my personal expenses.  Hobhouse’s wish is, if possible, to force me back to England[25]:  he will not succeed; and if he did, I would not stay.  I hate the country, and like this; and all foolish opposition, of course, merely adds to the feeling. Your silence makes me doubt the success of Canto fourth.  If it has failed, I will make such deduction as you think proper and fair from the original agreement; but I could wish whatever is to be paid were remitted to me, without delay, through the usual channel, by course of post.

“When I tell you that I have not heard a word from England since very early in May, I have made the eulogium of my friends, or the persons who call themselves so, since I have written so often and in the greatest anxiety.  Thank God, the longer I am absent, the less cause I see for regretting the country or its living contents.  I am yours,” &c.

[Footnote 25:  Deeply is it, for many reasons, to be regretted that this friendly purpose did not succeed.]

* * * * *

LETTER 319.  TO MR. MURRAY.

     “Venice, July 10. 1818.

     “I have received your letter and the credit from Morlands, &c. for
     whom I have also drawn upon you at sixty days’ sight for the
     remainder, according to your proposition.

“I am still waiting in Venice, in expectancy of the arrival of Hanson’s clerk.  What can detain him, I do not know; but I trust that Mr. Hobhouse, and Mr. Kinnaird, when their political fit is abated, will take the trouble to enquire and expedite him, as I have nearly a hundred thousand pounds depending upon the completion of the sale and the signature of the papers.

     “The draft on you is drawn up by Siri and Willhalm.  I hope that
     the form is correct.  I signed it two or three days ago, desiring
     them to forward it to Messrs. Morland and Ransom.

“Your projected editions for November had better be postponed, as I have some things in project, or preparation, that may be of use to you, though not very important in themselves.  I have completed an Ode on Venice, and have two Stories, one serious and one ludicrous (a la Beppo), not yet finished, and in no hurry to be so.

“You talk of the letter to Hobhouse being much admired, and speak of prose.  I think of writing (for your full edition) some Memoirs of my life, to prefix to them, upon the same model (though far enough, I fear, from reaching it) of Gifford, Hume, &c.; and this without any intention of making disclosures or remarks upon living people, which would be unpleasant to them:  but I think it might be done, and well done.  However,