and not ’lost,’ which is nonsense, as what losing a scale means, I know not; but leaving an unbalanced scale, or a scale unbalanced, is intelligible.[28] Correct this, I pray,—­not for the public, or the poetry, but I do not choose to have blunders made in addressing any of the deities so seriously as this is addressed.

     “Yours, &c.

     “P.S.  In the translation from the Spanish, alter

        “In increasing squadrons flew,

     to—­

        To a mighty squadron grew.

     “What does ‘thy waters wasted them’ mean (in the Canto)? That is
     not me.[29] Consult the MS. always.

     “I have written the first Canto (180 octave stanzas) of a poem in
     the style of Beppo, and have Mazeppa to finish besides.

“In referring to the mistake in stanza 132.  I take the opportunity to desire that in future, in all parts of my writings referring to religion, you will be more careful, and not forget that it is possible that in addressing the Deity a blunder may become a blasphemy; and I do not choose to suffer such infamous perversions of my words or of my intentions.

     “I saw the Canto by accident.”

[Footnote 28:  This correction, I observe, has never been made,—­the passage still remaining, unmeaningly,

“Lost the unbalanced scale.” ]

[Footnote 29:  This passage also remains uncorrected.]

* * * * *

LETTER 324.  TO MR. MURRAY.

     “Venice, January 20. 1819.

“The opinions which I have asked of Mr. H. and others were with regard to the poetical merit, and not as to what they may think due to the cant of the day, which still reads the Bath Guide, Little’s Poems, Prior, and Chaucer, to say nothing of Fielding and Smollet.  If published, publish entire, with the above-mentioned exceptions; or you may publish anonymously, or not at all.  In the latter event, print 50 on my account, for private distribution.

     “Yours, &c.

     “I have written to Messrs. K. and H. to desire that they will not
     erase more than I have stated.

     “The second Canto of Don Juan is finished in 206 stanzas.”

* * * * *

LETTER 325.  TO MR. MURRAY.

     “Venice, January 25. 1819.

“You will do me the favour to print privately (for private distribution) fifty copies of ‘Don Juan.’  The list of the men to whom I wish it to be presented, I will send hereafter.  The other two poems had best be added to the collective edition:  I do not approve of their being published separately.  Print Don Juan entire, omitting, of course, the lines on Castlereagh, as I am not on the spot to meet him.  I have a second Canto ready, which will be sent by and by.  By this post, I have written to Mr. Hobhouse, addressed to your care.

     “Yours, &c.