* * * * *

LETTER 148.  TO MR. MURRAY.

     “November 27. 1813.

“If you look over this carefully by the last proof with my corrections, it is probably right; this you can do as well or better;—­I have not now time.  The copies I mentioned to be sent to different friends last night, I should wish to be made up with the new Giaours, if it also is ready.  If not, send The Giaour afterwards.

“The Morning Post says I am the author of Nourjahad!!  This comes of lending the drawings for their dresses; but it is not worth a formal contradiction.  Besides, the criticisms on the supposition will, some of them, be quite amusing and furious.  The Orientalism—­which I hear is very splendid—­of the melodrame (whosever it is, and I am sure I don’t know) is as good as an advertisement for your Eastern Stories, by filling their heads with glitter.

     “P.S.  You will of course say the truth, that I am not the
     melodramist—­if any one charges me in your presence with the
     performance.”

* * * * *

LETTER 149.  TO MR. MURRAY.

     “November 28. 1813.

“Send another copy (if not too much of a request) to Lady Holland of the Journal[111], in my name, when you receive this; it is for Earl Grey—­and I will relinquish my own.  Also to Mr. Sharpe, and Lady Holland, and Lady Caroline Lamb, copies of ‘The Bride’ as soon as convenient.

“P.S.  Mr. Ward and myself still continue our purpose; but I shall not trouble you on any arrangement on the score of The Giaour and The Bride till our return,—­or, at any rate, before May, 1814,—­that is, six months from hence:  and before that time you will be able to ascertain how far your offer may be a losing one; if so, you can deduct proportionably; and if not, I shall not at any rate allow you to go higher than your present proposal, which is very handsome, and more than fair.[112]

“I have had—­but this must be entre nous—­a very kind note, on the subject of ‘The Bride,’ from Sir James Mackintosh, and an invitation to go there this evening, which it is now too late to accept.”

[Footnote 111:  Penrose’s Journal, a book published by Mr. Murray at this time.]

[Footnote 112:  Mr. Murray had offered him a thousand guineas for the two poems.]

* * * * *

TO MR. MURRAY.

     “November 29. 1813.  Sunday—­Monday morning—­three o’clock—­in my
     doublet and hose,—­swearing.