An appeal was, about this time, made to his generosity, which the reputation of the person from whom it proceeded would, in the minds of most people, have justified him in treating with disregard, but which a more enlarged feeling of humanity led him to view in a very different light; for, when expostulated with by Mr. Murray on his generous intentions towards one “whom nobody else would give a single farthing to,” he answered, “it is for that very reason I give it, because nobody else will.”  The person in question was Mr. Thomas Ashe, author of a certain notorious publication called “The Book,” which, from the delicate mysteries discussed in its pages, attracted far more notice than its talent, or even mischief, deserved.  In a fit, it is to be hoped, of sincere penitence, this man wrote to Lord Byron, alleging poverty as his excuse for the vile uses to which he had hitherto prostituted his pen, and soliciting his Lordship’s aid towards enabling him to exist, in future, more reputably.  To this application the following answer, marked, in the highest degree, by good sense, humanity, and honourable sentiment, was returned by Lord Byron:—­

LETTER 152.  TO MR. ASHE.

     “4.  Bennet Street, St. James’s, Dec. 14. 1813.

     “Sir,

“I leave town for a few days to-morrow; on my return, I will answer your letter more at length.  Whatever may be your situation, I cannot but commend your resolution to abjure and abandon the publication and composition of works such as those to which you have alluded.  Depend upon it they amuse few, disgrace both reader and writer, and benefit none.  It will be my wish to assist you, as far as my limited means will admit, to break such a bondage.  In your answer, inform me what sum you think would enable you to extricate yourself from the hands of your employers, and to regain, at least, temporary independence, and I shall be glad to contribute my mite towards it.  At present, I must conclude.  Your name is not unknown to me, and I regret, for your own sake, that you have ever lent it to the works you mention.  In saying this, I merely repeat your own words in your letter to me, and have no wish whatever to say a single syllable that may appear to insult your misfortunes.  If I have, excuse me; it is unintentional.  Yours, &c.

     “BYRON.”

* * * * *

In answer to this letter, Ashe mentioned, as the sum necessary to extricate him from his difficulties, 150_l_.—­to be advanced at the rate of ten pounds per month; and, some short delay having occurred in the reply to this demand, the modest applicant, in renewing his suit, complained, it appears, of neglect:  on which Lord Byron, with a good temper which few, in a similar case, could imitate, answered him as follows:—­

LETTER 153.  TO MR. ASHE.