[Footnote 56:  A mode of signature he frequently adopted at this time.]

* * * * *

LETTER 110.  TO MR. MURRAY.

     “Cheltenham, September 27. 1812.

“I sent in no Address whatever to the Committee; but out of nearly one hundred (this is confidential), none have been deemed worth acceptance; and in consequence of their subsequent application to me, I have written a prologue, which has been received, and will be spoken.  The MS. is now in the hands of Lord Holland.

“I write this merely to say, that (however it is received by the audience) you will publish it in the next edition of Childe Harold; and I only beg you at present to keep my name secret till you hear further from me, and as soon as possible I wish you to have a correct copy, to do with as you think proper.

     “P.S.—­I should wish a few copies printed off before, that the
     newspaper copies may be correct after the delivery.”

* * * * *

LETTER 111.  TO MR. MURRAY.

     “Cheltenham, Oct. 12. 1812.

“I have a very strong objection to the engraving of the portrait[57], and request that it may, on no account, be prefixed; but let all the proofs be burnt, and the plate broken.  I will be at the expense which has been incurred; it is but fair that I should, since I cannot permit the publication.  I beg, as a particular favour, that you will lose no time in having this done, for which I have reasons that I will state when I see you.  Forgive all the trouble I have occasioned you.

“I have received no account of the reception of the Address, but see it is vituperated in the papers, which does not much embarrass an old author.  I leave it to your own judgment to add it, or not, to your next edition when required.  Pray comply strictly with my wishes as to the engraving, and believe me, &c.

“P.S.—­Favour me with an answer, as I shall not be easy till I hear that the proofs, &c. are destroyed.  I hear that the Satirist has reviewed Childe Harold, in what manner I need not ask; but I wish to know if the old personalities are revived?  I have a better reason for asking this than any that merely concerns myself; but in publications of that kind, others, particularly female names, are sometimes introduced.”

[Footnote 57:  A miniature by Sanders.  Besides this miniature, Sanders had also painted a full length of his Lordship, from which the portrait prefixed to this work is engraved.  In reference to the latter picture, Lord Byron says, in a note to Mr. Rogers, “If you think the picture you saw at Murray’s worth your acceptance, it is yours; and you may put a glove or mask on it, if you like.”]