“As I wish the soul of the late Antoine Galignani to rest in peace, (you will have read his death, published by himself, in his own newspaper,) you are requested particularly to inform his children and heirs, that of their ‘Literary Gazette,’ to which I subscribed more than two months ago, I have only received one number, notwithstanding I have written to them repeatedly.  If they have no regard for me, a subscriber, they ought to have some for their deceased parent, who is undoubtedly no better off in his present residence for this total want of attention.  If not, let me have my francs.  They were paid by Missiaglia, the Wenetian bookseller.  You may also hint to them that when a gentleman writes a letter, it is usual to send an answer.  If not, I shall make them ‘a speech,’ which will comprise an eulogy on the deceased.

“We are here full of war, and within two days of the seat of it, expecting intelligence momently.  We shall now see if our Italian friends are good for any thing but ‘shooting round a corner,’ like the Irishman’s gun.  Excuse haste,—­I write with my spurs putting on.  My horses are at the door, and an Italian Count waiting to accompany me in my ride.

     “Yours, &c.

“P.S.  Pray, amongst my letters, did you get one detailing the death
of the commandant here?  He was killed near my door, and died in my
house.

“BOWLES AND CAMPBELL.

“To the air of ‘How now, Madame Flirt,’ in the Beggars’ Opera.

BOWLES.  “Why, how now, saucy Tom,
If you thus must ramble,
I will publish some
Remarks on Mr. Campbell.

CAMPBELL.  “Why, how now, Billy Bowles,
&c. &c. &c.”

* * * * *

LETTER 415.  TO MR. MURRAY.

“March 2. 1821.

“This was the beginning of a letter which I meant for Perry, but stopped short, hoping you would be able to prevent the theatres.  Of course you need not send it; but it explains to you my feelings on the subject.  You say that ’there is nothing to fear, let them do what they please;’ that is to say, that you would see me damned with great tranquillity.  You are a fine fellow.”

* * * * *

TO MR. PERRY.

     “Ravenna, January 22. 1821.

     “Dear Sir,

“I have received a strange piece of news, which cannot be more disagreeable to your public than it is to me.  Letters and the gazettes do me the honour to say that it is the intention of some of the London managers to bring forward on their stage the poem of ‘Marino Faliero,’ &c. which was never intended for such an exhibition, and I trust will never undergo it.  It is certainly unfit for it.  I have never written but for the solitary reader, and require no experiments for applause beyond his silent approbation.  Since such an attempt