124.  The Lyrics of Camoens, 1884.

This same year, too, he published his translation of the Lyrics of Camoens, in which, as will have been judged from the letters already quoted, he had been assisted by Mr. John Payne, who was also a Portuguese scholar and a lover of Camoens.  “The learning and research of your work,” wrote Mr. A. C. Swinburne, in reference to Burton’s six Camoens volumes, “are in many points beyond all praise of mine, but not more notable than the strength and skill that wield them.  I am hungrily anticipating the Arabian Nights.”

125.  More Letters to Payne, 1st October 1884.

On October 1st 1884, Burton wrote to thank Mr. Payne for a splendid and complete set (specially bound) of his edition of the Nights.  He says, “I am delighted with it, especially with the dedication.[FN#417] ...  To my horror Quaritch sent me a loose vol. of his last catalogue with a notice beginning, ’The only absolutely true translation of the [Arabian Nights], &c.’  My wife telegraphed to him and followed with a letter ordering it not to be printed.  All in vain.  I notice this only to let you know that the impertinence is wholly against my will.  Life in Trieste is not propitious to work as in the Baths; yet I get on tolerably.  Egypt is becoming a comedy.”  Then follows the amazing remark:  “I expect to see Gordon (who is doubtless hand in hand with the Mahdi) sent down to offer to guide Wolseley up to Khartum.”

126.  Death of Gordon, January 1885.

Burton little dreamt that the days of the heroic Englishman were numbered.  Sent by the English Government to the Soudan, Gordon had been at Khartum hardly a month before it was invested by the Mahdi.  The relief expedition arrived just two days too late.  Gordon was slain!  This was in January 1885.  The shock to Burton was comparable only to that which he received by the death of Speke.  In one of the illustrated papers there was a picture of Gordon lying in the desert with vultures hovering around.  “Take it away!” said Burton.  “I can’t bear to look at it.  I have had to feel like that myself.”

127.  W. F. Kirby,[FN#418] 25th March 1885.

Shortly after the announcement of his edition of the Nights, Burton received a letter from Mr. W. F. Kirby,[FN#418] better known as an entomologist, who had devoted much study to European editions of that work, a subject of which Burton knew but little.  Mr. Kirby offered to supply a bibliographical essay which could be used as an appendix.  Burton replied cordially, and this was the beginning of a very pleasant friendship.  Mr. Kirby frequently corresponded with Burton, and they often met at Mr. Kirby’s house, the Natural History Museum, South Kensington, or the British Museum.  Says Mr. Kirby:  “At the British Museum, Burton seemed more inclined to talk than to work.  I thought him weak in German[FN#419] and when I once asked him to help me with a Russian book, he was unable