"Newstead Abbey, Notts., Sept. 14. 1811.

"Sir,

"Since your former letter, Mr. Dallas informs me that the MS. has
been submitted to the perusal of Mr. Gifford, most contrary to my
wishes, as Mr. D. could have explained, and as my own letter to you
did, in fact, explain, with my motives for objecting to such a
proceeding. Some late domestic events, of which you are probably
aware, prevented my letter from being sent before; indeed, I hardly
conceived you would so hastily thrust my productions into the hands
of a stranger, who could be as little pleased by receiving them, as
their author is at their being offered, in such a manner, and to
such a man.

"My address, when I leave Newstead, will be to 'Rochdale,
Lancashire;' but I have not yet fixed the day of departure, and I
will apprise you when ready to set off.

"You have placed me in a very ridiculous situation, but it is past,
and nothing more is to be said on the subject. You hinted to me
that you wished some alterations to be made; if they have nothing
to do with politics or religion, I will make them with great
readiness. I am, Sir," &c.&c.

* * * * *

TO MR. MURRAY.

"Newstead Abbey, Sept. 16. 1811.[26]

"I return the proof, which I should wish to be shown to Mr. Dallas,
who understands typographical arrangements much better than I can
pretend to do. The printer may place the notes in his _own way_,
or any _way_ so that they are out of _my way_; I care nothing
about types or margins.

"If you have any communication to make, I shall be here at least a
week or ten days longer.

"I am, Sir," &c. &c.

[Footnote 26: On a leaf of one of his paper-books I find an Epigram
written at this time, which, though not perhaps particularly good, I
consider myself bound to insert:--

"ON MOORE'S LAST OPERATIC FARCE, OR FARCICAL OPERA.

"Good plays are scarce,
So Moore writes farce:
The poet's fame grows brittle--
We knew before
That _Little's_ Moore,
But now 'tis _Moore_ that's _little_.
Sept. 14. 1811."
]

* * * * *

LETTER 68. TO MR. DALLAS.

"Newstead Abbey, Sept. 17. 1811.

"I can easily excuse your not writing, as you have, I hope,
something better to do, and you must pardon my fre