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. [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, [418] 25th March 1885.

Shortly after the announcement of his edition of the Nights, Burton
received a letter from Mr. W. F. Kirby, [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
Kensingto