he is so very deeply occupied, that I am
apprehensive he neglects them: but I am unwilling to take them
out of his hands, lest I offend him. Your letting me know when
I may call will greatly oblige,--Dear Sir, your most obedient
servant,

GEORGE BORROW.

To Dr. John Bowring

17 GREAT RUSSELL STREET, BLOOMSBURY. [_Dec. 28, 1829._][89]

MY DEAR SIR,--I trouble you with these lines for the purpose of
submitting a little project of mine for your approbation. When
I had last the pleasure of being at yours, you mentioned, that
we might at some future period unite our strength in composing
a kind of Danish Anthology. You know, as well as I, that by far
the most remarkable portion of Danish poetry is comprised in
those ancient popular productions termed _Kaempe Viser_, which I
have translated. Suppose we bring forward at once the first
volume of the Danish Anthology, which should contain the heroic
and supernatural songs of the _K. V._, which are certainly the
most interesting; they are quite ready for the press with the
necessary notes, and with an introduction which I am not
ashamed of. The second volume might consist of the Historic
songs and the ballads and Romances, this and the third volume,
which should consist of the modern Danish poetry, and should
commence with the celebrated 'Ode to the Birds' by Morten
Borup, might appear in company at the beginning of next season.
To Oelenslager should be allotted the principal part of the
fourth volume; and it is my opinion that amongst his minor
pieces should be given a good translation of his Aladdin, by
which alone he has rendered his claim to the title of a great
poet indubitable. A proper Danish Anthology cannot be contained
in less than 4 volumes, the literature being so copious. The
first volume, as I said before, might appear instanter, with no
further trouble to yourself than writing, if you should think
fit, a page or two of introductory matter.--Yours most truly,
my dear Sir,

GEORGE BORROW.

To Dr. John Bowring

17 GREAT RUSSELL STREET, _Decr. 31, 1829._

MY DEAR SIR,--I received your note, and as it appears that you
will not be disengaged till next Friday evening (this day week)
I will call then. You think that no more than