blasphemes about 'Parnassus' and 'Moses!' I am
ashamed for you. Won't you do any thing for the drama? We beseech
an Opera. Kinnaird's blunder was partly mine. I wanted you of all
things in the Committee, and so did he. But we are now glad you
were wiser; for it is, I doubt, a bitter business.

"When shall we see you in England? Sir Ralph Noel (_late_
Milbanke--he don't promise to be _late_ Noel in a hurry), finding
that one man can't inhabit two houses, has given his place in the
north to me for a habitation; and there Lady B. threatens to be
brought to bed in November. Sir R. and my Lady Mother are to
quarter at Kirby--Lord Wentworth's that was. Perhaps you and Mrs.
Moore will pay us a visit at Seaham in the course of the autumn. If
so, you and I (_without_ our _wives_) will take a lark to Edinburgh
and embrace Jeffrey. It is not much above one hundred miles from
us. But all this, and other high matters, we will discuss at
meeting, which I hope will be on your return. We don't leave town
till August.

"Ever," &c.

* * * * *

LETTER 224. TO MR. SOTHEBY.

"Sept. 15. 1815. Piccadilly Terrace.

"Dear Sir,

"'Ivan' is accepted, and will be put in progress on Kean's arrival.

"The theatrical gentlemen have a confident hope of its success. I
know not that any alterations for the stage will be necessary; if
any, they will be trifling, and you shall be duly apprised. I would
suggest that you should not attend any except the latter
rehearsals--the managers have requested me to state this to you.
You can see them, viz. Dibdin and Rae, whenever you please, and I
will do any thing you wish to be done on your suggestion, in the
mean time.

"Mrs. Mardyn is not yet out, and nothing can be determined till she
has made her appearance--I mean as to her capacity for the part you
mention, which I take it for granted is not in Ivan--as I think
Ivan may be performed very well without her. But of that hereafter.
Ever yours, very truly,

"BYRON.

"P.S. You will be glad to hear that the season has begun uncommonly
well--great and constant houses--the performers in much harmony
with the Committee and one another, and as much good-humour as can
be preserved in such complicated and extensive interests as the
Dr