me like a young
mistress to an old man--the worse they grow, the fonder I become of
them. As Mr. Gilford likes the 'Portuguese Translation[11],' pray
insert it as an addition to The Corsair.

"In all points of difference between Mr. Gifford and Mr. Dallas,
let the first keep his place; and in all points of difference
between Mr. Gifford and Mr. Anybody-else, I shall abide by the
former; if I am wrong, I can't help it. But I would rather not be
right with any other person. So there is an end of that matter.
After all the trouble he has taken about me and mine, I should be
very ungrateful to feel or act otherwise. Besides, in point of
judgment, he is not to be lowered by a comparison. In _politics_,
he may be right too; but that with me is a _feeling_, and I can't
_torify_ my nature."

[Footnote 11: His translation of the pretty Portuguese song, "Tu mi
chamas." He was tempted to try another version of this ingenious
thought, which is, perhaps, still more happy, and has never, I believe,
appeared in print.

"You call me still your _life_--ah! change the word--
Life is as transient as th' inconstant's sigh;
Say rather I'm your _soul_, more just that name,
For, like the soul, my love can never die."
]

* * * * *

LETTER 159. TO MR. MURRAY.

"Newstead Abbey, February 4. 1814.

"I need not say that your obliging letter was very welcome, and not
the less so for being unexpected.

"It doubtless gratifies me much that our _finale_ has pleased, and
that the curtain drops gracefully.[12] _You_ deserve it should, for
your promptitude and good nature in arranging immediately with Mr.
Dallas; and I can assure you that I esteem your entering so warmly
into the subject, and writing to me so soon upon it, as a personal
obligation. We shall now part, I hope, satisfied with each other. I
_was_ and am quite in earnest in my prefatory promise not to
intrude any more; and this not from any affectation, but a thorough
conviction that it is the best policy, and is at least respectful
to my readers, as it shows that I would not willingly run the risk
of forfeiting their favour in future. Besides, I have other views
and objects, and think that I shall keep this resolution; for,
since I left London, though shut up, _snow_-bound, _thaw_-bound,