because we have had Turkish Tales, and Hindoo Tales, and Assyrian
Tales, already; and _tale_ is a word of which it repents me to have
nicknamed poesy. 'Fable' would be better; and, secondly, 'Persian
Tale' reminds one of the lines of Pope on Ambrose Phillips; though
no one can say, to be sure, that this tale has been 'turned for
half-a-crown;' still it is as well to avoid such clashings.
'Persian Story'--why not?--or Romance? I feel as anxious for Moore
as I could do for myself, for the soul of me, and I would not have
him succeed otherwise than splendidly, which I trust he will do.

"With regard to the 'Witch Drama,' I sent all the three acts by
post, week after week, within this last month. I repeat that I have
not an idea if it is good or bad. If bad, it must, on no account,
be risked in publication; if good, it is at your service I value it
at _three hundred_ guineas, or less, if you like it. Perhaps, if
published, the best way will be to add it to your winter volume,
and not publish separately. The price will show you I don't pique
myself upon it; so speak out. You may put it in the fire, if you
like, and Gifford don't like.

"The Armenian Grammar is published--that is, _one_; the other is
still in MS. My illness has prevented me from moving this month
past, and I have done nothing more with the Armenian.

"Of Italian or rather Lombard manners, I could tell you little or
nothing: I went two or three times to the governor's conversazione,
(and if you go once, you are free to go always,) at which, as I
only saw very plain women, a formal circle, in short a _worst sort_
of rout, I did not go again. I went to Academie and to Madame
Albrizzi's, where I saw pretty much the same thing, with the
addition of some literati, who are the same _blue_[132], by ----,
all the world over. I fell in love the first week with Madame * *,
and I have continued so ever since, because she is very pretty and
pleasing, and talks Venetian, which amuses me, and is naive.

"Very truly, &c.

"P.S. Pray send the red tooth-powder by a _safe hand_, and
speedily.[133]

"To hook the reader, you, John Murray,
Have publish'd 'Anjou's Margaret,'
Which won't be sold off in a hurry
(At least, it has not been as yet);
And then, still fur