d truly.

"P.S. There is a report here of a change in France; but with what
truth is not yet known.

"P.S. My respects to Mrs. H. I _have_ the 'best opinion' of her
countrywomen; and at my time of life, (three and thirty, 22d
January, 1821,) that is to say, after the life I have led, a _good_
opinion is the only rational one which a man should entertain of
the whole sex--up to _thirty_, the worst possible opinion a man can
have of them in _general_, the better for himself. Afterwards, it
is a matter of no importance to them, nor to him either, what
opinion he entertains--his day is over, or, at least, should be.

"You see how sober I am become."

[Footnote 34: With such anxiety did he look to this essential part of
his daughter's education, that notwithstanding the many advantages she
was sure to derive from the kind and feminine superintendence of Mrs.
Shelley, his apprehensions, lest her feeling upon religious subjects
might be disturbed by the conversation of Shelley himself, prevented him
from allowing her to remain under his friend's roof.]

* * * * *

LETTER 418. TO MR. MURRAY.

"Ravenna, April 21. 1821.

"I enclose you another letter on Bowles. But I premise that it is
not like the former, and that I am not at all sure how _much_, if
_any_, of it should be published. Upon this point you can consult
with Mr. Gifford, and think twice before you publish it at all.

Yours truly,

B.

"P.S. You may make my subscription for Mr. Scott's widow, &c.
_thirty_ instead of the proposed _ten_ pounds; but do not put down
_my name_; put down N.N. only. The reason is, that, as I have
mentioned him in the enclosed pamphlet, it would look indelicate. I
would give more, but my disappointments last year about Rochdale
and the transfer from the funds render me more economical for the
present."

* * * * *

LETTER 419. TO MR. SHELLEY.

"Ravenna, April 26. 1821.

"The child continues doing well, and the accounts are regular and
favourable. It is gratifying to me that you and Mrs. Shelley do not
disapprove of the step which I have taken, which is merely
temporary.

"I am very sorry to hear what you say of Keats--is it actually
true? I did not think criticism had been so killing. Though I
differ