boot_, which the _Hun_ now wears, and will trample them
to ashes with for their servility. I have risked myself with the others
_here_, and how far I may or may not be compromised is a problem at this
moment. Some of them, like Craigengelt, would 'tell all, and more than
all, to save themselves.' But, come what may, the cause was a glorious
one, though it reads at present as if the Greeks had run away from
Xerxes. Happy the few who have only to reproach themselves with
believing that these rascals were less 'rascaille' than they
proved!--_Here_ in Romagna, the efforts were necessarily limited to
preparations and good intentions, until the Germans were fairly engaged
in _equal_ warfare--as we are upon their very frontiers, without a
single fort or hill nearer than San Marino. Whether 'hell will be paved
with' those 'good intentions,' I know not; but there will probably be
good store of Neapolitans to walk upon the pavement, whatever may be its
composition. Slabs of lava from their mountain, with the bodies of their
own damned souls for cement, would be the fittest causeway for Satan's
'Corso.'"

* * * * *

LETTER 423. TO MR. MURRAY.

"Ravenna, May 10. 1821.

"I have just got your packet. I am obliged to Mr. Bowles, and Mr.
Bowles is obliged to me, for having restored him to good-humour. He
is to write, and you to publish, what you please,--_motto_ and
subject. I desire nothing but fair play for all parties. Of course,
after the new tone of Mr. Bowles, you will _not_ publish my
_defence of Gilchrist_: it would be brutal to do so after his
urbanity, for it is rather too rough, like his own attack upon
Gilchrist. You may tell him what I say there of _his Missionary_
(it is praised, as it deserves). However, and if there are any
passages _not personal_ to Bowles, and yet bearing upon the
question, you may add them to the reprint (if it is reprinted) of
my first Letter to you. Upon this consult Gifford; and, above all,
don't let any thing be added which can _personally_ affect Mr.
Bowles.

"In the enclosed notes, of course what I say of the _democracy_ of
poetry cannot apply to Mr. Bowles, but to the Cockney and water
washing-tub schools.

"I hope and trust that Elliston _won't_ be permitted to act the
drama. Surely _he_ might have the grace to wait for Kean's return
before he attemp