from this and a few other instances,
that notwithstanding the wonderful purity of English he was able to
preserve in his writings, while living constantly with persons speaking
a different language, he had already begun so far to feel the influence
of this habit as to fall occasionally into Italianisms in his familiar
letters.--"I am in the case to know"--"I have caused write"--"It regrets
me," &c.]

[Footnote 50: An anonymous letter which he had received, threatening him
with assassination.]

[Footnote 51: In this note, so highly honourable to the fair writer, she
says, "Remember, my Byron, the promise you have made me. Never shall I
be able to tell you the satisfaction I feel from it, so great are the
sentiments of pleasure and confidence with which the sacrifice you have
made has inspired me." In a postscript to the note she adds, "I am only
sorry that Don Juan was not left in the infernal regions."--"Ricordati,
mio Byron, della promessa che mi hai fatta. Non potrei mai dirti la
satisfazione ch' io ne provo!--sono tanti i sentimenti di piacere e di
confidenza che il tuo sacrificio m'inspira."--"Mi reveresce solo che Don
Giovanni non resti all' Inferno."

In enclosing the lady's note to Mr. Murray, July 4th, Lord B. says,
"This is the note of acknowledgment for the promise not to continue Don
Juan. She says, in the postscript, that she is only sorry that D.J. does
not _remain_ in Hell (or go there)".]

* * * * *

LETTER 451. TO MR. MURRAY.

"Ravenna, September 12. 1821.

"By Tuesday's post, I forwarded, in three packets, the drama of
Cain in three acts, of which I request the acknowledgment when
arrived. To the last speech of _Eve_, in the last act (_i.e._ where
she curses Cain), add these three lines to the concluding one--

"May the grass wither from thy foot! the woods
Deny thee shelter! earth a home! the dust
A grave! the sun his light! and Heaven her God!

"There's as pretty a piece of imprecation for you, when joined to
the lines already sent, as you may wish to meet with in the course
of your business. But don't forget the addition of the above three
lines, which are clinchers to Eve's speech.

"Let me know what Gifford thinks (if the play arrives in safety);
for I have a good opinion of the piece, as poetry; it is in my gay
metaphysical style, and in the Manfred line.

"You mus