"Venice, April 17. 1818.
"A few days ago, I wrote to you a letter, requesting you to desire
Hanson to desire his messenger to come on from Geneva to Venice,
because I won't go from Venice to Geneva; and if this is not done,
the messenger may be damned, with him who mis-sent him. Pray
reiterate my request.
"With the proofs returned, I sent two additional stanzas for Canto
fourth: did they arrive?
"Your Monthly reviewer has made a mistake: _Cavaliere_, alone, is
well enough; but '_Cavalier' servente_' has always the _e_ mute in
conversation, and omitted in writing; so that it is not for the
sake of metre; and pray let Griffiths know this, with my
compliments. I humbly conjecture that I know as much of Italian
society and language as any of his people; but, to make assurance
doubly sure, I asked, at the Countess Benzona's last night, the
question of more than one person in _the office_, and of these
'cavalieri serventi' (in the plural, recollect) I found that they
all accorded in pronouncing for 'cavalier' servente' in the
_singular_ number. I wish Mr. * * * * (or whoever Griffiths'
scribbler may be) would not talk of what he don't understand. Such
fellows are not fit to be intrusted with Italian, even in a
quotation.
"Did you receive two additional stanzas, to be inserted towards the
close of Canto fourth? Respond, that (if not) they may be sent.
"Tell Mr. * * and Mr. Hanson that they may as well expect Geneva to
come to me, as that I should go to Geneva. The messenger may go on
or return, as he pleases; I won't stir: and I look upon it as a
piece of singular absurdity in those who know me imagining that I
should;--not to say _malice_, in attempting unnecessary torture.
If, on the occasion, my interests should suffer, it is their
neglect that is to blame; and they may all be d----d together.
"It is ten o'clock and time to dress.
"Yours," &c.
* * * * *