"Venice, July 10. 1818.
"I have received your letter and the credit from Morlands, &c. for
whom I have also drawn upon you at sixty days' sight for the
remainder, according to your proposition.
"I am still waiting in Venice, in expectancy of the arrival of
Hanson's clerk. What can detain him, I do not know; but I trust
that Mr. Hobhouse, and Mr. Kinnaird, when their political fit is
abated, will take the trouble to enquire and expedite him, as I
have nearly a hundred thousand pounds depending upon the completion
of the sale and the signature of the papers.
"The draft on you is drawn up by Siri and Willhalm. I hope that
the form is correct. I signed it two or three days ago, desiring
them to forward it to Messrs. Morland and Ransom.
"Your projected editions for November had better be postponed, as I
have some things in project, or preparation, that may be of use to
you, though not very important in themselves. I have completed an
Ode on Venice, and have two Stories, one serious and one ludicrous
(à la Beppo), not yet finished, and in no hurry to be so.
"You talk of the letter to Hobhouse being much admired, and speak
of prose. I think of writing (for your full edition) some Memoirs
of my life, to prefix to them, upon the same model (though far
enough, I fear, from reaching it) of Gifford, Hume, &c.; and this
without any intention of making disclosures or remarks upon living
people, which would be unpleasant to them: but I think it might be
done, and well done. However, this is to be considered. I have
_materials_ in plenty, but the greater part of them could not be
used by _me_, nor for these hundred years to come. However, there
is enough without these, and merely as a literary man, to make a
preface for such an edition as you meditate. But this is by the
way: I have not made up my mind.
"I enclose you a _note_ on the subject of '_Parisina_,' which
Hobhouse can dress for you. It is an extract of particulars from a
history of Ferrara.
"I trust you have been attentive to Missiaglia, for the English
have the character of neglecting the Italians, at present, which I
hope you will redeem.
"Yours in haste, B."
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