"Ravenna, May 25. 1820.
"A German named Ruppsecht has sent me, heaven knows why, several
Deutsche Gazettes, of all which I understand neither word nor
letter. I have sent you the enclosed to beg you to translate to me
some remarks, which appear to be _Goethe's upon_ Manfred--and if I
may judge by _two_ notes of _admiration_ (generally put after
something ridiculous by us) and the word '_hypocondrisch_,' are any
thing but favourable. I shall regret this, for I should have been
proud of Goethe's good word; but I sha'n't alter my opinion of him,
even though he should be savage.
"Will you excuse this trouble, and do me this favour?--Never
mind--soften nothing--I am literary proof--having had good and evil
said in most modern languages.
"Believe me," &c.
* * * * *