"Cheltenham, September 27. 1812.
"I sent in no Address whatever to the Committee; but out of nearly
one hundred (this is _confidential_), none have been deemed worth
acceptance; and in consequence of their _subsequent_ application to
_me_, I have written a prologue, which _has_ been received, and
will be spoken. The MS. is now in the hands of Lord Holland.
"I write this merely to say, that (however it is received by the
audience) you will publish it in the next edition of Childe Harold;
and I only beg you at present to keep my name secret till you hear
further from me, and as soon as possible I wish you to have a
correct copy, to do with as you think proper.
"P.S.--I should wish a few copies printed off _before_, that the
newspaper copies may be correct _after_ the _delivery_."
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