"February 17. 1814.
"The Courier of this evening accuses me of having 'received and
pocketed' large sums for my works. I have never yet received, nor
wish to receive, a farthing for any. Mr. Murray offered a thousand
for The Giaour and Bride of Abydos, which I said was too much, and
that if he could afford it at the end of six months, I would then
direct how it might be disposed of; but neither then, nor at any
other period, have I ever availed myself of the profits on my own
account. For the republication of the Satire I refused four
hundred guineas; and for the previous editions I never asked nor
received a _sous_, nor for any writing whatever. I do not wish you
to do any thing disagreeable to yourself; there never was nor shall
be any conditions nor stipulations with regard to any accommodation
that I could afford you; and, on your part, I can see nothing
derogatory in receiving the copyright. It was only assistance
afforded to a worthy man, by one not quite so worthy.
"Mr. Murray is going to contradict this [19]; but your name will
not be mentioned: for your own part, you are a free agent, and are
to do as you please. I only hope that now, as always, you will
think that I wish to take no unfair advantage of the accidental
opportunity which circumstances permitted me of being of use to
you. Ever," &c.
[Footnote 19: The statement of the Courier, &c.]
* * * * *
In consequence of this letter, Mr. Dallas addressed an explanation to
one of the newspapers, of which the following is a part;--the remainder
being occupied with a rather clumsily managed defence of his noble
benefactor on the subject of the Stanzas.