"February 26. 1814.
"Dallas had, perhaps, have better kept silence;--but that was _his_
concern, and, as his facts are correct, and his motive not
dishonourable to himself, I wished him well through it. As for his
interpretations of the lines, he and any one else may interpret
them as they please. I have and shall adhere to my taciturnity,
unless something very particular occurs to render this impossible.
Do _not you_ say a word. If any one is to speak, it is the person
principally concerned. The most amusing thing is, that every one
(to me) attributes the abuse to the _man they personally most
dislike!_--some say C * * r, some C * * e, others F * * d, &c. &c.
&c. I do not know, and have no clue but conjecture. If discovered,
and he turns out a hireling, he must be left to his wages; if a
cavalier, he must 'wink, and hold out his iron.'
"I had some thoughts of putting the question to C * * r, but H.,
who, I am sure, would not dissuade me if it were right, advised me
by all means _not_;--'that I had no right to take it upon
suspicion,' &c. &c. Whether H. is correct I am not aware, but he
believes himself so, and says there can be but one opinion on that
subject. This I am, at least, sure of, that he would never prevent
me from doing what he deemed the duty of a _preux_ chevalier. In
such cases--at least, in this country--we must act according to
usages. In considering this instance, I dismiss my own personal
feelings. Any man will and must fight, when necessary,--even
without a motive. _Here_, I should take it up really without much
resentment; for, unless a woman one likes is in the way, it is some
years since I felt a _long_ anger. But, undoubtedly, could I, or
may I, trace it to a man of station, I should and shall do what is
proper.
"* * was angerly, but tried to conceal it. _You_ are not called
upon to avow the 'Twopenny,' and would only gratify them by so
doing. Do you not see the great object of all these fooleries is to
set him, and you, and me, and all persons whatsoever, by the
ears?--more especially those who are on good terms,--and nearly
succeeded. Lord H. wished me to _concede_ to Lord Carlisle--concede
to the devil!--to a man who used me ill? I told him, in answer,
that I would neither concede, nor recede on the subject, but be
silent altogether; unless any thing more could be said about Lady
H. and himself, who had been since my very good friends;--and there
it ended. This was no time for concessions to Lord C.
"I have been interrupted, but shall write again soon. Believe me
ever, my dear Moore," &c.
* * * * *
Another of his friends having expressed, soon after, some intention of
volunteering publicly in his defence, he lost no time in repressing him
by the following sensible letter:--