"Diodati, near Geneva, July 22. 1816.
"I wrote to you a few weeks ago, and Dr. Polidori received your
letter; but the packet has not made its appearance, nor the
epistle, of which you gave notice therein. I enclose you an
advertisement[108], which was copied by Dr. Polidori, and which
appears to be about the most impudent imposition that ever issued
from Grub Street. I need hardly say that I know nothing of all this
trash, nor whence it may spring,--'Odes to St. Helena,'--'Farewells
to England,' &c. &c.--and if it can be disavowed, or is worth
disavowing, you have full authority to do so. I never wrote, nor
conceived, a line on any thing of the kind, any more than of two
other things with which I was saddled--something about 'Gaul,' and
another about 'Mrs. La Valette;' and as to the 'Lily of France,' I
should as soon think of celebrating a turnip. 'On the Morning of my
Daughter's Birth,' I had other things to think of than verses; and
should never have dreamed of such an invention, till Mr. Johnston
and his pamphlet's advertisement broke in upon me with a new light
on the crafts and subtleties of the demon of printing,--or rather
publishing.
"I did hope that some succeeding lie would have superseded the
thousand and one which were accumulated during last winter. I can
forgive whatever may be said of or against me, but not what they
make me say or sing for myself. It is enough to answer for what I
have written; but it were too much for Job himself to bear what one
has not. I suspect that when the Arab Patriarch wished that his
'enemy had written a book,' he did not anticipate his own name on
the title-page. I feel quite as much bored with this foolery as it
deserves, and more than I should be if I had not a headach.
"Of Glenarvon, Madame de Staël told me (ten days ago, at Copet)
marvellous and grievous things; but I have seen nothing of it but
the motto, which promises amiably 'for us and for our tragedy.' If
such be the posy, what should the ring be? 'a name to all
succeeding[109],' &c. The generous moment selected for the
publication is probably its kindest accompaniment, and--truth to
say--the time _was_ well chosen. I have not even a guess at the
contents, except from the very vague accounts I have heard.
"I ought to be ashamed of the egotism of this letter. It is not my
fault altogether, and I shall be but too happy to drop the subject
when others will allow me.
"I am in tolerable plight, and in my last letter told you what I
had done in the way of all rhyme. I trust that you prosper, and
that your authors are in good condition. I should suppose your stud
has received some increase by what I hear. Bertram must be a good
horse; does he run next meeting? I hope you will beat the Row.
Yours alway," &c.
[Footnote 108: The following was the advertisement enclosed:--
"Neatly printed and hot-pressed, 2s. 6d.
"Lord Byron's Farewell to England, with Three other Poems--Ode to
St. Helena, to My Daughter on her Birthday, and To the Lily of
France.
"Printed by J. Johnston, Cheapside, 335.; Oxford, 9.
"The above beautiful Poems will be read with the most lively
interest, as it is probable they will be the last of the author's
that will appear in England."
]
[Footnote 109: The motto is--
He left a name to all succeeding times,
Link'd with one virtue and a thousand crimes."
]
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