I have hopes of his joining us at Newstead. I am sure
you would like him more and more as he developes,--at least I do.
How Miller and Bland go on, I don't know. Cawthorne talks of being in
treaty for a novel of Madame D'Arblay's, and if he obtains it (at 1500
guineas!!) wishes me to see the MS. This I should read with pleasure,--
not that I should ever dare to venture a criticism on her whose writings
Dr. Johnson once revised, but for the pleasure of the thing. If my
worthy publisher wanted a sound opinion, I should send the MS. to Rogers
and Moore, as men most alive to true taste. I have had frequent letters
from Wm. Harness, and _you_ are silent; certes, you are not a schoolboy.
However, I have the consolation of knowing that you are better employed,
viz. reviewing. You don't deserve that I should add another syllable,
and I won't.
Yours, etc.
P.S.--I only wait for your answer to fix our meeting.
[Footnote 1: Hodgson published, in 1810, 'Sir Edgar, a Tale'.]
* * * * *
216.--To R. C. Dallas.
[Undated, Dec.? 1811] [1]
DEAR SIR,--I have only this scrubby paper to write on--excuse it. I am
certain that I sent some more notes on Spain and Portugal, particularly
one on the latter. Pray rummage, and don't mind my _politics_. I believe
I leave town next week. Are you better? I hope so.
Yours ever,
B.
[Footnote 1: Dallas's answer is dated December 14, 1811]
* * * * *
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