III. c. 16. Byron did not confine his opposition to a speech in the
House of Lords. He also addressed "An Ode to the Framers of the Frame
Bill," which appeared in the 'Morning Chronicle' on Monday, March 2,
1812. The following letter to Perry, the editor, is published by
permission of Messrs. Ellis and Elvey, in whose possession is the
original:
"Sir,--I take the liberty of sending an alteration of the two last
lines of Stanza 2'd which I wish to run as follows,
"'Gibbets on Sherwood will _heighten_ the Scenery
Shewing how Commerce, _how_ Liberty thrives!'
"I wish you could insert it tomorrow for a particular reason; but I
feel much obliged by your inserting it at all. Of course, do not put
_my name_ to the thing. Believe me, Your obliged and very obed't
Serv't, BYRON.
"8, St. James Street, Sunday, March 1st, 1812."]
* * * * *
223.--To Master John Cowell. [1]
8, St. James's Street, February 12, 1812.
MY DEAR JOHN,--You have probably long ago forgotten the writer of these
lines, who would, perhaps, be unable to recognize _yourself_, from the
difference which must naturally have taken place in your stature and
appearance since he saw you last. I have been rambling through Portugal,
Spain, Greece, etc., etc., for some years, and have found so many
changes on my return, that it would be very unfair not to expect that
you should have had your share of alteration and improvement with the
rest.
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