For in removing a prejudice on
your Lordship's own mind, I had no intention of making any appeal by
or through you to the public, since my own habits of life have
rendered my defence as to avarice or rapacity rather too easy.
"Leaving this foolish matter where it lies, I have to request your
Lordship's acceptance of my best thanks for the flattering
communication which you took the trouble to make Mr. Murray on my
behalf, and which could not fail to give me the gratification which I
am sure you intended. I dare say our worthy bibliopolist overcoloured
his report of your Lordship's conversation with the Prince Regent, but
I owe my thanks to him nevertheless, for the excuse he has given me
for intruding these pages on your Lordship. Wishing you health,
spirit, and perseverance, to continue your pilgrimage through the
interesting countries which you have still to pass with 'Childe
Harold', I have the honour to be, my Lord,
"Your Lordship's obedient servant,
"WALTER SCOTT.
"P.S.--Will your Lordship permit me a verbal criticism on 'Childe
Harold', were it only to show I have read his Pilgrimage with
attention? 'Nuestra Dama de la Pena' means, I suspect, not our Lady of
Crime or Punishment, but our Lady of the Cliff; the difference is, I
believe, merely in the accentuation of 'pena'."
To Scott Byron replied with the letter given in the text. Scott's
answer, which followed in due course, will be found in Appendix V.
Pages:
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206