ii. pp. 14, 15) suggests
that Byron used the translation of the poem which he himself had made
and published in 1812 or 1813.
Byron was also charged with pilfering them from Madame de Stael.
"Do you know de Stael's lines?" he asked Lady Blessington
('Conversations', pp. 326, 327); "for if I am a thief, she must be the
plundered, as I don't read German and do French: yet I could almost
swear that I never saw her verses when I wrote mine, nor do I even now
remember them. I think the first began with 'Cette terre,' etc., etc.;
but the rest I forget. As you have a good memory, perhaps you would
repeat them."
"I did so," says Lady Blessington, "and they are as follows:
"'Cette terre, ou les myrtes fleurissent,
Ou les rayons des cieux tombent avec amour,
Ou des sons enchanteurs dans les airs retentissent,
Ou la plus douce nuit succede au plus beau jour,' etc."]
* * * * *
375.--To John Murray.
Decr. y'r 14th, 1813.
Deare Sir,--Send y'e E'r of ye new R'w a copy as he hath had y'e trouble
of two walks on y't acct.
As to the man of the _Satirist_--I hope you have too much spirit to
allow a single Sheet to be offered as a peace offering to him or any
one. If you _do_, expect _never_ to be _forgiven_ by me--if he is not
personal he is quite welcome to his opinion--and if he is, I have my own
remedy.
Send a copy _double_ to Dr. Clarke (y'e traveller) Cambrigge by y'e
first opportunitie--and let me see you in y'e morninge y't I may mention
certain thinges y'e which require sundrie though slight alterations.
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