“A rose called by any other name would smell as
sweet.” So, in short Imogen
or Glorvina, you are equally the
same. We called, Saturday, at Sir William
Homan’s, and talked about you. Lady Charlotte said my tributary verses to you ought to be
prefixed to the Wild Irish Girl. Sir William said he was
| THE WILD IRISH GIRL. | 289 |
I send you a note from Cooper Walker, who is in raptures at your novel. You’ll see by the papers that Moore has very modestly and candidly told the public the nature of the affair between him and Jeffrey, who has made him a satisfactory and handsome amende honorable, and all is peace again. But he deserves to have his fancy chequered like your ladyship’s, which sometimes runs too frisky and floats wildly in the regions of fictitious, indiscreet expression; and, believe me, I am too much the friend of both not to curb your foaming and prancing Pegasus whenever it becomes unruly.
Now, as to your Opera, as I before told you, I like it much; but really it is a pity to smuggle it into an after-piece. I send it, therefore, to you to add to it; you’ll perceive some pencilled remarks of mine. There is great opportunity for spectacle and decoration, and the characters, so far, are very well, and the dialogue and songs very appropriate.
I tell you again, it is better to endeavour at a
representation on the London stage, both for gain and profit, than here; lose
no time, therefore, in adding to it by your fancy and invention. Take care of
the rest for your interest. At any rate, in its present incomplete and
ill-written state, and without a title, it is not fit to be laid before any
manager. You must, therefore, after you have made your alterations, in any way
you
| 290 | LADY MORGAN'S MEMOIR. |
I don’t know what name you should give your offspring. Tell me of some, and I’ll give you my opinion.
I have at last got your collection of Irish melodies: it is admirably printed, and I think the words excellent; of course the music is familiar to us. Have you got a set? If not, if you order one through me I’ll get it forwarded to you.
Had not Z. X. been put to the verses enclosed I should have sworn them to be yours. Pray keep them safe for me, I beseech you, for I consider them excellent, and breathe your patriotic tuneful spirit.
With best regards, you’ll believe me, my dear Miss Owenson,
PS. Did I send you my verses written at Donnington in 1802, at Lord Moira’s, which have just stole into print?
