I send the manuscript, of which Gifford says: “I read the manuscript, and with great
pleasure. It is indeed very good, and the plan is ingenious. The poetry is
in the best manner.” Nothing can be more ingeniously framed and
more interestingly told than this story. I liked it ten times better on the
third reading than on the first. I read it last night to D’Israeli and his family, and they were
perfectly overcome by it. The gradual madness of Parisina, the preparation and death of Hugo, and the subsequent description of Azo, by which, after all the story is over, you
recreate a new and most tender interest, are all most attractive and touching,
and in your best manner. In these matters I always liken myself to Molière’s “old woman”;
and when I am pleased I know our readers will be pleased. Where you can
strengthen expressions or lines, I entreat you to do so, but otherwise nothing
can be added or retrenched for its improvement, though it is a gem truly worth
polishing. These two tales form an invaluable contrast, and display the variety
of
| 360 | MEMOIRS OF JOHN MURRAY |
