When my poem, ‘The Undying One,’ was first written, it was offered to you with a very over-rated idea of what it was worth, in many respects.
You refused to publish it, and favoured me at the time with some criticisms on the style and subject, which I have always remembered, though the temptation to publish it, at the time, was very strong, and I therefore agreed with Mr. Colburn, who made your refusal a plea for fulfilling only one half of his original agreement.
I have now another, a shorter poem by me, called ‘The Maiden’s Dream.’ I have taken pains with it, and have avoided, as far as I could, all the faults imputed to my first attempt. My wish is to print it with fugitive pieces, in one vol., and sell the MS. for £100; but I would willingly give the manuscript without the last-mentioned condition, if you would undertake the publication. I saw that you had printed Lady Emmeline Wortley’s poems: for many years you have been the encourager and supporter of poetical talent; and as I am still as eager (though I hope more humble than when I set out), I hope you do not mean to make me the exception to your rule.
If you would see me on this subject to-morrow, before five, and would name the hour most convenient, Mr. Norton would accompany me to Albemarle Street. I mention to-morrow, because it is one of Mr. Norton’s very few leisure days, and if that is inconvenient I shall hope to be able to fix another.
