“The Courier of this evening accuses me of having ‘received and pocketed’ large sums for my works. I have never yet received, nor wished to receive, a farthing for any. Mr. Murray offered a thousand for the Giaour and Bride of Abydos, which I said was too much, and that if he could afford it at the end of six months, I would then direct how it might be disposed of; but neither then, nor at any other period, have I ever availed myself of the profits on my own account. For the republication of the Satire, I refused four hundred guineas; and for the previous editions I never asked nor received a sous, nor for any writing whatever. I do not wish you to do any thing disagreeable to yourself; there never was nor shall be any conditions nor stipulations with regard to any accommodation that I could afford you; and, on your part, I can see nothing derogatory in receiving the copyright. It was only assistance afforded to a worthy man, by one not quite so worthy.
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* I had endeavoured to persuade him to take a part in parliamentary affairs, and to exercise his talent for oratory more frequently. |
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† In concluding my letter, having said “God bless you!” I added—“that is, if you have no objection.” |
| 532 | NOTICES OF THE | A. D. 1814. |
“Mr. Murray is going to contradict this*; but your name will not be mentioned: for your own part, you are a free agent, and are to do as you please. I only hope that now, as always, you will think that I wish to take no unfair advantage of the accidental opportunity which circumstances permitted me of being of use to you.
