“Had it not been for a temporary numbness in the fingers of my right hand, which prevented my writing, and for the certainty that you were not in want of matter, especially at this time, I should have sent back ‘Pope and Mademoiselle Dacier’* several days sooner. Although the proof was not faultless, considering the quantity of Greek, Latin, and French it contains, I think it was tolerably clean in the state it came to me. Make use of it how and when you think proper.
“If I could persuade myself that the removal of the veil which still hangs between you and me could afford you the least gratification, it would be done instantly; but I am convinced you would find yourself disappointed. This adoption of the anonyme is more owing to a whim of mine than to anything else; yet, until the ‘Gleanings’ have
* An interesting disquisition published in the Literary Gazette, No. 314. |
| 110 | AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY. |
