TO MR. MOORE.

"January 13. 1814.

"I have but a moment to write, but all is as it should be. I have
said really far short of my opinion, but if you think enough, I am
content. Will you return the proof by the post, as I leave town on
Sunday, and have no other corrected copy. I put 'servant,' as being
less familiar before the public; because I don't like presuming
upon our friendship to infringe upon forms. As to the other _word_,
you may be sure it is one I cannot hear or repeat too often.

"I write in an agony of haste and confusion.--Perdonate."

* * * * *

LETTER 157. TO MR. MURRAY.

"January 15. 1814.

"Before any proof goes to Mr. Gifford, it may be as well to revise
this, where there are _words omitted_, faults committed, and the
devil knows what. As to the dedication, I cut out the parenthesis
of _Mr._[9], but not another word shall move unless for a better.
Mr. Moore has seen, and decidedly preferred the part your Tory bile
sickens at. If every syllable were a rattle-snake, or every letter
a pestilence, they should not be expunged. Let those who cannot
swallow chew the expressions on Ireland; or should even Mr. Croker
array himself in all his terrors them, I care for none of you,
except Gifford; and he won't abuse me, except I deserve it--which