LETTER 303. TO MR. HOPPNER.

"Venice, December 15. 1817.

"I should have thanked you before, for your favour a few days ago,
had I not been in the intention of paying my respects, personally,
this evening, from which I am deterred by the recollection that you
will probably be at the Count Goess's this evening, which has made
me postpone my intrusion.

"I think your Elegy a remarkably good one, not only as a
composition, but both the politics and poetry contain a far greater
portion of truth and generosity than belongs to the times, or to
the professors of these opposite pursuits, which usually agree only
in one point, as extremes meet. I do not know whether you wished me
to retain the copy, but I shall retain it till you tell me
otherwise; and am very much obliged by the perusal.

"My own sentiments on Venice, &c., such as they are, I had already
thrown into verse last summer, in the fourth Canto of Childe
Harold, now in preparation for the press; and I think much more
highly of them, for being in coincidence with yours.

"Believe me yours," &c.

* * * * *

LETTER 304. TO MR. MURRAY.

"Venice, January 8. 1818.