In answer to this letter, Ashe mentioned, as the sum necessary to
extricate him from his difficulties, 150_l_.--to be advanced at the rate
of ten pounds per month; and, some short delay having occurred in the
reply to this demand, the modest applicant, in renewing his suit,
complained, it appears, of neglect: on which Lord Byron, with a good
temper which few, in a similar case, could imitate, answered him as
follows:--

LETTER 153. TO MR. ASHE.

"January 5. 1814.

"Sir,

"When you accuse a stranger of neglect, you forget that it is
possible business or absence from London may have interfered to
delay his answer, as has actually occurred in the present instance.
But to the point. I am willing to do what I can to extricate you
from your situation. Your first scheme[114] I was considering; but
your own impatience appears to have rendered it abortive, if not
irretrievable. I will deposit in Mr. Murray's hands (with his
consent) the sum you mentioned, to be advanced for the time at ten
pounds per month.

"P.S.--I write in the greatest hurry, which may make my letter a
little abrupt; but, as I said before, I have no wish to distress
your feelings."

[Footnote 114: His first intention had been to go out, as a settler, to