which in him was sincere (indeed it killed him as you killed Joe
Blackett), certes there is poesy and genius. I don't say this on
account of my simile and rhymes; but surely he was beyond all the
Bloomfields and Blacketts, and their collateral cobblers, whom
Lofft and Pratt have or may kidnap from their calling into the
service of the trade. You must excuse my flippancy, for I am
writing I know not what, to escape from myself. Hobhouse is gone to
Ireland. Mr. Davies has been here on his way to Harrowgate.

"You did not know M.: he was a man of the most astonishing powers,
as he sufficiently proved at Cambridge, by carrying off more prizes
and fellow-ships, against the ablest candidates, than any other
graduate on record; but a most decided atheist, indeed noxiously
so, for he proclaimed his principles in all societies. I knew him
well, and feel a loss not easily to be supplied to myself--to
Hobhouse never. Let me hear from you, and believe me," &c.

* * * * *

The progress towards publication of his two forthcoming works will be
best traced in his letters to Mr. Murray and Mr. Dallas.

LETTER 62. TO MR. MURRAY.

"Newstead Abbey, Notts., August 23. 1811.

"Sir,

"A domestic calamity in the death of a near relation has hitherto
prevented my addressing you on the subject of this letter.--My