all in the war of words, and by his colloquial powers at once
delighted and kept us in order. H. and myself always had the worst
of it with the other two; and even M. yielded to the dashing
vivacity of S.D. But I am talking to you of men, or boys, as if you
cared about such beings.

"I expect mine agent down on the 14th to proceed to Lancashire,
where I hear from all quarters that I have a very valuable property
in coals, &c. I then intend to accept an invitation to Cambridge in
October, and shall, perhaps, run up to town. I have four
invitations--to Wales, Dorset, Cambridge, and Chester; but I must
be a man of business. I am quite alone, as these long letters sadly
testify. I perceive, by referring to your letter, that the Ode is
from the author; make my thanks acceptable to him. His muse is
worthy a nobler theme. You will write as usual, I hope. I wish you
good evening, and am," &c.

* * * * *

LETTER 67. TO MR. MURRAY.

"Newstead Abbey, Notts., Sept. 14. 1811.

"Sir,

"Since your former letter, Mr. Dallas informs me that the MS. has
been submitted to the perusal of Mr. Gifford, most contrary to my
wishes, as Mr. D. could have explained, and as my own letter to you
did, in fact, explain, with my motives for objecting to such a
proceeding. Some late domestic events, of which you are probably