So far as Newman was concerned, it so fell out that Monsignor
Talbot needed no prompting. During the sensation caused by the
appearance of the Apologia, it had occurred to him that it would
be an excellent plan to secure Newman as a preacher during Lent
for the fashionable congregation which attended his church in the
Piazza del Popolo; and, he had accordingly written to invite him
to Rome. His letter was unfortunately not a tactful one. He
assured Newman that he would find in the Piazza del Popolo 'an
audience of Protestants more educated than could ever be the case
in England', and 'I think myself,' he had added by way of extra
inducement, 'that you will derive great benefit from visiting
Rome, and showing yourself to the Ecclesiastical Authorities.'
Newman smiled grimly at this; he declared to a friend that the
letter was 'insolent'; and he could not resist the temptation of
using his sharp pen.

'Dear Monsignor Talbot,' he wrote in reply, 'I have received your
letter, inviting me to preach in your Church at Rome to an
audience of Protestants more educated than could ever be the case
in England.

'However, Birmingham people have souls; and I have neither taste
nor talent for the sort of work which you cut out for me. And I
beg to decline your offer.

I am, yours truly,

JOHN H. NEWMAN.'