London, Sunday, midnight, August 10, 1806.

[Dear]

Pigot, — This

astonishing

packet will, doubtless, amaze you; but having an idle hour this evening, I wrote the enclosed stanzas

[1]

, which I request you will deliver to Ridge, to be printed

separate

from my other compositions, as you will perceive them to be improper for the perusal of ladies; of course, none of the females of your family must see them. I offer 1000 apologies for the trouble I have given you in this and other instances.

Yours truly.