[104 — To Francis Hodgson]
Newstead Abbey, Notts., Nov. 27, 1808.
Dear Sir, — Boatswain
is to be buried in a vault waiting for myself. I have also written an epitaph, which I would send, were it not for two reasons: one is, that it is too long for a letter; and the other, that I hope you will some day read it on the spot where it will be engraved.
discomfort me with the intelligence of the real orthodoxy of the Arch-fiend's name
, but alas! it must stand with me at present; if ever I have an opportunity of correcting, I shall liken him to Geoffrey of Monmouth, a noted liar in his way, and perhaps a more correct prototype than the Carnifex of James II.