LETTER 110. TO MR. MURRAY.
"Cheltenham, September 27. 1812.
"I sent in no Address whatever to the Committee; but out of nearly one hundred (this is confidential), none have been deemed worth acceptance; and in consequence of their subsequent application to me, I have written a prologue, which has been received, and will be spoken. The MS. is now in the hands of Lord Holland.
"I write this merely to say, that (however it is received by the audience) you will publish it in the next edition of Childe Harold; and I only beg you at present to keep my name secret till you hear further from me, and as soon as possible I wish you to have a correct copy, to do with as you think proper.
"P.S.—I should wish a few copies printed off before, that the newspaper copies may be correct after the delivery."
LETTER 111. TO MR. MURRAY.
"Cheltenham, Oct. 12. 1812.
"I have a very strong objection to the engraving of the portrait[57], and request that it may, on no account, be prefixed; but let all the proofs be burnt, and the plate broken. I will be at the expense which has been incurred; it is but fair that I should, since I cannot permit the publication. I beg, as a particular favour, that you will lose no time in having this done, for which I have reasons that I will state when I see you. Forgive all the trouble I have occasioned you.