Notes from Autograph Letters of Thomas Moore to Mr Power

[cont.]

Seven Letters, 8vo., 1st, 2nd, 5th, 8th - 19th, and 29th August,

1822

“Thank you very cordially for your last friendly letter and the kind assurances it contained, which in my present situation are, I assure you, very comfortable to me.” “That letter

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which you sent me by the post was the proposal from Brougham I mentioned to you about the Times. It came quite safe.”
” Soon after I received your notification of Bishop’s arrival I went in quest of him, and thinking Miss Stephens was a person most likely to know where he was, I called there and left my address for him. Accordingly he came out here yesterday, and I find it is his intention to stay some time in the neighbourhood of Paris, though he talks of going ’for a month’s shooting with Kalkbrenner’ about a hundred miles off. This I suppose, however, is only ‘a flourish of trumpets.’ I will try and keep him to his intention of doing the Nationals here,” &c. “Bishop dined with us on Saturday to meet the Forsters, and we passed a very agreeable day of it.” “I had a long letter from Lord Lansdowne the other day, chiefly on the subject of Sloperton Cottage, which there appears another chance of our having, if we chuse. I cannot resist quoting a paragraph of it, to show you how very kind he is. ‘I can only say that if an address from all the neighbours of Sloperton could recall you, you would speedily receive one, of the most cordial and affectionate hind, and in which the inhabitants of Bowood would certainly not be behind hand? “

Seven Letters, two 4to., four 8vo. (one of two sides), one l2mo. 5th, 9th, 15th, 17th, 26th, and two undated, September,

1822

ls \ am very near the end of my Poem.” - Bishop’s eccentric movements in Paris. His rapidity of composition exemplified. Allusion to the “thoroughly Miss’s Work, or (as we might have called it) the Miss’s Manual,”- (one song is perhaps a little too free) : “’ My heart and lute is also done.’ “” I have just heard from Rees, who tells me there is hardly a doubt of my being free to come over to England in a few weeks hence. Whatever may be my steps with respect to taking of Sloperton Cottage, I mean to pass the rest of next winter near London.” u I shall wait with some anxiety your answer to my last. Mv

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situation is rather puzzling. I could have the house I am in now for six months more at so low a price as twenty pounds, which, contrasted with the expense of moving to England, staggers my resolves considerably.” “Pray inquire if my clock has arrived,” “As the time approaches for our change of quarters, I confess the operation appears so formidable as almost to frighten me. I could manage to totter on here well enough, but the radical clearing out from this and establishing myself anew in England will take such lots of money as I know not how I am to achieve. One of my plans of finance must be the drawing upon you,” &c. “I am literally on my beam ends in the way of supply, and nothing but an economical country life and hard work will right me again. As my task during the winter months will be prose (Sheridan’s Life) I shall be better able to work for you, than if it were (as has been the case lately) a drain on the poetical stores of my brain.”

Eight Letters, 8vo. (one of two and one of three sides), - 7th, I Oth, 14th, 20th, 21st, 24th, 28th Ocotober, 1822

”Iara still suspending my final resolution till I hear from the Longmans and from you more fully.” “I have ventured to tell the Longmans that I thought you would have no objection to join them in any arrangement they might make about those Irish poems.” “lam still without answers from you or the Longmans with respect to the very urgent subject of my supplies for going or indeed even for staying. Out of the last hundred I was obliged to pay between fifty and sixty pounds for a Medal of Grattan, [by Galle], which I was rash enough to undertake here, and by which (though I shall not ultimately lose), I am for the moment inconvenienced a good deal.” “As to continuing the Irish Melodies, you so perfectly deserve that I should sacrifice a little of my own judgment and feelings on the subject to your wishes, that if it is really an object with you to go on with them, I shall most readily consent to it, and (I

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need not add) exert myself to make them as much as possible worthy of their predecessors.” Four Letters, two 4to. (one of two sides) one 8vo., 14th, 17th (two), and - November, 1822
”The Dinner to me has gone off most splendidly, and I am now in all the bustle of departure.” Sends three verses commencing :

“Then be it so - if back to heaven.” And two verses :

“Come, pray with me, my Angel love.” Referring to a bill drawn on Mr. Power, Mr. Moore writes -
” By the time the Bill is due, I shall have, please God (and the Angels), abundance to meet it. I mean to start in the morning.’ “You shall soon have Irish Melodies. I have come off very well with all the Reviews except that in the London Magazine, whose violence luckily defeats its purpose - I think I know the reason of this attack.” Seven Letters, 4to., six undated, one “Thursday Night,” 1822
” I have but just time (having been all day at a Meeting for the unfortunate Irish, where I have been put upon the ComTnittee) to inclose,” &c. “I congratulate you on the decision I have seen in the Papers.” “I have not felt quite well for some days past, and a letter which my friend Lord John has just brought me from the Longmans, and which shews how very languidly and hopelessly the Bermuda negociation is going on, by no means adds to my state of spirits. However, if it be my doom to be an exile for the rest of my life, I must only make up my mind to it- the only thing I am impatient of, is the suspense.” Six Letters, four 4 to., franked by the Marquis of Lansdowne, John Benett, and E. G. Stanley, two 8vo. (one of two sides), 4th, 9th, 15th, 17th, 22nd, and 29th January, 1823
” Those abominable tailors did not send me my Coat for last

h 2

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night’s Fancy Ball, and I was put to great difficulties by the want of it.” “How famously my Angels are getting on ! In about a week more they will have paid off my debt of <g£1000 to Longmans.” “I am only apprehensive lest the efforts of John Bull and such respectable leaders of the public taste should succeed in raising a cry of impiety against it, which (no matter whether deserved or not) is sure to do me mischief.”
” I don’t know whether Mrs. Power told you of a plan I had for a Collection of vocal pieces, to be set by different composers - a sort of Soiree in the East, where girls of different nations sing the songs of their countries.” “I shall, as you wish it, immediately set about rummaging my old stock of Irish Melodies for another Number, and need not say that I shall endeavour (for my fame sake) to make it as good as the materials left will allow me.” “I am called upon to revise for a fifth edition of the Angels. This makes 6000 copies sold in little more than a month, and pays off my debt of ^81000 to the Longmans. But I am still left pennyless amidst it all.”
” You see I am in want of music paper, and have been obliged to tear a pretty book - so send me some of all sizes.”

Mr. Moore to Mr. Power. Three Letters, two 4to., one 8vo.,

12th, 18th, and Sunday, February 1823

“I have made a very pathetic duett of the Irish Country Dance Cumwillian.”* “I wish you could get Stevenson over. If you have any channel by which we could come at particulars of the life of Carolan, Jackson, &c. it would be a very nice ad-

* Printed in the Ninth Number of the Irish Melodies, Cummilum, to which Mr. Moore has adapted his sparkling lyric, “Fairest put on a while.” The melody was the composition, about 1770, of Francis Ganey, a Piper retained in the Gibbins’ family, and was called by him “The humours of Gibbinstown,”- the family seat, about three miles South of Charleville. It received its name of Comhallaim, which is the Irish for a foster-brother, from the late Doctor Gibbins (the father of the present Viscountess Combermere), speaking in the Musical Society of Cork of this tune as composed by his nurse’s son.

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dition to our next number to prefix some sort of Memoir of those celebrated Irish Composers. Think of this, I shall write to-day to Paris about it, as Sir J. Burke (who is now there) told me, if I mistake not, that Carolan was piper or harper to one of his ancestors.” “Pray tell Mr. Croker, how much I thank him for the Transactions of the Irish Society, and that I shall be most grateful to him if he will keep me and the Melodies in mind during his studies on the subject. I hope you are pleased with the Review in the Quarterly. It will do the latter numbers good, in particular, and though I have never condescended to quote testimonies from Reviews, yet there is one sentence in this article which I think you ought to insert in your next Advertisement of the Letter Press Melodies. It is this * We are of opinion that the fame of Mr. Moore will ultimately rest upon his productions in this style of writing; because however great his merit in others, this is the style in which he has never been exceeded, and it is highly probable he never will be.’ See the last Quarterly Review.’”

Four Letters, three 4to. (one of two sides), one 8vo., 1st, 7th, 9th, and 17th March, 1823
” I must trouble you to make enquiries at all the Buckingham Streets in London for me - the French Bed that was coming to us (a present), and which was put on board at Calais on the 23rd of December has never (that I know of) been heard of since. It was directed I find, to Mr. Moore, Depute (Member of Parliament), 22, Buckingham Street, without adding Strand.” [Mr. Power’s private residence.’] “There will also be some things left at your house from Paris, by Sadi Omback (a gentleman with a turban,)” &c. “The poem you have marked in the Literary Gazette is an evident imitation of the Melologue, but not very well calculated for Music.”* “In my last letter to you there were two important things I omitted

* Entitled ff the Enchantress,” and signed Isabel. 1 March.

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- one was my sincere congratulations on the termination (and more than all, such an honorable termination) of your law-suit in Dublin - the other was, with respect to your wish of announcing a new Number of the Irish Melodies, which I cannot of course have the least objection to.”

Three Letters, one folio, one 4to., one 8vo.; 2nd and 16th May, 30th June, 1823
” I have had a most stupid cold in head and chest since I came down, which even this Summer weather does not seem inclined to take away.” “I am reading for my Greek work which I shall get on with as fast as possible. The correction of the Sacred Songs is a most unlucky interruption to it, as there is nothing I take so much time about as the dull work of correcting.” “I do not know how my Fables are going on. There were 3000 copies in the first Edition, and Longmans’ last week expected to be soon called upon for a Second. I have never counted upon a great sale of this book, as the want of personality makes it much less generally attractive than my former squibs. But I have presumed upon it to the amount of between three and four hundred pounds, and if it pays that I shall be satisfied.”

Four Letters, two 4to. (one of three and one of two sides), two Svo. (ditto, and a song in 4 to. as an inclosure), 11th, 16th, 17th, and 22nd July, 1823 Details accident to his pony carriage and party who were driving in it. {i You have now the whole history of this transaction, and this fate of my first attempt at an equipage is I think a broad hint to me that I never was intended for one.” u As I rather think the year I am now entering upon will be the last of my Lyric life, I shall try to put you in good humour with me at parting, by making my farewell strains as many and as good as I can.” “I shall send you what I think a very pretty song, and (on the other side) some words which I began

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and which (if Bishop will condescend to set them) I shall finish.” Sends three verses of

“When Love, who rul’d as Admiral o’er His rosy Mother’s isles of light,” &c.
”I have changed my mind about going first to London, it would take so much more of my time and money (neither of which I can well spare), that I mean to start direct from this for Birmingham/’ “I need not tell you that what I send is not a sacred song -it will speak for itself I think rather gaily.” Incloses four verses of “Child’s Song,”

“I have a garden of my own,” &c.
” Let me know what you think by a line to 96, Abbey Street.” Two Letters, one 4to., one 8vo. (two sides), Cork, 2nd August, Sloperton, 29th August, 1823
” I left Dublin with Lord and Lady Lansdowne, on Wednesday. We slept the first night at Kilkenny, the second at Lismore Castle (the Duke of Devonshire’s), and last night arrived here.”* “I arrived here yesterday evening after the pleasantest

* Extract of a letter from Cork addressed to Mr. Power by John O’Driscol, Esq. “Moore has been here; after an absence of five years he has revisited Ireland, and now for the first time beholds “the sweet South” of that country with which his name has become popularly associated in Song. He visited us in company with the Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne, with whom I had the pleasure of breakfasting. The party are on their way to Kerry, where you are aware that his Lordship has large estates. They visited the Porter Brewery of Messrs. Beamish and Crawford, and Moore was much amused at the old Cork joke of the nursery maid’s reply to the question, whose child is that ? “Beamish and Crawford’s, Sir.” He spoke of our friend little Crofton Croker, who he said was full of capital Cork jokes and fun, as well as of feeling, poetry, and taste; and I thought he listened with particular interest to my account of his introduction to Mrs. Garrick. As usual a specimen of the porter was offered to the visitors and tasted by them. At the brewery such was the enthusiasm of the reception, that no sooner was the Poet’s back turned than the glass out of which he had sipped was seized upon by Mr. John Augustine Shea, a poetic clerk in the establishment {afterwards Editor of a Newspaper in the United States’] who quaffing a brimming draft

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and most interesting five weeks, I have perhaps ever enjoyed. The kindness and even enthusiasm with which I was received every where in Ireland would flatter a person even less alive to such tributes than I am. In some things, however, I was unlucky, and one of them was in the very cross accident of Stevenson’s leaving town the very day after I arrived there on a long and distant visit to some of his Whiskey cronies.” “I have not, I am sorry to say, added to my stock of Irish Melo-

from the same goblet, prefaced no doubt by a corresponding sentimental speech, dispatched the relic to a glass cutter in Hanover Street, to have the name of MOORE engraved on it as a precious memento of the visit of Erin’s Minstrel to the Cork Porter Brewery. Moore went down the river (which he as truly as poetically termed ‘our noble sea avenue’) to see his sister, Mrs. Scully, at Cove, and the steam boat and quay were crowded to get a glimpse at “the Irish Lion,” as Lord Lansdowne called him. As you well know, Moore dresses with peculiar neatness, and looked that morning I think, particularly well in his smart white hat, kid gloves, brown frock coat, yellow cassimere waistcoat, grey duck trowsers, and blue silk handkerchief carelessly secured in front by a silver pin; he carried a boat cloak on one arm, and walked with a brown silk umberella, for which, however, he had no requirement, as the morning was bright, balmy, and beautiful - “quite beautiful,” as he himself observed to me. Yet in the assembled crowd - for it literally was so to witness the embarkation - there was a general feeling of disappointment, - “that’s he” - “the little chap - talking to big Jacob Mark,” [the American Consul at Cork, who had married a Miss Godfrey]. “Well to be sure if that’s all of him, what lies they do be telling about Poets -sure I thought I’d come out to see a great joint (giant) as big as O’Brien, at any rate - for wasn’t Roderick O’Connor roaring and bawling through all the streets last night that the Great Poet had come amongst us from foreign parts.” “Oh then Roderick was drunk, sure enough.” “Well, ’tis a darling little pet at any rate.” “Be dad, isn’t he a dawny creature, and dosn’t he just look like one of the good people.” “Well, any how, God speed them !” and these various opinions resolved themselves only into a faint cheer, as Moore stepped on board the boat. Doctor Tuckey has gone down the river with Moore, deputed to secure him for a complimentary public dinner to be given to him by the citizens of Cork, I have not heard the result - but suspect Moore will not accept.”

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dies, but have however laid in a few recollections and feelings about Ireland which will not fail to shew themselves in whatever else I may do upon the subject.”* Four Letters, three 4to. (one of two sides), one 8vo., 3rd, 12th, 18th, and 24th September, 1823.
” I send you an Irish Melody, and one, I think, of the right sort. On looking over my stock, I find I may proceed with the 9th Number, and as I know it is what you wish most, I shall persevere with it till finished.” “Send me a Copy of Hunt’s cheap edition ol the last ‘Don Juan.’ “Sends three verses of
” As Vanquish’d Erin wept beside.” “I have marked the passage from which I think the two figures, both of Erin and of the Demon, may be best combined” in an illustrative drawing.
” I send you an Irish Melody, a second verse to ‘Quick, we have but a Second,’ and two verses of ‘They know not my heart,’ which I have made out. I do not know why this was set aside, as it is as good as most of them. I have had a message from Stevenson through my sister to say that he will bring over the Sacred Songs to me himself, as he is coming to

* This is indeed quite evident in the IXth Number of the Irish Melodies, which was entered at Stationers Hall on the 1st November, 1824. “Of the twelve Songs which it contains, nine have reference to local feeling’s or traditions, or to circumstances which arose out of the Poet’s tour. Thus, ‘Sweet Innisfallen,’ and ‘’Twas one of those dreams,’ obviously allude to Mr. Moore’s visit to Killarney; and ‘In yonder valley there dwelt alone,’ is said to have originated in an anecdote connected with O’Sullivan’s Cascade. The Song commencing ‘By the Feal’s wave benighted,’ is founded on a romantic anecdote in the history of the Geraldines. These four songs fairly belong to the County of Kerry. Then, descriptive of a glance at a Map of Ireland, preparatory to the tour we find, ‘Fairest put on a while.’ On meeting with a party of old friends in Dublin, ‘And doth not a meeting like this.’ On Irish politics, ‘As vanquished Erin wept beside,’ &c. and ‘Quick we have but a second,’ is quite the song that might have been suggested by a pleasant travelling party being hurried off from an agreeable meeting. The horn of the mail-coach guard, or the voice of some equally urgent personage is absolutely ringing in the ear.”

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the Birmingham Music-Meeting. We shall see. There are now seven Irish Melodies done, and a month more will complete the Number.” “I shall send Croker’s book up to-morrow, as I think I have some more Music to be bound.”

Five Letters, one 4to. (frank “of John Benett), three 8vo. one 12mo. 2nd, 9th, 17th, 21st, and 24th October, 1823.
” I should be delighted to be iu town to see my friend Abbot, but I am too hard at work to be any where else but where I am. Tell him that I wish he could spare a few days to run down to us.” “I shall be glad if he will take over with him to Dublin five of those Medals sent to you from Paris. They are, tell him, for Harry Bushe, and he will learn the best way of forwarding them to him from Dublin. Give him/my very best regards. There are few more worthy persons.” “Stevenson has not made his appearance, aud I begin to fear we shall not see him here. Indeed, when I gave him the things to do, I had but slight hopes of his paying much attention to them. Lady Bective is anxious beyond anything,” &c. “. I have run over here (Pyt House) to our County Member’s to take a glimpse of Fonthill, which is in his neighbourhood, and take advantage of his frank to tell you,” &c. “You have here a Melody, which (with ‘The Banquet is over’) makes, I believe, the twelve. As some, however, of those I sent are but experiments, I shall go on writing four or five more to secure as good a set as I can.”

Five Letters, two 4to., three 8vo. (two of two sides), 7th, 11th, 15th, 21st, and 28th November, 1823. Refers to a Ballad introduced into “M. P.” “Every sixpence I get goes to keep down my bills here, and I shall not have a quiet mind till they are all discharged.” “Your present from the Fish Market tempted me into asking our new neighbour- (the rich Lord of Spy Park) to dine with us. He was unluckily engaged, but said he would come some other dav this

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week, so that I am in for what they call a ‘blow-out 5 to him on Thursday, and must, therefore, commission you to send me by to-morrow’s coach to Devizes, a Fish as good as that which you so kindly gave us for Sunday last, and which was excellent.”
”Will you have the goodness to call at Bicknell’s (or Moore’s rather), the hatter at the corner of New Bond Street, and tell him to send me a good Water-proof hat for the Winter, as I have none but a White one, which in the month of December looks rather poverty-stricken. It would be cheaper to buy a hat here, but the truth is I have not so much ready money to spare. Tell him to send an oil skin cover with it to keep out the rain.” “I have no objection of course to Bishop doing these last things you mention, but it must be, as Stevenson used to do (that is to say if you publish them singly) merely correcting my arrangements of them, (which I shall send you) and without putting his name to them. This is the way I must have all my single things done hereafter.” “In those works of Campbell’s and Bishop’s you have sent me, both Poet and Musician labour most painfully.” “You have also here an Irish Melody to an air which I have written out from memory, but I am sure not correctly. It is one of Bayley’s, and very prettily done by him, ‘O leave me to my sorrow’ - pray send me an accurate copy of it. My verses, of which there will be a good many verses, are founded on an Irish story.” [”-Sy *he Feats wave benighted. ,’] “I am going to give myself a day’s relaxation to-morrow with my friend Bowles to hear the Italian Opera at Bath.”

I\vo Letters, 8vo., 11th and 20th December, 1823.

“I send you three of the Sacred Songs which may be proceeded on immediately. I have entirely re-written the words of one of them.” “I send you three more of the Holy ones, which I have been twisting into all sorts of shapes. I shall try and find a good subject for Braham. The Sacred Songs ought to be as much as possible arranged for single voices.”

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Five Letters and proof of Advertisement of the Music to the Songs in Lalla Rookh, one 4 to. four 8vo. (one of three and three of two sides), one 12mo. all undated, 1823.
- “it contained a very splendid book published at Berlin, respecting the Costumes worn at the Royal Fete, founded on Lalla Rookh. I am grieved to the heart to perceive by your last that this eternal and infernal law suit with your brother is, after all, likely to begin again.” “The cursed money, I fear, will run short. I have been obliged to pay £40 within these few days to one of the furnishers of our house, who was to have waited till Christmas, but, being threatened with arrest himself, I could not refuse him. I shall, however, make a bould push to get to town. I hope you saw how kindly Sir J. Mackintosh quoted the Fables at the Grand Dinner.” “I shall look over Callaghan’s Melodies for the purpose you mention, but do not recollect that there is any plagiarism, except of my general style.” “I have entirely re- written ‘Lord, now thy golden Sun/ and the second verse to * War against Babylon’ is about the tenth I have tried.” “I have not yet decided whether I shall have another verse to ’Lord of Heaven.’” “Many thousand thanks for the .£300 - it was an enormous pull at once.” Boivood, Sunday. “I want twenty pounds by return of Post (if possible) to pay a Carpenter’s bill I have been rather dunned for.” “I shall now send you alternately a Spanish, Sacred, and Irish Melody. I wish,” &c. “I saw him [Sir John Stevenson’] but that once, which was only for about ten minutes, in Catalani’s dressing room,” &c.

Six Letters, three 4to. (frank of the Marquis of Lansdowne) three 8vo. (one four and one two sides), 2nd, 11th,
- th, 17th, 20th, and 31st January, 1824

*-’ I like some of Bishop’s Greek work exceedingly. He has e Sappho’ s Song very much as I wished it to be done, particularly the Air part. The Glee, too, of ‘The Sky is bright ‘

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is very happily imagined, but I must have some talk with him about the Symphony of it, which, to my ear, is not pleasing.”
” We are rather in a fuss to-day, on account of an announced visit from my friend Edward Moore, to dine and sleep. This is not the weather for Town Dandies to come and see Cottages in.” “My time is sadly broken in upon, and the Lansdowne’s, though very delightful neighbours, are very idling ones.” “I wish you would look for the books of Doctor O’Leary, and send them to me.” “I am very much pleased indeed with the way the Irish Melodies are arranged, some of the symphonies are quite beautiful.” “I shall, I think, ask about ten days’ holidays from you now, as I want to get this Irish Pamphlet out early in February.” “I send you the son^; of Bowles’s.”
” Take care of this Poem for me till we meet, and also of the Music book, which contains the original arrangement ‘Where is your dwelling, ye sainted V This Music book is very precious to me.” “I would not lose that book for a good deal.”
” On the other side you have the first verse of the Mountain Sprite.” “I wish you to get for me, as soon as possible, the Pamphlet of Hibemicus lately published.” “I did not at all expect to have the Irish Melodies come so thick on me, as I thought we were to get the Sacred Songs out of the way first. However, I suppose it is that infernal Stevenson who still delays the latter. The lead will suffer for it, as I have material alterations to make in those you sent me.” “The title for Bowles’s Song is to be thus in the front, ‘Go, beautiful and gentle Dove,’ a Song from an Oratorio called * the Ark,’” &c. “Thank Croker for the books he has lent me, particularly O’Leary’ s Tracts. The last things of Hibernicus are of no use to me.”

Four Letters, one 4to., three 8vo., 6th, 15th, 20th, and 22nd

Febuary, 1824

“I think I have succeeded very happily in my second verse to ’ Sing - Sing,’ but do not consign it to the lead for a few days, in order that I may have time to consider over it a little.”

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“How dreadful it is to think of your being again plunged into all the horrors of law, by this disagreeable brother of yours.”
” My friend Bowles thinks the verse I sent you the other day, to ‘Sing - Sing,’ the prettiest thing I ever wrote. You will see in the next Westminster Review a very nattering and useful Article about me and the National Melodies.” “I am afraid you sometimes think me not attentive enough to your interests; and it is true that my literary labours take also a great deal of my attention. But what am I to do? My great delight would be, if I could afford it, to confine myself wholly to Songs and Music, but there are so many calls on me besides, that I am obliged to labour a little at every thing. At this moment my hand is so weary with transcribing, that I doubt whether you will be able to make out this scrawl.”

Five Letters, three 4 to. (one unsigned) two 8vo. (one of two sides), 2nd, 6th, 7th, 9th, and 13th April, 1824

Derby. “I came over here for a day or two, chiefly to attend the Lancastrian Dinner, where my health was drank three times three, &c, and where I literally electrified them with ‘the Shamrock of Erin and Olive of Spain.’ I have been singing away here at the rate of two dozen Songs a night - excellent audiences.” Dedication of Volume of Sacred Songs to the Rev. Thomas Parkinson, D.D., Archdeacon of Leicester, Chancellor of Chester, and Rector of Kegworth. “I suppose you saw the paragraph about the Captain in the Times. It was most kindly and admirably done, and must serve the book a good deal. I had a letter yesterday from Lady Holland, full of praise of it. This is all I know about thejnatter as yet. The Longmans wrote to me to correct for another Edition - but I have not time, and besides, I doubt whether it will be called for as soon as they think.”

Five Letters, two 4to., three 8vo. (one of three and one of two sides), 16th, - th, 19th, 24th, and 29th April, 1824

Ill

u I have had letters full of praise of my book, from Lords Lans downe, Holland, John Russell,” &c. “I am delighted to hear that Mrs. Power likes my book, and hail her approval of it as a good omen of its circulation among female readers, whom I certainly did not much expect to interest. The promise is very fair at present, for they are going to press with a third Edition.” “I have been obliged to invite some people suddenly to dinner on Wednesday, and therefore must trouble you to dispatch me a dish of fish by to-morrow’s Coach. Salmon I should prefer, but send whatever is best.” “I have had great difficulty in finding pretty Airs to fill up our Irish Number, and have tried several with words without pleasing myself.”
” Many thanks for the lobster and prawns, which were very much wanted for the second Course. They and the Salmon were very good.” “All that Bishop can claim in the transaction will be ‘revised ‘or c corrected ‘by H. Bishop. According to the first Title you wrote to this Spanish Glee, I am excluded altogether from any share in the Musical part, though the choice of the Air, the alterations in it (ofton so great as to make the Air almost my own), the suggestion of the Harmony and accompaniments, and, in short, all that gives character and originality to the Music proceeds from me. This would not be, in my mind, fair, and I must do what I can to put all claim to it out of the question. If you think Bishop’s name, placed prominently, is likely to increase the attraction of the Song, that is quite another thing, and I shall most heartily yield to it, because, after all, attraction is the great object, and I would not let any little vanity on my part interfere with it.”

Three Letters, Svo. (two with notes on the back), 1st, 3rd,

and 8th May, 1824

“You see Rock is in the Third Edition. I should think it has already paid all my arrears to Longmans. What a lucky hit every way !” “Now you have I think the second verses of all the twelve Irish Airs for this Number.” “How long the

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mechanical part takes ! This I never sufficiently consider.”
” The parcel for Bowles arrived safe and he is highly delighted with the way his Song is brought out.” “I wish the Captain to have his fling before I draw on the Paternoster Bank again. They are getting a Fourth Edition ready. I have had a letter of thanks from the Catholics of Drogheda.”

Six Letters, one folio, two 4to., two 8vo., and one 12mo., 2nd, 5th, 8th, 15th, 20th, and 29th June, 1824

11 1 have left Croker’s three music books,” &c. Advertisement to the Sacred Songs, respecting three melodies introduced into the work from a publication by Mr. Gardiner. [See page 1 17] - “and you had better say the same.” “I did not mean the substance of the accompaniment to be altered in the first bars, but merely the placing of the notes in the chords, which did not look to me as if their tails were turned in the proper direction - a thing I know very little of myself, but about which I see arrangers are very particular now-a-days.”
” I shall not forget the Princess Augusta; indeed I mentioned it to Lady Donegall before I left town.” “You will see that in ’Sweet Innisfallen,’ I have restored a passage in the seventh verse to what it was before.” “You saw what courteous epithets a Rev. gentleman at the Baptist Meeting bestowed on Capt. Rock. This is quite right, and just the effect I meant to produce.”

Six Letters, one 4to., five 8vo., 2nd, 5th, 8th, 10th, 20th, and 26th July, 1824

Tears up a bill stamp by mistake - “which is 4s Id out of the pockets of myself and heirs for ever.” “There is a Mr. Baldwin, who writes to me about a poem of his on Fox, and says you sent it to me a fortnight ago. In what shape is it ? MS. or printed ? Those authors do so pester me, that I really ought to have a secretary expressly to answer and to attend to them.” Have you read ‘Rock detected?’ there are some odd

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things in it, and a few not bad - but it is no answer.” “If the sheets of the letterpress of our Ninth Number are not printed off, I should like to make an alteration of a word. In the last verse, ‘And doth not a meeting,’ instead of * Let sympathy promise’ I should wish * Let sympathy pledge us !’ “”I have forgot always to ask whether you sent a copy of the Sacred Songs to the Reverend Dedicatee - if not, pray do.” “I have found the looking over these Songs a more tough task than I expected, from the brutes attempting to put words under the music. I never saw such hash as they made wherever they could.” “Send the inclosed immediately to Mr. Rogers.”
” I have been looking over what is done of the Greek work, and the only things worthy of being retained in it, are Bishop’s glee, ’The Sky is bright.’ - His Song, ’When o’er her loom the Lesbian maid.’ My own glee, * Here while the moonlight dim,’ and one selected thing - the rest must be thrown out.”

Six Letters, 8vo., 1st, 9th, 13th, 20th, and 25th (two), August, 1824
” Being obliged to devote generally one morning in every week to answer all the begging letters, bothering letters, &c.
&c. from all sorts of paupers, and poets, and poetesses that accumulate on me through the course of it, I inclose you a few of them by this post to save the poor devils a little postage, and you will have the goodness to see them safely put into the Twopenny for me. Bowood is going to be full of all my town friends, Rogers, Lord John, the Hollands, &c. &c. so that I shall be routed up sadly by them. You shall, however, have your share of me next week.” a I send you a song of my own on the Balaika subject, which I gave Bishop and which he did not quite hit my fancy upon.” “I wish you particularly to inquire where Catalani is, and give her husband this letter or forward it to him if he is out of town. It is to ask him to give us a room in their Hotel at Salisbury for the Music Meeting. * * * They did lodge at a wine merchant’s (a Frenchman)

i

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in Pall Mall - at all events my friend Edward Moore in Cleveland Row would be able to tell you wbere they are.” ll As we are to have the christening of little Bustle (as we call him), on Saturday, I shall trouble you to send down by Friday’s coach a couple of good lobsters which is all I think we shall want for the luncheon.” Longleat (Marquis of Bath’s) “I have been run away with from home to this most princely place by a party from Bowood, which may occasion some delay in my communication with you.” “I have been kept in such a whirl since I last wrote, that, though I have contrived, in the midst of it all to write a song of four verses, yet it is not in a state fit to send it to you. Some people are coming to dine with me on Friday, and I shall want some fish down by to-morrow’s coach. I leave it to yourself to chuse the best for me. “Where do you think I am invited to go next week ? to Lord Bathurst’s ! rather not have turbot for Friday’s dinner, as we have difficulty in dressing it - but any other fish you find good, and enough for eight people.”

Two letters, 8vo., 6th and 13th September, 1824

te You will- perceive that ‘Thou art not dead’ alludes (under the name of a celebrated antient Greek) to Lord Byron. I have not been able to spare the time for Lord Bathurst’s.” tl Whenever you see the Longmans, I wish you would ask them for a ring left with them for me.” “I send you two things for the Greek work - one of them with music, which I rather think will suit the young ladies - it had better, however, be set a note lower.”

Six Letters, three 4to. (one of two sides), three 8vo., 1st, 3rd

(two), 15th, 18th, and 26th October, 1824

“With respect to the lines to be engraved under the plates [IX. Number Irish Melodies] I should like to have merely * Sweet Innisfallen, fare thee well,’ and under the other the four lines.

1 When will this end, ye Powers of Good,’ &c.

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let them be copied correctly from the letterpress. I was much surprised to see the plate of the Daemon, as I thought you had decided for the one flying up in the air.” Fish for seven or eight people and a good lobster - “put a bottle of anchovy sauce in, as what we get at Devizes is very bad. This is the last time, I hope, I shall have to trouble you in the piscatory line till spring.” “Did you see Shiel’s flaming speech about me at Cork, on my health being drunk four times four?” “We have our friend Corry from Ireland with us, so you may suppose I have not much ’time for the moment to myself.” One side of the 4to. letter relates entirely to Evenings in Greece.
” If Captain Medwin is as inaccurate about more important things as he is about the circumstances of my first acquaintance with Lord Byron he will have a good deal to answer in various quarters. It is not my intention to notice any thing till I bring out my own book.” Erratum in the Song, “And doth not a meeting,” fourth verse, for ‘the friends we hold dear,’ read the ’few we hold dear.’ “You see how they are hacking and vulgarizing the subject of Lord B. before I can come to it. Medwin’s book, as far as I have seen by the extracts, is full of inaccuracies - every thing he tells about me is wrong. You see he has even transported little Tom to Venice.”

Seven Letters, two 4to., four 8vo., one 12mo., 2nd, 5th, 8th, 11th, 17th, 20th, and 29th November, 1824. Parcel for Mr. C. Sheridan, 22, Duke Street, St. James’s.
” The Ninth Number I think looks very well.” “I rather think there is such a Song of Lord B.’s as you mention,” &c. “Eye water that is in the parcel by Lord Lansdowne.” After an explanation respecting expenditure, Mr. Moore adds, “I never before had such a mountain of difficulties to cut through - but as I feel my reputation was never higher, I do not despair.”
” I am happy to see by an extract in the Irish papers that the Courier has (I suppose with some reservation) praised the New Number of the Irish Melodies very warmly. You will te\\

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Bishop when you see him that I am perfectly satisfied with the way the symphonies and arrangements are done.” “I got a beautiful air from Lady Pembroke the other day, and thought it would suit English words, but I can make nothing of it, though it haunts me through all my walks - no metre will go gracefully to it.” “I was obliged to give up Lady Pembroke’s air as impossible.” “I have been already favoured with the precious paper you sent me, from the Dublin Mail Office, and am rather afraid from the tone of it that my friend Sir John, at least, has something to do with it. I am glad to see they are so annoyed - I mean those Orange scamps.” “I have got the Music of the Duenna.” “I inclose a Russian air (which I got from Lady Pembroke) with words, and a Poem for Bishop to set for the Greek Work.” “I hear from Dublin that the sale of the Ninth Number is ’very brisk’ there, and I trust you have taken care to secure fair play for yourself in the profits. I see your brother has advertised it, with the addition of ‘very celebrated work.’ “

Five Letters, four 4to. (one of two sides), one 8vo., 6th, 10th, 12th, 13th, and 28th December, 1824
” You may tell him [Bishop] that’ I am quite charmed with his setting of ‘the two fountains.’ The words are not bad (for me), and he has caught the feeling of them most successfully. I would only suggest to his better judgment to leave out the imitative passage on the words ‘running side by side,’ which I own I don’t like; it would be much better simply” “You see there is a good article in the Edinburgh on the Captain.” “If I could once get this infernal Sheridan work off my hands, there is no doubt of my getting on flourishingly, for I am determined now to try every thing, Novel, Opera, &c. &c. till I get over my difficulties.” An extraordinary unsigned letter, respecting the state of Moore’s finances, and his speculation upon his literary life, and means for living. - s ‘I was beginning to waver about going up, but your letter and

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one from Rees have decided me. So that you may expect me {not to a beefsteak, for I rather think I shall dine on the road,) but to oysters and a glass of brandy and water between nine and ten.” “It is quite awful to see how the money slips out of my hands here in Christmas bills.”

Five Letters, two irregular size, three 8vo. (one of two sides), Tuesday, the others undated, (1824)
” Your Dedication is thought to be quite right. I would advise, however, your asking some one whether ‘To the King’s most excellent Majesty,’ would not be more in form*” “I send you some lines which Lord Byron gave me * * * and if you get them set and think it worth while, you may claim them as property.’ ’” I see Bishop has published his other ‘National Melodies/ How do you like this ? The very thing that Stevenson and your brother (though cast off by us) thought necessary to apologize for in the case of the Irish Melodies, Bishop (though our ally) has done without any apology at all.” “I have got rid of the poney * * * (and though it cost me thirteen guineas) I have been obliged to give six pounds with it in exchange for a poney whose price is only twelve. This is the poor man’s luck always.” “I could not find either the air or former words of ‘Castle Blarney/ but I have written other words, which I dare say are better than those I did before.” “I shall be much disappointed if Stevenson does not come to me, as I looked with certainty to our finishing this number together.”
” Castle Blarney will be a great beauty in the Number.” “I have written to your brother to say that I shall henceforth leave the whole matter to be settled between you and him. My friend the Rector here is going to call a meeting for a Petition against the Roman Catholics, so you see what Orthodox society I have got into.”

Mr. Gardiner to Mr. Moore and Mr. Power, two Letters, one 4to., one 8vo., with Note in Mr. Moore’s Autograph, 3rd June, 1824

lib

Respecting two Airs taken from Mr. Gardiner’s Sacred Melodies introduced into the Second Volume of Moore’s Sacred Songs. (See page 112.)

Three Letters, 8vo. (one of two sides) 3rd, 16th, and 30th January, 1825 Subscription to Athenaeum Club. “I did not like the last alteration of ’Thou art not dead,’ and inclose it now in the state I wish it to be. By the time he [Sir Henry Bishop] has made the slight change that is necessary (and pray say how sorry I am to have given so much trouble about it), I shall have a second verse for it different from that which it bears at present.”
”You’ll pay the two-pence on the inclosed letter -it is to one of those begging devils, who little know what a pauper they apply to. I am pestered with letters of all kinds and from all quarters - America, Germany, France, and Birmingham. - The last was from a young gentleman wishing to be employed as my amanuensis, and asking what remuneration I could give him !” (i I have been in the receipt of great honour and glory at Bath during this last fortnight. The Speech I made at the Literary Institution (under the noses of two Bishops) made a great noise among the natives there, though the Bath Newspapers have (as usual) played the devil with my eloquence in their reports. There were also allusions to me in the Prologue at the Amateur Play which tried my modesty not a little.”

Seven Letters, five 4to., two 8vo., 2nd, 4th, 8th, (two) 16th, 23rd and 24th February, 1825
” When I last wrote to you we were in great anxiety about Phipps our neighbour, who had gone off to Havre to fight a duel with another neighbour - symptoms of rural peace and innocence. They returned after firing two shots each. One of Phipps’s balls having gone through his antagonist’s hat, and the last shot of the latter having produced a contusion on Phipps’s foot.” “I can’t find the second verse and be d - d

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to it, so must write another.” The Spring*of Finance is run quite dry with me, and ‘as a Hart panteth after the waterbrook/ so do I after the water-mark of a Bank of England Note. If you can spare me Twenty Pounds I will repay it in March, when I must draw either upon Hook or Crook - that established firm of all ways-and-means gentlemen.” “I have been wholly engaged these three or four days by a disagreeable quarrel between two of our neighbours which you shall hear more of in a day or two.” Subscription to Athenaeum Club - Accommodation Bills - “What the devil are we to do ? I have no doubt things will get much worse.” “I now get The Times for nothing.”

Two Letters, 8vo. 5 14th and 29th March, 1825

“I send you a ditty of my own, which I think rather original. I hope you observe what a composer I have become lately. I mean to persevere in it.” “The Irish business never before looked half so promising.” “It is very unlucky that Bishop should have delayed the Greek work so long, as I am going to press with Sheridan and shall be hunted by the Devils for the next two months. I think you had better make sure at all events, of the National Melodies.” “This life of Sheridan has been a heavy mill-stone round my neck, and even now I doubt whether I shall be able to have it out before the season dies away.”

Five Letters, three 4to. (one franked by John Benett), two 8vo. (one unsigned), 6th, 11th, 25th, 28th and 29th April,

1825

tl Such quantities have I got to do, that it will be six weeks at least before I can stir from this.” “Herewith you have (though I say it myself) a very pretty glee and the writing of this as well as ‘Ship, ahoy,’ (which is the most popular thing in my own singing I have done for some time) has put a plan into my head,” &c. “I am in great apprehension about my poor

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father, and dread every letter from Dublin.” [Mr. Moore’s father survived for some months after this. He died on the 17 th December following, in Great Britain Street, Dublin. See page 124.] “I have been at work for the Press since ten this morning and it is now dinner time, when I hope I maymake up to myself by a hearty repast upon your excellent mackerel, for which a thousand thanks.” “My hand is too tired to write any more.” - “My great object is not to press upon you more than is absolutely necessary, but by a sort of kite-flying process between you and the Longmans to keep myself afloat till better prospects “open upon me. As there is plenty of capital amongst us - on your side in credit and character, on that of the Longmans in money, and on mine in head it cannot be called mere paper work among us, and without borrowing from friends (which is the last thing I shall ever be driven to), or sinking myself deeper with you and the Longmans than I should wish, I have no other mode of getting on for this year.”’ This Sheridan work is a most heavy task and it would now take me the whole of the summer to finish it as I ought - but, though I shall be very late, it must be dispatched, now I am about it.” “The sooner I have some money the better.”

Five Letters, four 4to., one 8vo., 2nd, 9th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd May, 1825
” I send you a very slight sketch of my Glee as I am not able to write down what I mean. It is, I think, a very pretty thought, but my musical powers are not equal to the handling of it. Bishop would have made a fine thing of the words. I hope however he will give a few touches of harmony and some brilliant symphonies to express the flying away and returning of Spirits, I shall acknowledge them specially in the preface to the Glee, and take that opportunity of saying what I think of his beau talent. Tell him this.” “I had an idea of running up for two days next week, in order to attend the Literary

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Fund dinner, but it would not be prudent in any way except for the honour and glory at the dinner, and my friend Mackintosh in the Chair.” “The ten pounds arrived safe, and was a very welcome out-rigger to the £20.” “I am just setting off for Devonshire to Dr. Bain, to make some enquiries about Sheridan. As the Longmans insist upon paying my expenses, I have the less remorse in taking the trip.” “I did not get home from Doctor Bain till Friday night and found myself so overwhelmed with proofs that I have not been able to copy out the Glee.” “I want you also to send me down by Tuesday’s Coach some salmon (if not too dear) and a lobster - enough for six people. I am obliged to give a dinner to our new Parson on
”Wednesday. If the salmon should be unapproachable send one good dish of some other fish.” - Sends second verse to
” Slumber, oh Slumber.”

Two Letters, 4to., 11th and 20th July, 1825

“As I take for granted you are back again, I write a line to welcome you, and to hope that you have had more fun than your pill-garlick friend (still hard at work) has had in the interval.” “I was glad to find you had returned safely from your trip into foreign parts,” &c. “What weather it is ! it quite disables me from business. I have had an awful proof within these few days of the uncertainty of life. On Monday I was one of the pall-bearers at the Funeral of a gentleman of this neighbourhood, and yesterday one of my brother pallbearers (a man of large fortune in this county) dropped suddenly dead in his own grounds, from the heat. Sudden death, indeed, formed part of our conversation in the mourning coach on Monday, and I rather think this poor man expressed (as I know I did myself) a preference for that mode of dying. God bless you, my dear friend, and preserve both you and me long to our families and customers.” #

* In Moore’s Diary, as edited by Lord John Russell, there is an odd blank, or a confusion of dates, between June and August, 1825, Vol. IV.

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Three Letters, 4to. (one franked “Lansdowne”), 2nd and 5th August, and 29th September, 1825

“I want you to call at my last lodgings, 58, Jermyn-street, and know from them if I can have the same rooms on Saturday next. You must say, however, that in this dead time of the year, I must have them much cheaper, and if not shall go back to Duke-street. Do not tell any one I am coming to town, for though there are but few there, there are always enough to pester me, and I shall be so busy that I must make it a point not to stir out to see a soul before 3 or 4 in the day. A chop with you at the latter hour will be often acceptable.” With reference to lodgings - “but I must now trouble you to secure those in Duke-street, any part of the house, except the garrets and parlours. If I cannot be accommodated there, pray go to 19, Bury-street, and ask whether I can have the back rooms that Mr. Corry had - at a cheaper rate, of course, on account of the time of year.”

Five Letters, three 4to. (one of two sides), two 8vo. 7th, 9th, 11th, 13th, and 15th October, 1825

“I have been a good deal idled since I came home by living chieily at Bowood, I hope, however, soon to send you two or three things which I have on the stocks. You see by the Times and Courier of yesterday that they have already begun pillaging my work - what a gauntlet I shall have to run ! Lord John Russell has offered me a seat in his carriage to Paris, and Lord Lansdowne offers me lodging in his apartments while there, so that I really believe (in order to get out of the way of the critics) I shall accept this offer for two or three weeks. You shall have, however, enough for Bishop to employ himself upon

p. 298.” Moore, according to his published Biography, records, on the 26th June, that a few days before he had attended the funeral of Henry Joy’s father, as pall-bearer, at Chippenham. The date of July 20, 1825, in this letter, and it is a remarkable one, is in Mr. Moore’s autograph.

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during the time.” “I hope you will find the game we send good.” Moore’s great anxiety respecting the Life of Lord Edward Fitzgerald - the handsome conduct of the Longmans,
” three hundred pounds more to my credit, in addition to the original sum stipulated,” &c. “I forgot to answer your question about the Sheridan Song - I would say,” &c. “I have made up my mind to go somewhere, but whether to Paris or Scotland have not yet decided. I rather incline to the latter.”
” Bessy had a taste of the fish yesterday. I was away at Bath attending the Mayor’s dinner to meet Lord Camden, &c. &c. but to-day we are to feast together upon it. There have two or three things happened rather to shake my purpose of going to Paris, one of which is Lord John’s change of mind on the subject, and the other,” &c. “As, however, I feel I shall not be able to disengage my mind from Sheridan (being kept in a perpetual state of excitement and fidget by the letters I receive on the subject every morning) without some change of “scene, and as the Lansdownes expect me to join them at Paris, I have pretty nearly decided on taking the journey alone,” &c.

Three Letters, two 4to., one 8vo., 3rd, - , and 20th November, 1825

Ediyiburgh.-” I arrived here yesterday evening, after a most delightful visit of four days to Sir Walter. I really never was before so much interested or pleased. His cordiality to me was beyond what I could expect, and his cordiality kept me in a constant state of agreeable excitement the whole time. Nothing can exceed the kindness I meet with everywhere. I am to-day going to pass a couple of days with Jeffrey. They talk of a Public dinner to me, but I cannot stay long enough to accept it; You may easily suppose I have not much time for letter writting, but I knew you would be anxious to hear of my arrival in Edinburgh,” &c. “I am afraid the medley I inclose will puzzle Bishop,” &c. “I arrived safe at home on Thurs-

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day night, having been detained two or three days longer than I intended at Edinburgh by an attack of cholera morbus, which is very prevalent there. Not feeling very strong after this illness I was glad to get home as directly as possible without paying my promised visits to my friends in Derbyshire. I would not have lost my trip to Scotland for any consideration. In addition to the interest which all I saw there excited in me, the cordiality and distinction with which I was received by every one has left an impression on my mind not easily to be effaced. I am sorry to say, however, that besides the remains of my illness, I have brought home a bad cold with me, which so stupifies me that I can hardly see the paper while I write. Strong temptations were held out to me to settle in Edinburgh, but the climate would by no means suit.” “I shall now turn to the completion of our Greek work and set of Glees as speedily as possible.”

Two Letters, one 4 to., one 8vo. (three sides and franked “Lansdowne”), 6th and 12th December, 1825
” In order to give you an idea what our Greek work is to be, I send you (hastily copied out) the Poetry that is to follow the opening glee,” &c. “It will, I flatter myself, be rather an elegant work, and, as a thing to be read and sung at the Piano Forte, is likely to succeed.” “I was just preparing to send you off the inclosed and some more of the intermediate verses for the Greek work, when I received a letter from Dublin saying that my father is dangerously ill. This alas is what I have long expected [see page 120], and it brings not only much affliction but much embarrassment with it. I must set off for Dublin to-morrow, and try what I can do to comfort my poor mother, who I fear is but little prepared for the shock.” “The words written on the other side [for first Evening in Greece, with numerous corrections, some lines in pencil.”]’’ I wish Bishop to set for Voices and a Chorus.” “I have sad scenes before me in Dublin, and shall require, I feel, all my fortitude

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to bear up against them. God bless you.” "Again, God bless you and spare all those you love to you. Do not show this letter to Bishop, but have what I say about business copied out.”

Four Letters, two 4to. (one unsigned), two 8vo., undated, (1825) “My old friend, Lord Strangford, has just caught hold of me, and may delay a little my visit to you.” “I think the success of my book has inspired you - you have written so eloquent a letter. Many thanks for it ! I assure you among the numerous tributes I have received on the occasion there is none I value more highly.” [Title of Song from life of Sheridan in Mr. Power’s autograph attached.~] “I send you the letter I wrote, or at least begun to you on Sunday, which will be at least a preparation for our conference on the subject of it. Pray, look at Southey’s letter in the evening’s Courier - it is quite infamous” “I slept like a top after my two beakers.”

Seven Letters and Notes {some curious), 8vo., and irregular sizes, “Holland House, Sunday,” “Tuesday Evening,”“St. James’s Place, Wednesday Morning,” and undated one, on scrap at the back “What time # # - 11 to go dinner? F. Burdett.” (1825) ? “I don’t know whether I left my engagement with you to day loosely or not. I hope the former; my impression is that I said I would let you know whether I could come, and I trust this is the case, as I should be extremely sorry to have made any mistake on the subject. The truth is, this establishment [Holland House’] breaks up to day, (the whole family setting off for the next eight months to Paris), and they made it such a point that I should pass the last day with them, that I could not refuse. I shall call upon you to morrow.” “Here I am, and shall be glad to see you. If Murray should be with me when you come, I know you will not mind waiting # # “I mean, if I can manage it to dine - because I think it is safest - at least for a day or two; but I may, perhaps, contrive to

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come and sup with you.” “My usual luck in never losing a paper,” &c.

Five Letters, two 4to. (one franked “Lansdowne”), three 8vo. (one of two sides), 9th, 16th, 22nd, 30th, and 31st January, 1826 Dublin. u Just as I was ready to start last week, and had reconciled my poor mother to parting with me, the wind set in so strong from the Eastward, that, for four days no boat of any kind could venture out, and the harbour of Dunleary is covered with wrecks. The wind, however, though still contrary, is today more moderate, and to-morrow evening I mean to sail for England. You shall hear from me soon after my arrival at the Cottage, where new cares await me, but where I shall still, at least, have quiet and leisure, and be able, I trust, to work and redeem myself.” “I send you the introduction to ‘Weeping for thee’ [First Evening in Greece], and think you will say I have seldom written better. The next, which I shall set about immediately, will be, ‘When the Balaika/ “&c. ‘’ How you must congratulate yourself these times, on not having given in to the Bill line like others. Poor Sir W. Scott is, as far as himself is concerned (for he had alienated his landed property to his son on his marriage) almost ruined. He had nearly £70,000 out in paper, to meet which he has nothing but the help of friends, and he must now, like myself, work hard and live savingly. This is too bad and I grieve for him from my heart. With respect to myself, if I but once knew how to get through this year, I should have no fears about the next. But I cannot work as I ought while my means of present subsistence are so uncertain.”

One Letter, 4to. (four sides), 20th January, 1826

“Sends upwards of eighty lines for First Evening in Greece. The alterations in which as subsequently printed are very numerous and curious. “You will see by this that I have come to the Pyrrhic Dance, I shall not be sorry if Bishop has not yet

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done it, as I should like him to read over the verses that introduce it.” “The poetry you see is extending heyond my estimate. I suppose you heard that the King ordered his librarian Sumner to review me in the Quarterly. How I have escaped this cannonade in the last number I cannot think; but perhaps they are keeping it for The Representative.”* Three Letters, two 8vo,, one 12mo., 8th, 11th, and 26th February, 1826
” Didn’t I write to you before I went to Dublin about a man who pledged a music book with me and wanted a sovereign ? what did you do about it 1” “I think I have at last hit upon a glee, which, with a little cooking, will do to keep company with the Watchman and the Ships.” “What a splendid present came down in the box ! All Scott’s Works from himself and from poor Constable.” “That man has written to me again for some money - the fellow who sent the Music-book. What did you give him ? “

Four Letters, two 4to. (one franked by John Benett), two 8vo. ? 14th, 17th, 22nd, and 27th March, 1826 tl You cannot imagine anything to come luckier than your salmon - for we had that very morning been led into asking Colonel Trevanion (a great friend of Burdett’s who is on a visit to the Phipps’s), and had literally nothing but a turkey to give our party, when your fish most seasonably arrived.” “I have been for a long time past solicited from all quarters to ask your permission for the printing of the Air, ‘Mary, I believed thee true,’ in a Collection of Parodies that Lady Clarke is publishing.”
” Bishop’s note is such an appeal, as I know (with you who are so indulgent to us workmen, when lazy) will not fail to procure

* The Representative was a morning newspaper undertaken by Murray, with a small capital for such a speculation. The Editor was understood to have been the Rt. Hon. Benjamin D’Israeli. After a few months of feverish existence it expired.

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him a respite, but it is, I must say, very hard upon you.” “I take this opportunity of sending the Music Book which that hegging gentleman sent me, which you may return to him if he should happen to be troublesome.” “You shall have my answer about Carolan in my next.” “There is a man has written to me from Ireland, who says you are publishing some airs of his - he is, I think a Professor of the Irish language. I have mislaid his letter, and want to answer it - pray let me know his name and address.”

Four Letters, two 4to., two 8vo., 1st, 10th, 17th, 23rd of April, 1826 u I have had a letter from Mrs. Arkwright about her Songs, which she is willing at last to publish - but I am sorry for your sake to say that it is on very different terms from those on which I expected formerly to get them for you. She now wishes to make a present to some friend of hers who is in want of money (not me), and is accordingly desirous to get as much as she can for the collection.” “I shall be glad to do anything with Carolan for our last Number of Irish Melodies that you please - but it is a disagreeable looking thing, and nothing but its curiosity and authenticity could gain a place for it in any civilised publication. It may, however, be worth your buying. It was but yesterday that I could hold up my head with any thing like a feeling of health - but I am now a good deal better. The life I lead here is too monotonous and studious for me, by far.” u I am now quite well again, and am going for a day or two to Bath.” “They talk of Stevenson’s coming to the Bath Anacreontic on Wednesday, where I asked him once before. I hope it is true.” “I have had a letter from Mrs. Arkwright, who will not say what price she puts on the Songs.” “Tell him [Bishop] too when you see him, that I never before had any idea of the beauty, the great beauty of his Music to my Songs out of the Angels, till I heard them sung while at Bath by his friend Miss Winsor, who is one of the most touching

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and intellectual singers I ever heard. Don’t forget this. I gave Sir John’s health at the dinner, and they have in the papers as usual misrepresented what I said- making me say that it was ‘his music that produced the popularity of the Irish Melodies!!’ There never was anything like the warmth with which I was toasted and applauded.”

Five Letters, three 4to., two 8vo., 1st May, 8th June, 6th, 28th, and 30th July, 1826
” I shall hope that by this time Bishop is crowned with laurels, and ready to relax himself from his grander toils with our bagatelles.” “Our two Calne members dine with me on Saturday, and I must have some fish; don’t send more than will do for a dinner of six.” “I owly write one line to say that I have just returned from a ramble of a week. I passed some days at Lord Arundel’s, and two or three more with my friend Doctor Bain in Dorsetshire.”

Four letters, two 4to. and two 8vo., 1st, 14th, 21st, 28th, and 30th August, 1826 Song of two verses introduced in first Evening in Greece,
” As by the shore at break of day.”

“I have just made a very hearty supper of your good oysters, and drank your health, (by way of a treat) in some bottled porter.” “I wish you to buy me ‘South wood’s Divine Government.’ “”I send you what I think a little gem in its way for the Greek work. The air is from a collection of original Greek dances, which a gentleman (a stranger to me), sent me this last week, saying that as I was the Lyric Monarch I had a right to all such waifs and strays, and that they must be worthless indeed, if I could not ennoble them in my National Melodies. By the bye, I don’t know whether I told you that I have had a pressing application from the person who purchased all Garrick’s papers the other day, to arrange them for publication, and to name my own terms. I have declined.”

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el Benett has lent us his house [in Albemarle Street.] I should not mind staying into the next week, (for purposes of business) but that I have been pledged for months to attend the Gloucester Music Meeting with Bowles, who is the Steward and Manager of it, and who has ordered some of my things to be performed expressly for me.” “I will take up the MSS. and Reviews with me on Monday - the Monthly is not only very kind but very well done.”

Seven Letters, five 4to. (one franked “Lansdowne,” another “Auckland”) two 8vo., 2nd, 4th, 14th, 20th, 25th, 28th, and 29th September, 1826 “What I had to write about (and forgot in my last) was to beg that you would call on Monday in Albemarle Street, and tell the dirty old woman there, &e.” “I am employed on the Greek work, though (from something that has given me a good deal of uneasiness and anxiety) I doubt whether I shall succeed in having it ready before the beginning of next week.” Gloucester, “I am here in the midst of fine music and fine people, and have only time to inclose you £5 - with a thousand thanks - Lord Lansdowne brought me and we are lodged together.””I wish he [Bishop] would imagine airs for both sets of words, on the notion which they convey, and I would write new verses to them.” “I was very much pleased at Gloucester, besides being a good deal flattered. At the Steward’s Dinner, where

we had shoals of Tories (Duke of Beaufort, Lord Calthorpe. &c, &c.) my health was the only one given with three times three.” “I wish if you can find out Taylor, you would tell him that Lord Lansdowne will subscribe to his book as well as myself. Try and find him.” “I have been kept in a state of idleness ever since I left town, but am now about to turn in for business doggedly, and the Greek work shall be my first object.”“You will not forget the ‘Divine Government’ in your next. I am asking some of the neighbours for next Saturday to dinner, and shall have to trouble you with a commission for fish on the

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occasion. “” As I thought it possible you might not consider my last letter a sufficient warrant for the dispatch of the fish, I send this to say that I shall be much obligedhj your sending me a dish for seven or eight persons by to-morrow’s coach, (let your man put it down to my account) . Turbot you know we cannot well manage, but any thing else, good and cheap, if possible.” With reference to post-paying this letter, Mr. Moore adds, tl as it would be barbarous to make you pay for this fishletter, I shall act M.P. on the occasion.” “I take the advantage of a parcel to the Longmans to send you the MSS. with which that cursed Irishman bothered me, and which are all (as I have nearly told4iim) confounded trash.”

Seven Letters, two 4to., five 8vo. (one of two sides), 9th and 19th October, 2nd, 10th, 15th, 2 4th, and 27th November, 1826
” I shall be obliged to be in town for a few days about the end of next week. Murray (between ourselves) is, I fear playing me false on the subject of Lord Byron’s life, and I have written to Rogers to meet me in town as soon as he can, to bring the shuffling fellow, if possible, to some definitive and written engagement.” “I am going to pop in a note to Miss Drew, which I hope will escape postage/’ [The letter is charged double.’] “In consequence of your letter and one which I have just received from Mr. Rogers, I mean to start for town tomorrow morning. Mr. Rogers wishes me to sleep at his house, but as I had much rather be independent, pray get me a bed either at Mrs. Soane’s or at that Hotel near you, where Mrs. Rranigan was for some time, I forget the name of it.” Sends three Glees. “I found all at home well, but was not suffered to return immediately to quiet, being obliged to join the party at Bo wood, where I staid both Monday and Tuesday. There is, however, to be a pause of company there for a month to come.” “I have corrected the MS. of the Poetical part, but

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am not sorry you have had it printed, as I can always judge better of what wants alteration in the letterpress.”

“Many thanks for the fish And your birth-day wish !*’
” That infernal Pyrrhic dance will still give trouble. It is not at all what I wish.” “The Song I enclose I have had for this week past. It is written by a young girl of high fashion and of a family celebrated for talent. [Hon. Mrs. Norton ?~\ The words have great beauty in them; but the music I have not as yet given a fair trial to. She wants to publish a set of them, under this fictitious name (?), and she wishes (as every one wishes now) to get money. I have been entreated to apply to you, and I shall leave the rest to yourself. Only let me have an answer such as suits the sex and fashion of the fair applicant.” “I have, after some consideration sketched out my idea of the Pyrrhic dance in a way I think Bishop cannot mistake. I wish I could feel as sanguine about this work as he does. We have done our best to make it elegant and creditable, but that it will be popular with a public that’s going wild about
• Cherry Ripe’ is more than I can answer for.”

Seven Letters, four 4to. (one of two sides, and one franked
£ J. Macdonald ’), two 8vo. and one 12mo., 3rd, 4th, 9th, 17th, 22nd, 25th, and 31st December, 1826
” I do not foresee that there will be any such corrections as to require second Revises - a very rare thing in my printing operations (I mean the not having many Revises).” “The Pyrrhic dauce will do -he has taken nearly note for note the melody and arrangement I suggested.” “The Longmans have just proposed to me a plan by which (if it succeeds as they expect) I may make, they say, from five hundred to a thousand pounds a year with little trouble. This is worth consideration.”
” The Longmans have, in consequence of my representations

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against the probable success of their plan, resolved, I believe, upon giving it up; at all events they see the justice of my reasons for being unwilling to have anything to do with it. There is a similar plan which in your hands would be much more likely to succeed, and, indeed (if it has not already struck any music publisher) would be, I think, sure to succeed, and I should have no objection to give you my name and assistance in it. Say nothing of all this. It is not improbable that I shall soon be obliged to go to town, for Murray is come all right again, and promises soon to settle our business definitively. You perceive that he now announces the Life of Lord Byron with my name. If I go up, we can talk of the speculation.”
” I am persecuted for an answer about the young Lady’s Songs. Do say something as to your inclinations or ^inclinations on the subject. You can hardly I think afford to give anything worth her accepting.”

Six Letters, one 4to., five 8vo. (two of two sides, and one franked
”Carnarvon”), 5th, 9th, 12th, 16th, 17th and 28th January, 1827 Bowood. “This house idles me sadly, though nothing to be sure, is better worth idling for.” “The packet you sent me by the last parcel was a collection of Spanish Airs with a flattering letter from a Gentleman of Cambridge.” “There is a famous Article in praise of my Life of Sheridan in the forthcoming Edinburgh Review.” “Before this time twelve months my Byron’s Life will have put me I think out of debt and I shall then I hope be able to manage my annual income with more regularity and less loss.” “I think it is not fair to keep you in suspense so long about the plan I meant to recommend to you, and which was suggested by the proposal of the Longmans to me to become the Editor of an Annual Volume of Prose and Poetry like those that are at present so popular. Now, though (as I told them) the numbers of this sort of publication that are in the market, with the addition of the many

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more that their success will attract, would make a volume of the same kind (even with the attraction of my name which they seemed to count upon very much), rather a doubtful speculation, yet it occurs to me that an Annual work of a Musical kind, (a mixture of Music and Poetry) would have a very great chance (with good embellishments, &c. and my name as Editor) of distinguishing itself among the crowd, and becoming very popular; particularly if between this and next year the thought should occur to no other Music Publisher. Think of this.” With reference to Mr. Moore’s Glee of “Hip, Hip, Hurrah,” then unpublished, which was sung at the Anacreontic dinner at Bath, the Poet writes, “The Glee did wonders on Friday, I really never heard of any thing so successful. There was a distinct peal of applause after every verse, and we were obliged to sing it again in the course of the night. Lord Lansdowne and I went together (having slept at Fearly Castle the night before) and I had Lord Liverpool opposite to me at dinner, who was amazingly civil, and asked me to drink wine with him,
&c. &c. He expressed such anxiety, too, for a copy of the Glee for Lady Liverpool, that I thought I might (with all sorts of injunctions as to not letting it out of their hands) allow the Prime Minister to have one of the printed copies you sent me, and the other for fear of accidents, I put into the fire - so that you must let me have another proof to correct.”

Four Letters, two 4to., one 8vo., one 12mo., 5th, 9th, 10th, 16th February, 1827

“I wish when you have an opportunity you would row our Newsman, for he continually makes mistakes in the papers he sends, giving us the Times, British Traveller, &c. just as it suits his fancy.” “That thundering rogue of a Newsman sent the Times again yesterday. Tell him it is the Chronicle and only the Chronicle he is to send us.” li I wish you to call, some time within the next two or three days at Benett’s, and tell the old woman there that she may expect me on Weclnes-

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day evening next, and must have everything as clean as a new pin (mind you impress this on the dirty old witch) and the bed well aired for me. As Benett (who has just lost his wife) will not come up for some time, she may as well (tell her) give me his bed-room which is airier and which I should like better; if any thing should bring him up, I can change into the other room.”