"P.S. Since I wrote this, I determined to enclose it (as a half sheet) to Mr. Kinnaird, who will have the goodness to forward it. Besides, it saves sealing-wax."
"You say you have written often: I have only received yours of the eleventh, which is very short. By this post, _five_ packets, I send you the tragedy of Sardanapalus, which is written in a rough hand: perhaps Mrs. Leigh can help you to decipher it. You will please to acknowledge it by return of post. You will remark that the _unities_ are all _strictly_ observed. The scene passes in the same _hall_ always: the time, a _summer's night_, about nine hours, or less, though it begins before sunset and ends after sun-rise. In the third act, when Sardanapalus calls for a _mirror_ to look at himself in his armour, recollect to quote the Latin passage from _Juvenal_ upon _Otho_ (a similar character, who did the same thing): Gifford will help you to it. The trait is perhaps too familiar, but it is historical, (of _Otho_, at least,) and natural in an effeminate character."
"I enclose you another letter, which will only confirm what I have said to you.
"About Allegra'--I will take some decisive step in the course of the year; at present, she is so happy where she is, that perhaps she had better have her _alphabet_ imparted in her convent.
"What you say of the _Dante_ is the first I have heard of it--all seeming to be merged in the _row_ about the tragedy. Continue it!--Alas! what could Dante himself _now_ prophesy about Italy? I am glad you like it, however, but doubt that you will be singular in your opinion. My _new_ tragedy is completed.
"The B * * is _right_,--I ought to have mentioned her _humour_ and _amiability_, but I thought at her _sixty_, beauty would be most agreeable or least likely. However, it shall be rectified in a new edition; and if any of the parties have either looks or qualities which they wish to be noticed, let me have a minute of them. I have no private nor personal dislike to _Venice_, rather the contrary, but I merely speak of what is the subject of all remarks and all writers upon her present state. Let me hear from you before you start.
"P.S. Did you receive two letters of Douglas Kinnaird's in an endorse from me? Remember me to Mengaldo, Soranzo, and all who care that I should remember them. The letter alluded to in the enclosed, 'to the _Cardinal_,' was in answer to some queries of the government, about a poor devil of a Neapolitan, arrested at Sinigaglia on suspicion, who came to beg of me here; being without breeches, and consequently without pockets for halfpence, I relieved and forwarded him to his country, and they arrested him at Pesaro on suspicion, and have since interrogated me (civilly and politely, however,) about him. I sent them the poor man's petition, and such information as I had about him, which I trust will get him out again, that is to say, if they give him a fair hearing.