were vented not only in these notes, but frequently on the proof-sheets
themselves. Thus, a passage in the dedication having been printed "the
first of her bands in estimation," he writes in the margin, "bards, not
bands--was there ever such a stupid misprint?" and, in correcting a line
that had been curtailed of its due number of syllables, he says, "Do
_not_ omit words--it is quite enough to alter or mis-spell them."]

* * * * *

LETTER 158. TO MR. MURRAY.

"Newstead Abbey, January 22. 1814.

"You will be glad to hear of my safe arrival here. The time of my
return will depend upon the weather, which is so impracticable,
that this letter has to advance through more snows than ever
opposed the Emperor's retreat. The roads are impassable, and return
impossible for the present; which I do not regret, as I am much at
my ease, and _six-and-twenty_ complete this day--a very pretty age,
if it would always last. Our coals are excellent, our fire-places
large, my cellar full, and my head empty; and I have not yet
recovered my joy at leaving London. If any unexpected turn occurred
with my purchasers, I believe I should hardly quit the place at
all; but shut my door, and let my beard grow.

"I forgot to mention (and I hope it is unnecessary) that the lines
beginning--_Remember him_, &c. must _not_ appear with _The
Corsair_. You may slip them in with the smaller pieces newly
annexed to _Childe Harold_; but on no account permit them to be
appended to The Corsair. Have the goodness to recollect this