Chapter XIV: Letter 167: To Mr. Dallas

"February 17. 1814.

"The Courier of this evening accuses me of having 'received and
pocketed' large sums for my works. I have never yet received, nor
wish to receive, a farthing for any. Mr. Murray offered a thousand
for The Giaour and Bride of Abydos, which I said was too much, and
that if he could afford it at the end of six months, I would then
direct how it might be disposed of; but neither then, nor at any
other period, have I ever availed myself of the profits on my own
account. For the republication of the Satire I refused four
hundred guineas; and for the previous editions I never asked nor
received a _sous_, nor for any writing whatever. I do not wish you
to do any thing disagreeable to yourself; there never was nor shall
be any conditions nor stipulations with regard to any accommodation
that I could afford you; and, on your part, I can see nothing
derogatory in receiving the copyright. It was only assistance
afforded to a worthy man, by one not quite so worthy.

"Mr. Murray is going to contradict this [19]; but your name will
not be mentioned: for your own part, you are a free agent, and are
to do as you please. I only hope that now, as always, you will
think that I wish to take no unfair advantage of the accidental
opportunity which circumstances permitted me of being of use to
you. Ever," &c.

[Footnote 19: The statement of the Courier, &c.]

* * * * *

In consequence of this letter, Mr. Dallas addressed an explanation to one of the newspapers, of which the following is a part;--the remainder being occupied with a rather clumsily managed defence of his noble benefactor on the subject of the Stanzas.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE MORNING POST.

"Sir,

"I have seen the paragraph in an evening paper, in which Lord Byron
is _accused_ of 'receiving and pocketing' large sums for his works.
I believe no one who knows him has the slightest suspicion of this
kind; but the assertion being public, I think it a justice I owe
to Lord Byron to contradict it publicly. I address this letter to
you for that purpose, and I am happy that it gives me an
opportunity at this moment to make some observations which I have
for several days been anxious to do publicly, but from which I have
been restrained by an apprehension that I should be suspected of
being prompted by his Lordship.

"I take upon me to affirm, that Lord Byron never received a
shilling for any of his works. To my certain knowledge, the profits
of the Satire were left entirely to the publisher of it. The gift
of the copyright of Childe Harold's Pilgrimage I have already
publicly acknowledged in the dedication of the new edition of my
novels; and I now add my acknowledgment for that of The Corsair,
not only for the profitable part of it, but for the delicate and
delightful manner of bestowing it while yet unpublished. With
respect to his two other poems, The Giaour and The Bride of Abydos,
Mr. Murray, the publisher of them, can truly attest that no part of
the sale of them has ever touched his hands, or been disposed of
for his use. Having said thus much as to facts, I cannot but
express my surprise that it should ever be deemed a matter of
reproach that he should appropriate the pecuniary returns of his
works. Neither rank nor fortune seems to me to place any man above
this; for what difference does it make in honour and noble
feelings, whether a copyright be bestowed, or its value employed,
in beneficent purposes? I differ with my Lord Byron on this subject
as well as some others; and he has constantly, both by word and
action, shown his aversion to receiving money for his productions."

* * * * *

LETTER. 163. TO MR. MOORE.

"February 26. 1814.

"Dallas had, perhaps, have better kept silence;--but that was _his_
concern, and, as his facts are correct, and his motive not
dishonourable to himself, I wished him well through it. As for his
interpretations of the lines, he and any one else may interpret
them as they please. I have and shall adhere to my taciturnity,
unless something very particular occurs to render this impossible.
Do _not you_ say a word. If any one is to speak, it is the person
principally concerned. The most amusing thing is, that every one
(to me) attributes the abuse to the _man they personally most
dislike!_--some say C * * r, some C * * e, others F * * d, &c. &c.
&c. I do not know, and have no clue but conjecture. If discovered,
and he turns out a hireling, he must be left to his wages; if a
cavalier, he must 'wink, and hold out his iron.'

"I had some thoughts of putting the question to C * * r, but H.,
who, I am sure, would not dissuade me if it were right, advised me
by all means _not_;--'that I had no right to take it upon
suspicion,' &c. &c. Whether H. is correct I am not aware, but he
believes himself so, and says there can be but one opinion on that
subject. This I am, at least, sure of, that he would never prevent
me from doing what he deemed the duty of a _preux_ chevalier. In
such cases--at least, in this country--we must act according to
usages. In considering this instance, I dismiss my own personal
feelings. Any man will and must fight, when necessary,--even
without a motive. _Here_, I should take it up really without much
resentment; for, unless a woman one likes is in the way, it is some
years since I felt a _long_ anger. But, undoubtedly, could I, or
may I, trace it to a man of station, I should and shall do what is
proper.

"* * was angerly, but tried to conceal it. _You_ are not called
upon to avow the 'Twopenny,' and would only gratify them by so
doing. Do you not see the great object of all these fooleries is to
set him, and you, and me, and all persons whatsoever, by the
ears?--more especially those who are on good terms,--and nearly
succeeded. Lord H. wished me to _concede_ to Lord Carlisle--concede
to the devil!--to a man who used me ill? I told him, in answer,
that I would neither concede, nor recede on the subject, but be
silent altogether; unless any thing more could be said about Lady
H. and himself, who had been since my very good friends;--and there
it ended. This was no time for concessions to Lord C.

"I have been interrupted, but shall write again soon. Believe me
ever, my dear Moore," &c.

* * * * *

Another of his friends having expressed, soon after, some intention of volunteering publicly in his defence, he lost no time in repressing him by the following sensible letter:--