Chapter XXIV: Letter 178: To Mr. Murray

"April 26. 1814.

"I have been thinking that it might be as well to publish no more
of the Ode separately, but incorporate it with any of the other
things, and include the smaller poem too (in that case)--which I
must previously correct, nevertheless. I can't, for the head of me,
add a line worth scribbling; my 'vein' is quite gone, and my
present occupations are of the gymnastic order--boxing and
fencing--and my principal conversation is with my macaw and Bayle.
I want my Moreri, and I want Athenæus.

"P.S. I hope you sent back that poetical packet to the address
which I forwarded to you on Sunday: if not, pray do; or I shall
have the author screaming after his Epic."

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