Chapter LXXXIII: Letter 238: To Mr. Murray

"February 22. 1815.

"When the sum offered by you, and even _pressed_ by you, was
declined, it was with reference to a separate publication, as you
know and I know. That it was large, I admitted and admit; and
_that_ made part of my consideration in refusing it, till I knew
better what you were likely to make of it. With regard to what is
past, or is to pass, about Mr. M * *, the case is in no respect
different from the transfer of former copyrights to Mr. Dallas. Had
I taken you at your word, that is, taken your money, I might have
used it as I pleased; and it could be in no respect different to
you whether I paid it to a w----, or a hospital, or assisted a man
of talent in distress. The truth of the matter seems this: you
offered more than the poems are worth. I _said_ so, and I _think_
so; but you know, or at least ought to know, your own business
best; and when you recollect what passed between you and me upon
pecuniary subjects before this occurred, you will acquit me of any
wish to take advantage of your imprudence.

"The things in question shall not be published at all, and there is
an end of the matter.

"Yours," &c.

* * * * *

The letter that follows will give some idea of those embarrassments in his own affairs, under the pressure of which he could be thus considerate of the wants of others.