Chapter XCIV: Letter 152: To Mr. Ashe

"4. Bennet Street, St. James's, Dec. 14. 1813.

"Sir,

"I leave town for a few days to-morrow; on my return, I will answer
your letter more at length. Whatever may be your situation, I
cannot but commend your resolution to abjure and abandon the
publication and composition of works such as those to which you
have alluded. Depend upon it they amuse _few_, disgrace both
_reader_ and _writer_, and benefit _none_. It will be my wish to
assist you, as far as my limited means will admit, to break such a
bondage. In your answer, inform me what sum you think would enable
you to extricate yourself from the hands of your employers, and to
regain, at least, temporary independence, and I shall be glad to
contribute my mite towards it. At present, I must conclude. Your
name is not unknown to me, and I regret, for your own sake, that
you have ever lent it to the works you mention. In saying this, I
merely repeat your _own words_ in your letter to me, and have no
wish whatever to say a single syllable that may appear to insult
your misfortunes. If I have, excuse me; it is unintentional. Yours,
&c.

"BYRON."

* * * * *

In answer to this letter, Ashe mentioned, as the sum necessary to extricate him from his difficulties, 150_l_.--to be advanced at the rate of ten pounds per month; and, some short delay having occurred in the reply to this demand, the modest applicant, in renewing his suit, complained, it appears, of neglect: on which Lord Byron, with a good temper which few, in a similar case, could imitate, answered him as follows:--