To John Taylor, 5th September, 1819

My dear Taylor;

This morning I received yours of the 2nd and with it a letter from Hesssey enclosing a Bank post Bill of 30 Pounds—an ample sum I assure you: more I had no thought of. You should not have delayed so long in fleet street; leading an inactive life as you did was breathing poison: you will find the country air do more for you than you expect. But it must be proper country air; you must choose a spot.

Since I finished it I have finished Lamia; and am now occupied in revising Saint Agnes’ Eve and studying Italian. Ariosto I find as diffuse, in parts, as Spenser.
Brown’s kindest remembrances to you; and I am ever your most sincere friend.