such as completely to justify them: for he was literally in rags, was covered with mud (in which it appeared that he had been just rolled), had a black eye, and a fresh wound on his head from which the blood trickled down his breast; and, to crown the whole, was so drunk as to be hardly able to stand or speak. As soon as sir James could recognise him, he released him from the hands of his servants; and conducting him into his library, inquired the reason of his appearing in such a condition. Dermody accounted for his being so illdrest, by saying that he had pawned his new clothes. As for his dirt and wounds, he said he had been arrested and carried to a spunging-house; where he had been drinking with the bailiffs, and writing a poem which he wished to take to sir James, but they would not let him: so that he had watched his opportunity, and slipped off: but had been overtaken by them, and obliged to fight his way; in which, though with some damage, he had been ultimately successful. He then gave sir James his poem, which proved to be his Extravaganza: the uncommon beauty and elegance of which has been universally acknowledged; and which, though it might add fresh honour to the first writer in our language, was thus produced in the midst of intemperance and brutality, by a wretch in a state of intoxication, and lost to every feeling of decency or shame. As he was not at that time in a condition to be argued with, sir James advised him to return for the present to the spunging-house, and promised to discharge his debt the next morning. He accordingly sent a person with the money, and received in return the following letter. To Sir James Bland Burges, Bart. "SIR, "How can I sufficiently thank you for your munificent discharge of the debt I acknowledged to you? My gratitude cannot be expressed; nor my uneasiness, when I take the liberty to assure you that the expences of my release cannot be paid until I receive the additional benevolence of two pounds. I hope in the course of a few months to repay this unexpected demand, with the sincerest thanks. "I have the honour to be, sir, your most obliged and obedient humble servant, "THOMAS DERMODY. "28, Strutton-ground, March 14, 1801.” The It was not, however, a very easy matter to satisfy Dermody's expectations. more he received, the more earnest he became in his solicitations for pecuniary assistance; as will appear from the following correspondence. To Sir James Bland Burges, Bart. "SIR, "IF you have ever befriended me, or wish to befriend me, you will do it at the present moment by sending me two or three pounds, by the bearer. In case you cannot find it convenient, I leave the manuscript in your hands; but of the author you hear no more. 66 "Yours respectfully, "THOMAS DERMODY, 28, Strutton-ground, May 2d, 1802." To Sir James Bland Burges, Bart. "THOMAS DERMODY Would not have written to sir James Bland Burges, but on a great occasion. Hopes he will indulge him with two guineas: of Dermody he hears no more." * It is right here to state that at the time of writing this and the following short note, Dermody was, according to his own confession, in that state which learned topers (rather ungrammatically indeed) call non se ipse. 1 SIR, To Mr. Dermody. "In reply to my request of having some explanation, you send me a second letter more mysterious than your first. Pray what am I to make of the expression, ' of Dermody you hear no more'? You have experienced my friendship, and you know I am now actively employed in your service; but I must tell you, I am not to be moved by insinuations of this romantic nature. I have been, and still can be, your friend; but I must assure you, that expressions of this sort will never have the least influence upon me. If you choose to state your reason for this demand, I am ready to attend to it; but I am not to be moved by menaces of losing your acquaintance, nor am I much inclined to attend to any one who seems to prize my regard so slightly. "I am, &c. yours, "4th May 1801." J. B. BURGES. |