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Eartham,
sunday August 12
1781

My dear Sister

You have metamorphosed me into (what I never thought of becoming) , that unpleasant, but very useful Creature a Critic - tho perhaps you have given me only the Form of the animal, without its Virtues; for I am much of Gray’s opinion, & think the worst verse in the world a better Thing than most observations upon it. Indeed (to confess a shameful Truth) I hardly ever correct my own poetry, unless forced into that irksome drudgery by a Friend, generous & stubborn enough to say, that it must be done ; & as I am more & more convinced every day, that such a Friend is one of the greatest Blessings a poet can possess, allow me to hope, that you will love me the better for my critical severity in sending you splendid little poem to the anvil again. – it is a sterling piece of Gold that only wants beating out into a broader Circle –

You have no reason to hurry yourself in point of Time, for if your poem is printed the beginning of the Winter, it will be in excellent Season – Mrs H will be at Bath about that Time, & I am sure she will promote the circulation of it by every means in