Poor Boswells Shakespere

is now to be had cheaper than it will ever be again, except when a chance copy occurs at a sale, – for about seven guineas I think. I suspect it will be <the> last of those editions in which the Editor heaps Pelion upon Ossa. Buy it therefore for me (for I have no better Shakespere than Stockdales,

& it is not decorous that I should be thus ill provided) – if it be sold charged 8 guineas that will be two thirds the original cost, & Bedford will refund you. You will see it marked in some of those shop windows which lay their baits for ready money. Let them send it to me by waggon, & say that as you cannot collate the copy, they will of course supply any defects if any should be found when it arrives here; – - the first thing I do with a new book is to see that it be perfect.

I have been looking every day to hear of J May.

My old friend Lightfoot is with me, & by his help I have got rid of my cold, leaving it somewhere among the mountains. He urges me very strongly to remove to the neighbourhood of London, & by way of removing all difficulties in the way, offers at any time to lend me money for purchasing a house & removing to it. But I am much more inclined to remain where I am, unless the ground should be sold piecemeal, which there is some danger of, in consequence of Clarkes death,

the nursery ground being to be given up.

Another week will bring me the last proofs of my first volume.

I have asked my Uncles advice concerning the dedication, & sent him three from which to chuse.

The preface will be transcribed this evening:

the table of contents has been drawn out as the proof sheets arrived; & in a very few weeks I shall have the satisfaction of being abused by all the Whig Journals to my hearts content. The volume has cost me much labour, & I think you will not be disappointed either in the matter or manner. The second will not require half the time. I may very well get thro it in eight or nine months, without any unusual exertion.