[Footnote 34: With such anxiety did he look to this essential part of his daughter's education, that notwithstanding the many advantages she was sure to derive from the kind and feminine superintendence of Mrs. Shelley, his apprehensions, lest her feeling upon religious subjects might be disturbed by the conversation of Shelley himself, prevented him from allowing her to remain under his friend's roof.]
"I enclose you another letter on Bowles. But I premise that it is not like the former, and that I am not at all sure how _much_, if _any_, of it should be published. Upon this point you can consult with Mr. Gifford, and think twice before you publish it at all.
"P.S. You may make my subscription for Mr. Scott's widow, &c. _thirty_ instead of the proposed _ten_ pounds; but do not put down _my name_; put down N.N. only. The reason is, that, as I have mentioned him in the enclosed pamphlet, it would look indelicate. I would give more, but my disappointments last year about Rochdale and the transfer from the funds render me more economical for the present."
"The child continues doing well, and the accounts are regular and favourable. It is gratifying to me that you and Mrs. Shelley do not disapprove of the step which I have taken, which is merely temporary.
"I am very sorry to hear what you say of Keats--is it actually true? I did not think criticism had been so killing. Though I differ from you essentially in your estimate of his performances, I so much abhor all unnecessary pain, that I would rather he had been seated on the highest peak of Parnassus than have perished in such a manner. Poor fellow! though with such inordinate self-love he would probably have not been very happy. I read the review of 'Endymion' in the Quarterly. It was severe,--but surely not so severe as many reviews in that and other journals upon others.
"I recollect the effect on me of the Edinburgh on my first poem; it was rage, and resistance, and redress--but not despondency nor despair. I grant that those are not amiable feelings; but, in this world of bustle and broil, and especially in the career of writing, a man should calculate upon his powers of _resistance_ before he goes into the arena.
"'Expect not life from pain nor danger free, Nor deem the doom of man reversed for thee.'