I thought it right to state to you these opinions of mine, that you might know that I think the Translation of the "Faust" a task demanding (from _me_, I mean) no ordinary efforts--and why? This--that it is painful, very painful, and even odious to me, to attempt anything of a literary nature, with any motive of _pecuniary_ advantage; but that I bow to the all-wise Providence, which has made me a _poor_ man, and therefore compelled me by other duties inspiring feelings, to bring _even my Intellect to the Market_. And the finale is this. I should like to attempt the Translation. If you will mention your terms, at once and irrevocably (for I am an idiot at bargaining, and shrink from the very thought), I will return an answer by the next Post, whether in my present circumstances, I can or cannot undertake it. If I do, I will do it immediately; but I must have all Goethe's works, which I cannot procure in Bristol; for to give the "Faust" without a preliminary critical Essay would be worse than nothing, as far as regards the PUBLIC. If you were to ask me as a friend whether I think it would suit _the General Taste_, I should reply that I cannot calculate on caprice and accident (for instance, some fashionable man or review happening to take it up favourably), but that otherwise my fears would be stronger than my hopes. Men of genius will admire it, of necessity. Those must, who think deepest and most imaginatively. Then "Louisa" would delight _all_ of good hearts.
Mr. Smith's, Ashley, Box, near Bath, September 12, 1814.