Autograph letter signed : Ravenna, to Alexander Scott, 1819 July 12.

Enclosing a letter from Hoppner (MA 51.7) and discussing and countering, at length and in detail, all of the arguments that Hoppner presented to him against his relationship with Mme. Guiccioli; emphasizing that "she sought me -- and that I have had her -- there & here & everywhere -- so that if there is any fool-making on the occasion I humbly suspect that two can play at that -- and that hitherto the parties have at least an equal chance. I have no hesitation in repeating that I love her -- but I have also self-love enough to be cured by the least change or trick in her part when I know it. -- Pride is ones' best friend on such occasions;" saying that "As you are much more in the way of hearing the real truth or lie than H[oppner] perhaps you will tell me to what Gossip he alludes -- at any rate you will tell it without mystery and hints and without bile -- so pray do;" asking in a postscript, "What does H[oppner] mean by 'when she is sure of me'? how 'sure?' when a man has been for some time in the habit of keying a female -- methinks it is his own fault if the being 'left in the lurch' greatly incommodes him;" adding "You will think me a damned fool -- but when she was supposed in danger -- I was really & truly on the point of poisoning myself -- and have got the drug still in my drawer. If Hoppner is not gone ask him in a friendly way from me what he means -- but don't show him this letter."