Mrs Denman?, Collyers Buildings, ‘opposite the Point, Blackheath Hill’, London, to Henry Crabb Robinson, [no address], 7 July [?].

     Shakespeare thought he had kindly buried Slander in the grave – You have renovated the Demon & raised him to the Pulpit – Oh fye! Mr Robinson – He is not fat he has not fed upon macaroons only on fair Ladies favor – and it has apparently well agreed with him both in mind & Body – leaving himself modestly & affectionately in the former & perfectly embonpoint in the latter – but not fat.  Should this prove a middle come to the Sphinx & she will unriddle it -- & be happy to ram down the explanation with a leg of Mutton or dissolve its difficulty in a sober glass of wine – a line by my Cousin – (I mean the Post) the day before you [f. 446v] propose trusting yourself to our wrath will do -- & remember generally we allay our voracity generally about two of the clock but if three will suit your Convenience better say so – Sans Scrupule & if your good friend whom you propos’d kindly to bring with you will condescend to visit us en ami – he shall have a hearty welcome au natural & not even a compliment farcee – we will lead you into the Dens & thro the Dingles of this charming place and you shall learn find more Law at least more Justice harmony & order from surrounding scenery in one hour than you can from Colne upon Littleton in Seven years -- & Blackstone you may bring with you to console your self with when you shall be tired of our [f. 447r] sweet prattle [?] descant above all dont forget to bring a volume of the new school in your Pocket – bring a little bit a slice of the gentle Coleridge or an Atom of you know who  two fair genii of the Heath desire their kind remembrances & each promise faithfully to present you with a macaroon.

     I remain with all due decorum

         Yours &c

             Opposite the Point

July 7th  Blackheath Hill

Text: Flaxman Papers, Add. Ms. 39780, fols. 446-47, British Library.