| Collection | Additional papers of George IV, as Prince, Regent, and King |
| Description | Thanking him for his last letter and poem. The king has not written sooner as he had nothing very particular to say and he was unwilling to occupy Knighton's time unnecessarily until he had had chance to give 'the whole of my attention to this most beautiful Production'. He laments his attempts [at poetry] which he consider 'of the human mind, perhaps, if not the most grand one, certainly of the very grandest & most elegant'. The king finds it difficult to express himself or define his feelings on 'this very very very wonderful Poem' and praising the 'L'arte' of the author which 'must be seen & read, to be beleiv'd' and likening the author to Shakespeare, Milton, and Dante. Indeed the poem 'does as much honour also I think to the Author's Heart, as it does to his Head' and that the king read it aloud and wept. He supposes Knighton has seen Ashley Cooper and will leave the matter with Knighton until they meet next Tuesday before the king is 'condemn'd to go to the Opera in State'; he has much to say to him. Everything seems to be going on well at the moment and the king hopes that this will remain so as any interruption 'must put an end at once not only to all my happiness, but to my Life & my Existance'.
Marked 'Private'.
Signed with initials.
With postscript concerning Knighton's 'delightful little Girl'.
?Draft |
| Custodial History | Purchased 1964 along with GEO/ADD/3/47, 49-54 |