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am glad to see

I have read the thragery of Cenci, & Shelley at last descending to what really patres among Muman creatures. The story is certainly an unfortunate one; but the execution gives me a pes idea of Shelley's powers. There are papages of great shength; of the character of Beatrice is certatiity excelent.

My last letter was Late March 17.

eins most affectionately yours "William Gown

CHAPTER VIII.

THE SHELLEY S. 1811-18 14.

THE intimacy with Shelley, which also was not of Godwin's seeking, was destined to have a far more abiding influence on the lives of both. The first notice of Shelley f in the Godwin Diaries is under date Jan. 6, 1811. "Write! to Shelly." It is the only time his name is so spelt, his letter was in answer to Shelley's first letter, in which he introduced himself, and was written at once, when he was not quite clear about the name of his correspondent.

Shelley was at this time living at Keswick, in the earlier and happier days of his marriage with Harriet Westbrook, and his eager and restless spirit prompted him to form the acquaintance, by letter, with others whom he believed to be like himself enthusiasts in the cause of humanity, of liberty, and progress. He had already, in this manner, made the acquaintance of Leigh Hunt, when, in January 1811, he wrote thus to Godwin :

P. B. Shelley to William Godwin.

KESWICK, Jan. 3, 1811.

You will be surprised at hearing from a stranger. No introduction has, nor in all probability ever will, authorize that which common thinkers would call a liberty. It is, however, a liberty which, although not sanctioned by custom, is so far from being reprobated by reason, that the dearest interests of mankind imperiously demand that a certain etiquette of fashion should no

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