Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 2.djvu/362

326 by men whose conduct you yourself have exposed in a work worthy of the better days of our history. For me,—

What Italy has gained by the late transfer of nations, it were useless for Englishmen to enquire, till it becomes ascertained that England has acquired something more than a permanent army and a suspended Habeas Corpus; it is enough for them to look at home. For what they have done abroad, and especially in the South, "Verily they will have their reward," and at no very distant period.

Wishing you, my dear Hobhouse, a safe and agreeable return to that country whose real welfare can be dearer to none than to yourself, I dedicate to you this poem in its completed state; and repeat once more how truly I am ever Your obliged

And affectionate friend,

BYRON.