Diligent research as to who "Edward the Bard of Oxford" might be, yields no other suggestion than that he was a certain young Mr. Edward Marsh of Oriel College, who, when visiting Hayley while Blake was also his frequent guest and fellowlabourer, had been wont to read aloud to them the Hermit's own compositions in a singularly melodious voice.
Whilst engaged in collecting useful details for the Life of Romney, on which Hayley was now busy, as well as in executing two engravings for the same, Blake writes, February 23rd, 1804:—
I called yesterday on Mr. Braithwaite as you desired, and found him quite as cheerful as you describe him, and by his appearance should not have supposed him to be near sixty, notwithstanding he was shaded by a green shade over his eyes. He gives a very spirited assurance of Mr. John Romney's interesting himself in the great object of his father's fame, and thinks that he must be proud of such a work in such hands. As to the picture from Sterne which you desired him to procure for you, he has not yet found where it is; supposes that it may be in the north and that he may learn from Mr. Romney, who will be in town soon. Mr. B. desires I will present his compliments to you and write you that he has spoken with Mr. Read concerning the Life of Romney. He interests himself in it and has promis'd to procure dates of premiums (?) pictures, &c., Mr. Read having a number of articles relating to Romney, either written or printed, which he promises to copy out for your use, as also the Catalogue of Hampstead Sale. He showed me a very fine portrait of Mrs. Siddons, by Romney, as the Tragic Muse; half-length, that is, the head and hands, and in his best style. He also desires me to express to you his wish that you would give the Public an engraving of that medallion by your son's matchless hand which is placed over his chimney-piece between two pretty little pictures, correct and enlarged copies from antique gems, of which the centre ornament is worthy. He says that it is by far, in his opinion, the most exact resemblance of Romney he ever saw. I have furthermore the pleasure of informing you that he knew immediately my portrait of Romney, and assured me that he thought it a very great likeness.}}
I wish I could give you a pleasant account of our beloved Councellor (Rose), he, alas! was ill in bed when I called yesterday
