The Works Of Lord Byron - free ebook by Baron George Gordon Byron Byron

Byron's Letter and Journals

Volume 1 Part of Byron's Works a New, Revised and Enlarged Edition, with Illustrations. This volume edited by Rowland E. Prothero 1898 Table of Contents...

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Preface

Two great collections of Byron's letters have been already printed. In Moore's Life , which appeared in 1830, 561 were given. These, in FitzGreene Halleck's American edition of Byron's Works , published in 1847, were increased to 635. The first volume of a third collection, edited by Mr. W. E. Henley, appeared early in 1897. A comparison of the number of letters contained in these three collections down to August 22, 1811, shows that Moore prints 61, Halleck 78, and Mr. Henley 88. In other words

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List of Letters

1788—1805 Catherine Gordon of Gight (1765-1811), afterwards Mrs. Byron, and mother of the poet, was descended on the paternal side from Sir William Gordon of Gight, the third son, by Annabella Stewart, daughter of James I of Scotland, of George, second Earl of Huntly, Chancellor of Scotland (1498-1502), and Lord-Lieutenant of the North from 1491 to his death in 1507. The owners of Gight, now a ruin, once a feudal stronghold, were a hot-headed, hasty-handed race, sufficiently notable to be commem

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1. to Mrs. Parker1

Newstead Abbey, Nov. 8th, 1798. Dear Madam, — My Mamma being unable to write herself desires I will let you know that the potatoes are now ready and you are welcome to them whenever you please. She begs you will ask Mrs. Parkyns if she would wish the poney to go round by Nottingham or to go home the nearest way as it is now quite well but too small to carry me. I have sent a young Rabbit which I beg Miss Frances will accept off and which I promised to send before. My Mamma desires her best compl

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2 — to his Mother

Nottingham, 13 March, 1799. Dear Mama, — I am very glad to hear you are well. I am so myself, thank God; upon my word I did not expect so long a Letter from you; however I will answer it as well as I can. Mrs. Parkyns and the rest are well and are much obliged to you for the present. Mr. Rogers 1 could attend me every night at a separate hour from the Miss Parkynses, and I am astonished you do not acquiesce in this Scheme which would keep me in Mind of what I have almost entirely forgot. I recom

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3 — to John Hanson1

Sir , — I am not a little disappointed at your Stay, for this last week I expected you every hour; but, however, I beg it as a favour that you will come up soon from Newstead as the Holidays commence in three weeks Time. I congratulate you on Capt. Hanson's 2 being appointed commander of The Brazen Sloop of War, and I congratulate myself on Lord Portsmouth's 3 Marriage, hoping his Lady, when he and I meet next, will keep him in a little better order. The manner I knew that Capt. Hanson was appoi

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4 — to his Mother

Harrow-on-the-Hill, Sunday, May 1st, 1803. My Dear Mother , — I received your Letter the other day. And am happy to hear you are well. I hope you will find Newstead in as favorable a state as you can wish. I wish you would write to Sheldrake to tell him to make haste with my shoes 1 . I am sorry to say that Mr. Henry Drury 2 has behaved himself to me in a manner I neither can nor will bear . He has seized now an opportunity of showing his resentment towards me. To day in church I was talking to

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5 — to his Mother

Harrow-on-the-Hill, June 23rd, 6th, 8th, 30th, 1803. My dear Mother, — I am much obliged to you for the Money you sent me. I have already wrote to you several times about writing to Sheldrake: I wish you would write to him, or Mr. Hanson to call on him, to tell him to make an Instrument for my leg immediately, as I want one, rather. I have been placed in a higher form in this School to day, and Dr. Drury and I go on very well; write soon, my Dear Mother. I remain, your affectionate Son, Byron .

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6 — to his Mother1

Southwell, [Sept. 1803]. My Dear Mother , — I have sent Mealey 2 to day to you, before William came, but now I shall write myself. I promise you, upon my honour , I will come over tomorrow in the Afternoon . I was not wishing to resist your Commands , and really seriously intended coming over tomorrow, ever since I received your last Letter; you know as well as I do that it is not your Company I dislike, but the place you reside in. I know it is time to go to Harrow. It will make me unhappy ; bu

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7 — to the Hon. Augusta Byron1

[At 63, Portland Place, London.] Burgage Manor, [Thursday], March 22d, 1804. Although , My ever Dear Augusta, I have hitherto appeared remiss in replying to your kind and affectionate letters; yet I hope you will not attribute my neglect to a want of affection, but rather to a shyness naturally inherent in my Disposition. I will now endeavour as amply as lies in my power to repay your kindness, and for the Future I hope you will consider me not only as a Brother but as your warmest and most affe

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8 — To the Hon. Augusta Byron

[63, Portland Place, London.] Southwell, March 26th, 1804. I received your affectionate letter, my ever Dear Sister, yesterday and I now hasten to comply with your injunction by answering it as soon as possible. Not, my Dear Girl, that it can be in the least irksome to me to write to you, on the Contrary it will always prove my Greatest pleasure, but I am sorry that I am afraid my correspondence will not prove the most entertaining, for I have nothing that I can relate to you, except my affectio

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9 — To the Hon. Augusta Byron

[At General Harcourt's, St. Leonard's Hill, Windsor, Berkshire.] Burgage Manor, April 2d, 1804. I received your present, my beloved Augusta, which was very acceptable, not that it will be of any use as a token of remembrance, No, my affection for you will never permit me to forget you. I am afraid, my Dear Girl, that you will be absent when I am in town. I cannot exactly say when I return to Harrow, but however it will be in a very short time. I hope you were entertained by Sir Wm. Fawcet's fune

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10 — To the Hon. Augusta Byron

[At General Harcourt's, St. Leonard's Hill, Windsor, Berkshire.] Burgage Manor, April 9th, 1804. A thousand thanks, my dear and Beloved Augusta, for your affectionate Letter, and so ready compliance with the request of a peevish and fretful Brother; it acted as a cordial on my drooping spirits and for a while dispelled the Gloom which envelopes me in this uncomfortable place. You see what power your letters have over me, so I hope you will be liberal in your epistolary consolation. You will addr

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11 — To the Hon. Augusta Byron

Burgage Manor, August 18th, 1804. My Dearest Augusta, — I seize this interval of my amiable mother's absence this afternoon, again to inform you, or rather to desire to be informed by you, of what is going on. For my own part I can send nothing to amuse you, excepting a repetition of my complaints against my tormentor, whose diabolical disposition (pardon me for staining my paper with so harsh a word) seems to increase with age, and to acquire new force with Time. The more I see of her the more

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12 — To Elizabeth Bridget Pigot1

Burgage Manor, August 29, 1804. I received the arms, my dear Miss Pigot, and am very much obliged to you for the trouble you have taken. It is impossible I should have any fault to find with them. The sight of the drawings gives me great pleasure for a double reason, — in the first place, they will ornament my books, in the next, they convince me that you have not entirely forgot me. I am, however, sorry you do not return sooner — you have already been gone an age . I perhaps may have taken my d

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13 — To the Hon. Augusta Byron

[Castle Howard, Malton, Yorkshire.] Harrow-on-the-Hill, October 25th, 1804. My dear Augusta, — In compliance with your wishes, as well as gratitude for your affectionate letter, I proceed as soon as possible to answer it; I am glad to hear that any body gives a good account of me; but from the quarter you mention, I should imagine it was exaggerated. That you are unhappy, my dear Sister, makes me so also; were it in my power to relieve your sorrows you would soon recover your spirits; as it is,

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14 — To the Hon. Augusta Byron

Friday, November 2d, 1804. This morning, my dear Augusta, I received your affectionate letter, and it reached me at a time when I wanted consolation, not however of your kind for I am not yet old enough or Goose enough to be in love; no, my sorrows are of a different nature, though more calculated to provoke risibility than excite compassion. You must know, Sister of mine, that I am the most unlucky wight in Harrow, perhaps in Christendom, and am no sooner out of one scrape than into another. An

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15 — To the Hon. Augusta Byron

Harrow, Saturday, 11th Novr, 1804. I thought, my dear Augusta 1 , that your opinion of my meek mamma would coincide with mine; Her temper is so variable, and, when inflamed, so furious, that I dread our meeting; not but I dare say, that I am troublesome enough, but I always endeavour to be as dutiful as possible. She is so very strenuous, and so tormenting in her entreaties and commands, with regard to my reconciliation, with that detestable Lord G. 2 that I suppose she has a penchant for his Lo

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16 — To the Hon. Augusta Byron

[Castle Howard, Malton, Yorkshire.] Harrow-on-the-Hill, Novr., Saturday, 17th, 1804. I am glad to hear, My dear Sister, that you like Castle Howard so well, I have no doubt what you say is true and that Lord C. is much more amiable than he has been represented to me. Never having been much with him and always hearing him reviled, it was hardly possible I should have conceived a very great friendship for his L'dship. My mother, you inform me, commends my amiable disposition and good understanding

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17 — To the Hon. Augusta Byron

[Castle Howard, Malton, Yorkshire.] Harrow-on-the-Hill, Novr. 21st, 1804. My Dearest Augusta , — This morning I received your by no means unwelcome epistle, and thinking it demands an immediate answer, once more take up my pen to employ it in your service. There is no necessity for my mother to know anything of my intentions, till the time approaches; and when it does come, Mr. H. has only to write her a note saying, that, as I could not accept the invitation he gave me last holidays, he imagine

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18 — to John Hanson1

Saturday, Dec. 1st, 1804. My Dear Sir , — Our vacation commences on the 5th of this Month, when I propose to myself the pleasure of spending the Holidays at your House, if it is not too great an Inconvenience. I tell you fairly, that at Southwell I should have nothing in the World to do, but play at cards and listen to the edifying Conversation of old Maids, two things which do not at all suit my inclinations. In my Mother's last Letter I find that my poney and pointers are not yet procured, and

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19 — To the Hon. Augusta Byron

6, Chancery Lane, Wednesday, 30th Jany., 1805. I have delayed writing to you so long, My dearest Augusta, from ignorance of your residence, not knowing whether you graced Castle Howard, or Kireton with your presence. The instant Mr. H[anson] informed me where you was, I prepared to address you, and you have but just forestalled my intention. And now, I scarcely know what to begin with; I have so many things, to tell you. I wish to God, that we were together, for It is impossible that I can confi

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20 — To the Hon. Augusta Byron

[London], Thursday, 4th April, 1805. My Dearest Augusta , — You certainly have excellent reasons for complaint against my want of punctuality in our correspondence; but, as it does not proceed from want of affection, but an idle disposition, you will, I hope, accept my excuses. I am afraid, however, that when I shall take up my pen, you will not be greatly edified or amused , especially at present, since, I sit down in very bad spirits, out of humour with myself, and all the world, except you .

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21 — To Hargreaves Hanson.

Burgage Manor, Southwell, Notts, 15 April, 1805. Dear Hargreaves , — As I have been unable to return to Town with your father, I must request, that you will take care of my Books, and a parcel which I expect from my Taylor's, and, as I understand you are going to pay Farleigh a visit, I would be obliged to you to leave them under the care of one of the Clerks, or a Servant, who may inform me where to find them. I shall be in Town on Wednesday the 24th at furthest, when I shall not hope to see yo

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22 — To Hargreaves Hanson

Burgage Manor, April 20, 1805. Dear Hargreaves, — Dr. Butler 1 , our new Master, has thought proper to postpone our Meeting till the 8th of May, which obliges me to delay my return to Town for one week, so that instead of Wednesday the 24th I shall not arrive in London till the 1st of May, on which Day (If I live) I shall certainly be in town, where I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you. I shall remain with you only a week, as we are all to return to the very day, on account of the prolongat

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23 — To the Hon. Augusta Byron

[The Earl of Carlisle's, Grosvenor Place, London.] Burgage Manor, April 23d, 1805. My Dearest Augusta , — I presume by this time, that you are safely arrived at the Earl's, at least I hope so; nor shall I feel myself perfectly easy, till I have the pleasure of hearing from yourself of your safety. I myself shall set out for town this day (Tuesday) week, and intend waiting upon you on Thursday at farthest; in the mean time I must console myself as well as I can; and I am sure, no unhappy mortal e

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24 — To the Hon. Augusta Byron

[The Earl of Carlisle's, Grosvenor Place, London.] Burgage Manor, Southwell, Friday, April 25th, 1805. My dearest Augusta, — Thank God, I believe I shall be in town on Wednesday next, and at last relieved from those agreeable amusements , I described to you in my last. I return you and Lady G. many thanks for your benediction , nor do I doubt its efficacy as it is bestowed by two such Angelic beings ; but as I am afraid my profane blessing would but expedite your road to Purgatory , instead of S

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25 — To John Hanson

Harrow-on-the-Hill, 11 May, 1805. Dear Sir, — As you promised to cash my Draft on the Day that I left your house, and as you was only prevented by the Bankers being shut up, I will be very much obliged to you to give the ready to this old Girl, Mother Barnard 1 , who will either present herself or send a Messenger, as she demurs on its being not payable till the 25th of June. Believe me, Sir, by doing this you will greatly oblige Yours very truly, Byron . Footnote 1: Mother Barnard was the kee

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26 — To the Hon. Augusta Byron

[The Earl of Carlisle's, Grosvenor Place, London.] [Harrow, Wednesday, June 5, 1805.] My Dearest Augusta, — At last you have a decent specimen of the dowager's talents for epistles in the furioso style. You are now freed from the shackles of her correspondence, and when I revisit her, I shall be bored with long stories of your ingratitude , etc., etc. She is as I have before declared certainly mad (to say she was in her senses, would be condemning her as a Criminal), her conduct is a happy compo

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27 — To John Hanson

Harrow-on-the-Hill, 27 June, 1805. Dear Sir, — I will be in Town on Saturday Morning, but it is absolutely necessary for me to return to Harrow on Tuesday or Wednesday, as Thursday is our 2d Speechday and Butler says he cannot dispense with my Presence on that Day. I thank you for your Compliment in the Beginning of your Letter, and with the Hope of seeing you and Hargreaves well on Saturday, I remain, yours, etc., etc., Byron . List of Letters...

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28 — To the Hon. Augusta Byron

[Address cut out], Tuesday, July 2d, 1805. My dearest Augusta, — I am just returned from Cambridge, where I have been to enter myself at Trinity College. — Thursday is our Speechday at Harrow, and as I forgot to remind you of its approach, previous to our first declamation 1 , I have given you timely notice this time. If you intend doing me the honour of attending, I would recommend you not to come without a Gentleman, as I shall be too much engaged all the morning to take care of you, and I sho

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29 — To John Hanson

Harrow, 8 July, 1805. My dear Sir, — I have just received a Letter from my Mother, in which she talks of coming to Town about the commencement of our Holidays. If she does, it will be impossible for me to call on my Sister , previous to my leaving it, and at the same time I cannot conceive what the Deuce she can want at this season in London. I have written to tell her that my Holidays commence on the 6th of August, but however, July the 1st is the proper day. — I beg that if you cannot find som

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30 — To Charles O. Gordon1

Burgage Manor, Southwell, Notts, August 4, 1805. Although I am greatly afraid, my Dearest Gordon, that you will not receive this epistle till you return from Abergeldie, (as your letter stated that you would be at Ledbury on Thursday next) yet, that is not my fault, for I have not deferred answering yours a moment, and, as I have just now concluded my Journey, my first, and, I trust you will believe me when I say, most pleasing occupation will be to write to you. We have played the Eton and were

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31 — To the Hon. Augusta Byron

[Castle Howard, Malton, Yorkshire.] Burgage Manor, August 6th, 1805. Well, my dearest Augusta, here I am, once more situated at my mother's house, which together with its inmate is as agreeable as ever. I am at this moment vis à vis and Téte à téte with that amiable personage, who is, whilst I am writing, pouring forth complaints against your ingratitude , giving me many oblique hints that I ought not to correspond with you, and concluding with an interdiction that if you ever after the expirati

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32 — To the Hon. Augusta Byron

[Castle Howard, Malton, Yorkshire.] Burgage Manor, August 10th, 1805. I have at last succeeded, my dearest Augusta, in pacifying the dowager, and mollifying that piece of flint which the good Lady denominates her heart. She now has condescended to send you her love , although with many comments on the occasion, and many compliments to herself. But to me she still continues to be a torment, and I doubt not would continue so till the end of my life. However this is the last time she ever will have

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33 — To Charles O. Gordon

Burgage Manor, August 14, 1805. Believe me, my dearest Charles, no letter from you can ever be unentertaining or dull, at least to me; on the contrary they will always be productive of the highest pleasure as often as you think proper to gratify me by your correspondence. My answer to your first was addressed to Ledbury; and I fear you will not receive it till you return from your tour, which I hope may answer your expectation in every respect; I recollect some years ago passing near Abergeldie

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34 — To Hargreaves Hanson

My Dear Hargreaves, — You may depend upon my Observance of your father's Invitation to Farleigh 1 in September, where I hope we shall be the cause of much destruction to the feathered Tribe and great Amusement to ourselves. The Lancashire Trial 2 comes on very soon, and Mr. Hanson will come down by Nottingham; perhaps, I may then have a chance of seeing him; at all events, I shall probably accompany him on his way back; as I hope his Health is by this time perfectly reestablished, and will not r

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35 — To Hargreaves Hanson

Burgage Manor. My Dear Hargeaves, — I would be obliged to you, if you would write to your father, and enquire — what time it will be most convenient for him to receive my visit, and I will come to Town immediately to the time appointed and accompany you to the Rural Shades and Fertile Fields of Hants. You must excuse the laconic Style of my Epistle as this place is damned dull and I have nothing to relate, but believe me, Yours truly, Byron . List of Letters...

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36 — To Hargreaves Hanson

Trinity Coll., October 25, 1805. Dear Hargreaves, — I presume your father has by this time informed you of our safe Arrival here 1 . I can as yet hardly form an Opinion in favour, or against the College, but as soon as I am settled you shall have an account. I wish you to pack up carefully — &amp; send immediately the remainder of my books, and also my Stocks which were left in Chancery Lane. Mon Chapeau de Bras take care of till Winter extends his Icy Reign and I shall visit the Metropolis.

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37 — To John Hanson

Trinity Coll., Oct. 26, 1805. Dear Sir, — I will be obliged to you to order me down 4 Dozen of Wine — Port, Sherry, Claret, and Madeira, one dozen of each. I have got part of my furniture in, and begin to admire a College life. Yesterday my appearance in the Hall in my State Robes was Superb , but uncomfortable to my Diffidence . You may order the Saddle, etc., etc., for "Oateater" as soon as you please and I will pay for them. I remain, Sir, yours truly, Byron . P.S. — Give Hargreaves a hint to

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38 — To the Hon. Augusta Byron

[Castle Howard, near Malton, Yorkshire.] Trin. Coll. [Wednesday], Novr. 6th, 1805. My dear Augusta, — As might be supposed I like a College Life extremely, especially as I have escaped the Trammels or rather Fetters of my domestic Tyrant Mrs. Byron, who continued to plague me during my visit in July and September. I am now most pleasantly situated in Super excellent Rooms, flanked on one side by my Tutor, on the other by an old Fellow, both of whom are rather checks upon my vivacity . I am allow

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39 — To Hargreaves Hanson

Dear Hargreaves , — Return my Thanks to your father for the Expedition he has used in filling my Cellar . He deserves commendation for the Attention he paid to my Request. The Time of "Oateater's" Journey approaches; I presume he means to repair his Neglect by Punctuality in this Respect. However, no Trinity Ale will be forthcoming, till I have broached the promised Falernum. College improves in every thing but Learning. Nobody here seems to look into an Author, ancient or modern, if they can av

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40 — To John Hanson

Trin. Coll. Cambridge, Novr. 23, 1805. Dear Sir, — Your Advice was good but I have not determined whether I shall follow it; this Place is the Devil or at least his principal residence. They call it the University, but any other Appellation would have suited it much better, for Study is the last pursuit of the Society; the Master 1 eats, drinks, and sleeps, the Fellows 2 Drink, dispute and pun ; the Employment of the Under graduates you will probably conjecture without my description. I sit down

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41 — To John Hanson

Trinity College, Cambridge, Novr. 30, 1805. Sir , — After the contents of your Epistle, you will probably be less surprized at my answer, than I have been at many points of yours 1 ; never was I more astonished than at the perusal, for I confess I expected very different treatment. Your indirect charge of Dissipation does not affect me, nor do I fear the strictest inquiry into my conduct; neither here nor at Harrow have I disgraced myself, the "Metropolis" and the "Cloisters" are alike unconscio

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42 — To John Hanson

Trin. Coll. Cambridge, Dec. 4, 1805. Sir, — In charging you with downright Duplicity I wronged you, nor do I hesitate to atone for an Injury which I feel I have committed, or add to my Fault by the Vindication of an expression dictated by Resentment, an expression which deserves Censure, and demands the apology I now offer; for I think that Disposition indeed mean which adds Obstinacy to Insult, by attempting the Palliation of unmerited Invective from the mistaken principle of disdaining the Avo

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43 — To John Hanson

Trin. Coll. Cambridge, Dec. 13, 1805. Dear Sir , — I return you my Thanks for the remaining £50 which came in extremely apropos , and on my visit to Town about the 19th will give you a regular receipt. In your Extenuation of Mrs. Byron's Conduct you use as a plea , that, by her being my Mother, greater allowance ought to be made for those little Traits in her Disposition, so much more energetic than elegant . I am afraid, (however good your intention) that you have added to rather than diminishe

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44 — To the Hon. Augusta Byron

[ Cas tle Howard, ne ar Malton, Yorkshire.] 16, Piccadilly, [Thursday], Decr. 26th, 1805. My dearest Augusta, — By the Date of my Letter you will perceive that I have taken up my Residence in the metropolis, where I presume we shall behold you in the latter end of January. I sincerely hope you will make your appearance at that Time, as I have some subjects to discuss with you, which I do not wish to communicate in my Epistle. The Dowager has thought proper to solicit a reconciliation which in so

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45 — To the Hon. Augusta Byron

[Castle Howar d , neat Malto n , Yorkshire.] 16, Piccadilly, Friday , Decr. 27th, 1805. My Dear Augusta, — You will doubtless be surprised to see a second epistle so close upon the arrival of the first, (especially as it is not my custom) but the Business I mentioned rather mysteriously in my last compels me again to proceed. But before I disclose it, I must require the most inviolable Secrecy, for if ever I find that it has transpired, all confidence, all Friendship between us has concluded. I

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46 — Hon. Augusta Byron

[Castle Howard, near Malton, Yorkshire.] 16, Piccadilly, Tuesday , January 7th, 1805. [In another hand] — 6. My dearest Augusta, — Your efforts to reanimate my sinking spirits will, I am afraid, fail in their effect, for my melancholy proceeds from a very different cause to that which you assign, as, my nerves were always of the strongest texture. — I will not however pretend to say I possess that Gaieté de Coeur which formerly distinguished me, but as the diminution of it arises from what you c

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47 — To his Mother

16, Piccadilly, Febry. 26, 1806. Dear Mother, — Notwithstanding your sage and economical advice I have paid my Harrow Debts, as I can better afford to wait for the Money than the poor Devils who were my creditors. I have also discharged my college Bills amounting to £231, — £75 of which I shall trouble Hanson to repay, being for Furniture, and as my allowance is £500 per annum, I do not chuse to lose the overplus as it makes only £125 per Quarter. I happen to have a few hundreds in ready Cash by

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48 — To John Hanson

16, Piccadilly, March 3, 1806. Sir, — I called at your House in Chancery Lane yesterday Evening, as I expected you would have been in Town, but was disappointed. If convenient, I should be glad to see you on Wednesday Morning about one o'Clock, as I wish for your advice on some Business. On Saturday one of my Horses threw me; I was stunned for a short time, but soon recovered and suffered no material Injury ; the accident happened on the Harrow Road. I have paid Jones's Bill amounting to £231.4.

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49 — To John Hanson

Sir , — As in all probability you will not make your appearance tomorrow I must disclose by Letter the Business I intended to have discussed at our interview. — We know each other sufficiently to render Apology unnecessary. I shall therefore without further Prelude proceed to the Subject in Question. You are not ignorant, that I have lately lived at considerable Expence, to support which my allotted Income by the sapient Court of Chancery is inadequate. — I confess I have borrowed a trifling sum

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50 — To John Hanson

16, Piccadilly, 25th March, 1806. Sir , — Your last Letter, as I expected, contained much advice, but no Money. I could have excused the former unaccompanied by the latter, since any one thinks himself capable of giving that, but very few chuse to own themselves competent to the other. I do not now write to urge a 2nd Request, one Denial is sufficient. I only require what is my right. This is Lady Day. £125 is due for my last Quarter, and £75 for my expenditure in Furniture at Cambridge and I wi

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51 — To Henry Angelo1

Trinity College, Cambridge, May 16, 1806. Sir , — You cannot be more indignant, at the insolent and unmerited conduct of Mr. Mortlock 2 , than those who authorised you to request his permission. However we do not yet despair of gaining our point, and every effort shall be made to remove the obstacles, which at present prevent the execution of our project. I yesterday waited on the Master of this College 3 , who, having a personal dispute with the Mayor, declined interfering, but recommended an a

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52 — To John M. B. Pigot1

16, Piccadilly, August 9, 1806. My Dear Pigot , — Many thanks for your amusing narrative of the last proceedings of my amiable Alecto, who now begins to feel the effects of her folly. I have just received a penitential epistle, to which, apprehensive of pursuit, I have despatched a moderate answer, with a kind of promise to return in a fortnight; — this, however ( entre nous ), I never mean to fulfil. Her soft warblings must have delighted her auditors, her higher notes being particularly musica

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53 — To Elizabeth Bridget Pigot

London, August 10, 1806. My Dear Bridget , — As I have already troubled your brother with more than he will find pleasure in deciphering, you are the next to whom I shall assign the employment of perusing this second epistle. You will perceive from my first, that no idea of Mrs. B.'s arrival had disturbed me at the time it was written; not so the present, since the appearance of a note from the illustrious cause of my sudden decampment has driven the "natural ruby from my cheeks," and completely

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54 — To John M. B. Pigot

London, Sunday, midnight, August 10, 1806. Dear Pigot, — This astonishing packet will, doubtless, amaze you; but having an idle hour this evening, I wrote the enclosed stanzas 1 , which I request you will deliver to Ridge, to be printed separate from my other compositions, as you will perceive them to be improper for the perusal of ladies; of course, none of the females of your family must see them. I offer 1000 apologies for the trouble I have given you in this and other instances. Yours truly.

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55 — To John M. B. Pigot

Piccadilly, August 16, 1806. I cannot exactly say with Caesar, "Veni, vidi, vici:" however, the most important part of his laconic account of success applies to my present situation; for, though Mrs. Byron took the trouble of " coming ," and " seeing ," yet your humble servant proved the victor . After an obstinate engagement of some hours, in which we suffered considerable damage, from the quickness of the enemy's fire, they at length retired in confusion, leaving behind the artillery, field eq

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56 — To John M. B. Pigot

London, August 18, 1806. I am just on the point of setting off for Worthing, and write merely to request you will send that idle scoundrel Charles with my horses immediately; tell him I am excessively provoked he has not made his appearance before, or written to inform me of the cause of his delay, particularly as I supplied him with money for his journey. On no pretext is he to postpone his march one day longer; and if, in obedience to the caprices of Mrs. B. (who, I presume, is again spreading

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57 — To John M. B. Pigot

Little Hampton, August 26, 1806. I this morning received your epistle, which I was obliged to send for to Worthing, whence I have removed to this place, on the same coast, about eight miles distant from the former. You will probably not be displeased with this letter, when it informs you that I am £30,000 richer than I was at our parting, having just received intelligence from my lawyer that a cause has been gained at Lancaster assizes 1 , which will be worth that sum by the time I come of age.

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58 — To Elizabeth Bridget Pigot1

My Dear Bridget, — I have only just dismounted from my Pegasus , which has prevented me from descending to plain prose in an epistle of greater length to your fair self. You regretted, in a former letter, that my poems were not more extensive; I now for your satisfaction announce that I have nearly doubled them, partly by the discovery of some I conceived to be lost, and partly by some new productions. We shall meet on Wednesday next; till then, believe me, Yours affectionately, Byron . P.S. — Y

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59 — To John Hanson1

Southwell, Dec. 7th, 1806. Sir, — A Letter to Mrs. Byron has just arrived which states, from what "you have heard of the Tenor of my Letters," you will not put up with Insult. I presume this means (for I will not be positive on what is rather ambiguously expressed) that some offence to you has been conveyed in the above mentioned Epistles. If you will peruse the papers in question, you will discover that the person insulted is not yourself , or any one of your " Connections ." On Mr. B.'s apolog

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60 — To J. Ridge

Dorant's Hotel, Albemarle Street, Jany. 12, 1807. Mr. Ridge, — I understand from some of my friends, that several of the papers are in the habit of publishing extracts from my volume, particularly the Morning Herald . I cannot say for my own part I have observed this, but I am assured it is so. The thing is of no consequence to me, except that I dislike it. But it is to you, and as publisher you should put a stop to it. The is the paper; of course you cannot address any other, as I am sure I hav

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61 — To John M. B. Pigot

Southwell, Jan. 13, 1807. I ought to begin with sundry apologies, for my own negligence, but the variety of my avocations in prose and verse must plead my excuse. With this epistle you will receive a volume of all my Juvenilia , published since your departure: it is of considerably greater size than the copy in your possession, which I beg you will destroy, as the present is much more complete. That unlucky poem to my poor Mary 1 has been the cause of some animadversion from ladies in years . I

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62 — To Captain John Leacroft1

January 31, 1807. Sir, — Upon serious reflection on the conversation we last night held, I am concerned to say, that the only effectual method to crash the animadversions of officious malevolence, is by my declining all future intercourse with those whom my acquaintance has unintentionally injured. At the same time I must observe that I do not form this resolution from any resentment at your representation, which was temperate and gentlemanly, but from a thorough conviction that the desirable en

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63 — To Captain John Leacroft

February 4th, 1807. Sir, — I have just received your note, which conveys all that can be said on the subject. I can easily conceive your feelings must have been irritated in the course of the affair. I am sorry that I have been the unintentional cause of so disagreeable a business. The line of conduct, however painful to myself, which I have adopted, is the only effectual method to prevent the remarks of a meddling world . I therefore again take my leave for the last time. I repeat, that, though

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64 — To Captain John Leacroft

February 4th, 1807. Sir, — I am concerned to be obliged again to trouble you, as I had hoped that our conversations had terminated amicably. Your good Father, it seems, has desired otherwise; he has just sent a most agreeable epistle, in which I am honoured with the appellations of unfeeling and ungrateful. But as the consequences of all this must ultimately fall on you and myself, I merely write this to apprise you that the dispute is not of my seeking, and that, if we must cut each other's thr

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65 — To the Earl of Clare1

Southwell, Notts, February 6, 1807. My Dearest Clare, — Were I to make all the apologies necessary to atone for my late negligence, you would justly say you had received a petition instead of a letter, as it would be filled with prayers for forgiveness; but instead of this, I will acknowledge my sins at once, and I trust to your friendship and generosity rather than to my own excuses. Though my health is not perfectly re-established, I am out of all danger, and have recovered every thing but my

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66 — To Mrs. Hanson

Southwell, Feb. 8, 1807. Dear Madam, — Having understood from Mrs. Byron that Mr. Hanson is in a very indifferent State of Health, I have taken the Liberty of addressing you on the Subject. Though the Governor &amp; I have lately not been on the best of Terms , yet I should be extremely sorry to learn he was in Danger, and I trust he and will live to have many more Squabbles in this world , before we finally make peace in the next. If therefore you can favor me with any salutary Intelligence

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67 — To William Bankes1

Southwell, March 6, 1807. Dear Bankes, — Your critique is valuable for many reasons: in the first place, it is the only one in which flattery has borne so slight a part; in the next , I am cloyed with insipid compliments. I have a better opinion of your judgment and ability than your feelings . Accept my most sincere thanks for your kind decision, not less welcome, because totally unexpected. With regard to a more exact estimate, I need not remind you how few of the best poems , in our language,

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68 — To William Bankes1

For my own part, I have suffered severely in the decease of my two greatest friends, the only beings I ever loved (females excepted); I am therefore a solitary animal, miserable enough, and so perfectly a citizen of the world, that whether I pass my days in Great Britain or Kamschatka, is to me a matter of perfect indifference. I cannot evince greater respect for your alteration than by immediately adopting it — this shall be done in the next edition. I am sorry your remarks are not more frequen

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69 — To — — Falkner1

Sir, — The volume of little pieces which accompanies this, would have been presented before, had I not been apprehensive that Miss Falkner's indisposition might render some trifles unwelcome. There are some errors of the printer which I have not had time to correct in the collection: you have it thus, with "all its imperfections on its head," a heavy weight, when joined with the faults of its author. Such Juvenilia , as they can claim no great degree of approbation, I may venture to hope, will a

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70 — To John Hanson

[Farleigh House, Basingstoke, Hants.] Southwell, April 2nd, 1807. Dear Sir, — Before I proceed in Reply to the other parts of your Epistle, allow me to congratulate you on the Accession of Dignity and profit , which will doubtless accrue, from your official appointment. You was fortunate in obtaining Possession at so critical a period; your Patrons "exeunt omnes." 1 I trust they will soon supersede the Cyphers, their successors. The Reestablishment of your Health is another happy event, and, tho

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71 — To John M. B. Pigot

Southwell, April, 1807. My Dear Pigot, — Allow me to congratulate you on the success of your first examination — " Courage , mon ami." The title of Doctor will do wonders with the damsels. I shall most probably be in Essex or London when you arrive at this damned place, where I am detained by the publication of my rhymes . Adieu. — Believe me, Yours very truly, Byron P.S . — Since we met, I have reduced myself by violent exercise, much physic, and hot bathing, from 14 stone 6 lb. to 12 stone 7 l

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72 — To John Hanson

[6, Chancery Lane, Temple Bar, London.] Southwell, 19 April, 1807. Sir, — My last was an Epistle " entre nous ;" this is a Letter of Business , Of course the formalities of official communication must be attended to. From lying under pecuniary difficulties, I shall draw for the Quarter due the 25th June, in a short Time. You will recollect I was to receive £100 for the Expence of Furniture, etc., at Cambridge. I placed in your possession accounts to amount and then I have received £70, for which

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73 — To Elizabeth Bridget Pigot

June 11, 1807. Dear Queen Bess, — Savage ought to be immortal : — though not a thorough-bred bull-dog , he is the finest puppy I ever saw , and will answer much better; in his great and manifold kindness he has already bitten my fingers, and disturbed the gravity of old Boatswain, who is grievously discomposed . I wish to be informed what he costs , his expenses , etc., etc., that I may indemnify Mr. G — — . My thanks are all I can give for the trouble he has taken, make a long speech , and conc

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74 — To Elizabeth Bridget Pigot

Cambridge, June 30, 1807. " Better late than never, Pal," 1 is a saying of which you know the origin, and as it is applicable on the present occasion, you will excuse its conspicuous place in the front of my epistle. I am almost superannuated here. My old friends (with the exception of a very few) all departed, and I am preparing to follow them, but remain till Monday to be present at three Oratorios , two Concerts , a Fair , and a Ball. I find I am not only thinner but taller by an inch since m

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75 — To Elizabeth Bridget Pigot

Trin. Coll. Camb. July 5, 1807. Since my last letter I have determined to reside another year at Granta, as my rooms, etc., etc., are finished in great style, several old friends come up again, and many new acquaintances made; consequently my inclination leads me forward, and I shall return to college in October if still alive . My life here has been one continued routine of dissipation — out at different places every day, engaged to more dinners, etc., etc., than my stay would permit me to fulf

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76 — To Elizabeth Bridget Pigot

Gordon's Hotel, July 13, 1807. You write most excellent epistles — a fig for other correspondents, with their nonsensical apologies for " knowing nought about it " — you send me a delightful budget. I am here in a perpetual vortex of dissipation (very pleasant for all that), and, strange to tell, I get thinner, being now below eleven stone considerably. Stay in town a month , perhaps six weeks, trip into Essex, and then, as a favour, irradiate Southwell for three days with the light of my counte

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77 — To John Hanson

July 20th, 1807. Sir, — Your proposal to make Mrs. Byron my Treasurer is very kind, but does not meet with my approbation. Mrs. Byron has already made more free with my funds than suits my convenience &amp; I do not chuse to expose her to the Danger of Temptation. Things will therefore stand as they are; the remedy would be worse than the Disease. I wish you would order your Drafts payable to me and not Mrs. B. This is worse than Hannibal Higgins 1 ; who the Devil could suppose that any Body

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78 — To Elizabeth Bridget Pigot.

August 2, 1807. London begins to disgorge its contents — town is empty — consequently I can scribble at leisure, as occupations are less numerous. In a fortnight I shall depart to fulfil a country engagement; but expect two epistles from you previous to that period. Ridge does not proceed rapidly in Notts — very possible. In town things wear a more promising aspect, and a man whose works are praised by reviewers , admired by duchesses , and sold by every bookseller of the metropolis, does not de

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79 — To Elizabeth Bridget Pigot

London, August 11, 1807. On Sunday next I set off for the Highlands 1 . A friend of mine accompanies me in my carriage to Edinburgh. There we shall leave it, and proceed in a tandem (a species of open carriage) though the western passes to Inverary, where we shall purchase shelties , to enable us to view places inaccessible to vehicular conveyances . On the coast we shall hire a vessel, and visit the most remarkable of the Hebrides; and, if we have time and favourable weather, mean to sail as fa

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80 — To John Hanson

Dorant's Hotel, October 19th, 1807. Dear Hanson, — I will thank you to disburse the quarter due as soon as possible, for I am at this moment contemplating with woeful visage, one solitary Guinea, two bad sixpences and a shilling, being all the cash at present in possession of Yours very truly, Byron . List of Letters...

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81 — To Elizabeth Bridget Pigot

Trinity College, Cambridge, October 26, 1807. My Dear Elizabeth, — Fatigued with sitting up till four in the morning for the last two days at hazard, I take up my pen to inquire how your highness and the rest of my female acquaintance at the seat of archiepiscopal grandeur go on. I know I deserve a scolding for my negligence in not writing more frequently; but racing up and down the country for these last three months, how was it possible to fulfil the duties of a correspondent? Fixed at last fo

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82 — To J. Ridge

Trinity College, Cambridge, November 20, 1807. Sir, — I am happy to hear every thing goes on so well, and I presume you will soon commence, though I am still of opinion the first Edition had better be entirely sold, before you risk the printing of a second. As Curly recommends fine wove Foolscap, let it be used, and I will order a design in London for a plate, my own portrait would perhaps be best, but as that would take up so long a time in completing we will substitute probably a view of Harro

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83 — To John Hanson

Trin. Coll., Cambridge, Dec. 2nd, 1807. My Dear Sir, — I hope to take my New Years Day dinner with you en famille . Tell Hargreaves I will bring his Blackstones, and shall have no objection to see my Daniel's Field Sports , if they have not escaped his recollection. — I certainly wish the expiration of my minority as much as you do, though for a reason more nearly affecting my magisterial person at this moment, namely, the want of twenty pounds, for no spendthrift peer, or unlucky poet, was ever

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84 — To John Murray1

Ravenna, 9bre 19, 1820. W hat you said of the late Charles Skinner Matthews 2 has set me to my recollections; but I have not been able to turn up any thing which would do for the purposed Memoir of his brother, — even if he had previously done enough during his life to sanction the introduction of anecdotes so merely personal. He was, however, a very extraordinary man, and would have been a great one. No one ever succeeded in a more surpassing degree than he did as far as he went. He was indolen

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85 — To Henry Drury1

Dorant's Hotel, Jan. 13, 1808. My Dear Sir, — Though the stupidity of my servants, or the porter of the house, in not showing you up stairs (where I should have joined you directly), prevented me the pleasure of seeing you yesterday, I hoped to meet you at some public place in the evening. However, my stars decreed otherwise, as they generally do, when I have any favour to request of them. I think you would have been surprised at my figure, for, since our last meeting, I am reduced four stone in

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86 — To John Cam Hobhouse1

Newstead Abbey, Notts, January 16, 1808. My Dear Hobhouse, — I do not know how the dens -descended Davies 2 came to mention his having received a copy of my epistle to you, but I addressed him and you on the same evening, and being much incensed at the account I had received from Wallace, I communicated the contents to the Birdmore, though without any of that malice wherewith you charge me. I shall leave my card at Batts, and hope to see you in your progress to the North. I have lately discovere

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87 — To Robert Charles Dallas1

Dorant's Hotel, Albemarle Street, Jan. 20, 1808. Sir, — Your letter was not received till this morning, I presume from being addressed to me in Notts., where I have not resided since last June; and as the date is the 6th, you will excuse the delay of my answer. If the little volume you mention has given pleasure to the author of Percival and Aubrey , I am sufficiently repaid by his praise. Though our periodical censors have been uncommonly lenient, I confess a tribute from a man of acknowledged

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88 — To Robert Charles Dallas

Dorant's, January 21, 1808. Sir, — Whenever leisure and inclination permit me the pleasure of a visit, I shall feel truly gratified in a personal acquaintance with one whose mind has been long known to me in his writings. You are so far correct in your conjecture, that I am a member of the University of Cambridge, where I shall take my degree of A.M. this term; but were reasoning, eloquence, or virtue, the objects of my search, Granta is not their metropolis, nor is the place of her situation an

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89 — To John Hanson

Dorant's, January 25th, 1808. Sir, — The picture I have drawn of my finances is unfortunately a true one, and I find the colours may be heightened but not improved by time. — I have inclosed the receipt, and return my thanks for the loan, which shall be repaid the first opportunity. In the concluding part of my last I gave my reasons for not troubling you with my society at present, but when I can either communicate or receive pleasure, I shall not be long absent. Yrs., etc., Byron . P.S. — I ha

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90 — To John Hanson

Dorant's, January 25th, 1808. Dear Sir, — Some time ago I gave Mitchell the sadler [ sic ] a letter for you, requesting his bill might be paid from the Balance of the Quarter you obliged me by advancing. If he has received this you will further oblige me by paying what remains, I believe somewhere about five pounds, if so much. You will confer a favour upon me by the loan of twenty. I will endeavour to repay it next week, as I have immediate occasion for that sum, and I should not require it of

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91 — To James De Bathe1

Dorant's Hotel, February 2d, 1808. My Dear De Bathe, — Last Night I saw your Father and Brother, the former I have not the pleasure of knowing, but the latter informed me you came to Town on Saturday and returned yesterday . I have received a pressing Invitation from Henry Drury to pay him a visit; in his Letter he mentions a very old Friend of yours, who told him he would join my party, if I could inform him on what day I meant to go over. This Friend you will readily conclude to be a Lord B .;

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92 — To William Harness1

Dorant's Hotel, Albemarle Street, Feb. II, 1808. My Dear Harness, — As I had no opportunity of returning my verbal thanks, I trust you will accept my written acknowledgments for the compliment you were pleased to pay some production of my unlucky muse last November, — I am induced to do this not less from the pleasure I feel in the praise of an old schoolfellow, than from justice to you, for I had heard the story with some slight variations. Indeed , when we met this morning, Wingfield 2 had not

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93 — To J. Ridge

[Mr. Ridge, Newark.] Dorant's Hotel, February 21st, 1808. Mr. Ridge, — Something has occurred which will make considerable alteration in my new volume. You must go back and cut out the whole poem of Childish Recollections 1 . Of course you will be surprized at this, and perhaps displeased, but it must be done . I cannot help its detaining you a month longer, but there will be enough in the volume without it, and as I am now reconciled to Dr. Butler I cannot allow my satire to appear against him,

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94 — To the Rev. John Becher1

Dorant's Hotel, Feb. 26, 1808. My Dear Becher , — Now for Apollo. I am happy that you still retain your predilection, and that the public allow me some share of praise. I am of so much importance that a most violent attack is preparing for me in the next number of the Edinburgh Review 2 . This I had from the authority of a friend who has seen the proof and manuscript of the critique. You know the system of the Edinburgh gentlemen is universal attack. They praise none; and neither the public nor

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95 — To the Rev. John Becher.

Dorant's, March 28, 1808. I have lately received a copy of the new edition from Ridge, and it is high time for me to return my best thanks to you for the trouble you have taken in the superintendence. This I do most sincerely, and only regret that Ridge has not seconded you as I could wish, — at least, in the bindings, paper, etc., of the copy he sent to me. Perhaps those for the public may be more respectable in such articles. You have seen the Edinburgh Review , of course. I regret that Mrs. B

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96 — To the Hon. Augusta Leigh

[Six Mile Bottom, Newmarket, Cambridge.] Dorant's, [Tuesday], April 26th, 1808. My dear Augusta, — I regret being compelled to trouble you again, but it is necessary I should request you will inform Col. Leigh, if the P's consent is not obtained in a few days, it will be of little service to Mr. Wallace, who is ordered to join the 17th in ten days, the Regiment is stationed in the East Indies, and, as he has already served there nine years, he is unwilling to return. I shall feel particularly ob

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97 — To the Rev. John Becher

Newstead Abbey, Notts., Sept. 14, 1808. My dear Becher, — I am much obliged to you for your inquiries, and shall profit by them accordingly. I am going to get up a play here; the hall will constitute a most admirable theatre. I have settled the dram. pers., and can do without ladies, as I have some young friends who will make tolerable substitutes for females, and we only want three male characters, beside Mr. Hobhouse and myself, for the play we have fixed on, which will be the Revenge 1 . Pray

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98 — To John Jackson1

N. A., Notts., September 18, 1808. Dear Jack, — I wish you would inform me what has been done by Jekyll, at No. 40, Sloane Square, concerning the pony I returned as unsound. I have also to request you will call on Louch at Brompton, and inquire what the devil he meant by sending such an insolent letter to me at Brighton; and at the same time tell him I by no means can comply with the charge he has made for things pretended to be damaged. Ambrose behaved most scandalously about the pony. You may

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99 — To John Jackson

N. A., Notts., October 4, 1808. You will make as good a bargain as possible with this Master Jekyll, if he is not a gentleman. If he is a gentleman , inform me, for I shall take very different steps. If he is not, you must get what you can of the money, for I have too much business on hand at present to commence an action. Besides, Ambrose is the man who ought to refund, — but I have done with him. You can settle with L. out of the balance, and dispose of the bidets, etc., as you best can. I sho

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100 — To his Mother

Newstead Abbey, Notts, October 7, 1808. Dear Madam, — I have no beds for the Hansons or any body else at present. The Hansons sleep at Mansfield. I do not know that I resemble Jean Jacques Rousseau 1 . I have no ambition to be like so illustrious a madman — but this I know, that I shall live in my own manner, and as much alone as possible. When my rooms are ready I shall be glad to see you: at present it would be improper, and uncomfortable to both parties. You can hardly object to my rendering

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101 — To his Mother

Newstead Abbey, November 2, 1808. Dear Mother , — If you please, we will forget the things you mention. I have no desire to remember them. When my rooms are finished, I shall be happy to see you; as I tell but the truth, you will not suspect me of evasion. I am furnishing the house more for you than myself, and I shall establish you in it before I sail for India, which I expect to do in March, if nothing particularly obstructive occurs. I am now fitting up the green drawing-room; the red for a b

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102 — To Francis Hodgson1

Newstead Abbey, Notts., Nov. 3, 1808. My Dear Hodgson, — I expected to have heard ere this the event of your interview with the mysterious Mr. Haynes, my volunteer correspondent; however, as I had no business to trouble you with the adjustment of my concerns with that illustrious stranger, I have no right to complain of your silence. You have of course seen Drury 2 , in all the pleasing palpitations of anticipated wedlock. Well! he has still something to look forward to, and his present extacies

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103 — To John Hanson

Newstead Abbey, Notts., November 18th, 1808. Dear Sir, — I am truly glad to hear your health is reinstated. As for my affairs I am sure you will do your best, and, though I should be glad to get rid of my Lancashire property for an equivalent in money, I shall not take any steps of that nature without good advice and mature consideration. I am (as I have already told you) going abroad in the spring; for this I have many reasons. In the first place, I wish to study India and Asiatic policy and ma

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104 — To Francis Hodgson

Newstead Abbey, Notts., Nov. 27, 1808. My Dear Sir, — Boatswain 1 is to be buried in a vault waiting for myself. I have also written an epitaph, which I would send, were it not for two reasons: one is, that it is too long for a letter; and the other, that I hope you will some day read it on the spot where it will be engraved. You discomfort me with the intelligence of the real orthodoxy of the Arch-fiend's name 2 , but alas! it must stand with me at present; if ever I have an opportunity of corr

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105 — To the Hon. Augusta Leigh

[Ld. Chichester's, Stratton Street, London.] Newstead Abbey, Notts., [Wednesday], Novr. 30th, 1808. My Dearest Augusta, — I return you my best thanks for making me an uncle, and forgive the sex this time; but the next must be a nephew. You will be happy to hear my Lancashire property is likely to prove extremely valuable; indeed my pecuniary affairs are altogether far superior to my expectations or any other person's. If I would sell , my income would probably be six thousand per annum; but I wi

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106 — To the Hon. Augusta Leigh

[Ld. Chichester's, Stratton Street, London.] Newstead Abbey, Notts., Decr. 14th, 1808. My Dearest Augusta, — When I stated in my last, that my intercourse with the world had hardened my heart, I did not mean from any matrimonial disappointment, no, I have been guilty of many absurdities, but I hope in God I shall always escape that worst of evils, Marriage. I have no doubt there are exceptions, and of course include you amongst them, but you will recollect, that " exceptions only prove the Rule

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107 — To John Hanson

Newstead Abbey, Notts., Dec. 17, 1808. My Dear Sir, — I regret the contents of your letter as I think we shall be thrown on our backs from the delay. I do not know if our best method would not be to compromise if possible, as you know the state of my affairs will not be much bettered by a protracted and possibly unsuccessful litigation. However, I am and have been so much in the dark during the whole transaction that I am not a competent judge of the most expedient measures. I suppose it will en

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108 — To Francis Hodgson

Newstead Abbey, Notts., Dec. 17, 1808. My Dear Hodgson, — I have just received your letter, and one from B. Drury 1 , which I would send, were it not too bulky to despatch within a sheet of paper; but I must impart the contents and consign the answer to your care. In the first place, I cannot address the answer to him, because the epistle is without date or direction; and in the next, the contents are so singular that I can scarce believe my optics, "which are made the fools of the other senses,

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109 — To John Hanson.

Newstead Abbey, Jan. 15th, 1809. My Dear Sir, — I am much obliged by your kind invitation, but I wish you, if possible, to be here on the 22nd 1 . Your presence will be of great service, everything is prepared for your reception exactly as if I remained, and I think Hargreaves will be gratified by the appearance of the place, and the humours of the day. I shall on the first opportunity pay my respects to your family, and though I will not trespass on your hospitality on the 22nd, my obligation i

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110 — To R. C. Dallas

Reddish's Hotel, Jan. 25, 1809. My Dear Sir, — My only reason for not adopting your lines is because they are your lines 1 . You will recollect that Lady Wortley Montague said to Pope: "No touching, for the good will be given to you, and the bad attributed to me." I am determined it shall be all my own, except such alterations as may be absolutely required; but I am much obliged by the trouble you have taken, and your good opinion. The couplet on Lord C. 2 may be scratched out and the following

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111 — To R. C. Dallas.

February 7, 1809. My Dear Sir, — Suppose we have this couplet — or, So much for your admonition; but my note of notes, my solitary pun 2 , must not be given up — no, rather come against me; my annotation must stand. We shall never sell a thousand; then why print so many? Did you receive my yesterday's note? I am troubling you, but I am apprehensive some of the lines are omitted by your young amanuensis, to whom, however, I am infinitely obliged. Believe me, yours very truly, Byron . Footnote 1:

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112 — To R. C. Dallas

February 11, 1809. I wish you to call, if possible, as I have some alterations to suggest as to the part about Brougham 1 . B. Footnote 1: See ibid ., line 524, note 2. return to footnote mark List of Letters...

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113 — To R. C. Dallas

February 12, 1809. Excuse the trouble, but I have added two lines which are necessary to complete the poetical character of Lord Carlisle 1 . Yours, etc., B. Footnote 1: See ibid ., lines 733-736. Another letter, written February 15, 1809, runs as follows:— return to footnote mark List of Letters...

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114 — To R. C. Dallas

February 16, 1809. Ecce iterum Crispinus! — I send you some lines to be placed after "Gifford, Sotheby, M'Niel." 1 Pray call tomorrow any time before two, and Believe me, etc., B. P.S. — Print soon, or I shall overflow with more rhyme. Footnote 1: See English Bards, etc. , lines 819-830. return to footnote mark List of Letters...

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115 — To R. C. Dallas

February 19, 1809. I enclose some lines to be inserted, the first six after "Lords too are bards," etc., or rather immediately following the line: The four next will wind up the panegyric on Lord Carlisle, and come after "tragic stuff." 1 Yours truly. Footnote 1: See ibid ., lines 736-740. return to footnote mark List of Letters...

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116 — To R. C. Dallas

February 22, 1809. A cut at the opera. — Ecce signum! from last night's observation, and inuendos against the Society for the Suppression of Vice 1 . The lines will come well in after the couplets concerning Naldi and Catalani 2 ! Yours truly, Byron . Footnote 1: See English Bards, etc. , lines 618-631, note 1, for the "cut at the opera." The piece which provoked the outburst was I Villegiatori Rezzani , at the King's Theatre, February 21, 1809. Guiseppe Naldi (1770-1820) made his début in Lond

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117 — To his Mother

8, St. James's Street, March 6, 1809. Dear Mother, — My last letter was written under great depression of spirits from poor Falkland's death 1 , who has left without a shilling four children and his wife. I have been endeavouring to assist them, which, God knows, I cannot do as I could wish, for my own embarrassments and the many claims upon me from other quarters. What you say is all very true: come what may, Newstead and I stand or fall together. I have now lived on the spot, I have fixed my h

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118 — To William Harness

8, St. James's Street, March 18, 1809. There was no necessity for your excuses: if you have time and inclination to write, "for what we receive, the Lord make us thankful," — if I do not hear from you, I console myself with the idea that you are much more agreeably employed. I send down to you by this post a certain Satire lately published, and in return for the three and sixpence expenditure upon it, only beg that if you should guess the author, you will keep his name secret; at least for the p

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119 — To William Bankes

Twelve o'clock, Friday night. My Dear Bankes, — I have just received your note; believe me I regret most sincerely that I was not fortunate enough to see it before, as I need not repeat to you that your conversation for half an hour would have been much more agreeable to me than gambling 1 or drinking, or any other fashionable mode of passing an evening abroad or at home. — I really am very sorry that I went out previous to the arrival of your despatch: in future pray let me hear from you before

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120 — To R. C. Dallas

April 25, 1809. Dear Sir, — I am just arrived at Batt's Hotel, Jermyn Street, St. James's, from Newstead, and shall be very glad to see you when convenient or agreeable. Hobhouse is on his way up to town, full of printing resolution 1 , and proof against criticism. — Believe me, with great sincerity, Yours truly, Byron . Footnote 1: See page 163, note 1. Hobhouse's miscellany was published in 1809, under the title of Imitations and Translations from the Antient and Modern Classics: Together wi

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121 — To John Hanson

Batt's Hotel, Jermyn Street, April 26th, 1809. Dear Sir , — I wish to know before I make my final effort elsewhere, if you can or cannot assist me in raising a sum of money on fair and equitable terms and immediately 1 . I called twice this morning, and beg you will favour me with an answer when convenient. I hope all your family are well. I should like to see them together before my departure. The Court of Chancery it seems will not pay the money, of which indeed I do not know the precise amoun

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122 — To the Rev. R. Lowe1

8, St. James Street, May 15, 1809. My Dear Sir , — I have just been informed that a report is circulating in Notts of an intention on my part to sell Newstead, which is rather unfortunate, as I have just tied the property up in such a manner as to prevent the practicability, even if my inclination led me to dispose of it. But as such a report may render my tenants uncomfortable, I will feel very much obliged if you will be good enough to contradict the rumour, should it come to your ears, on my

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123 — To his Mother

Falmouth, June 22, 1809. Dear Mother , — I am about to sail in a few days; probably before this reaches you. Fletcher begged so hard, that I have continued him in my service. If he does not behave well abroad, I will send him back in a transport . I have a German servant (who has been with Mr. Wilbraham in Persia before, and was strongly recommended to me by Dr. Butler, of Harrow), Robert and William 1 ; they constitute my whole suite. I have letters in plenty:— you shall hear from me at the dif

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124 — To the Rev. Henry Drury

Falmouth, June 28, 1809. My Dear Drury , — We sail to-morrow in the Lisbon packet, having been detained till now by the lack of wind, and other necessaries. These being at last procured, by this time tomorrow evening we shall be embarked on the vide vorld of vaters, vor all the vorld like Robinson Crusoe. The Malta vessel not sailing for some weeks, we have determined to go by way of Lisbon, and, as my servants term it, to see "that there " Portingale " — thence to Cadiz and Gibraltar, and so on

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125 — To Francis Hodgson

Falmouth, June 25, 1809. My Dear Hodgson , — Before this reaches you, Hobhouse, two officers' wives, three children, two waiting-maids, ditto subalterns for the troops, three Portuguese esquires and domestics, in all nineteen souls, will have sailed in the Lisbon packet, with the noble Captain Kidd, a gallant commander as ever smuggled an anker of right Nantz. We are going to Lisbon first, because the Malta packet has sailed, d'ye see? — from Lisbon to Gibraltar, Malta, Constantinople, and "all

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126 — To Francis Hodgson

Lisbon, July 16, 1809. Thus far have we pursued our route, and seen all sorts of marvellous sights, palaces, convents, etc.; — which, being to be heard in my friend Hobhouse's forthcoming Book of Travels , I shall not anticipate by smuggling any account whatsoever to you in a private and clandestine manner. I must just observe, that the village of Cintra in Estremadura is the most beautiful, perhaps, in the world. I am very happy here, because I loves oranges, and talks bad Latin to the monks, w

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127 — To Francis Hodgson

Gibraltar, August 6, 1809. I have just arrived at this place after a journey through Portugal, and a part of Spain, of nearly 500 miles. We left Lisbon and travelled on horseback to Seville and Cadiz, and thence in the Hyperion frigate to Gibraltar. The horses are excellent — we rode seventy miles a day. Eggs and wine, and hard beds, are all the accommodation we found, and, in such torrid weather, quite enough. My health is better than in England. Seville is a fine town, and the Sierra Morena, p

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128 — To his Mother

Gibraltar, August 11th, 1809. Dear Mother,-I have been so much occupied since my departure from England, that till I could address you at length I have forborne writing altogether. As I have now passed through Portugal, and a considerable part of Spain, and have leisure at this place, I shall endeavour to give you a short detail of my movements. We sailed from Falmouth on the 2nd of July, reached Lisbon after a very favourable passage of four days and a half, and took up our abode in that city.

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129 — To Mr. Rushton.

Gibraltar, August 15, 1809. Mr. Rushton, — I have sent Robert home with Mr. Murray, because the country which I am about to travel through is in a state which renders it unsafe, particularly for one so young. I allow you to deduct five-and-twenty pounds a year for his education for three years, provided I do not return before that time, and I desire he may be considered as in my service. Let every care be taken of him, and let him be sent to school. In case of my death I have provided enough in

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130 — To his Mother

Malta, September 15, 1809. Dear Mother, — Though I have a very short time to spare, being to sail immediately for Greece, I cannot avoid taking an opportunity of telling you that I am well. I have been in Malta 1 a short time, and have found the inhabitants hospitable and pleasant. This letter is committed to the charge of a very extraordinary woman, whom you have doubtless heard of, Mrs. Spencer Smith, of whose escape the Marquis de Salvo published a narrative a few years ago 2 . She has since

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131 — To his Mother

Prevesa, November 12, 1809. My Dear Mother, — I have now been some time in Turkey: this place is on the coast, but I have traversed the interior of the province of Albania on a visit to the Pacha. I left Malta in the Spider, a brig of war, on the 21st of September, and arrived in eight days at Prevesa. I thence have been about 150 miles, as far as Tepaleen, his Highness's country palace, where I stayed three days. The name of the Pacha is Ali 1 and he is considered a man of the first abilities:

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132 — To his Mother

Smyrna, March 19, 1810. Dear Mother , — I cannot write you a long letter; but as I know you will not be sorry to receive any intelligence of my movements, pray accept what I can give. I have traversed the greatest part of Greece, besides Epirus, etc., etc., resided ten weeks at Athens, and am now on the Asiatic side on my way to Constantinople. I have just returned from viewing the ruins of Ephesus, a day's journey from Smyrna 1 . I presume you have received a long letter I wrote from Albania, w

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133 — To his Mother.

Smyrna, April 9, 1810. Dear Mother, — I know you will be glad to hear from me: I wish I could say I am equally delighted to write. However, there is no great loss in my scribbles, except to the portmanteau-makers, who, I suppose, will get all by and by. Nobody but yourself asks me about my creed, — what I am, am not, etc., etc. If I were to begin explaining , God knows where I should leave off; so we will say no more about that, if you please. I am no "good soul," and not an atheist, but an Engl

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134 — To his Mother

Smyrna, April 10, 1810. Dear Mother, — To-morrow, or this evening, I sail for Constantinople in the Salsette frigate, of thirty-six guns. She returns to England with our ambassador 1 , whom she is going up on purpose to receive. I have written to you short letters from Athens, Smyrna, and a long one from Albania. I have not yet mustered courage for a second large epistle, and you must not be angry, since I take all opportunities of apprizing you of my safety; but even that is an effort, writing

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135 — To his Mother

Salsette Frigate, off the Dardanelles , April 17, 1810. Dear Madam, — I write at anchor (on our way to Constantinople) off the Troad, which I traversed ten days ago. All the remains of Troy are the tombs of her destroyers, amongst which I saw that of Antilochus from my cabin window. These are large mounds of earth, like the barrows of the Danes in your island. There are several monuments, about twelve miles distant, of the Alexandrian Troas, which I also examined, but by no means to be compared

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136 — To Henry Drury

Salsette frigate, May 3, 1810. My Dear Drury, — When I left England, nearly a year ago, you requested me to write to you — I will do so. I have crossed Portugal, traversed the south of Spain, visited Sardinia, Sicily, Malta, and thence passed into Turkey, where I am still wandering. I first landed in Albania, the ancient Epirus, where we penetrated as far as Mount Tomarit — excellently treated by the chief Ali Pacha, — and, after journeying through Illyria, Chaonia, etc., crossed the Gulf of Act

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137 — To Francis Hodgson

Salsette frigate, in the Dardanelles, off Abydos, May 5, 1810. I am on my way to Constantinople, after a tour through Greece, Epirus, etc., and part of Asia Minor, some particulars of which I have just communicated to our friend and host, H. Drury. With these, then, I shall not trouble you; but as you will perhaps be pleased to hear that I am well, etc., I take the opportunity of our ambassador's return to forward the few lines I have time to despatch. We have undergone some inconveniences, and

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138 — To his Mother

Constantinople, May 18, 1810. Dear Madam, — I arrived here in an English frigate from Smyrna a few days ago, without any events worth mentioning, except landing to view the plains of Troy, and afterwards, when we were at anchor in the Dardanelles, swimming from Sestos to Abydos, in imitation of Monsieur Leander, whose story you, no doubt, know too well for me to add anything on the subject except that I crossed the Hellespont without so good a motive for the undertaking. As I am just going to vi

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139 — To his Mother

Constantinople, May 24, 1810. Dear Mother, — I wrote to you very shortly the other day on my arrival here, and, as another opportunity avails, take up my pen again, that the frequency of my letters may atone for their brevity. Pray did you ever receive a picture of me in oil by Sanders in Vigo Lane , London? (a noted limner); if not, write for it immediately; it was paid for, except the frame (if frame there be), before I left England. I believe I mentioned to you in my last that my only notable

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140 — To Henry Drury

Constantinople, June 17, 1810. Though I wrote to you so recently, I break in upon you again to congratulate you on a child being born 1 , as a letter from Hodgson apprizes me of that event, in which I rejoice. I am just come from an expedition through the Bosphorus to the Black Sea and the Cyanean Symplegades, up which last I scrambled with as great risk as ever the Argonauts escaped in their hoy. You remember the beginning of the nurse's dole in the Medea , of which I beg you to take the follow

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141 — To his Mother

Constantinople, June 28, 1810. My dear Mother, — I regret to perceive by your last letter that several of mine have not arrived, particularly a very long one written in November last from Albania, where I was on a visit to the Pacha of that province. Fletcher has also written to his spouse perpetually. Mr. Hobhouse, who will forward or deliver this, and is on his return to England, can inform you of our different movements, but I am very uncertain as to my own return. He will probably be down in

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142 — To his Mother

Constantinople, July 1, 1810. My dear Mother, — I have no wish to forget those who have any claim upon me, and shall be glad of the good wishes of R — — when he can express them in person, which it seems will be at some very indefinite date. I shall perhaps essay a speech or two in the House when I return, but I am not ambitious of a parliamentary career, which is of all things the most degrading and unthankful. If I could by my own efforts inculcate the truth, that a man is not intended for a d

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143 — To Francis Hodgson

Constantinople, July 4, 1810. My Dear Hodgson, — Twice have I written — once in answer to your last, and a former letter when I arrived here in May. That I may have nothing to reproach myself with, I will write once more — a very superfluous task, seeing that Hobhouse is bound for your parts full of talk and wonderment. My first letter went by an ambassadorial express; my second by the Black John lugger; my third will be conveyed by Cam, the miscellanist. I shall begin by telling you, having onl

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144 — To his Mother

Athens, July 25, 1810. Dear Mother, — I have arrived here in four days from Constantinople, which is considered as singularly quick, particularly for the season of the year. I left Constantinople with Adair, at whose adieux of leave I saw Sultan Mahmout 1 , and obtained a firman to visit the mosques, of which I gave you a description in my last letter, now voyaging to England in the Salsette frigate, in which I visited the plains of Troy and Constantinople. Your northern gentry can have no conce

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145 — To his Mother.

Athens, July 27, 1810. Dear Mother, — I write again in case you have not received my letters. To-day I go into the Morea, which will, I trust, be colder than this place, where I have tarried in the expectation of obtaining rest. Sligo has very kindly proposed a union of our forces for the occasion, which will be perhaps as uncomfortable to him as to myself, judging from previous experience, which, however, may be explained by my own irritability and hurry. At Constantinople I visited the Mosques

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146 — To his Mother

Patras, July 30, 1810. Dear Madam , — In four days from Constantinople, with a favourable wind, I arrived in the frigate at the island of Teos, from whence I took a boat to Athens, where I met my friend the Marquis of Sligo, who expressed a wish to proceed with me as far as Corinth. At Corinth we separated, he for Tripolitza, I for Patras, where I had some business with the consul, Mr. Strané, in whose house I now write. He has rendered me every service in his power since I quitted Malta on my w

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147 — To his Mother.

Patras, October 2, 1810. Dear Madam , — It is now several months since I have received any communication from you; but at this I am not surprised, nor indeed have I any complaint to make, since you have written frequently, for which I thank you; but I very much condemn Mr. Hanson, who has not taken the smallest notice of my many letters, nor of my request before I left England, which I sailed from on this very day fifteen months ago. Thus one year and a quarter have passed away, without my recei

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148 — To Francis Hodgson

Patras, Morea, October 3, 1810. As I have just escaped from a physician and a fever, which confined me five days to bed, you won't expect much allegrezza in the ensuing letter. In this place there is an indigenous distemper, which when the wind blows from the Gulf of Corinth (as it does five months out of six), attacks great and small, and makes woful work with visiters. Here be also two physicians, one of whom trusts to his genius (never having studied) — the other to a campaign of eighteen mon

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149 — To John Cam Hobhouse

Patras, Morea, October 4th, 1810. My Dear Hobhouse, — I wrote to you two days ago, but the weather and my friend Strané's conversation being much the same, and my ally Nicola 1 in bed with a fever, I think I may as well talk to you, the rather, as you can't answer me, and excite my wrath with impertinent observations, at least for three months to come. I will try not to say the same things I have set down in my other letter of the 2nd, but I can't promise, as my poor head is still giddy with my

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150 — To Francis Hodgson

Athens, November 14, 1810. My Dear Hodgson , — This will arrive with an English servant whom I send homewards with some papers of consequence. I have been journeying in different parts of Greece for these last four months, and you may expect me in England somewhere about April, but this is very dubious. Hobhouse you have doubtless seen; he went home in August to arrange materials for a tour he talks of publishing. You will find him well and scribbling — that is, scribbling if well, and well if s

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151 — To his Mother

Athens, January 14, 1811. My Dear Madam, — I seize an occasion to write as usual, shortly, but frequently, as the arrival of letters, where there exists no regular communication, is, of course, very precarious. I have lately made several small tours of some hundred or two miles about the Morea, Attica, etc., as I have finished my grand giro by the Troad, Constantinople, etc., and am returned down again to Athens. I believe I have mentioned to you more than once that I swam (in imitation of Leand

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152 — To his Mother

Athens, February 28, 1811. Dear Madam , — As I have received a firman for Egypt, etc., I shall proceed to that quarter in the spring, and I beg you will state to Mr. Hanson that it is necessary to [send] further remittances. On the subject of Newstead, I answer as before, No . If it is necessary to sell, sell Rochdale. Fletcher will have arrived by this time with my letters to that purport. I will tell you fairly, I have, in the first place, no opinion of funded property; if, by any particular c

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153 — To his Mother

Volage frigate, at sea, June 25, 1811. Dear Mother , — This letter, which will be forwarded on our arrival at Portsmouth, probably about the 4th of July, is begun about twenty-three days after our departure from Malta. I have just been two years (to a day, on the 2d of July) absent from England, and I return to it with much the same feelings which prevailed on my departure, viz. indifference; but within that apathy I certainly do not comprise yourself, as I will prove by every means in my power.

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154 — To R. C. Dallas

Volage Frigate, at sea, June 28, 1811. After two years' absence (to a day, on the 2d of July, before which we shall not arrive at Portsmouth), I am retracing my way to England. I have, as you know, spent the greater part of that period in Turkey, except two months in Spain and Portugal, which were then accessible. I have seen every thing most remarkable in Turkey, particularly the Troad, Greece, Constantinople, and Albania, into which last region very few have penetrated so high as Hobhouse and

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155 — To Francis Hodgson

Volage Frigate, at sea, June 29, 1811. In a week, with a fair wind, we shall be at Portsmouth, and on the 2d of July I shall have completed (to a day) two years of peregrination, from which I am returning with as little emotion as I set out. I think, upon the whole, I was more grieved at leaving Greece than England, which I am impatient to see, simply because I am tired of a long voyage. Indeed, my prospects are not very pleasant. Embarrassed in my private affairs, indifferent to public, solitar

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156 — To Henry Drury

Volage frigate, off Ushant, July 17, 1811. My Dear Drury, — After two years' absence (on the 2d) and some odd days, I am approaching your country. The day of our arrival you will see by the outside date of my letter. At present, we are becalmed comfortably, close to Brest Harbour; — I have never been so near it since I left Duck Puddle 1 . We left Malta thirty-four days ago, and have had a tedious passage of it. You will either see or hear from or of me, soon after the receipt of this, as I pass

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157 — To his Mother

Reddish's Hotel, St. James's Street, London, July 23, 1811. My Dear Madam , — I am only detained by Mr. Hanson to sign some copyhold papers, and will give you timely notice of my approach. It is with great reluctance I remain in town 1 . I shall pay a short visit as we go on to Lancashire on Rochdale business. I shall attend to your directions, of course, and am, with great respect, yours ever, Byron . P.S. — You will consider Newstead as your house, not mine; and me only as a visiter. Footnote

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158 — To William Miller1

Reddish's Hotel, July 30th, 1811. Sir , — I am perfectly aware of the justice of your remarks, and am convinced that, if ever the poem is published, the same objections will be made in much stronger terms. But as it was intended to be a poem on Ariosto's plan, that is to say on no plan at all, and, as is usual in similar cases, having a predilection for the worst passages, I shall retain those parts, though I cannot venture to defend them. Under these circumstances I regret that you decline the

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159 — To John M. B. Pigot.

Newport Pagnell, August 2, 1811. My Dear Doctor , — My poor mother died yesterday! and I am on my way from town to attend her to the family vault. I heard one day of her illness, the next of her death 1 . Thank God her last moments were most tranquil. I am told she was in little pain, and not aware of her situation. I now feel the truth of Mr. Gray's observation, "That we can only have mother." 2 Peace be with her! I have to thank you for your expressions of regard; and as in six weeks I shall b

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160 — To John Hanson

Newstead Abbey, August 4th, 1811. My Dear Sir, — The Earl of Huntley and the Lady Jean Stewart, daughter of James 1st, of Scotland were the progenitors of Mrs. Byron. I think it would be as well to be correct in the statement. Every thing is doing that can be done, plainly yet decently, for the interment. When you favour me with your company, be kind enough to bring down my carriage from Messrs. Baxter's &amp; Co., Long Acre. I have written to them, and beg you will come down in it, as I can

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161 — To Scrope Berdmore Davies

Newstead Abbey, August 7, 1811. My Dearest Davies , — Some curse hangs over me and mine. My mother lies a corpse in this house; one of my best friends is drowned in a ditch 1 . What can I say, or think, or do? I received a letter from him the day before yesterday. My dear Scrope, if you can spare a moment, do come down to me — I want a friend. Matthews's last letter was written on Friday . — on Saturday he was not. In ability, who was like Matthews? How did we all shrink before him? You do me bu

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162 — To R. C. Dallas

Newstead Abbey, Notts., August 12, 1811. Peace be with the dead! Regret cannot wake them. With a sigh to the departed, let us resume the dull business of life, in the certainty that we also shall have our repose. Besides her who gave me being, I have lost more than one who made that being tolerable. — The best friend of my friend Hobhouse, Matthews, a man of the first talents, and also not the worst of my narrow circle, has perished miserably in the muddy waves of the Cam, always fatal to genius

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163 — To — — Bolton

Newstead Abbey, August 12, 1811. Sir, — I enclose a rough draught of my intended will which I beg to have drawn up as soon as possible, in the firmest manner. The alterations are principally made in consequence of the death of Mrs. Byron. I have only to request that it may be got ready in a short time, and have the honour to be, Your most obedient, humble servant, Byron . Newstead Abbey, August 12, 1811. Directions for the Contents of a Will to be Drawn Up Immediately The estate of Newstead to b

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164 — To — — Bolton

Newstead Abbey, August 16, 1811. Sir , — I have answered the queries on the margin. I wish Mr. Davies's claims to be most fully allowed, and, further, that he be one of my executors. I wish the will to be made in a manner to prevent all discussion, if possible, after my decease; and this I leave to you as a professional gentleman. With regard to the few and simple directions for the disposal of my carcass , I must have them implicitly fulfilled, as they will, at least, prevent trouble and expens

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166 — To the Hon. Augusta Leigh

Newstead Abbey, August 21st, 1811. My Dear Sister, — I ought to have answered your letter before, but when did I ever do any-thing that I ought? I am losing my relatives &amp; you are adding to the number of yours; but which is best, God knows; — besides poor Mrs. Byron, I have been deprived by death of two most particular friends within little more than a month; but as all observations on such subjects are superfluous and unavailing, I leave the dead to their rest, and return to the dull bu

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167 — To R. C. Dallas

Newstead, August 21, 1811. Your letter gives me credit for more acute feelings than I possess; for though I feel tolerably miserable, yet I am at the same time subject to a kind of hysterical merriment, or rather laughter without merriment, which I can neither account for nor conquer, and yet I do not feel relieved by it; but an indifferent person would think me in excellent spirits. "We must forget these things," and have recourse to our old selfish comforts, or rather comfortable selfishness.

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168 — To Francis Hodgson

Newstead Abbey, August 22, 1811. You may have heard of the sudden death of my mother, and poor Matthews, which, with that of Wingfield (of which I was not fully aware till just before I left town, and indeed hardly believed it,) has made a sad chasm in my connections. Indeed the blows followed each other so rapidly that I am yet stupid from the shock; and though I do eat, and drink, and talk, and even laugh, at times, yet I can hardly persuade myself that I am awake, did not every morning convin

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APPENDIX I —REVIEW OF WORDSWORTH'S POEMS

2 VOLS. 1807. (From Monthly Literary Recreations for July, 1807.) The volumes before us are by the author of Lyric Ballads, a collection which has not undeservedly met with a considerable share of public applause. The characteristics of Mr. Wordsworth's muse are simple and flowing, though occasionally inharmonious verse; strong, and sometimes irresistible appeals to the feelings, with unexceptionable sentiments. Though the present work may not equal his former efforts, many of the poems possess

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APPENDIX II —ARTICLE FROM THE EDINBURGH REVIEW

for January, 1808 Hours of Idleness; a Series of Poems, original and translated. By George Gordon, Lord Byron, a Minor . 8vo, pp. 200. Newark , 1807. The poesy of this young lord belongs to the class which neither gods nor men are said to permit. Indeed, we do not recollect to have seen a quantity of verse with so few deviations in either direction from that exact standard. His effusions are spread over a dead flat, and can no more get above or below the level, than if they were so much stagnant

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APPENDIX III —REVIEW OF GELL'S GEOGRAPHY OF ITHACA, AND ITINERARY OF GREECE

(From the Monthly Review for August, 1811.) That laudable curiosity concerning the remains of classical antiquity, which has of late years increased among our countrymen, is in no traveller or author more conspicuous than in Mr. Gell. Whatever difference of opinion may yet exist with regard to the success of the several disputants in the famous Trojan controversy 1 , or, indeed, relating to the present author's merits as an inspector of the Troad, it must universally be acknowledged that any wor

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Byron's Letter and Journals

Volume 2 (August 1811-April 1814) Part of Byron's Works a New, Revised and Enlarged Edition, with Illustrations. This volume edited by Rowland E. Prothero 1898 Table of Contents...

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Preface

The second volume of Mr. Murray's edition of Byron's Letters and Journals carries the autobiographical record of the poet's life from August, 1811, to April, 1814. Between these dates were published Childe Harold (Cantos I., II.), The Waltz, The Giaour, The Bride of Abydos , the Ode to Napoleon Buonaparte . At the beginning of this period Byron had suddenly become the idol of society; towards its close his personal popularity almost as rapidly declined before a storm of political vituperation. T

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Letter No. 169—to John Murray1

Newstead Abbey, Notts., August 23, 1811. Sir,— A domestic calamity in the death of a near relation 2 has hitherto prevented my addressing you on the subject of this letter. My friend, Mr. Dallas 3 , has placed in your hands a manuscript poem written by me in Greece, which he tells me you do not object to publishing. But he also informed me in London that you wished to send the MS. to Mr. Gifford 4 . Now, though no one would feel more gratified by the chance of obtaining his observations on a wor

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170—to James Wedderburn Webster1

Newstead Abbey, August 24th, 1811. My Dear W. ,— Conceiving your wrath to be somewhat evaporated, and your Dignity recovered from the Hysterics into which my innocent note from London had thrown it, I should feel happy to be informed how you have determined on the disposal of this accursed Coach 2 , which has driven us out of our Good humour and Good manners to a complete Standstill, from which I begin to apprehend that I am to lose altogether your valuable correspondence. Your angry letter arri

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171—to R. C. Dallas

Newstead Abbey, August 25, 1811. Being fortunately enabled to frank, I do not spare scribbling, having sent you packets within the last ten days. I am passing solitary, and do not expect my agent to accompany me to Rochdale 1 before the second week in September; a delay which perplexes me, as I wish the business over, and should at present welcome employment. I sent you exordiums, annotations, etc., for the forthcoming quarto, if quarto it is to be: and I also have written to Mr. Murray my objec

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172—to R. C. Dallas1

Newstead Abbey, Aug. 27, 1811. I was so sincere in my note on the late Charles Matthews, and do feel myself so totally unable to do justice to his talents, that the passage must stand for the very reason you bring against it. To him all the men I ever knew were pigmies. He was an intellectual giant. It is true I loved Wingfield 2 better; he was the earliest and the dearest, and one of the few one could never repent of having loved: but in ability—ah! you did not know Matthews! Childe Harold may

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173—To the Hon. Augusta Leigh1

Newstead Abbey, August 30th, 1811. My Dear Augusta,—The embarrassments you mention in your last letter I never heard of before, but that disease is epidemic in our family. Neither have I been apprised of any of the changes at which you hint, indeed how should I? On the borders of the Black Sea, we heard only of the Russians. So you have much to tell, and all will be novelty. I don't know what Scrope Davies 2 meant by telling you I liked Children, I abominate the sight of them so much that I have

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174—To the Hon. Augusta Leigh

Newstead Abbey, Aug'st 30th, 1811. My Dear Augusta ,—I wrote to you yesterday, and as you will not be very sorry to hear from me again, considering our long separation, I shall fill up this sheet before I go to bed. I have heard something of a quarrel between your spouse and the Prince, I don't wish to pry into family secrets or to hear anything more of the matter, but I can't help regretting on your account that so long an intimacy should be dissolved at the very moment when your husband might

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175—To James Wedderburn Webster

Newstead Abbey, Notts., Aug'st 31st, 1811. My Dear W. ,—I send you back your friend's letter, and, though I don't agree with his Canons of Criticism, they are not the worse for that. My friend Hodgson 1 is not much honoured by the comparison to the Pursuits of L. , which is notoriously, as far as the poetry goes, the worst written of its kind; the World has been long but of one opinion, viz. that it's sole merit lies in the Notes, which are indisputably excellent. Had Hodgson's "Alterative" been

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176—To the Hon. Augusta Leigh1

Newstead Abbey, Sept. 2d, 1811. My dear Augusta,—I wrote you a vastly dutiful letter since my answer to your second epistle, and I now write you a third, for which you have to thank Silence and Solitude. Mr . Hanson 2 comes hither on the 14th, and I am going to Rochdale on business, but that need not prevent you from coming here, you will find Joe, and the house and the cellar and all therein very much at your Service. As to Lady B., when I discover one rich enough to suit me and foolish enough

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177—To To Francis Hodgson

Newstead Abbey, Sept. 3, 1811. My Dear Hodgson ,—I will have nothing to do with your immortality 1 ; we are miserable enough in this life, without the absurdity of speculating upon another. If men are to live, why die at all? and if they die, why disturb the sweet and sound sleep that "knows no waking"? As to revealed religion, Christ came to save men; but a good Pagan will go to heaven, and a bad Nazarene to hell; "Argal" (I argue like the gravedigger) why are not all men Christians? or why are

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178—to R.C. Dallas

Newstead Abbey, September 4th, 1811. My dear Sir,— I am at present anxious, as Cawthorn seems to wish it, to have a small edition of the Hints from Horace 1 published immediately, but the Latin (the most difficult poem in the language) renders it necessary to be very particular not only in correcting the proofs with Horace open, but in adapting the parallel passages of the imitation in such places to the original as may enable the reader not to lose sight of the allusion. I don't know whether I

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179—to John Murray1

Newstead Abbey, Notts., Sept. 5, 1811. Sir ,—The time seems to be past when (as Dr. Johnson said) a man was certain to "hear the truth from his bookseller," for you have paid me so many compliments, that, if I was not the veriest scribbler on earth, I should feel affronted. As I accept your compliments, it is but fair I should give equal or greater credit to your objections, the more so as I believe them to be well founded. With regard to the political and metaphysical parts, I am afraid I can a

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180—to R. C. Dallas

Newstead Abbey, September 7, 1811. As Gifford has been ever my "Magnus Apollo," any approbation, such as you mention, would , of course, be more welcome than "all Bocara's vaunted gold", than all "the gems of Samarcand." 1 But I am sorry the MS. was shown to him in such a manner, and had written to Murray to say as much, before I was aware that it was too late. Your objection to the expression "central line" I can only meet by saying that, before Childe Harold left England, it was his full inten

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181—to the Hon. Augusta Leigh

[Six Mile Bottom, Newmarket.] Newstead Abbey, Sept. 9th, 1811. My Dear Augusta,—My Rochdale affairs are understood to be settled as far as the Law can settle them, and indeed I am told that the most valuable part is that which was never disputed; but I have never reaped any advantage from them, and God knows if I ever shall. Mr. H., my agent, is a good man and able, but the most dilatory in the world. I expect him down on the 14th to accompany me to Rochdale, where something will be decided as t

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182—to Francis Hodgson

Newstead Abbey, Sept. 9, 1811. Dear Hodgson,—I have been a good deal in your company lately, for I have been reading Juvenal and Lady Jane 1 , etc., for the first time since my return. The Tenth Sat'e has always been my favourite, as I suppose indeed of everybody's. It is the finest recipe for making one miserable with his life, and content to walk out of it, in any language. I should think it might be redde with great effect to a man dying without much pain, in preference to all the stuff that

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183—To R.C. Dallas

Newstead Abbey, Sept. 10, 1811. Dear Sir,—I rather think in one of the opening stanzas of Childe Harold there is this line: Now, a line or two after, I have a repetition of the epithet " sullen reverie;" so (if it be so) let us have "speechless reverie," or "silent reverie;" but, at all events, do away the recurrence. Yours ever, B. List of Letters Contents...

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184—To Francis Hodgson

Newstead Abbey, September 13, 1811. My Dear Hodgson,—I thank you for your song, or, rather, your two songs,—your new song on love, and your old song on religion 1 . I admire the first sincerely, and in turn call upon you to admire the following on Anacreon Moore's new operatic farce 2 , or farcical opera—call it which you will: I won't dispute with you on the Arcana of your new calling; they are Bagatelles like the King of Poland's rosary. One remark, and I have done; the basis of your religion

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185—To John Murray1

Newstead Abbey, Notts., Sept. 14, 1811. Sir,—Since your former letter, Mr. Dallas informs me that the MS. has been submitted to the perusal of Mr. Gifford, most contrary to my wishes, as Mr. D. could have explained, and as my own letter to you did, in fact, explain, with my motives for objecting to such a proceeding. Some late domestic events, of which you are probably aware, prevented my letter from being sent before; indeed, I hardly conceived you would have so hastily thrust my productions in

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186—To R. C. Dallas

Newstead Abbey, Sept. 15, 1811. My dear Sir,—My agent will not he here for at least a week, and even afterwards my letters will be forwarded to Rochdale. I am sorry that Murray should groan on my account, tho' that is better than the anticipation of applause, of which men and books are generally disappointed. The notes I sent are merely matter to be divided, arranged, and published for notes hereafter, in proper places; at present I am too much occupied with earthly cares to waste time or troubl

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187—to John Murray

Newstead Abbey, Sept. 16, 1811. Dear Sir ,—I return the proof, which I should wish to be shown to Mr. Dallas, who understands typographical arrangements much better than I can pretend to do. The printer may place the notes in his own way , or any way , so that they are out of my way ; I care nothing about types or margins. If you have any communication to make, I shall be here at least a week or ten days longer. I am, Sir, etc., etc., Byron . List of Letters Contents...

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188—To R. C. Dallas

Newstead Abbey, Sept. 16, 1811. Dear Sir ,—I send you a motto : " Le Cosmopolite." 1 If not too long, I think it will suit the book. The passage is from a little French volume, a great favourite with me, which I picked up in the Archipelago. I don't think it is well known in England; Monbron is the author; but it is a work sixty years old. Good morning! I won't take up your time. Yours ever, Byron . Footnote 1: Fougeret de Monbron, born at Péronne, served in the Gardes du Corps , but abandoned

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189—to R. C. Dallas

Newstead Abbey, Sept. 17, 1811. I can easily excuse your not writing, as you have, I hope, something better to do, and you must pardon my frequent invasions on your attention, because I have at this moment nothing to interpose between you and my epistles. I cannot settle to any thing, and my days pass, with the exception of bodily exercise to some extent, with uniform indolence, and idle insipidity. I have been expecting, and still expect, my agent, when I shall have enough to occupy my reflecti

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190—to R.C. Dallas

Newstead Abbey, Sept. 17, 1811. Dear Sir,—I have just discovered some pages of observations on the modern Greeks, written at Athens by me, under the title of Noctes Atticæ . They will do to cut up into notes, and to be cut up afterwards, which is all that notes are generally good for. They were written at Athens, as you will see by the date. Yours ever, B. List of Letters Contents...

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191—to R. C. Dallas

Newstead Abbey, Sept, 21, 1811. I have shown my respect for your suggestions by adopting them; but I have made many alterations in the first proof, over and above; as, for example: and so on. So I have got rid of Dr. Lowth and "drunk" to boot, and very glad I am to say so. I have also sullenised the line as heretofore, and in short have been quite conformable. Pray write; you shall hear when I remove to Lancashire. I have brought you and my friend Juvenal Hodgson upon my back, on the score of re

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192—to R. C. Dallas.

Newstead Abbey, Sept. 23, 1811. Lisboa 1 is the Portuguese word, consequently the very best. Ulissipont is pedantic; and as I have Hellas and Eros not long before, there would be something like an affectation of Greek terms, which I wish to avoid, since I shall have a perilous quantity of modern Greek in my notes, as specimens of the tongue; therefore Lisboa may keep its place. You are right about the Hints ; they must not precede the Romaunt ; but Cawthorn will be savage if they don't; however,

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193—to Francis Hodgson

Newstead Abbey, Sept. 25, 1811. My Dear Hodgson ,—I fear that before the latest of October or the first of November, I shall hardly be able to make Cambridge. My everlasting agent puts off his coming like the accomplishment of a prophecy. However, finding me growing serious he hath promised to be here on Thursday, and about Monday we shall remove to Rochdale. I have only to give discharges to the tenantry here (it seems the poor creatures must be raised, though I wish it was not necessary), and

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194—to R. C. Dallas

Newstead Abbey, Sept. 26, 1811. My Dear Sir ,-In a stanza towards the end of canto 1st, there is in the concluding line, I have altered it as follows: If you will point out the stanzas on Cintra 1 which you wish recast, I will send you mine answer. Be good enough to address your letters here, and they will either be forwarded or saved till my return. My agent comes tomorrow, and we shall set out immediately. The press must not proceed of course without my seeing the proofs, as I have much to do.

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195—to James Wedderburn Webster

Newstead Abbey, Oct. 10th, 1811. Dear Webster ,—I can hardly invite a gentleman to my house a second time who walked out of it the first in so singular a mood, but if you had thought proper to pay me a visit, you would have had a "Highland Welcome." I am only just returned to it out of Lancashire, where I have been on business to a Coal manor of mine near Rochdale, and shall leave it very shortly for Cambridge and London. My companions, or rather companion, (for Claridge alone has been with me)

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196—to R.C. Dallas

Newstead Abbey, October 10th, 1811. Dear Sir ,— Stanzas 24, 26, 29 1 , though crossed must stand , with their alterations . The other three 2 are cut out to meet your wishes. We must, however, have a repetition of the proof, which is the first. I will write soon. Yours ever, B. P.S.—Yesterday I returned from Lancs. Footnote 1: The stanzas are xxiv., xxv., xxvi. of Canto I. return to footnote mark Footnote 2: The following are the three deleted stanzas: return List of Letters Contents...

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197—to R.C. Dallas

Newstead Abbey, Oct. 11, 1811. I have returned from Lancashire, and ascertained that my property there may be made very valuable, but various circumstances very much circumscribe my exertions at present. I shall be in town on business in the beginning of November, and perhaps at Cambridge before the end of this month; but of my movements you shall be regularly apprised. Your objections I have in part done away by alterations, which I hope will suffice; and I have sent two or three additional sta

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198—To Francis Hodgson

Newstead Abbey, Oct. 13, 1811. You will begin to deem me a most liberal correspondent; but as my letters are free, you will overlook their frequency. I have sent you answers in prose and verse to all your late communications; and though I am invading your ease again, I don't know why, or what to put down that you are not acquainted with already. I am growing nervous (how you will laugh!)—but it is true,—really, wretchedly, ridiculously, fine-ladically . Your climate kills me; I can neither read,

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199—to R. C. Dallas

Oct. 14, 1811. Dear Sir ,—Stanza 9th, for Canto 2nd, somewhat altered, to avoid recurrence in a former stanza. I think it proper to state to you, that this stanza alludes to an event which has taken place since my arrival here, and not to the death of any male friend. Byron . List of Letters Contents Contents...

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200—to R. C. Dallas

Newstead Abbey, Oct. 16, 1811. I am on the wing for Cambridge. Thence, after a short stay, to London. Will you be good enough to keep an account of all the MSS. you receive, for fear of omission? Have you adopted the three altered stanzas of the latest proof? I can do nothing more with them. I am glad you like the new ones. Of the last, and of the two , I sent for a new edition, to-day a fresh note . The lines of the second sheet I fear must stand; I will give you reasons when we meet. Believe m

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201—to R. C. Dallas

Cambridge, Oct. 25, 1811. Dear Sir , I send you a conclusion to the whole . In a stanza towards the end of Canto I. in the line, I shall alter the epithet to " esteemed the most." The present stanzas are for the end of Canto II. For the beginning of the week I shall be at No. 8, my old lodgings, in St. James' Street, where I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you. Yours ever, B. List of Letters Contents...

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202—To Thomas Moore1

Cambridge, October 27, 1811. Sir ,—Your letter followed me from Notts, to this place, which will account for the delay of my reply. Your former letter I never had the honour to receive;—be assured in whatever part of the world it had found me, I should have deemed it my duty to return and answer it in person. The advertisement you mention, I know nothing of.—At the time of your meeting with Mr. Jeffrey, I had recently entered College, and remember to have heard and read a number of squibs on the

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203—to R. C. Dallas

8, St. James's Street, 29th October, 1811. Dear Sir ,—I arrived in town last night, and shall be very glad to see you when convenient. Yours very truly, Byron . List of Letters Contents...

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204—to Thomas Moore1

8, St. James's Street, October 29, 1811. Sir ,—Soon after my return to England, my friend, Mr. Hodgson, apprised me that a letter for me was in his possession; but a domestic event hurrying me from London immediately after, the letter (which may most probably be your own) is still unopened in his keeping . If, on examination of the address, the similarity of the handwriting should lead to such a conclusion, it shall be opened in your presence, for the satisfaction of all parties. Mr. H. is at pr

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205—to Thomas Moore1

8, St. James's Street, October 30, 1811. Sir ,—You must excuse my troubling you once more upon this very unpleasant subject. It would be a satisfaction to me, and I should think to yourself, that the unopened letter in Mr. Hodgson's possession (supposing it to prove your own) should be returned in statu quo to the writer; particularly as you expressed yourself "not quite easy under the manner in which I had dwelt on its miscarriage." A few words more, and I shall not trouble you further. I felt,

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206—to R. C. Dallas

8, St. James's Street, October 31, 1811. Dear Sir ,—I have already taken up so much of your time that there needs no excuse on your part, but a great many on mine, for the present interruption. I have altered the passages according to your wish. With this note I send a few stanzas on a subject which has lately occupied much of my thoughts. They refer to the death of one to whose name you are a stranger , and, consequently, cannot be interested. I mean them to complete the present volume. They re

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207—to Thomas Moore

8, St. James's Street, November 1, 1811. Sir,—As I should be very sorry to interrupt your Sunday's engagement, if Monday, or any other day of the ensuing week, would be equally convenient to yourself and friend, I will then have the honour of accepting his invitation 1 . Of the professions of esteem with which Mr. Rogers 2 has honoured me, I cannot but feel proud, though undeserving. I should be wanting to myself, if insensible to the praise of such a man; and, should my approaching interview wi

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208—to Francis Hodgson

8, St. James's Street, November 17, 1811. Dear Hodgson,—I have been waiting for the letter 1 which was to have been sent by you immediately , and must again jog your memory on the subject. I believe I wrote you a full and true account of poor —'s proceedings. Since his reunion to —, 2 I have heard nothing further from him. What a pity! a man of talent, past the heyday of life, and a clergyman, to fall into such imbecility. I have heard from Hobhouse, who has at last sent more copy to Cawthorn fo

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209—to Francis Hodgson

8, St. James's Street, December 4, 1811. My Dear Hodgson ,—I have seen Miller 1 , who will see Bland 2 , but I have no great hopes of his obtaining the translation from the crowd of candidates. Yesterday I wrote to Harness, who will probably tell you what I said on the subject. Hobhouse has sent me my Romaic MS., and I shall require your aid in correcting the press, as your Greek eye is more correct than mine. But these will not come to type this month, I dare say. I have put some soft lines on

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210—to William Harness1

8, St. James's Street, Dec. 6, 1811. My Dear Harness,—I write again, but don't suppose I mean to lay such a tax on your pen and patience as to expect regular replies. When you are inclined, write: when silent, I shall have the consolation of knowing that you are much better employed. Yesterday, Bland and I called on Mr. Miller, who, being then out, will call on Bland to-day or to-morrow. I shall certainly endeavour to bring them together.—You are censorious, child; when you are a little older, y

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211—to James Wedderburn Webster

8, St. James's St., Dec. 7th, 1811. My Dear W.,—I was out of town during the arrival of your letters, but forwarded all on my return. I hope you are going on to your satisfaction, and that her Ladyship is about to produce an heir with all his mother's Graces and all his Sire's good qualities. You know I am to be a Godfather. Byron Webster! a most heroic name, say what you please. Don't be alarmed; my " caprice " won't lead me in to Dorset. No, Bachelors for me! I consider you as dead to us, and

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212—to William Harness

St. James's Street, Dec. 8, 1811. Behold a most formidable sheet, without gilt or black edging, and consequently very vulgar and indecorous, particularly to one of your precision; but this being Sunday, I can procure no better, and will atone for its length by not filling it. Bland I have not seen since my last letter; but on Tuesday he dines with me, and will meet Moore, the epitome of all that is exquisite in poetical or personal accomplishments. How Bland has settled with Miller, I know not.

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213—to Francis Hodgson

London, Dec. 8, 1811. I sent you a sad Tale of Three Friars the other day, and now take a dose in another style. I wrote it a day or two ago, on hearing a song of former days. I have gotten a book by Sir W. Drummond (printed, but not published), entitled Œdipus Judaicus in which he attempts to prove the greater part of the Old Testament an allegory, particularly Genesis and Joshua. He professes himself a theist in the preface, and handles the literal interpretation very roughly. I wish you could

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214—to Thomas Moore

December 11, 1811. My Dear Moore,—If you please, we will drop our former monosyllables, and adhere to the appellations sanctioned by our godfathers and godmothers. If you make it a point, I will withdraw your name; at the same time there is no occasion, as I have this day postponed your election sine die , till it shall suit your wishes to be amongst us. I do not say this from any awkwardness the erasure of your proposal would occasion to me , but simply such is the state of the case; and, indee

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215—to Francis Hodgson

8, St. James's Street, Dec. 12, 1811. Why, Hodgson! I fear you have left off wine and me at the same time,—I have written and written and written, and no answer! My dear Sir Edgar 1 , water disagrees with you—drink sack and write. Bland did not come to his appointment, being unwell, but Moore supplied all other vacancies most delectably. I have hopes of his joining us at Newstead. I am sure you would like him more and more as he developes,—at least I do. How Miller and Bland go on, I don't know.

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216—to R. C. Dallas

[ Undated , Dec.? 1811] 1 Dear Sir ,—I have only this scrubby paper to write on—excuse it. I am certain that I sent some more notes on Spain and Portugal, particularly one on the latter. Pray rummage, and don't mind my politics . I believe I leave town next week. Are you better? I hope so. Yours ever, B. Footnote 1: Dallas's answer is dated December 14, 1811 return to footnote mark List of Letters Contents...

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217—to William Harness

8, St. James's Street, Dec. 15, 1811. I wrote you an answer to your last, which, on reflection, pleases me as little as it probably has pleased yourself. I will not wait for your rejoinder; but proceed to tell you, that I had just then been greeted with an epistle of ——'s, full of his petty grievances, and this at the moment when (from circumstances it is not necessary to enter upon) I was bearing up against recollections to which his imaginary sufferings are as a scratch to a cancer. These thin

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218—to Robert Rushton1

8, St. James's Street, Jan. 21, 1812. Though I have no objection to your refusal to carry letters to Mealey's, you will take care that the letters are taken by Spero at the proper time. I have also to observe, that Susan is to be treated with civility, and not insulted by any person over whom I have the smallest controul, or, indeed, by any one whatever, while I have the power to protect her. I am truly sorry to have any subject of complaint against you ; I have too good an opinion of you to thi

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219—to Robert Rushton

8, St. James's Street, January 25, 1812. Your refusal to carry the letter was not a subject of remonstrance: it was not a part of your business; but the language you used to the girl was (as she stated it) highly improper. You say, that you also have something to complain of; then state it to me immediately: it would be very unfair, and very contrary to my disposition, not to hear both sides of the question. If any thing has passed between you before or since my last visit to Newstead, do not be

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220—to Thomas Moore

January 29, 1812. My Dear Moore,—I wish very much I could have seen you; I am in a state of ludicrous tribulation. —— Why do you say that I dislike your poesy 1 ? I have expressed no such opinion, either in print or elsewhere. In scribbling myself, it was necessary for me to find fault, and I fixed upon the trite charge of immorality, because I could discover no other, and was so perfectly qualified in the innocence of my heart, to "pluck that mote from my neighbour's eye." I feel very, very muc

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221—to Francis Hodgson

8, St. James's Street, Feb. 1, 1812. My Dear Hodgson ,—I am rather unwell with a vile cold, caught in the House of Lords last night. Lord Sligo and myself, being tired, paired off , being of opposite sides, so that nothing was gained or lost by our votes. I did not speak: but I might as well, for nothing could have been inferior to the Duke of Devonshire, Marquis of Downshire, and the Earl of Fitzwilliam. The Catholic Question comes on this month, and perhaps I may then commence. I must "screw m

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222—to Samuel Rogers

February 4, 1812. My Dear Sir ,— With my best acknowledgments to Lord Holland 1 , I have to offer my perfect concurrence in the propriety of the question previously to be put to ministers. If their answer is in the negative, I shall, with his Lordship's approbation, give notice of a motion for a Committee of Inquiry. I would also gladly avail myself of his most able advice, and any information or documents with which he might be pleased to intrust me, to bear me out in the statement of facts it

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223—To Master John Cowell1

8, St. James's Street, February 12, 1812. My Dear John ,—You have probably long ago forgotten the writer of these lines, who would, perhaps, be unable to recognize yourself , from the difference which must naturally have taken place in your stature and appearance since he saw you last. I have been rambling through Portugal, Spain, Greece, etc., etc., for some years, and have found so many changes on my return, that it would be very unfair not to expect that you should have had your share of alte

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224—to Francis Hodgson

8, St. James's Street, February 16, 1812. Dear Hodgson,—I send you a proof. Last week I was very ill and confined to bed with stone in the kidney, but I am now quite recovered. The women are gone to their relatives, after many attempts to explain what was already too clear. If the stone had got into my heart instead of my kidneys, it would have been all the better. However, I have quite recovered that also, and only wonder at my folly in excepting my own strumpets from the general corruption,—al

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225—to Francis Hodgson

London, February 21, 1812. My Dear Hodgson,— There is a book entituled Galt, his Travels in ye Archipelago 1 , daintily printed by Cadell and Davies, ye which I could desiderate might be criticised by you, inasmuch as ye author is a well-respected esquire of mine acquaintance, but I fear will meet with little mercy as a writer, unless a friend passeth judgment. Truth to say, ye boke is ye boke of a cock-brained man, and is full of devises crude and conceitede, but peradventure for my sake this g

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226—to Lord Holland

8, St. James's Street, February 25, 1812. My Lord ,—With my best thanks, I have the honour to return the Notts. letter to your Lordship. I have read it with attention, but do not think I shall venture to avail myself of its contents, as my view of the question differs in some measure from Mr. Coldham's. I hope I do not wrong him, but his objections to the bill appear to me to be founded on certain apprehensions that he and his coadjutors might be mistaken for the " original advisers " (to quote

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227—to Francis Hodgson

8, St. James's Street, March 5, 1812. My Dear Hodgson ,— We are not answerable for reports of speeches in the papers; they are always given incorrectly, and on this occasion more so than usual, from the debate in the Commons on the same night. The Morning Post should have said eighteen years . However, you will find the speech, as spoken, in the Parliamentary Register, when it comes out. Lords Holland and Grenville, particularly the latter, paid me some high compliments in the course of their sp

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228—to Lord Holland

St. James's Street, March 5, 1812. My Lord ,— May I request your Lordship to accept a copy of the thing which accompanies this note 1 ? You have already so fully proved the truth of the first line of Pope's couplet 2 , that I long for an opportunity to give the lie to the verse that follows. If I were not perfectly convinced that any thing I may have formerly uttered in the boyish rashness of my misplaced resentment had made as little impression as it deserved to make, I should hardly have the c

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229—to Thomas Moore

With regard to the passage on Mr. Way's loss, no unfair play was hinted at, as may be seen by referring to the book 1 ; and it is expressly added that the managers were ignorant of that transaction. As to the prevalence of play at the Argyle, it cannot be denied that there were billiards and dice ;—Lord B. has been a witness to the use of both at the Argyle Rooms. These, it is presumed, come under the denomination of play. If play be allowed, the President of the Institution can hardly complain

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230—to William Bankes

My dear Bankes,—My eagerness to come to an explanation has, I trust, convinced you that whatever my unlucky manner might inadvertently be, the change was as unintentional as (if intended) it would have been ungrateful. I really was not aware that, while we were together, I had evinced such caprices; that we were not so much in each other's company as I could have wished, I well know, but I think so acute an observer as yourself must have perceived enough to explain this , without supposing any s

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231—to Thomas Moore

March 25, 1812. Know all men by these presents, that you, Thomas Moore, stand indicted—no—invited, by special and particular solicitation, to Lady Caroline Lamb's 1 tomorrow evening, at half-past nine o'clock, where you will meet with a civil reception and decent entertainment. Pray, come—I was so examined after you this morning, that I entreat you to answer in person. Believe me, etc. Footnote 1: Lady Caroline Lamb (1785-1828), the "Calantha Avondale" of her own Glenarvon , was the daughter o

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232—to Lady Caroline Lamb

[Undated.] I never supposed you artful: we are all selfish,—nature did that for us. But even when you attempt deceit occasionally, you cannot maintain it, which is all the better; want of success will curb the tendency. Every word you utter, every line you write, proves you to be either sincere or a fool . Now as I know you are not the one, I must believe you the other. I never knew a woman with greater or more pleasing talents, general as in a woman they should be, something of everything, and

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233—To William Bankes

My Dear Bankes ,—I feel rather hurt (not savagely) at the speech you made to me last night, and my hope is that it was only one of your profane jests. I should be very sorry that any part of my behaviour should give you cause to suppose that I think higher of myself, or otherwise of you than I have always done. I can assure you that I am as much the humblest of your servants as at Trin. Coll.; and if I have not been at home when you favoured me with a call, the loss was more mine than yours. In

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234—to Thomas Moore

Friday noon. I should have answered your note yesterday, but I hoped to have seen you this morning. I must consult with you about the day we dine with Sir Francis 1 . I suppose we shall meet at Lady Spencer's 2 to-night. I did not know that you were at Miss Berry's 3 the other night, or I should have certainly gone there. As usual, I am in all sorts of scrapes, though none, at present, of a martial description. Believe me, etc. Footnote 1: Probably with Sir Francis Burdett, at 77, Piccadilly.

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235—to Lady Caroline Lamb

May 1st, 1812. My Dear Lady Caroline ,—I have read over the few poems of Miss Milbank 1 with attention. They display fancy, feeling, and a little practice would very soon induce facility of expression. Though I have an abhorrence of Blank Verse, I like the lines on Dermody 2 so much that I wish they were in rhyme. The lines in the Cave at Seaham have a turn of thought which I cannot sufficiently commend, and here I am at least candid as my own opinions differ upon such subjects. The first stanza

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236—to Thomas Moore

May 8, 1812. I am too proud of being your friend, to care with whom I am linked in your estimation, and, God knows, I want friends more at this time than at any other. I am "taking care of myself" to no great purpose. If you knew my situation in every point of view, you would excuse apparent and unintentional neglect. I shall leave town, I think; but do not you leave it without seeing me. I wish you, from my soul, every happiness you can wish yourself; and I think you have taken the road to secu

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237—to Thomas Moore

May 20, 1812. On Monday , after sitting up all night, I saw Bellingham launched into eternity 1 , and at three the same day I saw—— launched into the country. I believe, in the beginning of June, I shall be down for a few days in Notts. If so, I shall beat you up en passant with Hobhouse, who is endeavouring, like you and every body else, to keep me out of scrapes. I meant to have written you a long letter, but I find I cannot. If any thing remarkable occurs, you will hear it from me—if good; if

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238—to Bernard Barton1

8, St. James's St., June 1, 1812. The most satisfactory answer to the concluding part of your letter is that Mr. Murray will republish your volume, if you still retain your inclination for the experiment, which I trust will be successful. Some weeks ago my friend Mr. Rogers showed me some of the stanzas in MS., and I then expressed my opinion of their merit, which a further perusal of the printed volume has given me no reason to revoke. I mention this, as it may not be disagreeable to you to lea

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239—to Lord Holland

June 25, 1812. My Dear Lord ,—I must appear very ungrateful, and have, indeed, been very negligent, but till last night I was not apprised of Lady Holland's restoration, and I shall call to-morrow to have the satisfaction, I trust, of hearing that she is well.—I hope that neither politics nor gout have assailed your Lordship since I last saw you, and that you also are "as well as could be expected." The other night, at a ball, I was presented by order to our gracious Regent, who honoured me with

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240—to Professor Clarke1

St. James's Street, June 26, 1812. Will you accept my very sincere congratulations on your second volume, wherein I have retraced some of my old paths, adorned by you so beautifully, that they afford me double delight? The part which pleases me best, after all, is the preface, because it tells me you have not yet closed labours, to yourself not unprofitable, nor without gratification, for what is so pleasing as to give pleasure? I have sent my copy to Sir Sidney Smith, who will derive much grati

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241—To Walter Scott1

St. James's Street, July 6, 1812. Sir ,—I have just been honoured with your letter.—I feel sorry that you should have thought it worth while to notice the "evil works of my nonage," as the thing is suppressed voluntarily , and your explanation is too kind not to give me pain. The Satire was written when I was very young and very angry, and fully bent on displaying my wrath and my wit, and now I am haunted by the ghosts of my wholesale assertions. I cannot sufficiently thank you for your praise;

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242—to Lady Caroline Lamb

[August, 1812?] My Dearest Caroline 1 ,—If tears which you saw and know I am not apt to shed,—if the agitation in which I parted from you,—agitation which you must have perceived through the whole of this most nervous affair, did not commence until the moment of leaving you approached,—if all I have said and done, and am still but too ready to say and do, have not sufficiently proved what my real feelings are, and must ever be towards you, my love, I have no other proof to offer. God knows, I wi

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243—to John Murray

High Street, Cheltenham, Sept. 5, 1812. Dear Sir ,—Pray have the goodness to send those despatches, and a No. of the E.R. with the rest. I hope you have written to Mr. Thompson, thanked him in my name for his present, and told him that I shall be truly happy to comply with his request.—How do you go on? and when is the graven image, "with bays and wicked rhyme upon't ," to grace, or disgrace, some of our tardy editions? Send me " Rokeby " 1 who the deuce is he?—no matter, he has good connections

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244—to Lord Holland

Cheltenham, September 10, 1812. My Dear Lord,— The lines which I sketched off on your hint are still, or rather were , in an unfinished state, for I have just committed them to a flame more decisive than that of Drury 1 . Under all circumstances, I should hardly wish a contest with Philodrama—Philo-Drury—Asbestos, H——, and all the anonymes and synonymes of Committee candidates. Seriously, I think you have a chance of something much better; for prologuising is not my forte, and, at all events, ei

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245—to John Murray

Cheltenham, Sept. 14, 1812. Dear Sir ,—The parcels contained some letters and verses, all (but one) anonymous and complimentary, and very anxious for my conversion from certain infidelities into which my good-natured correspondents conceive me to have fallen. The books were presents of a convertible kind also,— Christian Knowledge and the Bioscope 1 , a religious Dial of Life explained:—to the author of the former (Cadell, publisher,) I beg you will forward my best thanks for his letter, his pre

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246—to Lord Holland

September 22, 1812. My Dear Lord,—In a day or two I will send you something which you will still have the liberty to reject if you dislike it. I should like to have had more time, but will do my best,—but too happy if I can oblige you , though I may offend a hundred scribblers and the discerning public. Ever yours. Keep my name a secret ; or I shall be beset by all the rejected, and, perhaps, damned by a party. List of Letters Contents...

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247—to Lord Holland

Cheltenham, September 23, 1812. Ecco!—I have marked some passages with double readings—choose between them— cut—add—reject —or destroy —do with them as you will—I leave it to you and the Committee—you cannot say so called "a non committendo ." What will they do (and I do) with the hundred and one rejected Troubadours 1 ? "With trumpets, yea, and with shawms," will you be assailed in the most diabolical doggerel. I wish my name not to transpire till the day is decided. I shall not be in town, so

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248—to Lord Holland

September 24. I send a recast of the four first lines of the concluding paragraph. And do forgive all this trouble. See what it is to have to do even with the genteelest of us. Ever, etc. List of Letters Contents...

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249—to Lord Holland

Cheltenham, Sept. 25, 1812. Still "more matter for a May morning." 1 Having patched the middle and end of the Address, I send one more couplet for a part of the beginning, which, if not too turgid, you will have the goodness to add. After that flagrant image of the Thames (I hope no unlucky wag will say I have set it on fire, though Dryden 2 , in his Annus Mirabilis , and Churchill 3 Times , did it before me), I mean to insert this: I think "thousands" less flat than "crowds collected"— but don'

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250—to Lord Holland

September 26, 1812. You will think there is no end to my villanous emendations. The fifth and sixth lines I think to alter thus: because "night" is repeated the next line but one; and, as it now stands, the conclusion of the paragraph, "worthy him (Shakspeare) and you ," appears to apply the " " to those only who were out of bed and in Covent Garden market on the night of conflagration, instead of the audience or the discerning public at large, all of whom are intended to be comprised in that co

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251—to Lord Holland

Sept. 27, 1812. I believe this is the third scrawl since yesterday—all about epithets. I think the epithet "intellectual" won't convey the meaning I intend; and though I hate compounds, for the present I will try ( col' permesso ) the word "genius gifted patriots of our line" 1 instead. Johnson has "many coloured life," a compound —— but they are always best avoided. However , it is the only one in ninety lines 2 , but will be happy to give way to a better. I am ashamed to intrude any more remem

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252—to Lord Holland

September 27, 1812. I have just received your very kind letter, and hope you have met with a second copy corrected and addressed to Holland House, with some omissions and this new couplet, As to remarks, I can only say I will alter and acquiesce in any thing. With regard to the part which Whitbread 2 wishes to omit, I believe the Address will go off quicker without it, though, like the agility of the Hottentot, at the expense of its vigour. I leave to your choice entirely the different specimens

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253—to John Murray

Cheltenham, September 27, 1812. Dear Sir,—I sent in no Address whatever to the Committee; but out of nearly one hundred (this is confidential ), none have been deemed worth acceptance; and in consequence of their subsequent application to me , I have written a prologue, which has been received, and will be spoken. The MS. is now in the hands of Lord Holland. I write this merely to say, that (however it is received by the audience) you will publish it in the next edition of Childe Harold ; and I

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254—to Lord Holland

September 28, 1812. Will this do better? The metaphor is more complete. If not, we will say "burning wave," and instead of "burning clime," in the line some couplets back, have "glowing." Is Whitbread determined to castrate all my cavalry lines 1 ? I don't see why t'other house should be spared; besides it is the public, who ought to know better; and you recollect Johnson's was against similar buffooneries of Rich's—but, certes, I am not Johnson 2 . Instead of "effects," say "labours"—"degenerat

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255—to Lord Holland

September 28. I have altered the middle couplet, so as I hope partly to do away with W.'s objection. I do think, in the present state of the stage, it had been unpardonable to pass over the horses and Miss Mudie 1 , etc. As Betty is no longer a boy, how can this be applied to him? He is now to be judged as a man. If he acts still like a boy, the public will but be more ashamed of their blunder. I have, you see, now taken it for granted that these things are reformed. I confess, I wish that part

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256—to William Bankes

Cheltenham, September 28, 1812. My Dear Bankes ,—When you point out to one how people can be intimate at the distance of some seventy leagues, I will plead guilty to your charge, and accept your farewell, but not wittingly , till you give me some better reason than my silence, which merely proceeded from a notion founded on your own declaration of old , that you hated writing and receiving letters. Besides, how was I to find out a man of many residences? If I had addressed you now , it had been

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257—to Lord Holland

September 29, 1812. Shakespeare certainly ceased to reign in one of his kingdoms, as George III. did in America, and George IV. 1 may in Ireland? Now, we have nothing to do out of our own realms, and when the monarchy was gone, his majesty had but a barren sceptre. I have cut away , you will see, and altered, but make it what you please; only I do implore, for my own gratification, one lash on those accursed quadrupeds—"a long shot, Sir Lucius, if you love me." 2 I have altered "wave," etc., and

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258—to Lord Holland

September 30, 1812. I send you the most I can make of it; for I am not so well as I was, and find I "pull in resolution." 1 I wish much to see you, and will be at Tetbury by twelve on Saturday; and from thence I go on to Lord Jersey's. It is impossible not to allude to the degraded state of the Stage, but I have lightened it , and endeavoured to obviate your other objections. There is a new couplet for Sheridan, allusive to his Monody 2 . All the alterations I have marked thus ],—as you will see

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259—to Lord Holland

or , September 30, 1812. Will you choose between these added to the lines on Sheridan 1 ? I think they will wind up the panegyric, and agree with the train of thought preceding them. Now, one word as to the Committee—how could they resolve on a rough copy of an Address never sent in, unless you had been good enough to retain in memory, or on paper, the thing they have been good enough to adopt? By the by, the circumstances of the case should make the Committee less avidus gloriæ , for all praise

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260—to Lord Holland

October 2, 1812. A copy of this still altered is sent by the post, but this will arrive first. It must be "humbler"—" yet aspiring " does away the modesty, and, after all, truth is truth . Besides, there is a puff direct altered, to please your plaguy renters . I shall be at Tetbury by 12 or 1—but send this for you to ponder over. There are several little things marked thus / altered for your perusal. I have dismounted the cavalry, and, I hope, arranged to your general satisfaction. Ever, etc. A

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261—to John Murray

Cheltenham, Oct. 12, 1812. Dear Sir ,—I have a very strong objection to the engraving of the portrait 1 , and request that it may, on no account, be prefixed; but let all the proofs be burnt, and the plate broken. I will be at the expense which has been incurred; it is but fair that I should, since I cannot permit the publication. I beg, as a particular favour, that you will lose no time in having this done, for which I have reasons that I will state when I see you. Forgive all the trouble I hav

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262—to Lord Holland.

Cheltenham, Oct. 14, 1812. My Dear Lord ,—I perceive that the papers, yea, even Perry's 1 , are somewhat ruffled at the injudicious preference of the Committee. My friend Perry has, indeed, et tu, Brute -d me rather scurvily, for which I will send him, for the Morning Chronicle , the next epigram I scribble, as a token of my full forgiveness. Do the Committee mean to enter into no explanation of their proceedings? You must see there is a leaning towards a charge of partiality. You will, at least

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263—to John Hanson

Cheltenham, Octr. 18th, 1812. Dear Sir,—With perfect confidence in you I sign the note; but is not Claughton's delay very strange? let us take care what we are about. I answered his letter, which I enclose to you, very cautiously; the wines and China, etc., I will not demur much upon; but the vase and cup (not the skull cup ) and some little coffee things brought from the East, or made for the purpose of containing relics brought from thence, I will not part with, and if he refuses to ratify, I

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264—to John Murray

Cheltenham, Oct. 18, 1812, Dear Sir,— Will you have the goodness to get this Parody of a peculiar kind 1 (for all the first lines are Busby's entire), inserted in several of the papers ( correctly —and copied correctly; my hand is difficult)—particularly the Morning Chronicle ? Tell Mr. Perry I forgive him all he has said, and may say against my address , but he will allow me to deal with the Doctor—( audi alteram partem )—and not betray me. I cannot think what has befallen Mr. Perry, for of yor

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265—to Robert Rushton

Cheltenham, Oct. 18th, 1812. Robert,—I hope you continue as much as possible to apply yourself to Accounts and Land-Measurement, etc. Whatever change may take place about Newstead, there will be none as to you and Mr. Murray. It is intended to place you in a situation in Rochdale for which your pursuance of the Studies I recommend will best fit you. Let me hear from you; is your health improved since I was last at the Abbey? In the mean time, if any accident occur to me, you are provided for in

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266—to John Murray

Oct. 19, 1812. Dear Sir,—Many thanks, but I must pay the damage , and will thank you to tell me the amount for the engraving. I think the Rejected Addresses by far the best thing of the kind since the Rolliad , and wish you had published them. Tell the author "I forgive him, were be twenty times our satirist;" and think his imitations not at all inferior to the famous ones of Hawkins Browne. He must be a man of very lively wit, and much less scurrilous than Wits often are: altogether, I very muc

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267—to John Hanson

Octr. 22d, 1812. Dear Sir ,—I enclose you Mr. C[laughton]'s letter, from which you yourself will judge of my own. I insisted on the contract , and said, if I gave up the wines, etc., it would be as a gift . He admits the validity, as you perceive. I told him that I wished to avoid raising difficulties and in all respects to fulfil the bargain. I am going to Lord Oxford's, Eywood, Presteigne, Hereford . In my way back I will take Farleigh, if you are not returned to London before. I wish to take

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268—to John Murray

Oct. 23, 1812. Dear Sir ,—Thanks, as usual. You go on boldly; but have a care of glutting the public, who have by this time had enough of C. H. Waltz shall be prepared. It is rather above 200 lines, with an introductory letter to the Publisher. I think of publishing, with C. H. , the opening lines of the Curse of Minerva , as far as the first speech of Pallas,—because some of the readers like that part better than any I have ever written; and as it contains nothing to affect the subject of the s

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269—to John Hanson

Eywood, Presteign, Hereford, Octr. 31st, 1812. Dear Sir ,— The inclosed bill 1 will convince you how anxious I must be for the payment of Claughton's first instalment; though it has been sent in without due notice, I cannot blame Mr. Davies who must feel very anxious to get rid of the business. Press C., and let me have an answer whenever you can to this Place. Yours ever, B. P.S.—I am at Lord Oxford's , Eywood, as above. Footnote 1: The bill was Byron's for £1500, and the enclosure ran as fol

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270—to John Hanson

Presteign, Novr. 8th, 1812. Dear Sir ,—Not being able (and to-day being Sunday also) to procure a stamp, as the Post town is very remote, I must request this letter to be considered as an Order for paying fifteen hundred pounds to S. B. Davies, Esq., and the same sum to your own account for the Tythe purchase. Mr. D.'s receipt can be indorsed on the bond. I shall be in London the latter end of the week. I set out from this place on the 12th. As to Mr. C., the Law must decide between us; I shall

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271—to John Hanson

Presteign, Novr. 16th, 1812. Dear Sir ,—The floods having rendered the road impassable, I am detained here, but trust by the latter end of the week to proceed to Cheltenham, where I shall expect a letter from you to tell me if I am wanted in town. I shall not be in time for the Prince's address; but I wish you to write down for my Parliamentary robes (Mrs. Chaworth had them, at least Mrs. Clarke the mother); though I rather think those were the Coronation and not the House robes. At least enquir

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272—to John Murray

Cheltenham, November 22, 1812. Dear Sir ,—On my return here from Lord Oxford's, I found your obliging note, and will thank you to retain the letters, and any other subsequent ones to the same address, till I arrive in town to claim them, which will probably be in a few days. I have in charge a curious and very long MS. poem, written by Lord Brooke (the friend of Sir Philip Sidney ), which I wish to submit to the inspection of Mr. Gifford, with the following queries: —first, whether it has ever b

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273—to William Bankes

December 26, [1812]. The multitude of your recommendations has already superseded my humble endeavours to be of use to you; and, indeed, most of my principal friends are returned, Leake from Joannina, Canning and Adair from the city of the Faithful, and at Smyrna no letter is necessary, as the consuls are always willing to do every thing for personages of respectability. I have sent you three ; one to Gibraltar, which, though of no great necessity, will, perhaps, put you on a more intimate footi

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274—to John Murray.

Eywood, Presteign, January 8, 1813. Dear Sir,—You have been imposed upon by a letter forged in my name to obtain the picture left in your possession. This I know by the confession of the culprit 1 and as she is a woman (and of rank), with whom I have unfortunately been too much connected, you will for the present say very little about it; but if you have the letter retain it—write to me the particulars. You will also be more cautious in future, and not allow anything of mine to pass from your ha

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275—to Francis Hodgson

February 3, 1813. My Dear Hodgson,—I will join you in any bond for the money you require, be it that or a larger sum. With regard to security, as Newstead is in a sort of abeyance between sale and purchase, and my Lancashire property very unsettled, I do not know how far I can give more than personal security, but what I can I will. At any rate you can try, and as the sum is not very considerable, the chances are favourable. I hear nothing of my own concerns, but expect a letter daily. Let me he

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276—to John Hanson

3d Feb'y, 1813. Dear Sir,— Will you forward the inclosed immediately to Corbet, whose address I do not exactly remember? It is of consequence, relative to a foolish woman 1 I never saw, who fancies I want to marry her. Yours ever, B. P. S.—I wish you would see Corbet and talk to him about it, for she plagues my soul out with her damned letters. Footnote 1: The lady in question seems to have been Lady Falkland (see Letters , vol. 1, p. 216, note 1 [Footnote 1 of Letter 117], and the letter date

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277—to John Murray

February 20, 1813. Dear Sir,— In " Horace in London " 1 I perceive some stanzas on Lord Elgin in which (waving the kind compliment to myself 2 ) I heartily concur. I wish I had the pleasure of Mr. Smith's acquaintance, as I could communicate the curious anecdote you read in Mr. T.'s letter. If he would like it, he can have the substance for his second Edition; if not, I shall add it to our next, though I think we already have enough of Lord Elgin. What I have read of this work seems admirably do

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278—to Robert Rushton

4, Bennet Street, St. James's, Feb. 24th, 1813. I feel rather surprised to have heard nothing from you or your father in answer to Fletcher's last letter. I wish to know whether you intend taking a share in a farm with your brother, or prefer to wait for some other situation in Lancashire;—the first will be the best, because, at your time of life, it is highly improper to remain idle. If this marriage which is spoken of for you is at all advantageous, I can have no objection; but I should suppos

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279—to John Hanson

F'y. 27th, 1813. Dear Sir,—I have called several times, and you may suppose am very anxious to hear something from or of Mr. Claughton. It is my determination, on account of a malady to which I am subject, and for other weighty reasons, to go abroad again almost immediately. To this you will object; but, as my intention cannot be altered, I have only to request that you will assist me as far as in your power to make the necessary arrangements. I have every confidence in you, and will leave the f

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280—to John Hanson

March 1st, 1813. Dear Sir,—I am sorry that I could not call today but will tomorrow. Your objections I anticipated and can only repeat that I cannot act otherwise; so pray hasten some arrangement—for with, or without, I must go. A person told me yesterday there was one who would give within £10,000 of C.'s price and take the title as it was. C. is a fool or is shuffling. Think of what I said about Rochdale , for I will sell it for what I can get, and will not stay three months longer in this cou

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281—to——Corbet

Mh. 5th, 1813. Dear Sir,—Lady F[alkland?] has returned by Mr. Hanson the only two letters I ever wrote her, both some time ago, and neither containing the least allusion which could make any person suppose that I had any intention further than regards the children of her husband. My servant returned the packet and letter of yesterday at the moment of receiving them; by her letter to Mr. H. it should seem they have not been redelivered. I am sorry for this, but it is not my fault, and they ought

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282—to John Hanson

March 6th, 1813. Dear Sir,—I must be ready in April at whatever risk,—at whatever loss. You will therefore advertize Rochdale; if you decline this, I will sell it for what it will bring, even though but a few thousand pounds. With regard to Claughton, I shall only say that, if he knew the ruin,—the misery, he occasions by his delay, he would be sorry for his conduct, and I only hope that he and I may not meet, or I shall say something he will not like to hear. I have called often. I shall call t

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283—to Charles Hanson

Mh. 24th, 1813. My Dear Charles,—This is very evasive and dissatisfactory. What is to be done I cannot tell, but your father had better see his letter and this of mine. A long litigation neither suits my inclination nor circumstances; it were better to take back the estate, and raise it to what it will bear, which must be at least double, to dismantle the house and sell the materials, and sell Rochdale. Something I must determine on and that quickly. I want to go abroad immediately; it is utterl

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284—to Samuel Rogers1

March 25, 1813. I enclose you a draft for the usurious interest due to Lord B[oringdon]'s protégé ;—I also could wish you would state thus much for me to his Lordship. Though the transaction speaks plainly in itself for the borrower's folly and the lender's usury, it never was my intention to quash the demand, as I legally might, nor to withhold payment of principal, or, perhaps, even unlawful interest. You know what my situation has been, and what it is. I have parted with an estate (which has

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285—to the Hon. Augusta Leigh.

4, Bennet Street, St. James's, March 26th, 1813. My Dearest Augusta,—I did not answer your letter, because I could not answer as I wished, but expected that every week would bring me some tidings that might enable me to reply better than by apologies. But Claughton has not, will not, and, I think, cannot pay his money, and though, luckily, it was stipulated that he should never have possession till the whole was paid, the estate is still on my hands, and your brother consequently not less embarr

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286—to John Murray

March 29th, 1813. Dear Sir,— Westall has, I believe, agreed to illustrate your book 1 , and I fancy one of the engravings will be from the pretty little girl 2 you saw the other day, though without her name, and merely as a model for some sketch connected with the subject. I would also have the portrait (which you saw to-day) of the friend who is mentioned in the text at the close of Canto 1st, and in the notes,—which are subjects sufficient to authorise that addition. Believe me, yours truly, B

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287—to John Hanson

Presteigne, April 15th, 1813. Dear Sir,—I wrote to you requesting an answer last week, and again apprising you of my determination of leaving England early in May, and proceeding no further with Claughton. Now, having arrived, I shall write to that person immediately to give up the whole business. I am sick of the delays attending it, and can wait no longer, and I have had too much of law already at Rochdale to place Newstead in the same predicament. I shall only be able to see you for a few day

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288—to John Hanson

Presteigne, April 17th, 1813. Dear Sir,—I shall follow your advice and say nothing to our shuffling purchaser, but leave him to you, and the fullest powers of Attorney , which I hope you will have ready on my arrival in town early next week. I wish, if possible, the arrangement with Hoare to be made immediately, as I must set off forthwith. I mean to remain incog . in London for the short time previous to my embarkation. I have not written to Claughton, nor shall, of course, after your counsel o

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289—to John Murray

April 21, 1813. Dear Sir,—I shall be in town by Sunday next, and will call and have some conversation on the subject of Westall's proposed designs. I am to sit to him for a picture at the request of a friend of mine 1 ; and as Sanders's is not a good one, you will probably prefer the other. I wish you to have Sanders's taken down and sent to my lodgings immediately—before my arrival. I hear that a certain malicious publication on Waltzing 2 is attributed to me. This report, I suppose, you will t

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290—to John Murray

May 13, 1813. Dear Sir,—I send a corrected, and, I hope, amended copy of the lines for the "fragment" already sent this evening 1 . Let the enclosed be the copy that is sent to the Devil (the printers) and burn the other. Yours, etc., B'N. Footnote 1: The Giaour , which was now in the press, was expanded, either in the course of printing, or in the successive editions, from 400 lines to 1400. It was published in May, 1813. return to footnote mark List of Letters Contents...

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291—to Thomas Moore

May 19, 1813. Dear M.,—having got thus far, I am interrupted by ——. 10 o'clock. Half-past 11.——is gone. I must dress for Lady Heathcote's.—Addio. Footnote 1: Moore's Intercepted Letters, or the Twopenny Post-bag. By Thomas Brown, the Younger , was published in 1813. return to footnote mark Footnote 2: The "wit in the dungeon" was James Henry Leigh Hunt (1784-1859), who was educated at Christ's Hospital, and began his literary life with "a collection of poems, written between the ages of twel

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292—to John Murray

May 22nd, 1813. Dear Sir,—I return the " Curiosities of Literature ." 1 Pray is it fair to ask if the " Twopenny Postbag " is to be reviewed in this No.? because, if not, I should be glad to undertake it, and leave it to Chance and the Editor for a reception into your pages. Yours truly, B. P. S.— You have not sent me Eustace's Travels 2 . Footnote 1: The first volume of Isaac Disraeli's Curiosities of Literature was published in 1791. The remaining volumes were published at intervals: vol. ii

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293—to John Murray

May 23rd, 1813. Dear Sir,—I question whether ever author before received such a compliment from his master . I am glad you think the thing is tolerably vamped and will be vendible . Pray look over the proof again. I am but a careless reviser, and let me have 12 struck off, and one or two for yourself to serve as MS. for the thing when published in the body of the volume. If Lady Caroline Lamb sends for it, do not let her have it, till the copies are all ready, and then you can send her one. Your

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294—to John Murray

June 2, 1813. Dear Sir,—I presented a petition to the house yesterday 1 , which gave rise to some debate, and I wish you to favour me for a few minutes with the Times and Herald to look on their hostile report. You will find, if you like to look at my prose , my words nearly verbatim in the M. Chronicle . B'N. Footnote 1: The petition was from Major Cartwright, and was presented June 1, 1813. (For Byron's speech, see Appendix II. (3) .) Returning from the House, he called on Moore, and, while

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295—to Thomas Moore

My Dear Moore,—" When Rogers" 1 must not see the inclosed, which I send for your perusal. I am ready to fix any day you like for our visit. Was not Sheridan good upon the whole? The "Poulterer" was the first and best 2 . Ever yours, etc. Footnote 1: In the late spring or early summer of 1813, Byron and Moore supped on bread and cheese with Rogers. Their host had just received from Lord Thurlow a copy of his Poems on Several Occasions (1813), and, in spite of protests by Rogers, Byron and Moore

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296—to John Hanson

June 3d, 1813. Dear Sir,—When you receive this I shall have left town for a week, and, as it is perfectly right we should understand each other, I think you will not be surprised at my persisting in my intention of going abroad. If the Suit can be carried on in my absence,— well ; if not, it must be given up. One word, one letter, to Cn. would put an end to it; but this I shall not do, at all events without acquainting you before hand; nor at all, provided I am able to go abroad again. But at al

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297—to Francis Hodgson

June 6, 1813. My Dear Hodgson ,—I write to you a few lines on business. Murray has thought proper at his own risk, and peril, and profit (if there be any) to publish The Giaour ; and it may possibly come under your ordeal in the Monthly 1 I merely wish to state that in the published copies there are additions to the amount of ten pages, text and margin ( chiefly the last), which render it a little less unfinished (but more unintelligible) than before. If, therefore, you review it, let it be from

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298—to Francis Hodgson

June 8th, 1813. My dear Hodgson,—In town for a night I find your card. I had written to you at Cambridge merely to say that Murray has thought it expedient to publish The Giaour at his own risk (and reimbursement, if he can), and that, as it will probably be in your department in the Monthly , I wished to state that, in the published copies, there are additions to the tune of 300 lines or so towards the end, and, if reviewed, it should not be from the privately printed copy. So much for scribbli

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299—to John Murray

Je. 9, 1813. Dear Sir,—I regret much that I have no profane garment to array you with for the masquerade. As my motions will be uncertain, you need not write nor send the proofs till my return. Yours truly, BN. P. S.—My wardrobe is out of town—or I could have dressed you as an Albanian—or a Turk—or an officer—or a Waggoner. List of Letters Contents...

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300—to John Murray

June 12, 1813. Dear Sir,—Having occasion to send a servant to London, I will thank you to inform me whether I left with the other things 3 miniatures in your care (—if not—I know where to find them), and also to "report progress" in unpacking the books? The bearer returns this evening. How does Hobhouse's work go on, or rather off—for that is the essential part? In yesterday's paper, immediately under an advertisement on "Strictures in the Urethra," I see—most appropriately consequent—a poem wit

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301—to John Murray

[Maidenhead], June 13, 1813. Dear Sir,—Amongst the books from Bennet St. is a small vol. of abominable poems by the Earl of Haddington which must not be in ye Catalogue on Sale—also—a vol. of French Epigrams in the same predicament. On the title page of Meletius is an inscription in writing which must be erased and made illegible. I have read the strictures, which are just enough, and not grossly abusive, in very fair couplets. There is a note against Massinger near the end, but one cannot quarr

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138—To his Mother

Constantinople, May 18, 1810. Dear Madam,—I arrived here in an English frigate from Smyrna a few days ago, without any events worth mentioning, except landing to view the plains of Troy, and afterwards, when we were at anchor in the Dardanelles, swimming from Sestos to Abydos, in imitation of Monsieur Leander, whose story you, no doubt, know too well for me to add anything on the subject except that I crossed the Hellespont without so good a motive for the undertaking. As I am just going to visi

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302—to John Murray

June 18, 1813. Dear Sir,—Will you forward the enclosed answer to the kindest letter I ever received in my life, my sense of which I can neither express to Mr. Gifford himself nor to any one else? Ever yours, B'N. List of Letters Contents...

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303—to W. Gifford

June 18, 1813. My Dear Sir,—I feel greatly at a loss how to write to you at all—still more to thank you as I ought. If you knew the veneration with which I have ever regarded you, long before I had the most distant prospect of becoming your acquaintance, literary or personal, my embarrassment would not surprise you. Any suggestion of yours, even were it conveyed in the less tender shape of the text of the Baviad , or a Monk Mason note in Massinger 1 , would have been obeyed; I should have endeav

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304—to John Murray

June 22, 1813. Dear Sir,—I send you a corrected copy of the lines with several important alterations,—so many that this had better be sent for proof rather than subject the other to so many blots. You will excuse the eternal trouble I inflict upon you. As you will see, I have attended to your Criticism, and softened a passage you proscribed this morning. Yours veritably, B. List of Letters Contents...

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305—to Thomas Moore

June 22, 1813. Yesterday I dined in company with Stael, the "Epicene," 1 whose politics are sadly changed. She is for the Lord of Israel and the Lord of Liverpool—a vile antithesis of a Methodist and a Tory—talks of nothing but devotion and the ministry, and, I presume, expects that God and the government will help her to a pension. Murray , the Greek: anax of publishers, the Anak of stationers, has a design upon you in the paper line. He wants you to become the staple and stipendiary editor of

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306—to the Hon. Augusta Leigh

4, Bennet Street, June 26th, 1813. My Dearest Augusta ,—Let me know when you arrive, and when, and where, and how, you would like to see me,—any where in short but at dinner . I have put off going into ye country on purpose to waylay you. Ever yours, Byron . List of Letters Contents...

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307—to the Hon. Augusta Leigh

[June, 1813.] My Dearest Augusta ,—And if you knew whom I had put off besides my journey—you would think me grown strangely fraternal. However I won't overwhelm you with my own praises . Between one and two be it—I shall, in course, prefer seeing you all to myself without the incumbrance of third persons, even of your (for I won't own the relationship) fair cousin of eleven page memory 1 , who, by the bye, makes one of the finest busts I have seen in the Exhibition, or out of it. Good night! Eve

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308—to the Hon. Augusta Leigh

[Sunday], June 27th, 1813. My Dearest Augusta ,—If you like to go with me to ye Lady Davy's 1 to-night, I have an invitation for you. There you will see the Stael , some people whom you know, and me whom you do not know,—and you can talk to which you please, and I will watch over you as if you were unmarried and in danger of always being so. Now do as you like; but if you chuse to array yourself before or after half past ten, I will call for you. I think our being together before 3d people will

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309—to John Murray

July 1st, 1813. Dear Sir ,— There is an error in my dedication 1 . The word " my " must be struck out—"my" admiration, etc.; it is a false construction and disagrees with the signature. I hope this will arrive in time to prevent a cancel and serve for a proof; recollect it is only the "my" to be erased throughout. There is a critique in the Satirist 2 , which I have read,—fairly written, and, though vituperative , very fair in judgment. One part belongs to you, viz ., the 4 s . and 6 d charge; i

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310—to Thomas Moore

4, Benedictine Street, St. James's, July 8, 1813. I presume by your silence that I have blundered into something noxious in my reply to your letter, for the which I beg leave to send beforehand a sweeping apology, which you may apply to any, or all, parts of that unfortunate epistle. If I err in my conjecture, I expect the like from you in putting our correspondence so long in quarantine. God he knows what I have said; but he also knows (if he is not as indifferent to mortals as the nonchalant d

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311—to Thomas Moore

July 13, 1813. Your letter set me at ease; for I really thought (as I hear of your susceptibility) that I had said—I know not what—but something I should have been very sorry for, had it, or I, offended you;—though I don't see how a man with a beautiful wife— his own children,—quiet—fame—competency and friends, (I will vouch for a thousand, which is more than I will for a unit in my own behalf,) can be offended with any thing. Do you know, Moore, I am amazingly inclined—remember I say but inclin

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312—to John Hanson

Sunday, July 18th, 1813. Dear Sir ,—A Report is in general circulation (which has distressed my friends, and is not very pleasing to me), that the Purchaser of Newstead is a young man, who has been over-reached, ill-treated, and ruined, by me in this transaction of the sale, and that I take an unfair advantage of the law to enforce the contract. This must be contradicted by a true and open statement of the circumstances attending, and subsequent to, the sale, and that immediately and publicly. S

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313—to John Murray

July 22nd, 1813. Dear Sir,—I have great pleasure in accepting your invitation to meet anybody or nobody as you like best. Pray what should you suppose the book in the inclosed advertisement to be? is it anything relating to Buonaparte or Continental Concerns? If so, it may be worth looking after, particularly if it should turn out to be your purchase—Lucien's Epic . Believe me, very truly yours, Byron List of Letters Contents...

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314—to Thomas Moore

July 25, 1813. I am not well versed enough in the ways of single woman to make much matrimonial progress. I have been dining like the dragon of Wantley 1 for this last week. My head aches with the vintage of various cellars, and my brains are muddled as their dregs. I met your friends the Daltons:—she sang one of your best songs so well, that, but for the appearance of affectation, I could have cried; he reminds me of Hunt, but handsomer, and more musical in soul, perhaps. I wish to God he may c

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315—to Thomas Moore

July 27, 1813. When you next imitate the style of "Tacitus," pray add, de moribus Germannorum ;—this last was a piece of barbarous silence, and could only be taken from the Woods , and, as such, I attribute it entirely to your sylvan sequestration at Mayfield Cottage. You will find, on casting up accounts, that you are my debtor by several sheets and one epistle. I shall bring my action;—if you don't discharge, expect to hear from my attorney. I have forwarded your letter to Ruggiero 1 ; but don

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316—to Thomas Moore

July 28, 1813. Can't you be satisfied with the pangs of my jealousy of Rogers, without actually making me the pander of your epistolary intrigue? This is the second letter you have enclosed to my address, notwithstanding a miraculous long answer, and a subsequent short one or two of your own. If you do so again, I can't tell to what pitch my fury may soar. I shall send you verse or arsenic, as likely as any thing,—four thousand couplets on sheets beyond the privilege of franking; that privilege,

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317—to John Murray

July 31, 1813. Dear Sir—As I leave town early tomorrow, the proof must be sent to-night, or many days will be lost. If you have any reviews of the Giaour to send, let me have them now. I am not very well to day. I thank you for the Satirist , which is short but savage on this unlucky affair, and personally facetious on me which is much more to the purpose than a tirade upon other peoples' concerns 1 . Ever yours, B. Footnote 1: In the Satirist (vol. xiii. pp. 150, 151) is an article headed "Sc

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318—to John Wilson Croker1

Bt. Str., August 2, 1813. Dear Sir,—I was honoured with your unexpected and very obliging letter, when on the point of leaving London, which prevented me from acknowledging my obligation as quickly as I felt it sincerely. I am endeavouring all in my power to be ready before Saturday —and even if I should not succeed, I can only blame my own tardiness, which will not the less enhance the benefit I have lost. I have only to add my hope of forgiveness for all my trespasses on your time and patience

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319—to John Murray

If you send more proofs, I shall never finish this infernal story—" Ecce signum "—thirty-three more lines enclosed! to the utter discomfiture of the printer, and, I fear, not to your advantage. B. List of Letters Contents...

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320—to John Murray

Half-past two in the morning, Aug. 10, 1813. Dear Sir,—Pray suspend the proofs , for I am bitten again, and have quantities for other parts of the bravura. Yours ever, B. P. S.—You shall have them in the course of the day. List of Letters Contents...

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321—To James Wedderburn Webster

August 12, 1813. My Dear Webster,—I am, you know, a detestable correspondent, and write to no one person whatever; you therefore cannot attribute my silence to any thing but want of good breeding or good taste, and not to any more atrocious cause; and as I confess the fault to be entirely mine—why—you will pardon it. I have ordered a copy of the Giaour (which is nearly doubled in quantity in this edition) to be sent, and I will first scribble my name in the title page. Many and sincere thanks fo

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322—to Thomas Moore

Bennet Street, August 22, 1813. As our late—I might say, deceased—correspondence had too much of the town-life leaven in it, we will now, paulo majora , prattle a little of literature in all its branches; and first of the first—criticism. The Prince is at Brighton, and Jackson, the boxer, gone to Margate, having, I believe, decoyed Yarmouth to see a milling in that polite neighbourhood 1 . Mad'e . de Staël Holstein has lost one of her young barons 2 , who has been carbonadoed by a vile Teutonic

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323—to John Murray

August 26, 1813. Dear Sir,—I have looked over and corrected one proof, but not so carefully (God knows if you can read it through, but I can't) as to preclude your eye from discovering some o mission of mine or com mission of y'e Printer. If you have patience, look it over. Do you know any body who can stop —I mean point -commas, and so forth? for I am, I hear, a sad hand at your punctuation. I have, but with some difficulty, not added any more to this snake of a poem, which has been lengthening

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324—to Thomas Moore

August 28, 1813. Ay, my dear Moore, "there was a time"—I have heard of your tricks, when "you was campaigning at the "King of Bohemy." 1 I am much mistaken if, some fine London spring, about the year 1815, that time does not come again. After all, we must end in marriage; and I can conceive nothing more delightful than such a state in the country, reading the county newspaper, etc., and kissing one's wife's maid. Seriously, I would incorporate with any woman of decent demeanour to-morrow—that is

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325—to Thomas Moore

August—September, I mean—1, 1813. I send you, begging your acceptance, Castellan, and three vols. on Turkish literature 1 , not yet looked into. The last I will thank you to read, extract what you want, and return in a week, as they are lent to me by that brightest of Northern constellations, Mackintosh 2 ,—amongst many other kind things into which India has warmed him; for I am sure your home Scotsman is of a less genial description. Your Peri, my dear M., is sacred and inviolable; I have no id

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326—to James Wedderburn Webster

September 2nd, 1813. My dear Webster,— You are just the same generous and I fear careless gentleman of the years of indifferent memory 1806—but I must not burthen you with my entire household. Joe 1 is, I believe, necessary for the present as a fixture, to keep possession till every thing is arranged; and were it otherwise, you don't know what a perplexity he would prove—honest and faithful, but fearfully superannuated: now this I ought and do bear, but as he has not been fifty years in your fam

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327—to Thomas Moore

Sept. 5, 1813. You need not tie yourself down to a day with Toderini, but send him at your leisure, having anatomised him into such annotations as you want; I do not believe that he has ever undergone that process before, which is the best reason for not sparing him now. Rogers has returned to town, but not yet recovered of the Quarterly . What fellows these reviewers are! "these bugs do fear us all." 1 They made you fight, and me (the milkiest of men) a satirist, and will end by making Rogers m

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328—to Thomas Moore.

September 8, 1813. I am sorry to see Toderini again so soon, for fear your scrupulous conscience should have prevented you from fully availing yourself of his spoils. By this coach I send you a copy of that awful pamphlet The Giaour , which has never procured me half so high a compliment as your modest alarm. You will (if inclined in an evening) perceive that I have added much in quantity,—a circumstance which may truly diminish your modesty upon the subject. You stand certainly in great need of

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329 —to Thomas Moore

Sept. 9, 1813. I write to you from Mr. Murray's, and I may say, from Murray, who, if you are not predisposed in favour of any other publisher, would be happy to treat with you, at a fitting time, for your work. I can safely recommend him as fair, liberal, and attentive, and certainly, in point of reputation, he stands among the first of "the trade." I am sure he would do you justice. I have written to you so much lately, that you will be glad to see so little now. Ever, etc., etc. List of Letter

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330—to James Wedderburn Webster

September 15th, 1813. My dear Webster,—I shall not resist your second invitation, and shortly after the receipt of this you may expect me. You will excuse me from the races. As a guest I have no "antipathies" and few preferences.... You won't mind, however, my not dining with you—every day at least. When we meet, we can talk over our respective plans: mine is very short and simple; viz. to sail when I can get a passage. If I remained in England I should live in the Country, and of course in the

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331—to the Hon. Augusta Leigh

[Wednesday], Sept'r. 15th, 1813. My dear Augusta,—I joined my friend Scrope about 8, and before eleven we had swallowed six bottles of his burgundy and Claret, which left him very unwell and me rather feverish; we were tête à tête . I remained with him next day and set off last night for London, which I reached at three in the morning. Tonight I shall leave it again, perhaps for Aston or Newstead. I have not yet determined, nor does it much matter. As you perhaps care more on the subject than I

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332—to John Murray

Sept. 15, 1813. Dear Sir,—Will you pray enquire after any ship with a convoy taking passengers and get me one if possible? I mean not in a ship of war, but anything that may be paid for. I have a friend and 3 servants—Gibraltar or Minorca—or Zante. Yours ever, B. List of Letters Contents...

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333—to James Wedderburn Webster

Stilton, September 25th, 1813. My Dear W.,—Thus far can I "report progress," and as a solid token of my remembrance I send you a cheese of 13 lbs. to enable your digestion to go through the race week. It will go to night; pray let your retainers enquire after it. The date of this letter will account for so homely a present. On my arrival in town I will write more on our different concerns. In the mean time I wish you and yours all the gratification on Doncaster you can wish for yourselves. My lo

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334—to Sir James Mackintosh

Sept. 27, 1813. Dear Sir James,—I was to have left London on Friday, but will certainly remain a day longer (and believe I would a year ) to have the honour of meeting you. My best respects to Lady Mackintosh. Ever your obliged and faithful servant, Byron . List of Letters Contents...

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335—to Thomas Moore

September 27, 1813. Thomas Moore,—(Thou wilt never be called " true Thomas," 1 like he of Ercildoune,) why don't you write to me?—as you won't, I must. I was near you at Aston the other day, and hope I soon shall be again. If so, you must and shall meet me, and go to Matlock and elsewhere, and take what, in flash dialect, is poetically termed "a lark," with Rogers and me for accomplices. Yesterday, at Holland House, I was introduced to Southey—the best-looking bard I have seen for some time. To

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336—to John Murray

Sept. 29, 1813. Dear Sir,—Pray suspend the proofs for I am bitten again and have quantities for other parts of The Giaour . Yours ever, B. P. S.—You shall have these in the course of the day. List of Letters Contents...

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337—to James Wedderburn Webster

September 30th, 1813. My dear Webster,—Thanks for your letter. I had answered it by anticipation last night, and this is but a postscript to my reply. My yesterday's contained some advice, which I now see you don't want, and hope you never will. So! Petersham 1 has not joined you. I pity the poor women. No one can properly repair such a deficiency; but rather than such a chasm should be left utterly unfathomable, I, even I, the most awkward of attendants and deplorable of danglers, would have be

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338—to Francis Hodgson

October 1, 1813. My Dear H.,—I leave town again for Aston on Sunday, but have messages for you. Lord Holland desired me repeatedly to bring you; he wants to know you much, and begged me to say so: you will like him. I had an invitation for you to dinner there this last Sunday, and Rogers is perpetually screaming because you don't call, and wanted you also to dine with him on Wednesday last. Yesterday we had Curran there—who is beyond all conception! and Mackintosh and the wits are to be seen at

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339—to Thomas Moore

October 2, 1813. You have not answered some six letters of mine. This, therefore, is my penultimate. I will write to you once more, but, after that—I swear by all the saints—I am silent and supercilious. I have met Curran 1 at Holland House—he beats every body;—his imagination is beyond human, and his humour (it is difficult to define what is wit) perfect. Then he has fifty faces, and twice as many voices, when he mimics—I never met his equal. Now, were I a woman, and eke a virgin, that is the m

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340—to John Murray

Stilton, Oct. 3, 1813. Dear Sir,—I have just recollected an alteration you may make in the proof to be sent to Aston.—Among the lines on Hassan's Serai, not far from the beginning, is this: Now to share implies more than one , and Solitude is a single gentlewoman; it must be thus: and so on.—My address is Aston Hall, Rotherham. Will you adopt this correction? and pray accept a cheese from me for your trouble. Ever yours, B. P. S.—I leave this to your discretion; if any body thinks the old line a

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341—to John Hanson

Nottingham, Octr. 10th, 1813. Dear Sir,—I am disposed to advance a loan of £1000 to James Webster Wedderburne Webster, Esqre., of Aston Hall, York County, and request you will address to me there a bond and judgement to be signed by the said as soon as possible. Of Claughton's payments I know nothing further, and the demands on myself I know also; but W. is a very old friend of mine, and a man of property, and, as I can command the money, he shall have it. I do not at all wish to inconvenience y

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342—to the Hon. Augusta Leigh

[Sunday], October 10th, 1813. My dearest Augusta,—I have only time to say that I am not in the least angry, and that my silence has merely arisen from several circumstances which I cannot now detail. I trust you are better, and will continue best . Ever, my dearest, Yours, B. List of Letters Contents...

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343—to John Murray

Oct. 12, 1813. Dear Sir,—You must look The Giaour again over carefully; there are a few lapses, particularly in the last page,—"I know 'twas false; she could not die;" it was, and ought to be—" knew ." Pray observe this and similar mistakes. I have received and read the British Review 1 . I really think the writer in most parts very right. The only mortifying thing is the accusation of imitation. Crabbe's passage I never saw; and Scott I no further meant to follow than in his lyric measure, whic

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344—to the Hon. Augusta Leigh

(Monday), Nov'r. 8th, 1813. My Dearest Augusta,—I have only time to say that I shall write tomorrow, and that my present and long silence has been occasioned by a thousand things (with which you are not concerned). It is not L'y C. nor O.; but perhaps you may guess , and, if you do, do not tell. You do not know what mischief your being with me might have prevented. You shall hear from me tomorrow; in the mean time don't be alarmed. I am in no immediate peril. Believe me, ever yours, B. List of L

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345—to John Murray

(Nov. 12, 1813. With first proof of Bride of Abydos correct.) Dear Sir,—I have looked over—corrected—and added— all of which you may do too—at least certainly the two first. There is more MS. within . Let me know tomorrow at your leisure how and when we shall proceed! It looks better than I thought at first. Look over again. I suspect some omissions on my part and on the printers'. Yours ever, B. Always print "een" "even." I utterly abhor "een"—if it must be contracted, be it "ev'n." List of Let

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346—to William Gifford

November 12, 1813. My Dear Sir,—I hope you will consider, when I venture on any request, that it is the reverse of a certain Dedication, and is addressed, not to "The Editor of the Quarterly Review " but to Mr. Gifford. You will understand this, and on that point I need trouble you no farther. You have been good enough to look at a thing of mine in MS.—a Turkish story, and I should feel gratified if you would do it the same favour in its probationary state of printing. It was written , I cannot

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347—to John Murray

Nov. 12, 1813. Two friends of mine (Mr. Rogers and Mr. Sharpe) have advised me not to risk at present any single publication separately, for various reasons. As they have not seen the one in question, they can have no bias for or against the merits (if it has any) or the faults of the present subject of our conversation. You say all the last of The Giaour 1 are gone—at least out of your hands. Now , if you think of publishing any new edition with the last additions which have not yet been before

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348—to John Murray

Nov. 13, 1813. Will you forward the letter to Mr. Gifford with the proof? There is an alteration I may make in Zuleika's speech, in second canto (the only one of hers in that canto). It is now thus: It must be: Ever yours, B. In the last MS. lines sent, instead of "living heart," correct to "quivering heart." It is in line 9th of the MS. passage. Ever yours again, List of Letters Contents...

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349—to John Murray

Alteration of a line in Canto 2nd. Instead of: Print: Or, Dear Sir,—I wish you would ask Mr. G. which of them is best, or rather not worst . Ever yours, B. You can send the request contained in this at the same time with the revise, after I have seen the said revise List of Letters Contents...

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350—to John Murray

Nov. 13, 1813. Certainly. Do you suppose that no one but the Galileans are acquainted with Adam , and Eve Cain, 1 and Noah ?—Surely, I might have had Solomon, and Abraham, and David, and even Moses, or the other. When you know that Zuleika is the Persian poetical name for Potiphar's wife, on whom and Joseph there is a long poem in the Persian, this will not surprise you. If you want authority look at Jones, D'Herbelot, Vathek , or the notes to the Arabian Nights ; and, if you think it necessary,

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351—to John Murray

Nov. 14, 1813. I send you a note for the ignorant , but I really wonder at finding you among them. I don't care one lump of Sugar for my poetry ; but for my costume , and my correctness on those points (of which I think the funeral was a proof), I will combat lustily. Yours ever, B. List of Letters Contents...

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352—to John Murray

November 15, 1813. Dear Sir ,—Mr. Hodgson has looked over and stopped , or rather pointed , this revise, which must be the one to print from. He has also made some suggestions, with most of which I have complied, as he has always, for these ten years, been a very sincere, and by no means (at times) flattering critic of mine. He likes it (you will think flatteringly , in this instance) better than The Giaour , but doubts (and so do I) its being so popular; but, contrary to some others, advises a

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353—to John Murray

November 17, 1813. My Dear Sir,— That you and I may distinctly understand each other on a subject, which, like "the dreadful reckoning when men smile no more," 1 makes conversation not very pleasant, I think it as well to write a few lines on the topic.—Before I left town for Yorkshire, you said that you were ready and willing to give five hundred guineas for the copyright of The Giaour ; and my answer was—from which I do not mean to recede—that we would discuss the point at Christmas. The new s

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354—to John Murray

November 20, 1813. More work for the Row . I am doing my best to beat " The Giaour "— no difficult task for any one but the author. Yours truly, B. List of Letters Contents...

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355—to John Murray

November 22, 1813. Dear Sir ,—I have no time to cross -investigate, but I believe and hope all is right. I care less than you will believe about its success, but I can't survive a single misprint ; it choaks me to see words misused by the Printers. Pray look over, in case of some eyesore escaping me. Ever yours, B. P. S.—Send the earliest copies to Mr. Frere, Mr. Canning, Mr. Heber, Mr. Gifford, Lord Holland, Lady Melbourne (Whitehall), Lady C. L. (Brocket), Mr. Hodgson (Cambridge), Mr. Merivale

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356—to John Murray

November 23, 1813. Dear Sir ,—You wanted some reflections , and I send you per Selim (see his speech in Canto 2d, page 46.), eighteen lines in decent couplets, of a pensive, if not an ethical tendency. One more revise—poz. the last , if decently done—at any rate the pen ultimate. Mr. Canning's approbation ( if he did approve) I need not say makes me proud 1 . As to printing, print as you will and how you will—by itself, if you like; but let me have a few copies in sheets Ever yours, B. Footnote

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357—to John Murray

November 24, 1813. You must pardon me once more, as it is all for your good: it must be thus: " Makes " is closer to the passage of Tacitus 1 , from which the line is taken, and is, besides, a stronger word than " leaves ." You will perceive that the sense is now clearer, the " He " refers to " Man " in the preceding couplet. Yours ever, B. Footnote 1: Tacitus, Agricola , 30. return to footnote mark List of Letters Contents...

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358—to John Murray

November 27, 1813. Dear Sir,—If you look over this carefully by the last proof with my corrections, it is probably right; this you can do as well or better;—I have not now time. The copies I mentioned to be sent to different friends last night, I should wish to be made up with the new Giaours, if it also is ready. If not, send The Giaour afterwards. The Morning Post says I am the author of Nourjahad 1 !! This comes of lending the drawings for their dresses; but it is not worth a formal contradic

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359—to John Murray

November 28, 1813. Dear Sir,— Send another copy (if not too much of a request) to Lady Holland of the Journal 1 , in my name, when you receive this; it is for Earl Grey —and I will relinquish my own. Also to Mr. Sharpe, Lady Holland, and Lady Caroline Lamb, copies of The Bride , as soon as convenient. Ever yours, Biron . P. S.—Mr. W. and myself still continue our purpose; but I shall not trouble you on any arrangement on the score of The Giaour and The Bride till our return,—or, at any rate, bef

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360—to John Murray.

November 29, 1813. Sunday—Monday morning—three o'clock—in my doublet and hose,— swearing . Dear Sir,—I send you in time an Errata page, containing an omission of mine 1 , which must be thus added, as it is too late for insertion in the text. The passage is an imitation altogether from Medea in Ovid, and is incomplete without these two lines. Pray let this be done, and directly; it is necessary, will add one page to your book (- making ), and can do no harm, and is yet in time for the public . An

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361—to John Murray

November 29, 1813. " You have looked at it! " to much purpose, to allow so stupid a blunder to stand; it is not " courage " but " carnage ;" and if you don't want me to cut my own throat, see it altered. I am very sorry to hear of the fall of Dresden. List of Letters Contents...

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362—to John Murray

Nov. 29, 1813, Monday. Dear Sir,—You will act as you please upon that point; but whether I go or stay, I shall not say another word on the subject till May—nor then, unless quite convenient to yourself. I have many things I wish to leave to your care, principally papers. The vases need not be now sent, as Mr. W. is gone to Scotland. You are right about the Er[rata] page; place it at the beginning. Mr. Perry is a little premature in his compliments 1 : these may do harm by exciting expectation, a

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363—to John Murray

Tuesday evening, Nov. 30, 1813. Dear Sir,—For the sake of correctness, particularly in an Errata page, the alteration of the couplet I have just sent (half an hour ago) must take place, in spite of delay or cancel; let me see the proof early to-morrow. I found out murmur to be a neuter verb , and have been obliged to alter the line so as to make it a substantive, thus: Don't send the copies to the country till this is all right. Yours, B. List of Letters Contents...

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364—to Thomas Moore.

November 30, 1813. Since I last wrote to you, much has occurred, good, bad, and indifferent,—not to make me forget you, but to prevent me from reminding you of one who, nevertheless, has often thought of you, and to whom your thoughts, in many a measure, have frequently been a consolation. We were once very near neighbours this autumn; and a good and bad neighbourhood it has proved to me. Suffice it to say, that your French quotation 1 was confoundedly to the purpose,—though very unexpectedly pe

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365—to Francis Hodgson

Nov'r—Dec'r 1st, 1813. I have just heard that Knapp is acquainted with what I was but too happy in being enabled to do for you 1 . Now, my dear Hn., you, or Drury, must have told this, for, upon my own honour, not even to Scrope, nor to one soul, (Drury knew it before) have I said one syllable of the matter. So don't be out of humour with me about it, but you can't be more so than I am. I am, however, glad of one thing; if you ever conceived it to be in the least an obligation, this disclosure m

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366—to John Murray

Dec. 2, 1813. Dear Sir,—When you can, let the couplet enclosed be inserted either in the page, or in the Errata page. I trust it is in time for some of the copies. This alteration is in the same part—the page but one before the last correction sent. Yours, etc., B. P. S.—I am afraid, from all I hear, that people are rather inordinate in their expectations, which is very unlucky, but cannot now be helped. This comes of Mr. Perry and one's wise friends; but do not you wind your hopes of success to

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367—to Leigh Hunt

4, Bennet St., Dec. 2, 1813. My dear Sir,—Few things could be more welcome than your note, and on Saturday morning I will avail myself of your permission to thank you for it in person. My time has not been passed, since we met, either profitably or agreeably. A very short period after my last visit, an incident occurred with which, I fear, you are not unacquainted, as report, in many mouths and more than one paper, was busy with the topic. That, naturally, gave me much uneasiness. Then I nearly

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368—to John Murray

Dec. 3, 1813. I send you a scratch or two , the which heal . The Christian Observer 1 is very savage, but certainly uncommonly well written—and quite uncomfortable at the naughtiness of book and author. I rather suspect you won't much like the present to be more moral, if it is to share also the usual fate of your virtuous volumes. Let me see a proof of the six before incorporation . Footnote 1: The Christian Observer for November, 1813 (pp. 731-737) felt compelled to review The Giaour , becau

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369—to John Murray

Dec. 3, 1813. My dear Sir,—Look out the Encyclopedia article Mecca whether it is there or at Medina the Prophet is entombed, if at Medina the first lines of my alteration must run: If at "Mecca" the lines may stand as before. Page 45, C°. 2nd, Bride of Abydos . Yours, B. You will find this out either by Article Mecca, Medina or Mahommed . I have no book of reference by me. List of Letters Contents...

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370—to John Murray

[No date.] Did you look out? is it Medina or Mecca that contains the holy Sepulchre? don't make me blaspheme by your negligence. I have no books of reference or I would save you the trouble. I blush as a good Mussulman to have confused the point. Yours, B. List of Letters Contents...

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371—to John Murray

Dec. 4, 1813. Dear Sir,—I have redde through your Persian Tales 1 , and have taken the liberty of making some remarks on the blank pages. There are many beautiful passages, and an interesting story; and I cannot give you a stronger proof that such is my opinion, than by the date of the hour—two o'clock ,—till which it has kept me awake without a yawn . The conclusion is not quite correct in costume : there is no Mussulman suicide on record—at least for love . But this matters not. The tale must

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372—to John Murray

Dear Sir,—It is all very well, except that the lines are not numbered properly, and a diabolical mistake, page 67., which must be corrected with the pen , if no other way remains; it is the omission of " not " before " disagreeable " in the note on the amber rosary. This is really horrible, and nearly as bad as the stumble of mine at the Threshold—I mean the misnomer of bride. Pray do not let a copy go without the " ;" it is nonsense, and worse than nonsense, as it now stands. I wish the printer

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373—to Thomas Moore

December 8, 1813. Your letter, like all the best, and even kindest things in this world, is both painful and pleasing. But, first, to what sits nearest. Do you know I was actually about to dedicate to you,—not in a formal inscription, as to one's elders ,—but through a short prefatory letter, in which I boasted myself your intimate, and held forth the prospect of your poem; when, lo! the recollection of your strict injunctions of secrecy as to the said poem, more than once repeated by word and l

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374—to John Galt1

Dec. 11, 1813. My dear Galt,—There was no offence—there could be none. I thought it by no means impossible that we might have hit on something similar, particularly as you are a dramatist, and was anxious to assure you of the truth, viz., that I had not wittingly seized upon plot, sentiment, or incident; and I am very glad that I have not in any respect trenched upon your subjects. Something still more singular is, that the first part, where you have found a coincidence in some events within you

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375—to John Murray

Decr. y'r 14th, 1813. Deare Sir,—Send y'e E'r of ye new R'w a copy as he hath had y'e trouble of two walks on y't acct. As to the man of the Satirist —I hope you have too much spirit to allow a single Sheet to be offered as a peace offering to him or any one. If you do , expect never to be forgiven by me—if he is not personal he is quite welcome to his opinion—and if he is, I have my own remedy. Send a copy double to Dr. Clarke (y'e traveller) Cambrigge by y'e first opportunitie—and let me see y

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376—to Thomas Ashe1

4, Bennet Street, St. James's, Dec. 14, 1813. Sir,—I leave town for a few days to-morrow. On my return, I will answer your letter more at length. Whatever may be your situation, I cannot but commend your resolution to abjure and abandon the publication and composition of works such as those to which you have alluded. Depend upon it they amuse few , disgrace both reader and writer , and benefit none . It will be my wish to assist you, as far as my limited means will admit, to break such a bondage

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377—to Professor Clarke1

Dec. 15, 1813. Your very kind letter is the more agreeable, because, setting aside talents, judgment, and the laudari a laudato , etc., you have been on the spot; you have seen and described more of the East than any of your predecessors—I need not say how ably and successfully; and (excuse the bathos) you are one of the very few men who can pronounce how far my costume (to use an affected but expressive word) is correct. As to poesy, that is, as "men, gods, and columns," please to decide upon i

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378—to Leigh Hunt

Dec. 22, 1813. My Dear Sir,—I am indeed "in your debt,"—and, what is still worse, am obliged to follow royal example (he has just apprised his creditors that they must wait till the next meeting), and intreat your indulgence for, I hope, a very short time. The nearest relation and almost the only friend I possess, has been in London for a week, and leaves it tomorrow with me for her own residence. I return immediately; but we meet so seldom, and are so minuted when we meet at all, that I give up

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379—to John Murray

December 27, 1813. Lord Holland is laid up with the gout, and would feel very much obliged if you could obtain, and send as soon as possible, Madame D'Arblay's (or even Miss Edgeworth's) new work. I know they are not out; but it is perhaps possible for your Majesty to command what we cannot with much suing purchase, as yet. I need not say that when you are able or willing to confer the same favour on me, I shall be obliged. I would almost fall sick myself to get at Madame D'Arblay's writings. P.

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November 16th, 1813

Went last night with Lewis to see the first of Antony and Cleopatra 1 . It was admirably got up, and well acted —a salad of Shakspeare and Dryden. Cleopatra strikes me as the epitome of her sex—fond, lively, sad, tender, teasing, humble, haughty, beautiful, the devil!—coquettish to the last, as well with the "asp" as with Antony. After doing all she can to persuade him that—but why do they abuse him for cutting off that poltroon Cicero's head? Did not Tully tell Brutus it was a pity to have spar

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November 17th, 1813

No letter from ——; but I must not complain. The respectable Job says, "Why should a living man complain?" 1 I really don't know, except it be that a dead man can't; and he, the said patriarch, did complain, nevertheless, till his friends were tired and his wife recommended that pious prologue,"Curse—and die;" the only time, I suppose, when but little relief is to be found in swearing. I have had a most kind letter from Lord Holland on " The Bride of Abydos ," which he likes, and so does Lady H.

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November 22nd, 1813

" Orange Boven!" 1 So the bees have expelled the bear that broke open their hive. Well,—if we are to have new De Witts and De Ruyters, God speed the little republic! I should like to see the Hague and the village of Brock, where they have such primitive habits. Yet , I don't know,—their canals would cut a poor figure by the memory of the Bosphorus; and the Zuyder Zee look awkwardly after "Ak-Denizi" 2 . No matter,—the bluff burghers, puffing freedom out of their short tobacco-pipes, might be wor

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November 23rd, 1813

Ward—I like Ward. By Mahomet! I begin to think I like every body;—a disposition not to be encouraged;— a sort of social gluttony that swallows every thing set before it. But I like Ward. He is piquant ; and, in my opinion, will stand very high in the House, and every where else, if he applies regularly . By the by, I dine with him to-morrow, which may have some influence on my opinion. It is as well not to trust one's gratitude after dinner. I have heard many a host libelled by his guests, with

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24th November, 1813

No dreams last night of the dead, nor the living; so—I am "firm as the marble, founded as the rock," 1 till the next earthquake. Ward's dinner went off well. There was not a disagreeable person there—unless I offended any body, which I am sure I could not by contradiction, for I said little, and opposed nothing. Sharpe 2 (a man of elegant mind, and who has lived much with the best—Fox, Horne Tooke, Windham, Fitzpatrick, and all the agitators of other times and tongues,) told us the particulars o

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12, Mezza Notte

Just returned from dinner with Jackson (the Emperor of Pugilism) and another of the select, at Crib's, the champion's. I drank more than I like, and have brought away some three bottles of very fair claret—for I have no headach. We had Tom Crib up after dinner;—very facetious, though somewhat prolix. He don't like his situation—wants to fight again—pray Pollux (or Castor, if he was the miller ) he may! Tom has been a sailor—a coal-heaver—and some other genteel profession, before he took to the c

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Thursday, November 26th [1813]

Awoke a little feverish, but no headach—no dreams neither, thanks to stupor! Two letters; one from ——, the other from Lady Melbourne—both excellent in their respective styles. ——'s contained also a very pretty lyric on "concealed griefs;" if not her own, yet very like her. Why did she not say that the stanzas were, or were not, of her own composition? I do not know whether to wish them hers or not. I have no great esteem for poetical persons, particularly women; they have so much of the "ideal"

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Saturday 27th [November 1813]

(I believe or rather am in doubt , which is the ne plus ultra of mortal faith.) I have missed a day; and, as the Irishman said, or Joe Miller says for him, "have gained a loss," or by the loss. Every thing is settled for Holland, and nothing but a cough, or a caprice of my fellow-traveller's, can stop us. Carriage ordered, funds prepared, and, probably, a gale of wind into the bargain. N'importe —I believe, with Clym o' the Clow, or Robin Hood, "By our Mary , (dear name!) thou art both Mother an

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Tuesday 30th [November 1813]

Two days missed in my log-book;— hiatus haud deflendus . They were as little worth recollection as the rest; and, luckily, laziness or society prevented me from notching them. Sunday , I dined with the Lord Holland in St. James's Square. Large party—among them Sir S. Romilly 1 and Lady R'y.—General Sir Somebody Bentham 2 , a man of science and talent, I am told—Horner 3 — the Horner, an Edinburgh Reviewer, an excellent speaker in the "Honourable House," very pleasing, too, and gentlemanly in com

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Wednesday, December 1st, 1813

To-day responded to La Baronne de Stael Holstein, and sent to Leigh Hunt (an acquisition to my acquaintance—through Moore—of last summer) a copy of the two Turkish tales. Hunt is an extraordinary character, and not exactly of the present age. He reminds me more of the Pym and Hampden times—much talent, great independence of spirit, and an austere, yet not repulsive, aspect. If he goes on qualis ab incepto , I know few men who will deserve more praise or obtain it. I must go and see him again;—th

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Sunday, December 5th [1813]

Dallas's nephew (son to the American Attorney-general) is arrived in this country, and tells Dallas that my rhymes are very popular in the United States. These are the first tidings that have ever sounded like Fame to my ears—to be redde on the banks of the Ohio! The greatest pleasure I ever derived, of this kind was from an extract, in Cooke the actor's life, from his journal 1 , stating that in the reading-room at Albany, near Washington, he perused English Bards, and Scotch Reviewers . To be

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Monday, December 6th [1813]

Murray tells me that Croker asked him why the thing was called the Bride of Abydos? It is a cursed awkward question, being unanswerable. She is not a bride , only about to be one; but for, etc., etc., etc. I don't wonder at his finding out the Bull ; but the detection —— is too late to do any good. I was a great fool to make it, and am ashamed of not being an Irishman. Campbell last night seemed a little nettled at something or other—I know not what. We were standing in the ante-saloon, when Lor

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Tuesday, December 7th [1813]

Went to bed, and slept dreamlessly, but not refreshingly. Awoke, and up an hour before being called; but dawdled three hours in dressing. When one subtracts from life infancy (which is vegetation),—sleep, eating, and swilling—buttoning and unbuttoning—how much remains of downright existence? The summer of a dormouse. Redde the papers and tea -ed and soda-watered, and found out that the fire was badly lighted. Lord Glenbervie wants me to go to Brighton—um! This morning, a very pretty billet from

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Friday, December 10th, 1813

I am ennuyé beyond my usual tense of that yawning verb, which I am always conjugating; and I don't find that society much mends the matter. I am too lazy to shoot myself—and it would annoy Augusta, and perhaps ——; but it would be a good thing for George, on the other side, and no bad one for me; but I won't be tempted. I have had the kindest letter from Moore. I do think that man is the best-hearted, the only hearted being I ever encountered; and, then, his talents are equal to his feelings. Din

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Sunday, December 12th, 1813

By Galt's answer, I find it is some story in real life , and not any work with which my late composition coincides. It is still more singular, for mine is drawn from existence also. I have sent an excuse to Madame de Stael. I do not feel sociable enough for dinner to-day;—and I will not go to Sheridan's on Wednesday. Not that I do not admire and prefer his unequalled conversation; but—that " but " must only be intelligible to thoughts I cannot write. Sheridan was in good talk at Rogers's the oth

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Monday, December 13th, 1813

Called at three places—read, and got ready to leave town to-morrow. Murray has had a letter from his brother bibliopole of Edinburgh, who says, "he is lucky in having such a poet "—something as if one was a packhorse, or "ass, or any thing that is his;" or, like Mrs. Packwood 1 , who replied to some inquiry after the Odes on Razors,—"Laws, sir, we keeps a poet." The same illustrious Edinburgh bookseller once sent an order for books, poesy, and cookery, with this agreeable postscript—"The Harold

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December 14th, 15th, 16th, 1813

Much done, but nothing to record. It is quite enough to set down my thoughts,—my actions will rarely bear retrospection....

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December 17th, 18th, 1813

Lord Holland told me a curious piece of sentimentality in Sheridan. The other night we were all delivering our respective and various opinions on him and other hommes marquans , and mine was this:—"Whatever Sheridan has done or chosen to do has been, par excellence , always the best of its kind. He has written the comedy ( School for Scandal ), the drama (in my mind, far before that St. Giles's lampoon, the Beggar's Opera ), the best farce (the Critic —it is only too good for a farce), and the b

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January 16th, 1814

To-morrow I leave town for a few days. I saw Lewis to-day, who is just returned from Oatlands, where he has been squabbling with Mad. de Stael about himself, Clarissa Harlowe , Mackintosh, and me. My homage has never been paid in that quarter, or we would have agreed still worse. I don't talk—I can't flatter, and won't listen, except to a pretty or a foolish woman. She bored Lewis with praises of himself till he sickened— found out that Clarissa was perfection, and Mackintosh the first man in En

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February 18th [1814]

Better than a month since I last journalised:—most of it out of London and at Notts., but a busy one and a pleasant, at least three weeks of it. On my return , I find all the newspapers in hysterics, and town in an uproar, on the avowal and republication of two stanzas on Princess Charlotte's weeping at Regency's speech to Lauderdale in 1812 1 . They are daily at it still;—some of the abuse good, all of it hearty. They talk of a motion in our House upon it—be it so. Got up— redde the Morning Pos

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Saturday, February 19th [1814]

Just returned from seeing Kean 1 in Richard. By Jove, he is a soul! Life—nature—truth without exaggeration or diminution. Kemble's Hamlet is perfect;—but Hamlet is not Nature. Richard is a man; and Kean is Richard. Now to my own concerns. Went to Waite's. Teeth are all right and white; but he says that I grind them in my sleep and chip the edges. That same sleep is no friend of mine, though I court him sometimes for half the twenty-four. Footnote 1: Edmund Kean (1787-1833), after acting in pro

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February 20th [1814]

Got up and tore out two leaves of this Journal—I don't know why. Hodgson just called and gone. He has much bonhommie with his other good qualities, and more talent than he has yet had credit for beyond his circle. An invitation to dine at Holland House to meet Kean. He is worth meeting; and I hope, by getting into good society, he will be prevented from falling like Cooke. He is greater now on the stage, and off he should never be less. There is a stupid and underrating criticism upon him in one

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Sunday, February 27th [1814]

Here I am, alone, instead of dining at Lord H.'s, where I was asked,—but not inclined to go any where. Hobhouse says I am growing a loup garou ,—a solitary hobgoblin. True ;—"I am myself alone." 1 The last week has been passed in reading—seeing plays—now and then visitors—sometimes yawning and sometimes sighing, but no writing,—save of letters. If I could always read, I should never feel the want of society. Do I regret it?—um!—" Man delights not me," 2 and only one woman—at a time. There is som

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Sunday, March 6th [1814]

On Tuesday last dined with Rogers,—Madame de Staël, Mackintosh, Sheridan, Erskine 1 , and Payne Knight, Lady Donegal, and Miss R. there. Sheridan told a very good story of himself and Madame de Recamier's handkerchief; Erskine a few stories of himself only. She is going to write a big book about England, she says;—I believe her. Asked by her how I liked Miss Edgeworth's thing, called Patronage 2 , and answered (very sincerely) that I thought it very bad for her , and worse than any of the others

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March 7th [1814]

Rose at seven—ready by half-past eight—went to Mr. Hanson's, Bloomsbury Square—went to church with his eldest daughter, Mary Anne (a good girl), and gave her away to the Earl of Portsmouth 1 . Saw her fairly a countess—congratulated the family and groom (bride)—drank a bumper of wine (wholesome sherris) to their felicity, and all that—and came home. Asked to stay to dinner, but could not. At three sat to Phillips for faces. Called on Lady M. [Melbourne]—I like her so well, that I always stay too

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March 10th [1814]

Thor's Day On Tuesday dined with Rogers,—Mackintosh, Sheridan, Sharpe,—much talk, and good,—all, except my own little prattlement. Much of old times—Horne Tooke—the Trials—evidence of Sheridan, and anecdotes of those times, when I , alas! was an infant. If I had been a man, I would have made an English Lord Edward Fitzgerald. Set down Sheridan at Brookes's,—where, by the by, he could not have well set down himself, as he and I were the only drinkers. Sherry means to stand for Westminster, as Coc

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Tuesday, March 15th [1814]

Dined yesterday with Rogers, Mackintosh, and Sharpe. Sheridan could not come. Sharpe told several very amusing anecdotes of Henderson, the actor 1 . Stayed till late, and came home, having drunk so much tea , that I did not get to sleep till six this morning. R. says I am to be in this Quarterly —cut up, I presume, as they "hate us youth." 2 N'importe . As Sharpe was passing by the doors of some debating society (the Westminster Forum), in his way to dinner, he saw rubricked on the wall Scott's

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Thursday, March 17th [1814]

I have been sparring with Jackson for exercise this morning; and mean to continue and renew my acquaintance with the muffles. My chest, and arms, and wind are in very good plight, and I am not in flesh. I used to be a hard hitter, and my arms are very long for my height (5 feet 8 1/2 inches). At any rate, exercise is good, and this the severest of all; fencing and the broad-sword never fatigued me half so much. Redde the Quarrels of Authors 1 (another sort of sparring )—a new work, by that most

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Sunday, March 20th [1814]

I intended to go to Lady Hardwicke's 1 , but won't. I always begin the day with a bias towards going to parties; but, as the evening advances, my stimulus fails, and I hardly ever go out—and, when I do, always regret it. This might have been a pleasant one;—at least, the hostess is a very superior woman. Lady Lansdowne's 2 to-morrow—Lady Heathcote's 3 Wednesday. Um!—I must spur myself into going to some of them, or it will look like rudeness, and it is better to do as other people do—confound th

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Tuesday, March 22nd [1814]

Last night, party at Lansdowne House. To-night , at Lady Charlotte Greville's 1 —deplorable waste of time, and something of temper. Nothing imparted— nothing acquired—talking without ideas:—if any thing like thought in my mind, it was not on the subjects on which we were gabbling. Heigho!—and in this way half London pass what is called life. To-morrow there is Lady Heathcote's—shall I go? yes—to punish myself for not having a pursuit. Let me see—what did I see? The only person who much struck me

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March 28th [1814]

Albany This night got into my new apartments 1 , rented of Lord Althorpe, on a lease of seven years. Spacious, and room for my books and sabres. In the house , too, another advantage. The last few days, or whole week, have been very abstemious, regular in exercise, and yet very un well. Yesterday, dined tête-à-tête at the Cocoa with Scrope Davies—sat from six till midnight—drank between us one bottle of champagne and six of claret, neither of which wines ever affect me. Offered to take Scrope ho

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April 8th [1814]

Out of town six days. On my return, found my poor little pagod, Napoleon, pushed off his pedestal;—the thieves are in Paris. It is his own fault. Like Milo, he would rend the oak 1 ; but it closed again, wedged his hands, and now the beasts—lion, bear, down to the dirtiest jackal—may all tear him. That Muscovite winter wedged his arms;—ever since, he has fought with his feet and teeth. The last may still leave their marks; and "I guess now" (as the Yankees say) that he will yet play them a pass.

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Saturday, April 9th, 1814

I mark this day! Napoleon Buonaparte has abdicated the throne of the world. "Excellent well." Methinks Sylla did better; for he revenged and resigned in the height of his sway, red with the slaughter of his foes—the finest instance of glorious contempt of the rascals upon record. Dioclesian did well too—Amurath not amiss, had he become aught except a dervise—Charles the Fifth but so so—but Napoleon, worst of all. What! wait till they were in his capital, and then talk of his readiness to give up

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April 10th [1814]

I do not know that I am happiest when alone; but this I am sure of, that I never am long in the society even of her I love, (God knows too well, and the devil probably too,) without a yearning for the company of my lamp and my utterly confused and tumbled-over library. Even in the day, I send away my carriage oftener than I use or abuse it. Per esempio ,—I have not stirred out of these rooms for these four days past: but I have sparred for exercise (windows open) with Jackson an hour daily, to a

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April 19th, 1814

There is ice at both poles, north and south—all extremes are the same—misery belongs to the highest and the lowest only, to the emperor and the beggar, when unsixpenced and unthroned. There is, to be sure, a damned insipid medium—an equinoctial line—no one knows where, except upon maps and measurement. I will keep no further journal of that same hesternal torch-light; and, to prevent me from returning, like a dog, to the vomit of memory, I tear out the remaining leaves of this volume, and write,

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1. Poems, by W. R. Spencer. (vol. 67, 1812, pp. 54-60.)

Art. VII. Poems by William Robert Spencer. 8vo. 10s. Boards. Cadell and Davies. 1811. The author of this well-printed volume has more than once been introduced to our readers, and is known to rank among that class of poetical persons who have never been highly favoured by stern criticism. The "mob of gentlemen who write with ease" has indeed of late years (like other mobs) become so importunate, as to threaten an alarming rivalry to the regular body of writers who are not fortunate enough to be

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2. Neglected Genius, by W. H. Ireland.

(Vol. 70, 1813, pp. 203-205.) Art. XV. Neglected Genius: a Poem. Illustrating the untimely and unfortunate Fall of many British Poets; from the Period of Henry VIII. to the Æra of the unfortunate Chatterton. Containing Imitations of their different Styles, etc., etc. By W.H. Ireland, Author of the Fisher-Soy, Sailor-Boy, Cottage-Girl, etc., etc., etc. 8vo. pp. 175. 8s. Boards. Sherwood &amp; Co. 1812. This volume, professing in a moderately long title-page to be "illustrative of the untimely

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1. Debate On The Frame-work Bill, In The House Of Lords, February 27, 1812.

The order of the day for the second reading of this Bill being read, Lord Byron rose, and (for the first time) addressed their Lordships as follows: My Lords,—The subject now submitted to your Lordships for the first time, though new to the House, is by no means new to the country. I believe it had occupied the serious thoughts of all descriptions of persons, long before its introduction to the notice of that legislature, whose interference alone could be of real service. As a person in some deg

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2. Debate on the Earl of Donoughmore's Motion for a Committee on the Roman Catholic Claims, April 21, 1812.

[Byron's notes for a portion of his speech are in the possession of Mr. Murray.] Lord Byron rose and said: My Lords,—The question before the House has been so frequently, fully, and ably discussed, and never perhaps more ably than on this night, that it would be difficult to adduce new arguments for or against it. But with each discussion difficulties have been removed, objections have been canvassed and refuted, and some of the former opponents of Catholic emancipation have at length conceded t

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3. Debate on Major Cartwright's Petition. June 1,1813.

Lord Byron rose and said: My Lords,—he petition which I now hold for the purpose of presenting to the House is one which, I humbly conceive, requires the particular attention of your Lordships, inasmuch as, though signed but by a single individual, it contains statements which (if not disproved) demand most serious investigation. The grievance of which the petitioner complains is neither selfish nor imaginary. It is not his own only, for it has been and is still felt by numbers. No one without t

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1. The following letter is one of the first which Lady Caroline wrote to Byron, in the spring of 1812:

"The Rose Lord Byron gave Lady Caroline Lamb died in despight of every effort made to save it; probably from regret at its fallen Fortunes. Hume, at least, who is no great believer in most things, says that many more die of broken hearts than is supposed. When Lady Caroline returns from Brocket Hall, she will dispatch the Cabinet Maker to Lord Biron, with the Flower she wishes most of all others to resemble, as, however deficient its beauty and even use, it has a noble and aspiring mind, and, ha

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2. The following are the lines written by Lady Caroline when she burned Byron in effigy at Brocket Hall (endorsed, in Mrs. Leigh's handwriting, "December, 1812"):

"Address Spoken by the Page at Brocket Hall, before the Bonfire. Detailed Contents of Appendices Contents...

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3. The following letter was apparently written in the summer of 1812:

"You have been very generous and kind if you have not betray'd me, and I do not think you have . My remaining in Town and seeing you thus is sacrificing the last chance I have left. I expose myself to every eye, to every unkind observation. You think me weak, and selfish; you think I do not struggle to withstand my own feelings, but indeed it is exacting more than human nature can bear, and when I came out last night, which was of itself an effort, and when I heard your name announced, the momen

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4. The following letter was evidently written at the time when the separation of Lord and Lady Byron was first rumoured:

"Melbourne House, Thursday. "When so many wiser and better surround you, it is not for me to presume to hope that anything I can say will find favour in your sight; but yet I must venture to intrude upon you, even though your displeasure against me be all I gain for so doing. All others may have some object or interest in their's; I have none, but the wish to save you. Will you generously consent to what is for the peace of both parties? and will you act in a manner worthy of yourself? I am sure

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5. The following letter probably refers to the publication of the lines, "Fare thee Well," in April, 1816:

"At a moment of such deep agony, and I may add shame—when utterly disgraced, judge, Byron, what my feelings must be at Murray's shewing me some beautiful verses of yours. I do implore you for God sake not to publish them. Could I have seen you one moment, I would explain why. I have only time to add that, however those who surround you may make you disbelieve it, you will draw ruin on your own head and hers if at this moment you shew these. I know not from what quarter the report originates. You

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6. In 1824, after the death of Byron, and after the publication of Captain Medwin's Recollections of Lord Byron, Lady Caroline Lamb sent a letter to Mr. Henry Colburn, the publisher, enclosing one to be given to Medwin and published. Both are given here, and the latter should be read in substantiation or correction of what is stated in the notes. The letter is printed verbatim et literatim.

(1) Lady Caroline Lamb to Henry Colburn. "[November (?), 1824.] " My Dear Sir ,—Walter who takes this will explain my wishes. Will you enable him to deliver my letter to Captain Medwin, and will you publish it? you are to give him ten pound for it; I will settle it with you. I am on my death bed, do not fail to obey my wishes. I send you my journals but do not publish them until I am dead. "Yours, Caroline Lamb ." (2) Lady Caroline Lamb to Captain Thomas Medwin. [Endorsed, "This copy to be caref

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I

"Woodbridge, Suffolk, Apl. 14th, 1814. " My Lord ,—I received this morning the reply with which your Lordship honour'd my last, and now avail myself of the permission you have so kindly granted to state as briefly as I can the circumstances which have induced me to make this application, and the extent of my wishes respecting your Lordship's interference. "Eight years since, I went into business in this place as a Merchant. I was then just of age, and, shortly after, married. The business in whi

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II

"Woodbridge, April 15th, 1814. "My Lord,—I should be truly sorry if my importunity should defeat its own purpose, and, instead of interesting your Lordship on my behalf, should make you regret the indulgence you have already granted me; but I really feel as if I had staked every remaining hope on the cast of the die, and, therefore, before it is thrown, I wish, my Lord, to make one or two more observations. "Although in my last, which, as I before observed, was hastily written, I express'd my wi

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Part of the draft of Byron's answer to these two letters is in existence, and runs as follows:

"Albany, April 16th, 1814. "Sir,—All offence is out of the question. My principal regret is that it is not in my power to be of service. My own plans are very unsettled, and at present, from a variety of circumstances, embarrassed, and, even were it otherwise, I should be both to offer anything like dependence to one, who, from education and acquirements, must doubly feel sensible of such a situation, however I might be disposed to render it tolerable. "As an adviser I am rather qualified to poi

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The following is Walter Scott's reply to Byron's letter of July 6, 1812:

"Abbotsford, near Melrose, 16th July, 1812. " My Lord ,—I am much indebted to your Lordship for your kind and friendly letter; and much gratified by the Prince Regent's good opinion of my literary attempts. I know so little of courts or princes, that any success I may have had in hitting off the Stuarts is, I am afraid, owing to a little old Jacobite leaven which I sucked in with the numerous traditionary tales that amused my infancy. It is a fortunate thing for the Prince himself that he has a

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Appendix VI—The Giant and the Dwarf

The reply of Leigh Hunt's friends to Moore's squib, "The 'Living Dog' and the 'Dead Lion'" (see Letter 291, p. 205, note 1), ran as follows: " The Giant and the Dwarf . " Humbly inscribed to T. Pidcock, Esq., of Exeter 'Change " W. Gyngell , Showman, Bartholomew Fair." Detailed Contents of Appendices Contents...

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I: The Courier

A new Poem has just been published by the above Nobleman, and the Morning Chronicle of to-day has favoured its readers with his Lordship's Dedication of it to Thomas Moore , Esq., in what that paper calls "an elegant eulogium." If the elegance of an eulogium consist in its extravagance, the Chronicle's epithet is well chosen. But our purpose is not with the Dedication, nor the main Poem, The Corsair , but with one of the pieces called Poems, published at the end of the Corsair . Nearly two years

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II: The Morning Post

Suggested by reading some lines of Lord Byron's at the end of his newly published work, entitled " The Corsair " which begin: "Far better be the reptile scorn'd, Unseen, unheeded, unadorn'd, Than him, to whom indulgent heav'n, Has talents and has genius giv'n; If stung by envy, warp'd by pride, Such gifts, alas! are misapplied; Not all by nature's bounty blest In beauty's dazzling hues are drest; But who shall play the critic's part, If for the form atones the heart? But if the gloomiest thought

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III: The Sun

That poetical Peer, Lord Byron , knowing full well that anything insulting to his Prince or injurious to his country would be most thankfully received and published by the Morning Chronicle , did in March, 1812, send the following loyal and patriotic lines to that loyal and patriotic Paper, in which of course they appeared: "To a Lady Weeping. These lines the , in the following paragraph of yesterday, informs us were aimed at the Prince Regent , and addressed to the Princess Charlotte : No wonde

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