diff options
Diffstat (limited to '14841-h')
| -rw-r--r-- | 14841-h/14841-h.htm | 22397 |
1 files changed, 22397 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/14841-h/14841-h.htm b/14841-h/14841-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a8f41b6 --- /dev/null +++ b/14841-h/14841-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,22397 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?> +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta name="generator" content= + "HTML Tidy for Linux/x86 (vers 1st August 2004), see www.w3.org" /> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content= + "text/html; charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <title> + Life of Lord Byron, Vol. 6, by Thomas Moore + </title> +<style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[*/ + + <!-- + + body {margin-left:8%; margin-right:7%; max-width: 40em;} + + p { /* all paragraphs unless overridden */ + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 0; + line-height: 1.4em; + } + + body > p { /* paras at <body> level - not in <div> or <table> */ + text-align: justify; + } + + p.break { margin-top: 2em; } /* use for some thought-breaks */ + + .title3 { text-align: center; font-style: bold; font-size: 1.5em;} + .title4 { text-align: center; font-style: bold; font-size: 1.1em;} + + dd, li {/* loosen spacing in list items */ + margin-top: 0.33em; + line-height: 1.2em; } + + h1, h2, h4, h5 {text-align: center} + + blockquote { + margin-left: 5%; + margin-right: 5%; + text-align: justify; + } + p.citation { /* author citation at end of blockquote or poem */ + text-align: right; + font-style: normal; + } + p.quotdate { /* date of a letter aligned right */ + text-align: right; + } + p.quotsig { /* author signature at end of letter */ + margin-left: 35%; + text-indent: -4em; /* gimmick to move 2nd line right */ + } + + ul.TOC { /* styling the Table of Contents */ + list-style-type: none; /* a list with no symbol */ + position: relative; /* makes a "container" for span.tocright */ + margin-right: 5%; /* pulls the page#s in a skosh */ + } + span.tocright { /* use absolute positioning to move page# right */ + position: absolute; right: 0; + } + + ul {list-style-type: none;} + ul.IX { /* styling the IndeX */ + list-style-type: none; + font-size: 90%; + } + ul.IX li { /* list items in an index list: compressed */ + margin-top: 0; + } + + hr { + width:45%; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-left: auto; /* these two ensure a.. */ + margin-right: auto; /* ..centered rule */ + clear: both; /* don't let sidebars & floats overlap rule */ + } + + div.ctr { text-align: center; } + + .poem { + text-align: left; + margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; margin-top: 1em; + position: relative; /* basis of .linenum positions */ + } + .poem p {line-height: 1.1em; + margin-top: 0em; margin-bottom: 0em; + } + .poem h4 { + margin-left: 5em; + } + .poem .stanza { + margin-top: 1em; /* vertical break between stanzas */ + } + .poem .i1 {margin-left: 1em;} /* p or span indents */ + .poem .i2 {margin-left: 2em;} /* indents */ + .poem .i3 {margin-left: 3em;} /* indents */ + .poem .i4 {margin-left: 4em;} /* indents */ + .poem .i5 {margin-left: 5em;} /* indents */ + .poem .i6 {margin-left: 6em;} /* indents */ + .poem .i7 {margin-left: 7em;} /* indents */ + .poem .i8 {margin-left: 8em;} /* indents */ + .poem .i9 {margin-left: 9em;} /* indents */ + .poem .i10 {margin-left: 10em;} /* indents */ + .poem .i11 {margin-left: 11em;} /* indents */ + .poem .i12 {margin-left: 12em;} /* indents */ + .poem .i13 {margin-left: 13em;} /* indents */ + .poem .i14 {margin-left: 14em;} /* indents */ + + + .pagenum { display: inline; /* none or inline */ + font-size:50%; + text-align: right; + padding: 0 0 0 0 ; + margin: 0 0 0 0; + position: absolute; right: 1%;} + + + .fnref { + font-size: smaller; /* discreet [X] */ + vertical-align: 2px; /* bumped up a trace from baseline */ + } + + .footnote { + font-size: 90%; /* somewhat smaller */ + margin: 0 1em 1em 2em; + text-align: justify; + } + + a:link {color:#0000ff; + text-decoration:none} + link {color:#0000ff; + text-decoration:none} + a:visited {color:#0000ff; + text-decoration:none} + a:hover {color:#ff0000} + + pre {font-size: 8pt;} + + --> + +/*]]>*/ +</style> + </head> + <body> + + +<pre> + +Project Gutenberg's Life of Lord Byron, Vol. 6 (of 6), by Thomas Moore + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Life of Lord Byron, Vol. 6 (of 6) + With his Letters and Journals + +Author: Thomas Moore + +Release Date: January 30, 2005 [EBook #14841] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIFE OF LORD BYRON, VOL. 6 (OF 6) *** + + + + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Leonard Johnson and the PG Online +Distributed Proofreading Team. + + + + + + +</pre> + + <h1> + LIFE + </h1> + <h1> + OF + </h1> + <h1> + LORD BYRON: + </h1> + <h1 class="title3"> + WITH HIS LETTERS AND JOURNALS. + </h1> + <p class="title3"> + BY THOMAS MOORE, ESQ. + </p> + <p class="title4"> + IN SIX VOLUMES.—VOL. VI. + </p> + <p class="title4"> + NEW EDITION. + </p> + <p class="title4"> + 1854. + </p> + <hr /> + <h2> + CONTENTS OF VOL. VI. + </h2> + <ul class="TOC"> + <li>LETTERS AND JOURNALS OF LORD BYRON, with NOTICES OF HIS LIFE, + from February, 1823, to his Death in April, 1824; <span class= + "tocright"><a href="#pg001">1</a></span> + </li> + <li>APPENDIX; <span class="tocright"><a href= + "#pg269">269</a></span> + </li> + </ul> + <h3> + MISCELLANEOUS PIECES IN PROSE. + </h3> + <ul class="TOC"> + <li>REVIEW OF WORDSWORTH'S POEMS. 1807; <span class= + "tocright"><a href="#pg293">293</a></span> + </li> + <li>REVIEW OF GELL'S GEOGRAPHY OF ITHACA, AND ITINERARY OF + GREECE. 1811; <span class="tocright"><a href= + "#pg296">296</a></span> + </li> + <li>PARLIAMENTARY SPEECHES. 1812, 1813; <span class= + "tocright"><a href="#pg314">314</a></span> + </li> + <li>FRAGMENT. 1816; <span class="tocright"><a href= + "#pg339">339</a></span> + </li> + <li>LETTER TO JOHN MURRAY, ESQ., ON THE REV. W.L. BOWLES'S + STRICTURES ON THE LIFE AND WRITINGS OF POPE. 1821; <span class= + "tocright"><a href="#pg346">346</a></span> + </li> + <li>OBSERVATIONS UPON "OBSERVATIONS" OF THE REV. W.L. BOWLES ON + THE POETICAL CHARACTER OF POPE; IN A SECOND LETTER TO JOHN + MURRAY, ESQ. 1821; <span class="tocright"><a href= + "#pg382">382</a></span> + </li> + </ul> + <hr /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg001" id="pg001">001</a></span> + </p> + <h2> + NOTICES + <br /> + OF THE + <br /> + LIFE OF LORD BYRON. + </h2> + <hr /> + + + + <h3> + LETTER 508. TO MR. MOORE. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "Genoa, February 20. 1823. + </p> + <p> + "My Dear Tom, + </p> + <p> + "I must again refer you to those two letters addressed to you at + Passy before I read your speech in Galignani, &amp;c., and + which you do not seem to have received.<span class= + "fnref">[1]</span> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: I was never lucky enough to recover these two + letters, though frequent enquiries were made about them at the + French post-office.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + "Of Hunt I see little—once a month or so, and then on his + own business, generally. You may easily suppose that I know too + little of Hampstead and his satellites to have much communion or + community with him. My whole present relation to him arose from + Shelley's unexpected wreck. You would not have had me leave him + in the street with his family, would you? and as to the other + plan you mention, you forget how it would <i>humiliate</i> + him—that his writings should be supposed to be dead + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg002" id="pg002">002</a></span> + weight!<span class="fnref">[1]</span> Think a moment—he is + perhaps the vainest man on earth, at least his own friends say so + pretty loudly; and if he were in other circumstances, I might be + tempted to take him down a peg; but not now,—it would be + cruel. It is a cursed business; but neither the motive nor the + means rest upon my conscience, and it happens that he and his + brother <i>have</i> been so far benefited by the publication in a + pecuniary point of view. His brother is a steady, bold fellow, + such as <i>Prynne</i>, for example, and full of moral, and, I + hear, physical courage. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: The passage in one of my letters to which he here + refers shall be given presently.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + "And <i>you</i> are <i>really</i> recanting, or softening to the + clergy! It will do little good for you—it is <i>you</i>, + not the poem, they are at. They will say they frightened + you—forbid it, Ireland! + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "Yours ever, + <br /> + "N.B." + </p> + + + <p> + Lord Byron had now, for some time, as may be collected from his + letters, begun to fancy that his reputation in England was on the + wane. The same thirst after fame, with the same sensitiveness to + every passing change of popular favour, which led Tasso at last + to look upon himself as the most despised of writers<span class= + "fnref">[1]</span>, had more than once disposed <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg003" id="pg003">003</a></span> Lord Byron, + in the midst of all his triumphs, if not to doubt their reality, + at least to distrust their continuance; and sometimes even, with + that painful skill which sensibility supplies, to extract out of + the brightest tributes of success some omen of future failure, or + symptom of decline. New successes, however, still came to + dissipate these bodings of diffidence; nor was it till after his + unlucky coalition with Mr. Hunt in the Liberal, that any grounds + for such a suspicion of his having declined in public favour + showed themselves. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: In one of his letters this poet says:—"Non + posso negare che io mi doglio oltramisura di esser stato tanto + disprezzato dal mondo quanto non e altro scrittore di questo + secolo." In another letter, however, after complaining of being + "perseguitato da molti più che non era convenevole," he adds, + with a proud prescience of his future fame, "Laondé stimo di + poter mene ragionevolmente richiamare alla posterità."] + </p> + </div> + <p> + The chief inducements, on the part of Lord Byron, to this + unworthy alliance were, in the first place, a wish to second the + kind views of his friend Shelley in inviting Mr. Hunt to join him + in Italy; and, in the next, a desire to avail himself of the aid + of one so experienced, as an editor, in the favourite project he + had now so long contemplated, of a periodical work, in which all + the various offspring of his genius might be received fast as + they sprung to light. With such opinions, however, as he had long + entertained of Mr. Hunt's character and talents<span class= + "fnref">[1]</span>, the facility with which he now admitted + him—<i>not</i> certainly to any degree of confidence or + intimacy, but to a declared fellowship of fame and interest in + the eyes of the world, is, I own, an inconsistency not easily to + be accounted for, and argued, at all events, <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg004" id="pg004">004</a></span> a strong + confidence in the antidotal power of his own name to resist the + ridicule of such an association. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: See Letter 317. p. 103.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + As long as Shelley lived, the regard which Lord Byron entertained + for him extended its influence also over his relations with his + friend; the suavity and good-breeding of Shelley interposing a + sort of softening medium in the way of those unpleasant + collisions which afterwards took place, and which, from what is + known of both parties, may be easily conceived to have been alike + trying to the patience of the patron and the vanity of the + dependent. That even, however, during the lifetime of their + common friend, there had occurred some of those humiliating + misunderstandings which money engenders,—humiliating on + both sides, as if from the very nature of the dross that gives + rise to them,—will appear from the following letter of + Shelley's which I find among the papers in my hands. + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + TO LORD BYRON. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "February 15. 1823. + </p> + <p> + "My dear Lord Byron. + </p> + <p> + "I enclose you a letter from Hunt, which annoys me on more than + one account. You will observe the postscript, and you know me + well enough to feel how painful a task is set me in commenting + upon it. Hunt had urged me more than once to ask you to lend him + this money. My answer consisted in sending him all I could spare, + which I have now literally done. Your kindness in fitting up a + part of <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg005" id= + "pg005">005</a></span> your own house for his accommodation I + sensibly felt, and willingly accepted from you on his part, but, + believe me, without the slightest intention of imposing, or, if I + could help it, allowing to be imposed, any heavier task on your + purse. As it has come to this in spite of my exertions, I will + not conceal from you the low ebb of my own money affairs in the + present moment,—that is, my absolute incapacity of + assisting Hunt farther. + </p> + <p> + "I do not think poor Hunt's promise to pay in a given time is + worth very much; but mine is less subject to uncertainty, and I + should be happy to be responsible for any engagement he may have + proposed to you. I am so much annoyed by this subject that I + hardly know what to write, and much less what to say; and I have + need of all your indulgence in judging both my feelings and + expressions. + </p> + <p> + "I shall see you by and by. Believe me + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "Yours most faithfully and sincerely, + <br /> + "P.B. SHELLEY." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Of the book in which Mr. Hunt has thought it decent to revenge + upon the dead the pain of those obligations he had, in his hour + of need, accepted from the living, I am luckily saved from the + distaste of speaking at any length, by the utter and most + deserved oblivion into which his volume has fallen. Never, + indeed, was the right feeling of the world upon such subjects + more creditably displayed than in the reception given universally + to that ungenerous book;—even those the least disposed to + think approvingly of Lord Byron having shrunk back from such a + corroboration <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg006" id= + "pg006">006</a></span> of their own opinion as could be afforded + by one who did not blush to derive his authority, as an accuser, + from those facilities of observation which he had enjoyed by + having been sheltered and fed under the very roof of the man whom + he maligned. + </p> + <p> + With respect to the hostile feeling manifested in Mr. Hunt's work + towards myself, the sole revenge I shall take is, to lay before + my readers the passage in one of my letters which provoked it; + and which may claim, at least, the merit of not being a covert + attack, as throughout the whole of my remonstrances to Lord Byron + on the subject of his new literary allies, not a line did I ever + write respecting either Mr. Shelley or Mr. Hunt which I was not + fully prepared, from long knowledge of my correspondent, to find + that he had instantly, and as a matter of course, communicated to + them. That this want of retention was a fault in my noble friend, + I am not inclined to deny; but, being undisguised, it was easily + guarded against, and, when guarded against, harmless. Besides, + such is the penalty generally to be paid for frankness of + character; and they who could have flattered themselves that one + so open about his own affairs as Lord Byron would be much more + discreet where the confidences of others were concerned, would + have had their own imprudence, not his, to blame for any injury + that their dependence upon his secrecy had brought on them. + </p> + <p> + The following is the passage, which Lord Byron, as I take for + granted, showed to Mr. Hunt, and to which one of his letters to + myself (February 20.) refers:— + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg007" id="pg007">007</a></span> + "I am most anxious to know that you mean to emerge out of the + Liberal. It grieves me to urge any thing so much against Hunt's + interest; but I should not hesitate to use the same language to + himself, were I near him. I would, if I were you, serve him in + every possible way but this—I would give him (if he would + accept of it) the profits of the same works, published + separately—but I would <i>not</i> mix myself up in this way + with others. I would <i>not</i> become a partner in this sort of + miscellaneous '<i>pot au feu</i>,' where the bad flavour of one + ingredient is sure to taint all the rest. I would be, if I were + <i>you</i>, alone, single-handed, and, as such, invincible." + </p> + <p> + While on the subject of Mr. Hunt, I shall avail myself of the + opportunity it affords me of introducing some portions of a + letter addressed to a friend of that gentleman by Lord Byron, in + consequence of an appeal made to the feelings of the latter on + the score of his professed "friendship" for Mr. Hunt. The avowals + he here makes are, I own, startling, and must be taken with more + than the usual allowance, not only for the particular mood of + temper or spirits in which the letter was written, but for the + influence also of such slight casual piques and resentments as + might have been, just then, in their darkening transit through + his mind,—indisposing him, for the moment, to those among + his friends whom, in a sunnier mood, he would have proclaimed as + his most chosen and dearest. + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg008" id="pg008">008</a></span> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 509. TO MRS. ——. + </h3> + <p> + "I presume that you, at least, know enough of me to be sure that + I could have no intention to insult Hunt's poverty. On the + contrary, I honour him for it; for I know what it is, having been + as much embarrassed as ever he was, without perceiving aught in + it to diminish an honourable man's self-respect. If you mean to + say that, had he been a wealthy man, I would have joined in this + Journal, I answer in the negative. * * * I engaged in the Journal + from good-will towards him, added to respect for his character, + literary and personal; and no less for his political courage, as + well as regret for his present circumstances: I did this in the + hope that he might, with the same aid from literary friends of + literary contributions (which is requisite for all journals of a + mixed nature), render himself independent. + </p> + <p> + "I have always treated him, in our personal intercourse, with + such scrupulous delicacy, that I have forborne intruding advice + which I thought might be disagreeable, lest he should impute it + to what is called 'taking advantage of a man's situation.' + </p> + <p> + "As to friendship, it is a propensity in which my genius is very + limited. I do not know the <i>male</i> human being, except Lord + Clare, the friend of my infancy, for whom I feel any thing that + deserves the name. All my others are men-of-the-world + friendships. I did not even feel it for Shelley, however much I + admired and esteemed him, so that you see not even vanity could + bribe me into it, for, of all <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg009" id="pg009">009</a></span> men, Shelley thought highest of + my talents,—and, perhaps, of my disposition. + </p> + <p> + "I will do my duty by my intimates, upon the principle of doing + as you would be done by. I have done so, I trust, in most + instances. I may be pleased with their conversation—rejoice + in their success—be glad to do them service, or to receive + their counsel and assistance in return. But as for friends and + friendship, I have (as I already said) named the only remaining + male for whom I feel any thing of the kind, excepting, perhaps, + Thomas Moore. I have had, and may have still, a thousand friends, + as they are called, in <i>life</i>, who are like one's partners + in the waltz of this world—not much remembered when the + ball is over, though very pleasant for the time. Habit, business, + and companionship in pleasure or in pain, are links of a similar + kind, and the same faith in politics is another." * * * + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 510. TO LADY ——. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "Genoa, March 28. 1823. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Hill is here: I dined with him on Saturday before last; and + on leaving his house at S. P. d'Arena, my carriage broke down. I + walked home, about three miles,—no very great feat of + pedestrianism; but either the coming out of hot rooms into a + bleak wind chilled me, or the walking up-hill to Albaro heated + me, or something or other set me wrong, and next day I had an + inflammatory attack in the face, to which I have been subject + this winter for the first time, and I suffered a good deal of + pain, but no peril. <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg010" id= + "pg010">010</a></span> My health is now much as usual. Mr. Hill + is, I believe, occupied with his diplomacy. I shall give him your + message when I see him again. + </p> + <p> + "My name, I see in the papers, has been dragged into the unhappy + Portsmouth business, of which all that I know is very succinct. + Mr. H—— is my solicitor. I found him so when I was + ten years old—at my uncle's death—and he was + continued in the management of my legal business. He asked me, by + a civil epistle, as an old acquaintance of his family, to be + present at the marriage of Miss H——. I went very + reluctantly, one misty morning (for I had been up at two balls + all night), to witness the ceremony, which I could not very well + refuse without affronting a man who had never offended me. I saw + nothing particular in the marriage. Of course I could not know + the preliminaries, except from what he said, not having been + present at the wooing, nor after it, for I walked home, and they + went into the country as soon as they had promised and vowed. Out + of this simple fact I hear the Debats de Paris has quoted Miss H. + as 'autrefois trés liée avec le célebre,' &amp;c. &amp;c. + I am obliged to him for the celebrity, but beg leave to decline + the liaison, which is quite untrue; my liaison was with the + father, in the unsentimental shape of long lawyers' bills, + through the medium of which I have had to pay him ten or twelve + thousand pounds within these few years. She was not pretty, and I + suspect that the indefatigable Mr. A—— was (like all + her people) more attracted by her title than her charms. I regret + very much that I was present at the prologue to the happy + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg011" id="pg011">011</a></span> + state of horse-whipping and black jobs, &amp;c. &amp;c.; + but I could not foresee that a man was to turn out mad, who had + gone about the world for fifty years, as competent to vote, and + walk at large; nor did he seem to me more insane than any other + person going to be married. + </p> + <p> + "I have no objection to be acquainted with the Marquis + Palavicini, if he wishes it. Lately I have gone little into + society, English or foreign, for I had seen all that was worth + seeing in the former before I left England, and at the time of + life when I was more disposed to like it; and of the latter I had + a sufficiency in the first few years of my residence in + Switzerland, chiefly at Madame de Staël's, where I went + sometimes, till I grew tired of <i>conversazioni</i> and + carnivals, with their appendages; and the bore is, that if you go + once, you are expected to be there daily, or rather nightly. I + went the round of the most noted soirées at Venice or elsewhere + (where I remained not any time) to the Benzona, and the Albrizzi, + and the Michelli, &c. &c. and to the Cardinals and the + various potentates of the Legation in Romagna, (that is, + Ravenna,) and only receded for the sake of quiet when I came into + Tuscany. Besides, if I go into society, I generally get, in the + long run, into some scrape of some kind or other, which don't + occur in my solitude. However, I am pretty well settled now, by + time and temper, which is so far lucky, as it prevents + restlessness; but, as I said before, as an acquaintance of yours, + I will be ready and willing to know your friends. He may be a + sort of connection for aught I know; for a Palavicini, of + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg012" id="pg012">012</a></span> + <i>Bologna</i>, I believe, married a distant relative of mine + half a century ago. I happen to know the fact, as he and his + spouse had an annuity of five hundred pounds on my uncle's + property, which ceased at his demise; though I recollect hearing + they attempted, naturally enough, to make it survive him. If I + can do any thing for you here or elsewhere, pray order, and be + obeyed." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 511. TO MR. MOORE. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "Genoa, April 2. 1823. + </p> + <p> + "I have just seen some friends of yours, who paid me a visit + yesterday, which, in honour of them and of you, I returned + to-day;—as I reserve my bear-skin and teeth, and paws and + claws, for our enemies. + </p> + <p> + "I have also seen Henry F——, Lord H——'s + son, whom I had not looked upon since I left him a pretty, mild + boy, without a neckcloth, in a jacket, and in delicate health, + seven long years agone, at the period of mine eclipse—the + third, I believe, as I have generally one every two or three + years. I think that he has the softest and most amiable + expression of countenance I ever saw, and manners correspondent. + If to those he can add hereditary talents, he will keep the name + of F—— in all its freshness for half a century more, + I hope. I speak from a transient glimpse—but I love still + to yield to such impressions; for I have ever found that those I + liked longest and best, I took to at first sight; and I always + liked that boy—perhaps, in part, from some resemblance in + the less fortunate part of our destinies—I mean, to avoid + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg013" id="pg013">013</a></span> + mistakes, his lameness. But there is this difference, that + <i>he</i> appears a halting angel, who has tripped against a + star; whilst I am <i>Le Diable Boiteux</i>,—a soubriquet, + which I marvel that, amongst their various <i>nominis umbræ</i>, + the Orthodox have not hit upon. + </p> + <p> + "Your other allies, whom I have found very agreeable personages, + are Milor B—— and <i>épouse</i>, travelling with a + very handsome companion, in the shape of a 'French Count' (to use + Farquhar's phrase in the Beaux Stratagem), who has all the air of + a <i>Cupidon déchainé,</i> and is one of the few specimens I have + seen of our ideal of a Frenchman <i>before</i> the + Revolution—an old friend with a new face, upon whose like I + never thought that we should look again. Miladi seems highly + literary,—to which, and your honour's acquaintance with the + family, I attribute the pleasure of having seen them. She is also + very pretty, even in a morning,—a species of beauty on + which the sun of Italy does not shine so frequently as the + chandelier. Certainly, English-women wear better than their + continental neighbours of the same sex. M—— seems + very good-natured, but is much tamed, since I recollect him in + all the glory of gems and snuff-boxes, and uniforms, and + theatricals, and speeches in our house—'I mean, of + peers,'—(I must refer you to Pope—who you don't read + and won't appreciate—for that quotation, which you must + allow to be poetical,) and sitting to Stroeling, the painter, (do + you remember our visit, with Leckie, to the German?) to be + depicted as one of the <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg014" id= + "pg014">014</a></span> heroes of Agincourt, 'with his long sword, + saddle, bridle, Whack fal de, &c. &c.' + </p> + <p> + "I have been unwell—caught a cold and inflammation, which + menaced a conflagration, after dining with our ambassador, + Monsieur Hill,—not owing to the dinner, but my carriage + broke down in the way home, and I had to walk some miles, up hill + partly, after hot rooms, in a very bleak, windy evening, and + over-hotted, or over-colded myself. I have not been so robustious + as formerly, ever since the last summer, when I fell ill after a + long swim in the Mediterranean, and have never been quite right + up to this present writing. I am thin,—perhaps thinner than + you saw me, when I was nearly transparent, in 1812,—and am + obliged to be moderate of my mouth; which, nevertheless, won't + prevent me (the gods willing) from dining with your friends the + day after to-morrow. + </p> + <p> + "They give me a very good account of you, and of your nearly + 'Emprisoned Angels.' But why did you change your title?—you + will regret this some day. The bigots are not to be conciliated; + and, if they were—are they worth it? I suspect that I am a + more orthodox Christian than you are; and, whenever I see a real + Christian, either in practice or in theory, (for I never yet + found the man who could produce either, when put to the proof,) I + am his disciple. But, till then, I cannot truckle to + tithe-mongers,—nor can I imagine what has made <i>you</i> + circumcise your Seraphs. + </p> + <p> + "I have been far more persecuted than you, as you may judge by my + present decadence,—for I <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg015" id="pg015">015</a></span> take it that I am as low in + popularity and book-selling as any writer can be. At least, so my + friends assure me—blessings on their benevolence! This they + attribute to Hunt; but they are wrong—it must be, partly at + least, owing to myself; be it so. As to Hunt, I prefer <i>not</i> + having turned him to starve in the streets to any personal honour + which might have accrued from such genuine philanthropy. I really + act upon principle in this matter, for we have nothing much in + common; and I cannot describe to you the despairing sensation of + trying to do something for a man who seems incapable or unwilling + to do any thing further for himself,—at least, to the + purpose. It is like pulling a man out of a river who directly + throws himself in again. For the last three or four years Shelley + assisted, and had once actually extricated him. I have since his + demise,—and even before,—done what I could: but it is + not in my power to make this permanent. I want Hunt to return to + England, for which I would furnish him with the means in comfort; + and his situation <i>there</i>, on the whole, is bettered, by the + payment of a portion of his debts, &c.; and he would be on + the spot to continue his Journal, or Journals, with his brother, + who seems a sensible, plain, sturdy, and enduring person." * * + </p> + <p> + The new intimacy of which he here announces the commencement, and + which it was gratifying to me, as the common friend of all, to + find that he had formed, was a source of much pleasure to him + during the stay of his noble acquaintances at Genoa. So long, + indeed, <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg016" id= + "pg016">016</a></span> had he persuaded himself that his + countrymen abroad all regarded him in no other light than as an + outlaw or a show, that every new instance he met of friendly + reception from them was as much a surprise as pleasure to him; + and it was evident that to his mind the revival of English + associations and habitudes always brought with it a sense of + refreshment, like that of inhaling his native air. + </p> + <p> + With the view of inducing these friends to prolong their stay at + Genoa, he suggested their taking a pretty villa called "Il + Paradiso," in the neighbourhood of his own, and accompanied them + to look at it. Upon that occasion it was that, on the lady + expressing some intentions of residing there, he produced the + following impromptu, which—but for the purpose of showing + that he was not so "chary of his fame" as to fear failing in such + trifles—I should have thought hardly worth transcribing. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p class="i4"> + "Beneath ——'s eyes + </p> + <p class="i4"> + The reclaim'd Paradise + </p> + <p> + Should be free as the former from evil; + </p> + <p class="i4"> + But, if the new Eve + </p> + <p class="i4"> + For an apple should grieve, + </p> + <p> + What mortal would not play the devil?"<span class= + "fnref">[1]</span> + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: The Genoese wits had already applied this + threadbare jest to himself. Taking it into their heads that + this villa (which was also, I believe, a Casa Saluzzo) had been + the one fixed on for his own residence, they said "Il Diavolo é + ancora entrato in Paradise."] + </p> + </div> + <p> + Another copy of verses addressed by him to the same lady, whose + beauty and talent might well have <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg017" id="pg017">017</a></span> claimed a warmer tribute from + such a pen, is yet too interesting, as descriptive of the + premature feeling of age now stealing upon him, to be omitted in + these pages. + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <h4> + "TO THE COUNTESS OF B——. + </h4> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i6"> + 1. + </p> + <p> + "You have ask'd for a verse:—the request + </p> + <p class="i2"> + In a rhymer 'twere strange to deny, + </p> + <p> + But my Hippocrene was but my breast, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And my feelings (its fountain) are dry. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i6"> + 2. + </p> + <p> + "Were I now as I was, I had sung + </p> + <p class="i2"> + What Lawrence has painted so well; + </p> + <p> + But the strain would expire on my tongue, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the theme is too soft for my shell. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i6"> + 3. + </p> + <p> + "I am ashes where once I was fire, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the bard in my bosom is dead; + </p> + <p> + What I loved I <i>now</i> merely admire, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And my heart is as grey as my head. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i6"> + 4. + </p> + <p> + "My life is not dated by years— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + There are <i>moments</i> which act as a plough, + </p> + <p> + And there is not a furrow appears + </p> + <p class="i2"> + But is deep in my soul as my brow. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i6"> + 5. + </p> + <p> + "Let the young and the brilliant aspire + </p> + <p class="i2"> + To sing what I gaze on in vain; + </p> + <p> + For sorrow has torn from my lyre + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The string which was worthy the strain. + </p> + </div> + <p class="citation"> + "B." + </p> + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg018" id= + "pg018">018</a></span>The following letters written during the + stay of this party at Genoa will be found,—some of them at + least,—not a little curious. + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 512. TO THE EARL OF B——. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "April 5. 1823. + </p> + <p> + "My dear Lord, + </p> + <p> + "How is your gout? or rather, how are you? I return the Count + ——'s Journal, which is a very extraordinary + production<span class="fnref">[1]</span>, and of a most + melancholy truth in all that regards high life in England. I + know, or knew personally, most of the personages and societies + which he describes; and after reading his remarks, have the + sensation fresh upon me as if I had seen them yesterday. I would + however plead in behalf of some few exceptions, which I will + mention by and by. The most singular thing is, <i>how</i> he + should have penetrated <i>not</i> the <i>fact</i>, but the + <i>mystery</i> of the English ennui, at two-and-twenty. I was + about the same age when I made the same discovery, in almost + precisely the same circles,—(for there is scarcely a person + mentioned whom I did not see nightly or daily, and was acquainted + more or less intimately with most of them,)—but I never + could have described it so well. <i>Il faut étre Français</i>, to + effect this. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: In another letter to Lord B—— he says + of this gentleman, "he seems to have all the qualities + requisite to have figured in his brother-in-law's ancestor's + Memoirs."] + </p> + </div> + <p> + "But he ought also to have been in the country during the hunting + season, with 'a select party of <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg019" id="pg019">019</a></span> distinguished guests,' as the + papers term it. He ought to have seen the gentlemen after dinner + (on the hunting days), and the soiree ensuing + thereupon,—and the women looking as if they had hunted, or + rather been hunted; and I could have wished that he had been at a + dinner in town, which I recollect at Lord + C——'s—small, but select, and composed of the + most amusing people. The dessert was hardly on the table, when, + out of twelve, I counted <i>five asleep;</i> of that five, there + were <i>Tierney</i>, Lord ——, and Lord —— + —I forget the other two, but they were either wits or + orators—perhaps poets. + </p> + <p> + "My residence in the East and in Italy has made me somewhat + indulgent of the siesta;—but then they set regularly about + it in warm countries, and perform it in solitude (or at most in a + tête-à-tête with a proper companion), and retire quietly to their + rooms to get out of the sun's way for an hour or two. + </p> + <p> + "Altogether, your friend's Journal is a very formidable + production. Alas! our dearly beloved countrymen have only + discovered that they are tired, and not that they are tiresome; + and I suspect that the communication of the latter unpleasant + verity will not be better received than truths usually are. I + have read the whole with great attention and instruction. I am + too good a patriot to say <i>pleasure</i>—at least I won't + say so, whatever I may think. I showed it (I hope no breach of + confidence) to a young Italian lady of rank, <i>très + instruite</i> also; and who passes, or passed, for being one of + the three most celebrated belles in the district of Italy, where + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg020" id="pg020">020</a></span> + her family and connections resided in less troublesome times as + to politics, (which is not Genoa, by the way,) and she was + delighted with it, and says that she has derived a better notion + of English society from it than from all Madame de Staël's + metaphysical disputations on the same subject, in her work on the + Revolution. I beg that you will thank the young philosopher, and + make my compliments to Lady B. and her sister. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "Believe me your very obliged and faithful + <br /> + "N. B. + </p> + <p> + "P.S. There is a rumour in letters of some disturbance or complot + in the French Pyrenean army—generals suspected or + dismissed, and ministers of war travelling to see what's the + matter. 'Marry (as David says), this hath an angry favour.' + </p> + <p> + "Tell Count —— that some of the names are not quite + intelligible, especially of the clubs; he speaks of + <i>Watts</i>—perhaps he is right, but in my time + <i>Watiers</i> was the Dandy Club, of which (though no dandy) I + was a member, at the time too of its greatest glory, when + Brummell and Mildmay, Alvanley and Pierrepoint, gave the Dandy + Balls; and we (the club, that is,) got up the famous masquerade + at Burlington House and Garden, for Wellington. He does not speak + of the <i>Alfred</i>, which was the most <i>recherché</i> and + most tiresome of any, as I know by being a member of that too." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg021" id="pg021">021</a></span> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 513. TO THE EARL OF B——. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "April 6. 1823. + </p> + <p> + "It <i>would</i> be worse than idle, knowing, as I do, the utter + worthlessness of words on such occasions, in me to attempt to + express what I ought to feel, and do feel for the loss you have + sustained<span class="fnref">[1]</span>; and I must thus dismiss + the subject, for I dare not trust myself further with it <i>for + your</i> sake, or for my own. I shall <i>endeavour</i> to see you + as soon as it may not appear intrusive. Pray excuse the levity of + my yesterday's scrawl—I little thought under what + circumstances it would find you. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: The death of Lord B——'s son, which had + been long expected, but of which the account had just then + arrived.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + "I have received a very handsome and flattering note from Count + ——. He must excuse my apparent rudeness and real + ignorance in replying to it in English, through the medium of + your kind interpretation. I would not on any account deprive him + of a production, of which I really think more than I have even + <i>said</i>, though you are good enough not to be dissatisfied + even with that; but whenever it is completed, it would give me + the greatest pleasure to have a <i>copy</i>—but <i>how</i> + to keep it secret? literary secrets are like others. By changing + the names, or at least omitting several, and altering the + circumstances indicative of the writer's real station or + situation, the author would render it a most amusing publication. + His countrymen have not been treated, either in a literary or + personal point of view, with <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg022" id="pg022">022</a></span> such deference in English + recent works, as to lay him under any very great national + obligation of forbearance; and really the remarks are so true and + piquante, that I cannot bring myself to wish their suppression; + though, as Dangle says, 'He is <i>my</i> friend,' many of these + personages 'were <i>my friends</i>, but much such friends as + Dangle and his allies. + </p> + <p> + "I return you Dr. Parr's letter—I have met him at Payne + Knight's and elsewhere, and he did me the honour once to be a + patron of mine, although a great friend of the other branch of + the House of Atreus, and the Greek teacher (I believe) of my + <i>moral</i> Clytemnestra—I say <i>moral</i>, because it is + true, and is so useful to the virtuous, that it enables them to + do any thing without the aid of an Ægisthus. + </p> + <p> + "I beg my compliments to Lady B., Miss P., and to your + <i>Alfred</i>. I think, since his Majesty of the same name, there + has not been such a learned surveyor of our Saxon society. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "Ever yours most truly, N. B." + </p> + <p> + "April 9. 1823. + </p> + <p> + "P.S. I salute Miledi, Mademoiselle Mama, and the illustrious + Chevalier Count ——; who, I hope, will continue his + history of 'his own times.' There are some strange coincidences + between a part of his remarks and a certain work of mine, now in + MS. in England, (I do not mean the hermetically sealed Memoirs, + but a continuation of certain Cantos of a certain poem,) + especially in <i>what</i> a <i>man</i> may do in London with + impunity while he is 'à la mode;' which I think it well to state, + that he may not suspect me <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg023" + id="pg023">023</a></span> of taking advantage of his confidence. + The observations are very general." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 514. TO THE EARL OF B——. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "April 14. 1823. + </p> + <p> + "I am truly sorry that I cannot accompany you in your ride this + morning, owing to a violent pain in my face, arising from a wart + to which I by medical advice applied a caustic. Whether I put too + much, I do not know, but the consequence is, that not only I have + been put to some pain, but the peccant part and its immediate + environ are as black as if the printer's devil had marked me for + an author. As I do not wish to frighten your horses, or their + riders, I shall postpone waiting upon you until six o'clock, when + I hope to have subsided into a more christian-like resemblance to + my fellow-creatures. My infliction has partially extended even to + my fingers; for on trying to get the black from off my upper lip + at least, I have only transfused a portion thereof to my right + hand, and neither lemon-juice nor eau de Cologne, nor any other + eau, have been able as yet to redeem it also from a more inky + appearance than is either proper or pleasant. But 'out, damn'd + spot'—you may have perceived something of the kind + yesterday, for on my return, I saw that during my visit it had + increased, was increasing, and ought to be diminished; and I + could not help laughing at the figure I must have cut before you. + At any rate, I shall be with you at six, with the advantage of + twilight. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + Ever most truly, &c. + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg024" id= + "pg024">024</a></span>"Eleven o'clock. + </p> + <p> + "P.S. I wrote the above at three this morning. I regret to say + that the whole of the skin of about an <i>inch</i> square above + my upper lip has come off, so that I cannot even shave or + masticate, and I am equally unfit to appear at your table, and to + partake of its hospitality. Will you therefore pardon me, and not + mistake this rueful excuse for a '<i>make-believe</i>,' as you + will soon recognise whenever I have the pleasure of meeting you + again, and I will call the moment I am, in the nursery phrase, + 'fit to be seen.' Tell Lady B. with my compliments, that I am + rummaging my papers for a MS. worthy of her acceptation. I have + just seen the younger Count Gamba, and as I cannot prevail on his + infinite modesty to take the field without me, I must take this + piece of diffidence on myself also, and beg your indulgence for + both." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 515. TO THE COUNT ——. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "April 22. 1823. + </p> + <p> + "My dear Count —— (if you will permit me to address + you so familiarly), you should be content with writing in your + own language, like Grammont, and succeeding in London as nobody + has succeeded since the days of Charles the Second and the + records of Antonio Hamilton, without deviating into our barbarous + language,—which you understand and write, however, much + better than it deserves. + </p> + <p> + "My 'approbation,' as you are pleased to term it, was very + sincere, but perhaps not very impartial; <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg025" id="pg025">025</a></span> for, though I + love my country, I do not love my countrymen—at least, such + as they now are. And, besides the seduction of talent and wit in + your work, I fear that to me there was the attraction of + vengeance. I have <i>seen</i> and <i>felt</i> much of what you + have described so well. I have known the persons, and the + re-unions so described,—(many of them, that is to say,) and + the portraits are so like that I cannot but admire the painter no + less than his performance. + </p> + <p> + "But I am sorry for you; for if you are so well acquainted with + life at your age, what will become of you when the illusion is + still more dissipated? But never mind—<i>en + avant!</i>—live while you can; and that you may have the + full enjoyment of the many advantages of youth, talent, and + figure, which you possess, is the wish of + an—Englishman,—I suppose, but it is no treason; for + my mother was Scotch, and my name and my family are both Norman; + and as for myself, I am of no country. As for my 'Works,' which + you are pleased to mention, let them go to the Devil, from whence + (if you believe many persons) they came. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "I have the honour to be your obliged," &c. &c. + </p> + <p> + During this period a circumstance occurred which shows, most + favourably for the better tendencies of his nature, how much + allayed and softened down his once angry feeling, upon the + subject of his matrimonial differences, had now grown. It has + been seen that his daughter Ada,—more especially since his + late loss of the only tie of blood which he could <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg026" id="pg026">026</a></span> have a hope + of attaching to himself,—had become the fond and constant + object of his thoughts; and it was but natural, in a heart kindly + as his was, that, dwelling thus with tenderness upon the child, + he should find himself insensibly subdued into a gentler tone of + feeling towards the mother. A gentleman, whose sister was known + to be the confidential friend of Lady Byron, happening at this + time to be at Genoa, and in the habit of visiting at the house of + the poet's new intimates, Lord Byron took one day an opportunity, + in conversing with Lady ——, to say, that she would + render him an essential kindness if, through the mediation of + this gentleman and his sister, she could procure for him from + Lady Byron, what he had long been most anxious to possess, a copy + of her picture. It having been represented to him, in the course + of the same, or a similar conversation, that Lady Byron was said + by her friends to be in a state of constant alarm lest he should + come to England to claim his daughter, or, in some other way, + interfere with her, he professed his readiness to give every + assurance that might have the effect of calming such + apprehensions; and the following letter, in reference to both + these subjects, was soon after sent by him. + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 516. TO THE COUNTESS OF B——. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "May 3. 1823. + </p> + <p> + "Dear Lady ——, + </p> + <p> + "My request would be for a copy of the miniature of Lady B. which + I have seen in possession of <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg027" id="pg027">027</a></span> the late Lady Noel, as I have + no picture, or indeed memorial of any kind of Lady B., as all her + letters were in her own possession before I left England, and we + have had no correspondence since—at least on her part. + </p> + <p> + My message, with regard to the infant, is simply to this + effect—that in the event of any accident occurring to the + mother, and my remaining the survivor, it would be my wish to + have her plans carried into effect, both with regard to the + education of the child, and the person or persons under whose + care Lady B. might be desirous that she should be placed. It is + not my intention to interfere with her in any way on the subject + during her life; and I presume that it would be some consolation + to her to know,(if she is in ill health, as I am given to + understand,) that in <i>no</i> case would any thing be done, as + far as I am concerned, but in strict conformity with Lady B.'s + own wishes and intentions—left in what manner she thought + proper. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "Believe me, dear Lady B., your obliged," &c. + </p> + <p> + This negotiation, of which I know not the results, nor whether, + indeed, it ever ended in any, led naturally and frequently to + conversations on the subject of his marriage,—a topic he + was himself always the first to turn to,—and the account + which he then gave, as well of the circumstances of the + separation, as of his own entire unconsciousness of the immediate + causes that provoked it, was, I find, exactly such as, upon every + occasion when the subject presented itself, he, with an air of + sincerity in which it was <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg028" + id="pg028">028</a></span> impossible not to confide, promulgated. + "Of what really led to the separation (said he, in the course of + one of these conversations,) I declare to you that, even at this + moment, I am wholly ignorant; as Lady Byron would never assign + her motives, and has refused to answer my letters. I have written + to her repeatedly, and am still in the habit of doing so. Some of + these letters I have sent, and others I did not, simply because I + despaired of their doing any good. You may, however, see some of + them if you like;—they may serve to throw some light upon + my feelings." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + In a day or two after, accordingly, one of these withheld letters + was sent by him, enclosed in the following, to Lady + ——. + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 517. TO THE COUNTESS OF ——. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "Albaro, May 6.1828. + </p> + <p> + My dear Lady ——, + </p> + <p> + I send you the letter which I had forgotten, and the + book<span class="fnref">[1]</span>, which I ought to have + remembered. It contains (the book, I mean,) some melancholy + truths; though I believe that it is too triste a work ever to + have been popular. The first time I ever read it (not the edition + I send you,—for I got it since,) was at the desire of + Madame de Staël, who was supposed by the good-natured world to be + the heroine;—which she was not, however, and was furious at + the supposition. This occurred in Switzerland, <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg029" id="pg029">029</a></span> in the summer + of 1816, and the last season in which I ever saw that celebrated + person. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: Adolphe, by M. Benjamin Constant.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + "I have a request to make to my friend Alfred (since he has not + disdained the title), viz. that he would condescend to add a + <i>cap</i> to the gentleman in the jacket,—it would + complete his costume,—and smooth his brow, which is + somewhat too inveterate a likeness of the original, God help me!" + </p> + <p> + "I did well to avoid the water-party,—<i>why</i>, is a + mystery, which is not less to be wondered at than all my other + mysteries. Tell Milor that I am deep in his MS., and will do him + justice by a diligent perusal." + </p> + <p> + "The letter which I enclose I was prevented from sending by my + despair of its doing any good. I was perfectly sincere when I + wrote it, and am so still. But it is difficult for me to + withstand the thousand provocations on that subject, which both + friends and foes have for seven years been throwing in the way of + a man whose feelings were once quick, and whose temper was never + patient. But 'returning were as tedious as go o'er.' I feel this + as much as ever Macbeth did; and it is a dreary sensation, which + at least avenges the real or imaginary wrongs of one of the two + unfortunate persons whom it concerns." + </p> + <p> + "But I am going to be gloomy;—so 'to bed, to bed.' Good + night,—or rather morning. One of the reasons why I wish to + avoid society is, that I can never sleep after it, and the + pleasanter it has been the less I rest." + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "Ever most truly," &c. &c. <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg030" id="pg030">030</a></span> + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + I shall now produce the enclosure contained in the above; and + there are few, I should think, of my readers who will not agree + with me in pronouncing, that if the author of the following + letter had not <i>right</i> on his side, he had at least most of + those good feelings which are found in general to accompany it. + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 518. TO LADY BYRON. + </h3> + <p> + (TO THE CARE OF THE HON. MRS. LEIGH, LONDON.) + </p> + <p class="quotdate"> + Pisa, November 17. 1821. + </p> + <p> + I have to acknowledge the receipt of 'Ada's hair,'which is very + soft and pretty, and nearly as dark already as mine was at twelve + years old, if I may judge from what I recollect of some in + Augusta's possession, taken at that age. But it don't + curl,—perhaps from its being let grow. + </p> + <p> + "I also thank you for the inscription of the date and name, and I + will tell you why;—I believe that they are the only two or + three words of your handwriting in my possession. For your + letters I returned, and except the two words, or rather the one + word, 'Household,' written twice in an old account book, I have + no other. I burnt your last note, for two reasons:—firstly, + it was written in a style not very agreeable; and, secondly, I + wished to take your word without documents, which are the worldly + resources of suspicious people. + </p> + <p> + I suppose that this note will reach you somewhere about Ada's + birthday—the 10th of December, I believe. She will then be + six, so that in about <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg031" id= + "pg031">031</a></span> twelve more I shall have some chance of + meeting her;—perhaps sooner, if I am obliged to go to + England by business or otherwise. Recollect, however, one thing, + either in distance or nearness;—every day which keeps us + asunder should, after so long a period, rather soften our mutual + feelings, which must always have one rallying-point as long as + our child exists, which I presume we both hope will be long after + either of her parents. + </p> + <p> + The time which has elapsed since the separation has been + considerably more than the whole brief period of our union, and + the not much longer one of our prior acquaintance. We both made a + bitter mistake; but now it is over, and irrevocably so. For, at + thirty-three on my part, and a few years less on yours, though it + is no very extended period of life, still it is one when the + habits and thought are generally so formed as to admit of no + modification; and as we could not agree when younger, we should + with difficulty do so now. + </p> + <p> + I say all this, because I own to you, that, notwithstanding every + thing, I considered our re-union as not impossible for more than + a year after the separation;—but then I gave up the hope + entirely and for ever. But this very impossibility of re-union + seems to me at least a reason why, on all the few points of + discussion which can arise between us, we should preserve the + courtesies of life, and as much of its kindness as people who are + never to meet may preserve perhaps more easily than nearer + connections. For my own part, I am violent, but not malignant; + for only fresh provocations can awaken my resentments. + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg032" id="pg032">032</a></span> + To you, who are colder and more concentrated, I would just hint, + that you may sometimes mistake the depth of a cold anger for + dignity, and a worse feeling for duty. I assure you that I bear + you <i>now</i> (whatever I may have done) no resentment whatever. + Remember, that <i>if you have injured me</i> in aught, this + forgiveness is something; and that, if I have <i>injured you</i>, + it is something more still, if it be true, as the moralists say, + that the most offending are the least forgiving. + </p> + <p> + "Whether the offence has been solely on my side, or reciprocal, + or on yours chiefly, I have ceased to reflect upon any but two + things,—viz. that you are the mother of my child, and that + we shall never meet again. I think if you also consider the two + corresponding points with reference to myself, it will be better + for all three. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "Yours ever, + <br /> + "NOEL BYRON." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + It has been my plan, as must have been observed, wherever my + materials have furnished me with the means, to leave the subject + of my Memoir to relate his own story; and this object, during the + two or three years of his life just elapsed, I have been enabled + by the rich resources in my hands, with but few interruptions, to + attain. Having now, however, reached that point of his career + from which a new start was about to be taken by his excursive + spirit, and a course, glorious as it was brief and fatal, entered + upon,—a moment of pause may be permitted while we look back + through the last few years, and <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg033" id="pg033">033</a></span> for a while dwell upon the + spectacle, at once grand and painful, which his life during that + most unbridled period of his powers exhibited. + </p> + <p> + In a state of unceasing excitement, both of heart and + brain,—for ever warring with the world's will, yet living + but in the world's breath,—with a genius taking upon itself + all shapes, from Jove down to Scapin, and a disposition veering + with equal facility to all points of the moral compass,—not + even the ancient fancy of the existence of two souls within one + bosom would seem at all adequately to account for the varieties, + both of power and character, which the course of his conduct and + writings during these few feverish years displayed. Without going + back so far as the Fourth Canto of Childe Harold, which one of + his bitterest and ablest assailants has pronounced to be, "in + point of execution, the sublimest poetical achievement of mortal + pen," we have, in a similar strain of strength and splendour, the + Prophecy of Dante, Cain, the Mystery of Heaven and Earth, + Sardanapalus,—all produced during this wonderful period of + his genius. To these also are to be added four other dramatic + pieces, which, though the least successful of his compositions, + have yet, as Poems, few equals in our literature; while, in a + more especial degree, they illustrate the versatility of taste + and power so remarkable in him, as being founded, and to this + very circumstance, perhaps, owing their failure, on a severe + classic model, the most uncongenial to his own habits and + temperament, and the most remote from that bold, unshackled + license which it had been <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg034" + id="pg034">034</a></span> the great mission of his genius, + throughout the whole realms of Mind, to assert. + </p> + <p> + In contrast to all these high-toned strains, and struck off + during the same fertile period, we find his Don Juan—in + itself an epitome of all the marvellous contrarieties of his + character—the Vision of Judgment, the Translation from + Pulci, the Pamphlets on Pope, on the British Review, on + Blackwood,—together with a swarm of other light, humorous + trifles, all flashing forth carelessly from the same mind that + was, almost at the same moment, personating, with a port worthy + of such a presence, the mighty spirit of Dante, or following the + dark footsteps of Scepticism over the ruins of past worlds, with + Cain. + </p> + <p> + All this time, too, while occupied with these ideal creations, + the demands upon his active sympathies, in real life, were such + as almost any mind but his own would have found sufficient to + engross its every thought and feeling. An amour, not of that + light, transient kind which "goes without a burden," but, on the + contrary, deep-rooted enough to endure to the close of his days, + employed as restlessly with its first hopes and fears a portion + of this period as with the entanglements to which it led, + political and domestic, it embarrassed the remainder. Scarcely, + indeed, had this disturbing passion begun to calm, when a new + source of excitement presented itself in that conspiracy into + which he flung himself so fearlessly, and which ended, as we have + seen, but in multiplying the objects of his sympathy and + protection, and driving him to a new change of home and scene. + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg035" id="pg035">035</a></span> + </p> + <p> + When we consider all these distractions that beset him, taking + into account also the frequent derangement of his health, and the + time and temper he must have thrown away on the minute drudgery + of watching over every item of his household expenditure, the + mind is lost in almost incredulous astonishment at the wonders he + was able to achieve under such circumstances—at the variety + and prodigality of power with which, in the midst of such + interruptions and hinderances, his "bright soul broke out on + every side," and not only held on its course, unclogged, through + all these difficulties, but even extracted out of the very + struggles and annoyances it encountered new nerve for its + strength, and new fuel for its fire. + </p> + <p> + While thus at this period, more remarkably than at any other + during his life, the unparalleled versatility of his genius was + unfolding itself, those quick, cameleon-like changes of which his + character, too, was capable were, during the same time, most + vividly, and in strongest contrast, drawn out. To the world, and + more especially to England,—the scene at once of his + glories and his wrongs,—he presented himself in no other + aspect than that of a stern, haughty misanthrope, self-banished + from the fellowship of men, and, most of all, from that of + Englishmen. The more genial and beautiful inspirations of his + muse were, in this point of view, looked upon but as lucid + intervals between the paroxysms of an inherent malignancy of + nature; and even the laughing effusions of his wit and humour got + credit for no other aim than that which Swift boasted of, as the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg036" id="pg036">036</a></span> + end of all his own labours, "to vex the world rather than divert + it." + </p> + <p> + How totally all this differed from the Byron of the social hour, + they who lived in familiar intercourse with him may be safely + left to tell. The sort of ferine reputation which he had acquired + for himself abroad prevented numbers, of course, of his + countrymen, whom he would have most cordially welcomed, from + seeking his acquaintance. But, as it was, no English gentleman + ever approached him, with the common forms of introduction, that + did not come away at once surprised and charmed by the kind + courtesy and facility of his manners, the unpretending play of + his conversation, and, on a nearer intercourse, the frank, + youthful spirits, to the flow of which he gave way with such a + zest, as even to deceive some of those who best knew him into the + impression, that gaiety was after all the true bent of his + disposition. + </p> + <p> + To these contrasts which he presented, as viewed publicly and + privately, is to be added also the fact, that, while braving the + world's ban so boldly, and asserting man's right to think for + himself with a freedom and even daringness unequalled, the + original shyness of his nature never ceased to hang about him; + and while at a distance he was regarded as a sort of autocrat in + intellect, revelling in all the confidence of his own great + powers, a somewhat nearer observation enabled a common + acquaintance at Venice<span class="fnref">[1]</span> to + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg037" id="pg037">037</a></span> + detect, under all this, traces of that self-distrust and + bashfulness which had marked him as a boy, and which never + entirely forsook him through the whole of his career. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: The Countess Albrizzi—see her Sketch of his + Character.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + Still more singular, however, than this contradiction between the + public and private man,—a contradiction not unfrequent, + and, in some cases, more apparent than real, as depending upon + the relative position of the observer,—were those + contrarieties and changes not less startling, which his character + so often exhibited, as compared with itself. He who, at one + moment, was seen intrenched in the most absolute self-will, + would, at the very next, be found all that was docile and + amenable. To-day, storming the world in its strong-holds, as a + misanthrope and satirist—to-morrow, learning, with implicit + obedience, to fold a shawl, as a Cavaliere—the same man who + had so obstinately refused to surrender, either to friendly + remonstrance or public outcry, a single line of Don Juan, at the + mere request of a gentle Donna agreed to cease it altogether; nor + would venture to resume this task (though the chief darling of + his muse) till, with some difficulty, he had obtained leave from + the same ascendant quarter. Who, indeed, is there that, without + some previous clue to his transformations, could have been at all + prepared to recognise the coarse libertine of Venice in that + romantic and passionate lover who, but a few months after, stood + weeping before the fountain in the garden at Bologna? or, who + could have expected to find in the close calculator of sequins + and baiocchi, that generous champion <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg038" id="pg038">038</a></span> of Liberty + whose whole fortune, whose very life itself were considered by + him but as trifling sacrifices for the advancement, but by a day, + of her cause? + </p> + <p> + And here naturally our attention is drawn to the consideration of + another feature of his character, connected more intimately with + the bright epoch of his life now before us. Notwithstanding his + strongly marked prejudices in favour of rank and high birth, we + have seen with what ardour,—not only in fancy and theory, + bet practically, as in the case of the Italian + Carbonari,—he embarked his sympathies unreservedly on the + current of every popular movement towards freedom. Though of the + sincerity of this zeal for liberty the seal set upon it so + solemnly by his death leaves us no room to doubt, a question may + fairly arise whether that general love of excitement, let it flow + from whatever source it might, by which, more or less, every + pursuit of his whole life was actuated, was not predominant among + the impulses that governed him in this; and, again, whether it is + not probable that, like Alfieri and other aristocratic lovers of + freedom, he would not ultimately have shrunk from the result of + his own equalising doctrines; and, though zealous enough in + lowering those <i>above</i> his own level, rather recoil from the + task of raising up those who were <i>below</i> it. + </p> + <p> + With regard to the first point, it may be conceded, without + deducting much from his sincere zeal in the cause, that the + gratification of his thirst of fame, and, above all, perhaps, + that supply of excitement so necessary to him, to whet, as it + were, the edge of his self-wearing spirit, were not the least of + the attractions <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg039" id= + "pg039">039</a></span> and incitements which a struggle under the + banners of Freedom presented to him. It is also but too certain + that, destined as he was to endless disenchantment, from that + singular and painful union which existed in his nature of the + creative imagination that calls up illusions, and the cool, + searching sagacity that, at once, detects their hollowness, he + could not long have gone on, even in a path so welcome to him, + without finding the hopes with which his fancy had strewed it + withering away beneath him at every step. + </p> + <p> + In politics, as in every other pursuit, his ambition was to be + among the first; nor would it have been from the want of a due + appreciation of all that is noblest and most disinterested in + patriotism, that he would ever have stooped his flight to any + less worthy aim. The following passage in one of his Journals + will be remembered by the reader:—"To be the first man + <i>(not</i> the Dictator), not the Sylla, but the Washington, or + Aristides, the leader in talent and truth, is to be next to the + Divinity." With such high and pure notions of political eminence, + he could not be otherwise than fastidious as to the means of + attaining it; nor can it be doubted that with the sort of vulgar + and sometimes sullied instruments which all popular leaders must + stoop to employ, his love of truth, his sense of honour, his + impatience of injustice, would have led him constantly into such + collisions as must have ended in repulsion and disgust; while the + companionship of those beneath him, a tax all demagogues must + pay, would, as soon as it had ceased to amuse his fancy for the + new and the <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg040" id= + "pg040">040</a></span> ridiculous, have shocked his taste and + mortified his pride. The distaste with which, as appears from + more than one of his letters, he was disposed to view the + personal, if not the political, attributes of what is commonly + called the Radical party in England, shows how unsuited he was + naturally to mix in that kind of popular fellowship which, even + to those far less aristocratic in their notions and feelings, + must be sufficiently trying. + </p> + <p> + But, even granting that all these consequences might safely be + predicted as almost certain to result from his engaging in such a + career, it by no means the more necessarily follows that, + <i>once</i> engaged, he would not have persevered in it + consistently and devotedly to the last; nor that, even if reduced + to say, with Cicero, "nil boni præter causam," he could not have + so far abstracted the principle of the cause from its unworthy + supporters as, at the same time, to uphold the one and despise + the others. Looking back, indeed, from the advanced point where + we are now arrived through the whole of his past career, we + cannot fail to observe, pervading all its apparent changes and + inconsistencies, an adherence to the original bias of his nature, + a general consistency in the main, however shifting and + contradictory the details, which had the effect of preserving, + from first to last, all his views and principles, upon the great + subjects that interested him through life, essentially + unchanged.<span class="fnref">[1]</span> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: Colonel Stanhope, who saw clearly this leading + character of Byron's mind, has thus justly described + it:—"Lord Byron's was a versatile and still a stubborn + mind; it wavered, but always returned to certain fixed + principles."] + </p> + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg041" id="pg041">041</a></span>At + the worst, therefore, though allowing that, from disappointment + or disgust, he might have been led to withdraw all personal + participation in such a cause, in no case would he have shown + himself a recreant to its principles; and though too proud to + have ever descended, like Egalité, into the ranks of the people, + he would have been far too consistent to pass, like Alfieri, into + those of their enemies. + </p> + <p> + After the failure of those hopes with which he had so sanguinely + looked forward to the issue of the late struggle between Italy + and her rulers, it may be well conceived what a relief it was to + him to turn his eyes to Greece, where a spirit was now rising + such as he had himself imaged forth in dreams of song, but hardly + could have even dreamed that he should live to see it realised. + His early travels in that country had left a lasting impression + on his mind; and whenever, as I have before remarked, his fancy + for a roving life returned, it was to the regions about the "blue + Olympus" he always fondly looked back. Since his adoption of + Italy as a home, this propensity had in a great degree subsided. + In addition to the sedatory effects of his new domestic r, there + had, at this time, grown upon him a degree of inertness, or + indisposition to change of residence, which, in the instance of + his departure from Ravenna, was with some difficulty surmounted. + </p> + <p> + The unsettled state of life he was from thenceforward thrown + into, by the precarious fortunes of those with whom he had + connected himself, conspired with one or two other causes to + revive within him all his former love of change and adventure; + nor is it wonderful <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg042" id= + "pg042">042</a></span> that to Greece, as offering <i>both</i> in + their most exciting form, he should turn eagerly his eyes, and at + once kindle with a desire not only to witness, but perhaps share + in, the present triumphs of Liberty on those very fields where he + had already gathered for immortality such memorials of her day + long past. + </p> + <p> + Among the causes that concurred with this sentiment to determine + him to the enterprise he now meditated, not the least powerful, + undoubtedly, was the supposition in his own mind that the high + tide of his poetical popularity had been for some time on the + ebb. The utter failure of the Liberal,—in which, splendid + as were some of his own contributions to it, there were yet + others from his pen hardly to be distinguished from the + surrounding dross,—confirmed him fully in the notion that + he had at last wearied out his welcome with the world; and, as + the voice of fame had become almost as necessary to him as the + air he breathed, it was with a proud consciousness of the yet + untouched reserves of power within him he now saw that, if + arrived at the end of <i>one</i> path of fame, there were yet + others for him to strike into, still more glorious. + </p> + <p> + That some such vent for the resources of his mind had long been + contemplated by him appears from a letter of his to myself, in + which it will be recollected he says,—"If I live ten years + longer, you will see that it is not over with me. I don't mean in + literature, for that is nothing; and—it may seem odd enough + to say—I do not think it was my vocation. But you will see + that I shall do something,—the times and Fortune + permitting,—that 'like the <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg043" id="pg043">043</a></span> cosmogony of the world will + puzzle the philosophers of all ages.'" He then adds this but too + true and sad prognostic:—"But I doubt whether my + constitution will hold out." + </p> + <p> + His zeal in the cause of Italy, whose past history and literature + seemed to call aloud for redress of her present vassalage and + wrongs, would have, no doubt, led him to the same chivalrous + self-devotion in her service, as he displayed afterwards in that + of Greece. The disappointing issue, however, of that brief + struggle is but too well known; and this sudden wreck of a cause + so promising pained him the more deeply from his knowledge of + some of the brave and true hearts embarked in it. The disgust, + indeed, which that abortive effort left behind, coupled with the + opinion he had early formed of the "hereditary bonds-men" of + Greece, had kept him for some time in a state of considerable + doubt and misgiving as to their chances of ever working out their + own enfranchisement; nor was it till the spring of this year, + when, rather by the continuance of the struggle than by its + actual success, some confidence had begun to be inspired in the + trust-worthiness of the cause, that he had nearly made up his + mind to devote himself to its aid. The only difficulty that still + remained to retard or embarrass this resolution was the necessity + it imposed of a temporary separation from Madame Guiccioli, who + was herself, as might be expected, anxious to participate his + perils, but whom it was impossible he could think of exposing to + the chances of a life, even for men, so rude. + </p> + <p> + At the beginning of the month of April he received <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg044" id="pg044">044</a></span> a visit from + Mr. Blaquiere, who was then proceeding on a special mission to + Greece, for the purpose of procuring for the Committee lately + formed in London correct information as to the state and + prospects of that country. It was among the instructions of this + gentleman that he should touch at Genoa and communicate with Lord + Byron; and the following note will show how cordially the noble + poet was disposed to enter into all the objects of the Committee. + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 519. TO MR. BLAQUIERE. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "Albaro, April 5. 1823. + </p> + <p> + "Dear Sir, + </p> + <p> + "I shall be delighted to see you and your Greek friend, and the + sooner the better. I have been expecting you for some + time,—you will find me at home. I cannot express to you how + much I feel interested in the cause, and nothing but the hopes I + entertained of witnessing the liberation of Italy itself + prevented me long ago from returning to do what little I could, + as an individual, in that land which it is an honour even to have + visited. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "Ever yours truly, NOEL BYRON." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Soon after this interview with their agent, a more direct + communication on the subject was opened between his Lordship and + the Committee itself. + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 520. TO MR. BOWRING. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "Genoa, May 12. 1823 + </p> + <p> + "Sir, + </p> + <p> + "I have great pleasure in acknowledging your letter, and the + honour which the Committee have <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg045" id="pg045">045</a></span> done me:—I shall + endeavour to deserve their confidence by every means in my power. + My first wish is to go up into the Levant in person, where I + might be enabled to advance, if not the cause, at least the means + of obtaining information which the Committee might be desirous of + acting upon; and my former residence in the country, my + familiarity with the Italian language, (which is there + universally spoken, or at least to the same extent as French in + the more polished parts of the Continent,) and my <i>not</i> + total ignorance of the Romaic, would afford me some advantages of + experience. To this project the only objection is of a domestic + nature, and I shall try to get over it;—if I fail in this, + I must do what I can where I am; but it will be always a source + of regret to me, to think that I might perhaps have done more for + the cause on the spot. + </p> + <p> + "Our last information of Captain Blaquiere is from Ancona, where + he embarked with a fair wind for Corfu, on the 15th ult.; he is + now probably at his destination. My last letter <i>from</i> him + personally was dated Rome; he had been refused a passport through + the Neapolitan territory, and returned to strike up through + Romagna for Ancona:—little time, however, appears to have + been lost by the delay. + </p> + <p> + "The principal material wanted by the Greeks appears to be, + first, a park of field artillery—light, and fit for + mountain-service; secondly, gunpowder; thirdly, hospital or + medical stores. The readiest mode of transmission is, I hear, by + Idra, addressed to Mr. Negri, the minister. I meant to send up a + certain quantity of the two latter—no great deal—but + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg046" id="pg046">046</a></span> + enough for an individual to show his good wishes for the Greek + success,—but am pausing, because, in case I should go + myself, I can take them with me. I do not want to limit my own + contribution to this merely, but more especially, if I can get to + Greece myself, I should devote whatever resources I can muster of + my own, to advancing the great object. I am in correspondence + with Signor Nicolas Karrellas (well known to Mr. Hobhouse), who + is now at Pisa; but his latest advice merely stated, that the + Greeks are at present employed in organising their + <i>internal</i> government, and the details of its + administration: this would seem to indicate <i>security</i>, but + the war is however far from being terminated. + </p> + <p> + "The Turks are an obstinate race, as all former wars have proved + them, and will return to the charge for years to come, even if + beaten, as it is to be hoped they will be. But in no case can the + labours of the Committee be said to be in vain; for in the event + even of the Greeks being subdued, and dispersed, the funds which + could be employed in succouring and gathering together the + remnant, so as to alleviate in part their distresses, and enable + them to find or make a country (as so many emigrants of other + nations have been compelled to do), would 'bless both those who + gave and those who took,' as the bounty both of justice and of + mercy. + </p> + <p> + "With regard to the formation of a brigade, (which Mr. Hobhouse + hints at in his short letter of this day's receipt, enclosing the + one to which I have the honour to reply,) I would presume to + suggest—but merely as an opinion, resulting rather from the + melancholy <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg047" id= + "pg047">047</a></span> experience of the brigades embarked in the + Columbian service than from any experiment yet fairly tried in + GREECE,—that the attention of the Committee had better + perhaps be directed to the employment of <i>officers</i> of + experience than the enrolment of <i>raw British</i> soldiers, + which latter are apt to be unruly, and not very serviceable, in + irregular warfare, by the side of foreigners. A small body of + good officers, especially artillery; an engineer, with quantity + (such as the Committee might deem requisite) of stores of the + nature which Captain Blaquiere indicated as most wanted, would, I + should conceive, be a highly useful accession. Officers, also, + who had previously served in the Mediterranean would be + preferable, as some knowledge of Italian is nearly indispensable. + </p> + <p> + "It would also be as well that they should be aware, that they + are not going 'to rough it on a beef-steak and bottle of + port,'—but that Greece—never, of late years, very + plentifully stocked for a <i>mess</i>—is at present the + country of all kinds of <i>privations</i>. This remark may seem + superfluous; but I have been led to it, by observing that many + <i>foreign</i> officers, Italian, French, and even Germans + (but<i>fewer</i> of the <i>latter</i>), have returned in disgust, + imagining either that they were going up to make a party of + pleasure, or to enjoy full pay, speedy promotion, and a very + moderate degree of duty. They complain, too, of having been ill + received by the Government or inhabitants; but numbers of these + complainants were mere adventurers, attracted by a hope of + command and plunder, and disappointed of both. Those <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg048" id="pg048">048</a></span> Greeks I have + seen strenuously deny the charge of inhospitality, and declare + that they shared their pittance to the last crum with their + foreign volunteers. + </p> + <p> + "I need not suggest to the Committee the very great advantage + which must accrue to Great Britain from the success of the + Greeks, and their probable commercial relations with England in + consequence; because I feel persuaded that the first object of + the Committee is their EMANCIPATION, without any interested + views. But the consideration might weigh with the English people + in general, in their present passion for every kind of + speculation,—they need not cross the American seas, for one + much better worth their while, and nearer home. The resources + even for an emigrant population, in the Greek islands alone, are + rarely to be paralleled; and the cheapness of every kind of, not + <i>only necessary</i>, but <i>luxury</i>, (that is to say, + <i>luxury</i> of <i>nature</i>,) fruits, wine, oil, &c. in a + state of peace, are far beyond those of the Cape, and Van + Dieman's Land, and the other places of refuge, which the English + people are searching for over the waters. + </p> + <p> + "I beg that the Committee will command me in any and every way. + If I am favoured with any instructions, I shall endeavour to obey + them to the letter, whether conformable to my own private opinion + or not. I beg leave to add, personally, my respect for the + gentleman whom I have the honour of addressing, + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "And am, Sir, your obliged, &c. + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg049" id= + "pg049">049</a></span>"P.S. The best refutation of Gell will be + the active exertions of the Committee;—I am too warm a + controversialist; and I suspect that if Mr. Hobhouse have taken + him in hand, there will be little occasion for me to 'encumber + him with help.' If I go up into the country, I will endeavour to + transmit as accurate and impartial an account as circumstances + will permit. + </p> + <p> + "I shall write to Mr. Karrellas. I expect intelligence from + Captain Blaquiere, who has promised me some early intimation from + the seat of the Provisional Government. I gave him a letter of + introduction to Lord Sydney Osborne, at Corfu; but as Lord S. is + in the government service, of course his reception could only be + a <i>cautious</i> one." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 521. TO MR. BOWRING. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "Genoa, May 21. 1823. + </p> + <p> + "Sir, + </p> + <p> + "I received yesterday the letter of the Committee, dated the 14th + of March. What has occasioned the delay, I know not. It was + forwarded by Mr. Galignani, from Paris, who stated that he had + only had it in his charge four days, and that it was delivered to + him by a Mr. Grattan. I need hardly say that I gladly accede to + the proposition of the Committee, and hold myself highly honoured + by being deemed worthy to be a member. I have also to return my + thanks, particularly to yourself, for the accompanying letter, + which is extremely flattering. <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg050" id="pg050">050</a></span> + </p> + <p> + "Since I last wrote to you, through the medium of Mr. Hobhouse, I + have received and forwarded a letter from Captain Blaquiere to + me, from Corfu, which will show how he gets on. Yesterday I fell + in with two young Germans, survivors of General Normann's band. + They arrived at Genoa in the most deplorable state—without + food—without a soul—without shoes. The Austrians had + sent them out of their territory on their landing at Trieste; and + they had been forced to come down to Florence, and had travelled + from Leghorn here, with four Tuscan <i>livres</i> (about three + francs) in their pockets. I have given them twenty Genoese scudi + (about a hundred and thirty-three livres, French money,) and new + shoes, which will enable them to get to Switzerland, where they + say that they have friends. All that they could raise in Genoa, + besides, was thirty <i>sous</i>. They do not complain of the + Greeks, but say that they have suffered more since their landing + in Italy. + </p> + <p> + "I tried their veracity, 1st, by their passports and papers; + 2dly, by topography, cross-questioning them about Arta, Argos, + Athens, Missolonghi, Corinth, c.; and, 3dly, in <i>Romaic</i>, of + which I found one of them, at least, knew more than I do. One of + them (they are both of good families) is a fine handsome young + fellow of three-and-twenty—a Wirtembergher, and has a look + of <i>Sandt</i> about him—the other a Bavarian, older and + flat-faced, and less ideal, but a great, sturdy, soldier-like + personage. The Wirtembergher was in the action at Arta, where the + Philhellenists were cut to pieces after killing six hundred + Turks, they themselves being only a hundred and <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg051" id="pg051">051</a></span> fifty in + number, opposed to about six or seven thousand; only eight + escaped, and of them about three only survived; so that General + Normann 'posted his ragamuffins where they were well + peppered—not three of the hundred and fifty left + alive—and they are for the town's end for life.' + </p> + <p> + "These two left Greece by the direction of the Greeks. When + Churschid Pacha over-run the Morea, the Greeks seem to have + behaved well, in wishing to save their allies, when they thought + that the game was up with themselves. This was in September last + (1822): they wandered from island to island, and got from Milo to + Smyrna, where the French consul gave them a passport, and a + charitable captain a passage to Ancona, whence they got to + Trieste, and were turned back by the Austrians. They complain + only of the minister (who has always been an indifferent + character); say that the Greeks fight very well in their own way, + but were at <i>first</i> afraid to <i>fire</i> their own + cannon—but mended with practice. + </p> + <p> + "Adolphe (the younger) commanded at Navarino for a short time; + the other, a more material person, 'the bold Bavarian in a + luckless hour,' seems chiefly to lament a fast of three days at + Argos, and the loss of twenty-five paras a day of pay in arrear, + and some baggage at Tripolitza; but takes his wounds, and + marches, and battles in very good part. Both are very simple, + full of naïveté, and quite unpretending: they say the foreigners + quarrelled among themselves, particularly the French with the + Germans, which produced duels. <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg052" id="pg052">052</a></span> + </p> + <p> + "The Greeks accept muskets, but throw away <i>bayonets</i>, and + will <i>not</i> be disciplined. When these lads saw two + Piedmontese regiments yesterday, they said, 'Ah! if we had but + <i>these</i> two, we should have cleared the Morea:' in that case + the Piedmontese must have behaved better than they did against + the Austrians. They seem to lay great stress upon a few regular + troops—say that the Greeks have arms and powder in plenty, + but want victuals, hospital stores, and lint and linen, &c. + and money, very much. Altogether, it would be difficult to show + more practical philosophy than this remnant of our 'puir hill + folk' have done; they do not seem the least cast down, and their + way of presenting themselves was as simple and natural as could + be. They said, a Dane here had told them that an Englishman, + friendly to the Greek cause, was here, and that, as they were + reduced to beg their way home, they thought they might as well + begin with me. I write in haste to snatch the post. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "Believe me, and truly, + <br /> + "Your obliged, &c. + </p> + <p> + "P.S. I have, since I wrote this, seen them again. Count P. Gamba + asked them to breakfast. One of them means to publish his Journal + of the campaign. The Bavarian wonders a little that the Greeks + are not quite the same with them of the time of Themistocles, + (they were not then very tractable, by the by,) and at the + difficulty of disciplining them; but he is a 'bon homme' and a + tactician, and a little like Dugald Dalgetty, who would insist + upon the erection of 'a sconce on the hill of <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg053" id="pg053">053</a></span> Drumsnab,' or + whatever it was;—the other seems to wonder at nothing." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 522. TO LADY ——. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "May 17. 1823. + </p> + <p> + "My voyage to Greece will depend upon the Greek Committee (in + England) partly, and partly on the instructions which some + persons now in Greece on a private mission may be pleased to send + me. I am a member, lately elected, of the said Committee; and my + object in going up would be to do any little good in my + power;—but as there are some <i>pros</i> and <i>cons</i> on + the subject, with regard to how far the intervention of strangers + may be advisable, I know no more than I tell you; but we shall + probably hear something soon from England and Greece, which may + be more decisive. + </p> + <p> + "With regard to the late person (Lord Londonderry), whom you hear + that I have attacked, I can only say that a bad minister's memory + is as much an object of investigation as his conduct while + alive,—for his measures do not die with him like a private + individual's notions. He is a matter of <i>history</i>; and, + wherever I find a tyrant or a villain, <i>I will mark him.</i> I + attacked him no more than I had been wont to do. As to the + Liberal,—it was a publication set up for the advantage of a + persecuted author and a very worthy man. But it was foolish in me + to engage in it; and so it has turned out—for I have hurt + myself without doing much good to those for whose benefit it was + intended. <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg054" id= + "pg054">054</a></span> + </p> + <p> + "Do <i>not defend</i> me—it will never do—you will + only make <i>yourself</i> enemies. + </p> + <p> + "Mine are neither to be diminished nor softened, but they may be + overthrown; and there are events which may occur, less improbable + than those which have happened in our time, that may reverse the + present state of things—<i>nous verrons</i>. + </p> + <p> + "I send you this gossip that you may laugh at it, which is all it + is good for, if it is even good for so much. I shall be delighted + to see you again; but it will be melancholy, should it be only + for a moment. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "Ever yours, N. B." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + It being now decided that Lord Byron should proceed forthwith to + Greece, all the necessary preparations for his departure were + hastened. One of his first steps was to write to Mr. Trelawney, + who was then at Rome, to request that he would accompany him. + "You must have heard," he says, "that I am going to + Greece—why do you not come to me? I can do nothing without + you, and am exceedingly anxious to see you. Pray, come, for I am + at last determined to go to Greece:—it is the only place I + was ever contented in. I am serious; and did not write before, as + I might have given you a journey for nothing. They all say I can + be of use to Greece; I do not know how—nor do they; but, at + all events, let us go." + </p> + <p> + A physician, acquainted with surgery, being considered a + necessary part of his suite, he requested of his own medical + attendant at Genoa, Dr. Alexander, <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg055" id="pg055">055</a></span> to provide him with such a + person; and, on the recommendation of this gentleman, Dr. Bruno, + a young man who had just left the university with considerable + reputation, was engaged. Among other preparations for his + expedition, he ordered three splendid helmets to be + made,—with his never forgotten crest engraved upon + them,—for himself and the two friends who were to accompany + him. In this little circumstance, which in England (where the + ridiculous is so much better understood than the heroic) excited + some sneers at the time, we have one of the many instances that + occur amusingly through his life, to confirm the quaint but, as + applied to him, true observation, that "the child is father to + the man;"—the characteristics of these two periods of life + being in him so anomalously transposed, that while the passions + and ripened views of the man developed themselves in his boyhood, + so the easily pleased fancies and vanities of the boy were for + ever breaking out among the most serious moments of his manhood. + The same schoolboy whom we found, at the beginning of the first + volume, boasting of his intention to raise, at some future time, + a troop of horse in black armour, to be called Byron's Blacks, + was now seen trying on with delight his fine crested helmet, and + anticipating the deeds of glory he was to achieve under its + plumes. + </p> + <p> + At the end of May a letter arrived from Mr. Blaquiere + communicating to him very favourable intelligence, and requesting + that he would as much as possible hasten his departure, as he was + now anxiously looked for, and would be of the <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg056" id="pg056">056</a></span> greatest + service. However encouraging this summons, and though Lord Byron, + thus called upon from all sides, had now determined to give + freely the aid which all deemed so essential, it is plain from + his letters that, in the cool, sagacious view which he himself + took of the whole subject, so far from agreeing with these + enthusiasts in their high estimate of his personal services, he + had not yet even been able to perceive any definite way in which + those services could, with any prospect of permanent utility, be + applied. + </p> + <p> + For an insight into the true state of his mind at this crisis, + the following observations of one who watched him with eyes + quickened by anxiety will be found, perhaps, to afford the + clearest and most certain clue. "At this time," says the Contessa + Guiccioli, "Lord Byron again turned his thoughts to Greece; and, + excited on every side by a thousand combining circumstances, + found himself, almost before he had time to form a decision, or + well know what he was doing, obliged to set out for that country. + But, notwithstanding his affection for those + regions,—notwithstanding the consciousness of his own moral + energies, which made him say always that 'a man ought to do + something more for society than write + verses,'—notwithstanding the attraction which the object of + this voyage must necessarily have for his noble mind, and that, + moreover, he was resolved to return to Italy within a few + months,—notwithstanding all this, every person who was near + him at the time can bear witness to the struggle which his mind + underwent (however much he endeavoured <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg057" id="pg057">057</a></span> to hide it), + as the period fixed for his departure approached."<span class= + "fnref">[1]</span> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: "Fu allora che Lord Byron rivolse i suoi pensieri + alla Grecia; e stimolato poi da ogni parte per mille + combinazioni egli si trovo quasi senza averlo deciso, e senza + saperlo, obbligato di partire per la Grecia. Ma, non ostante il + suo affetto per quelle contrade,—non ostante il + sentimento delle sue forze morali che gli faceva dire sempre + 'che un uomo e obbligato a fare per la societa qualche cosa di + piu che dei versi,—non ostante le attrative che doveva + avere pel nobile suo animo l'oggetto di que viaggio,—e + non ostante che egli fosse determinato di ritornare in Italia + fra non molti mesi,—pure in quale combattimento si + trovasse il suo cuore mentre si avvanzava l'epoca della sua + parenza (sebbene cercasse occultarlo) ognuno che lo ha + avvicinato allora puù dirlo."] + </p> + </div> + <p> + In addition to the vagueness which this want of any defined + object so unsatisfactorily threw round the enterprise before him, + he had also a sort of ominous presentiment—natural, + perhaps, to one of his temperament under such + circumstances—that he was but fulfilling his own doom in + this expedition, and should die in Greece. On the evening before + the departure of his friends, Lord and Lady B——, from + Genoa, he called upon them for the purpose of taking leave, and + sat conversing for some time. He was evidently in low spirits, + and after expressing his regret that they should leave Genoa + before his own time of sailing, proceeded to speak of his + intended voyage in a tone full of despondence. "Here," said he, + "we are all now together—but when, and where, shall we meet + again? I have a sort of boding that we see each other for the + last time; as something tells me I shall never again return from + Greece." <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg058" id= + "pg058">058</a></span> Having continued a little longer in this + melancholy strain, he leaned his head upon the arm of the sofa on + which they were seated, and, bursting into tears, wept for some + minutes with uncontrollable feeling. Though he had been talking + only with Lady B——, all who were present in the room + observed, and were affected by his emotion, while he himself, + apparently ashamed of his weakness, endeavoured to turn off + attention from it by some ironical remark, spoken with a sort of + hysterical laugh, upon the effects of "nervousness." + </p> + <p> + He had, previous to this conversation, presented to each of the + party some little farewell gift—a book to one, a print from + his bust by Bartolini to another, and to Lady B—— a + copy of his Armenian Grammar, which had some manuscript remarks + of his own on the leaves. In now parting with her, having begged, + as a memorial, some trifle which she had worn, the lady gave him + one of her rings; in return for which he took a pin from his + breast, containing a small cameo of Napoleon, which he said had + long been his companion, and presented it to her Ladyship. + </p> + <p> + The next day Lady B—— received from him the following + note. + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + TO THE COUNTESS OF B——. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "Albaro, June 2. 1823. + </p> + <p> + "My dear Lady B——, 'I am <i>superstitious</i>, and + have recollected that memorials with a <i>point</i> are of less + fortunate augury; I will, therefore, request you to accept, + instead of the <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg059" id= + "pg059">059</a></span> <i>pin</i>, the enclosed chain, which is + of so slight a value that you need not hesitate. As you wished + for something <i>worn</i>, I can only say, that it has been worn + oftener and longer than the other. It is of Venetian manufacture; + and the only peculiarity about it is, that it could only be + obtained at or from Venice. At Genoa they have none of the same + kind. I also enclose a ring, which I would wish <i>Alfred</i> to + keep; it is too large to <i>wear</i>; but is formed of + <i>lava</i>, and so far adapted to the fire of his years and + character. You will perhaps have the goodness to acknowledge the + receipt of this note, and send back the pin (for good luck's + sake), which I shall value much more for having been a night in + your custody. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "Ever and faithfully your obliged, &c. + </p> + <p> + "P.S. I hope your <i>nerves</i> are well to-day, and will + continue to flourish." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + In the mean time the preparations for his romantic expedition + were in progress. With the aid of his banker and very sincere + friend, Mr. Barry, of Genoa, he was enabled to raise the large + sums of money necessary for his supply;—10,000 crowns in + specie, and 40,000 crowns in bills of exchange, being the amount + of what he took with him, and a portion of this having been + raised upon his furniture and books, on which Mr. Barry, as I + understand, advanced a sum far beyond their worth. An English + brig, the Hercules, had been freighted to convey himself and his + suite, which consisted, at this time, of Count Gamba, Mr. + Trelawney, Dr. Bruno, and eight <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg060" id="pg060">060</a></span> domestics. There were also + aboard five horses, sufficient arms and ammunition for the use of + his own party, two one-pounders belonging to his schooner, the + Bolivar, which he had left at Genoa, and medicine enough for the + supply of a thousand men for a year. + </p> + <p> + The following letter to the Secretary of the Greek Committee + announces his approaching departure. + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 523. TO MR. BOWRING. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "July 7. 1823. + </p> + <p> + "We sail on the 12th for Greece.—I have had a letter from + Mr, Blaquiere, too long for present transcription, but very + satisfactory. The Greek Government expects me without delay. + </p> + <p> + "In conformity to the desires of Mr. B. and other correspondents + in Greece, I have to suggest, with all deference to the + Committee, that a remittance of even '<i>ten thousand pounds + only</i>' (Mr. B.'s expression) would be of the greatest service + to the Greek Government at present. I have also to recommend + strongly the attempt of a loan, for which there will be offered a + sufficient security by deputies now on their way to England. In + the mean time, I hope that the Committee will be enabled to do + something effectual. + </p> + <p> + "For my own part, I mean to carry up, in cash or credits, above + eight, and nearly nine thousand pounds sterling, which I am + enabled to do by funds I have in Italy, and credits in England. + Of this sum I <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg061" id= + "pg061">061</a></span> must necessarily reserve a portion for the + subsistence of myself and suite; the rest I am willing to apply + in the manner which seems most likely to be useful to the + cause—having of course some guarantee or assurance, that it + will not be misapplied to any individual speculation. + </p> + <p> + "If I remain in Greece, which will mainly depend upon the + presumed probable utility of my presence there, and of the + opinion of the Greeks themselves as to its propriety—in + short, if I am welcome to them, I shall continue, during my + residence at least, to apply such portions of my income, present + and future, as may forward the object—that is to say, what + I can spare for that purpose. Privations I can, or at least could + once bear—abstinence I am accustomed to—and as to + fatigue, I was once a tolerable traveller. What I may be now, I + cannot tell—but I will try. + </p> + <p> + "I await the commands of the Committee—Address to + Genoa—the letters will be forwarded me, wherever I may be, + by my bankers, Messrs. Webb and Barry. It would have given me + pleasure to have had some more <i>defined</i> instructions before + I went, but these, of course, rest at the option of the + Committee. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + I have the honour to be, + <br /> + "Yours obediently, &c. + </p> + <p> + "P.S. Great anxiety is expressed for a printing press and types, + &c. I have not the time to provide them, but recommend this + to the notice of the Committee. I presume the types must, partly + at least, be <i>Greek</i>: they wish to publish papers, and + perhaps <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg062" id= + "pg062">062</a></span> a Journal, probably in Romaic, with + Italian translations." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + All was now ready; and on the 13th of July himself and his whole + party slept on board the Hercules. About sunrise the next morning + they succeeded in clearing the port; but there was little wind, + and they remained in sight of Genoa the whole day. The night was + a bright moonlight, but the wind had become stormy and adverse, + and they were, for a short time, in serious danger. Lord Byron, + who remained on deck during the storm, was employed anxiously, + with the aid of such of his suite as were not disabled by + sea-sickness from helping him in preventing further mischief to + the horses, which, having been badly secured, had broken loose + and injured each other. After making head against the wind for + three or four hours, the captain was at last obliged to steer + back to Genoa, and re-entered the port at six in the morning. On + landing again, after this unpromising commencement of his voyage, + Lord Byron (says Count Gamba) "appeared thoughtful, and remarked + that he considered a bad beginning a favourable omen." + </p> + <p> + It has been already, I believe, mentioned that, among the + superstitions in which he chose to indulge, the supposed + unluckiness of Friday, as a day for the commencement of any work, + was one by which he, almost always, allowed himself to be + influenced. Soon after his arrival at Pisa, a lady of his + acquaintance happening to meet him on the road from her house as + she was herself returning thither, and supposing <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg063" id="pg063">063</a></span> that he had + been to make her a visit, requested that he would go back with + her. "I have not been to your house," he answered; "for, just + before I got to the door, I remembered that it was Friday; and, + not liking to make my first visit on a Friday, I turned back." It + is even related of him that he once sent away a Genoese tailor + who brought him home a new coat on the same ominous day. + </p> + <p> + With all this, strange to say, he set sail for Greece on a + Friday:—and though, by those who have any leaning to this + superstitious fancy, the result maybe thought but too sadly + confirmatory of the omen, it is plain that either the influence + of the superstition over his own mind was slight, or, in the + excitement of self-devotion under which he now acted, was + forgotten, In truth, notwithstanding his encouraging speech to + Count Gamba, the forewarning he now felt of his approaching doom + seems to have been far too deep and serious to need the aid of + any such accessory. Having expressed a wish, on relanding, to + visit his own palace, which he had left to the care of Mr. Barry + during his absence, and from which Madame Guiccioli had early + that morning departed, he now proceeded thither, accompanied by + Count Gamba alone. "His conversation," says this gentleman, "was + somewhat melancholy on our way to Albaro: he spoke much of his + past life, and of the uncertainty of the future. 'Where,' said + he, 'shall we be in a year?'—It looked (adds his friend) + like a melancholy foreboding; for, on the same day, of the same + month, in the next year, he was carried to the tomb of his + ancestors." <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg064" id= + "pg064">064</a></span> + </p> + <p> + It took nearly the whole of the day to repair the damages of + their vessel; and the greater part of this interval was passed by + Lord Byron, in company with Mr. Barry, at some gardens near the + city. Here his conversation, as this gentleman informs me, took + the same gloomy turn. That he had not fixed to go to England, in + preference, seemed one of his deep regrets; and so hopeless were + the views he expressed of the whole enterprise before him, that, + as it appeared to Mr. Barry, nothing but a devoted sense of duty + and honour could have determined him to persist in it. + </p> + <p> + In the evening of that day they set sail;—and now, fairly + launched in the cause, and disengaged, as it were, from his + former state of existence, the natural power of his spirit to + shake off pressure, whether from within or without, began + instantly to display itself. According to the report of one of + his fellow-voyagers, though so clouded while on shore, no sooner + did he find himself, once more, bounding over the waters, than + all the light and life of his better nature shone forth. In the + breeze that now bore him towards his beloved Greece, the voice of + his youth seemed again to speak. Before the titles of hero, of + benefactor, to which he now aspired, that of poet, however + pre-eminent, faded into nothing. His love of freedom, his + generosity, his thirst for the new and adventurous,—all + were re-awakened; and even the bodings that still lingered at the + bottom of his heart but made the course before him more precious + from his consciousness of its brevity, and from the high + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg065" id="pg065">065</a></span> + and self-ennobling resolution he had now taken to turn what yet + remained of it gloriously to account. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "Parte, e porta un desio d'eterna ed alma + </p> + <p> + Gloria che a nobil cuor e sferza e sprone; + </p> + <p> + A magnanime imprese intenta ha l'alma, + </p> + <p> + Ed <i>insolite cose oprar</i> dispone. + </p> + <p> + Gir fra i nemici—<i>ivi o cipresso o palma</i> + </p> + <p> + Acquistar." + </p> + </div> + <p> + After a passage of five days, they reached Leghorn, at which + place it was thought necessary to touch, for the purpose of + taking on board a supply of gunpowder, and other English goods, + not to be had elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + It would have been the wish of Lord Byron, in the new path he had + now marked out for himself, to disconnect from his name, if + possible, all those poetical associations, which, by throwing a + character of romance over the step he was now taking, might have + a tendency, as he feared, to impair its practical utility; and it + is, perhaps, hardly saying too much for his sincere zeal in the + cause to assert, that he would willingly at this moment have + sacrificed his whole fame, as poet, for even the prospect of an + equivalent renown, as philanthropist and liberator. How vain, + however, was the thought that he could thus supersede his own + glory, or cause the fame of the lyre to be forgotten in that of + the sword, was made manifest to him by a mark of homage which + reached him, while at Leghorn, from the hands of one of the only + two men of the age who could contend with him in the universality + of his literary fame. + </p> + <p> + Already, as has been seen, an exchange of courtesies, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg066" id="pg066">066</a></span> + founded upon mutual admiration, had taken place between Lord + Byron and the great poet of Germany, Goethe. Of this intercourse + between two such men,—the former as brief a light in the + world's eyes, as the latter has been long and steadily + luminous,—an account has been by the venerable survivor put + on record, which, as a fit preliminary to the letter I am about + to give, I shall here insert in as faithful a translation as it + has been in my power to procure. + <br /> + <br /> + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + "GOETHE AND BYRON. + </h3> + <p> + "The German poet, who, down to the latest period of his long + life, had been always anxious to acknowledge the merits of his + literary predecessors and contemporaries, because he has always + considered this to be the surest means of cultivating his own + powers, could not but have his attention attracted to the great + talent of the noble Lord almost from his earliest appearance, and + uninterruptedly watched the progress of his mind throughout the + great works which he unceasingly produced. It was immediately + perceived by him that the public appreciation of his poetical + merits kept pace with the rapid succession of his writings. The + joyful sympathy of others would have been perfect, had not the + poet, by a life marked by self-dissatisfaction, and the + indulgence of strong passions, disturbed the enjoyment which his + infinite genius produced. But his German admirer was not led + astray by this, or prevented from following with close attention + both his works and his life in all their eccentricity. These + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg067" id="pg067">067</a></span> + astonished him the more, as he found in the experience of past + ages no element for the calculation of so eccentric an orbit. + </p> + <p> + "These endeavours of the German did not remain unknown to the + Englishman, of which his poems contain unambiguous proofs; and he + also availed himself of the means afforded by various travellers, + to forward some friendly salutation to his unknown admirer. At + length a manuscript Dedication of <i>Sardanapaius</i>, in the + most complimentary terms, was forwarded to him, with an obliging + enquiry whether it might be prefixed to the tragedy. The German, + who, at his advanced age, was conscious of his own powers and of + their effects, could only gratefully and modestly consider this + Dedication as the expression of an inexhaustible intellect, + deeply feeling and creating its own object. He was by no means + dissatisfied when, after a long delay, Sardanapaius appeared + without the Dedication; and was made happy by the possession of a + fac-simile of it, engraved on stone, which he considered a + precious memorial. + </p> + <p> + The noble Lord, however, did not abandon his purpose of + proclaiming to the world his valued kindness towards his German + contemporary and brother poet, a precious evidence of which was + placed in front of the tragedy of Werner. It will be readily + believed, when so unhoped for an honour was conferred upon the + German poet,—one seldom experienced in life, and that too + from one himself so highly distinguished,—he was by no + means reluctant to express the high esteem and sympathising + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg068" id="pg068">068</a></span> + sentiment with which his unsurpassed contemporary had inspired + him. The task was difficult, and was found the more so, the more + it was contemplated;—for what can be said of one whose + unfathomable qualities are not to be reached by words? But when a + young gentleman, Mr. Sterling, of pleasing person and excellent + character, in the spring of 1823, on a journey from Genoa to + Weimar, delivered a few lines under the hand of the great man as + an introduction, and when the report was soon after spread that + the noble Peer was about to direct his great mind and various + power to deeds of sublime daring beyond the ocean, there appeared + to be no time left for further delay, and the following lines + were hastily written<span class="fnref">[1]</span>:— + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: I insert the verses in the original language, as + an English version gives but a very imperfect notion of their + meaning.] + </p> + </div> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Ein freundlich Wort kommt eines nach dem andern + </p> + <p> + Von Süden her und bringt uns frohe Stunden; + </p> + <p> + Es ruft uns auf zum Edelsten zu wandern, + </p> + <p> + Nich ist der Geist, doch ist der Fuss gebunden. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Wie soil ich dem, den ich so lang begleitet, + </p> + <p> + Nun etwas Traulich's in die Ferne sagen? + </p> + <p> + Ihm der sich selbst im Innersten bestreitet, + </p> + <p> + Stark angewohnt das tiefste Weh zu tragen. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Wohl sey ihm doch, wenn er sich selbst empfindet! + </p> + <p> + Er wage selbst sich hoch beglückt zu nennen, + </p> + <p> + Wenn Musenkraft die Schmerzen überwindet, + </p> + <p> + Und wie ich ihn erkannt mög' er sich kennen. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + "The verses reached Genoa, but the excellent friend to whom they + were addressed was already <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg069" + id="pg069">069</a></span> gone, and to a distance, as it + appeared, inaccessible. Driven back, however, by storms, he + landed at Leghorn, where these cordial lines reached him just as + he was about to embark, on the 24th of July, 1823. He had barely + time to answer by a well-filled page, which the possessor has + preserved among his most precious papers, as the worthiest + evidence of the connection that had been formed. Affecting and + delightful as was such a document, and justifying the most lively + hopes, it has acquired now the greatest, though most painful + value, from the untimely death of the lofty writer, which adds a + peculiar edge to the grief felt generally throughout the whole + moral and poetical world at his loss: for we were warranted in + hoping, that when his great deeds should have been achieved, we + might personally have greeted in him the pre-eminent intellect, + the happily acquired friend, and the most humane of conquerors. + At present we can only console ourselves with the conviction that + his country will at last recover from that violence of invective + and reproach which has been so long raised against him, and will + learn to understand that the dross and lees of the age and the + individual, out of which even the best have to elevate + themselves, are but perishable and transient, while the wonderful + glory to which he in the present and through all future ages has + elevated his country, will be as boundless in its splendour as it + is incalculable in its consequences. Nor can there be any doubt + that the nation, which can boast of so many great names, will + class him among <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg070" id= + "pg070">070</a></span> the first of those through whom she has + acquired such glory." + </p> + <p> + The following is Lord Byron's answer to the communication above + mentioned from Goethe:— + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 524. TO GOETHE. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "Leghorn, July 24. 1823. + </p> + <p> + "Illustrious Sir, + </p> + <p> + "I cannot thank you as you ought to be thanked for the lines + which my young friend, Mr. Sterling, sent me of yours; and it + would but ill become me to pretend to exchange verses with him + who, for fifty years, has been the undisputed sovereign of + European literature. You must therefore accept my most sincere + acknowledgments in prose—and in hasty prose too; for I am + at present on my voyage to Greece once more, and surrounded by + hurry and bustle, which hardly allow a moment even to gratitude + and admiration to express themselves. + </p> + <p> + "I sailed from Genoa some days ago, was driven back by a gale of + wind, and have since sailed again and arrived here, 'Leghorn,' + this morning, to receive on board some Greek passengers for their + struggling country. + </p> + <p> + "Here also I found your lines and Mr. Sterling's letter; and I + could not have had a more favourable omen, a more agreeable + surprise, than a word of Goethe, written by his own hand. + </p> + <p> + "I am returning to Greece, to see if I can be of <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg071" id="pg071">071</a></span> any little + use there: if ever I come back, I will pay a visit to Weimar, to + offer the sincere homage of one of the many millions of your + admirers. I have the honour to be, ever and most, + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "Your obliged, + <br /> + "NOEL BYRON." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + From Leghorn, where his Lordship was joined by Mr. Hamilton + Browne, he set sail on the 24th of July, and, after about ten + days of most favourable weather, cast anchor at Argostoli, the + chief port of Cephalonia. + </p> + <p> + It had been thought expedient that Lord Byron should, with the + view of informing himself correctly respecting Greece, direct his + course, in the first instance, to one of the Ionian islands, from + whence, as from a post of observation, he might be able to + ascertain the exact position of affairs before he landed on the + continent. For this purpose it had been recommended that either + Zante or Cephalonia should be selected; and his choice was + chiefly determined towards the latter island by his knowledge of + the talents and liberal feelings of the Resident, Colonel Napier. + Aware, however, that, in the yet doubtful aspect of the foreign + policy of England, his arrival thus on an expedition so + declaredly in aid of insurrection might have the effect of + embarrassing the existing authorities, he resolved to adopt such + a line of conduct as would be the least calculated either to + compromise or offend them. It was with this view he now thought + it prudent not to land at Argostoli, but to await on board his + vessel such information <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg072" id= + "pg072">072</a></span> from the Government of Greece as should + enable him to decide upon his further movements. + </p> + <p> + The arrival of a person so celebrated at Argostoli excited + naturally a lively sensation, as well among the Greeks as the + English of that place; and the first approaches towards + intercourse between the latter and their noble visiter were + followed instantly, on both sides, by that sort of agreeable + surprise which, from the false notions they had preconceived of + each other, was to be expected. His countrymen, who, from the + exaggerated stories they had so often heard of his misanthropy + and especial horror of the English, expected their courtesies to + be received with a haughty, if not insulting coldness, found, on + the contrary, in all his demeanour a degree of open and cheerful + affability which, calculated, as it was, to charm under any + circumstances, was to them, expecting so much the reverse, + peculiarly fascinating;—while he, on his side, even still + more sensitively prepared, by a long course of brooding over his + own fancies, for a cold and reluctant reception from his + countrymen, found himself greeted at once with a welcome so + cordial and respectful as not only surprised and flattered, but, + it was evident, sensibly touched him. Among other hospitalities + accepted by him was a dinner with the officers of the garrison, + at which, on his health being drunk, he is reported to have said, + in returning thanks, that "he was doubtful whether he could + express his sense of the obligation as he ought, having been so + long in the practice of speaking a foreign language <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg073" id="pg073">073</a></span> that it was + with some difficulty he could convey the whole force of what he + felt in his own." + </p> + <p> + Having despatched messengers to Corfu and Missolonghi in quest of + information, he resolved, while waiting their return, to employ + his time in a journey to Ithaca, which island is separated from + that of Cephalonia but by a narrow strait. On his way to Vathi, + the chief city of the island, to which place he had been invited, + and his journey hospitably facilitated, by the Resident, Captain + Knox, he paid a visit to the mountain-cave in which, according to + tradition, Ulysses deposited the presents of the Phæacians. "Lord + Byron (says Count Gamba) ascended to the grotto, but the + steepness and height prevented him from reaching the remains of + the Castle. I myself experienced considerable difficulty in + gaining it. Lord Byron sat reading in the grotto, but fell + asleep. I awoke him on my return, and he said that I had + interrupted dreams more pleasant than ever he had before in his + life." + </p> + <p> + Though unchanged, since he first visited these regions, in his + preference of the wild charms of Nature to all the classic + associations of Art and History, he yet joined with much interest + in any pilgrimage to those places which tradition had sanctified. + At the Fountain of Arethusa, one of the spots of this kind which + he visited, a repast had been prepared for himself and his party + by the Resident; and at the School of Homer,—as some + remains beyond Chioni are called,—he met with an old + refugee bishop, whom he had known thirteen years before in + Livadia, and with whom he now <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg074" id="pg074">074</a></span> conversed of those times, with + a rapidity and freshness of recollection with which the memory of + the old bishop could but ill keep pace. Neither did the + traditional Baths of Penelope escape his research; and "however + sceptical (says a lady, who, soon after, followed his footsteps,) + he might have been as to these supposed localities, he never + offended the natives by any objection to the reality of their + fancies. On the contrary, his politeness and kindness won the + respect and admiration of all those Greek gentlemen who saw him; + and to me they spoke of him with enthusiasm." + </p> + <p> + Those benevolent views by which, even more, perhaps, than by any + ambition of renown, he proved himself to be actuated in his + present course, had, during his short stay at Ithaca, + opportunities of disclosing themselves. On learning that a number + of poor families had fled thither from Scio, Patras, and other + parts of Greece, he not only presented to the Commandant three + thousand piastres for their relief, but by his generosity to one + family in particular, which had once been in a state of affluence + at Patras, enabled them to repair their circumstances and again + live in comfort. "The eldest girl (says the lady whom I have + already quoted) became afterwards the mistress of the school + formed at Ithaca; and neither she, her sister, nor mother, could + ever speak of Lord Byron without the deepest feeling of + gratitude, and of regret for his too premature death." + </p> + <p> + After occupying in this excursion about eight days, he had again + established himself on board the Hercules, when one of the + messengers whom he had <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg075" id= + "pg075">075</a></span> despatched returned, bringing a letter to + him from the brave Marco Botzari, whom he had left among the + mountains of Agrafa, preparing for that attack in which he so + gloriously fell. The following are the terms in which this heroic + chief wrote to Lord Byron:— + </p> + <p> + "Your letter, and that of the venerable Ignazio, have filled me + with joy. Your Excellency is exactly the person of whom we stand + in need. Let nothing prevent you from coming into this part of + Greece. The enemy threatens us in great number; but, by the help + of God and your Excellency, they shall meet a suitable + resistance. I shall have something to do to-night against a corps + of six or seven thousand Albanians, encamped close to this place. + The day after to-morrow I will set out with a few chosen + companions, to meet your Excellency. Do not delay. I thank you + for the good opinion you have of my fellow-citizens, which God + grant you will not find ill-founded; and I thank you still more + for the care you have so kindly taken of them. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "Believe me," &c. + </p> + <p> + In the expectation that Lord Byron would proceed forthwith to + Missolonghi, it had been the intention of Botzari, as the above + letter announces, to leave the army, and hasten, with a few of + his brother warriors, to receive their noble ally on his landing + in a manner worthy of the generous mission on which he came. The + above letter, however, preceded but by a few hours his death. + That very night he penetrated, <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg076" id="pg076">076</a></span> with but a handful of + followers, into the midst of the enemy's camp, whose force was + eight thousand strong, and after leading his heroic band over + heaps of dead, fell, at last, close to the tent of the Pasha + himself. + </p> + <p> + The mention made in this brave Suliote's letter of Lord Byron's + care of his fellow-citizens refers to a popular act done recently + by the noble poet at Cephalonia, in taking into his pay, as a + body-guard, forty of this now homeless tribe. On finding, + however, that for want of employment they were becoming restless + and turbulent, he despatched them off soon after, armed and + provisioned, to join in the defence of Missolonghi, which was at + that time besieged on one side by a considerable force, and + blockaded on the other by a Turkish squadron. Already had he, + with a view to the succour of this place, made a generous offer + to the Government, which he thus states himself in one of his + letters:—"I offered to advance a thousand dollars a month + for the succour of Missolonghi, and the Suliotes under Botzari + (since killed); but the Government have answered me, that they + wish to confer with me previously, which is in fact saying they + wish me to expend my money in some other direction. I will take + care that it is for the public cause, otherwise I will not + advance a para. The opposition say they want to cajole me, and + the party in power say the others wish to seduce me, so between + the two I have a difficult part to play; however, I will have + nothing to do with the factions unless to reconcile them if + possible." <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg077" id= + "pg077">077</a></span> + </p> + <p> + In these last few sentences is described briefly the position in + which Lord Byron was now placed, and in which the coolness, + foresight, and self-possession he displayed sufficiently refute + the notion that even the highest powers of imagination, whatever + effect they may sometimes produce on the moral temperament, are + at all incompatible with the sound practical good sense, the + steadily balanced views, which the business of active life + requires. + </p> + <p> + The great difficulty, to an observer of the state of Greece at + this crisis, was to be able clearly to distinguish between what + was real and what was merely apparent in those tests by which the + probability of her future success or failure was to be judged. + With a Government little more than nominal, having neither + authority nor resources, its executive and legislative branches + being openly at variance, and the supplies that ought to fill its + exchequer being intercepted by the military Chiefs, who, as they + were, in most places, collectors of the revenue, were able to rob + by authority;—with that curse of all popular enterprises, a + multiplicity of leaders, each selfishly pursuing his own objects, + and ready to make the sword the umpire of their + claims;—with a fleet furnished by private adventure, and + therefore precarious; and an army belonging rather to its Chiefs + than to the Government, and, accordingly, trusting more to + plunder than to pay;—with all these principles of mischief, + and, as it would seem, ruin at the very heart of the struggle, it + had yet persevered, which was in itself victory, through three + trying campaigns; and at this moment presented, <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg078" id="pg078">078</a></span> in the midst + of all its apparent weakness and distraction, some elements of + success which both accounted for what had hitherto been effected, + and gave a hope, with more favouring circumstances, of something + nobler yet to come. + </p> + <p> + Besides the never-failing encouragement which the incapacity of + their enemies afforded them, the Greeks derived also from the + geographical conformation of their country those same advantages + with which nature had blessed their great ancestors, and which + had contributed mainly perhaps to the formation, as well as + maintenance, of their high national character. Islanders and + mountaineers, they were, by their very position, heirs to the + blessings of freedom and commerce; nor had the spirit of either, + through all their long slavery and sufferings, ever wholly died + away. They had also, luckily, in a political as well as religious + point of view, preserved that sacred line of distinction between + themselves and their conquerors which a fond fidelity to an + ancient church could alone have maintained for + them;—keeping thus holily in reserve, against the hour of + struggle, that most stirring of all the excitements to which + Freedom can appeal when she points to her flame rising out of the + censer of Religion. In addition to these, and all the other moral + advantages included in them, for which the Greeks were indebted + to their own nature and position, is to be taken also into + account the aid and sympathy they had every right to expect from + others, as soon as their exertions in their own cause should + justify the confidence that it would be something <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg079" id="pg079">079</a></span> more than the + mere chivalry of generosity to assist them.<span class= + "fnref">[1]</span> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: For a clear and concise sketch of the state of + Greece at this crisis, executed with all that command of the + subject which a long residence in the country alone could give, + see Colonel Leake's "Historical Outline of the Greek + Revolution."] + </p> + </div> + <p> + Such seem to have been the chief features of hope which the state + of Greece, at this moment, presented. But though giving promise, + perhaps, of a lengthened continuance of the struggle, they, in + that very promise, postponed indefinitely the period of its + success; and checked and counteracted as were these auspicious + appearances by the manifold and inherent evils above + enumerated,—by a consideration, too, of the resources and + obstinacy of the still powerful Turk, and of the little favour + with which it was at all probable that the Courts of Europe would + ever regard the attempt of any people, under any circumstances, + to be their own emancipators,—none, assuredly, but a most + sanguine spirit could indulge in the dream that Greece would be + able to work out her own liberation, or that aught, indeed, but a + fortuitous concurrence of political circumstances could ever + accomplish it. Like many other such contests between right and + might, it was a cause destined, all felt, to be successful, but + at its own ripe hour;—a cause which individuals might keep + alive, but which events, wholly independent of them, alone could + accomplish, and which, after the hearts, and hopes, and lives of + all its bravest defenders had been wasted upon it, would at last + to other hands, and <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg080" id= + "pg080">080</a></span> even to other means than those + contemplated by its first champions, owe its completion. + </p> + <p> + That Lord Byron, on a nearer view of the state of Greece, saw it + much in the light I have here regarded it in, his letters leave + no room to doubt. Neither was the impression he had early + received of the Greeks themselves at all improved by the present + renewal of his acquaintance with them. Though making full + allowance for the causes that had produced their degeneracy, he + still saw that they were grossly degenerate, and must be dealt + with and counted upon accordingly. "I am of St. Paul's opinion," + said he, "that there is no difference between Jews and + Greeks,—the character of both being equally vile." With + such means and materials, the work of regeneration, he knew, must + be slow; and the hopelessness he therefore felt as to the chances + of ever connecting his name with any essential or permanent + benefit to Greece, gives to the sacrifice he now made of himself + a far more touching interest than had the consciousness of dying + for some great object been at once his incitement and reward. He + but looked upon himself,—to use a favourite illustration of + his own,—as one of the many waves that must break and die + upon the shore, before the tide they help to advance can reach + its full mark. "What signifies Self," was his generous thought, + "if a single spark of that which would be worthy of the past can + be bequeathed unquenchedly to the future?"<span class= + "fnref">[1]</span> Such <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg081" id= + "pg081">081</a></span> was the devoted feeling with which he + embarked in the cause of Italy; and these words, which, had they + remained <i>only</i> words, the unjust world would have + pronounced but an idle boast, have now received from his whole + course in Greece a practical comment, which gives them all the + right of truth to be engraved solemnly on his tomb. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: <i>Diary of</i> 1821.—The same distrustful + and, as it turned out, just view of the chances of success were + taken by him also on that occasion:—"I shall not," he + says, "fall back;—though I don't think them in force or + heart sufficient to make much of it."] + </p> + </div> + <p> + Though with so little hope of being able to serve signally the + cause, the task of at least lightening, by his interposition, + some of the manifold mischiefs that pressed upon it, might yet, + he thought, be within his reach. To convince the Government and + the Chiefs of the paralysing effect of their + dissensions;—to inculcate that spirit of union among + themselves which alone could give strength against their + enemies;—to endeavour to humanise the feelings of the + belligerents on both sides, so as to take from the war that + character of barbarism which deterred the more civilised friends + of freedom through Europe from joining in it;—such were, in + addition to the now essential aid of his money, the great objects + which he proposed to effect by his interference; and to these he + accordingly, with all the candour, clear-sightedness, and courage + which so pre-eminently distinguished his great mind, applied + himself. + </p> + <p> + Aware that, to judge deliberately of the state of parties, he + must keep out of their vortex, and warned, by the very impatience + and rivalry with which the <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg082" + id="pg082">082</a></span> different chiefs courted his presence, + of the risk he should run by connecting himself with any, he + resolved to remain, for some time longer, in his station at + Cephalonia, and there avail himself of the facilities afforded by + the position for collecting information as to the real state of + affairs, and ascertaining in what quarter his own presence and + money would be most available. During the six weeks that had + elapsed since his arrival at Cephalonia, he had been living in + the most comfortless manner, pent up with pigs and poultry, on + board the vessel which brought him. Having now come, however, to + the determination of prolonging his stay, he decided also upon + fixing his abode on shore; and, for the sake of privacy, retired + to a small village, called Metaxata, about seven miles from + Argostoli, where he continued to reside during the remainder of + his stay on the island. + </p> + <p> + Before this change of residence, he had despatched Mr. Hamilton + Browne and Mr. Trelawney with a letter to the existing Government + of Greece, explanatory of his own views and those of the + Committee whom he represented; and it was not till a month after + his removal to Metaxata that intelligence from these gentlemen + reached him. The picture they gave of the state of the country + was, in most respects, confirmatory of what has already been + described as his own view of it;—incapacity and selfishness + at the head of affairs, disorganisation throughout the whole body + politic, but still, with all this, the heart of the nation sound, + and bent on resistance. Nor could he have failed to be struck + with <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg083" id= + "pg083">083</a></span> the close family resemblance to the + ancient race of the country which this picture + exhibited;—that great people, in the very midst of their + own endless dissensions, having been ever ready to face round in + concert against the foe. + </p> + <p> + His Lordship's agents had been received with all due welcome by + the Government, who were most desirous that he should set out for + the Morea without delay; and pressing letters to the same + purport, both from the Legislative and Executive bodies, + accompanied those which reached him from Messrs. Browne and + Trelawney. He was, however, determined not to move till his own + selected time, having seen reason, the farther insight he + obtained into their intrigues, to congratulate himself but the + more on his prudence in not plunging into the maze without being + first furnished with those guards against deception which the + information he was now acquiring supplied him. + </p> + <p> + To give an idea, as briefly as possible, of the sort of + conflicting calls that were from various scenes of action, + reaching him in his retirement, it may be sufficient to mention + that, while by Metaxa, the present governor of Missolonghi, he + was entreated earnestly to hasten to the relief of that place, + which the Turks were now blockading both by land and by sea, the + head of the military chiefs, Colocotroni, was no less earnestly + urging that he should present himself at the approaching congress + of Salamis, where, under the dictation of these rude warriors, + the affairs of the country were to be settled,—while at the + same time, from another quarter, the great opponent of + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg084" id="pg084">084</a></span> + these chieftains, Mavrocordato, was, with more urgency, as well + as more ability than any, endeavouring to impress upon him his + own views, and imploring his presence at Hydra, whither he + himself had just been forced to retire. + </p> + <p> + The mere knowledge, indeed, that a noble Englishman had arrived + in those regions, so unprepossessed by any party as to inspire a + hope of his alliance in all, and with money, by common rumour, as + abundant as the imaginations of the needy chose to make it, was, + in itself, fully sufficient, without any of the more elevated + claims of his name, to attract towards him all thoughts. "It is + easier to conceive," says Count Gamba, "than to relate the + various means employed to engage him in one faction or the other: + letters, messengers, intrigues, and recriminations,—nay, + each faction had its agents exerting every art to degrade its + opponent." He then adds a circumstance strongly illustrative of a + peculiar feature in the noble poet's character:—"He + occupied himself in discovering the truth, hidden as it was under + these intrigues, and <i>amused himself in confronting the agents + of the different factions."</i> + </p> + <p> + During all these occupations he went on pursuing his usual simple + and uniform course of life,—rising, however, for the + despatch of business, at an early hour, which showed how capable + he was of conquering even long habit when necessary. Though so + much occupied, too, he was, at all hours, accessible to visitors; + and the facility with which he allowed even the dullest people to + break in upon him was exemplified, <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg085" id="pg085">085</a></span> I am told, strongly in the case + of one of the officers of the garrison, who, without being able + to understand any thing of the poet but his good-nature, used to + say, whenever he found his time hang heavily on his + hands,—"I think I shall ride out and have a little talk + with Lord Byron." + </p> + <p> + The person, however, whose visits appeared to give him most + pleasure, as well from the interest he took in the subject on + which they chiefly conversed, as from the opportunities, + sometimes, of pleasantry which the peculiarities of his visiter + afforded him, was a medical gentleman named Kennedy, who, from a + strong sense of the value of religion to himself, had taken up + the benevolent task of communicating his own light to others. The + first origin of their intercourse was an undertaking, on the part + of this gentleman, to convert to a firm belief in Christianity + some rather sceptical friends of his, then at Argostoli. + Happening to hear of the meeting appointed for this purpose, Lord + Byron begged that he might be allowed to attend, saying to the + person through whom he conveyed his request, "You know I am + reckoned a black sheep,—yet, after all, not so black as the + world believes me." He had promised to convince Dr. Kennedy that, + "though wanting, perhaps, in faith, he at least had patience:" + but the process of so many hours of lecture,—no less than + twelve, without interruption, being stipulated for,—was a + trial beyond his strength; and, very early in the operation, as + the Doctor informs us, he began to show evident signs of a wish + to exchange the part of hearer for that of speaker. + Notwithstanding <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg086" id= + "pg086">086</a></span> this, however, there was in all his + deportment, both as listener and talker, such a degree of + courtesy, candour, and sincere readiness to be taught, as excited + interest, if not hope, for his future welfare in the good Doctor; + and though he never after attended the more numerous meetings, + his conferences, on the same subject, with Dr. Kennedy alone, + were not infrequent during the remainder of his stay at + Cephalonia. + </p> + <p> + These curious conversations are now published; and to the value + which they possess as a simple and popular exposition of the + chief evidences of Christianity, is added the charm that must + ever dwell round the character of one of the interlocutors, and + the almost fearful interest attached to every word that, on such + a subject, he utters. In the course of the first conversation, it + will be seen that Lord Byron expressly disclaimed being one of + those infidels "who deny the Scriptures, and wish to remain in + unbelief." On the contrary, he professed himself "desirous to + believe; as he experienced no happiness in having his religious + opinions so unfixed." He was unable, however, he added, "to + understand the Scriptures. Those who conscientiously believed + them he could always respect, and was always disposed to trust in + them more than in others; but he had met with so many whose + conduct differed from the principles which they professed, and + who seemed to profess those principles either because they were + paid to do so, or from some other motive which an intimate + acquaintance with their character would enable one to detect, + that altogether he had seen <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg087" + id="pg087">087</a></span> few, if any, whom he could rely upon as + truly and conscientiously believing the Scriptures." + </p> + <p> + We may take for granted that these Conversations,—more + especially the first, from the number of persons present who + would report the proceedings,—excited considerable interest + among the society of Argostoli. It was said that Lord Byron had + displayed such a profound knowledge of the Scriptures as + astonished, and even puzzled, the polemic Doctor; while in all + the eminent writers on theological subjects he had shown himself + far better versed than his more pretending opponent. All this Dr. + Kennedy strongly denies; and the truth seems to be, that on + neither side were there much stores of theological learning. The + confession of the lecturer himself, that he had not read the + works of Stillingfleet or Barrow, shows that, in his researches + after orthodoxy, he had not allowed himself any very extensive + range; while the alleged familiarity of Lord Byron with the same + authorities must be taken with a similar abatement of credence + and wonder to that which his own account of his youthful studies, + already given, requires;—a rapid eye and retentive memory + having enabled him, on this as on most other subjects, to catch, + as it were, the salient points on the surface of knowledge, and + the recollections he thus gathered being, perhaps, the livelier + from his not having encumbered himself with more. To any regular + train of reasoning, even on this his most favourite topic, it was + not possible to lead him. He would start objections to the + arguments of others, and detect their fallacies; but of + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg088" id="pg088">088</a></span> + any consecutive ratiocination on his own side he seemed, if not + incapable, impatient. In this, indeed, as in many other + peculiarities belonging to him,—his caprices, fits of + weeping, sudden affections and dislikes,—may be observed + striking traces of a feminine cast of character;—it being + observable that the discursive faculty is rarely exercised by + women; but that nevertheless, by the mere instinct of truth (as + was the case with Lord Byron), they are often enabled at once to + light upon the very conclusion to which man, through all the + forms of reasoning, is, in the mean time, puzzling, and, perhaps, + losing his way:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "And strikes each point with native force of mind, + </p> + <p> + While puzzled logic blunders far behind." + </p> + </div> + <p> + Of the Scriptures, it is certain that Lord Byron was a frequent + and almost daily reader,—the small pocket Bible which, on + his leaving England, had been given him by his sister, being + always near him. How much, in addition to his natural solicitude + on the subject of religion, the taste of the poet influenced him + in this line of study, may be seen in his frequently expressed + admiration of "the ghost-scene," as he called it, in Samuel, and + his comparison of this supernatural appearance with the + Mephistopheles of Goethe. In the same manner, his imagination + appears to have been much struck by the notion of his lecturer, + that the circumstance mentioned in Job of the Almighty summoning + Satan into his presence was to be interpreted, not, as he + thought, allegorically and poetically, but literally. More than + once we find him expressing to Dr. Kennedy "how much this + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg089" id="pg089">089</a></span> + belief of the real appearance of Satan to hear and obey the + commands of God added to his views of the grandeur and majesty of + the Creator." + </p> + <p> + On the whole, the interest of these Conversations, as far as + regards Lord Byron, arises not so much from any new or certain + lights they supply us with on the subject of his religious + opinions, as from the evidence they afford of his amiable + facility of intercourse, the total absence of bigotry or + prejudice from even his most favourite notions, and—what + may be accounted, perhaps, the next step in conversion to belief + itself—his disposition to believe. As far, indeed, as a + frank submission to the charge of being wrong may be supposed to + imply an advance on the road to being right, few persons, it must + be acknowledged, under a process of proselytism, ever showed more + of this desired symptom of change than Lord Byron. "I own," says + a witness to one of these conversations<span class= + "fnref">[1]</span>, "I felt astonished to hear Lord Byron submit + to lectures on his life, his vanity, and the uselessness of his + talents, which made me stare." + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: Mr. Finlay.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + As most persons will be tempted to refer to the work itself, + there are but one or two other opinions of his Lordship recorded + in it which I shall think necessary to notice here. A frequent + question of his to Dr. Kennedy was,—"What, then, you think + me in a very bad way?"—the usual answer to which being in + the affirmative, he, on one occasion, replied,—"I am now, + however, in a fairer way. I <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg090" + id="pg090">090</a></span> already believe in predestination, + which I know you believe, and in the depravity of the human heart + in general, and of my own in particular:—thus you see there + are two points in which we agree. I shall get at the others by + and by; but you cannot expect me to become a perfect Christian at + once." On the subject of Dr. Southwood's amiable and, it is to be + hoped for the sake of Christianity and the human race, + <i>orthodox</i> work on "The Divine Government," he thus + spoke:—"I cannot decide the point; but to my present + apprehension it would be a most desirable thing could it be + proved, that ultimately all created beings were to be happy. This + would appear to be most consistent with God, whose power is + omnipotent, and whose chief attribute is Love. I cannot yield to + your doctrine of the eternal duration of punishment. This + author's opinion is more humane, and I think he supports it very + strongly from Scripture." + </p> + <p> + I shall now insert, with such explanatory remarks as they may + seem to require, some of the letters, official as well as + private, which his Lordship wrote while at Cephalonia; and from + which the reader may collect, in a manner far more interesting + than through the medium of any narrative, a knowledge both of the + events now passing in Greece, and of the views and feelings with + which they were regarded by Lord Byron. + </p> + <p> + To Madame Guiccioli he wrote frequently, but briefly, and, for + the first time, in English; adding always a few lines in her + brother Pietro's letters to her. The following are extracts. + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg091" id="pg091">091</a></span> + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="quotdate"> + "October 7. + </p> + <p> + "Pietro has told you all the gossip of the island,—our + earthquakes, our politics, and present abode in a pretty village. + As his opinions and mine on the Greeks are nearly similar, I need + say little on that subject. I was a fool to come here; but, being + here, I must see what is to be done." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="quotdate"> + "October ——. + </p> + <p> + "We are still in Cephalonia, waiting for news of a more accurate + description; for all is contradiction and division in the reports + of the state of the Greeks. I shall fulfil the object of my + mission from the Committee, and then return into Italy; for it + does not seem likely that, as an individual, I can be of use to + them;—at least no other foreigner has yet appeared to be + so, nor does it seem likely that any will be at present. + </p> + <p> + "Pray be as cheerful and tranquil as you can; and be assured that + there is nothing here that can excite any thing but a wish to be + with you again,—though we are very kindly treated by the + English here of all descriptions. Of the Greeks, I can't say much + good hitherto, and I do not like to speak ill of them, though + they do of one another." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="quotdate"> + "October 29. + </p> + <p> + "You may be sure that the moment I can join you again, will be as + welcome to me as at any period of our recollection. There is + nothing very attractive here to divide my attention; but I must + attend to the Greek cause, both from honour and inclination. + Messrs. B. and T. are both in the Morea, where they have been + very well received, and both of them write <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg092" id="pg092">092</a></span> in good + spirits and hopes. I am anxious to hear how the Spanish cause + will be arranged, as I think it may have an influence on the + Greek contest. I wish that both were fairly and favourably + settled, that I might return to Italy, and talk over with you + <i>our</i>, or rather Pietro's adventures, some of which are + rather amusing, as also some of the incidents of our voyages and + travels. But I reserve them, in the hope that we may laugh over + them together at no very distant period." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 525. TO MR. BOWRING. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "9bre 29. 1823. + </p> + <p> + "This letter will be presented to you by Mr. Hamilton Browne, who + precedes or accompanies the Greek deputies. He is both capable + and desirous of rendering any service to the cause, and + information to the Committee. He has already been of considerable + advantage to both, of my own knowledge. Lord Archibald Hamilton, + to whom he is related, will add a weightier recommendation than + mine. + </p> + <p> + "Corinth is taken, and a Turkish squadron said to be beaten in + the Archipelago. The public progress of the Greeks is + considerable, but their internal dissensions still continue. On + arriving at the seat of Government, I shall endeavour to mitigate + or extinguish them—though neither is an easy task. I have + remained here till now, partly in expectation of the squadron in + relief of Missolonghi, partly of Mr. Parry's detachment, and + partly to receive from <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg093" id= + "pg093">093</a></span> Malta or Zante the sum of four thousand + pounds sterling, which I have advanced for the payment of the + expected squadron. The bills are negotiating, and will be cashed + in a short time, as they would have been immediately in any other + mart; but the miserable Ionian merchants have little money, and + no great credit, and are besides <i>politically shy</i> on this + occasion; for although I had letters of Messrs. Webb (one of the + strongest houses of the Mediterranean), and also of Messrs. + Ransom, there is no business to be done on <i>fair</i> terms + except through English merchants. These, however, have proved + both able and willing,—and upright as usual.<span class= + "fnref">[1]</span> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: The English merchants whom he thus so justly + describes, are Messrs. Barff and Hancock, of Zante, whose + conduct, not only in the instance of Lord Byron, but throughout + the whole Greek struggle, has been uniformly most zealous and + disinterested.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + "Colonel Stanhope has arrived, and will proceed immediately; he + shall have my co-operation in all his endeavours: but, from every + thing that I can learn, the formation of a brigade at present + will be extremely difficult, to say the least of it. With regard + to the reception of foreigners,—at least of foreign + officers,—I refer you to a passage in Prince Mavrocordato's + recent letter, a copy of which is enclosed in my packet sent to + the Deputies. It is my intention to proceed by sea to Napoli di + Romania as soon as I have arranged this business for the Greeks + themselves—I mean the advance of two hundred thousand + piastres for their fleet. + </p> + <p> + "My time here has not been entirely lost,—as <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg094" id="pg094">094</a></span> you will + perceive by some former documents that any advantage from my + <i>then</i> proceeding to the Morea was doubtful. We have at last + moved the Deputies, and I have made a strong remonstrance on + their divisions to Mavrocordato, which, I understand, was + forwarded by the Legislative to the Prince. With a loan they + <i>may</i> do much, which is all that <i>I</i>, for particular + reasons, can say on the subject. + </p> + <p> + "I regret to hear from Colonel Stanhope that the Committee have + exhausted their funds. Is it supposed that a brigade can be + formed without them? or that three thousand pounds would be + sufficient? It is true that money will go farther in Greece than + in most countries; but the regular force must be rendered a + <i>national concern</i>, and paid from a national fund; and + neither individuals nor committees, at least with the usual means + of such as now exist, will find the experiment practicable. + </p> + <p> + "I beg once more to recommend my friend, Mr. Hamilton Browne, to + whom I have also personal obligations, for his exertions in the + common cause, and have the honour to be + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "Yours very truly." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + His remonstrance to Prince Mavrocordato, here mentioned, was + accompanied by another, addressed to the existing Government; and + Colonel Stanhope, who was about to proceed to Napoli and Argos, + was made the bearer of both. The wise and noble spirit that + pervades these two papers must, of itself, without any further + comment, be appreciated by all readers.<span class= + "fnref">[1]</span> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: The originals of both are in Italian.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg095" id="pg095">095</a></span> + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 526. + </h3> + <p> + TO THE GENERAL GOVERNMENT OF GREECE. + </p> + <p class="quotdate"> + "Cephalonia, November 30. 1823. + </p> + <p> + "The affair of the Loan, the expectations so long and vainly + indulged of the arrival of the Greek fleet, and the danger to + which Missolonghi is still exposed, have detained me here, and + will still detain me till some of them are removed. But when the + money shall be advanced for the fleet, I will start for the + Morea; not knowing, however, of what use my presence can be in + the present state of things. We have heard some rumours of new + dissensions, nay, of the existence of a civil war. With all my + heart I pray that these reports may be false or exaggerated, for + I can imagine no calamity more serious than this; and I must + frankly confess, that unless union and order are established, all + hopes of a Loan will be vain; and all the assistance which the + Greeks could expect from abroad—an assistance neither + trifling nor worthless—will be suspended or destroyed; and, + what is worse, the great powers of Europe, of whom no one was an + enemy to Greece, but seemed to favour her establishment of an + independent power, will be persuaded that the Greeks are unable + to govern themselves, and will, perhaps, themselves undertake to + settle your disorders in such a way as to blast the brightest + hopes of yourselves and of your friends. + </p> + <p> + "Allow me to add, once for all,—I desire the well-being of + Greece, and nothing else; I will do all I can to secure it; but I + cannot consent, I never will <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg096" id="pg096">096</a></span> consent, that the English + public, or English individuals, should be deceived as to the real + state of Greek affairs. The rest, Gentlemen, depends on you. You + have fought gloriously;—act honourably towards your + fellow-citizens and the world, and it will then no more be said, + as has been repeated for two thousand years with the Roman + historians, that Philopoemen was the last of the Grecians. Let + not calumny itself (and it is difficult, I own, to guard against + it in so arduous a struggle,) compare the patriot Greek, when + resting from his labours, to the Turkish pacha, whom his + victories have exterminated. + </p> + <p> + "I pray you to accept these my sentiments as a sincere proof of + my attachment to your real interests, and to believe that I am + and always shall be + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "Yours," &c. + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 527. TO PRINCE MAVROCORDATO. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "Cephalonia, Dec. 2. 1823. + </p> + <p> + "Prince, + </p> + <p> + "The present will be put into your hands by Colonel Stanhope, son + of Major-General the Earl of Harrington, &c. &c. He has + arrived from London in fifty days, after having visited all the + Committees of Germany. He is charged by our Committee to act in + concert with me for the liberation of Greece. I conceive that his + name and his mission will be a sufficient recommendation, without + the necessity of any other from a foreigner, although one who, in + common with all Europe, respects and admires the <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg097" id="pg097">097</a></span> courage, the + talents, and, above all, the probity of Prince Mavrocordato. + </p> + <p> + "I am very uneasy at hearing that the dissensions of Greece still + continue, and at a moment when she might triumph over every thing + in general, as she has already triumphed in part. Greece is, at + present, placed between three measures: either to reconquer her + liberty, to become a dependence of the sovereigns of Europe, or + to return to a Turkish province. She has the choice only of these + three alternatives. Civil war is but a road which leads to the + two latter. If she is desirous of the fate of Walachia and the + Crimea, she may obtain it to-morrow; if of that of Italy, the day + after; but if she wishes to become truly Greece, free and + independent, she must resolve to-day, or she will never again + have the opportunity. + </p> + <p> + "I am, with all respect, + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "Your Highness's obedient servant, + <br /> + "N. B. + </p> + <p> + "P.S. Your Highness will already have known that I have sought to + fulfil the wishes of the Greek government, as much as it lay in + my power to do so: but I should wish that the fleet so long and + so vainly expected were arrived, or, at least, that it were on + the way; and especially that your Highness should approach these + parts, either on board the fleet, with a public mission, or in + some other manner." <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg098" id= + "pg098">098</a></span> + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 528. TO MR. BOWRING. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "10bre 7. 1823. + </p> + <p> + "I confirm the above<span class="fnref">[1]</span>: it is + certainly my opinion that Mr. Millingen is entitled to the same + salary with Mr. Tindall, and his service is likely to be harder. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: He here alludes to a letter, forwarded with his + own, from Mr. Millingen, who was about to join, in his medical + capacity, the Suliotes, near Fatras, and requested of the + Committee an increase of pay. This gentleman, having mentioned + in his letter "that the retreat of the Turks from before + Missolonghi had rendered unnecessary the appearance of the + Greek fleet," Lord Byron, in a note on this passage, says, "By + the special providence of the Deity, the Mussulmans were seized + with a panic, and fled; but no thanks to the fleet, which ought + to have been here months ago, and has no excuse to the + contrary, lately—at least since I had the money ready to + pay." + </p> + <p> + On another passage, in which Mr. Millingen complains that his + hope of any remuneration from the Greeks has "turned out + perfectly chimerical," Lord Byron remarks, in a note, "and + <i>will</i> do so, till they obtain a loan. They have not a + rap, nor credit (in the islands) to raise one. A medical man + may succeed better than others; but all these penniless + officers had better have stayed at home. Much money may not be + required, but some must."] + </p> + </div> + <p> + "I have written to you (as to Mr. Hobhouse <i>for</i> your + perusal) by various opportunities, mostly private; also by the + Deputies, and by Mr. Hamilton Browne. + </p> + <p> + "The public success of the Greeks has been + considerable,—Corinth taken, Missolonghi nearly safe, and + some ships in the Archipelago taken from the <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg099" id="pg099">099</a></span> Turks; but + there is not only dissension in the Morea, but <i>civil war</i>, + by the latest accounts<span class="fnref">[1]</span>; to what + extent we do not yet know, but hope trifling. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: The Legislative and Executive bodies having been + for some time at variance, the latter had at length resorted to + violence, and some skirmishes had already taken place between + the factions.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + "For six weeks I have been expecting the fleet, <i>which has not + arrived</i>, though I have, at the request of the Greek + Government, advanced—that is, prepared, and have in hand + two hundred thousand piastres (deducting the commission and + bankers' charges) of my own monies to forward their projects. The + Suliotes (now in Acarnania) are very anxious that I should take + them under my directions, and go over and put things to rights in + the Morea, which, without a force, seems impracticable; and, + really, though very reluctant (as my letters will have shown you) + to take such a measure, there seems hardly any milder remedy. + However, I will not do any thing rashly, and have only continued + here so long in the hope of seeing things reconciled, and have + done all in my power thereto. Had <i>I gone sooner, they would + have forced me into one party or other</i>, and I doubt as much + now; but we will do our best. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "Yours," &c. + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 529. TO MR. BOWRING. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "October 10. 1823. + </p> + <p> + "Colonel Napier will present to you this letter. Of his military + character it were superfluous to speak: <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg100" id="pg100">100</a></span> of his + personal, I can say, from my own knowledge, as well as from all + public rumour or private report, that it is as excellent as his + military: in short, a better or a braver man is not easily to be + found. <i>He</i> is our man to lead a regular force, or to + organise a national one for the Greeks. Ask the army—ask + any one. He is besides a personal friend of both Prince + Mavrocordato, Colonel Stanhope, and myself, and in such concord + with all three that we should all pull together—an + indispensable, as well as a rare point, especially in Greece at + present. + </p> + <p> + "To enable a regular force to be properly organised, it will be + requisite for the loan-holders to set apart at least + 50,000<i>l</i>. sterling for that particular + purpose—perhaps more; but by so doing they will guarantee + their own monies, 'and make assurance doubly sure.' They can + appoint commissioners to see that part property + expended—and I recommend a similar precaution for the + whole. + </p> + <p> + "I hope that the deputies have arrived, as well as some of my + various despatches (chiefly addressed to Mr. Hobhouse) for the + Committee. Colonel Napier will tell you the recent special + interposition of the gods, in behalf of the Greeks—who seem + to have no enemies in heaven or on earth to be dreaded but their + own tendency to discord amongst themselves. But these, too, it is + to be hoped, will be mitigated, and then we can take the field on + the offensive, instead of being reduced to the <i>petite + guerre</i> of defending the same fortresses year after year, and + taking a few ships, and starving out a castle, and making more + fuss about them than Alexander in his cups, or <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg101" id="pg101">101</a></span> Buonaparte in + a bulletin. Our friends have done something in the way of the + <i>Spartans</i>—(though not one tenth of what is + told)—but have not yet inherited <i>their</i> style. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "Believe me yours," &c. + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 530 TO MR. BOWRING. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "October 13. 1823. + </p> + <p> + "Since I wrote to you on the 10th instant, the long-desired + squadron has arrived in the waters of Missolonghi and intercepted + two Turkish corvettes—ditto transports—destroying or + taking all four—except some of the crews escaped on shore + in Ithaca—and an unarmed vessel, with passengers, chased + into a port on the opposite side of Cephalonia. The Greeks had + fourteen sail, the Turks <i>four</i>—but the odds don't + matter—the victory will make a very good <i>puff</i>, and + be of some advantage besides. I expect momentarily advices from + Prince Mavrocordato, who is on board, and has (I understand) + despatches from the Legislative for me; in consequence of which, + after paying the squadron, (for which I have prepared, and am + preparing,) I shall probably join him at sea or on shore. + </p> + <p> + "I add the above communication to my letter by Col. Napier, who + will inform the Committee of every thing in detail much better + than I can do. + </p> + <p> + "The mathematical, medical, and musical preparations of the + Committee have arrived, and in good condition, abating some + damage from wet, and some ditto from a portion of the + letter-press <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg102" id= + "pg102">102</a></span> being spilt in landing—(I ought not + to have omitted the press—but forgot it a + moment—excuse the same)—they are excellent of their + kind, but till we have an engineer and a trumpeter (we have + chirurgeons already) mere 'pearls to swine,' as the Greeks are + quite ignorant of mathematics, and have a bad ear for <i>our</i> + music. The maps, &c. I will put into use for them, and take + care that <i>all</i> (with proper caution) are turned to the + intended uses of the Committee—but I refer you to Colonel + Napier, who will tell you, that much of your really valuable + supplies should be removed till proper persons arrive to adapt + them to actual service. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "Believe me, my dear Sir, to be, &c. + </p> + <p> + "P.S. <i>Private</i>—I have written to our friend Douglas + Kinnaird on my own matters, desiring him to send me out all the' + further credits I can command,—and I have a year's income, + and the sale of a manor besides, he tells me, before + me,—for till the Greeks get <i>their</i> Loan, it is + probable that I shall have to stand partly paymaster—as far + as I am 'good upon <i>Change</i>,' that is to say. I pray you to + repeat as much to <i>him</i>, and say that I must in the interim + draw on Messrs. Ransom most formidably. To say the truth, I do + not grudge it now the fellows have begun to fight + <i>again</i>—and still more welcome shall they be if they + will go on. But they have had, or are to have, some four thousand + pounds (besides some private extraordinaries for widows, orphans, + refugees, and rascals of all descriptions,) of mine at one + 'swoop;' and it is to be expected the next will be at least as + much more. And how can I refuse it <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg103" id="pg103">103</a></span> if they <i>will</i> + fight?—and especially if I should happen ever to be in + their company? I therefore request and require that you should + apprise my trusty and trust-worthy trustee and banker, and crown + and sheet-anchor, Douglas Kinnaird the Honourable, that he + prepare all monies of mine, including the purchase money of + Rochdale manor and mine income for the year ensuing, A.D. 1824, + to answer, or anticipate, any orders or drafts of mine for the + good cause, in good and lawful money of Great Britain, &c. + &c. May you live a thousand years I which is nine hundred and + ninety-nine longer than the Spanish Cortes' Constitution." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 531. + </h3> + <p> + TO THE HON. MR. DOUGLAS KINNAIRD. + </p> + <p class="quotdate"> + "Cephalonia, December 23. 1823. + </p> + <p> + "I shall be as saving of my purse and person as you recommend; + but you know that it is as well to be in readiness with one or + both, in the event of either being required. + </p> + <p> + "I presume that some agreement has been concluded with Mr. Murray + about 'Werner.' Although the copyright should only be worth two + or three hundred pounds, I will tell you what can be done with + them. For three hundred pounds I can maintain in Greece, at more + than the <i>fullest pay</i> of the Provisional Government, + rations included, one hundred armed men for <i>three months</i>. + You may judge of this when I tell you, that the four thousand + pounds advanced by me to the Greeks is likely to set a fleet and + an army in motion for some months. <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg104" id="pg104">104</a></span> + </p> + <p> + "A Greek vessel has arrived from the squadron to convey me to + Missolonghi, where Mavrocordato now is, and has assumed the + command, so that I expect to embark immediately. Still address, + however, to Cephalonia, through Messrs. Welch and Barry of Genoa, + as usual; and get together all the means and credit of mine you + can, to face the war establishment, for it is 'in for a penny, in + for a pound,' and I must do all that I can for the ancients. + </p> + <p> + "I have been labouring to reconcile these parties, and there is + <i>now</i> some hope of succeeding. Their public affairs go on + well. The Turks have retreated from Acarnania without a battle, + after a few fruitless attempts on Anatoliko. Corinth is taken, + and the Greeks have gained a battle in the Archipelago. The + squadron here, too, has taken a Turkish corvette with some money + and a cargo. In short, if they can obtain a Loan, I am of opinion + that matters will assume and preserve a steady and favourable + aspect for their independence. + </p> + <p> + "In the mean time I stand paymaster, and what not; and lucky it + is that, from the nature of the warfare and of the country, the + resources even of an individual can be of a partial and temporary + service. + </p> + <p> + "Colonel Stanhope is at Missolonghi. Probably we shall attempt + Patras next. The Suliotes, who are friends of mine, seem anxious + to have me with them, and so is Mavrocordato. If I can but + succeed in reconciling the two parties (and I have left no stone + unturned), it will be something; and if not, we roust go over to + the Morea with the Western Greeks—who <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg105" id="pg105">105</a></span> are the + bravest, and at present the strongest, having beaten back the + Turks—and try the effect of a little <i>physical</i> + advice, should they persist in rejecting <i>moral</i> persuasion. + </p> + <p> + "Once more recommending to you the reinforcement of my strong box + and credit from all lawful sources and resources of mine to their + practicable extent—for, after all, it is better playing at + nations than gaming at Almack's or Newmarket—and requesting + you to write to me as often as you can, + </p> + <p> + "I remain ever," &c. + </p> + <p> + The squadron, so long looked for, having made its appearance at + last in the waters of Missolonghi, and Mavrocordato, the only + leader of the cause worthy the name of statesman, having been + appointed, with full powers, to organise Western Greece, the fit + moment for Lord Byron's presence on the scene of action seemed to + have arrived. The anxiety, indeed, with which he was expected at + Missolonghi was intense, and can be best judged from the + impatient language of the letters written to hasten him. "I need + not tell you, my Lord," says Mavrocordato, "how much I long for + your arrival, to what a pitch your presence is desired by every + body, or what a prosperous direction it will give to all our + affairs. Your counsels will be listened to like oracles." Colonel + Stanhope, with the same urgency, writes from + Missolonghi,—"The Greek ship sent for your Lordship has + returned; your arrival was anticipated, and the disappointment + has been great indeed. The Prince is in a state of anxiety, the + Admiral <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg106" id= + "pg106">106</a></span> looks gloomy, and the sailors grumble + aloud." He adds at the end, "I walked along the streets this + evening, and the people asked me after Lord Byron !!!" In a + Letter to the London Committee of the same date, Colonel Stanhope + says, "All are looking forward to Lord Byron's arrival, as they + would to the coming of the Messiah." + </p> + <p> + Of this anxiety, no inconsiderable part is doubtless to be + attributed to their great impatience for the possession of the + loan which he had promised them, and on which they wholly + depended for the payment of the fleet—"Prince Mavrocordato + and the Admiral (says the same gentleman) are in a state of + extreme perplexity: they, it seems, relied on your loan for the + payment of the fleet; that loan not having been received, the + sailors will depart immediately. This will be a fatal event + indeed, as it will place Missolonghi in a state of blockade; and + will prevent the Greek troops from acting against the fortresses + of Nepacto and Patras." + </p> + <p> + In the mean time Lord Byron was preparing busily for his + departure, the postponement of which latterly had been, in a + great measure, owing to that repugnance to any new change of + place which had lately so much grown upon him, and which neither + love, as we have seen, nor ambition, could entirely conquer. + There had been also considerable pains taken by some of his + friends at Argostoli to prevent his fixing upon a place of + residence so unhealthy as Missolonghi; and Mr. Muir, a very able + medical officer, on whose talents he had much dependence, + endeavoured most earnestly to dissuade him from such an imprudent + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg107" id="pg107">107</a></span> + step. His mind, however, was made up,—the proximity of that + port, in some degree, tempting him,—and having hired, for + himself and suite, a light, fast-sailing vessel, called the + Mistico, with a boat for part of his baggage, and a larger vessel + for the remainder, the horses, &c. he was, on the 26th of + December, ready to sail. The wind, however, being contrary, he + was detained two days longer, and in this interval the following + letters were written. + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 532. TO MR. BOWRING. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "10bre 26. 1823. + </p> + <p> + "Little need be added to the enclosed, which arrived this day, + except that I embark to-morrow for Missolonghi. The intended + operations are detailed in the annexed documents. I have only to + request that the Committee will use every exertion to forward our + views by all its influence and credit. + </p> + <p> + "I have also to request you <i>personally</i> from myself to urge + my friend and trustee, Douglas Kinnaird (from whom I have not + heard these four months nearly), to forward to me all the + resources of my <i>own</i> we can muster for the ensuing year; + since it is no time to ménager <i>purse</i>, or, perhaps, + <i>person</i>. I have advanced, and am advancing, all that I have + in hand, but I shall require all that can be got + together;—and (if Douglas has completed the sale of + Rochdale, <i>that</i> and my year's income for next year ought to + form a good round sum,)—as you may perceive that there will + be little cash of their own amongst the Greeks (unless they get + the Loan), it is the more necessary <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg108" id="pg108">108</a></span> that those of + their friends who have any should risk it. + </p> + <p> + "The supplies of the Committee are, some, useful, and all + excellent in their kind, but occasionally hardly <i>practical</i> + enough, in the present state of Greece; for instance, the + mathematical instruments are thrown away—none of the Greeks + know a problem from a poker—we must conquer first, and plan + afterwards. The use of the trumpets, too, may be doubted, unless + Constantinople were Jericho, for the Helenists have no ears for + bugles, and you must send us somebody to listen to them. + </p> + <p> + "We will do our best—and I pray you to stir your English + hearts at home to more <i>general</i> exertion; for my part, I + will stick by the cause while a plank remains which can be + <i>honourably</i> clung to. If I quit it, it will be by the + Greeks' conduct, and not the Holy Allies or holier + Mussulmans—but let us hope better things. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "Ever yours, N. B. + </p> + <p> + "P.S. I am happy to say that Colonel Leicester Stanhope and + myself are acting in perfect harmony together—he is likely + to be of great service both to the cause and to the Committee, + and is publicly as well as personally a very valuable acquisition + to our party on every account. He came up (as they all do who + have not been in the country before) with some high-flown notions + of the sixth form at Harrow or Eton, &c.; but Col. Napier and + I set him to rights on those points, which is absolutely + necessary to prevent disgust, or perhaps return; but now we can + set our shoulders <i>soberly</i> to the <i>wheel</i>, without + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg109" id="pg109">109</a></span> + quarrelling with the mud which may clog it occasionally. + </p> + <p> + "I can assure you that Col. Napier and myself are as decided for + the cause as any German student of them all; but like men who + have seen the country and human life, there and elsewhere, we + must be permitted to view it in its truth, with its defects as + well as beauties,—more especially as success will remove + the former <i>gradually</i>. N. B. + </p> + <p> + "P.S. As much of this letter as you please is for the Committee, + the rest may be 'entre nous.'" + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 533. TO MR. MOORE. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "Cephalonia, December 27. 1823. + </p> + <p> + "I received a letter from you some time ago. I have been too much + employed latterly to write as I could wish, and even now must + write in haste. + </p> + <p> + "I embark for Missolonghi to join Mavrocordato in four-and-twenty + hours. The state of parties (but it were a long story) has kept + me here till <i>now</i>; but now that Mavrocordato (their + Washington, or their Kosciusko) is employed again, I can act with + a <i>safe conscience.</i> I carry money to pay the squadron, + &c., and I have influence with the Suliotes, <i>supposed</i> + sufficient to keep them in harmony with some of the + dissentients;—for there are plenty of differences, but + trifling. + </p> + <p> + "It is imagined that we shall attempt either Patras or the + castles on the Straits; and it seems, by most accounts, that the + Greeks, at any rate, the Suliotes, who are in affinity with me of + 'bread and <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg110" id= + "pg110">110</a></span> salt,'—expect that I should march + with them, and—be it even so! If any thing in the way of + fever, fatigue, famine, or otherwise, should cut short the middle + age of a brother warbler,—like Garcilasso de la Vega, + Kleist, Korner, Joukoffsky<span class="fnref">[1]</span> (a + Russian nightingale—see Bowring's Anthology), or + Thersander, or,—or somebody else—but never + mind—I pray you to remember me in your 'smiles and wine.' + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: One of the most celebrated of the living poets of + Russia, who fought at Borodino, and has commemorated that + battle in a poem of much celebrity among his countrymen.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + "I have hopes that the cause will triumph; but whether it does or + no, still 'honour must be minded as strictly as milk diet,' I + trust to observe both, + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "Ever," &c. + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + It is hardly necessary to direct the attention of the reader to + the sad, and but too true anticipation expressed in this + letter—the last but one I was ever to receive from my + friend. Before we accompany him to the closing scene of all his + toils, I shall here, as briefly as possible, give a selection + from the many characteristic anecdotes told of him, while at + Cephalonia, where (to use the words of Colonel Stanhope, in a + letter from thence to the Greek committee,) he was "beloved by + Cephalonians, by English, and by Greeks;" and where, approached + as he was familiarly by persons of all classes and countries, not + an action, not a word is recorded of him that does not bear + honourable testimony to the benevolence and soundness + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg111" id="pg111">111</a></span> + of his views, his ever ready but discriminating generosity, and + the clear insight, at once minute and comprehensive, which he had + acquired into the character and wants of the people and the cause + he came to serve. "Of all those who came to help the Greeks," + says Colonel Napier, (a person himself the most qualified to + judge, as well from long local knowledge, as from the acute, + straightforward cast of his own mind,) "I never knew one, except + Lord Byron and Mr. Gordon, that seemed to have justly estimated + their character. All came expecting to find the Peloponnesus + filled with Plutarch's men, and all returned thinking the + inhabitants of Newgate more moral. Lord Byron judged them fairly: + he knew that half-civilised men are full of vices, and that great + allowance must be made for emancipated slaves. He, therefore, + proceeded, bridle in hand, not thinking them good, but hoping to + make them better."<span class="fnref">[1]</span> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: A similar tribute was paid to him by Count + Delladecima, a gentleman of some literary acquirements, of whom + he saw a good deal at Cephalonia, and to whom he was attracted + by that sympathy which never failed to incline him towards + those who laboured, like himself, under any personal defects. + "Of all the men," said this gentleman, "whom I have had an + opportunity of conversing with, on the means of establishing + the independence of Greece, and regenerating the character of + the natives, Lord Byron appears to entertain the most + enlightened and correct views."] + </p> + </div> + <p> + In speaking of the foolish charge of avarice brought against Lord + Byron by some who resented thus his not suffering them to impose + on his generosity, <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg112" id= + "pg112">112</a></span> Colonel Napier says, "I never knew a + single instance of it while he was here. I saw only a judicious + generosity in all that he did. He would not allow himself to be + <i>robbed</i>, but he gave profusely where he thought he was + doing good. It was, indeed, because he would not allow himself to + be <i>fleeced</i>, that he was called stingy by those who are + always bent upon giving money from any purses but their own. Lord + Byron had no idea of this; and would turn sharply and + unexpectedly on those who thought their game sure. He gave a vast + deal of money to the Greeks in various ways." + </p> + <p> + Among the objects of his bounty in this way were many poor + refugee Greeks from the Continent and the Isles. He not only + relieved their present distresses, but allotted a certain sum + monthly to the most destitute. "A list of these poor pensioners," + says Dr. Kennedy, "was given me by the nephew of Professor + Bambas." + </p> + <p> + One of the instances mentioned of his humanity while at + Cephalonia will show how prompt he was at the call of that + feeling, and how unworthy, sometimes, were the objects of it. A + party of workmen employed upon one of those fine roads projected + by Colonel Napier having imprudently excavated a high bank, the + earth fell in, and overwhelmed nearly a dozen persons; the news + of which accident instantly reaching Metaxata, Lord Byron + despatched his physician Bruno to the spot, and followed with + Count Gamba, as soon as their horses could be saddled. They found + a crowd of women and children wailing round the ruins; while the + workmen, who had just dug out <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg113" id="pg113">113</a></span> three or four of their maimed + companions, stood resting themselves unconcernedly, as if nothing + more was required of them; and to Lord Byron's enquiry whether + there were not still some other persons below the earth, answered + coolly that "they did not know, but believed that there were." + Enraged at this brutal indifference, he sprang from his horse, + and seizing a spade himself, began to dig with all his strength; + but it was not till after being threatened with the horsewhip + that any of the peasants could be brought to follow his example. + "I was not present at this scene myself," says Colonel Napier, in + the Notices with which he has favoured me, "but was told that + Lord Byron's attention seemed quite absorbed in the study of the + faces and gesticulations of those whose friends were missing. The + sorrow of the Greeks is, in appearance, very frantic, and they + shriek and howl, as in Ireland. + </p> + <p> + It was in alluding to the above incident that the noble poet is + stated to have said that he had come out to the Islands + prejudiced against Sir T. Maitland's government of the Greeks: + "but," he added, "I have now changed my opinion. They are such + barbarians, that if I had the government of them, I would pave + these very roads with them." + </p> + <p> + While residing at Metaxata, he received an account of the illness + of his daughter Ada, which "made him anxious and melancholy (says + Count Gamba) for several days." Her indisposition he understood + to have been caused by a determination of blood to the head; and + on his remarking to Dr. Kennedy, as curious, that it was a + complaint to which <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg114" id= + "pg114">114</a></span> he himself was subject, the physician + replied, that he should have been inclined to infer so, not only + from his habits of intense and irregular study, but from the + present state of his eyes,—the right eye appearing to be + inflamed. I have mentioned this latter circumstance as perhaps + justifying the inference that there was in Lord Byron's state of + health at this moment a predisposition to the complaint of which + he afterwards died. To Dr. Kennedy he spoke frequently of his + wife and daughter, expressing the Strongest affection for the + latter, and respect towards the former, and while declaring as + usual his perfect ignorance of the causes of the separation, + professing himself fully disposed to welcome any prospect of + reconcilement. + </p> + <p> + The anxiety with which, at all periods of his life, but + particularly at the present, he sought to repel the notion that, + except when under the actual inspiration of writing, he was at + all influenced by poetical associations, very frequently + displayed itself. "You must have been highly gratified (said a + gentleman to him) by the classical remains and recollections + which you met with in your visit to Ithaca."—"You quite + mistake me," answered Lord Byron—"I have no poetical humbug + about me; I am too old for that. Ideas of that sort are confined + to rhyme." + </p> + <p> + For the two days during which he was delayed by contrary winds, + he took up his abode at the house of Mr. Hancock, his banker, and + passed the greater part of the time in company with the English + authorities of the Island. At length the wind becoming fair, he + prepared to embark. "I called upon him to take <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg115" id="pg115">115</a></span> leave," says + Dr. Kennedy, "and found him alone, reading Quentin Durward. He + was, as usual, in good spirits." In a few hours after the party + set sail,—Lord Byron himself on board the Mistico, and + Count Gamba, with the horses and heavy baggage, in the larger + vessel, or Bombarda. After touching at Zante, for the purpose of + some pecuniary arrangements with Mr. Barff, and taking on board a + considerable sum of money in specie, they, on the evening of the + 29th, proceeded towards Missolonghi. Their last accounts from + that place having represented the Turkish fleet as still in the + Gulf of Lepanto, there appeared not the slightest grounds for + apprehending any interruption in their passage. Besides, knowing + that the Greek squadron was now at anchorage near the entrance of + the Gulf, they had little doubt of soon falling in with some + friendly vessel, either in search, or waiting for them. + </p> + <p> + "We sailed together," says Count Gamba, in a highly picturesque + and affecting passage, "till after ten at night; the wind + favourable—a clear sky, the air fresh but not sharp. Our + sailors sang alternately patriotic songs, monotonous indeed, but + to persons in our situation extremely touching, and we took part + in them. We were all, but Lord Byron particularly, in excellent + spirits. The Mistico sailed the fastest. When the waves divided + us, and our voices could no longer reach each other, we made + signals by firing pistols and carabines—'To-morrow we meet + at Missolonghi—to-morrow.' Thus, full of confidence and + spirits, we sailed along. At twelve we were out of sight of each + other." <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg116" id= + "pg116">116</a></span> + </p> + <p> + In waiting for the other vessel, having more than once shortened + sail for that purpose, the party on board the Mistico were upon + the point of being surprised into an encounter which might, in a + moment, have changed the future fortunes of Lord Byron. Two or + three hours before daybreak, while steering towards Missolonghi, + they found themselves close under the stern of a large vessel, + which they at first took to be Greek, but which, when within + pistol shot, they discovered to be a Turkish frigate. By good + fortune, they were themselves, as it appears, mistaken for a + Greek brulot by the Turks, who therefore feared to fire, but with + loud shouts frequently hailed them, while those on board Lord + Byron's vessel maintained the most profound silence; and even the + dogs (as I have heard his Lordship's valet mention), though they + had never ceased to bark during the whole of the night, did not + utter, while within reach of the Turkish frigate, a + sound;—a no less lucky than a curious accident, as, from + the information the Turks had received of all the particulars of + his Lordship's departure from Zante, the harking of the dogs, at + that moment, would have been almost certain to betray him. Under + the favour of these circumstances, and the darkness, they were + enabled to bear away without further molestation, and took + shelter among the Scrofes, a cluster of rocks but a few hours' + sail from Missolonghi. From this place the following letter, + remarkable, considering his situation at the moment, for the + light, careless tone that pervades it, was despatched to Colonel + Stanhope. <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg117" id= + "pg117">117</a></span> + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 534. + </h3> + <p> + TO THE HONOURABLE COLONEL STANHOPE. + </p> + <p class="quotdate"> + "Scrofer (or some such name), on board a + <br /> + Cephaloniote Mistico, Dec. 31. 1823. + </p> + <p> + "My dear Stanhope, + </p> + <p> + "We are just arrived here, that is, part of my people and I, with + some things, &c., and which it may be as well not to specify + in a letter (which has a risk of being intercepted, + perhaps);—but Gamba, and my horses, negro, steward, and the + press, and all the Committee things, also some eight thousand + dollars of mine, (but never mind, we have more left, do you + understand?) are taken by the Turkish frigates, and my party and + myself, in another boat, have had a narrow escape last night, + (being close under their stern and hailed, but we would not + answer, and bore away,) as well as this morning. Here we are, + with the sun and clearing weather, within a pretty little port + enough; but whether our Turkish friends may not send in their + boats and take us out (for we have no arms except two carbines + and some pistols, and, I suspect, not more than four fighting + people on board,) is another question, especially if we remain + long here, since we are blocked out of Missolonghi by the direct + entrance. + </p> + <p> + "You had better send my friend George Drake (Draco), and a body + of Suliotes, to escort us by land or by the canals, with all + convenient speed. Gamba and our Bombard are taken into Patras, I + suppose; and we must take a turn at the Turks to get them out: + but where the devil is the fleet gone?—the Greek, I mean; + leaving us to get in without the least <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg118" id="pg118">118</a></span> intimation to + take heed that the Moslems were out again. + </p> + <p> + "Make my respects to Mavrocordato, and say that I am here at his + disposal. I am uneasy at being here: not so much on my own + account as on that of a Greek boy with me, for you know what his + fate would be; and I would sooner cut him in pieces, and myself + too, than have him taken out by those barbarians. We are all very + well. N. B. + </p> + <p> + "The Bombard was twelve miles out when taken; at least, so it + appeared to us (if taken she actually be, for it is not certain); + and we had to escape from another vessel that stood right between + us and the port." + </p> + <p> + Finding that his position among the rocks of the Scrofes would be + untenable in the event of an attack by armed boats, he thought it + right to venture out again, and making all sail, got safe to + Dragomestri, a small sea-port town on the coast of Acarnania; + from whence the annexed letters to two of the most valued of his + Cephalonian friends were written. + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 535. TO MR. MUIR. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "Dragomestri, January 2. 1824. + </p> + <p> + "My dear Muir, + </p> + <p> + "I wish you many returns of the season, and happiness + therewithal. Gamba and the Bombard (there is a strong reason to + believe) are carried into Patras by a Turkish frigate, which we + saw chase them at dawn on the 31st: we had been close under the + stern in the night, believing her a Greek till <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg119" id="pg119">119</a></span> within pistol + shot, and only escaped by a miracle of all the Saints (our + captain says), and truly I am of his opinion, for we should never + have got away of ourselves. They were signalising their consort + with lights, and had illuminated the ship between decks, and were + shouting like a mob;—but then why did they not fire? + Perhaps they took us for a Greek brulot, and were afraid of + kindling us—they had no colours flying even at dawn nor + after. + </p> + <p> + "At daybreak my boat was on the coast, but the wind unfavourable + for <i>the port</i>;—a large vessel with the wind in her + favour standing between us and the Gulf, and another in chase of + the Bombard about twelve miles off, or so. Soon after they stood + (<i>i.e.</i> the Bombard and frigate) apparently towards Patras, + and a Zantiote boat making signals to us from the shore to get + away. Away we went before the wind, and ran into a creek called + Scrofes, I believe, where I landed Luke<span class= + "fnref">[1]</span> and another (as Luke's life was in most + danger), with some money for themselves, and a letter for + Stanhope, and sent them up the country to Missolonghi, where they + would be in safety, as the place where we were could be assailed + by armed boats in a moment, and Gamba had all our arms except two + carbines, a fowling-piece, and some pistols. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: A Greek youth whom he had brought with him, in his + suite, from Cephalonia.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + "In less than an hour the vessel in chase neared us, and we + dashed out again, and showing our stern (our boat sails very + well), got in before night to Dragomestri, where we now are. But + where is the <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg120" id= + "pg120">120</a></span> Greek fleet? I don't know—do you? I + told our master of the boat that I was inclined to think the two + large vessels (there were none else in sight) Greeks. But he + answered, 'They are too large—why don't they show their + colours?' and his account was confirmed, be it true or false, by + several boats which we met or passed, as we could not at any rate + have got in with that wind without beating about for a long time; + and as there was much property, and some lives to risk (the boy's + especially) without any means of defence, it was necessary to let + our boatmen have their own way. + </p> + <p> + "I despatched yesterday another messenger to Missolonghi for an + escort, but we have yet no answer. We are here (those of my boat) + for the fifth day without taking our clothes off, and sleeping on + deck in all weathers, but are all very well, and in good spirits. + It is to be supposed that the Government will send, for their own + sakes, an escort, as I have 16,000 dollars on board, the greater + part for their service. I had (besides personal property to the + amount of about 5000 more) 8000 dollars in specie of my own, + without reckoning the Committee's stores, so that the Turks will + have a good thing of it, if the prize be good. + </p> + <p> + "I regret the detention of Gamba, &c., but the rest we can + make up again; so tell Hancock to set my bills into cash as soon + as possible, and Corgialegno to prepare the remainder of my + credit with Messrs. Webb to be turned into monies. I shall remain + here, unless something extraordinary occurs, till Mavrocordato + sends, and then go on, and act <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg121" id="pg121">121</a></span> according to circumstances. My + respects to the two colonels, and remembrances to all friends. + Tell '<i>Ultima Anahse</i>'<span class="fnref">[1]</span> that + his friend Raidi did not make his appearance with the brig, + though I think that he might as well have spoken with us + <i>in</i> or <i>off</i> Zante, to give us a gentle hint of what + we had to expect. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: Count Delladecima, to whom he gives this name in + consequence of a habit which that gentleman had of using the + phrase "in ultima analise" frequently in conversation.] + </p> + </div> + <p class="quotsig"> + "Yours, ever affectionately, N. B. + </p> + <p> + "P.S. Excuse my scrawl on account of the pen and the frosty + morning at daybreak. I write in haste, a boat starting for + Kalamo. I do not know whether the detention of the Bombard (if + she be detained, for I cannot swear to it, and I can only judge + from appearances, and what all these fellows say,) be an affair + of the Government, and neutrality, and &c.—but <i>she + was stopped at least</i> twelve miles distant from any port, and + had all her papers regular from <i>Zante</i> for <i>Kalamo</i> + and <i>we also</i>. I did not land at Zante, being anxious to + lose as little time as possible, but Sir F. S. came off to invite + me, &c. and every body was as kind as could be, even in + Cephalonia." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 536. TO MR. C. HANCOCK. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "Dragomestri, January 2. 1824. + </p> + <p> + "Dear Sir 'Ancock<span class="fnref">[1]</span>,' + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: This letter is, more properly, a postscript to one + which Dr. Bruno had, by his orders, written to Mr. Hancock, + with some particulars of their voyage; and the Doctor having + begun his letter, "Pregiat'mo. Sig'r. Ancock," Lord Byron thus + parodies his mode of address.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + "Remember me to Dr. Muir and every body else. I have still the + 16,000 dollars with me, the rest were <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg122" id="pg122">122</a></span> on board the + Bombarda. Here we are—the Bombarda taken, or at least + missing, with all the Committee stores, my friend Gamba, the + horses, negro, bull-dog, steward, and domestics, with all our + implements of peace and war, also 8000 dollars; but whether she + will be lawful prize or no, is for the decision of the Governor + of the Seven Islands. I have written to Dr. Muir, by way of + Kalamo, with all particulars. We are in good condition; and what + with wind and weather, and being hunted or so, little sleeping on + deck, &c. are in tolerable seasoning for the country and + circumstances. But I foresee that we shall have occasion for all + the cash I can muster at Zante and elsewhere. Mr. Barff gave us + 8000 and odd dollars; so there is still a balance in my favour. + We are not quite certain that the vessels were Turkish which + chased; but there is strong presumption that they were, and no + news to the contrary. At Zante, every body, from the Resident + downwards, were as kind as could be, especially your worthy and + courteous partner. + </p> + <p> + "Tell our friends to keep up their spirits, and we may yet do + well. I disembarked the boy and another Greek, who were in most + terrible alarm—the boy, at least, from the Morea—on + shore near Anatoliko, I believe, which put them in safety; and, + as for me and mine, we must stick by our goods. + </p> + <p> + "I hope that Gamba's detention will only be <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg123" id="pg123">123</a></span> temporary. As + for the effects and monies, if we have them,—well; if + otherwise, patience. I wish you a happy new year, and all our + friends the same. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "Yours," &c. + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + During these adventures of Lord Byron, Count Gamba, having been + brought to by the Turkish frigate, had been carried, with his + valuable charge, into Patras, where the Commander of the Turkish + fleet was stationed. Here, after an interview with the Pacha, by + whom he was treated, during his detention, most courteously, he + had the good fortune to procure the release of his vessel and + freight; and, on the 4th of January, reached Missolonghi. To his + surprise, however, he found that Lord Byron had not yet arrived; + for,—as if everything connected with this short voyage were + doomed to deepen whatever ill bodings there were already in his + mind,—on his Lordship's departure from Dragomestri, a + violent gale of wind had come on; his vessel was twice driven on + the rocks in the passage of the Scrofes, and, from the force of + the wind, and the captain's ignorance of those shoals, the danger + was by all on board considered to be most serious. "On the second + time of striking," says Count Gamba, "the sailors, losing all + hope of saving the vessel, began to think of their own safety. + But Lord Byron persuaded them to remain; and by his firmness, and + no small share of nautical skill, got them out of danger, and + thus saved the vessel and several lives, with 25,000 dollars, the + greater part in specie." + </p> + <p> + The wind still blowing right against their course <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg124" id="pg124">124</a></span> to + Missolonghi, they again anchored between two of the numerous + islets by which this part of the coast is lined; and here Lord + Byron, as well for refreshment as ablution, found himself tempted + into an indulgence which, it is not improbable, may have had some + share in producing the fatal illness that followed. Having put + off in a boat to a small rock at some distance, he sent back a + messenger for the nankeen trowsers which he usually wore in + bathing; and, though the sea was rough and the night cold, it + being then the 3d of January, swam back to the vessel. "I am + fully persuaded," says his valet, in relating this imprudent + freak, "that it injured my Lord's health. He certainly was not + taken ill at the time, but in the course of two or three days his + Lordship complained of a pain in all his bones, which continued, + more or less, to the time of his death." + </p> + <p> + Setting sail again next morning with the hope of reaching + Missolonghi before sunset, they were still baffled by adverse + winds, and, arriving late at night in the port, did not land till + the morning of the 5th. + </p> + <p> + The solicitude, in the mean time, of all at Missolonghi, knowing + that the Turkish fleet was out, and Lord Byron on his way, may + without difficulty be conceived, and is most livelily depicted in + a letter written during the suspense of that moment, by an + eye-witness. "The Turkish fleet," says Colonel Stanhope, "has + ventured out, and is, at this moment, blockading the port. Beyond + these again are seen the Greek ships, and among the rest the one + that was sent for Lord Byron. Whether he is on board or not is a + question. You will allow that this is an <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg125" id="pg125">125</a></span> eventful + day." Towards the end of the letter, he adds, "Lord Byron's + servants have just arrived; he himself will be here to-morrow. If + he had not come, we had need have prayed for fair weather; for + both fleet and army are hungry and inactive. Parry has not + appeared. Should he also arrive to-morrow, all Missolonghi will + go mad with pleasure." + </p> + <p> + The reception their noble visiter experienced on his arrival was + such as, from the ardent eagerness with which he had been looked + for, might be expected. The whole population of the place crowded + to the shore to welcome him: the ships anchored off the fortress + fired a salute as he passed; and all the troops and dignitaries + of the place, civil and military, with the Prince Mavrocordato at + their head, met him on his landing, and accompanied him, amidst + the mingled din of shouts, wild music, and discharges of + artillery, to the house that had been prepared for him. "I cannot + easily describe," says Count Gamba, "the emotions which such a + scene excited. I could scarcely refrain from tears." + </p> + <p> + After eight days of fatigue such as Lord Byron had endured, some + short interval of rest might fairly have been desired by him. But + the scene on which he had now entered was one that precluded all + thoughts of repose. He on whom the eyes and hopes of all others + were centred, could but little dream of indulging any care for + himself. There were, at this particular moment, too, collected + within the precincts of that town as great an abundance of the + materials of unquiet and misrule as had been ever brought + together in so small a space. In every <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg126" id="pg126">126</a></span> quarter; both + public and private, disorganisation and dissatisfaction presented + themselves. Of the fourteen brigs of war which had come to the + succour of Missolonghi, and which had for some time actually + protected it against a Turkish fleet double its number, nine had + already, hopeless of pay, returned to Hydra, while the sailors of + the remaining five, from the same cause of complaint, had just + quitted their ships, and were murmuring idly on shore. The + inhabitants, seeing themselves thus deserted or preyed upon by + their defenders, with a scarcity of provisions threatening them, + and the Turkish fleet before their eyes, were no less ready to + break forth into riot and revolt; while, at the same moment, to + complete the confusion, a General Assembly was on the point of + being held in the town, for the purpose of organising the forces + of Western Greece, and to this meeting all the wild mountain + chiefs of the province, ripe, of course, for dissension, were now + flocking with their followers. Mavrocordato himself, the + President of the intended Congress, had brought in his train no + less than 5000 armed men, who were at this moment in the town. + Ill provided, too, with either pay or food by the Government, + this large military mob were but little less discontented and + destitute than the sailors; and in short, in every direction, the + entire population seems to have presented such a fermenting mass + of insubordination and discord as was far more likely to produce + warfare among themselves than with the enemy. + </p> + <p> + Such was the state of affairs when Lord Byron arrived at + Missolonghi;—such the evils he had now <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg127" id="pg127">127</a></span> to encounter, + with the formidable consciousness that to him, and him alone, all + looked for the removal of them. + </p> + <p> + Of his proceedings during the first weeks after his arrival, the + following letters to Mr. Hancock (which by the great kindness of + that gentleman I am enabled to give) will, assisted by a few + explanatory notes, supply a sufficiently ample account. + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 537. TO MR. CHARLES HANCOCK. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "Missolonghi, January 13. 1824. + </p> + <p> + "Dear Sir, + </p> + <p> + "Many thanks for yours of the fifth; ditto to Muir for his. You + will have heard that Gamba and my vessel got out of the hands of + the Turks safe and intact; nobody knows well how or why, for + there's a mystery in the story somewhat melodramatic. Captain + Valsamachi has, I take it, spun a long yarn by this time in + Argostoli. I attribute their release entirely to Saint Dionisio, + of Zante, and the Madonna of the Rock, near Cephalonia. + </p> + <p> + "The adventures of my separate luck were also not finished at + Dragomestri; we were conveyed out by some Greek gun-boats, and + found the Leonidas brig-of-war at sea to look after us. But + blowing weather coming on, we were driven on the rocks + <i>twice</i> in the passage of the Scrofes, and the dollars had + another narrow escape. Two thirds of the crew got ashore over the + bowsprit: the rocks were rugged enough, but water very deep close + in shore, so that she was, after much swearing and some exertion, + got off again, and away we went with a third <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg128" id="pg128">128</a></span> of our crew, + leaving the rest on a desolate island, where they might have been + now, had not one of the gun-boats taken them off, for we were in + no condition to take them off again. + </p> + <p> + "Tell Muir that Dr. Bruno did not show much fight on the + occasion; for besides stripping to his flannel waistcoat, and + running about like a rat in an emergency, when I was talking to a + Greek boy (the brother of the Greek girls in Argostoli), and + telling him of the fact that there was no danger for the + passengers, whatever there might be for the vessel, and assuring + him that I could save both him and myself without + difficulty<span class="fnref">[1]</span> (though he can't swim), + as the water, though deep, was not very rough,—the wind + <i>not</i> blowing <i>right</i> on shore (it was a blunder of the + Greeks who missed stays),—the Doctor exclaimed, 'Save + <i>him</i>, indeed! by G—d! save <i>me</i> + rather—I'll be first if I can'—a piece of egotism + which he pronounced with such emphatic simplicity as to set all + who had leisure to hear him laughing<span class= + "fnref">[2]</span>, and in a <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg129" id="pg129">129</a></span> minute after the vessel drove + off again after striking twice. She sprung a small leak, but + nothing further happened, except that the captain was very + nervous afterwards. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: He meant to have taken the boy on his shoulders + and swum with him to shore. This feat would have been but a + repetition of one of his early sports at Harrow; where it was a + frequent practice of his thus to mount one of the smaller boys + on his shoulders, and, much to the alarm of the urchin, dive + with him into the water.] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 2: In the Doctor's own account this scene is + described, as might be expected, somewhat + differently:—"Ma nel di lui passaggio marittimo una + fregata Turca insegui la di lui nave, obligandola di + ricoverarsi dentro le <i>Scrofes</i>, dove per l'impeto dei + venti fù gettata sopra i scogli: tutti i marinari dell' + equipaggio saltarono a terra per salvare la loro vita: Milord + solo col di lui Medico Dottr. Bruno rimasero sulla nave che + ognuno vedeva colare a fondo: ma dopo qualche tempo non + essendosi visto che ciò avveniva, le persone fuggite a terra + respinsero la nave nell' acque: ma il tempestoso mare la + ribastò una seconda volta contro i scogli, ed allora si aveva + per certo che la nave coll' illustre personaggio, una grande + quantità di denari, e molti preziosi effetti per i Greci + anderebbero a fondo. Tuttavia Lord Byron non si perturbò per + nulla; anzi disse al di lui medico che voleva gettarsi al nuoto + onde raggiungere la spiaggia: 'Non abbandonate la nave finchè + abbiamo forze per direggerla: allorchè saremo coperti dall' + acque, allora gettatevi pure, che io vi salvo.'"] + </p> + </div> + <p> + "To be brief, we had bad weather almost always, though not + contrary; slept on deck in the wet generally for seven or eight + nights, but never was in better health (I speak + personally)—so much so that I actually bathed for a quarter + of an hour on the evening of the 4th instant in the sea, (to kill + the fleas, and other &c.) and was all the better for it. + </p> + <p> + "We were received at Missolonghi with all kinds of kindness and + honours; and the sight of the fleet saluting, &c. and the + crowds and different costumes, was really picturesque. We think + of undertaking an expedition soon, and I expect to be ordered + with the Suliotes to join the army. + </p> + <p> + "All well at present. We found Gamba already arrived, and every + thing in good condition. Remember me to all friends. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "Yours ever, N. B. <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg130" id= + "pg130">130</a></span> + </p> + <p> + "P.S. You will, I hope, use every exertion to realise the + <i>assets</i>. For besides what I have already advanced, I have + undertaken to maintain the Suliotes for a year, (and will + accompany them either as a Chief, or whichever is most agreeable + to the Government,) besides sundries. I do not understand Brown's + '<i>letters of credit</i>.' I neither gave nor ordered a letter + of credit that I know of; and though of course, if you have done + it, I will be responsible, I was not aware of any thing, except + that I would have backed his bills, which you said was + unnecessary. As to <i>orders</i>—I ordered nothing but some + <i>red cloth</i> and <i>oil cloths</i>, both of which I am ready + to receive; but if Gamba has exceeded my commission, <i>the other + things must be sent back, for I cannot permit any thing of the + kind, nor will</i>. The servants' journey will of course be paid + for, though <i>that</i> is exorbitant. As for Brown's letter, I + do not know any thing more than I have said, and I really cannot + defray the charges of half Greece and the Frank adventurers + besides. Mr. Barff must send us some dollars soon, for the + expenses fall on me for the present. + </p> + <p class="quotdate"> + "January 14. 1824. + </p> + <p> + "P.S. Will you tell Saint (Jew) Geronimo Corgialegno that I mean + to draw for the balance of my credit with Messrs. Webb and Co. I + shall draw for two thousand dollars (that being about the amount, + more or less); but, to facilitate the business, I shall make the + draft payable also at Messrs. Ransom and Co., Pall-Mall East, + London. I believe I already showed you my letters, (but if not, I + have them to <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg131" id= + "pg131">131</a></span> show,) by which, besides the credits now + realising, you will have perceived that I am not limited to any + particular amount of credit with my bankers. The Honourable + Douglas, my friend and trustee, is a principal partner in that + house, and having the direction of my affairs, is aware to what + extent my present resources may go, and the letters in question + were from him. I can merely say, that within the <i>current</i> + year, 1824, besides the money already advanced to the Greek + Government, and the credits now in your hands and your partner's + (Mr. Barff), which are all from the income of 1823, I have + anticipated nothing from that of the present year hitherto. I + shall or ought to have at my disposition upwards of one hundred + thousand dollars, (including my income, and the purchase-monies + of a manor lately sold,) and perhaps more, without infringing on + my income for 1825, and not including the remaining balance of + 1823. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + Yours ever, N. B." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 538. TO MR. CHARLES HANCOCK. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "Missolonghi, January 17, 1824. + </p> + <p> + "I have answered, at some length, your obliging letter, and trust + that you have received my reply by means of Mr. Tindal. I will + also thank you to remind Mr. Tindal that I would thank him to + furnish you, on my account, with <i>an order of the Committee</i> + for one hundred dollars, which I advanced to him on their account + through Signor Corgialegno's agency at Zante on his arrival in + October, as it is but fair that the said Committee should pay + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg132" id="pg132">132</a></span> + their own expenses. An order will be sufficient, as the money + might be inconvenient for Mr. T. at present to disburse. + </p> + <p> + "I have also advanced to Mr. Blackett the sum of fifty + dollars,-which I will thank Mr. Stevens to pay to you, on my + account, from monies of Mr. Blackett now in his hands. I have Mr. + B.'s acknowledgment in writing. + </p> + <p> + "As the wants of the State here are still pressing, and there + seems very little specie stirring except mine, I will stand + paymaster; and must again request you and Mr. Barff to forward by + a <i>safe</i> channel (if possible) all the dollars you can + collect upon the bills now negotiating. I have also written to + Corgialegno for two thousand dollars, being about the balance of + my separate letter from Messrs. Webb and Co., making the bills + also payable at Ransom's in London. + </p> + <p> + "Things are going on better, if not well; there is some order, + and considerable preparation. I expect to accompany the troops on + an expedition shortly, which makes me particularly anxious for + the remaining remittance, as 'money is the sinew of war,' and of + peace, too, as far as I can see, for I am sure there would be no + peace here without it. However, a little does go a good way, + which is a comfort. The Government of the Morea and of Candia + have written to me for a further advance from my own peculium of + 20 or 30,000 dollars, to which I demur for the present, (having + undertaken to pay the Suliotes as a free gift and other things + already, besides the loan which I have already advanced,) till I + receive <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg133" id= + "pg133">133</a></span> letters from England, which I have reason + to expect. + </p> + <p> + "When the expected credits arrive, I hope that you will bear a + hand, otherwise I must have recourse to Malta, which will be + losing time and taking trouble; but I do not wish you to do more + than is perfectly agreeable to Mr. Barffand to yourself. I am + very well, and have no reason to be dissatisfied with my personal + treatment, or with the posture of public affairs—others + must speak for themselves. Yours ever and truly, &c. + </p> + <p> + "P.S. Respects to Colonels Wright and Duffie, and the officers + civil and military; also to my friends Muir and Stevens + particularly, and to Delladecima." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 539. TO MR. CHARLES HANCOCK. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "Missolonghi, January 19. 1824. + </p> + <p> + "Since I wrote on the 17th, I have received a letter from Mr. + Stevens, enclosing an account from Corfu, which is so exaggerated + in price and quantity, that I am at a loss whether most to admire + Gamba's folly, or the merchant's knavery. All that <i>I</i> + requested Gamba to order was red cloth enough to make a + <i>jacket</i>, and some oil-skin for trowsers, &c.—the + latter has not been sent—the whole could not have amounted + to fifty dollars. The account is six hundred and forty-five!!! I + will guarantee Mr. Stevens against any loss, of course, but I am + not disposed to take the articles (which I never ordered), nor to + pay the amount. I will take one hundred dollars' worth; the rest + may be sent back, and I will make the merchant an allowance of so + much per-cent.; <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg134" id= + "pg134">134</a></span> or, if that is not to be done, you must + sell the whole by auction at what price the things may fetch; for + I would rather incur the dead loss of <i>part</i>, than be + encumbered with a quantity of things, to me at present + superfluous or useless. Why, I could have maintained three + hundred men for a month for the sum in Western Greece. + </p> + <p> + "When the dogs, and the dollars, and the negro; and the horses, + fell into the hands of the Turks, I acquiesced with patience, as + you may have perceived, because it was the work of the elements + of war, or of Providence: but this is a piece of mere human + knavery or folly, or both, and I neither can nor will submit to + it.<span class="fnref">[1]</span> I have occasion for every + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg135" id="pg135">135</a></span> + dollar I can muster to keep the Greeks together, and I do not + grudge any expense for the cause; but to throw away as much as + would equip, or at least maintain, a corps of excellent + ragamuffins with arms in their hands, to furnish Gamba and the + Doctor with blank bills (see list), broad cloth, Hessian boots, + and horsewhips (the <i>latter</i> I own that they have richly + earned), is rather beyond my endurance, though a pacific person, + as all the world knows, or at least my acquaintances. I pray you + to try to help me out of this damnable commercial speculation of + Gamba's, for it is one of those pieces of impudence or folly + which I don't forgive him in a hurry. I will of course see + Stevens free of expense out of the transaction;—by the way, + the Greek of a Corfiote has thought proper to draw a bill, and + get it discounted at 24 dollars: if I had been there, it should + have been <i>protested</i> also. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: We have here as striking an instance as could be + adduced of that peculiar feature of his character which shallow + or malicious observers have misrepresented as avarice, but + which in reality was the result of a strong sense of justice + and fairness, and an indignant impatience of being stultified + or over-reached. Colonel Stanhope, in referring to the + circumstance mentioned above, has put Lord Byron's angry + feeling respecting it in the true light. + </p> + <p> + "He was constantly attacking Count Gamba, sometimes, indeed, + playfully, but more often with the bitterest satire, for having + purchased for the use of his family, while in Greece, + <i>500</i> dollars' worth of cloth. This he used to mention as + an instance of the Count's imprudence and extravagance. Lord + Byron told me one day, with a tone of great gravity, that this + 500 dollars would have been most serviceable in promoting the + siege of Lepanto; and that he never would, to the last moment + of his existence, forgive Gamba, for having squandered away his + money in the purchase of cloth. No one will suppose that Lord + Byron could be serious in such a denunciation: he entertained, + in reality, the highest opinion of Conant Gamba, who, both on + account of his talents and devotedness to his friend, merited + his Lordship's esteem. As to Lord Byron's generosity, it is + before the world; he promised to devote his large income to the + cause of Greece, and he honestly acted up to his pledge."] + </p> + </div> + <p> + "Mr. Blackett is here ill, and will soon set out for Cephalonia. + He came to me for some pills, and I gave him some reserved for + particular friends, and which I never knew any body recover from + under several months; but he is no better, and, what is odd, no + worse; and as the doctors have had no better success with him + than I, he goes to Argostoli, sick of the Greeks and of a + constipation. + </p> + <p> + "I must reiterate my request for <i>specie</i>, and that + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg136" id="pg136">136</a></span> + speedily, otherwise public affairs will be at a standstill here. + I have undertaken to pay the Suliotes for a year, to advance in + March 3000 dollars, besides, to the Government for a balance due + to the troops, and some other smaller matters for the Germans, + and the press, &c. &c. &c.; so what with these, and + the expenses of my suite, which, though not extravagant, is + expensive, with Gamba's d—d nonsense, I shall have occasion + for all the monies I can muster; and I have credits wherewithal + to face the undertakings, if realised, and expect to have more + soon. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "Believe me ever and truly yours," &c. + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + On the morning of the 22d of January, his birthday,—the + last my poor friend was ever fated to see,—he came from his + bedroom into the apartment where Colonel Stanhope and some others + were assembled, and said with a smile, "You were complaining the + other day that I never write any poetry now. This is my birthday, + and I have just finished something which, I think, is better than + what I usually write." He then produced to them those beautiful + stanzas, which, though already known to most readers, are far too + affectingly associated with this closing scene of his life to be + omitted among its details. Taking into consideration, indeed, + every thing connected with these verses,—the last tender + aspirations of a loving spirit which they breathe, the + self-devotion to a noble cause which they so nobly express, and + that consciousness of a near grave glimmering sadly through the + whole,—there is perhaps <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg137" id="pg137">137</a></span> no production within the range + of mere human composition round which the circumstances and + feelings under which it was written cast so touching an interest. + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <h4> + "JANUARY 22D. + <br /> + "ON THIS DAY I COMPLETE MY THIRTY-SIXTH YEAR. + </h4> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i6"> + 1. + </p> + <p> + "'Tis time this heart should be unmoved, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Since others it hath ceased to move; + </p> + <p> + Yet though I cannot be beloved, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Still let me love! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i6"> + 2. + </p> + <p> + "My days are in the yellow leaf; + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The flowers and fruits of love are gone; + </p> + <p> + The worm, the canker, and the grief + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Are mine alone! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i6"> + 3. + </p> + <p> + "The fire that on my bosom preys + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Is lone as some volcanic isle; + </p> + <p> + No torch is kindled at its blaze— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + A funeral pile! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i6"> + 4. + </p> + <p> + "The hope, the fear, the jealous care, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The exalted portion of the pain + </p> + <p> + And power of love, I cannot share, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + But wear the chain. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i6"> + 5. + </p> + <p> + "But 'tis not <i>thus</i>—and 'tis not + <i>here</i>— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Such thoughts should shake my soul, nor <i>now</i>, + </p> + <p> + Where glory decks the hero's bier, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Or binds his brow. + </p> + </div><span class="pagenum"><a name="pg138" id= + "pg138">138</a></span> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i6"> + 6. + </p> + <p> + "The sword, the banner, and the field, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Glory and Greece, around roe see! + </p> + <p> + The Spartan, borne upon his shield, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Was not more free. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i6"> + 7. + </p> + <p> + "Awake! (not Greece—she <i>is</i> awake!) + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Awake, my spirit! Think through <i>whom</i> + </p> + <p> + Thy life-blood tracks its parent lake, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And then strike home! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i6"> + 8. + </p> + <p> + "Tread those reviving passions down, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Unworthy manhood!—unto thee + </p> + <p> + Indifferent should the smile or frown + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Of beauty be. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i6"> + 9. + </p> + <p> + "If thou regret'st thy youth, <i>why live</i>? + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The land of honourable death + </p> + <p> + Is here:—up to the field, and give + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Away thy breath! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i6"> + 10. + </p> + <p> + "Seek out—less often sought than found— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + A soldier's grave, for thee the best; + </p> + <p> + Then look around, and choose thy ground,— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And take thy rest." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + "We perceived," says Count Gamba, "from these lines, as well as + from his daily conversations, that his ambition and his hope were + irrevocably fixed upon the glorious objects of his expedition to + Greece, and that he had made up his mind to 'return victorious, + or return no more.' Indeed, he often said <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg139" id="pg139">139</a></span> to me, + 'Others may do as they please—they may go—but I stay + here, <i>that is certain</i>.' The same determination was + expressed in his letters to his friends; and this resolution was + not unaccompanied with the very natural presentiment—that + he should never leave Greece alive. He one day asked his faithful + servant, Tita, whether he thought of returning to Italy? 'Yes,' + said Tita: 'if your Lordship goes, I go.' Lord Byron smiled, and + said, 'No, Tita, I shall never go back from Greece—either + the Turks, or the Greeks, or the climate, will prevent that.'" + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 540. TO MR. CHARLES HANCOCK. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "Missolonghi, February 5. 1824. + </p> + <p> + "Dr. Muir's letter and yours of the 23d reached me some days ago. + Tell Muir that I am glad of his promotion for his sake, and of + his remaining near us for all our sakes; though I cannot but + regret Dr. Kennedy's departure, which accounts for the previous + earthquakes and the present English weather in this climate. With + all respect to my medical pastor, I have to announce to him, that + amongst other fire-brands, our firemaster Parry (just landed) has + disembarked an elect blacksmith, intrusted with three hundred and + twenty-two Greek Testaments. I have given him all facilities in + my power for his works spiritual and temporal; and if he can + settle matters as easily with the Greek Archbishop and hierarchy, + I trust that neither the heretic nor the supposed sceptic will be + accused of intolerance. <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg140" id= + "pg140">140</a></span> + </p> + <p> + "By the way, I met with the said Archbishop at Anatolico (where I + went by invitation of the Primates a few days ago, and was + received with a heavier cannonade than the Turks, probably,) for + the second time (I had known him here before); and he and P. + Mavrocordato, and the Chiefs and Primates and I, all dined + together, and I thought the metropolitan the merriest of the + party, and a very good Christian for all that. But Gamba (we got + wet through on our way back) has been ill with a fever and + cholic; and Luke has been out of sorts too, and so have some + others of the people, and I have been very well,—except + that I caught cold yesterday, with swearing too much in the rain + at the Greeks, who would not bear a hand in landing the Committee + stores, and nearly spoiled our combustibles; but I turned out in + person, and made such a row as set them in motion, blaspheming at + them from the Government downwards, till they actually did + <i>some</i> part of what they ought to have done several days + before, and this is esteemed, as it deserves to be, a wonder. + </p> + <p> + "Tell Muir that, notwithstanding his remonstrances, which I + receive thankfully, it is perhaps best that I should advance with + the troops; for if we do not do something soon, we shall only + have a third year of defensive operations and another siege, and + all that. We hear that the Turks are coming down in force, and + sooner than usual; and as these fellows do mind me a little, it + is the opinion that I should go,—firstly, because they will + sooner listen to a foreigner than one of their own people, out of + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg141" id="pg141">141</a></span> + native jealousies; secondly, because the Turks will sooner treat + or capitulate (if such occasion should happen) with a Frank than + a Greek; and, thirdly, because nobody else seems disposed to take + the responsibility—Mavrocordato being very busy here, the + foreign military men too young or not of authority enough to be + obeyed by the natives, and the Chiefs (as aforesaid) inclined to + obey any one except, or rather than, one of their own body. As + for me, I am willing to do what I am bidden, and to follow my + instructions. I neither seek nor shun that nor any thing else + they may wish me to attempt: as for personal safety, besides that + it ought not to be a consideration, I take it that a man is on + the whole as safe in one place as another; and, after all, he had + better end with a bullet than bark in his body. If we are not + taken off with the sword, we are like to march off with an ague + in this mud basket; and to conclude with a very bad pun, to the + ear rather than to the eye, better <i>martially</i> than + <i>marsh-ally:</i>—the situation of Missolonghi is not + unknown to you. The dykes of Holland when broken down are the + Deserts of Arabia for dryness, in comparison. + </p> + <p> + "And now for the sinews of war. I thank you and Mr. Barff for + your ready answers, which, next to ready money, is a pleasant + thing. Besides the assets and balance, and the relics of the + Corgialegno correspondence with Leghorn and Genoa, (I sold the + dog flour, tell him, but not at <i>his</i> price,) I shall + request and require, from the beginning of March ensuing, about + five thousand dollars every two months, <i>i.e.</i>, about + twenty-five thousand within the <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg142" id="pg142">142</a></span> current year, at regular + intervals, independent of the sums now negotiating. I can show + you documents to prove that these are considerably <i>within</i> + my supplies for the year in more ways than one; but I do not like + to tell the Greeks exactly what I <i>could</i> or would advance + on an emergency, because otherwise, they will double and triple + their demands, (a disposition that they have already sufficiently + shown): and though I am willing to do all I can <i>when</i> + necessary, yet I do not see why they should not help a little; + for they are not quite so bare as they pretend to be by some + accounts. + </p> + <p class="quotdate"> + "February 7. 1824. + </p> + <p> + "I have been interrupted by the arrival of Parry and afterwards + by the return of Hesketh, who has not brought an answer to my + epistles, which rather surprises me. You will write soon, I + suppose. Parry seems a fine rough subject, but will hardly be + ready for the field these three weeks; he and I will (I think) be + able to draw together,—at least, <i>I</i> will not + interfere with or contradict him in his own department. He + complains grievously of the mercantile and <i>enthusymusy</i> + part of the Committee, but greatly praises Gordon and Hume. + Gordon <i>would</i> have given three or four thousand pounds and + come out <i>himself</i>, but Kennedy or somebody else disgusted + him, and thus they have spoiled part of their subscription and + cramped their operations. Parry says B—— is a humbug, + to which I say nothing. He sorely laments the printing and + civilising expenses, and wishes that there was not a + Sunday-school in <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg143" id= + "pg143">143</a></span> the world, or <i>any</i> school + <i>here</i> at present, save and except always an academy for + artilleryship. + </p> + <p> + "He complained also of the cold, a little to my surprise; + firstly, because, there being no chimneys, I have used myself to + do without other warmth than the animal heat and one's cloak, in + these parts; and, secondly, because I should as soon have + expected to hear a volcano sneeze, as a firemaster (who is to + burn a whole fleet) exclaim against the atmosphere. I fully + expected that his very approach would have scorched up the town + like the burning-glasses of Archimedes. + </p> + <p> + "Well, it seems that I am to be Commander-in-Chief, and the post + is by no means a sinecure, for we are not what Major Sturgeon + calls 'a set of the most amicable officers.' Whether we shall + have 'a boxing bout between Captain Sheers and the Colonel,' I + cannot tell; but, between Suliote chiefs, German barons, English + volunteers, and adventurers of all nations, we are likely to form + as goodly an allied army as ever quarrelled beneath the same + banner. + </p> + <p class="quotdate"> + "February 8. 1824. + </p> + <p> + "Interrupted again by business yesterday, and it is time to + conclude my letter. I drew some time since on Mr. Barff for a + thousand dollars, to complete some money wanted by the + Government. The said Government got cash on that bill + <i>here</i>, and at a profit; but the very same fellow who gave + it to them, after proposing to give me money for other bills on + Barff to the amount of thirteen hundred dollars, either could + not, or thought better of it. I had written to <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg144" id="pg144">144</a></span> Barff + advising him, but had afterwards to write to tell him of the + fellow's having not come up to time. You must really send me the + balance soon. I have the artillerists and my Suliotes to pay, and + Heaven knows what besides; and as every thing depends upon + punctuality, all our operations will be at a standstill unless + you use despatch. I shall send to Mr. Barff or to you further + bills on England for three thousand pounds, to be negotiated as + speedily as you can. I have already stated here and formerly the + sums I can command at home within the year,—without + including my credits, or the bills already negotiated or + negotiating, as Corgialegno's balance of Mr. Webb's + letter,—and my letters from my friends (received by Mr. + Parry's vessel) confirm what I have already stated. How much I + may require in the course of the year I can't tell, but I will + take care that it shall not exceed the means to supply it. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + Yours ever, N.B. + </p> + <p> + "P.S. I have had, by desire of a Mr. <i>Jerostati</i>, to draw on + Demetrius Delladecima (is it our friend in ultima analise?) to + pay the Committee expenses. I really do not understand what the + Committee mean by some of their freedoms. Parry and I get on very + well <i>hitherto</i>: how long this may last, Heaven knows, but I + hope it will, for a good deal for the Greek service depends upon + it; but he has already had some" <i>miffs</i> with Col. S. and I + do all I can to keep the peace amongst them. However, Parry is a + fine fellow, extremely active, and of strong, sound, practical + talents, by all accounts. Enclosed are bills for three thousand + pounds, drawn in the mode directed <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg145" id="pg145">145</a></span> (<i>i.e.</i> parcelled out in + smaller bills). A good opportunity occurring for Cephalonia to + send letters on, I avail myself of it. Remember me to Stevens and + to all friends. Also my compliments and every thing kind to the + colonels and officers. + </p> + <p class="quotdate"> + "February 9. 1824. + </p> + <p> + "P.S. 2d or 3d. I have reason to expect a person from England + directed with papers (on business) for me to sign, somewhere in + the Islands, by and by: if such should arrive, would you forward + him to me by a safe conveyance, as the papers regard a + transaction with regard to the adjustment of a lawsuit, and a sum + of several thousand pounds, which I, or my bankers and trustees + for me, may have to receive (in England) in consequence. The time + of the probable arrival I cannot state, but the date of my + letters is the 2d Nov. and I suppose that he ought to arrive + soon." + </p> + <p> + How strong were the hopes which even those who watched him most + observingly conceived from the whole tenor of his conduct since + his arrival at Missolonghi, will appear from the following words + of Colonel Stanhope, in one of his letters to the Greek + Committee:— + </p> + <p> + "Lord Byron possesses all the means of playing a great part in + the glorious revolution of Greece. He has talent; he professes + liberal principles; he has money, and is inspired with fervent + and chivalrous feelings. He has commenced his career by two good + measures: 1st, by recommending union, <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg146" id="pg146">146</a></span> and declaring + himself of no party; and, 2dly, by taking five hundred Suliotes + into pay, and acting as their chief. These acts cannot fail to + render his Lordship universally popular, and proportionally + powerful. Thus advantageously circumstanced, his Lordship will + have an opportunity of realising all his professions." + </p> + <p> + That the inspirer, however, of these hopes was himself far from + participating in them is a fact manifest from all he said and + wrote on the subject, and but adds painfully to the interest + which his position at this moment excites. Too well, indeed, did + he both understand and feel the difficulties into which he was + plunged to deceive himself into any such sanguine delusions. In + one only of the objects to which he had looked forward with any + hope,—that of endeavouring to humanise, by his example, the + system of warfare on both sides,—had he yet been able to + gratify himself. Not many days after his arrival an opportunity, + as we have seen, had been afforded him of rescuing an unfortunate + Turk out of the hands of some Greek sailors; and, towards the end + of the month, having learned that there were a few Turkish + prisoners in confinement at Missolonghi, he requested of the + Government to place them at his disposal, that he might send them + to Yussuff Pacha. In performing this act of humane policy, he + transmitted with the rescued captives the following + letter:— <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg147" id= + "pg147">147</a></span> + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 541. TO HIS HIGHNESS YUSSUFF PACHA. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "Missolonghi, January 23. 1824. + </p> + <p> + "Highness! + </p> + <p> + "A vessel, in which a friend and some domestics of mine were + embarked, was detained a few days ago, and released by order of + your Highness. I have now to thank you; not for liberating the + vessel, which, as carrying a neutral flag, and being under + British protection, no one had a right to detain; but for having + treated my friends with so much kindness while they were in your + hands. + </p> + <p> + "In the hope, therefore, that it may not be altogether + displeasing to your Highness, I have requested the governor of + this place to release four Turkish prisoners, and he has humanely + consented to do so. I lose no time, therefore, in sending them + back, in order to make as early a return as I could for your + courtesy on the late occasion. These prisoners are liberated + without any conditions: but should the circumstance find a place + in your recollection, I venture to beg, that your Highness will + treat such Greeks as may henceforth fall into your hands with + humanity; more especially since the horrors of war are + sufficiently great in themselves, without being aggravated by + wanton cruelties on either side. NOEL BYRON." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Another favourite and, as it appeared for some time, practicable + object, on which he had most ardently set his heart, was the + intended attack upon <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg148" id= + "pg148">148</a></span> Lepanto—a fortified town<span class= + "fnref">[1]</span> which, from its command of the navigation of + the Gulf of Corinth, is a position of the first importance. "Lord + Byron," says Colonel Stanhope, in a letter dated January 14., + "burns with military ardour and chivalry, and will accompany the + expedition to Lepanto." The delay of Parry, the engineer, who had + been for some months anxiously expected with the supplies + necessary for the formation of a brigade of artillery, had + hitherto paralysed the preparations for this important + enterprise; though, in the mean time, whatever little could be + effected, without his aid, had been put in progress both by the + appointment of a brigade of Suliotes to act under Lord Byron, and + by the formation, at the joint expense of his Lordship and + Colonel Stanhope, of a small corps of artillery. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: The ancient Naupactus, called Epacto by the modern + Greeks, and Lepauto by the Italians.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + It was towards the latter end of January, as we have seen, that + Lord Byron received his regular commission from the Government, + as Commander of the expedition. In conferring upon him full + powers, both civil and military, they appointed, at the same + time, a Military Council to accompany him, composed of the most + experienced Chieftains of the army, with Nota Bozzari, the uncle + of the famous warrior, at their head. + </p> + <p> + It had been expected that, among the stores sent with Parry, + there would be a supply of Congreve rockets,—an instrument + of warfare of which <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg149" id= + "pg149">149</a></span> such wonders had been related to the + Greeks as filled their imaginations with the most absurd ideas of + its powers. Their disappointment, therefore, on finding that the + engineer had come unprovided with these missiles was excessive. + Another hope, too,—that of being enabled to complete an + artillery corps by the accession of those Germans who had been + sent for into the Morea,—was found almost equally + fallacious; that body of men having, from the death or retirement + of those who originally composed it, nearly dwindled away; and + the few officers that now came to serve being, from their + fantastic notions of rank and etiquette, far more troublesome + than useful. In addition to these discouraging circumstances, the + five Speziot ships of war which had for some time formed the sole + protection of Missolonghi were now returned to their home, and + had left their places to be filled by the enemy's squadron. + </p> + <p> + Perplexing as were all these difficulties in the way of the + expedition, a still more formidable embarrassment presented + itself in the turbulent and almost mutinous disposition of those + Suliote troops on whom he mainly depended for success in his + undertaking. Presuming as well upon his wealth and generosity as + upon their own military importance, these unruly warriors had + never ceased to rise in the extravagance of their demands upon + him;—the wholly destitute and homeless state of their + families at this moment affording but too well founded a pretext + both for their exaction and discontent. Nor were their leaders + much more amenable to management than themselves. "There were," + says Count Gamba, <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg150" id= + "pg150">150</a></span> "six heads of families among them, all of + whom had equal pretensions both by their birth and their + exploits; and none of whom would obey any one of his comrades." + </p> + <p> + A serious riot to which, about the middle of January, these + Suliotes had given rise, and in which some lives were lost, had + been a source of much irritation and anxiety to Lord Byron, as + well from the ill-blood it was likely to engender between his + troops and the citizens, as from the little dependence it gave + him encouragement to place upon materials so unmanageable. + Notwithstanding all this, however, neither his eagerness nor his + efforts for the accomplishment of this sole personal object of + his ambition ever relaxed a single instant. To whatever little + glory was to be won by the attack upon Lepanto, he looked forward + as his only reward for all the sacrifices he was making. In his + conversations with Count Gamba on the subject, "though he joked a + good deal," says this gentleman, "about his post of + 'Archistrategos,' or Commander in Chief, it was plain that the + romance and the peril of the undertaking were great allurements + to him." When we combine, indeed, his determination to stand, at + all hazards, by the cause, with the very faint hopes his + sagacious mind would let him indulge as to his power of serving + it, I have little doubt that the "soldier's grave" which, in his + own beautiful verses, he marked out for himself, was no idle + dream of poetry; but that, on the contrary, his "wish was father + to the thought," and that to an honourable death, in some such + achievement as that of storming <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg151" id="pg151">151</a></span> Lepanto, he looked forward, not + only as the sole means of redeeming worthily the great pledge he + had now given, but as the most signal and lasting service that a + name like his,—echoed, as it would then be, among the + watch-words of Liberty, from age to age,—could bequeath to + her cause. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of these cares he was much gratified by the receipt + of a letter from an old friend of his, Andrea Londo, whom he had + made acquaintance with in his early travels in 1809, and who was + at that period a rich proprietor, under the Turks, in the + Morca.<span class="fnref">[1]</span> This patriotic Greek was one + of the foremost to raise the standard of the Cross; and at the + present moment stood distinguished among the supporters of the + Legislative Body and of the new national Government. The + following is a translation of Lord Byron's answer to his letter. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: This brave Moriote, when Lord Byron first knew + him, was particularly boyish in his aspect and manners, but + still cherished, under this exterior, a mature spirit of + patriotism which occasionally broke forth; and the noble poet + used to relate that, one day, while they were playing at + draughts together, on the name of Riga being pronounced, Londo + leaped from the table, and clapping violently his hands, began + singing the famous song of that ill-fated patriot:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "Sons of the Greeks, arise! + </p> + <p> + The glorious hour's gone forth."] + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + </div> + </div> + <h3> + LETTER 542. TO LONDO. + </h3> + <p> + "Dear Friend, + </p> + <p> + "The sight of your handwriting gave me the greatest pleasure. + Greece has ever been for me, as <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg152" id="pg152">152</a></span> it must be for all men of any + feeling or education, the promised land of valour, of the arts, + and of liberty; nor did the time I passed in my youth in + travelling among her ruins at all chill my affection for the + birthplace of heroes. In addition to this, I am bound to yourself + by ties of friendship and gratitude for the hospitality which I + experienced from you during my stay in that country, of which you + are now become one of the first defenders and ornaments. To see + myself serving, by your side and under your eyes, in the cause of + Greece, will be to me one of the happiest events of my life. In + the mean time, with the hope of our again meeting, + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "I am, as ever," &c. + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Among the less serious embarrassments of his position at this + period, may be mentioned the struggle maintained against him by + his colleague, Colonel Stanhope,—with a degree of + conscientious perseverance which, even while thwarted by it, he + could not but respect, on the subject of a Free Press, which it + was one of the favourite objects of his fellow-agent to bring + instantly into operation in all parts of Greece. On this + important point their opinions differed considerably; and the + following report, by Colonel Stanhope, of one of their many + conversations on the subject, may be taken as a fair and concise + statement of their respective views:—"Lord Byron said that + he was an ardent friend of publicity and the press: but that he + feared it was not applicable to this society in its present + combustible state. I answered that I thought it applicable + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg153" id="pg153">153</a></span> + to all countries, and essential here, in order to put an end to + the state of anarchy which at present prevailed. Lord B. feared + libels and licentiousness. I said that the object of a free press + was to check public licentiousness, and to expose libellers to + odium. Lord B. had mentioned his conversation with + Mavrocordato<span class="fnref">[1]</span> to show that the + Prince was not hostile to the press. I declared that I knew him + to be an enemy to the press, although he dared not openly to avow + it. His Lordship then said that he had not made up his mind about + the liberty of the press in Greece, but that he thought the + experiment worth trying." + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: Lord Byron had, it seems, acknowledged, on the + preceding evening, his having remarked to Prince Blavrocordato + that "if he were in his situation, he would have placed the + press under a censor;" to which the Prince had replied, "No; + the liberty of the press is guaranteed by the Constitution."] + </p> + </div> + <p> + That between two men, both eager in the service of one common + cause, there should arise a difference of opinion as to the + <i>means</i> of serving it is but a natural result of the + varieties of human judgment, and detracts nothing from the zeal + or sincerity of either. But by those who do not suffer themselves + to be carried away by a theory, it will be conceded, I think, + that the scruples professed by Lord Byron, with respect to the + expedience or safety of introducing what is called a Free Press + into a country so little advanced in civilisation as Greece, were + founded on just views of human nature and practical good sense. + To endeavour to force upon a state of society, so unprepared for + them, such full grown institutions; to <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg154" id="pg154">154</a></span> think of + engrafting, at once, on an ignorant people the fruits of long + knowledge and cultivation,—of importing among them, ready + made, those advantages and blessings which no nation ever + attained but by its own working out, nor ever was fitted to enjoy + but by having first struggled for them; to harbour even a dream + of the success of such an experiment, implies a sanguineness + almost incredible, and such as, though, in the present instance, + indulged by the political economist and soldier, was, as we have + seen, beyond the poet. + </p> + <p> + The enthusiastic and, in many respects, well founded confidence + with which Colonel Stanhope appealed to the authority of Mr. + Bentham on most of the points at issue between himself and Lord + Byron, was, from that natural antipathy which seems to exist + between political economists and poets, but little sympathised in + by the latter;—such appeals being always met by him with + those sallies of ridicule, which he found the best-humoured vent + for his impatience under argument, and to which, notwithstanding + the venerable name and services of Mr. Bentham himself, the + quackery of much that is promulgated by his followers presented, + it must be owned, ample scope. Romantic, indeed, as was Lord + Byron's sacrifice of himself to the cause of Greece, there was in + the views he took of the means of serving her not a tinge of the + unsubstantial or speculative. The grand practical task of freeing + her from her tyrants was his first and main object. He knew that + slavery was the great bar to knowledge, and must be broken + through before her light could <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg155" id="pg155">155</a></span> come; that the work of the + sword must therefore precede that of the pen, and camps be the + first schools of freedom. + </p> + <p> + With such sound and manly views of the true exigencies of the + crisis, it is not wonderful that he should view with impatience, + and something, perhaps, of contempt, all that premature apparatus + of printing-presses, pedagogues, &c. with which the + Philhellenes of the London Committee were, in their rage for + "utilitarianism," encumbering him. Nor were some of the + correspondents of this body much more solid in their speculations + than themselves; one intelligent gentleman having suggested, as a + means of conferring signal advantages on the cause, an alteration + of the Greek alphabet. + </p> + <p> + Though feeling, as strongly, perhaps, as Lord Byron, the + importance of the great object of their mission,—that of + rousing and, what was far more difficult, combining against the + common foe the energies of the country,—Colonel Stanhope + was also one of those who thought that the lights of their great + master, Bentham, and the operations of a press unrestrictedly + free, were no less essential instruments towards the advancement + of the struggle; and in this opinion, as we have seen, the poet + and man of literature differed from the soldier. But it was such + a difference as, between men of frank and fair minds, may arise + without either reproach to themselves, or danger to their + cause,—a strife of opinion which; though maintained with + heat, may be remembered without bitterness, and which, in the + present instance, neither prevented Byron, at the close of one + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg156" id="pg156">156</a></span> + of their warmest altercations, from exclaiming generously to his + opponent, "Give me that honest right hand," nor withheld the + other from pouring forth, at the grave of his colleague, a strain + of eulogy<span class="fnref">[1]</span> not the less cordial for + being discriminatingly shaded with censure, nor less honourable + to the illustrious dead for being the tribute of one who had once + manfully differed with him. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: Sketch of Lord Byron.—See Colonel Stanhope's + "Greece in 1823, 1824," &c.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + Towards the middle of February, the indefatigable activity of Mr. + Parry having brought the artillery brigade into such a state of + forwardness as to be almost ready for service, an inspection of + the Suliote corps took place, preparatory to the expedition; and + after much of the usual deception and unmanageableness on their + part, every obstacle appeared to be at length surmounted. It was + agreed that they should receive a month's pay in + advance;—Count Gamba, with 300 of their corps, as a + vanguard, was to march next day and take up a position under + Lepanto, and Lord Byron with the main body and the artillery was + speedily to follow. + </p> + <p> + New difficulties, however, were soon started by these untractable + mercenaries; and under the instigation, as was discovered + afterwards, of the great rival of Mavrocordato, Colocotroni, who + had sent emissaries into Missolonghi for the purpose of seducing + them, they now put forward their exactions in a new shape, by + requiring of the Government to appoint, out of their number, two + generals, two colonels, <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg157" id= + "pg157">157</a></span> two captains, and inferior officers in the + same proportion:—"in short," says Count Gamba, "that, out + of three or four hundred actual Suliotes, there should be about + one hundred and fifty above the rank of common soldiers." The + audacious dishonesty of this demand,—beyond what he could + have expected even from Greeks,—roused all Lord Byron's + rage, and he at once signified to the whole body, through Count + Gamba, that all negotiation between them and himself was at an + end; that he could no longer have any confidence in persons so + little true to their engagements; and that though the relief + which he had afforded to their families should still be + continued, all his agreements with them, as a body, must be + thenceforward void. + </p> + <p> + It was on the 14th of February that this rupture with the + Suliotes took place; and though, on the following day, in + consequence of the full submission of their Chiefs, they were + again received into his Lordship's service on his own terms, the + whole affair, combined with the various other difficulties that + now beset him, agitated his mind considerably. He saw with pain + that he should but place in peril both the cause of Greece and + his own character, by at all relying, in such an enterprise, upon + troops whom any intriguer could thus seduce from their duty; and + that, till some more regular force could be organised, the + expedition against Lepanto must be suspended. + </p> + <p> + While these vexatious events were occurring, the interruption of + his accustomed exercise by the rains but increased the + irritability that such delays were <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg158" id="pg158">158</a></span> calculated to excite; and the + whole together, no doubt, concurred with whatever predisposing + tendencies were already in his constitution, to bring on that + convulsive fit,—the forerunner of his death,—which, + on the evening of the 15th of February, seized him. He was + sitting, at about eight o'clock, with only Mr. Parry and Mr. + Hesketh, in the apartment of Colonel Stanhope,—talking + jestingly upon one of his favourite topics, the differences + between himself and this latter gentleman, and saying that "he + believed, after all, the author's brigade would be ready before + the soldier's printing-press." There was an unusual flush in his + face, and from the rapid changes of his countenance it was + manifest that he was suffering under some nervous agitation. He + then complained of being thirsty, and, calling for some cider, + drank of it; upon which, a still greater change being observable + over his features, he rose from his seat, but was unable to walk, + and, after staggering forward a step or two, fell into Mr. + Parry's arms. In another minute, his teeth were closed, his + speech and senses gone, and he was in strong convulsions. So + violent, indeed, were his struggles, that it required all the + strength both of Mr. Parry and his servant Tita to hold him + during the fit. His face, too, was much distorted; and, as he + told Count Gamba afterwards, "so intense were his sufferings + during the convulsion, that, had it lasted but a minute longer, + he believed he must have died." The fit was, however, as short as + it was violent; in a few minutes his speech and senses returned; + his features, though still pale and haggard, resumed their + natural shape, and no effect remained from the attack but + excessive <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg159" id= + "pg159">159</a></span> weakness. "As soon as he could speak," + says Count Gamba, "he showed himself perfectly free from all + alarm; but he very coolly asked whether his attack was likely to + prove fatal. 'Let me know,' he said; 'do not think I am afraid to + die—I am not.'" + </p> + <p> + This painful event had not occurred more than half an hour, when + a report was brought that the Suliotes were up in arms, and about + to attack the seraglio, for the purpose of seizing the magazines. + Instantly Lord Byron's friends ran to the arsenal; the + artillery-men were ordered under arms; the sentinels doubled, and + the cannon loaded and pointed on the approaches to the gates. + Though the alarm proved to be false, the very likelihood of such + an attack shows sufficiently how precarious was the state of + Missolonghi at this moment, and in what a scene of peril, + confusion, and uncomfort, the now nearly numbered days of + England's poet were to close. + </p> + <p> + On the following morning he was found to be better, but still + pale and weak, and complained much of a sensation of weight in + his head. The doctors, therefore, thought it right to apply + leeches to his temples; but found it difficult, on their removal, + to stop the blood, which continued to flow so copiously, that + from exhaustion he fainted. It must have been on this day that + the scene thus described by Colonel Stanhope occurred:— + </p> + <p> + "Soon after his dreadful paroxysm, when, faint with + over-bleeding, he was lying on his sick bed, with his whole + nervous system completely shaken, <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg160" id="pg160">160</a></span> the mutinous Suliotes, covered + with dirt and splendid attires, broke into his apartment, + brandishing their costly arms, and loudly demanding their wild + rights. Lord Byron, electrified by this unexpected act, seemed to + recover from his sickness; and the more the Suliotes raged, the + more his calm courage triumphed. The scene was truly sublime." + </p> + <p> + Another eye-witness, Count Gamba, bears similar testimony to the + presence of mind with which he fronted this and all other such + dangers. "It is impossible," says this gentleman, "to do justice + to the coolness and magnanimity which he displayed upon every + trying occasion. Upon trifling occasions he was certainly + irritable; but the aspect of danger calmed him in an instant, and + restored to him the free exercise of all the powers of his noble + nature. A more undaunted man in the hour of peril never + breathed." + </p> + <p> + The letters written by him during the few following weeks form, + as usual, the best record of his proceedings, and, besides the + sad interest they possess as being among the latest from his + hand, are also precious, as affording proof that neither illness + nor disappointment, neither a worn-out frame nor even a hopeless + spirit, could lead him for a moment to think of abandoning the + great cause he had espoused; while to the last, too, he preserved + unbroken the cheerful spring of his mind, his manly endurance of + all ills that affected but himself, and his ever-wakeful + consideration for the wants of others. <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg161" id="pg161">161</a></span> + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 543. TO MR. BARFF. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "February 21. + </p> + <p> + "I am a good deal better, though of course weakly; the leeches + took too much blood from my temples the day after, and there was + some difficulty in stopping it, but I have since been up daily, + and out in boats of on horseback. To-day I have taken a warm + bath, and live as temperately as can well be, without any liquid + but water, and without animal food. + </p> + <p> + "Besides the four Turks sent to Patras, I have obtained the + release of four-and-twenty women and children, and sent them at + my own expense to Prevesa, that the English Consul-General may + consign them to their relations. I did this by their own desire. + Matters here are a little embroiled with the Suliotes and + foreigners, &c., but I still hope better things, and will + stand by the cause as long as my health and circumstances will + permit me to be supposed useful.<span class="fnref">[1]</span> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: In a letter to the same gentleman, dated January + 27., he had already said, "I hope that things here will go on + well some time or other. I will stick by the cause as long as a + cause exists—first or second."] + </p> + </div> + <p> + "I am obliged to support the Government here for the present." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + The prisoners mentioned in this letter as having been released by + him and sent to Prevesa, had been held in captivity at + Missolonghi since the beginning <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg162" id="pg162">162</a></span> of the Revolution. The + following was the letter which he forwarded with them to the + English Consul at Prevesa. + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 544. TO MR. MAYER. + </h3> + <p> + "Sir, + </p> + <p> + "Coming to Greece, one of my principal objects was to alleviate + as much as possible the miseries incident to a warfare so cruel + as the present. When the dictates of humanity are in question, I + know no difference between Turks and Greeks. It is enough that + those who want assistance are men, in order to claim the pity and + protection of the meanest pretender to humane feelings. I have + found here twenty-four Turks, including women and children, who + have long pined in distress, far from the means of support and + the consolations of their home. The Government has consigned them + to me; I transmit them to Prevesa, whither they desire to be + sent. I hope you will not object to take care that they may be + restored to a place of safety, and that the Governor of your town + may accept of my present. The best recompense I can hope for + would be to find that I had inspired the Ottoman commanders with + the same sentiments towards those unhappy Greeks who may + hereafter fall into their hands. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "I beg you to believe me," &c. + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg163" id="pg163">163</a></span> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 545. + </h3> + <p> + TO THE HONOURABLE DOUGLAS KINNAIRD. + </p> + <p class="quotdate"> + "Missolonghi, February 21. 1824. + </p> + <p> + "I have received yours of the 2d of November. It is essential + that the money should be paid, as I have drawn for it all, and + more too, to help the Greeks. Parry is here, and he and I agree + very well; and all is going on hopefully for the present, + considering circumstances. + </p> + <p> + "We shall have work this year, for the Turks are coming down in + force; and, as for me, I must stand by the cause. I shall shortly + march (according to orders) against Lepanto, with two thousand + men. I have been here some time, after some narrow escapes from + the Turks, and also from being ship-wrecked. We were twice upon + the rocks; but this you will have heard, truly or falsely, + through other channels, and I do not wish to bore you with a long + story. + </p> + <p> + "So far I have succeeded in supporting the Government of Western + Greece, which would otherwise have been dissolved. If you have + received the eleven thousand and odd pounds, these, with what I + have in hand, and my income for the current year, to say nothing + of contingencies, will, or might, enable me to keep the 'sinews + of war' properly strung. If the deputies be honest fellows, and + obtain the loan, they will repay the 4000,'. as agreed upon; and + even then I shall save little, or indeed less than little, since + I am maintaining nearly the whole machine—in this place, at + least—at my own <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg164" id= + "pg164">164</a></span> cost. But let the Greeks only succeed, and + I don't care for myself. + </p> + <p> + "I have been very seriously unwell, but am getting better, and + can ride about again; so pray quiet our friends on that score. + </p> + <p> + "It is not true that I ever <i>did, will, would, could,</i> or + <i>should</i> write a satire against Gifford, or a hair of his + head. I always considered him as my literary father, and myself + as his 'prodigal son;' and if I have allowed his 'fatted calf' to + grow to an ox before, he kills it on my return, it is only + because I prefer beef to veal. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + Yours," &c + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 546. TO MR. BARFF. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "February 23. + </p> + <p> + "My health seems improving, especially from riding and the warm + bath. Six Englishmen will be soon in quarantine at Zante; they + are artificers<span class="fnref">[1]</span>, and have had enough + of Greece in fourteen days. If you could recommend them to a + passage home, I would thank you; they are good men enough, but do + not quite understand the little discrepancies in these countries, + and are not used to see shooting and slashing in a domestic quiet + way, or (as it forms here) a part of housekeeping. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: The workmen who came out with Parry; and who, + alarmed by the scene of confusion and danger they found at + Missolonghi, had resolved to return home.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + "If they should want any thing during their quarantine, you can + advance them not more than a dollar a day (amongst them) for that + period, to <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg165" id= + "pg165">165</a></span> purchase them some little extras as + comforts (as they are quite out of their element). I cannot + afford them more at present." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + The following letter to Mr. Murray,—which it is most + gratifying to have to produce, as the last completing link of a + long friendship and correspondence which had been but for a short + time, and through the fault only of others, + interrupted,—contains such a summary of the chief events + now passing round Lord Byron, as, with the assistance of a few + notes, will render any more detailed narrative unnecessary. + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 547. TO MR. MURRAY. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "Missolonghi, February 25. 1824. + </p> + <p> + "I have heard from Mr. Douglas Kinnaird that you state 'a report + of a satire on Mr. Gifford having arrived from Italy, <i>said</i> + to be written by <i>me</i>! but that <i>you</i> do not believe + it.' I dare say you do not, nor anybody else, I should think. + Whoever asserts that I am the author or abettor of any thing of + the kind on Gifford lies in his throat. If any such composition + exists it is none of mine. <i>You</i> know as well as any body + upon <i>whom</i> I have or have not written; and <i>you</i> also + know whether they do or did not deserve that same. And so much + for such matters. + </p> + <p> + "You will perhaps be anxious to hear some news from this part of + Greece (which is the most liable to invasion); but you will hear + enough through public and private channels. I will, however, give + you the <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg166" id= + "pg166">166</a></span> events of a week, mingling my own private + peculiar with the public; for we are here a little jumbled + together at present. + </p> + <p> + "On Sunday (the 15th, I believe,) I had a strong and sudden + convulsive attack, which left me speechless, though not + motionless—for some strong men could not hold me; but + whether it was epilepsy, catalepsy, cachexy, or apoplexy, or what + other <i>exy</i> or <i>epsy</i>, the doctors have not decided; or + whether it was spasmodic or nervous, &c.; but it was very + unpleasant, and nearly carried me off, and all that. On Monday, + they put leeches to my temples, no difficult matter, but the + blood could not be stopped till eleven at night (they had gone + too near the temporal artery for my temporal safety), and neither + styptic nor caustic would cauterise the orifice till after a + hundred attempts. + </p> + <p> + "On Tuesday, a Turkish brig of war ran on shore. On Wednesday, + great preparations being made to attack her, though protected by + her consorts<span class="fnref">[1]</span>, the Turks burned her + and retired to Patras. On Thursday a quarrel ensued between the + Suliotes and the Frank guard at the arsenal: a Swedish + officer<span class="fnref">[2]</span> was <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg167" id="pg167">167</a></span> killed, and a + Suliote severely wounded, and a general fight expected, and with + some difficulty prevented. On Friday, the officer was buried; and + Captain Parry's English artificers mutinied, under pretence that + their lives are in danger, and are for quitting the + country:—they may.<span class="fnref">[3]</span> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: "Early in the morning we prepared for our attack + on the brig. Lord Byron, notwithstanding his weakness, and an + inflammation that threatened his eyes, was most anxious to be + of our party; but the physicians would not suffer him to + go."—COUNT GAMBA'S <i>Narrative</i>. + </p> + <p> + His Lordship had promised a reward for every Turk taken alive + in the proposed attack on this vessel.] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 2: Captain Sasse, an officer esteemed as one of the + best and bravest of the foreigners in the Greek service. + "This," says Colonel Stanhope, in a letter, February 18th, to + the Committee, "is a serious affair. The Suliotes have no + country, no home for their families; arrears of pay are owing + to them; the people of Missolonghi hate and pay them + exorbitantly. Lord Byron, who was to have led them to Lepanto, + is much shaken by his fit, and will probably be obliged to + retire from Greece. In short, all our hopes in this quarter are + damped for the present. I am not a little fearful, too, that + these wild warriors will not forget the blood that has been + spilt. I this morning told Prince Mavrocordato and Lord Byron + that they must come to some resolution about compelling the + Suliotes to quit the place."] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 3: This was a fresh, and, as may be conceived, + serious disappointment to Lord Byron. "The departure of these + men," says Count Gamba, "made us fear that our laboratory would + come to nothing; for, if we tried to supply the place of the + artificers with native Greeks, we should make but little + progress.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + "On Saturday we had the smartest shock of an earthquake which I + remember, (and I have felt thirty, slight or smart, at different + periods; they are common in the Mediterranean,) and the whole + army discharged their arms, upon the same principle that savages + beat drums, or howl, during an eclipse of the moon:—it was + a rare scene altogether—if you had but seen the English + Johnnies, who had never been out of a cockney workshop + before!—or will again, if they can help it—and on + Sunday, we heard <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg168" id= + "pg168">168</a></span> that the Vizier is come down to Larissa, + with one hundred and odd thousand men. + </p> + <p> + "In coming here, I had two escapes, one from the Turks, + <i>(one</i> of my vessels was taken, but afterwards released,) + and the other from shipwreck. We drove twice on the rocks near + the Scrophes (islands near the coast). + </p> + <p> + "I have obtained from the Greeks the release of eight-and-twenty + Turkish prisoners, men, women, and children, and sent them to + Patras and Prevesa at my own charges. One little girl of nine + years old, who prefers remaining with me, I shall (if I live) + send, with her mother, probably, to Italy, or to England. Her + name is Hato, or Hatagee. She is a very pretty, lively child. All + her brothers were killed by the Greeks, and she herself and her + mother merely spared by special favour and owing to her extreme + youth, she being then but five or six years old. + </p> + <p> + "My health is now better, and I ride about again. My office here + is no sinecure, so many parties and difficulties of every kind; + but I will do what I can. Prince Mavrocordato is an excellent + person, and does all in his power, but his situation is + perplexing in the extreme. Still we have great hopes of the + success of the contest. You will hear, however, more of public + news from plenty of quarters; for I have little time to write. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "Believe me yours, &c. &c. N. BN." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + The fierce lawlessness of the Suliotes had now risen to such a + height that it became necessary, for the <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg169" id="pg169">169</a></span> safety of the + European population, to get rid of them altogether; and, by some + sacrifices on the part of Lord Byron, this object was at length + effected. The advance of a month's pay by him, and the discharge + of their arrears by the Government, (the latter, too, with money + lent for that purpose by the same universal paymaster,) at length + induced these rude warriors to depart from the town, and with + them vanished all hopes of the expedition against Lepanto. + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 548. TO MR. MOORE. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "Missolonghi, Western Greece, March 4. 1824. + </p> + <p> + "My dear Moore, + </p> + <p> + "Your reproach is unfounded—I have received two letters + from you, and answered both previous to leaving Cephalonia. I + have not been 'quiet' in an Ionian island, but much occupied with + business,—as the Greek deputies (if arrived) can tell you. + Neither have I continued 'Don Juan,' nor any other poem. You go, + as usual, I presume, by some newspaper report or + other.<span class="fnref">[1]</span> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: Proceeding, as he here rightly supposes, upon + newspaper authority, I had in my letter made some allusion to + his imputed occupations, which, in his present sensitiveness on + the subject of authorship, did not at all please him. To this + circumstance Count Gamba alludes in a passage of his Narrative; + where, after mentioning a remark of Byron's, that "Poetry + should only occupy the idle, and that in more serious affairs + it would be ridiculous," he adds— "——, at + this time writing to him, said, that he had heard that 'instead + of pursuing heroic and warlike adventures, he was residing in a + delightful villa, continuing Don Juan.' This offended him for + the moment, and he was sorry that such a mistaken judgment had + been formed of him." + </p> + <p> + It is amusing to observe that, while thus anxious, and from a + highly noble motive, to throw his authorship into the shade + while engaged in so much more serious pursuits, it was yet an + author's mode of revenge that always occurred to him, when + under the influence of any of these passing resentments. Thus, + when a little angry with Colonel Stanhope one day, he + exclaimed, "I will libel you in your own Chronicle;" and in + this brief burst of humour I was myself the means of provoking + in him, I have been told, on the authority of Count Gamba, that + he swore to "write a satire" upon me. + </p> + <p> + Though the above letter shows how momentary was any little + spleen he may have felt, there not unfrequently, I own, comes + over me a short pang of regret to think that a feeling of + displeasure, however slight, should have been among the latest + I awakened in him.] + </p> + </div> + <p><span class="pagenum"><a name="pg170" id= + "pg170">170</a></span> + "When the proper moment to be of some use arrived, I came here; + and am told that my arrival (with some other circumstances) + <i>has</i> been of, at least, temporary advantage to the cause. I + had a narrow escape from the Turks, and another from Shipwreck on + my passage. On the 15th (or 16th) of February I had an attack of + apoplexy, or epilepsy,—the physicians have not exactly + decided which, but the alternative is agreeable. My constitution, + therefore, remains between the two opinions, like Mahomet's + sarcophagus between the magnets. All that I can say is, that they + nearly bled me to death, by placing the leeches too near the + temporal artery, so that the blood could with difficulty be + stopped, even with caustic, I am supposed to be getting better, + slowly, <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg171" id= + "pg171">171</a></span> however. But my homilies will, I presume, + for the future, be like the Archbishop of Grenada's—in this + case, 'I order you a hundred ducats from my treasurer, and wish + you a little more taste.' + </p> + <p> + "For public matters I refer you to Colonel Stanhope's and Capt. + Parry's reports,—and to all other reports whatsoever. There + is plenty to do—war without, and tumult within—they + 'kill a man a week,' like Bob Acres in the country. Parry's + artificers have gone away in alarm, on account of a dispute in + which some of the natives and foreigners were engaged, and a + Swede was killed, and a Suliote wounded. In the middle of their + fright there was a strong shock of an earthquake; so, between + that and the sword, they boomed off in a hurry, in despite of all + dissuasions to the contrary. A Turkish brig run ashore, &c. + &c. &c.<span class="fnref">[1]</span> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: What I have omitted here is but a repetition of + the various particulars, respecting all that had happened since + his arrival, which have already been given in the letters to + his other correspondents.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + "You, I presume, are either publishing or meditating that same. + Let me hear from and of you, and believe me, in all events, + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "Ever and affectionately yours, + <br /> + "N. B. + </p> + <p> + "P.S. Tell Mr. Murray that I wrote to him the other day, and hope + that he has received, or will receive, the letter." <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg172" id="pg172">172</a></span> + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 549. TO DR. KENNEDY. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "Missolonghi, March 4. 1824. + </p> + <p> + "My dear Doctor, + </p> + <p> + "I have to thank you for your two very kind letters, both + received at the same time, and one long after its date. I am not + unaware of the precarious state of my health, nor am, nor have + been, deceived on that subject. But it is proper that I should + remain in Greece; and it were better to die doing something than + nothing. My presence here has been supposed so far useful as to + have prevented confusion from becoming worse confounded, at least + for the present. Should I become, or be deemed useless or + superfluous, I am ready to retire; but in the interim I am not to + consider personal consequences; the rest is in the hands of + Providence,—as indeed are all things. I shall, however, + observe your instructions, and indeed did so, as far as regards + abstinence, for some time past. + </p> + <p> + "Besides the tracts, &c. which you have sent for + distribution, one of the English artificers (hight Brownbill, a + tinman,) left to my charge a number of Greek Testaments, which I + will endeavour to distribute properly. The Greeks complain that + the translation is not correct, nor in <i>good</i> Romaic: Bambas + can decide on that point. I am trying to reconcile the clergy to + the distribution, which (without due regard to their hierarchy) + they might contrive to impede or neutralise in the effect, from + their power over their people. Mr. Brownbill has gone to the + Islands, having some apprehension for his life, (not <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg173" id="pg173">173</a></span> from the + priests, however,) and apparently preferring rather to be a saint + than a martyr, although his apprehensions of becoming the latter + were probably unfounded. All the English artificers accompanied + him, thinking themselves in danger on account of some troubles + here, which have apparently subsided. + </p> + <p> + "I have been interrupted by a visit from Prince Mavrocordato and + others since I began this letter, and must close it hastily, for + the boat is announced as ready to sail. Your future convert, + Hato, or Hatagée, appears to me lively, and intelligent, and + promising, and possesses an interesting countenance. With regard + to her disposition, I can say little, but Millingen, who has the + mother (who is a middle-aged woman of good character) in his + house as a domestic (although their family was in good worldly + circumstances previous to the Revolution), speaks well of both, + and he is to be relied on. As far as I know, I have only seen the + child a few times with her mother, and what I have seen is + favourable, or I should not take so much interest in her behalf. + If she turns out well, my idea would be to send her to my + daughter in England (if not to respectable persons in Italy), and + so to provide for her as to enable her to live with reputation + either singly or in marriage, if she arrive at maturity. I will + make proper arrangements about her expenses through Messrs. Barff + and Hancock, and the rest I leave to your discretion and to Mrs. + K.'s, with a great sense of obligation for your kindness in + undertaking her temporary superintendence. + </p> + <p> + "Of public matters here, I have little to add to <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg174" id="pg174">174</a></span> what you will + already have heard. We are going on as well as we can, and with + the hope and the endeavour to do better. Believe me, + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "Ever and truly," &c. + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 550. TO MR. BARFF. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "March 5. 1824. + </p> + <p> + "If Sisseni<span class="fnref">[1]</span> is sincere, he will be + treated with, and well treated; if he is not, the sin and the + shame may lie at his own door. One great object is to heal those + internal dissensions for the future, without exacting too + rigorous an account of the past. Prince Mavrocordato is of the + same opinion, and whoever is disposed to act fairly will be + fairly dealt with. I <i>have</i> heard a <i>good deal</i> of + Sisseni, but not a <i>deal</i> of <i>good</i>: however, I never + judge from report, particularly in a Revolution. + <i>Personally</i>, I am rather obliged to him, for he has been + very hospitable to all friends of mine who have passed through + his district. You may therefore assure him that any overture for + the advantage of Greece and its internal pacification will be + readily and sincerely met <i>here</i>. I hardly think that he + would have ventured <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg175" id= + "pg175">175</a></span> a deceitful proposition to me through + <i>you</i>, because he must be sure that in such a case it would + eventually be exposed. At any rate, the healing of these + dissensions is so important a point, that something must be + risked to obtain it." + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: This Sisseni, who was the <i>Capitano</i> of the + rich district about Gastouni, and had for some time held out + against the general Government, was now, as appears by the + above letter, making overtures, through Mr. Barff, of adhesion. + As a proof of his sincerity, it was required by Lord Byron that + he should surrender into the hands of the Government the + fortress of Chiarenza.] + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + </div> + <h3> + LETTER 551. TO MR. BARFF. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "March 10. + </p> + <p> + "Enclosed is an answer to Mr. Parruca's letter, and I hope that + you will assure him from me, that I have done and am doing all I + can to re-unite the Greeks with the Greeks. + </p> + <p> + "I am extremely obliged by your offer of your country house (as + for all other kindness) in case that my health should require my + removal; but I cannot quit Greece while there is a chance of my + being of any (even supposed) utility:—there is a stake + worth millions such as I am, and while I can stand at all, I must + stand by the cause. When I say this, I am at the same time aware + of the difficulties and dissensions and defects of the Greeks + themselves; but allowance must be made for them by all reasonable + people. + </p> + <p> + "My chief, indeed <i>nine tenths</i> of my expenses here are + solely in advances to or on behalf of the Greeks<span class= + "fnref">[1]</span>, and objects connected with their + independence." + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: "At this time (February 14th)," says Mr. Parry, + who kept the accounts of his Lordship's disbursements, "the + expenses of Lord Byron in the cause of the Greeks did not + amount to less than two thousand dollars per week in rations + alone." In another place this writer says, "The Greeks seemed + to think he was a mine from which they could extract gold at + their pleasure. One person represented that a supply of 20,000 + dollars would save the island of Candia from falling into the + hands of the Pacha of Egypt; and there not being that sum in + hand, Lord Byron gave him authority to raise it if he could in + the Islands, and he would guarantee its repayment. I believe + this person did not succeed."] + </p> + </div> + <p><span class="pagenum"><a name="pg176" id= + "pg176">176</a></span> + <br /> + <br /> + The letter of Parruca, to which the foregoing alludes, contained + a pressing invitation to Lord Byron to present himself in the + Peloponnesus, where, it was added, his influence would be sure to + bring about the Union of all parties. So general, indeed, was the + confidence placed in their noble ally, that, by every Chief of + every faction, he seems to have been regarded as the only + rallying point round which there was the slightest chance of + their now split and jarring interests being united. A far more + flattering, as well as more authorised, invitation soon after + reached him, through an express envoy, from the Chieftain, + Colocotroni, recommending a National Council, where his Lordship, + it was proposed, should act as mediator, and pledging this Chief + himself and his followers to abide by the result. To this + application an answer was returned similar to that which he sent + to Parruca, and which was in terms as follows:— + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg177" id="pg177">177</a></span> + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 552. TO SR. PARRUCA. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "March 10. 1824. + </p> + <p> + "Sir, + </p> + <p> + "I have the honour of answering your letter. My first wish has + always been to bring the Greeks to agree amongst themselves. I + came here by the invitation of the Greek Government, and I do not + think that I ought to abandon Roumelia for the Peloponnesus until + that Government shall desire it; and the more so, as this part is + exposed in a greater degree to the enemy. Nevertheless, if my + presence can really be of any assistance in uniting two or more + parties, I am ready to go any where, either as a mediator, or, if + necessary, as a hostage. In these affairs I have neither private + views, nor private dislike of any individual, but the sincere + wish of deserving the name of the friend of your country, and of + her patriots. I have the honour," &c. + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 553. TO MR. CHARLES HANCOCK. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "Missolonghi, March 10. 1824. + </p> + <p> + "Sir, + </p> + <p> + "I sent by Mr. J.M. Hodges a bill drawn on Signer C. Jerostatti + for three hundred and eighty-six pounds, on account of the Hon. + the Greek Committee, for carrying on the service at this place. + But Count Delladecima sent no more than two hundred dollars until + he should receive instructions from C. Jerostatti. Therefore I am + obliged to advance <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg178" id= + "pg178">178</a></span> that sum to prevent a positive stop being + put to the Laboratory service at this place, &c. &c. + </p> + <p> + "I beg you will mention this business to Count Delladecima, who + has the draft and every account, and that Mr. Barff, in + conjunction with yourself, will endeavour to arrange this money + account, and, when received, forward the same to Missolonghi. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "I am, Sir, yours very truly. + </p> + <p> + "So far is written by Captain Parry; but I see that I must + continue the letter myself. I understand little or nothing of the + business, saving and except that, like most of the present + affairs here, it will be at a stand-still if monies be not + advanced, and there are few here so disposed; so that I must take + the chance, as usual. + </p> + <p> + "You will see what can be done with Delladecima and Jerostatti, + and remit the sum, that we may have some quiet; for the Committee + have somehow embroiled their matters, or chosen Greek + correspondents more Grecian than ever the Greeks are wont to be. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "Yours ever, NL. BN. + </p> + <p> + "P.S. A thousand thanks to Muir for his cauliflower, the finest I + ever saw or tasted, and, I believe, the largest that ever grew + out of Paradise, or Scotland. I have written to quiet Dr. Kennedy + about the newspaper (with which I have nothing to do as a writer, + please to recollect and say). I told the fools of conductors that + their motto would play the devil; but, like all mountebanks, they + persisted. Gamba, who is any thing but <i>lucky</i>, had + something to do with it; and, as usual, the moment he had, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg179" id="pg179">179</a></span> + matters went wrong. <span class="fnref">[1]</span> It will be + better, perhaps, in time. But I write in haste, and have only + time to say, before the boat sails, that I am ever + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "Yours, N. BN. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: He had a notion that Count Gamba was destined to + be unfortunate,—that he was one of those ill-starred + persons with whom every thing goes wrong. In speaking of this + newspaper to Parry, he said, "I have subscribed to it to get + rid of importunity, and, it may be, keep Gamba out of mischief. + At any rate, he can mar nothing that is of less importance."] + </p> + </div> + <p> + "P.S. Mr. Findlay is here, and has received his money." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 554. TO DR. KENNEDY. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "Missolonghi, March 10. 1824. + </p> + <p> + "Dear Sir, + </p> + <p> + "You could not disapprove of the motto to the Telegraph more than + I did, and do; but this is the land of liberty, where most people + do as they please, and few as they ought. + </p> + <p> + "I have not written, nor am inclined to write, for that or for + any other paper, but have suggested to them, over and over, a + change of the motto and style. However, I do not think that it + will turn out either an irreligious or a levelling publication, + and they promise due respect to both churches and things, + <i>i.e.</i> the editors do. + </p> + <p> + "If Bambas would write for the Greek Chronicle, he might have his + own price for articles. + </p> + <p> + "There is a slight demur about Hato's voyage, her mother wishing + to go with her, which is quite <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg180" id="pg180">180</a></span> natural, and I have not the + heart to refuse it; for even Mahomet made a law, that in the + division of captives, the child should never be separated from + the mother. But this may make a difference in the arrangement, + although the poor woman (who has lost half her family in the war) + is, as I said, of good character, and of mature age, so as to + render her respectability not liable to suspicion. She has heard, + it seems, from Prevesa, that her husband is no longer there. I + have consigned your Bibles to Dr. Meyer; and I hope that the said + Doctor may justify your confidence; nevertheless, I shall keep an + eye upon him. You may depend upon my giving the Society as fair + play as Mr. Wilberforce himself would; and any other commission + for the good of Greece will meet with the same attention on my + part. + </p> + <p> + "I am trying, with some hope of eventual success, to re-unite the + Greeks, especially as the Turks are expected in force, and that + shortly. We must meet them as we may, and fight it out as we can. + </p> + <p> + "I rejoice to hear that your school prospers, and I assure you + that your good wishes are reciprocal. The weather is so much + finer, that I get a good deal of moderate exercise in boats and + on horseback, and am willing to hope that my health is not worse + than when you kindly wrote to me. Dr. Bruno can tell you that I + adhere to your regimen, and more, for I do not eat any meat, even + fish. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "Believe me ever, &c. + </p> + <p> + "P.S. The mechanics (six in number) were all pretty much of the + same mind. Brownbill was but <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg181" id="pg181">181</a></span> <i>one</i>. Perhaps they are + less to blame than is imagined, since Colonel Stanhope is said to + have told them, '<i>that he could not positively say their lives + were safe.'</i> I should like to know <i>where</i> our life + <i>is</i> safe, either here or any where else? With regard to a + place of safety, at least such hermetically sealed safety as + these persons appeared to desiderate, it is not to be found in + Greece, at any rate; but Missolonghi was supposed to be the place + where they would be useful, and their risk was no greater than + that of others." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 555. TO COLONEL STANHOPE. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "Missolonghi, March 19. 1824. + </p> + <p> + "My dear Stanhope, + </p> + <p> + "Prince Mavrocordato and myself will go to Salona to meet + Ulysses, and you may be very sure that P.M. will accept any + proposition for the advantage of Greece. Parry is to answer for + himself on his own articles<span class="fnref">[1]</span>: if I + were to interfere with him, it would only stop the whole progress + of his exertion; and he is really doing all that can be done + without more aid from the Government. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: Colonel Stanhope had, at the instance of the Chief + Odysseus, written to request that some stores from the + laboratory at Missolonghi might be sent to Athens. Neither + Prince Mavrocordato, however, nor Lord Byron considered it + prudent, at this time, to weaken their means for defending + Missolonghi, and accordingly sent back by the messenger but a + few barrels of powder.] + </p> + </div> + <p><span class="pagenum"><a name="pg182" id= + "pg182">182</a></span> + "What can be spared will be sent; but I refer you to Captain + Humphries's report, and to Count Gamba's letter for details upon + all subjects. + </p> + <p> + "In the hope of seeing you soon, and deferring much that will be + to be said till then, + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + "Believe me ever, &c. + </p> + <p> + "P.S. Your two letters (to me) are sent to Mr. Barff, as you + desire. Pray remember me particularly to Trelawney, whom I shall + be very much pleased to see again." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 556. TO MR. BARFF. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "March 19. + </p> + <p> + "As Count Mercati is under some apprehensions of a <i>direct</i> + answer to <i>him</i> personally on Greek affairs, I reply (as you + authorised me) to you, who will have the goodness to communicate + to him the enclosed. It is the joint answer of Prince + Mavrocordato and of myself, to Signor Georgio Sisseni's + propositions. You may also add, both to him and to Parruca, that + I am perfectly sincere in desiring the most amicable termination + of their internal dissensions, and that I believe P. Mavrocordato + to be so also; otherwise I would not act with him, or any other, + whether native or foreigner. + </p> + <p> + "If Lord Guilford is at Zante, or, if he is not, if Signor + Tricupi is there, you would oblige me by presenting my respects + to one or both, and by telling them, that from the very first I + foretold to Col. Stanhope and to P. Mavrocordato that a Greek + newspaper (or indeed any other) in <i>the present state</i> of + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg183" id="pg183">183</a></span> + Greece might and probably <i>would</i> tend to much mischief and + misconstruction, unless under some restrictions, nor have I ever + had any thing to do with either, as a writer or otherwise, except + as a pecuniary contributor to their support in the outset, which + I could not refuse to the earnest request of the projectors. Col. + Stanhope and myself had considerable differences of opinion on + this subject, and (what will appear laughable enough) to such a + degree, that he charged me with <i>despotic</i> principles, and I + <i>him</i> with ultra radicalism. + </p> + <p> + "Dr. ——, the editor, with his unrestrained freedom of + the press, and who has the freedom to exercise an unlimited + discretion,—not allowing any article but his own and those + like them to appear,—and in declaiming against + restrictions, cuts, carves, and restricts (as they tell me) at + his own will and pleasure. He is the author of an article against + Monarchy, of which he may have the advantage and fame—but + they (the editors) will get themselves into a scrape, if they do + not take care. + </p> + <p> + "Of all petty tyrants, he is one of the pettiest, as are most + demagogues, that ever I knew. He is a Swiss by birth, and a Greek + by assumption, having married a wife and changed his religion. + </p> + <p> + "I shall be very glad, and am extremely anxious for some + favourable result to the recent pacific overtures of the + contending parties in the Peloponnese." <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg184" id="pg184">184</a></span> + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 557. TO MR. BARFF. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "March 23. + </p> + <p> + "If the Greek deputies (as seems probable) have obtained the + Loan, the sums I have advanced may perhaps be repaid; but it + would make no great difference, as I should still spend that in + the cause, and more to boot—though I should hope to better + purpose than paying off arrears of fleets that sail away, and + Suliotes that won't march, which, they say, what has hitherto + been advanced has been employed in. But that was not my affair, + but of those who had the disposal of affairs, and I could not + decently say to them, 'You shall do so and so, because, &c. + &c. &c.' + </p> + <p> + "In a few days P. Mavrocordato and myself, with a considerable + escort, intend to proceed to Salona at the request of Ulysses and + the Chiefs of Eastern Greece, and take measures offensive and + defensive for the ensuing campaign. Mavrocordato is <i>almost</i> + recalled by the <i>new</i> Government to the Morea, (to take the + lead, I rather think,) and they have written to propose to me to + go either to the Morea with him, or to take the general direction + of affairs in this quarter—with General Londo, and any + other I may choose, to form a council. A. Londo is my old friend + and acquaintance since we were lads in Greece together. It would + be difficult to give a positive answer till the Salona meeting is + over<span class="fnref">[1]</span>; but I am willing to + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg185" id="pg185">185</a></span> + serve them in any capacity they please, either commanding or + commanded—it is much the same to me, as long as I can be of + any presumed use to them. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: To this offer of the Government to appoint him + Governor-General of Greece, (that is, of the enfranchised part + of the continent, with the exception of the Morea and the + Islands,) his answer was, that "he was first going to Salona, + and that afterwards he would be at their commands; that he + could have no difficulty in accepting any office, provided he + could persuade himself that any good would result from it."] + </p> + </div> + <p> + "Excuse haste; it is late, and I have been several hours on + horseback in a country so miry after the rains, that every + hundred yards brings you to a ditch, of whose depth, width, + colour, and contents, both my horses and their riders have + brought away many tokens." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 558. TO ME. BARFF. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "March 26. + </p> + <p> + "Since your intelligence with regard to the Greek loan, P. + Mavrocordato has shown to me an extract from some correspondence + of his, by which it would appear that three commissioners are to + be named to see that the amount is placed in proper hands for the + service of the country, and that my name is amongst the number. + Of this, however, we have as yet only the report. + </p> + <p> + "This commission is apparently named by the Committee or the + contracting parties in England. I am of opinion that such a + commission will be necessary, but the office will be both + delicate and difficult. The weather, which has lately been + equinoctial, has flooded the country, and will probably retard + our <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg186" id= + "pg186">186</a></span> proceeding to Salona for some days, till + the road becomes more practicable. + </p> + <p> + "You were already apprised that P. Mavrocordato and myself had + been invited to a conference by Ulysses and the Chiefs of Eastern + Greece. I hear (and am indeed consulted on the subject) that in + case the remittance of the first advance of the Loan should not + arrive immediately, the Greek General Government mean to try to + raise some thousand dollars in the islands in the interim, to be + repaid from the earliest instalments on their arrival. What + prospect of success they may have, or on what conditions, you can + tell better than me: I suppose, if the Loan be confirmed, + something might be done by them, but subject of course to the + usual terms. You can let them and me know your opinion. There is + an imperious necessity for some national fund, and that speedily, + otherwise what is to be done? The auxiliary corps of about two + hundred men, paid by me, are, I believe, the sole regularly and + properly furnished with the money, due to them weekly, and the + officers monthly. It is true that the Greek Government give their + rations; but we have had three mutinies, owing to the badness of + the bread, which neither native nor stranger could masticate (nor + dogs either), and there is still great difficulty in obtaining + them even provisions of any kind. + </p> + <p> + "There is a dissension among the Germans about the conduct of the + agents of <i>their</i> Committee, and an examination amongst + themselves instituted. What the result may be cannot be + anticipated, except that it will end in <i>a row</i>, of course, + as usual. <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg187" id= + "pg187">187</a></span> + </p> + <p> + "The English are all very amicable as far as I know; we get on + too with the Greeks very tolerably, always making allowance for + circumstances; and we have no quarrels with the foreigners." + </p> + <p> + During the month of March there occurred but little, besides what + is mentioned in these letters, that requires to be dwelt upon at + any length, or in detail. After the failure of his design against + Lepanto, the two great objects of his daily thoughts were, the + repairs of the fortifications of Missolonghi <span class= + "fnref">[1]</span>, and the formation of a brigade;—the + one, with a view to such defensive measures as were alone likely + to be called for during the present campaign; and the other in + preparation for those more active enterprises, which he still + fondly flattered himself he should undertake in the next. "He + looked forward (says Mr. Parry) for the recovery of his health + and spirits, to the return of the fine weather, and the + commencement of the campaign, when he proposed to take the field + at the head of his own brigade, and the troops which the + Government of Greece were to place under his orders." + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: The generous zeal with which he applied himself to + this important object will be understood from the following + statement:—"On reporting to Lord Byron what I thought + might be done, he ordered me to draw up a plan for putting the + fortifications in thorough repair, and to accompany it with an + estimate of the expense. It was agreed that I should make the + estimate only one third of what I thought would be the actual + expense; and if that third could be procured from the + magistrates, Lord Byron undertook secretly to pay the + remainder."] + </p> + </div> + <p><span class="pagenum"><a name="pg188" id= + "pg188">188</a></span> + With that thanklessness which too often waits on disinterested + actions, it has been sometimes tauntingly remarked, and in + quarters from whence a more generous judgment might be expected + <span class="fnref">[1]</span>, that, after all, Lord Byron + effected but little for Greece:—as if much <i>could</i> be + effected by a single individual, and in so short a time, for a + cause which, fought as it has been almost incessantly through the + six years since his death, has required nothing less than the + intervention of all the great Powers of Europe to give it a + chance of success, and, even so, has not yet succeeded. That + Byron himself was under no delusion as to the importance of his + own solitary aid,—that he knew, in a struggle like this, + there must be the same prodigality of means towards one great end + as is observable in the still grander operations of nature, where + individuals are as nothing in the tide of events,—that such + was his, at once, philosophic and melancholy view of his own + sacrifices, I have, I trust, clearly shown. But that, during this + short period of action, he did not do well and wisely all that + man could achieve in the time, and under the circumstances, is an + assertion which the noble facts here recorded fully and + triumphantly disprove. He knew that, placed as he was, his + measures, to be wise, must be prospective, and from the nature of + the seeds thus sown by him, the benefits that were to be expected + must be judged. To reconcile the rude chiefs to the Government + and to each other;—to <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg189" + id="pg189">189</a></span> infuse a spirit of humanity, by his + example, into their warfare;—to prepare the way for the + employment of the expected Loan, in a manner most calculated to + call forth the resources of the country;—to put the + fortifications of Missolonghi in such a state of repair as might, + and eventually <i>did</i>, render it proof against the + besieger;—to prevent those infractions of neutrality, so + tempting to the Greeks, which brought their Government in + collision with the Ionian authorities<span class= + "fnref">[2]</span>, and to restrain all such license of the Press + as might indispose the Courts of Europe to their + cause:—such were the important objects which he had + proposed to himself to accomplish, and towards which, in this + brief interval, and in the midst of such dissensions and + hinderances, he had already made considerable and most promising + progress. But it would be unjust to close even here the bright + catalogue of his services. It is, after all, <i>not</i> with the + span of mortal life that the good achieved by a name immortal + ends. The charm acts into the future,—it is an auxiliary + through all time; and the inspiring example of Byron, as a martyr + of liberty, is for ever freshly embalmed in his glory as a poet. + From the period of his attack in February he had <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg190" id="pg190">190</a></span> been, from + time to time, indisposed; and, more than once, had complained of + vertigos, which made him feel, he said, as if intoxicated. He was + also frequently affected with nervous sensations, with shiverings + and tremors, which, though apparently the effects of excessive + debility, he himself attributed to fulness of habit. Proceeding + upon this notion, he had, ever since his arrival in Greece, + abstained almost wholly from animal food, and ate of little else + but dry toast, vegetables, and cheese. With the same fear of + becoming fat, which had in his young days haunted him, he almost + every morning measured himself round the wrist and waist, and + whenever he found these parts, as he thought, enlarged, took a + strong dose of medicine. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: Articles in the Times newspaper, Foreign Quarterly + Review, &c.] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 2: In a letter which he addressed to Lord Sidney + Osborne, enclosing one, on the subject of these infractions, + from Prince Mavrocordato to Sir T. Maitland, Lord Byron + says,—"You must all be persuaded how difficult it is, + under existing circumstances, for the Greeks to keep up + discipline, however they may be all disposed to do so, I am + doing all I can to convince them of the necessity of the + strictest observance of the regulations of the Islands, and, I + trust, with some effect"] + </p> + </div> + <p> + Exertions had, as we have seen, been made by his friends at + Cephalonia, to induce him, without delay, to return to that + island, and take measures, while there was yet time, for the + re-establishment of his health. "But these entreaties (says Count + Gamba) produced just the contrary effect; for in proportion as + Byron thought his position more perilous, he the more resolved + upon remaining where he was." In the midst of all this, too, the + natural flow of his spirits in society seldom deserted him; and + whenever a trick upon any of his attendants, or associates, + suggested itself, he was as ready to play the mischief-loving boy + as ever. His engineer, Parry, having been much alarmed by the + earthquake they had experienced, and still continuing in constant + apprehension of its return, Lord Byron contrived, as they were + all sitting together one evening, to have <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg191" id="pg191">191</a></span> some barrels + full of cannon-balls trundled through the room above them; and + laughed heartily, as he would have done when a Harrow boy, at the + ludicrous effect which this deception produced on the poor + frightened engineer. + </p> + <p> + Every day, however, brought new trials both to his health and + temper. The constant rains had rendered the swamps of Missolonghi + almost impassable;—an alarm of plague, which, about the + middle of March, was circulated, made it prudent, for some time, + to keep within doors; and he was thus, week after week, deprived + of his accustomed air and exercise. The only recreation he had + recourse to was that of playing with his favourite dog, Lion; + and, in the evening, going through the exercise of drilling with + his officers, or practising at single-stick. + </p> + <p> + At the same time, the demands upon his exertions, personal and + pecuniary, poured in from all sides, while the embarrassments of + his public position every day increased. The chief obstacle in + the way of his plan for the reconciliation of all parties had + been the rivalry so long existing between Mavrocordato and the + Eastern Chiefs; and this difficulty was now not a little + heightened by the part taken by Colonel Stanhope and Mr. + Trelawney, who, having allied themselves with Odysseus, the most + powerful of these Chieftains, were endeavouring actively to + detach Lord Byron from Mavrocordato, and enlist him in their own + views. This schism was,—to say the least of + it,—ill-timed and unfortunate. For, as Prince Mavrocordato + and Lord Byron were now acting in complete harmony with the + Government, <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg192" id= + "pg192">192</a></span> a co-operation of all the other English + agents on the same side would have had the effect of assuring a + preponderance to this party (which was that of the civil and + commercial interests all through Greece), that might, by + strengthening the hands of the ruling power, have afforded some + hope of vigour and consistency in its movements. By this + division, however, the English lost their casting weight; and not + only marred whatever little chance they might have had of + extinguishing the dissensions of the Greeks, but exhibited, most + unseasonably, an example of dissension among themselves. + </p> + <p> + The visit to Salona, in which, though distrustful of the intended + Military Congress, Mavrocordato had consented to accompany Lord + Byron, was, as the foregoing letters have mentioned, delayed by + the floods,—the river Fidari having become so swollen as + not to be fordable. In the mean time, dangers, both from within + and without, threatened Missolonghi. The Turkish fleet had again + come forth from the Gulf, while, in concert, it was apprehended, + with this resumption of the blockade, insurrectionary movements, + instigated, as was afterwards known, by the malcontents of the + Morea, manifested themselves formidably both in the town and its + neighbourhood. The first cause for alarm was the landing, in + canoes, from Anatolico, of a party of armed men, the followers of + Cariascachi of that place, who came to demand retribution from + the people of Missolonghi for some injury that, in a late affray, + had been inflicted on one of their clan. It was also rumoured + that 300 Suliotes were marching upon the town; and <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg193" id="pg193">193</a></span> the following + morning, news came that a party of these wild warriors had + actually seized upon Basiladi, a fortress that commands the port + of Missolonghi, while some of the soldiers of Cariascachi had, in + the course of the night, arrested two of the Primates, and + carried them to Anatolico. The tumult and indignation that this + intelligence produced was universal. All the shops were shut, and + the bazaars deserted. "Lord Byron," says Count Gamba, "ordered + his troops to continue under arms; but to preserve the strictest + neutrality, without mixing in any quarrel, either by actions or + words." + </p> + <p> + During this crisis, the weather had become sufficiently + favourable to admit of his paying the visit to Salona, which he + had purposed. But, as his departure at such a juncture might have + the appearance of abandoning Missolonghi, he resolved to wait the + danger out. At this time the following letters were written. + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 559. TO MR. BARFF. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "April 3. + </p> + <p> + "There is a quarrel, not yet settled, between the citizens and + some of Cariascachi's people, which has already produced some + blows. I keep my people quite neutral; but have ordered them to + be on their guard. + </p> + <p> + "Some days ago we had an Italian private soldier drummed out for + thieving. The German officers wanted to flog him; but I flatly + refused to permit the use of the stick or whip, and delivered him + over <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg194" id= + "pg194">194</a></span> to the police.<span class= + "fnref">[1]</span> Since then a Prussian officer rioted in his + lodgings; and I put him under arrest, according to the order. + This, it appears, did not please his German confederation: but I + stuck by my text; and have given them plainly to understand, that + those who do not choose to be amenable to the laws of the country + and service, may retire; but that in all that I have to do, I + will see them obeyed by foreigner or native. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: "Lord Byron declared that, as far as he was + concerned, no barbarous usages, however adopted even by some + civilised people, should be introduced into Greece; especially + as such a mode of punishment would disgust rather than reform. + We hit upon an expedient which favoured our military + discipline: but it required not only all Lord Byron's + eloquence, but his authority, to prevail upon our Germans to + accede to it. The culprit had his uniform stripped off his + back, in presence of his comrades, and was afterwards marched + through the town with a label on his back, describing, both in + Greek and Italian, the nature of his offence; after which he + was given up to the regular police. This example of severity, + tempered by a humane spirit, produced the best effect upon our + soldiers, as well as upon the citizens of the town. But it was + very near causing a most disagreeable circumstance; for, in the + course of the evening, some very high words passed on the + subject between three Englishmen, two of them officers of our + brigade, in consequence of which cards were exchanged, and two + duels were to have been fought the next morning. Lord Byron did + not hear of this till late at night: but he immediately ordered + me to arrest both parties, which I according did; and, after + some difficulty, prevailed on them to shake hands."—COUNT + GAMBA'S <i>Narrative</i>.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + "I wish something was heard of the arrival of <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg195" id="pg195">195</a></span> part of the + Loan, for there is a plentiful dearth of every thing at present." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + LETTER 560. TO MR. BARFF. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "April 6. + </p> + <p> + "Since I wrote, we have had some tumult here with the citizens + and Cariascachi's people, and all are under arms, our boys and + all. They nearly fired on me and fifty of my lads<span class= + "fnref">[1]</span>, by mistake, as we were taking our usual + excursion into the country. To-day matters are settled or + subsiding; but, about an hour ago, the father-in-law of the + landlord of the house where I am lodged (one of the Primates the + said landlord is) was arrested for high treason. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: A corps of fifty Suliotes which he had, almost + ever since his arrival at Missolonghi, kept about him as a + body-guard. A large outer room of his house was appropriated to + these troops; and their carbines were suspended along the + walls. "In this room (says Mr. Parry), and among these rude + soldiers, Lord Byron was accustomed to walk a great deal, + particularly in wet weather, accompanied by his favourite dog, + Lion." + </p> + <p> + When he rode out, these fifty Suliotes attended him on foot; + and though they carried their carbines, "they were always," + says the same authority, "able to keep up with the horses at + full speed. The captain, and a certain number, preceded his + Lordship, who rode accompanied on one side by Count Gamba, and + on the other by the Greek interpreter. Behind him, also on + horseback, came two of his servants,—generally his black + groom, and Tita,—both dressed like the chasseurs usually + seen behind the carriages of ambassadors, and another division + of his guard closed the cavalcade."—PARRY'S <i>Last Days + of Lord Byron</i>.] + </p> + </div> + <p><span class="pagenum"><a name="pg196" id= + "pg196">196</a></span> + "They are in conclave still with Mavrocordato; and we have a + number of new faces from the hills, come to assist, they say. + Gun-boats and batteries all ready, &c. + </p> + <p> + "The row has had one good effect—it has put them on the + alert. What is to become of the father-in-law, I do not know: nor + what he has done, exactly<span class="fnref">[1]</span>: but + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "''Tis a very fine thing to be father-in-law + </p> + <p> + To a very magnificent three-tail'd bashaw,' + </p> + </div> + <p> + as the man in Bluebeard says and sings. I wrote to you upon + matters at length, some days ago; the letter, or letters, you + will receive with this. We are desirous to hear more of the Loan; + and it is some time since I have had any letters (at least of an + interesting description) from England, excepting one of 4th + February, from Bowring (of no great importance). My latest dates + are of 9bre, or of the 6th 10bre, four months exactly. I hope you + get on well in the islands: here most of us are, or have been, + more or less indisposed, natives as well as foreigners." + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: This man had, it seems, on his way from Ioannina, + passed by Anatolico, and held several conferences with + Cariascachi. He had long been suspected of being a spy; and the + letters found upon him confirmed the suspicion.] + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + </div> + <h3> + LETTER 561. TO MR. BARFF. + </h3> + <p class="quotdate"> + "April 7. + </p> + <p> + "The Greeks here of the Government have been boring me for more + money.<span class="fnref">[1]</span> As I have the brigade + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg197" id="pg197">197</a></span> + to maintain, and the campaign is apparently now to open, and as I + have already spent 30,000 dollars in three months upon them in + one way or another, and more especially as their public loan has + succeeded, so that they ought not to draw from individuals at + that rate, I have given them a refusal, and—as they would + not take <i>that,—another</i> refusal in terms of + considerable sincerity. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: In consequence of the mutinous proceedings of + Cariascachi's people, most of the neighbouring chieftains + hastened to the assistance of the Government, and had already + with this view marched to Anatolico near 2000 men. But, however + opportune the arrival of such a force, they were a cause of + fresh embarrassment, as there was a total want of provisions + for their daily maintenance. It was in this emergency that the + Governor, Primates, and Chieftains had recourse, as here + stated, to their usual source of supply.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + "They wish now to try in the Islands for a few thousand dollars + on the ensuing Loan. If you can serve them, perhaps you will, (in + the way of information, at any rate,) and I will see that you + have fair play; but still I do not <i>advise</i> you, except to + act as you please. Almost every thing depends upon the arrival, + and the speedy arrival, of a portion of the Loan to keep peace + among themselves. If they can but have sense to do this, I think + that they will be a match and better for any force that can be + brought against them for the present. We are all doing as well as + we can." + </p> + <p> + It will be perceived from these letters, that besides the great + and general interests of the cause, which were in themselves + sufficient to absorb all his thoughts, he was also met on every + side, in the <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg198" id= + "pg198">198</a></span> details of his duty, by every possible + variety of obstruction and distraction that rapacity, turbulence, + and treachery could throw in his way. Such vexations, too, as + would have been trying to the most robust health, here fell upon + a frame already marked out for death; nor can we help feeling, + while we contemplate this last scene of his life, that, much as + there is in it to admire, to wonder at, and glory in, there is + also much that awakens sad and most distressful thoughts. In a + situation more than any other calling for sympathy and care, we + see him cast among strangers and mercenaries, without either + nurse or friend;—the self-collectedness of woman being, as + we shall find, wanting for the former office, and the youth and + inexperience of Count Gamba unfitting him wholly for the other. + The very firmness with which a position so lone and disheartening + was sustained, serves, by interesting us more deeply in the man, + to increase our sympathy, till we almost forget admiration in + pity, and half regret that he should have been great at such a + cost. + </p> + <p> + The only circumstances that had for some time occurred to give + him pleasure were, as regarded public affairs, the news of the + successful progress of the Loan, and, in his personal relations, + some favourable intelligence which he had received, after a long + interruption of communication, respecting his sister and + daughter. The former, he learned, had been seriously indisposed + at the very time of his own fit, but had now entirely recovered. + While delighted at this news, he could not help, at the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg199" id="pg199">199</a></span> + same time, remarking, with his usual tendency to such + superstitious feelings, how strange and striking was the + coincidence. + </p> + <p> + To those who have, from his childhood, traced him through these + pages, it must be manifest, I think, that Lord Byron was not + formed to be long-lived. Whether from any hereditary defect in + his organisation,—as he himself, from the circumstance of + both his parents having died young, concluded,—or from + those violent means he so early took to counteract the natural + tendency of his habit, and reduce himself to thinness, he was, + almost every year, as we have seen, subject to attacks of + indisposition, by more than one of which his life was seriously + endangered. The capricious course which he at all times pursued + respecting diet,—his long fastings, his expedients for the + allayment of hunger, his occasional excesses in the most + unwholesome food, and, during the latter part of his residence in + Italy, his indulgence in the use of spirituous + beverages,—all this could not be otherwise than hurtful and + undermining to his health; while his constant recourse to + medicine,—daily, as it appears, and in large + quantities,—both evinced and, no doubt, increased the + derangement of his digestion. When to all this we add the + wasteful wear of spirits and strength from the slow corrosion of + sensibility, the warfare of the passions, and the workings of a + mind that allowed itself no sabbath, it is not to be wondered at + that the vital principle in him should so soon have burnt out, or + that, at the age of thirty-three, he should have had—as he + himself drearily <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg200" id= + "pg200">200</a></span> expresses it—"an old feel." To feed + the flame, the all-absorbing flame, of his genius, the whole + powers of his nature, physical as well as moral, were + sacrificed;—to present that grand and costly conflagration + to the world's eyes, in which, + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "Glittering, like a palace set on fire, + </p> + <p> + His glory, while it shone, but ruin'd him!"<span class= + "fnref">[1]</span> + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: Beaumont and Fletcher.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + It was on the very day when, as I have mentioned, the + intelligence of his sister's recovery reached him, that, having + been for the last three or four days prevented from taking + exercise by the rains, he resolved, though the weather still + looked threatening, to venture out on horseback. Three miles from + Missolonghi Count Gamba and himself were overtaken by a heavy + shower, and returned to the town walls wet through and in a state + of violent perspiration. It had been their usual practice to + dismount at the walls and return to their house in a boat, but, + on this day, Count Gamba, representing to Lord Byron how + dangerous it would be, warm as he then was, to sit exposed so + long to the rain in a boat, entreated of him to go back the whole + way on horseback. To this however, Lord Byron would not consent; + but said, laughingly, "I should make a pretty soldier indeed, if + I were to care for such a trifle." They accordingly dismounted + and got into the boat as usual. + </p> + <p> + About two hours after his return home he was seized with a + shuddering, and complained of fever and rheumatic pains. "At + eight that evening," <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg201" id= + "pg201">201</a></span> says Count Gamba, "I entered his room. He + was lying on a sofa restless and melancholy. He said to me, 'I + suffer a great deal of pain. I do not care for death, but these + agonies I cannot bear.'" + </p> + <p> + The following day he rose at his accustomed + hour,—transacted business, and was even able to take his + ride in the olive woods, accompanied, as usual, by his long train + of Suliotes. He complained, however, of perpetual shudderings, + and had no appetite. On his return home he remarked to Fletcher + that his saddle, he thought, had not been perfectly dried since + yesterday's wetting, and that he felt himself the worse for it. + This was the last time he ever crossed the threshold alive. In + the evening Mr. Finlay and Mr. Millingen called upon him. "He was + at first (says the latter gentleman) gayer than usual; but on a + sudden became pensive." + </p> + <p> + On the evening of the 11th his fever, which was pronounced to be + rheumatic, increased; and on the 12th he kept his bed all day, + complaining that he could not sleep, and taking no nourishment + whatever. The two following days, though the fever had apparently + diminished, he became still more weak, and suffered much from + pains in the head. + </p> + <p> + It was not till the 14th that his physician, Dr. Bruno, finding + the sudorifics which he had hitherto employed to be unavailing, + began to urge upon his patient the necessity of being bled. Of + this, however, Lord Byron would not hear. He had evidently but + little reliance on his medical attendant; and from the specimens + this young man has since given of his intellect to the world, it + is, indeed, lamentable,—supposing <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg202" id="pg202">202</a></span> skill to have + been, at this moment, of any avail,—that a life so precious + should have been intrusted to such ordinary hands. "It was on + this day, I think," says Count Gamba, "that, as I was sitting + near him, on his sofa, he said to me, 'I was afraid I was losing + my memory, and, in order to try, I attempted to repeat some Latin + verses with the English translation, which I have not endeavoured + to recollect since I was at school. I remembered them all except + the last word of one of the hexameters.'" + </p> + <p> + To the faithful Fletcher, the idea of his master's life being in + danger seems to have occurred some days before it struck either + Count Gamba or the physician. So little, according to his + friend's narrative, had such a suspicion crossed Lord Byron's own + mind, that he even expressed himself "rather glad of his fever, + as it might cure him of his tendency to epilepsy." To Fletcher, + however, it appears, he had professed, more than once, strong + doubts as to the nature of his complaint being so slight as the + physician seemed to suppose it, and on his servant renewing his + entreaties that he would send for Dr. Thomas to Zante, made no + further opposition; though still, out of consideration for those + gentlemen, he referred him on the subject to Dr. Bruno and Mr. + Millingen. Whatever might have been the advantage or satisfaction + of this step, it was now rendered wholly impossible by the + weather,—such a hurricane blowing into the port that not a + ship could get out. The rain, too, descended in torrents, and + between the floods on the land-side and the <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg203" id="pg203">203</a></span> sirocco from + the sea, Missolonghi was, for the moment, a pestilential prison. + </p> + <p> + It was at this juncture that Mr. Millingen was, for the first + time, according to his own account, invited to attend Lord Byron + in his medical capacity,—his visit on the 10th being so + little, as he states, professional, that he did not even, on that + occasion, feel his Lordship's pulse. The great object for which + he was now called in, and rather, it would seem, by Fletcher than + Dr. Bruno, was for the purpose of joining his representations and + remonstrances to theirs, and prevailing upon the patient to + suffer himself to be bled,—an operation now become + absolutely necessary from the increase of the fever, and which + Dr. Bruno had, for the last two days, urged in vain. + </p> + <p> + Holding gentleness to be, with a disposition like that of Byron, + the most effectual means of success, Mr. Millingen tried, as he + himself tells us, all that reasoning and persuasion could suggest + towards attaining his object. But his efforts were + fruitless:—Lord Byron, who had now become morbidly + irritable, replied angrily, but still with all his accustomed + acuteness and spirit, to the physician's observations. Of all his + prejudices, he declared, the strongest was that against bleeding. + His mother had obtained from him a promise never to consent to + being bled; and whatever argument might be produced, his + aversion, he said, was stronger than reason. "Besides, is it + not," he asked, "asserted by Dr. Reid, in his Essays, that less + slaughter is effected by the lance than the lancet:—that + minute instrument of mighty <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg204" + id="pg204">204</a></span> mischief!" On Mr. Millingen observing + that this remark related to the treatment of nervous, but not of + inflammatory complaints, he rejoined, in an angry tone, "Who is + nervous, if I am not? And do not those other words of his, too, + apply to my case, where he says that drawing blood from a nervous + patient is like loosening the chords of a musical instrument, + whose tones already fail for want of sufficient tension? Even + before this illness, you yourself know how weak and irritable I + had become;—and bleeding, by increasing this state, will + inevitably kill me. Do with me whatever else you like, but bleed + me you shall not. I have had several inflammatory fevers in my + life, and at an age when more robust and plethoric: yet I got + through them without bleeding. This time, also, will I take my + chance."<span class="fnref">[1]</span> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: It was during the same, or some similar + conversation, that Dr. Bruno also reports him to have said, "If + my hour is come, I shall die, whether I lose my blood or keep + it."] + </p> + </div> + <p> + After much reasoning and repeated entreaties, Mr. Millingen at + length succeeded in obtaining from him a promise, that should he + feel his fever increase at night, he would allow Dr. Bruno to + bleed him. + </p> + <p> + During this day he had transacted business and received several + letters; particularly one that much pleased him from the Turkish + Governor, to whom he had sent the rescued prisoners, and who, in + this communication, thanked him for his humane interference, and + requested a repetition of it. <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg205" id="pg205">205</a></span> + </p> + <p> + In the evening he conversed a good deal with Parry, who remained + some hours by his bedside. "He sat up in his bed (says this + officer), and was then calm and collected. He talked with me on a + variety of subjects connected with himself and his family; he + spoke of his intentions as to Greece, his plans for the campaign, + and what he should ultimately do for that country. He spoke to me + about my own adventures. He spoke of death also with great + composure; and though he did not believe his end was so very + near, there was something about him so serious and so firm, so + resigned and composed, so different from any thing I had ever + before seen in him, that my mind misgave me, and at times + foreboded his speedy dissolution." + </p> + <p> + On revisiting his patient early next morning, Mr. Millingen + learned from him, that having passed, as he thought, on the + whole, a better night, he had not considered it necessary to ask + Dr. Bruno to bleed him. What followed, I shall, in justice to Mr. + Millingen, give in his own words.<span class="fnref">[1]</span> + "I thought it my duty now to put aside all consideration of his + feelings, and to declare solemnly to him, how deeply I lamented + to see him trifle thus with his life, and show so little + resolution. His pertinacious refusal had already, I said, caused + most precious time to be lost;—but few hours of hope now + remained, and, unless he submitted immediately to be bled, we + could not answer for the consequences. It was true, he cared + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg206" id="pg206">206</a></span> + not for life; but who could assure him that, unless he changed + his resolution, the uncontrolled disease might not operate such + disorganisation in his system as utterly and for ever to deprive + him of reason?—I had now hit at last on the sensible chord; + and, partly annoyed by our importunities, partly persuaded, he + cast at us both the fiercest glance of vexation, and throwing out + his arm, said, in the angriest tone, 'There,—you are, I + see, a d—d set of butchers,—take away as much blood + as you like, but have done with it.' + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: MS.—This gentleman is, I understand, about + to publish the Narrative from which the above extract is + taken.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + "We seized the moment (adds Mr. Millingen), and drew about twenty + ounces. On coagulating, the blood presented a strong buffy coat; + yet the relief obtained did not correspond to the hopes we had + formed, and during the night the fever became stronger than it + had been hitherto. The restlessness and agitation increased, and + the patient spoke several times in an incoherent manner." + </p> + <p> + On the following morning, the 17th, the bleeding was repeated; + for, although the rheumatic symptoms had been completely removed, + the appearances of inflammation on the brain were now hourly + increasing. Count Gamba, who had not for the last two days seen + him, being confined to his own apartment by a sprained ankle, now + contrived to reach his room. "His countenance," says this + gentleman, "at once awakened in me the most dreadful suspicions. + He was very calm; he talked to me in the kindest manner about my + accident, but in a hollow, sepulchral tone. 'Take care of your + foot,' said he; 'I know by experience how painful it must be.' I + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg207" id="pg207">207</a></span> + could not stay near his bed: a flood of tears rushed into my + eyes, and I was obliged to withdraw." Neither Count Gamba, + indeed, nor Fletcher, appear to have been sufficiently masters of + themselves to do much else than weep during the remainder of this + afflicting scene. + </p> + <p> + In addition to the bleeding, which was repeated twice on the + 17th, it was thought right also to apply blisters to the soles of + his feet. "When on the point of putting them on," says Mr. + Millingen, "Lord Byron asked me whether it would answer the + purpose to apply both on the same leg. Guessing immediately the + motive that led him to ask this question, I told him that I would + place them above the knees. 'Do so,' he replied." + </p> + <p> + It is painful to dwell on such details,—but we are now + approaching the close. In addition to most of those sad varieties + of wretchedness which surround alike the grandest and humblest + deathbeds, there was also in the scene now passing around the + dying Byron such a degree of confusion and uncomfort as renders + it doubly dreary to contemplate. There having been no person + invested, since his illness, with authority over the household, + neither order nor quiet was maintained in his apartment. Most of + the comforts necessary in such an illness were wanting; and those + around him, either unprepared for the danger, were, like Bruno, + when it came, bewildered by it; or, like the kind-hearted + Fletcher and Count Gamba, were by their feelings rendered no less + helpless. + </p> + <p> + "In all the attendants," says Parry, "there was <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg208" id="pg208">208</a></span> the + officiousness of zeal; but, owing to their ignorance of each + other's language, their zeal only added to the confusion. This + circumstance, and the want of common necessaries, made Lord + Byron's apartment such a picture of distress and even anguish + during the two or three last days of his life, as I never before + beheld, and wish never again to witness." + </p> + <p> + The 18th being Easter day,—a holiday which the Greeks + celebrate by firing off muskets and artillery,—it was + apprehended that this noise might be injurious to Lord Byron; + and, as a means of attracting away the crowd from the + neighbourhood, the artillery brigade were marched out by Parry, + to exercise their guns at some distance from the town; while, at + the same time, the town-guard patrolled the streets, and + informing the people of the danger of their benefactor, entreated + them to preserve all possible quiet. + </p> + <p> + About three o'clock in the afternoon, Lord Byron rose and went + into the adjoining room. He was able to walk across the chamber, + leaning on his servant Tita; and, when seated, asked for a book, + which the servant brought him. After reading, however, for a few + minutes, he found himself faint; and, again taking Tita's arm, + tottered into the next room, and returned to bed. + </p> + <p> + At this time the physicians, becoming still more alarmed, + expressed a wish for a consultation; and proposed calling in, + without delay, Dr. Freiber, the medical assistant of Mr. + Millingen, and Luca Vaya, a Greek, the physician of Mavrocordato. + On hea[r]ing <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg209" id= + "pg209">209</a></span> this, Lord Byron at first refused to see + them; but being informed that Mavrocordato advised it, he + said,—"Very well, let them come; but let them look at me + and say nothing." This they promised, and were admitted; but when + one of them, on feeling his pulse, showed a wish to + speak—"Recollect," he said, "your promise, and go away." + </p> + <p> + It was after this consultation of the physicians<span class= + "fnref">[1]</span>, that, as it appeared to Count Gamba, Lord + Byron was, for the first time, aware of his approaching end. Mr. + Millingen, Fletcher, and Tita had been standing round his bed; + but the two first, unable to restrain their tears, left the room. + Tita also wept; but, as Byron held his hand, could not retire. + He, however, turned away his face; while Byron, looking at him + steadily, said, half smiling, "Oh questa è una bella scena!" He + then seemed to reflect a moment, and exclaimed, "Call Parry." + Almost immediately afterwards, a fit of delirium ensued; and he + began to talk wildly, as if he were mounting a breach in an + assault,—calling out, half in English, half in Italian, + "Forwards—forwards—courage—follow my example," + &c. &c. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: For Mr. Millingen's account of this consultation, + see Appendix.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + On coming again to himself, he asked Fletcher, who had then + returned into the room, "whether he had sent for Dr. Thomas, as + he desired?" and the servant answering in the affirmative, he + replied, "You have done right, for I should like to know what is + the matter with me." He had, a short time before, with + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg210" id="pg210">210</a></span> + that kind consideration for those about him which was one of the + great sources of their lasting attachment to him, said to + Fletcher, "I am afraid you and Tita will be ill with sitting up + night and day." It was now evident that he knew he was dying; and + between his anxiety to make his servant understand his last + wishes, and the rapid failure of his powers of utterance, a most + painful scene ensued. On Fletcher asking whether he should bring + pen and paper to take down his words—"Oh no," he + replied—"there is no time—it is now nearly over. Go + to my sister—tell her—go to Lady Byron—you will + see her, and say ——" Here his voice faltered, and + became gradually indistinct; notwithstanding which he continued + still to mutter to himself, for nearly twenty minutes, with much + earnestness of manner, but in such a tone that only a few words + could be distinguished. These, too, were only + names,—"Augusta,"—"Ada,"—"Hobhouse,"—"Kinnaird." + He then said, "Now, I have told you all." "My Lord," replied + Fletcher, "I have not understood a word your Lordship has been + saying."—"Not understand me?" exclaimed Lord Byron, with a + look of the utmost distress, "what a pity!—then it is too + late; all is over."—"I hope not," answered Fletcher; "but + the Lord's will be done!"—"Yes, not mine," said Byron. He + then tried to utter a few words, of which none were intelligible, + except "my sister—my child." + </p> + <p> + The decision adopted at the consultation had been, contrary to + the opinion of Mr. Millingen and Dr. Freiber, to administer to + the patient a strong antispasmodic <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg211" id="pg211">211</a></span> potion, which, while it + produced sleep, but hastened perhaps death. In order to persuade + him into taking this draught, Mr. Parry was sent for<span class= + "fnref">[1]</span>, and, without any difficulty, induced him to + swallow a few mouthfuls. "When he took my hand," says Parry, "I + found his hands were deadly cold. With the assistance of Tita I + endeavoured gently to create a little warmth in them; and also + loosened the bandage which was tied round his head. Till this was + done he seemed in great pain, clenched his hands at times, + gnashed his teeth, and uttered the Italian exclamation of 'Ah + Christi!' He bore the loosening of the band passively, and, after + it was loosened, shed tears; then taking my hand again, uttered a + faint good night, and sunk into a slumber." + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: From this circumstance, as well as from the terms + in which he is mentioned by Lord Byron, it is plain that this + person had, by his blunt, practical good sense, acquired far + more influence over his Lordship's mind than was possessed by + any of the other persons about him.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + In about half an hour he again awoke, when a second dose of the + strong infusion was administered to him. "From those about him," + says Count Gamba, who was not able to bear this scene himself, "I + collected that, either at this time, or in his former interval of + reason, he could be understood to say—'Poor + Greece!—poor town!—my poor servants!' Also, 'Why was + I not aware of this sooner?' and 'My hour is come!—I do not + care for death—but why did I not go home before I came + here?' At another time he said, 'There are <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg212" id="pg212">212</a></span> things which + make the world dear to me <i>Io lascio qualche cosa di caro nel + mondo</i>: for the rest, I am content to die.' He spoke also of + Greece, saying, 'I have given her my time, my means, my + health—and now I give her my life!—what could I do + more?'"<span class="fnref">[1]</span> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: It is but right to remind the reader, that for the + sayings here attributed to Lord Byron, however natural and + probable they may appear, there is not exactly the same + authority of credible witnesses by which all the other details + I have given of his last hours are supported.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + It was about six o'clock on the evening of this day when he said, + "Now I shall go to sleep;" and then turning round fell into that + slumber from which he never awoke. For the next twenty-four hours + he lay incapable of either sense or motion,—with the + exception of, now and then, slight symptoms of suffocation, + during which his servant raised his head,—and at a quarter + past six o'clock on the following day, the 19th, he was seen to + open his eyes and immediately shut them again. The physicians + felt his pulse—he was no more! + </p> + <p> + To attempt to describe how the intelligence of this sad event + struck upon all hearts would be as difficult as it is + superfluous. He, whom the whole world was to mourn, had on the + tears of Greece peculiar claim,—for it was at her feet he + now laid down the harvest of such a life of fame. To the people + of Missolonghi, who first felt the shock that was soon to spread + through all Europe, the event seemed almost incredible. It was + but the other day that he had come among them, radiant with + renown,—inspiring <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg213" id= + "pg213">213</a></span> faith, by his very name, in those miracles + of success that were about to spring forth at the touch of his + ever-powerful genius. All this had now vanished like a short + dream:—nor can we wonder that the poor Greeks, to whom his + coming had been such a glory, and who, on the last evening of his + life, thronged the streets, enquiring as to his state, should + regard the thunder-storm which, at the moment he died, broke over + the town, as a signal of his doom, and, in their superstitious + grief, cry to each other, "The great man is gone!"<span class= + "fnref">[1]</span> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: Parry's "Last Days of Lord Byron," p. 128.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + Prince Mavrocordato, who of all best knew and felt the extent of + his country's loss, and who had to mourn doubly the friend of + Greece and of himself, on the evening of the 19th issued this + melancholy proclamation:— + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + "PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT OF WESTERN GREECE. + </p> + <p> + "ART. 1185. + </p> + <p> + "The present day of festivity and rejoicing has become one of + sorrow and of mourning. The Lord Noel Byron departed this life at + six o'clock in the afternoon, after an illness of ten days; his + death being caused by an inflammatory fever. Such was the effect + of his Lordship's illness on the public mind, that all classes + had forgotten their usual recreations of Easter, even before the + afflicting event was apprehended. <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg214" id="pg214">214</a></span> + </p> + <p> + "The loss of this illustrious individual is undoubtedly to be + deplored by all Greece; but it must be more especially a subject + of lamentation at Missolonghi, where his generosity has been so + conspicuously displayed, and of which he had even become a + citizen, with the further determination of participating in all + the dangers of the war. + </p> + <p> + "Every body is acquainted with the beneficent acts of his + Lordship, and none can cease to hail his name as that of a real + benefactor. + </p> + <p> + "Until, therefore, the final determination of the National + Government be known, and by virtue of the powers with which it + has been pleased to invest me, I hereby decree,— + </p> + <p> + "1st, To-morrow morning, at daylight, thirty seven minute guns + will be fired from the Grand Battery, being the number which + corresponds with the age of the illustrious deceased. + </p> + <p> + "2d, All the public offices, even the tribunals, are to remain + closed for three successive days. + </p> + <p> + "3d, All the shops, except those in which provisions or medicines + are sold, will also be shut; and it is strictly enjoined that + every species of public amusement, and other demonstrations of + festivity at Easter, shall be suspended. + </p> + <p> + "4th, A general mourning will be observed for twenty-one days. + </p> + <p> + "5th, Prayers and a funeral service are to be offered up in all + the churches. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + (Signed) "A. MAVROCORDATO. + <br /> + "GEORGE PRAIDIS, Secretary. + </p> + <p> + "Given at Missolonghi, + <br /> + this 19th day of April, 1824." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg215" id= + "pg215">215</a></span>Similar honours were paid to his memory at + many other places through Greece. At Salona, where the Congress + had assembled, his soul was prayed for in the Church; after which + the whole garrison and the citizens went out into the plain, + where another religious ceremony took place, under the shade of + the olive trees. This being concluded, the troops fired; and an + oration, full of the warmest praise and gratitude, was pronounced + by the High Priest. + </p> + <p> + When such was the veneration shown towards him by strangers, what + must have been the feelings of his near associates and + attendants? Let one speak for all:—"He died (says Count + Gamba) in a strange land, and amongst strangers; but more loved, + more sincerely wept he never could have been, wherever he had + breathed his last. Such was the attachment, mingled with a sort + of reverence and enthusiasm, with which he inspired those around + him, that there was not one of us who would not, for his sake, + have willingly encountered any danger in the world." + </p> + <p> + Colonel Stanhope, whom the sad intelligence reached at Salona, + thus writes to the Committee:—"A courier has just arrived + from the Chief Scalza. Alas! all our fears are realised. The soul + of Byron has taken its last flight. England has lost her + brightest genius, Greece her noblest friend. To console them for + the loss, he has left behind the emanations of his splendid mind. + If Byron had faults, he had redeeming virtues too—he + sacrificed his comfort, fortune, health, and life, to the cause + of an oppressed nation. Honoured be his memory!" + </p> + <p> + Mr. Trelawney, who was on his way to Missolonghi <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg216" id="pg216">216</a></span> at the time, + describes as follows the manner in which he first heard of his + friend's death:—"With all my anxiety I could not get here + before the third day. It was the second, after having crossed the + first great torrent, that I met some soldiers from Missolonghi. I + had let them all pass me, ere I had resolution enough to enquire + the news from Missolonghi. I then rode back, and demanded of a + straggler the news. I heard nothing more than—Lord Byron is + dead,—and I proceeded on in gloomy silence." The writer + adds, after detailing the particulars of the poet's illness and + death, "Your pardon, Stanhope, that I have thus turned aside from + the great cause in which I am embarked. But this is no private + grief. The world has lost its greatest man; I my best friend." + </p> + <p> + Among his servants the same feeling of sincere grief + prevailed:—"I have in my possession (says Mr. Hoppner, in + the Notices with which he has favoured me,) a letter written by + his gondolier Tita, who had accompanied him from Venice, giving + an account to his parents of his master's decease. Of this event + the poor fellow speaks in the most affecting manner, telling them + that in Lord Byron he had lost a father rather than a master; and + expatiating upon the indulgence with which he had always treated + his domestics, and the care he expressed for their comfort and + welfare." + </p> + <p> + His valet Fletcher, too, in a letter to Mr. Murray, announcing + the event, says, "Please to excuse all defects, for I scarcely + know what I either say or do; for, after twenty years' service + with my Lord, he <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg217" id= + "pg217">217</a></span> was more to me than a father, and I am too + much distressed to give now a correct account of every + particular." + </p> + <p> + In speaking of the effect produced on the friends of Greece by + this event, Mr. Trelawney says,—"I think Byron's name was + the great means of getting the Loan. A Mr. Marshall, with + 8000<i>l</i>. per annum, was as far as Corfu, and turned back on + hearing of Lord Byron's death. Thousands of people were flocking + here: some had arrived as far as Corfu, and hearing of his death, + confessed they came out to devote their fortunes not to the + Greeks, or from interest in the cause, but to the noble poet; and + the 'Pilgrim of Eternity<span class="fnref">[1]</span>' having + departed, they turned back."<span class="fnref">[2]</span> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: The title given by Shelley to Lord Byron in his + Elegy on the death of Keats. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "The Pilgrim of Eternity, whose fame + </p> + <p> + Over his living head like Heaven is bent, + </p> + <p> + An early but enduring monument, + </p> + <p> + Came veiling all the lightnings of his song + </p> + <p> + In sorrow."] + </p> + </div> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 2: Parry, too, mentions an instance to the same + effect:—"While I was on the quarantine-house at Zante, a + gentleman called on me, and made numerous enquiries as to Lord + Byron. He said he was only one of fourteen English gentlemen, + then at Ancona, who had sent him on to obtain intelligence, and + only waited his return to come and join Lord Byron. They were + to form a mounted guard for him, and meant to devote their + personal services and their incomes to the Greek cause. On + hearing of Lord Byron's death, however, they turned back."] + </p> + </div> + <p> + The funeral ceremony, which, on account of the rains, had been + postponed for a day, took place in <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg218" id="pg218">218</a></span> the church of St. Nicholas, at + Missolonghi, on the 22d of April, and is thus feelingly described + by an eye-witness:— + </p> + <p> + "In the midst of his own brigade, of the troops of the + Government, and of the whole population, on the shoulders of the + officers of his corps, relieved occasionally by other Greeks, the + most precious portion of his honoured remains were carried to the + church, where lie the bodies of Marco Bozzari and of General + Normann. There we laid them down: the coffin was a rude, + ill-constructed chest of wood; a black mantle served for a pall; + and over it we placed a helmet and a sword, and a crown of + laurel. But no funeral pomp could have left the impression, nor + spoken the feelings, of this simple ceremony. The wretchedness + and desolation of the place itself; the wild and half-civilised + warriors around us; their deep-felt, unaffected grief; the fond + recollections; the disappointed hopes; the anxieties and sad + presentiments which might be read on every countenance;—all + contributed to form a scene more moving, more truly affecting, + than perhaps was ever before witnessed round the grave of a great + man. + </p> + <p> + "When the funeral service was over, we left the bier in the + middle of the church, where it remained until the evening of the + next day, and was guarded by a detachment of his own brigade. The + church was crowded without cessation by those who came to honour + and to regret the benefactor of Greece. In the evening of the + 23d, the bier was privately carried back by his officers to his + own house. The coffin was not closed till the 29th of the month. + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg219" id="pg219">219</a></span> + Immediately after his death, his countenance had an air of + calmness, mingled with a severity, that seemed gradually to + soften; for when I took a last look of him, the expression, at + least to my eyes, was truly sublime." + </p> + <p> + We have seen how decidedly, while in Italy, Lord Byron expressed + his repugnance to the idea of his remains resting upon English + ground; and the injunctions he so frequently gave to Mr. Hoppner + on this point show his wishes to have been,—at least, + during that period,—sincere. With one so changing, however, + in his impulses, it was not too much to take for granted that the + far more cordial feeling entertained by him towards his + countrymen at Cephalonia would have been followed by a + correspondent change in this antipathy to England as a last + resting-place. It is, at all events, fortunate that by no such + spleen of the moment has his native country been deprived of her + natural right to enshrine within her own bosom one of the noblest + of her dead, and to atone for any wrong she may have inflicted + upon him, while living, by making his tomb a place of pilgrimage + for her sons through all ages. + </p> + <p> + By Colonel Stanhope and others it was suggested that, as a + tribute to the land he celebrated and died for, his remains + should be deposited at Athens, in the Temple of Theseus; and the + Chief Odysseus despatched an express to Missolonghi to enforce + this wish. On the part of the town, too, in which he breathed his + last, a similar request had been made by the citizens; and it was + thought advisable so far to accede to their desires as to leave + with them, for <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg220" id= + "pg220">220</a></span> interment, one of the vessels, in which + his remains, after embalmment, were enclosed. + </p> + <p> + The first step taken, before any decision as to its ultimate + disposal, was to have the body conveyed to Zante; and every + facility having been afforded by the Resident, Sir Frederick + Stoven, in providing and sending transports to Missolonghi for + that purpose, on the morning of the 2d of May the remains were + embarked, under a mournful salute from the guns of the + fortress:—"How different," says Count Gamba, "from that + which had welcomed the arrival of Byron only four months ago!" + </p> + <p> + At Zante, the determination was taken to send the body to + England; and the brig Florida, which had just arrived there with + the first instalment of the Loan, was engaged for the purpose. + Mr. Blaquiere, under whose care this first portion of the Loan + had come, was also the bearer of a Commission for the due + management of its disposal in Greece, in which Lord Byron was + named as the principal Commissioner. The same ship, however, that + brought this honourable mark of confidence was to return with him + a corpse. To Colonel Stanhope, who was then at Zante, on his way + homeward, was intrusted the charge of his illustrious colleague's + remains; and on the 25th of May he embarked with them on board + the Florida for England. + </p> + <p> + In the letter which, on his arrival in the Downs, June 29th, this + gentleman addressed to Lord Byron's executors, there is the + following passage:—"With respect to the funeral ceremony, I + am of opinion that his Lordship's family should be immediately + consulted, <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg221" id= + "pg221">221</a></span> and that sanction should be obtained for + the public burial of his body either in the great Abbey or + Cathedral of London." It has been asserted, and I fear too truly, + that on some intimation of the wish suggested in this last + sentence being conveyed to one of those Reverend persons who have + the honours of the Abbey at their disposal, such an answer was + returned as left but little doubt that a refusal would be the + result of any more regular application.<span class= + "fnref">[1]</span> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: A former Dean of Westminster went so far, we know, + in his scruples as to exclude an epitaph from the Abbey, + because it contained the name of Milton:—"a name, in his + opinion," says Johnson, "too detestable to be read on the wall + of a building dedicated to devotion."—<i>Life of</i> + MILTON.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + There is an anecdote told of the poet Hafiz, in Sir William + Jones's Life, which, in reporting this instance of illiberality, + recurs naturally to the memory. After the death of the great + Persian bard, some of the religious among his countrymen + protested strongly against allowing to him the right of + sepulture, alleging, as their objection, the licentiousness of + his poetry. After much controversy, it was agreed to leave the + decision of the question to a mode of divination, not uncommon + among the Persians, which consisted in opening the poet's book at + random and taking the first verses that occurred. They happened + to be these:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "Oh turn not coldly from the poet's bier, + </p> + <p> + Nor check the sacred drops by Pity given; + </p> + <p> + For though in sin his body slumbereth here, + </p> + <p> + His soul, absolved, already wings to heaven." + </p> + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg222" id= + "pg222">222</a></span>These lines, says the legend, were looked + upon as a divine decree; the religionists no longer enforced + their objections, and the remains of the bard were left to take + their quiet sleep by that "sweet bower of Mosellay" which he had + so often celebrated in his verses. + </p> + <p> + Were our Byron's right of sepulture to be decided in the same + manner, how few are there of his pages, thus taken at hazard, + that would not, by some genial touch of sympathy with virtue, + some glowing tribute to the bright works of God, or some gush of + natural devotion more affecting than any homily, give him a title + to admission into the purest temple of which Christian Charity + ever held the guardianship. + </p> + <p> + Let the decision, however, of these Reverend authorities have + been, finally, what it might, it was the wish, as is understood, + of Lord Byron's dearest relative to have his remains laid in the + family vault at Hucknall, near Newstead. On being landed from the + Florida, the body had, under the direction of his Lordship's + executors, Mr. Hobhouse and Mr. Hanson, been removed to the house + of Sir Edward Knatchbull in Great George Street, Westminster, + where it lay in state during Friday and Saturday, the 9th and + 10th of July, and on the following Monday the funeral procession + took place. Leaving Westminster at eleven o'clock in the morning, + attended by most of his Lordship's personal friends and by the + carriages of several persons of rank, it proceeded through + various streets of the metropolis towards the North Road. At + Pancras Church, the ceremonial of the procession being at an end, + the carriages returned; <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg223" id= + "pg223">223</a></span> and the hearse continued its way, by slow + stages, to Nottingham. + </p> + <p> + It was on Friday the 16th of July that, in the small village + church of Hucknall, the last duties were paid to the remains of + Byron, by depositing them, close to those of his mother, in the + family vault. Exactly on the same day of the same month in the + preceding year, he had said, it will be recollected, + despondingly, to Count Gamba, "Where shall we be in another + year?" The gentleman to whom this foreboding speech was addressed + paid a visit, some months after the interment, to Hucknall, and + was much struck, as I have heard, on approaching the village, by + the strong likeness it seemed to him to bear to his lost friend's + melancholy deathplace, Missolonghi. + </p> + <p> + On a tablet of white marble in the chancel of the Church of + Hucknall is the following inscription:— + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <div class="ctr"> + <p> + IN THE VAULT BENEATH, + <br /> + WHERE MANY OF HIS ANCESTORS AND HIS MOTHER ARE + <br /> + BURIED, + <br /> + LIE THE REMAINS OF + </p> + <h3> + GEORGE GORDON NOEL BYRON, + </h3> + <p> + LORD BYRON, OF ROCHDALE, + <br /> + IN THE COUNTY OF LANCASTER, + <br /> + THE AUTHOR OF "CHILDE HAROLD'S PILGRIMAGE." + <br /> + HE WAS BORN IN LONDON ON THE + <br /> + 22D OF JANUARY, 1788. + <br /> + HE DIED AT MISSOLONGHI, IN WESTERN GREECE, ON THE + <br /> + 19TH OF APRIL, 1824, + <br /> + ENGAGED IN THE GLORIOUS ATTEMPT TO RESTORE THAT + <br /> + COUNTRY TO HER ANCIENT FREEDOM AND RENOWN. + </p> + </div> + <hr /> + <div class="ctr"> + <p> + HIS SISTER, THE HONOURABLE + <br /> + AUGUSTA MARIA LEIGH, + <br /> + PLACED THIS TABLET TO HIS MEMORY. + </p> + </div> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg224" id= + "pg224">224</a></span>From among the tributes that have been + offered, in prose and verse, and in almost every language of + Europe, to his memory, I shall select two which appear to me + worthy of peculiar notice, as being, one of them,—so far as + my limited scholarship will allow me to judge,—a simple and + happy imitation of those laudatory inscriptions with which the + Greece of other times honoured the tombs of her heroes; and the + other as being the production of a pen, once engaged + controversially against Byron, but not the less ready, as these + affecting verses prove, to offer the homage of a manly sorrow and + admiration at his grave. + </p> + <p> + [Greek: + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p class="i5"> + Eis + </p> + <p> + Ton en tê Helladi têleutêsanta + </p> + <p class="i4"> + Poiêtên + </p> + </div> + <hr /> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + Ou to zên tanaon biou euklees oud' enarithmein + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Arxaiax progonôn eunxneôn aretas + </p> + <p> + Ton d' eudaimonias moir' amphepei, hosper apantôn + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Aien aristeuôn gignetai athanatos.— + </p> + <p> + Eudeis oun su, teknon, xaritôn ear? ouk eti thallei + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Akmaios meleôn hêdupnoôn stephanos?— + </p> + <p> + Alla teon, tripophête, moron penphousin Aphênê, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Mousai, patris, Arês, Ellas, eleupheria.<span class= + "fnref">[1]</span>] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: By John Williams, Esq.—The following + translation of this inscription will not be unacceptable to my + readers:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Not length of life—not an illustrious birth, + </p> + <p> + Rich with the noblest blood of all the earth;— + </p> + <p> + Nought can avail, save deeds of high emprize, + </p> + <p> + Our mortal being to immortalise. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Sweet child of song, thou deepest!—ne'er again + </p> + <p> + Shall swell the notes of thy melodious strain: + </p> + <p> + Yet, with thy country wailing o'er thy urn, + </p> + <p> + Pallas, the Muse, Mars, Greece, and Freedom mourn." + </p> + </div> + <p class="citation"> + H.H. JOY.] + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p><span class="pagenum"><a name="pg225" id="pg225">225</a></span></p> + <div class="poem"> + <h4> + "CHILDE HAROLD'S LAST PILGRIMAGE. + <br /> + "BY THE REV. W.L. BOWLES. + </h4> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2"> + "SO ENDS CHILDE HAROLD HIS LAST PILGRIMAGE!— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Upon the shores of Greece he stood, and cried + </p> + <p class="i2"> + 'LIBERTY!' and those shores, from age to age + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Renown'd, and Sparta's woods and rocks replied + </p> + <p class="i2"> + 'Liberty!' But a Spectre, at his side, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Stood mocking;—and its dart, uplifting high, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Smote him;—he sank to earth in life's fair pride: + </p> + <p class="i2"> + SPARTA! thy rocks then heard another cry, + </p> + <p> + And old Ilissus sigh'd—'Die, generous exile, die!' + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2"> + "I will not ask sad Pity to deplore + </p> + <p class="i2"> + His wayward errors, who thus early died; + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Still less, CHILDE HAROLD, now thou art no more, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Will I say aught of genius misapplied; + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Of the past shadows of thy spleen or pride:— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + But I will bid th' Arcadian cypress wave, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Pluck the green laurel from Peneus' side, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And pray thy spirit may such quiet have, + </p> + <p> + That not one thought unkind be murmur'd o'er thy grave. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2"> + "SO HAROLD ENDS, IN GREECE, HIS PILGRIMAGE!— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + There fitly ending,—in that land renown'd, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Whose mighty genius lives in Glory's page,— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + He, on the Muses' consecrated ground, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Sinking to rest, while his young brows are bound + </p> + <p class="i2"> + With their unfading wreath!—To bands of mirth, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + No more in TEMPE let the pipe resound! + </p> + <p class="i2"> + HAROLD, I follow to thy place of birth + </p> + <p> + The slow hearse—and thy LAST sad PILGRIMAGE on earth. + </p><span class="pagenum"><a name="pg226" id= + "pg226">226</a></span> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2"> + "Slow moves the plumed hearse, the mourning train,— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I mark the sad procession with a sigh, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Silently passing to that village fane, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Where, HAROLD, thy forefathers mouldering lie;— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + There sleeps THAT MOTHER, who with tearful eye, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Pondering the fortunes of thy early road, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Hung o'er the slumbers of thine infancy; + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Her son, released from mortal labour's load, + </p> + <p> + Now comes to rest, with her, in the same still abode. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2"> + "Bursting Death's silence—could that mother + speak— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + (Speak when the earth was heap'd upon his head)— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + In thrilling, but with hollow accent weak, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + She thus might give the welcome of the dead:— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + 'Here rest, my son, with me;—the dream is fled;— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The motley mask and the great stir is o'er: + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Welcome to me, and to this silent bed, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Where deep forgetfulness succeeds the roar + </p> + <p> + Of life, and fretting passions waste the heart no more.'" + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + By his Lordship's Will, a copy of which will be found in the + Appendix, he bequeathed to his executors in trust for the benefit + of his sister, Mrs. Leigh, the monies arising from the sale of + all his real estates at Rochdale and elsewhere, together with + such part of his other property as was not settled upon Lady + Byron and his daughter Ada, to be by Mrs. Leigh enjoyed, free + from her husband's control, during her life, and, after her + decease, to be inherited by her children. + </p> + <p> + We have now followed to its close a life which, brief as was its + span, may be said, perhaps, to have comprised within itself a + greater variety of those excitements and interest which spring + out of the <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg227" id= + "pg227">227</a></span> deep workings of passion and of intellect + than any that the pen of biography has ever before commemorated. + As there still remain among the papers of my friend some curious + gleanings which, though in the abundance of our materials I have + not hitherto found a place for them, are too valuable towards the + illustration of his character to be lost, I shall here, in + selecting them for the reader, avail myself of the opportunity of + trespassing, for the last time, on his patience with a few + general remarks. + </p> + <p> + It must have been observed, throughout these pages, and by some, + perhaps, with disappointment, that into the character of Lord + Byron, as a poet, there has been little, if any, critical + examination; but that, content with expressing generally the + delight which, in common with all, I derive from his poetry, I + have left the task of analysing the sources from which this + delight springs to others.<span class="fnref">[1]</span> In thus + evading, if it <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg228" id= + "pg228">228</a></span> must be so considered, one of my duties as + a biographer, I have been influenced no less by a sense of my own + inaptitude for the office of critic than by recollecting with + what assiduity, throughout the whole of the poet's career, every + new rising of his genius was watched from the great observatories + of Criticism, and the ever changing varieties of its course and + splendour tracked out and recorded with a degree of skill and + minuteness which has left but little for succeeding observers to + discover. It is, moreover, into the character and conduct of Lord + Byron, as a man, not distinct from, but forming, on the contrary, + the best illustration of his character, as a writer, that it has + been the more immediate purpose of these volumes to enquire; and + if, in the course of them, any satisfactory clue has been + afforded to those anomalies, moral and intellectual, which his + life exhibited,—still more, should it have been the effect + of my humble labours to clear away some of those mists that hung + round my friend, and show him, in most respects, as worthy of + love as he was, in all, of admiration, then will the chief and + sole aim of this work have been accomplished. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: It may be making too light of criticism to say + with Gray that "even a bad verse is as good a thing or better + than the best observation that ever was made upon it;" but + there are surely few tasks that appear more thankless and + superfluous than that of following, as Criticism sometimes + does, in the rear of victorious genius (like the commentators + on a field of Blenheim or of Waterloo), and either labouring to + point out to us <i>why</i> it has triumphed, or still more + unprofitably contending that it <i>ought</i> to have failed. + The well-known passage of La Bruyère, which even Voltaire's + adulatory application of it to some work of the King of Prussia + has not spoiled for use, puts, perhaps, in its true point of + view the very subordinate rank which Criticism must be content + to occupy in the train of successful Genius:—"Quand une + lecture vous élève l'esprit et qu'elle vous inspire des + sentimens nobles, ne cherehez pas une autre règle pour juger de + l'ouvrage; il est bon et fait de main de l'ouvrier: La + Critique, après ça, peut s'exercer sur les petites choses, + relever quelques expressions, corriger des phrases, parler de + syntaxe," &c. &c.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + Having devoted to this object so large a portion of my own share + of these pages, and, yet more fairly, enabled the world to form a + judgment for itself, by placing the man, in his own person, and + without <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg229" id= + "pg229">229</a></span> disguise, before all eyes, there would + seem to remain now but an easy duty in summing up the various + points of his character, and, out of the features, already + separately described, combining one complete portrait. The task, + however, is by no means so easy as it may appear. There are few + characters in which a near acquaintance does not enable us to + discover some one leading principle or passion consistent enough + in its operations to be taken confidently into account in any + estimate of the disposition in which they are found. Like those + points in the human face, or figure, to which all its other + proportions are referable, there is in most minds some one + governing influence, from which chiefly,—though, of course, + biassed on some occasions by others,—all its various + impulses and tendencies will be found to radiate. In Lord Byron, + however, this sort of pivot of character was almost wholly + wanting. Governed as he was at different moments by totally + different passions, and impelled sometimes, as during his short + access of parsimony in Italy, by springs of action never before + developed in his nature, in him this simple mode of tracing + character to its sources must be often wholly at fault; and if, + as is not impossible, in trying to solve the strange variances of + his mind, I should myself be found to have fallen into + contradictions and inconsistencies, the extreme difficulty of + analysing, without dazzle or bewilderment, such an unexampled + complication of qualities must be admitted as my excuse. + </p> + <p> + So various, indeed, and contradictory, were his attributes, both + moral and intellectual, that he may <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg230" id="pg230">230</a></span> be pronounced + to have been not one, but many: nor would it be any great + exaggeration of the truth to say, that out of the mere partition + of the properties of his single mind a plurality of characters, + all different and all vigorous, might have been furnished. It was + this multiform aspect exhibited by him that led the world, during + his short wondrous career, to compare him with that medley host + of personages, almost all differing from each other, which he + thus playfully enumerates in one of his Journals:— + </p> + <p> + "I have been thinking over, the other day, on the various + comparisons, good or evil, which I have seen published of myself + in different journals, English and foreign. This was suggested to + me by accidentally turning over a foreign one lately,—for I + have made it a rule latterly never to <i>search</i> for any thing + of the kind, but not to avoid the perusal, if presented by + chance. + </p> + <p> + "To begin, then: I have seen myself compared, personally or + poetically, in English, French, <i>German</i> (<i>as</i> + interpreted to me), Italian, and Portuguese, within these nine + years, to Rousseau, Goethe, Young, Aretine, Timon of Athens, + Dante, Petrarch, 'an alabaster vase, lighted up within,' Satan, + Shakspeare, Buonaparte, Tiberius, Æschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, + Harlequin, the Clown, Sternhold and Hopkins, to the + phantasmagoria, to Henry the Eighth, to Chenier, to Mirabeau, to + young R. Dallas (the schoolboy), to Michael Angelo, to Raphael, + to a petit-maître, to Diogenes, to Childe Harold, to Lara, to the + Count in Beppo, to Milton, to Pope, to Dryden, to Burns, to + Savage, to Chatterton, to 'oft have I <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg231" id="pg231">231</a></span> heard of + thee, my Lord Biron,' in Shakspeare, to Churchill the poet, to + Kean the actor, to Alfieri, &c. &c. &c. + </p> + <p> + "The likeness to Alfieri was asserted very seriously by an + Italian who had known him in his younger days. It of course + related merely to our apparent personal dispositions. He did not + assert it to <i>me</i> (for we were not then good friends), but + in society. + </p> + <p> + "The object of so many contradictory comparisons must probably be + like something different from them all; but what <i>that</i> is, + is more than <i>I</i> know, or any body else." + </p> + <p> + It would not be uninteresting, were there either space or time + for such a task, to take a review of the names of note in the + preceding list, and show in how many points, though differing so + materially among themselves, it might be found that each + presented a striking resemblance to Lord Byron. We have seen, for + instance, that wrongs and sufferings were, through life, the main + sources of Byron's inspiration. Where the hoof of the critic + struck, the fountain was first disclosed; and all the tramplings + of the world afterwards but forced out the stream stronger and + brighter. The same obligations to misfortune, the same debt to + the "oppressor's wrong," for having wrung out from bitter + thoughts the pure essence of his genius, was due no less deeply + by Dante!—"quum illam sub amarâ cogitatione excitatam, + occulti divinique ingenii vim exacuerit et + inflammarit."<span class="fnref">[1]</span> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: Paulus Jovius.—Bayle, too, says of him, "Il + fit entrer plus de feu et plus de force dans ses livres qu'il + n'y en eût mis s'il avoit joui d'une condition plus + tranquille."] + </p> + </div> + <p><span class="pagenum"><a name="pg232" id= + "pg232">232</a></span> + In that contempt for the world's opinion, which led Dante to + exclaim, "Lascia dir le genti," Lord Byron also bore a strong + resemblance to that poet,—though far more, it must be + confessed, in profession than reality. For, while scorn for the + public voice was on his lips, the keenest sensitiveness to its + every breath was in his heart; and, as if every feeling of his + nature was to have some painful mixture in it, together with the + pride of Dante which led him to disdain public opinion, he + combined the susceptibility of Petrarch which placed him + shrinkingly at its mercy. + </p> + <p> + His agreement, in some other features of character, with + Petrarch, I have already had occasion to remark<span class= + "fnref">[1]</span>; and if it be true, as is often surmised, that + Byron's want of a due reverence for Shakspeare arose from some + latent and hardly conscious jealousy <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg233" id="pg233">233</a></span> of that + poet's fame, a similar feeling is known to have existed in + Petrarch towards Dante; and the same reason assigned for + it,—that from the living he had nothing to fear, while + before the shade of Dante he might have reason to feel + humbled,—is also not a little applicable<span class= + "fnref">[2]</span> in the case of Lord Byron. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: Some passages in Foscolo's Essay on Petrarch may + be applied, with equal truth, to Lord Byron.—For + instance, "It was hardly possible with Petrarch to write a + sentence without portraying himself"—"Petrarch, allured + by the idea that his celebrity would magnify into importance + all the ordinary occurrences of his life, satisfied the + curiosity of the world," &c. &c.—and again, with + still more striking applicability,—"In Petrarch's + letters, as well as in his Poems and Treatises, we always + identify the author with the man, who felt himself irresistibly + impelled to develope his own intense feelings. Being endowed + with almost all the noble, and with some of the paltry passions + of our nature, and having never attempted to conceal them, he + awakens us to reflection upon ourselves while we contemplate in + him a being of our own species, yet different from any other, + and whose originality excites even more sympathy than + admiration."] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 2: "II Petrarca poteva credere candidamente ch'ei non + pativa d'invidia solamente, perché fra tutti i viventi non + v'era chi non s'arretrasse per cedergli il passo alla prima + gloria, ch'ei non poteva sentirsi umiliato, fuorchè dall' ombra + di Dante."] + </p> + </div> + <p> + Between the dispositions and habits of Alfieri and those of the + noble poet of England, no less remarkable coincidences might be + traced; and the sonnet in which the Italian dramatist professes + to paint his own character contains, in one comprehensive line, a + portrait of the versatile author of Don Juan,— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "Or stimandome Achille ed or Tersite." + </p> + </div> + <p> + By the extract just given from his Journal, it will be perceived + that, in Byron's own opinion, a character which, like his, + admitted of so many contradictory comparisons, could not be + otherwise than wholly undefinable itself. It will be found, + however, on reflection, that this very versatility, which renders + it so difficult to fix, "ere it change," the fairy fabric of his + character, is, in itself, the true clue through all that fabric's + mazes,—is in itself the solution of whatever was most + dazzling in his might or startling in his levity, of all that + most <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg234" id= + "pg234">234</a></span> attracted and repelled, whether in his + life or his genius. A variety of powers almost boundless, and a + pride no less vast in displaying them,—a susceptibility of + new impressions and impulses, even beyond the usual allotment of + genius, and an uncontrolled impetuosity, as well from habit as + temperament, in yielding to them,—such were the two great + and leading sources of all that varied spectacle which his life + exhibited; of that succession of victories achieved by his + genius, in almost every field of mind that genius ever trod, and + of all those sallies of character in every shape and direction + that unchecked feeling and dominant self-will could dictate. + </p> + <p> + It must be perceived by all endowed with quick powers of + association how constantly, when any particular thought or + sentiment presents itself to their minds, its very opposite, at + the same moment, springs up there also:—if any thing + sublime occurs, its neighbour, the ridiculous, is by its + side;—across a bright view of the present or the future, a + dark one throws its shadow;—and, even in questions + respecting morals and conduct, all the reasonings and + consequences that may suggest themselves on the side of one of + two opposite courses will, in such minds, be instantly confronted + by an array just as cogent on the other. A mind of this + structure,—and such, more or less, are all those in which + the reasoning is made subservient to the imaginative + faculty,—though enabled, by such rapid powers of + association, to multiply its resources without end, has need of + the constant exercise of a controlling judgment to keep its + perceptions pure and <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg235" id= + "pg235">235</a></span> undisturbed between the contrasts it thus + simultaneously calls up; the obvious danger being that, where + matters of taste are concerned, the habit of forming such + incongruous juxtapositions—as that, for example, between + the burlesque and sublime—should at last vitiate the mind's + relish for the nobler and higher quality; and that, on the yet + more important subject of morals, a facility in finding reasons + for every side of a question may end, if not in the choice of the + worst, at least in a sceptical indifference to all. + </p> + <p> + In picturing to oneself so awful an event as a shipwreck, its + many horrors and perils are what alone offer themselves to + ordinary fancies. But the keen, versatile imagination of Byron + could detect in it far other details, and, at the same moment + with all that is fearful and appalling in such a scene, could + bring together all that is most ludicrous and low. That in this + painful mixture he was but too true to human nature, the + testimony of De Retz (himself an eye-witness of such an event) + attests:—"Vous ne pouvez vous imaginer (says the Cardinal) + l'horreur d'une grande tempête;—vous en pouvez imaginer + aussi pen le ridicule." But, assuredly, a poet less wantoning in + the variety of his power, and less proud of displaying it, would + have paused ere he mixed up, thus mockingly, the degradation of + humanity with its sufferings, and, content to probe us to the + core with the miseries of our fellow-men, would have forborne to + wring from us, the next moment, a bitter smile at their baseness. + </p> + <p> + To the moral sense so dangerous are the effects <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg236" id="pg236">236</a></span> of this + quality, that it would hardly, perhaps, be generalising too + widely to assert that wheresoever great versatility of power + exists, there will also be found a tendency to versatility of + principle. The poet Chatterton, in whose soul the seeds of all + that is good and bad in genius so prematurely ripened, said, in + the consciousness of this multiple faculty, that he "held that + man in contempt who could not write on both sides of a question;" + and it was by acting in accordance with this principle himself + that he brought one of the few stains upon his name which a life + so short afforded time to incur. Mirabeau, too, when, in the + legal warfare between his father and mother, he helped to draw up + for each the pleadings against the other, was influenced less, no + doubt, by the pleasure of mischief than by this pride of talent, + and lost sight of the unnatural perfidy of the task in the + adroitness with which he executed it. + </p> + <p> + The quality which I have here denominated versatility, as applied + to <i>power</i>, Lord Byron has himself designated by the French + word "mobility," as applied to <i>feeling</i> and <i>conduct</i>; + and, in one of the Cantos of Don Juan, has described happily some + of its lighter features. After telling us that his hero had begun + to doubt, from the great predominance of this quality in her, + "how much of Adeline was <i>real</i>," he says,— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "So well she acted, all and every part, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + By turns,—with that vivacious versatility, + </p> + <p> + Which many people take for want of heart. + </p><span class="pagenum"><a name="pg237" id= + "pg237">237</a></span> + <p class="i2"> + They err—'tis merely what is called mobility, + </p> + <p> + A thing of temperament and not of art, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Though seeming so, from its supposed facility; + </p> + <p> + And false—though true; for surely they're sincerest, + </p> + <p> + Who are strongly acted on by what is nearest." + </p> + </div> + <p> + That he was fully aware not only of the abundance of this quality + in his own nature, but of the danger in which it placed + consistency and singleness of character, did not require the note + on this passage, where he calls it "an unhappy attribute," to + assure us. The consciousness, indeed, of his own natural tendency + to yield thus to every chance impression, and change with every + passing impulse, was not only for ever present in his mind, + but,—aware as he was of the suspicion of weakness attached + by the world to any retractation or abandonment of long professed + opinions,—had the effect of keeping him in that general + line of consistency, on certain great subjects, which, + notwithstanding occasional fluctuations and contradictions as to + the details of these very subjects, he continued to preserve + throughout life. A passage from one of his manuscripts will show + how sagaciously he saw the necessity of guarding himself against + his own instability in this respect. "The world visits change of + politics or change of religion with a more severe censure than a + mere difference of opinion would appear to me to deserve. But + there must be some reason for this feeling;—and I think it + is that these departures from the earliest instilled ideas of our + childhood, and from the line of conduct chosen by us when we + first enter into public life, have been seen to have more + mischievous results <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg238" id= + "pg238">238</a></span> for society, and to prove more weakness of + mind than other actions, in themselves, more immoral." + </p> + <p> + The same distrust in his own steadiness, thus keeping alive in + him a conscientious self-watchfulness, concurred not a little, I + have no doubt, with the innate kindness of his nature, to + preserve so constant and unbroken the greater number of his + attachments through life;—some of them, as in the instance + of his mother, owing evidently more to a sense of duty than to + real affection, the consistency with which, so creditably to the + strength of his character, they were maintained. + </p> + <p> + But while in these respects, as well as in the sort of task-like + perseverance with which the habits and amusements of his youth + were held fast by him, he succeeded in conquering the + variableness and love of novelty so natural to him, in all else + that could engage his mind, in all the excursions, whether of his + reason or his fancy, he gave way to this versatile humour without + scruple or check,—taking every shape in which genius could + manifest its power, and transferring himself to every region of + thought where new conquests were to be achieved. + </p> + <p> + It was impossible but that such a range of will and power should + be abused. It was impossible that, among the spirits he invoked + from all quarters, those of darkness should not appear, at his + bidding, with those of light. And here the dangers of an energy + so multifold, and thus luxuriating in its own transformations, + show themselves. To this one great object of displaying + power,—various, splendid, and all-adorning + power,—every other consideration and <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg239" id="pg239">239</a></span> duty were but + too likely to be sacrificed. Let the advocate but display his + eloquence and art, no matter what the cause;—let the stamp + of energy be but left behind, no matter with what seal. + <i>Could</i> it have been expected that from such a career no + mischief would ensue, or that among these cross-lights of + imagination the moral vision could remain undisturbed? <i>Is</i> + it to be at all wondered at that in the works of one thus gifted + and carried away, we should find,—wholly, too, without any + prepense design of corrupting on his side,—a false + splendour given to Vice to make it look like Virtue, and Evil too + often invested with a grandeur which belongs intrinsically but to + Good? + </p> + <p> + Among the less serious ills flowing from this abuse of his great + versatile powers,—more especially as exhibited in his most + characteristic work, Don Juan,—it will be found that even + the strength and impressiveness of his poetry is sometimes not a + little injured by the capricious and desultory flights into which + this pliancy of wing allures him. It must be felt, indeed, by all + readers of that work, and particularly by those who, being gifted + with but a small portion of such ductility themselves, are unable + to keep pace with his changes, that the suddenness with which he + passes from one strain of sentiment to another,—from the + frolic to the sad, from the cynical to the tender,—begets a + distrust in the sincerity of one or both moods of mind which + interferes with, if not chills, the sympathy that a more natural + transition would inspire. In general such a suspicion would do + him injustice; as, among the singular combinations <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg240" id="pg240">240</a></span> which his + mind presented, that of uniting at once versatility and depth of + feeling was not the least remarkable. But, on the whole, + favourable as was all this quickness and variety of association + to the extension of the range and resources of his poetry, it may + be questioned whether a more select concentration of his powers + would not have afforded a still more grand and precious result. + Had the minds of Milton and Tasso been thus thrown open to the + incursions of light, ludicrous fancies, who can doubt that those + solemn sanctuaries of genius would have been as much injured as + profaned by the intrusion?—and it is at least a question + whether, if Lord Byron had not been so actively versatile, so + totally under the dominion of + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "A fancy, like the air, most free, + </p> + <p> + And full of mutability," + </p> + </div> + <p> + he would not have been less wonderful, perhaps, but more great. + </p> + <p> + Nor was it only in his poetical creations that this love and + power of variety showed itself:—one of the most pervading + weaknesses of his life may be traced to the same fertile source. + The pride of personating every description of character, evil as + well as good, influenced but too much, as we have seen, his + ambition, and, not a little, his conduct; and as, in poetry, his + own experience of the ill effects of passion was made to minister + materials to the workings of his imagination, so, in return, his + imagination supplied that dark colouring under which he so often + disguised his true aspect from the world. To such <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg241" id="pg241">241</a></span> a perverse + length, indeed, did he carry this fancy for self-defamation, that + if (as sometimes, in his moments of gloom, he persuaded himself,) + there was any tendency to derangement in his mental + conformation<span class="fnref">[1]</span>, on this point alone + could it be pronounced to have manifested itself.<span class= + "fnref">[2]</span> In the early part of my <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg242" id="pg242">242</a></span> acquaintance + with him, when he most gave way to this humour,—for it was + observable afterwards, when the world joined in his own opinion + of himself, he rather shrunk from the echo,—I have known + him more than once, as we have sat together after dinner, and he + was, at the time, perhaps, a little under the influence of wine, + to fall seriously into this sort of dark and self-accusing mood, + and throw out hints of his past life with an air of gloom and + mystery designed evidently to awaken curiosity and interest. He + was, however, too promptly alive to the least approaches of + ridicule not to perceive, on these occasions, that the gravity of + his hearer was only prevented from being disturbed by an effort + of politeness, and he accordingly never again tried this romantic + mystification upon me. From what I have known, however, of his + experiments upon more impressible listeners, I have little doubt + that, to produce effect at the moment, there is hardly any crime + so dark or desperate of which, in the excitement of thus acting + upon the imaginations of others, he would not have hinted that he + had been guilty; and it has sometimes occurred to me that the + occult cause of his lady's separation from him, round which + herself and her legal adviser have thrown such formidable + mystery, may have been nothing more, after all, than some + imposture of this kind, some dimly hinted confession of undefined + horrors, which, though intended by the relater but to mystify and + surprise, the hearer so little understood him as to take in sober + seriousness. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: We have seen how often, in his Journals and + Letters, this suspicion of his own mental soundness is + intimated. A similar notion, with respect to himself, seems to + have taken hold also of the strong mind of Johnson, who, like + Byron, too, was disposed to attribute to an hereditary tinge + that melancholy which, as he said, "made him mad all his life, + at least not sober." This peculiar feature of Johnson's mind + has, in the late new edition of Boswell's Life of him, given + rise to some remarks, pregnant with all the editor's well known + acuteness, which, as bearing on a point so important in the + history of the human intellect, will be found worthy of all + attention. + </p> + <p> + In one of the many letters of Lord Byron to myself, which I + have thought right to omit, I find him tracing this supposed + disturbance of his own faculties to the marriage of Miss + Chaworth;—"a marriage," he says, "for which she + sacrificed the prospects of two very ancient families, and a + heart which was hers from ten years old, and a head which has + never been quite right since."] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 2: In his Diary of 1814 there is a passage (vol. ii. + page 270.) which I had preserved solely for the purpose of + illustrating this obliquity of his mind, intending, at the same + time, to accompany it with an explanatory note. From some + inadvertence, however, the note was omitted; and, thus left to + itself, this piece of mystification has, with the French + readers of the work, I see, succeeded most perfectly; there + being no imaginable variety of murder which the votaries of the + new romantic school have not been busily extracting out of the + mystery of that passage.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + This strange propensity with which the man was, as it were, + inoculated by the poet, re-acted back again <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg243" id="pg243">243</a></span> upon his + poetry, so as to produce, in some of his delineations of + character, that inconsistency which has not unfrequently been + noticed by his critics,—namely, the junction of one or two + lofty and shining virtues with "a thousand crimes" altogether + incompatible with them; this anomaly being, in fact, accounted + for by the two different sorts of ambition that actuated + him,—the natural one, of infusing into his personages those + high and kindly qualities he felt conscious of within himself, + and the artificial one, of investing them with those crimes which + he so boyishly wished imputed to him by the world. + </p> + <p> + Independently, however, of any such efforts towards blackening + his own name, and even after he had learned from bitter + experience the rash folly of such a system, there was still, in + the openness and over-frankness of his nature, and that + indulgence of impulse with which he gave utterance to, if not + acted upon, every chance impression of the moment, more than + sufficient to bring his character, in all its least favourable + lights, before the world. Who is there, indeed, that could bear + to be judged by even the best of those unnumbered thoughts that + course each other, like waves of the sea, through our minds, + passing away unuttered, and, for the most part, even unowned by + ourselves?—Yet to such a test was Byron's character + throughout his whole life exposed. As well from the precipitance + with which he gave way to every impulse as from the passion he + had for recording his own impressions, all those heterogeneous + thoughts, fantasies, and desires that, in other men's minds, + "come like shadows, so depart," were <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg244" id="pg244">244</a></span> by him fixed + and embodied as they presented themselves, and, at once, taking a + shape cognizable by public opinion, either in his actions or his + words, either in the hasty letter of the moment, or the poem for + all time, laid open such a range of vulnerable points before his + judges, as no one individual perhaps ever before, of himself, + presented. + </p> + <p> + With such abundance and variety of materials for portraiture, it + may easily be conceived how two professed delineators of his + character, the one over partial and the other malicious, + might,—the former, by selecting only the fairer, and the + latter only the darker, features,—produce two portraits of + Lord Byron, as much differing from each other as they would both + be, on the whole, unlike the original. + </p> + <p> + Of the utter powerlessness of retention with which he promulgated + his every thought and feeling,—more especially if at all + connected with the subject of self,—without allowing even a + pause for the almost instinctive consideration whether by such + disclosures he might not be conveying a calumnious impression of + himself, a stronger instance could hardly be given than is to be + found in a conversation held by him with Mr. Trelawney, as + reported by this latter gentleman, when they were on their way + together to Greece. After some remarks on the state of his own + health<span class="fnref">[1]</span>, mental and bodily, he said, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg245" id="pg245">245</a></span> + "I don't know how it is, but I am so cowardly at times, that if, + this morning, you had come down and horsewhipped me, I should + have submitted without opposition. Why is this? If one of these + fits come over me when we are in Greece, what shall I + do?"—"I told him (continues Mr. Trelawney) that it was the + excessive debility of his nerves. He said, 'Yes, and of my head, + too. I was very heroic when I left Genoa, but, like Acres, I feel + my courage oozing out at my palms.'" + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: "He often mentioned," says Mr. Trelawney, "that he + thought he should not live many years, and said that he would + die in Greece." This he told me at Cephalonia. He always seemed + unmoved on these occasions, perfectly indifferent as to when he + died, only saying that he could not bear pain. On our voyage we + had been reading with great attention the life and letters of + Swift, edited by Scott, and we almost daily, or rather nightly, + talked them over; and he more than once expressed his horror of + existing in that state, and expressed some fears that it would + be his fate.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + It will hardly, by those who know any thing of human nature, be + denied that such misgivings and heart-sinkings as are here + described may, under a similar depression of spirits, have found + their way into the thoughts of some of the gallantest hearts that + ever breathed;—but then, untold and unremembered, even by + the sufferer himself, they passed off with the passing infirmity + that produced them, leaving neither to truth to record them as + proofs of want of health, nor to calumny to fasten upon them a + suspicion of want of bravery. The assertion of some one that all + men are by nature cowardly would seem to be countenanced by the + readiness with which most men believe others so. "I have lived," + says the Prince de Ligne, "to hear Voltaire called a fool, and + the <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg246" id= + "pg246">246</a></span> great Frederick a coward." The Duke of + Marlborough in his own times, and Napoleon in ours, have found + persons not only to assert but believe the same charge against + them. After such glaring instances of the tendency of some minds + to view greatness only through an inverting medium, it need + little surprise us that Lord Byron's conduct in Greece should, on + the same principle, have engendered a similar insinuation against + him; nor should I have at all noticed the weak slander, but for + the opportunity which it affords me of endeavouring to point out + what appears to me the peculiar nature of the courage by which, + on all occasions that called for it, he so strikingly + distinguished himself. + </p> + <p> + Whatever virtue may be allowed to belong to personal courage, it + is, most assuredly, they who are endowed by nature with the + liveliest imaginations, and who have therefore most vividly and + simultaneously before their eyes all the remote and possible + consequences of danger, that are most deserving of whatever + praise attends the exercise of that virtue. A bravery of this + kind, which springs more out of mind than temperament,—or + rather, perhaps, out of the conquest of the former over the + latter,—will naturally proportion its exertion to the + importance of the occasion; and the same person who is seen to + shrink with an almost feminine fear from ignoble and every-day + perils, may be found foremost in the very jaws of danger where + honour is to be either maintained or won. Nor does this remark + apply only to the imaginative class, of whom I am chiefly + treating. By the same calculating principle, it will <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg247" id="pg247">247</a></span> be found that + most men whose bravery is the result not of temperament but + reflection, are regulated in their daring. The wise De Wit, + though negligent of his life on great occasions, was not ashamed, + we are told, of dreading and avoiding whatever endangered it on + others. + </p> + <p> + Of the apprehensiveness that attends quick imaginations, Lord + Byron had, of course, a considerable share, and in all situations + of ordinary peril gave way to it without reserve. I have seldom + seen any person, male or female, more timid in a carriage; and, + in riding, his preparation against accidents showed the same + nervous and imaginative fearfulness. "His bridle," says the late + Lord B——, who rode frequently with him at Genoa, + "had, besides cavesson and martingale, various reins; and + whenever he came near a place where his horse was likely to shy, + he gathered up these said reins and fixed himself as if he was + going at a five-barred gate." None surely but the most + superficial or most prejudiced observers could ever seriously + found upon such indications of nervousness any conclusion against + the real courage of him who was subject to them. The poet + Ariosto, who was, it seems, a victim to the same fair-weather + alarms,—who, when on horseback, would alight at the least + appearance of danger, and on the water was particularly + timorous,—could yet, in the action between the Pope's + vessels and the Duke of Ferrara's, fight like a lion; and in the + same manner the courage of Lord Byron, as all his companions in + peril testify, was of that noblest kind <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg248" id="pg248">248</a></span> which rises + with the greatness of the occasion, and becomes but the more + self-collected and resisting, the more imminent the danger. + </p> + <p> + In proposing to show that the distinctive properties of Lord + Byron's character, as well moral as literary, arose mainly from + those two great sources, the unexampled versatility of his powers + and feelings, and the facility with which he gave way to the + impulses of both, it had been my intention to pursue the subject + still further in detail, and to endeavour to trace throughout the + various excellences and defects, both of his poetry and his life, + the operation of these two dominant attributes of his nature. "No + men," says Cowper, in speaking of persons of a versatile turn of + mind, "are better qualified for companions in such a world as + this than men of such temperament. Every scene of life has two + sides, a dark and a bright one; and the mind that has an equal + mixture of melancholy and vivacity is best of all qualified for + the contemplation of either." It would not be difficult to show + that to this readiness in reflecting all hues, whether of the + shadows or the lights of our variegated existence, Lord Byron + owed not only the great range of his influence as a poet, but + those powers of fascination which he possessed as a man. This + susceptibility, indeed, of immediate impressions, which in him + was so active, lent a charm, of all others the most attractive, + to his social intercourse, by giving to those who were, at the + moment, present, such ascendant influence, that they alone for + the time occupied all his thoughts and <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg249" id="pg249">249</a></span> feelings, and + brought whatever was most agreeable in his nature into + play.<span class="fnref">[1]</span> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: In reference to his power of adapting himself to + all sorts of society, and taking upon himself all varieties of + character, I find a passage in one of my early letters to him + (from Ireland) which, though it might be expressed, perhaps, in + better taste, is worth citing for its truth:—"Though I + have not written, I have seldom ceased to think of you; for you + are that sort of being whom every thing, high or low, brings + into one's mind. Whether I am with the wise or the waggish, + among poets or among pugilists, over the book or over the + bottle, you are sure to connect yourself transcendently with + all, and come 'armed for <i>every</i> field' into my memory."] + </p> + </div> + <p> + So much did this extreme mobility,—this readiness to be + "strongly acted on by what was nearest,"—abound in his + disposition, that, even with the casual acquaintances of the + hour, his heart was upon his lips<span class="fnref">[1]</span>, + and it depended wholly upon themselves whether they might not + become at once the depositories of every secret, if it might be + so called, of his whole life. That in this convergence of all the + powers of pleasing towards present objects, those absent should + be sometimes forgotten, or, what is worse, sacrificed to the + reigning desire of the moment, <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg250" id="pg250">250</a></span> is unluckily one of the alloys + attendant upon persons of this temperament, which renders their + fidelity, either as lovers or confidants, not a little + precarious. But of the charm which such a disposition diffuses + through the manner there can be but little doubt,—and least + of all among those who have ever felt its influence in Lord + Byron. Neither are the instances in which he has been known to + make imprudent disclosures of what had been said or written by + others of the persons with whom he was conversing to be all set + down to this rash overflow of the social hour. In his own + frankness of spirit, and hatred of all disguise, this practice, + pregnant as it was with inconvenience, and sometimes danger, in a + great degree originated. To confront the accused with the accuser + was, in such cases, his delight,—not only as a revenge for + having been made the medium of what men durst not say openly to + each other, but as a gratification of that love of small mischief + which he had retained from boyhood, and which the confusion that + followed such exposures was always sure to amuse. This habit, + too, being, as I have before remarked, well known to his friends, + their sense of prudence, if not their fairness, was put fully on + its guard, and he himself was spared the pain of hearing what he + could not, without inflicting still worse, repeat. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: It is curious to observe how, in all times, and + all countries, what is called the poetical temperament has, in + the great possessors, and victims, of that gift, produced + similar effects. In the following passage, the biographer of + Tasso has, in painting that poet, described Byron + also:—"There are some persons of a sensibility so + powerful, that whoever happens to be with them is, at that + moment, to them the world: their hearts involuntarily open; + they are prompted by a strong desire to please; and they thus + make confidants of their sentiments people whom they in reality + regard with indifference."] + </p> + </div> + <p> + A most apt illustration of this point of his character is to be + found in an anecdote told of him by Parry, who, though himself + the victim, had the sense and good temper to perceive the source + to which Byron's conduct was to be traced. While the Turkish + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg251" id="pg251">251</a></span> + fleet was blockading Missolonghi, his Lordship, one day, attended + by Parry, proceeded in a small punt, rowed by a boy, to the mouth + of the harbour, while in a large boat accompanying them were + Prince Mavrocordato and his attendants. In this situation, an + indignant feeling of contempt and impatience at the supineness of + their Greek friends seized the engineer, and he proceeded to vent + this feeling to Lord Byron in no very measured terms, pronouncing + Prince Mavrocordato to be "an old gentlewoman," and concluding, + according to his own statement, with the following + words:—"If I were in their place, I should be in a fever at + the thought of my own incapacity and ignorance, and should burn + with impatience to attempt the destruction of those rascal Turks. + But the Greeks and the Turks are opponents worthy, by their + imbecility, of each other." + </p> + <p> + "I had scarcely explained myself fully," adds Mr. Parry, "when + his Lordship ordered our boat to be placed alongside the other, + and actually related our whole conversation to the Prince. In + doing it, however, he took on himself the task of pacifying both + the Prince and me, and though I was at first very angry, and the + Prince, I believe, very much annoyed, he succeeded. Mavrocordato + afterwards showed no dissatisfaction with me, and I prized Lord + Byron's regard too much, to remain long displeased with a + proceeding which was only an unpleasant manner of reproving us + both." + </p> + <p> + Into these and other such branches from the main course of his + character, it might have been a task of <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg252" id="pg252">252</a></span> some interest + to investigate,—certain as we should be that, even in the + remotest and narrowest of these windings, some of the brightness + and strength of the original current would be perceptible. Enough + however has been, perhaps, said to set other minds upon supplying + what remains:—if the track of analysis here opened be the + true one, to follow it in its further bearings will not be + difficult. Already, indeed, I may be thought by some readers to + have occupied too large a portion of these pages, not only in + tracing out such "nice dependencies" and gradations of my + friend's character, but still more uselessly, as may be + conceived, in recording all the various habitudes and whims by + which the course of his every-day life was distinguished from + that of other people. That the critics of the day should think it + due to their own importance to object to trifles is naturally to + be expected; but that, in other times, such minute records of a + Byron will be read with interest, even such critics cannot doubt. + To know that Catiline walked with an agitated and uncertain gait + is, by no mean judge of human nature, deemed important as an + indication of character. But far less significant details will + satisfy the idolaters of genius. To be told that Tasso loved + malmsey and thought it favourable to poetic inspiration is a + piece of intelligence, even at the end of three centuries, not + unwelcome; while a still more amusing proof of the disposition of + the world to remember little things of the great is, that the + poet Petrarch's excessive fondness for turnips is one of the few + traditions still preserved of him at Arqua. <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg253" id="pg253">253</a></span> + </p> + <p> + The personal appearance of Lord Byron has been so frequently + described, both by pen and pencil, that were it not the bounden + duty of the biographer to attempt some such sketch, the task + would seem superfluous. Of his face, the beauty may be pronounced + to have been of the highest order, as combining at once + regularity of features with the most varied and interesting + expression. The same facility, indeed, of change observable in + the movements of his mind was seen also in the free play of his + features, as the passing thoughts within darkened or shone + through them. + </p> + <p> + His eyes, though of a light grey, were capable of all extremes of + expression, from the most joyous hilarity to the deepest sadness, + from the very sunshine of benevolence to the most concentrated + scorn or rage. Of this latter passion, I had once an opportunity + of seeing what fiery interpreters they could be, on my telling + him, thoughtlessly enough, that a friend of mine had said to + me—"Beware of Lord Byron; he will some day or other do + something very wicked."—"Was it man or woman said so?" he + exclaimed, suddenly turning round upon me with a look of such + intense anger as, though it lasted not an instant, could not + easily be forgot, and of which no better idea can be given than + in the words of one who, speaking of Chatterton's eyes, says that + "fire rolled at the bottom of them." + </p> + <p> + But it was in the mouth and chin that the great beauty as well as + expression of his fine countenance lay. "Many pictures have been + painted of him," <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg254" id= + "pg254">254</a></span> says a fair critic of his features, "with + various success; but the excessive beauty of his lips escaped + every painter and sculptor. In their ceaseless play they + represented every emotion, whether pale with anger, curled in + disdain, smiling in triumph, or dimpled with archness and love." + It would be injustice to the reader not to borrow from the same + pencil a few more touches of portraiture. "This extreme facility + of expression was sometimes painful, for I have seen him look + absolutely ugly—I have seen him look so hard and cold, that + you must hate him, and then, in a moment, brighter than the sun, + with such playful softness in his look, such affectionate + eagerness kindling in his eyes, and dimpling his lips into + something more sweet than a smile, that you forgot the man, the + Lord Byron, in the picture of beauty presented to you, and gazed + with intense curiosity—I had almost said—as if to + satisfy yourself, that thus looked the god of poetry, the god of + the Vatican, when he conversed with the sons and daughters of + man." + </p> + <p> + His head was remarkably small<span class= + "fnref">[1]</span>,—so much so as to be rather out of + proportion with his face. The forehead, though a little too + narrow, was high, and appeared more so from his having his hair + (to preserve <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg255" id= + "pg255">255</a></span> it, as he said,) shaved over the temples; + while the glossy, dark-brown curls, clustering over his head, + gave the finish to its beauty. When to this is added, that his + nose, though handsomely, was rather thickly shaped, that his + teeth were white and regular, and his complexion colourless, as + good an idea perhaps as it is in the power of mere words to + convey may be conceived of his features. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: "Several of us, one day," says Colonel Napier, + "tried on his hat, and in a party of twelve or fourteen, who + were at dinner, <i>not one</i> could put it on, so exceedingly + small was his head. My servant, Thomas Wells, who had the + smallest head in the 90th regiment (so small that he could + hardly get a cap to fit him), was the only person who could put + on Lord Byron's hat, and him it fitted exactly."] + </p> + </div> + <p> + In height he was, as he himself has informed us, five feet eight + inches and a half, and to the length of his limbs he attributed + his being such a good swimmer. His hands were very white, + and—according to his own notion of the size of hands as + indicating birth—aristocratically small. The lameness of + his right foot<span class="fnref">[1]</span>, though an obstacle + to grace, <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg256" id= + "pg256">256</a></span> but little impeded the activity of his + movements; and from this circumstance, as well as from the skill + with which the foot was disguised by means of long trowsers, it + would be difficult to conceive a defect of this kind less + obtruding itself as a deformity; while the diffidence which a + constant consciousness of the infirmity gave to his first + approach and address made, in him, even lameness a source of + interest. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: In speaking of this lameness at the commencement + of my work, I forbore, both from my own doubts on the subject + and the great variance I found in the recollections of others, + from stating in <i>which</i> of his feet this lameness existed. + It will, indeed, with difficulty be believed what uncertainty I + found upon this point, even among those most intimate with him. + Mr. Hunt, in his book, states it to have been the left foot + that was deformed, and this, though contrary to my own + impression, and, as it appears also, to the fact, was the + opinion I found also of others who had been much in the habit + of living with him. On applying to his early friends at + Southwell and to the shoemaker of that town who worked for him, + so little prepared were they to answer with any certainty on + the subject, that it was only by recollecting that the lame + foot "was the off one in going up the street" they at last came + to the conclusion that his right limb was the one affected; and + Mr. Jackson, his preceptor in pugilism, was, in like manner, + obliged to call to mind whether his noble pupil was a right or + left hand hitter before he could arrive at the same decision.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + In looking again into the Journal from which it was my intention + to give extracts, the following unconnected opinions, or rather + reveries, most of them on points connected with his religious + opinions, are all that I feel tempted to select. To an assertion + in the early part of this work, that "at no time of his life was + Lord Byron a confirmed unbeliever," it has been objected, that + many passages of his writings prove the direct contrary. This + assumption, however, as well as the interpretation of most of the + passages referred to in its support, proceed, as it appears to + me, upon the mistake, not uncommon in conversation, of + confounding together the meanings of the words unbeliever and + sceptic,—the former implying decision of opinion, and the + latter only doubt. I have myself, I find, not always kept the + significations of the two words distinct, and in one instance + have so far fallen into the notion of these objectors as to speak + of Byron in his youth as "an unbelieving school-boy," when the + word "doubting" would have more truly expressed my meaning. With + this necessary explanation, I shall here repeat my assertion; or + rather—to clothe its substance in a different + form—shall say that Lord Byron was, to the last, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg257" id="pg257">257</a></span> a + sceptic, which, in itself, implies that he was, at no time, a + confirmed unbeliever. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + "If I were to live over again, I do not know what I would change + in my life, unless it were <i>for—not to have lived at + all</i>.<span class="fnref">[1]</span> All history and + experience, and the rest, teaches us that the good and evil are + pretty equally balanced in this existence, and that what is most + to be desired is an easy passage out of it. What can it give us + but years? and those have little of good but their ending. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: Swift "early adopted," says Sir Walter Scott, "the + custom of observing his birth-day, as a term, not of joy, but + of sorrow, and of reading, when it annually recurred, the + striking passage of Scripture, in which Job laments and + execrates the day upon which it was said in his father's house + 'that a man-child was born.'"—<i>Life of Swift.</i>] + </p> + </div> + <hr /> + <p> + "Of the immortality of the soul it appears to me that there can + be little doubt, if we attend for a moment to the action of mind: + it is in perpetual activity. I used to doubt of it, but + reflection has taught me better. It acts also so very independent + of body—in dreams, for instance;—incoherently and + <i>madly</i>, I grant you, but still it is mind, and much more + mind than when we are awake. Now that this should not act + <i>separately</i>, as well as jointly, who can pronounce? The + stoics, Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, call the present state 'a + soul which drags a carcass,'—a heavy chain, to be sure, but + all chains being material may be shaken off. How far our future + life will be <i>individual</i>, or, rather, how far it will + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg258" id="pg258">258</a></span> + at all resemble <i>our present</i> existence, is another + question; but that the mind is eternal seems as probable as that + the body is not so. Of course I here venture upon the question + without recurring to revelation, which, however, is at least as + rational a solution of it as any other. A <i>material</i> + resurrection seems strange and even absurd, except for purposes + of punishment; and all punishment which is to <i>revenge</i> + rather than <i>correct</i> must be <i>morally wrong</i>; and + <i>when the world is at an end</i>, what moral or warning purpose + <i>can</i> eternal tortures answer? Human passions have probably + disfigured the divine doctrines here;—but the whole thing + is inscrutable. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + "It is useless to tell me <i>not</i> to <i>reason</i>, but to + <i>believe.</i> You might as well tell a man not to wake, but + <i>sleep.</i> And then to <i>bully</i> with torments, and all + that! I cannot help thinking that the <i>menace</i> of hell makes + as many devils as the severe penal codes of inhuman humanity make + villains. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + "Man is born <i>passionate</i> of body, but with an innate though + secret tendency to the love of good in his main-spring of mind. + But, God help us all! it is at present a sad jar of atoms. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + "Matter is eternal, always changing, but reproduced, and, as far + as we can comprehend eternity, eternal; and why not <i>mind</i>? + Why should not the mind act with and upon the universe, as + portions of it act upon, and with, the congregated dust called + mankind? See how one man acts upon himself and others, or upon + multitudes! The same agency, in a <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg259" id="pg259">259</a></span> higher and purer degree, may + act upon the stars, &c. ad infinitum. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + "I have often been inclined to materialism in philosophy, but + could never bear its introduction into <i>Christianity</i>, which + appears to me essentially founded upon the <i>soul</i>. For this + reason Priestley's Christian Materialism always struck me as + deadly. Believe the resurrection of the <i>body</i>, if you will, + but <i>not without</i> a <i>soul</i>. The deuce is in it, if + after having had a soul, (as surely the <i>mind</i>, or whatever + you call it, <i>is,</i>) in this world, we must part with it in + the <i>next</i>, even for an immortal materiality! I own my + partiality for <i>spirit</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + "I am always most religious upon a sunshiny day, as if there was + some association between an internal approach to greater light + and purity and the kindler of this dark lantern of our external + existence. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + "The night is also a religious concern, and even more so when I + viewed the moon and stars through Herschell's telescope, and saw + that they were worlds. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + "If, according to some speculations, you could prove the world + many thousand years older than the Mosaic chronology, or if you + could get rid of Adam and Eve, and the apple, and serpent, still, + what is to be put up in their stead? or how is the difficulty + removed? Things must have had a beginning, and what matters it + <i>when</i> or <i>how</i>? + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg260" id="pg260">260</a></span> + "I sometimes think that <i>man</i> may be the relic of some + higher material being wrecked in a former world, and degenerated + in the hardship and struggle through chaos into conformity, or + something like it,—as we see Laplanders, Esquimaux, &c. + inferior in the present state, as the elements become more + inexorable. But even then this higher pre-Adamite supposititious + creation must have had an origin and a <i>Creator</i>—for a + <i>creation</i> is a more natural imagination than a fortuitous + concourse of atoms: all things remount to a fountain, though they + may flow to an ocean. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + "Plutarch says, in his Life of Lysander, that Aristotle observes + 'that in general great geniuses are of a melancholy turn, and + instances Socrates, Plato, and Hercules (or Heraclitus), as + examples, and Lysander, though not while young, yet as inclined + to it when approaching towards age.' Whether I am a genius or + not, I have been called such by my friends as well as enemies, + and in more countries and languages than one, and also within a + no very long period of existence. Of my genius, I can say + nothing, but of my melancholy, that it is 'increasing, and ought + to be diminished.' But how? + </p> + <p> + "I take it that most men are so at bottom, but that it is only + remarked in the remarkable. The Duchesse de Broglio, in reply to + a remark of mine on the errors of clever people, said that 'they + were not worse than others, only, being more in view, more noted, + especially in all that could reduce them <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg261" id="pg261">261</a></span> to the rest, + or raise the rest to them.' In 1816, this was. + </p> + <p> + "In fact (I suppose that) if the follies of fools were all set + down like those of the wise, the wise (who seem at present only a + better sort of fools) would appear almost intelligent. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + "It is singular how soon we lose the impression of what ceases to + be <i>constantly</i> before us: a year impairs; a lustre + obliterates. There is little distinct left without an effort of + memory. <i>Then</i>, indeed, the lights are rekindled for a + moment; but who can be sure that imagination is not the + torch-bearer? Let any man try at the end of <i>ten</i> years to + bring before him the features, or the mind, or the sayings, or + the habits of his best friend, or his <i>greatest</i> man, (I + mean his favourite, his Buonaparte, his this, that, or t'other,) + and he will be surprised at the extreme confusion of his ideas. I + speak confidently on this point, having always passed for one who + had a good, ay, an excellent memory. I except, indeed, our + recollection of womankind; there is no forgetting <i>them</i> + (and be d—d to them) any more than any other remarkable + era, such as 'the revolution,' or 'the plague,' or 'the + invasion,' or 'the comet,' or 'the war' of such and such an + epoch,—being the favourite dates of mankind who have so + many <i>blessings</i> in their lot that they never make their + calendars from them, being too common. For instance, you see 'the + great drought,' 'the Thames frozen over,' 'the seven years' war + broke out,' 'the English, or French, or Spanish revolution + commenced,' 'the <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg262" id= + "pg262">262</a></span> Lisbon earthquake,' 'the Lima earthquake,' + 'the earthquake of Calabria,' 'the plague of London,' ditto 'of + Constantinople,' 'the sweating sickness,' 'the yellow fever of + Philadelphia,' &c. &c. &c.; but you don't see 'the + abundant harvest,' 'the fine summer,' 'the long peace,' 'the + wealthy speculation,' 'the wreckless voyage,' recorded so + emphatically! By the way, there has been a <i>thirty years' + war</i> and a <i>seventy years' war</i>; was there ever a + <i>seventy</i> or a <i>thirty years' peace</i>? or was there even + a DAY'S <i>universal</i> peace? except perhaps in China, where + they have found out the miserable happiness of a stationary and + unwarlike mediocrity. And is all this because nature is niggard + or savage? or mankind ungrateful? Let philosophers decide. I am + none. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + "In general, I do not draw well with literary men; not that I + dislike them, but I never know what to say to them after I have + praised their last publication. There are several exceptions, to + be sure, but then they have either been men of the world, such as + Scott and Moore, &c. or visionaries out of it, such as + Shelley, &c.: but your literary every-day man and I never + went well in company, especially your foreigner, whom I never + could abide; except Giordani, and—and—and—(I + really can't name any other)—I don't remember a man amongst + them whom I ever wished to see twice, except perhaps Mezzophanti, + who is a monster of languages, the Briareus of parts of speech, a + walking Polyglott and more, who ought to have existed at the time + of the <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg263" id= + "pg263">263</a></span> Tower of Babel as universal interpreter. + He is indeed a marvel—unassuming, also. I tried him in all + the tongues of which I knew a single oath, (or adjuration to the + gods against post-boys, savages, Tartars, boatmen, sailors, + pilots, gondoliers, muleteers, camel-drivers, vetturini, + post-masters, post-horses, post-houses, post every thing,) and + egad! he astounded me—even to my English. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + "'No man would live his life over again,' is an old and true + saying which all can resolve for themselves. At the same time, + there are probably <i>moments</i> in most men's lives which they + would live over the rest of life to <i>regain</i>. Else why do we + live at all? because Hope recurs to Memory, both + false—but—but—but—but—and this + <i>but</i> drags on till—what? I do not know; and who does? + 'He that died o' Wednesday.'" + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + In laying before the reader these last extracts from the papers + in my possession, it may be expected, perhaps, that I should say + something,—in addition to what has been already stated on + this subject,—respecting those Memoranda, or Memoirs, + which, in the exercise of the discretionary power given to me by + my noble friend, I placed, shortly after his death, at the + disposal of his sister and executor, and which they, from a sense + of what they thought due to his memory, consigned to the flames. + As the circumstances, however, connected with the surrender of + that manuscript, besides requiring much more detail than my + present limits allow, do not, in any respect, <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg264" id="pg264">264</a></span> concern the + character of Lord Byron, but affect solely my own, it is not + here, at least, that I feel myself called upon to enter into an + explanation of them. The world will, of course, continue to think + of that step as it pleases; but it is, after all, on a man's + <i>own</i> opinion of his actions that his happiness chiefly + depends, and I can only say that, were I again placed in the same + circumstances, I would—even at ten times the pecuniary + sacrifice which my conduct then cost me—again act precisely + in the same manner. + </p> + <p> + For the satisfaction of those whose regret at the loss of that + manuscript arises from some better motive than the mere + disappointment of a prurient curiosity, I shall here add, that on + the mysterious cause of the separation, it afforded no light + whatever;—that, while some of its details could never have + been published at all<span class="fnref">[1]</span>, and little, + if any, of what it contained personal towards others could have + appeared till long after the individuals concerned had left the + scene, all that materially related to Lord Byron himself was (as + I well knew when I made that sacrifice) to be found repeated in + the various Journals and Memorandum-books, which, though not all + to be made use of, were, as the reader has seen from the + preceding pages, all preserved. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: This description applies only to the Second Part + of the Memoranda; there having been but little unfit for + publication in the First Part, which was, indeed, read, as is + well known, by many of the noble author's friends.] + </p> + </div> + <p><span class="pagenum"><a name="pg265" id= + "pg265">265</a></span> + As far as suppression, indeed, is blamable, I have had, in the + course of this task, abundantly to answer for it; having, as the + reader must have perceived, withheld a large portion of my + materials, to which Lord Byron, no doubt, in his fearlessness of + consequences, would have wished to give publicity, but which, it + is now more than probable, will never meet the light. + </p> + <p> + There remains little more to add. It has been remarked by Lord + Orford<span class="fnref">[1]</span>, as "strange, that the + writing a man's life should in general make the biographer become + enamoured of his subject, whereas one should think that the nicer + disquisition one makes into the life of any man, the less reason + one should find to love or admire him." On the contrary, may we + not rather say that, as knowledge is ever the parent of + tolerance, the more insight we gain into the springs and motives + of a man's actions, the peculiar circumstances in which he was + placed, and the influences and temptations under which he acted, + the more allowance we may be inclined to make for his errors, and + the more approbation his virtues may extort from us? + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: In speaking of Lord Herbert of Cherbury's Life of + Henry VIII.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + The arduous task of being the biographer of Byron is one, at + least, on which I have not obtruded myself: the wish of my friend + that I should undertake that office having been more than once + expressed, at a time when none but a boding imagination like his + could have foreseen much chance of the sad honour <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg266" id="pg266">266</a></span> devolving to + me. If in some instances I have consulted rather the spirit than + the exact letter of his injunctions, it was with the view solely + of doing him more justice than he would have done himself, there + being no hands in which his character could have been less safe + than his own, nor any greater wrong offered to his memory than + the substitution of what he affected to be for what he was. Of + any partiality, however, beyond what our mutual friendship + accounts for and justifies, I am by no means conscious; nor would + it be in the power, indeed, of even the most partial friend to + allege any thing more convincingly favourable of his character + than is contained in the few simple facts with which I shall here + conclude,—that, through life, with all his faults, he never + lost a friend;—that those about him in his youth, whether + as companions, teachers, or servants, remained attached to him to + the last;—that the woman, to whom he gave the love of his + maturer years, idolises his name; and that, with a single unhappy + exception, scarce an instance is to be found of any one, once + brought, however briefly, into relations of amity with him, that + did not feel towards him a kind regard in life, and retain a + fondness for his memory. + </p> + <p> + I have now done with the subject, nor shall be easily tempted to + recur to it. Any mistakes or misstatements I may be proved to + have made shall be corrected;—any new facts which it is in + the power of others to produce will speak for themselves. To mere + opinions I am not called upon to pay attention—and + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg267" id="pg267">267</a></span> + still less to insinuations or mysteries. I have here told what I + myself know and think concerning my friend; and now leave his + character, moral as well as literary, to the judgment of the + world. <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg268" id= + "pg268">268</a></span> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg269" id="pg269">269</a></span> + </p> + <h2> + APPENDIX. + </h2> + <hr /> + <h3> + TWO EPISTLES FROM THE ARMENIAN VERSION. + </h3> + <h4> + THE EPISTLE OF THE CORINTHIANS TO ST. PAUL THE + APOSTLE.<span class="fnref">[1]</span> + </h4> + <p> + 1 STEPHEN<span class="fnref">[2]</span>, and the elders with him, + Dabnus, Eubulus, Theophilus, and Xinon, to Paul, our father and + evangelist, and faithful master in Jesus Christ, + health.<span class="fnref">[3]</span> + </p> + <p> + 2 Two men have come to Corinth, Simon by name, and + Cleobus<span class="fnref">[4]</span>, who vehemently disturb the + faith of some with deceitful and corrupt words; + </p> + <p> + 3 Of which words thou shouldst inform thyself: + </p> + <p> + 4 For neither have we heard such words from thee, nor from the + other apostles: + </p> + <p> + 5 But we know only that what we have heard from thee and from + them, that we have kept firmly. + </p> + <p> + 6 But in this chiefly has our Lord had compassion, that, whilst + thou art yet with us in the flesh, we are again about to hear + from thee. + </p> + <p> + 7 Therefore do thou write to us, or come thyself amongst us + quickly. <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg270" id= + "pg270">270</a></span> + </p> + <p> + 8 We believe in the Lord, that, as it was revealed to Theonas, he + hath delivered thee from the hands of the + unrighteous.<span class="fnref">[5]</span> + </p> + <p> + 9 But these are the sinful words of these impure men, for thus do + they say and teach: + </p> + <p> + 10 That it behoves not to admit the Prophets.<span class= + "fnref">[6]</span> + </p> + <p> + 11 Neither do they affirm the omnipotence of God: + </p> + <p> + 12 Neither do they affirm the resurrection of the flesh: + </p> + <p> + 13 Neither do they affirm that man was altogether created by God: + </p> + <p> + 14 Neither do they affirm that Jesus Christ was born in the flesh + from the Virgin Mary: + </p> + <p> + 15 Neither do they affirm that the world was the work of God, but + of some one of the angels. + </p> + <p> + 16 Therefore do thou make haste<span class="fnref">[7]</span> to + come amongst us. + </p> + <p> + 17 That this city of the Corinthians may remain without scandal. + </p> + <p> + 18 And that the folly of these men may be made manifest by an + open refutation. Fare thee well.<span class="fnref">[8]</span> + </p> + <p> + The deacons Thereptus and Tichus<span class="fnref">[9]</span> + received and conveyed this Epistle to the city of the + Philippians.[10] + </p> + <p> + When Paul received the Epistle, although he was then in chains on + account of Stratonice[11], the wife of Apofolanus[12], yet, as it + were forgetting his bonds, he mourned over these words, and said, + weeping: "It were better for me to be dead, and with the Lord. + For while I am in this body, and hear <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg271" id="pg271">271</a></span> the wretched + words of such false doctrine, behold, grief arises upon grief, + and my trouble adds a weight to my chains; when I behold this + calamity, and progress of the machinations of Satan, who + searcheth to do wrong." + </p> + <p> + And thus, with deep affliction, Paul composed his reply to the + Epistle.[13] + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: Some MSS. have the title thus: <i>Epistle of + Stephen the Elder to Paul the Apostle, from the + Corinthians</i>.] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 2: In the MSS. the marginal verses published by the + Whistons are wanting.] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 3: In some MSS. we find, <i>The elders Numenus, + Eubulus, Theophilus, and Nomeson, to Paul their brother, + health</i>!] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 4: Others read, <i>There came certain men, ... and + Clobeus, who vehemently shake.</i>] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 5: Some MSS. have, <i>We believe in the Lord, that + his presence was made manifest; and by this hath the Lord + delivered as from the hands of the unrighteous.</i>] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 6: Others read, <i>To read the Prophets.</i>] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 7: Some MSS. have, <i>Therefore, brother, do thou + make haste.</i>] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 8: Others read, <i>Fare thee well in the Lord.</i>] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 9: Some MSS. have, <i>The deacons Therepus and + Techus</i>] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 10: The Whistons have, <i>To the city of + Phoenicia</i>; but in all the MSS. we find, <i>To the city of + the Philippians.</i>] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 11: Others read, <i>On account of Onotice.</i>] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 12: The Whistons have, <i>Of Apollophanus</i>: but in + all the MSS. we read, <i>Apofolanus</i>.] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 13: In the text of this Epistle there are some other + variations in the words, but the sense is the same.] + </p> + </div> + <h4> + EPISTLE OF PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS, <span class= + "fnref">[1]</span> + </h4> + <p> + 1 Paul, in bonds for Jesus Christ, disturbed by so many errors + <span class="fnref">[2]</span>, to his Corinthian brethren, + health. + </p> + <p> + 2 I nothing marvel that the preachers of evil have made this + progress. + </p> + <p> + 3 For because the Lord Jesus is about to fulfil his coming, + verily on this account do certain men pervert and despise his + words. + </p> + <p> + 4 But I, verily, from the beginning, have taught you that only + which I myself received from the former apostles, who always + remained with the Lord Jesus Christ. + </p> + <p> + 5 And I now say unto you, that the Lord Jesus Christ was born of + the Virgin Mary, who was of the seed of David, + </p> + <p> + 6 According to the annunciation of the Holy Ghost, sent to her by + our Father from heaven; + </p> + <p> + 7 That Jesus might be introduced into the world <span class= + "fnref">[3]</span>, and deliver our flesh by his flesh, and that + he might raise us up from the dead; + </p> + <p> + 8 As in this also he himself became the example: + </p> + <p> + 9 That it might be made manifest that man was created by the + Father, + </p> + <p> + 10 He has not remained in perdition unsought <span class= + "fnref">[4]</span>; <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg272" id= + "pg272">272</a></span> + </p> + <p> + 11 But he is sought for, that he might be revived by adoption. + </p> + <p> + 12 For God, who is the Lord of all, the Father of our Lord Jesus + Christ, who made heaven and earth, sent, firstly, the Prophets to + the Jews: + </p> + <p> + 13 That he would absolve them from their sins, and bring them to + his judgment. + </p> + <p> + 14 Because he wished to save, firstly, the house of Israel, he + bestowed and poured forth his Spirit upon the Prophets; + </p> + <p> + 15 That they should, for a long time, preach the worship of God, + and the nativity of Christ. + </p> + <p> + 16 But he who was the prince of evil, when he wished to make + himself God, laid his hand upon them, + </p> + <p> + 17 And bound all men in sin,<span class="fnref">[5]</span> + </p> + <p> + 18 Because the judgment of the world was approaching. + </p> + <p> + 19 But Almighty God, when he willed to justify, was unwilling to + abandon his creature; + </p> + <p> + 20 But when he saw his affliction, he had compassion upon him: + </p> + <p> + 21 And at the end of a time he sent the Holy Ghost into the + Virgin foretold by the Prophets. + </p> + <p> + 22 Who, believing readily <span class="fnref">[6]</span>, was + made worthy to conceive, and bring forth our Lord Jesus Christ. + </p> + <p> + 23 That from this perishable body, in which the evil spirit was + glorified, he should be cast out, and it should be made manifest + </p> + <p> + 24 That he was not God: For Jesus Christ, in his flesh, had + recalled and saved this perishable flesh, and drawn it into + eternal life by faith. + </p> + <p> + 25 Because in his body he would prepare a pure temple of justice + for all ages; + </p> + <p> + 26 In whom we also, when we believe, are saved. + </p> + <p> + 27 Therefore know ye that these men are not the children of + justice, but the children of wrath; + </p> + <p> + 28 Who turn away from themselves the compassion of God; + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg273" id="pg273">273</a></span> + </p> + <p> + 29 Who say that neither the heavens nor the earth were altogether + works made by the hand of the Father of all things.<span class= + "fnref">[7]</span> + </p> + <p> + 30 But these cursed men<span class="fnref">[8]</span> have the + doctrine of the serpent. + </p> + <p> + 31 But do ye, by the power of God, withdraw yourselves far from + these, and expel from amongst you the doctrine of the wicked. + </p> + <p> + 32 Because you are not the children of rebellion <span class= + "fnref">[9]</span>; but the sons of the beloved church. + </p> + <p> + 33 And on this account the time of the resurrection is preached + to all men. + </p> + <p> + 34 Therefore they who affirm that there is no resurrection of the + flesh, they indeed shall not be raised up to eternal life; + </p> + <p> + 35 But to judgment and condemnation shall the unbeliever arise in + the flesh: + </p> + <p> + 36 For to that body which denies the resurrection of the body, + shall be denied the resurrection: because such are found to + refuse the resurrection. + </p> + <p> + 37 But you also, Corinthians! have known, from the seeds of + wheat, and from other seeds, + </p> + <p> + 38 That one grain falls [10] dry into the earth, and within it + first dies, + </p> + <p> + 39 And afterwards rises again, by the will of the Lord, endued + with the same body: + </p> + <p> + 40 Neither indeed does it arise with the same simple body, but + manifold, and filled with blessing. + </p> + <p> + 41 But we produce the example not only from seeds, but from the + honourable bodies of men. [11] + </p> + <p> + 42 Ye have also known Jonas, the son of Amittai.[12] + </p> + <p> + 43 Because he delayed to preach to the Ninevites, he was + swallowed up in the belly of a fish for three days and three + nights: <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg274" id= + "pg274">274</a></span> + </p> + <p> + 44 And after three days God heard his supplication, and brought + him out of the deep abyss; + </p> + <p> + 45 Neither was any part of his body corrupted; neither was his + eyebrow bent down.[13] + </p> + <p> + 46 And how much more for you, oh men of little faith; + </p> + <p> + 47 If you believe in our Lord Jesus Christ, will he raise you up, + even as he himself hath arisen. + </p> + <p> + 48 If the bones of Elisha the prophet, falling upon the dead, + revived the dead, + </p> + <p> + 49 By how much more shall ye, who are supported by the flesh and + the blood and the Spirit of Christ, arise again on that day with + a perfect body? + </p> + <p> + 50 Elias the prophet, embracing the widow's son, raised him from + the dead: + </p> + <p> + 51 By how much more shall Jesus Christ revive you, on that day, + with a perfect body, even as he himself hath arisen? + </p> + <p> + 52 But if ye receive other things vainly [14], + </p> + <p> + 53 Henceforth no one shall cause me to travail; for I bear on my + body these fetters [15], + </p> + <p> + 54 To obtain Christ; and I suffer with patience these afflictions + to become worthy of the resurrection of the dead. + </p> + <p> + 55 And do each of you, having received the law from the hands of + the blessed Prophets and the holy gospel [16], firmly maintain + it; + </p> + <p> + 56 To the end that you may be rewarded in the resurrection of the + dead, and the possession of the life eternal. + </p> + <p> + 57 But if any of ye, not believing, shall trespass, he shall be + judged with the misdoers, and punished with those who have false + belief. + </p> + <p> + 58 Because such are the generation of vipers, and the children of + dragons and basilisks. <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg275" id= + "pg275">275</a></span> + </p> + <p> + 59 Drive far from amongst ye, and fly from such, with the aid of + our Lord Jesus Christ. + </p> + <p> + 60 And the peace and grace of the beloved Son be upon you.[17] + Amen. + </p> + <p> + <i>Done into English by me, January-February,</i> 1817, <i>at the + Convent of San Lazaro, with the aid and exposition of the + Armenian text by the Father Paschal Aucher, Armenian Friar</i>. + </p> + <p class="citation"> + BYRON. + </p> + <p class="quotdate"> + Venice, April 10, 1817. + </p> + <p> + <i>I had also the Latin text, but it is in many places very + corrupt, and with great omissions</i>. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: Some MSS. have, <i>Paul's Epistle from prison, for + the instruction of the Corinthians</i>.] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 2: Others read, <i>Disturbed by various + compunctions.</i>] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 3: Some MSS. have. <i>That Jesus might comfort the + world.</i>] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 4: Others read, <i>He has not remained + indifferent</i>.] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 5: Some MSS have, <i>Laid his hand, and then and all + body bound in sin.</i>] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 6: Others read, <i>Believing with a pure heart</i>.] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 7: Some MSS. have, <i>Of God the Father of all + things.</i>] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 8: Others read, <i>They curse themselves in this + thing.</i>] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 9: Others read, <i>Children of the disobedient.</i>] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 10: Some MSS. have, <i>That one grain falls not dry + into the earth.</i>] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 11: Others read, <i>But we have not only produced + from seeds, but from the honourable body of man.</i>] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 12: Others read, <i>The son of Ematthius</i>.] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 13: Others add, <i>Nor did a hair of his body fall + therefrom</i>.] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 14: Some MSS. have, <i>Ye shall not receive other + things in vain</i>.] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 15: Others finished here thus, <i>Henceforth no one + can trouble me further, for I bear in my body the sufferings of + Christ. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, + my brethren. Amen</i>.] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 16: Some MSS. have, <i>Of the holy evangelist</i>.] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 17: Others add, <i>Our Lord be with ye all. + Amen</i>.] + </p> + </div> + <h3> + REMARKS ON MR. MOORE'S LIFE OF LORD BYRON, BY LADY BYRON. + </h3> + <p> + "I have disregarded various publications in which facts within my + own knowledge have been grossly misrepresented; but I am called + upon to notice some of the erroneous statements proceeding from + one who claims to be considered as Lord Byron's confidential and + authorised friend. Domestic details ought not to be intruded on + the public attention: if, however, they <i>are</i> so intruded, + the persons affected by them have a right to refute injurious + charges. Mr. Moore has promulgated his own impressions of private + events in which I was most nearly concerned, as if he possessed a + competent knowledge of the subject. Having survived Lord Byron, I + feel increased reluctance to advert to any circumstances + connected with the period of my marriage; nor is it now my + intention to disclose them, further than may be indispensably + requisite for <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg276" id= + "pg276">276</a></span> the end I have in view. Self-vindication + is not the motive which actuates me to make this appeal, and the + spirit of accusation is unmingled with it; but when the conduct + of my parents is brought forward in a disgraceful light, by the + passages selected from Lord Byron's letters, and by the remarks + of his biographer, I feel bound to justify their characters from + imputations which I <i>know</i> to be false. The passages from + Lord Byron's letters, to which I refer, are the aspersion on my + mother's character (vol. iii. p. 206. last line):—'My child + is very well, and flourishing, I hear; but I must see also. I + feel no disposition to resign it to the <i>contagian of its + grandmother's society</i>.' The assertion of her dishonourable + conduct in employing a spy (vol. iii. p. 202. l. 20, &c.), 'A + Mrs. C. (now a kind of housekeeper and <i>spy of Lady N</i>'s), + who, in her better days, was a washerwoman, is supposed to + be—by the learned—very much the occult cause of our + domestic discrepancies.' The seeming exculpation of myself, in + the extract (vol. iii. p. 205.), with the words immediately + following it,—'Her nearest relatives are a ——;' + where the blank clearly implies something too offensive for + publication. These passages tend to throw suspicion on my + parents, and give reason to ascribe the separation either to + their direct agency, or to that of 'officious spies' employed by + them.<span class="fnref">[1]</span> From the following part of + the narrative (vol. iii. p. 198.) it must also be inferred that + an undue influence was exercised by them for the accomplishment + of this purpose. 'It was in a few weeks after the latter + communication between us (Lord Byron and Mr. Moore), that Lady + Byron adopted the determination of parting from him. She had left + London at the latter end of January, on a visit to her father's + house, in Leicestershire, and Lord Byron was in a short time to + follow her. They had parted in the utmost kindness,—she + wrote him a letter full of playfulness and affection, on the + road; and immediately on her arrival at Kirkby Mallory, her + father wrote to acquaint Lord Byron that she would return to him + no more.' In my observations upon this statement, I shall, as far + as possible, <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg277" id= + "pg277">277</a></span> avoid touching on any matters relating + personally to Lord Byron and myself. The facts are:—I left + London for Kirkby Mallory, the residence of my father and mother, + on the 15th of January, 1816. Lord Byron had signified to me in + writing (Jan. 6th) his absolute desire that I should leave London + on the earliest day that I could conveniently fix. It was not + safe for me to undertake the fatigue of a journey sooner than the + 15th. Previously to my departure, it had been strongly impressed + on my mind, that Lord Byron was under the influence of insanity. + This opinion was derived in a great measure from the + communications made to me by his nearest relatives and personal + attendant, who had more opportunities than myself of observing + him during the latter part of my stay in town. It was even + represented to me that he was in danger of destroying himself. + <i>With the concurrence of his family</i>, I had consulted Dr. + Baillie, as a friend (Jan. 8th), respecting this supposed malady. + On acquainting him with the state of the case, and with Lord + Byron's desire that I should leave London, Dr. Baillie thought + that my absence might be advisable as an experiment, + <i>assuming</i> the fact of mental derangement; for Dr. Baillie, + not having had access to Lord Byron, could not pronounce a + positive opinion on that point. He enjoined, that in + correspondence with Lord Byron, I should avoid all but light and + soothing topics. Under these impressions, I left London, + determined to follow the advice given by Dr. Baillie. Whatever + might have been the nature of Lord Byron's conduct towards me + from the time of my marriage, yet, supposing him to be in a state + of mental alienation, it was not for <i>me</i>, nor for any + person of common humanity, to manifest, at that moment, a sense + of injury. On the day of my departure, and again on my arrival at + Kirkby, Jan. 16th, I wrote to Lord Byron in a kind and cheerful + tone, according to those medical directions. The last letter was + circulated, and employed as a pretext for the charge of my having + been subsequently <i>influenced</i> to 'desert<span class= + "fnref">[2]</span>' my husband. It has been argued, that I parted + from Lord Byron in perfect <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg278" + id="pg278">278</a></span> harmony; that feelings, incompatible + with any deep sense of injury, had dictated the letter which I + addressed to him; and that my sentiments must have been changed + by persuasion and interference, when I was under the roof of my + parents. These assertions and inferences are wholly destitute of + foundation. When I arrived at Kirkby Mallory, my parents were + unacquainted with the existence of any causes likely to destroy + my prospects of happiness; and when I communicated to them the + opinion which had been formed concerning Lord Byron's state of + mind, they were most anxious to promote his restoration by every + means in their power. They assured those relations who were with + him in London, that 'they would devote their whole care and + attention to the alleviation of his malady,' and hoped to make + the best arrangements for his comfort, if he could be induced to + visit them. With these intentions, my mother wrote on the 17th to + Lord Byron, inviting him to Kirkby Mallory. She had always + treated him with an affectionate consideration and indulgence, + which extended to every little peculiarity of his feelings. Never + did an irritating word escape her lips in her whole intercourse + with him. The accounts given me after I left Lord Byron by the + persons in constant intercourse with him, added to those doubts + which had before transiently occurred to my mind, as to the + reality of the alleged disease, and the reports of his medical + attendant, were far from establishing the existence of any thing + like lunacy. Under this uncertainty, I deemed it right to + communicate to my parents, that if I were to consider Lord + Byron's past conduct as that of a person of sound mind, nothing + could induce me to return to him. It therefore appeared + expedient, both to them and myself, to consult the ablest + advisers. For that object, and also to obtain still further + information respecting the appearances which seemed to indicate + mental derangement, my mother determined to go to London. She was + empowered by me to take legal opinions on a written statement of + mine, though I had then reasons for reserving a part of the case + from the knowledge even of my father and mother. Being convinced + by the result of these enquiries, and by the <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg279" id="pg279">279</a></span> tenor of Lord + Byron's proceedings, that the notion of insanity was an illusion, + I no longer hesitated to authorise such measures as were + necessary, in order to secure me from being ever again placed in + his power. Conformably with this resolution, my father wrote to + him on the 2d of February, to propose an amicable separation. + Lord Byron at first rejected this proposal; but when it was + distinctly notified to him, that if he persisted in his refusal, + recourse must be had to legal measures, he agreed to sign a deed + of separation. Upon applying to Dr. Lushington, who was + intimately acquainted with all the circumstances, to state in + writing what he recollected upon this subject, I received from + him the following letter, by which it will be manifest that my + mother cannot have been actuated by any hostile or ungenerous + motives towards Lord Byron. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: "The officious spies of his privacy," vol. iii. p. + 211.] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 2: "The deserted husband," vol. iii. p. 212.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + <br /> + "'My dear Lady Byron, + </p> + <p> + "'I can rely upon the accuracy of my memory for the following + statement. I was originally consulted by Lady Noel on your + behalf, whilst you were in the country; the circumstances + detailed by her were such as justified a separation, but they + were not of that aggravated description as to render such a + measure indispensable. On Lady Noel's representation, I deemed a + reconciliation with Lord Byron practicable, and felt most + sincerely a wish to aid in effecting it. There was not on Lady + Noel's part any exaggeration of the facts; nor, so far as I could + perceive, any determination to prevent a return to Lord Byron: + certainly none was expressed when I spoke of a reconciliation. + When you came to town in about a fortnight, or perhaps more, + after my first interview with Lady Noel, I was, for the first + time, informed by you of facts utterly unknown, as I have no + doubt, to Sir Ralph and Lady Noel. On receiving this additional + information, my opinion was entirely changed: I considered a + reconciliation impossible. I declared my opinion, and added, that + if such an idea should be entertained, I could not, either + professionally or otherwise, take any part towards effecting it. + Believe me, very faithfully yours, STEPH. LUSHINGTON. + </p> + <p> + "'<i>Great George-street, Jan</i>. 31. 1830.' + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg280" id="pg280">280</a></span>"I + have only to observe, that if the statements on which my legal + advisers (the late Sir Samuel Komilly and Dr. Lushington) formed + their opinions were false, the responsibility and the odium + should rest with <i>me only</i>. I trust that the facts which I + have here briefly recapitulated will absolve my father and mother + from all accusations with regard to the part they took in the + separation between Lord Byron and myself. They neither + originated, instigated, nor advised, that separation; and they + cannot be condemned for having afforded to their daughter the + assistance and protection which she claimed. There is no other + near relative to vindicate their memory from insult. I am + therefore compelled to break the silence which I had hoped always + to observe, and to solicit from the readers of Lord Byron's life + an impartial consideration of the testimony extorted from me. + </p> + <p> + "A.I. NOEL BYRON. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Hanger Hill, Feb</i>. 19. 1830." + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + LETTER OF MR. TURNER. + </h3> + <h4> + <i>Referred to in</i> vol. v. p. 129. + </h4> + <p> + "Eight months after the publication of my 'Tour in the Levant,' + there appeared in the London Magazine, and subsequently in most + of the newspapers, a letter from the late Lord Byron to Mr. + Murray. + </p> + <p> + "I naturally felt anxious at the time to meet a charge of error + brought against me in so direct a manner: but I thought, and + friends whom I consulted at the time thought with me, that I had + better wait for a more favourable opportunity than that afforded + by the newspapers of vindicating my opinion, which even so + distinguished an authority as the letter of Lord Byron left + unshaken, and which, I will venture to add, remains unshaken + still. + </p> + <p> + "I must ever deplore that I resisted my first impulse to reply + immediately. The hand of Death has snatched Lord <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg281" id="pg281">281</a></span> Byron from + his kingdom of literature and poetry, and I can only guard myself + from the illiberal imputation of attacking the mighty dead, whose + living talent I should have trembled to encounter, by + scrupulously confining myself to such facts and illustrations as + are strictly necessary to save me from the charges of error, + misrepresentation, and presumptuousness, of which every writer + must wish to prove himself undeserving. + </p> + <p> + "Lord Byron began by stating, 'The <i>tide</i> was <i>not</i> in + our favour,' and added, 'neither I nor any person on board the + frigate had any notion of a difference of the current on the + Asiatic side; I never heard of it till this moment.' His Lordship + had probably forgotten that Strabo distinctly describes the + difference in the following words;— + </p> + <p> + [Greek: 'Dio kai eupetesteron ek tês Sêstou diairousi + parallaxamenoi mikron epi ton tês Hêrous purgon, kakeithen + aphientes ta ploia sumprattontos tou rhou pros tên peraiôsin: + Tois d' ex Abudou peraioumenois parallakteon estin eis tanantia, + oktô pou stadious epi purgon tina kat' antikru tês Sêstou, epeita + diairein plagion, kai mê teleôs echousin enantion ton + rhoun.'—] Ideoque <i>facilius a Sesto, trajiciunt</i> + paululum deflexâ navigatione ad Herus turrim, atque inde + <i>navigia dimittentes adjuvante etiam fluxu trajectum</i>. Qui + ab Abydo trajiciunt, in contrarium flectunt partem ad octo stadia + ad turrim quandam e regione Sesti: hinc <i>oblique</i> + trajiciunt, non <i>prorsus</i> contrario fluxu.'<span class= + "fnref">[1]</span> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: "Strabo, book xiii. Oxford Edition."] + </p> + </div> + <p> + "Here it is clearly asserted, that the current assists the + crossing from Sestos, and the words [Greek: 'aphientes ta + ploia']—'<i>navigia dimittentes</i>,'—'<i>letting the + vessels go of themselves</i>,' prove how considerable the + assistance of the current was; while the words [Greek: + 'plagion']—'<i>oblique</i>,' and '[Greek: + teleôs],'—'<i>prorsus</i>,' show distinctly that those who + crossed from Abydos were obliged to do so in an <i>oblique</i> + direction, or they would have the current <i>entirely</i> against + them. + </p> + <p> + "From this ancient authority, which, I own, appears to me + unanswerable, let us turn to the moderns. Baron de Tott, who, + having been for some time resident on the spot, employed as an + engineer in the construction of batteries, must be supposed + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg282" id="pg282">282</a></span> + well cognisant of the subject, has expressed himself as + follows:— + </p> + <p> + "'La surabondance des eaux que la Mer Noire reçoit, et qu'elle ne + peut evaporer, versée dans la Méditerranée par le Bosphore de + Thrace et La Propontide, forme aux Dardanelles des courans si + violens, que souvent les batimens, toutes voiles dehors, out + peine à les vaincre. Les pilotes doivent encore observer, lorsque + le vent suffit, de diriger leur route de manière à présenter le + moins de résistance possible à l'effort des eaux. On sent que + cette étude a pour base la direction des courans, qui, + <i>renvoyés d'une points à l'autre,</i> forment des obstacles à + la navigation, et feroient courir les plus grands risques si l'on + negligeoit ces connoissances hydrographiques.'—<i>Mémoires + de</i> TOTT, 3^{<i>me</i>} <i>Partie</i>. + </p> + <p> + "To the above citations, I will add the opinion of Tournefort, + who, in his description of the strait, expresses with ridicule + his disbelief of the truth of Leander's exploit; and to show that + the latest travellers agree with the earlier, I will conclude my + quotation with a statement of Mr. Madden, who is just returned + from the spot. 'It was from the European side Lord Byron swam + <i>with</i> the current, which runs about four miles an hour. But + I believe he would have found it totally impracticable to have + crossed from Abydos to Europe.'—MADDEN'S <i>Travels</i>, + vol. i. + </p> + <p> + "There are two other observations in Lord Byron's letter on which + I feel it necessary to remark. + </p> + <p> + "'Mr. Turner says, "Whatever is thrown into the stream on this + part of the European bank <i>must</i> arrive at the Asiatic + shore." This is so far from being the case, that it <i>must</i> + arrive in the Archipelago, if left to the current, although a + strong wind from the Asiatic<span class="fnref">[1]</span> side + might have such an effect occasionally.' + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: "This is evidently a mistake of the writer or + printer. His Lordship must here have meant a strong wind from + the European side, as no wind from the Asiatic side could have + the effect of driving an object to the Asiatic shore." + </p> + <p> + I think it right to remark, that it is Mr. Turner himself who + has here originated the inaccuracy of which he accuses others; + the words used by Lord Byron being, <i>not</i>, as Mr. Turner + says, "from the Asiatic side," but "in the Asiatic + direction."—T. M.] + </p> + </div> + <p><span class="pagenum"><a name="pg283" id= + "pg283">283</a></span> + "Here Lord Byron is right, and I have no hesitation in confessing + that I was wrong. But I was wrong only in the letter of my + remark, not in the spirit of it. Any <i>thing</i> thrown into the + stream on the European bank would be swept into the Archipelago, + because, after arriving so near the Asiatic-shore as to be + almost, if not quite, within a man's depth, it would be again + floated off from the coast by the current that is dashed from the + Asiatic promontory. But this would not affect a swimmer, who, + being so near the land, would of course, if he could not actually + walk to it, reach it by a slight effort. + </p> + <p> + "Lord Byron adds, in his P.S. 'The strait is, however, not + extraordinarily wide, even where it broadens above and below the + forts.' From this statement I must venture to express my dissent, + with diffidence indeed, but with diffidence diminished by the + ease with which the fact may be established. The strait is + widened so considerably above the forts by the Bay of Maytos, and + the bay opposite to it on the Asiatic coast, that the distance to + be passed by a swimmer in crossing higher up would be, in my poor + judgment, too great for any one to accomplish from Asia to + Europe, having such a current to stem. + </p> + <p> + "I conclude by expressing it as my humble opinion that no one is + bound to believe in the possibility of Leander's exploit, till + the passage has been performed by a swimmer, at least from Asia + to Europe. The sceptic is even entitled to exact, as the + condition of his belief, that the strait be crossed, as Leander + crossed it, both ways within at most fourteen hours. + </p> + <p> + "W. TURNER." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + MR. MILLINGEN'S ACCOUNT OF THE CONSULTATION. + </h3> + <h4> + <i>Referred to in</i> vol. vi. p. 209. + </h4> + <p> + As the account given by Mr. Millingen of this consultation + differs totally from that of Dr. Bruno, it is fit that the reader + should have it in Mr. Millingen's own words:— <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg284" id="pg284">284</a></span> + </p> + <p> + "In the morning (18th) a consultation was proposed, to which Dr. + Lucca Vega and Dr. Freiber, my assistants, were invited. Dr. + Bruno and Lucca proposed having recourse to antispasmodics and + other remedies employed in the last stage of typhus. Freiber and + I maintained that they could only hasten the fatal termination, + that nothing could be more empirical than flying from one extreme + to the other; that if, as we all thought, the complaint was owing + to the metastasis of rheumatic inflammation, the existing + symptoms only depended on the rapid and extensive progress it had + made in an organ previously so weakened and irritable. + Antiphlogistic means could never prove hurtful in this case; they + would become useless only if disorganisation were already + operated; but then, since all hopes were gone, what means would + not prove superfluous? We recommended the application of numerous + leeches to the temples, behind the ears, and along the course of + the jugular vein; a large blister between the shoulders, and + sinapisms to the feet, as affording, though feeble, yet the last + hopes of success. Dr. B., being the patient's physician, had the + casting vote, and prepared the antispasmodic potion which Dr. + Lucca and he had agreed upon; it was a strong infusion of + valerian and ether, &c. After its administration, the + convulsive movement, the delirium increased; but, notwithstanding + my representations, a second dose was given half an hour after. + After articulating confusedly a few broken phrases, the patient + sunk shortly after into a comatose sleep, which the next day + terminated in death. He expired on the 19th of April, at six + o'clock in the afternoon." + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + THE WILL OF LORD BYRON. + </h3> + <h4> + <i>Extracted from the Registry of the Prerogative Court of + Canterbury</i>. + </h4> + <p> + This is the last will and testament of me, George Gordon, Lord + Byron, Baron Byron, of Rochdale, in the county of Lancaster, as + follows:—I give and devise all that my manor <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg285" id="pg285">285</a></span> or lordship + of Rochdale, in the said county of Lancaster, with all its + rights, royalties, members, and appurtenances, and all my lands, + tenements, hereditaments, and premises situate, lying, and being + within the parish, manor, or lordship of Rochdale aforesaid, and + all other my estates, lands, hereditaments, and premises + whatsoever and wheresoever, unto my friends John Cam Hobhouse, + late of Trinity College, Cambridge, Esquire, and John Hanson, of + Chancery-lane, London, Esquire, to the use and behoof of them, + their heirs and assigns, upon trust that they the said John Cam + Hobhouse and John Hanson, and the survivor of them, and the heirs + and assigns of such survivor, do and shall, as soon as + conveniently may be after my decease, sell and dispose of all my + said manor and estates for the most money that can or may be had + or gotten for the same, either by private contract or public sale + by auction, and either together or in lots, as my said trustees + shall think proper; and for the facilitating such sale and sales, + I do direct that the receipt and receipts of my said trustees, + and the survivor of them, and the heirs and assigns of such + survivor, shall be a good and sufficient discharge, and good and + sufficient discharges to the purchaser or purchasers of my said + estates, or any part or parts thereof, for so much money as in + such receipt or receipts shall be expressed or acknowledged to be + received; and that such purchaser or purchasers, his, her, or + their heirs and assigns, shall not afterwards be in any manner + answerable or accountable for such purchase-monies, or be obliged + to see to the application thereof: And I do will and direct that + my said trustees shall stand possessed of the monies to arise by + the sale of my said estates upon such trusts and for such intents + and purposes as I have hereinafter directed of and concerning the + same: And whereas I have by certain deeds of conveyance made on + my marriage with my present wife conveyed all my manor and estate + of Newstead, in the parishes of Newstead and Limby, in the county + of Nottingham, unto trustees, upon trust to sell the same, and + apply the sum of sixty thousand pounds, part of the money to + arise by such sale; upon the trusts of my marriage settlement: + Now I do hereby <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg286" id= + "pg286">286</a></span> give and bequeath all the remainder of the + purchase-money to arise by sale of my said estate at Newstead, + and all the whole of the said sixty thousand pounds, or such part + thereof as shall not become vested and payable under the trusts + of my said marriage settlement, unto the said John Cam Hobhouse + and John Hanson, their executors, administrators, and assigns, + upon such trusts and for such ends, intents, and purposes as + hereinafter directed of and concerning the residue of my personal + estate. I give and bequeath unto the said John Cam Hobhouse and + John Hanson, the sum of one thousand pounds each, I give and + bequeath all the rest, residue, and remainder of my personal + estate whatsoever and wheresoever unto the said John Cam Hobhouse + and John Hanson, their executors, administrators, and assigns, + upon trust that they, my said trustees and the survivor of them, + and the executors and administrators of such survivor, do and + shall stand possessed of all such rest and residue of my said + personal estate and the money to arise by sale of my real estates + hereinbefore devised to them for sale, and such of the monies to + arise by sale of my said estate at Newstead as I have power to + dispose of, after payment of my debts and legacies hereby given, + upon the trusts and for the ends, intents, and purposes + hereinafter mentioned and directed of and concerning the same, + that is to say, upon trust, that they my said trustees and the + survivor of them, and the executors and administrators of such + survivor, do and shall lay out and invest the same in the public + stocks or funds, or upon government or real security at interest, + with power from time to time to change, vary, and transpose such + securities, and from time to time during the life of my sister + Augusta Mary Leigh, the wife of George Leigh, Esquire, pay, + receive, apply, and dispose of the interest, dividends, and + annual produce thereof, when and as the same shall become due and + payable, into the proper hands of the said Augusta Mary Leigh, to + and for her sole and separate use and benefit, free from the + control, debts, or engagements of her present or any future + husband, or unto such person or persons as she my said sister + shall from time to time, by any writing under her hand, + notwithstanding her <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg287" id= + "pg287">287</a></span> present or any future coverture, and + whether covert or sole, direct or appoint; and from and + immediately after the decease of my said sister, then upon trust, + that they my said trustees and the survivor of them, his + executors or administrators, do and shall assign and transfer all + my said personal estate and other the trust property hereinbefore + mentioned, or the stocks, funds, or securities wherein or upon + which the same shall or may be placed out or invested, unto and + among all and every the child and children of my said sister, if + more than one, in such parts, shares, and proportions, and to + become a vested interest, and to be paid and transferred at such + time and times, and in such manner, and with, under, and subject + to such provisions, conditions, and restrictions, as my said + sister, at any time during her life, whether covert or sole, by + any deed or deeds, instrument or instruments, in writing, with or + without power of revocation, to be sealed and delivered in the + presence of two or more credible witnesses, or by her last will + and testament in writing, or any writing of appointment in the + nature of a will, shall direct or appoint; and in default of any + such appointment, or in case of the death of my said sister in my + lifetime, then upon trust that they my said trustees and the + survivor of them, his executors, administrators, and assigns, do + and shall assign and transfer all the trust, property, and funds + unto and among the children of my said sister, if more than one, + equally to be divided between them, share and share alike, and if + only one such child, then to such only child the share and shares + of such of them as shall be a son or sons, to be paid and + transferred unto him and them when and as he or they shall + respectively attain his or their age or ages of twenty-one years; + and the share and shares of such of them as shall be a daughter + or daughters, to be paid and transferred unto her or them when + and as she or they shall respectively attain her or their age or + ages of twenty-one years, or be married, which shall first + happen; and in case any of such children shall happen to die, + being a son or sons, before he or they shall attain the age of + twenty-one years, or being a daughter or daughters, before she or + they shall attain the said age of <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg288" id="pg288">288</a></span> twenty-one, or be married; then + it is my will and I do direct that the share and shares of such + of the said children as shall so die shall go to the survivor or + survivors of such children, with the benefit of further accruer + in case of the death of any such surviving children before their + shares shall become vested. And I do direct that my said trustees + shall pay and apply the interest and dividends of each of the + said children's shares in the said trust funds for his, her, or + their maintenance and education during their minorities, + notwithstanding their shares may not become vested interests, but + that such interest and dividends as shall not have been so + applied shall accumulate, and follow, and go over with the + principal. And I do nominate, constitute, and appoint the said + John Cam Hobhouse and John Hanson executors of this my will. And + I do will and direct that my said trustees shall not be + answerable the one of them for the other of them, or for the + acts, deeds, receipts, or defaults of the other of them, but each + of them for his own acts, deeds, receipts, and wilful defaults + only, and that they my said trustees shall be entitled to retain + and deduct out of the monies which shall come to their hands + under the trusts aforesaid all such costs, charges, damages, and + expenses which they or any of them shall bear, pay, sustain, or + be put unto, in the execution and performance of the trusts + herein reposed in them. I make the above provision for my sister + and her children, in consequence of my dear wife Lady Byron, and + any children I may have, being otherwise amply provided for; and, + lastly, I do revoke all former wills by me at any time heretofore + made, and do declare this only to be my last will and testament. + In witness whereof, I have to this my last will, contained in + three sheets of paper, set my hand to the first two sheets + thereof, and to this third and last sheet my hand and seal this + 29th day of July, in the year of our Lord 1815. + </p> + <p class="citation"> + BYRON (L.S.) + </p> + <p> + Signed, sealed, published, and declared by the said Lord Byron, + the testator, as and for his last will and testament, in the + presence of us, who, at his request, in his presence, and in + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg289" id="pg289">289</a></span> + the presence of each other, have hereto subscribed our names as + witnesses. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + THOMAS JONES MAWSE, + </p> + <p> + EDMUND GRIFFIN, + </p> + <p> + FREDERICK JERVIS, + </p> + <p> + Clerks to Mr. Hanson, Chancery-lane. + </p> + </div> + <p> + CODICIL.—This is a Codicil to the last will and testament + of me, the Right Honourable George Gordon, Lord Byron. I give and + bequeath unto Allegra Biron, an infant of about twenty months + old, by me brought up, and now residing at Venice, the sum of + five thousand pounds, which I direct the executors of my said + will to pay to her on her attaining the age of twenty-one years, + or on the day of her marriage, on condition that she does not + marry with a native of Great Britain, which shall first happen. + And I direct my said executors, as soon as conveniently may be + after my decease, to invest the said sum of five thousand pounds + upon government or real security, and to pay and apply the annual + income thereof in or towards the maintenance and education of the + said Allegra Biron until she attains her said age of twenty-one + years, or shall be married as aforesaid; but in case she shall + die before attaining the said age and without having been + married, then I direct the said sum of five thousand pounds to + become part of the residue of my personal estate, and in all + other respects I do confirm my said will, and declare this to be + a codicil thereto. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my + hand and seal, at Venice, this 17th day of November, in the year + of our Lord 1818, + </p> + <p class="citation"> + BYRON (L.S.) + </p> + <p> + Signed, sealed, published, and declared by the said Lord Byron, + as and for a codicil to his will, in the presence of us, who, in + his presence, at his request, and in the presence of each other, + have subscribed our names as witnesses. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + NEWTON HANSON, + </p> + <p> + WILLIAM FLETCHER. + </p> + </div> + <p><span class="pagenum"><a name="pg290" id= + "pg290">290</a></span> + Proved at London (with a Codicil), 6th of July, 1824, before the + Worshipful Stephen Lushington, Doctor of Laws, and surrogate, by + the oaths of John Cam Hobhouse and John Hanson, Esquires, the + executors, to whom administration was granted, having been first + sworn duly to administer. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + NATHANIEL GOSTLING, + </p> + <p> + GEORGE JENNER, + </p> + <p> + CHARLES DYNELEY, + </p> + <p> + Deputy Registrars. + </p> + </div> + <p><span class="pagenum"><a name="pg291" id="pg291">291</a></span></p> + <hr /> + <h2> + MISCELLANEOUS PIECES + <br /> + IN PROSE. + </h2> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg292" id= + "pg292">292</a></span> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg293" id="pg293">293</a></span> + </p> + <h2> + REVIEW OF WORDSWORTH'S POEMS, + </h2> + <h4> + 2 Vols. 1807.<span class="fnref">[1]</span> + </h4> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: I have been a reviewer. In 1807, in a Magazine + called "Monthly Literary Recreations," I reviewed Wordsworth's + trash of that time. In the Monthly Review I wrote some articles + which were inserted. This was in the latter part of + 1811.—BYRON.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + (From "Monthly Literary Recreations," for August, 1807.) + </p> + <p> + The volumes before us are by the author of Lyrical Ballads, a + collection which has not undeservedly met with a considerable + share of public applause. The characteristics of Mr. W.'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 a native elegance, + natural and unaffected, totally devoid of the tinsel + embellishments and abstract hyperboles of several contemporary + sonneteers. The last sonnet in the first volume, p. 152., is + perhaps the best, without any novelty in the sentiments, which we + hope are common to every Briton at the present crisis; the force + and expression is that of a genuine poet, feeling as he + writes:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "Another year! another deadly blow! + </p> + <p> + Another mighty empire overthrown! + </p> + <p> + And we are left, or shall be left, alone— + </p> + <p> + The last that dares to struggle with the foe. + </p> + <p> + 'Tis well!—from this day forward we shall know + </p> + <p> + That in ourselves our safety must be sought, + </p> + <p> + That by our own right-hands it must be wrought; + </p> + <p> + That we must stand unprop'd, or be laid low. + </p> + <p> + O dastard! whom such foretaste doth not cheer! + </p> + <p> + We shall exult, if they who rule the land + </p><span class="pagenum"><a name="pg294" id= + "pg294">294</a></span> + <p> + Be men who hold its many blessings dear, + </p> + <p> + Wise, upright, valiant, not a venal band, + </p> + <p> + Who are to judge of danger which they fear, + </p> + <p> + And honour which they do not understand." + </p> + </div> + <p> + The song at the Feast of Brougham Castle, the Seven Sisters, the + Affliction of Margaret —— of ——, possess + all the beauties, and few of the defects, of this writer: the + following lines from the last are in his first style:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "Ah! little doth the young one dream + </p> + <p> + When full of play and childish cares, + </p> + <p> + What power hath e'en his wildest scream, + </p> + <p> + Heard by his mother unawares: + </p> + <p> + He knows it not, he cannot guess: + </p> + <p> + Years to a mother bring distress, + </p> + <p> + But do not make her love the less." + </p> + </div> + <p> + The pieces least worthy of the author are those entitled "Moods + of my own Mind." We certainly wish these "Moods" had been less + frequent, or not permitted to occupy a place near works which + only make their deformity more obvious; when Mr. W. ceases to + please, it is by "abandoning" his mind to the most commonplace + ideas, at the same time clothing them in language not simple, but + puerile. What will any reader or auditor, out of the nursery, say + to such namby-pamby as "Lines written at the Foot of Brother's + Bridge?" + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "The cock is crowing, + </p> + <p> + The stream is flowing, + </p> + <p> + The small birds twitter, + </p> + <p> + The lake doth glitter. + </p> + <p> + The green field sleeps in the sun; + </p> + <p> + The oldest and youngest, + </p> + <p> + Are at work with the strongest; + </p> + <p> + The cattle are grazing, + </p> + <p> + Their heads never raising, + </p> + <p> + There are forty feeding like one. + </p> + <p> + Like an army defeated, + </p> + <p> + The snow hath retreated, + </p> + <p> + And now doth fare ill, + </p> + <p> + On the top of the bare hill." + </p> + </div> + <p><span class="pagenum"><a name="pg295" id= + "pg295">295</a></span> + "The plough-boy is whooping anon, anon," &c. &c. is in + the same exquisite measure. This appears to us neither more nor + less than an imitation of such minstrelsy as soothed our cries in + the cradle, with the shrill ditty of + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "Hey de diddle, + </p> + <p> + The cat and the fiddle: + </p> + <p> + The cow jump'd over the moon, + </p> + <p> + The little dog laugh'd to see such sport, + </p> + <p> + And the dish ran away with the spoon." + </p> + </div> + <p> + On the whole, however, with the exception of the above, and other + INNOCENT odes of the same cast, we think these volumes display a + genius worthy of higher pursuits, and regret that Mr. W. confines + his muse to such trifling subjects. We trust his motto will be in + future, "Paulo majora canamus." Many, with inferior abilities, + have acquired a loftier seat on Parnassus, merely by attempting + strains in which Mr. Wordsworth is more qualified to + excel.<span class="fnref">[1]</span> + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: This first attempt of Lord Byron at reviewing is + remarkable only as showing how plausibly he could assume the + established tone and phraseology of these minor judgment-seats + of criticism. If Mr. Wordsworth ever chanced to cast his eye + over this article, how little could he have expected that under + that dull prosaic mask lurked one who, in five short years from + thence, would rival even <i>him</i> in poetry!—MOORE.] + <br /> + <br /> + </p> + </div> + <h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="pg296" id= + "pg296">296</a></span> + REVIEW OF GELL'S GEOGRAPHY OF ITHACA, AND ITINERARY OF GREECE. + </h2> + <h4> + (From the "Monthly Review" for August, 1811.) + </h4> + <p> + 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<span class="fnref">[1]</span>, or, indeed, + relating to the present author's merits as an inspector of the + Troad, it must universally be acknowledged that any work, which + more forcibly impresses on our imaginations the scenes of heroic + action, and the subjects of immortal song, possesses claims on + the attention of every scholar. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: We have it from the best authority that the + venerable leader of the Anti-Homeric sect, Jacob Bryant, + several years before his death, expressed regret for his + ungrateful attempt to destroy some of the most pleasing + associations of our youthful studies. One of his last wishes + was—"<i>Trojaque nunc stares," &c.</i>] + </p> + </div> + <p> + Of the two works which now demand our report, we conceive the + former to be by far the most interesting to the reader, as the + latter is indisputably the most serviceable to the traveller. + Excepting, indeed, the running commentary which it contains on a + number of extracts from Pausanias and Strabo, it is, as the title + imports, a mere itinerary of Greece, or rather of Argolis only, + in its present circumstances. This being the case, surely it + would have answered every purpose of utility much better by being + printed as a pocket road-book of that part of the Morea; for a + quarto is a very unmanageable travelling companion. The + maps<span class="fnref">[1]</span> and <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg297" id="pg297">297</a></span> drawings, we + shall be told, would not permit such an arrangement: but as to + the drawings, they are not in general to be admired as specimens + of the art; and several of them, as we have been assured by + eye-witnesses of the scenes which they describe, do not + compensate for their mediocrity in point of execution, by any + extraordinary fidelity of representation. Others, indeed, are + more faithful, according to our informants. The true reason, + however, for this costly mode of publication is in course to be + found in a desire of gratifying the public passion for large + margins, and all the luxury of typography; and we have before + expressed our dissatisfaction with Mr. Gell's aristocratical mode + of communicating a species of knowledge, which ought to be + accessible to a much greater portion of classical students than + can at present acquire it by his means:—but, as such + expostulations are generally useless, we shall be thankful for + what we can obtain, and that in the manner in which Mr. Gell has + chosen to present it. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: Or, rather, <i>Map</i>; for we have only one in + the volume, and that is on too small a scale to give more than + a general idea of the relative position of places. The excuse + about a larger map not folding well is trifling; see, for + instance, the author's own map of Ithaca.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + The former of these volumes, we have observed, is the most + attractive in the closet. It comprehends a very full survey of + the far-famed island which the hero of the Odyssey has + immortalized; for we really are inclined to think that the author + has established the identity of the modern <i>Theaki</i> with the + <i>Ithaca</i> of Homer. At all events, if it be an illusion, it + is a very agreeable deception, and is effected by an ingenious + interpretation of the passages in Homer that are supposed to be + descriptive of the scenes which our traveller has visited. We + shall extract some of these adaptations of the ancient picture to + the modern scene, marking the points of resemblance which appear + to be strained and forced, as well as those which are more easy + and natural: but we must first insert some preliminary matter + from the opening chapter. <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg298" + id="pg298">298</a></span> + </p> + <p> + The following passage conveys a sort of general sketch of the + book, which may give our readers a tolerably adequate notion of + its contents:— + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "The present work may adduce, by a simple and correct survey of + the island, coincidences in its geography, in its natural + productions, and moral state, before unnoticed. Some will be + directly pointed out; the fancy or ingenuity of the reader may + be employed in tracing others; the mind familiar with the + imagery of the Odyssey will recognise with satisfaction the + scenes themselves; and this volume is offered to the public, + not entirely without hopes of vindicating the poem of Homer + from the scepticism of those critics who imagine that the + Odyssey is a mere poetical composition, unsupported by history, + and unconnected with the localities of any particular + situation. + </p> + <p> + "Some have asserted that, in the comparison of places now + existing with the descriptions of Homer, we ought not to expect + coincidence in minute details; yet it seems only by these that + the kingdom of Ulysses, or any other, can be identified, as, if + such as idea be admitted, every small and rocky island in the + Ionian Sea, containing a good port, might, with equal + plausibility, assume the appellation of Ithaca. + </p> + <p> + "The Venetian geographers have in a great degree contributed to + raise those doubts which have existed on the identity of the + modern with the ancient Ithaca, by giving, in their charts, the + name of Val di Compare to the island. That name is, however, + totally unknown in the country, where the isle is invariably + called Ithaca by the upper ranks, and Theaki by the vulgar. The + Venetians have equally corrupted the name of almost every place + in Greece; yet, as the natives of Epactos or Naupactos never + heard of Lepanto, those of Zacynthos of Zante, or the Athenians + of Settines, it would be as unfair to rob Ithaca of its name, + on such authority, as it would be to assert that no such island + existed, because no tolerable representation of its form can be + found in the Venetian surveys. + </p> + <p> + "The rare medals of the Island, of which three are represented + in the title-page, might be adduced as a proof that the name of + Ithaca was not lost during the reigns of the Roman emperors. + They have the head of Ulysses, recognised by the pileum, or + pointed cap, while the reverse of one presents the figure of a + cock, the emblem of his vigilance, with the legend [Greek: + ITHAKON]. A few of these medals are preserved in the cabinets + of the curious, and one also, with the cock, found in the + island, is in the possession of Signor Zavo, of Bathi. The + uppermost <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg299" id= + "pg299">299</a></span> coin is in the collection of Dr. Hunter; + the second is copied from Newman, and the third is the property + of R.P. Knight, Esq. + </p> + <p> + "Several inscriptions, which will be hereafter produced, will + tend to the confirmation of the idea that Ithaca was inhabited + about the time when the Romans were masters of Greece; yet + there is every reason to believe that few, if any, of the + present proprietors of the soil are descended from ancestors + who had long resided successively in the island. Even those who + lived, at the time of Ulysses, in Ithaca, seem to have been on + the point of emigrating to Argos, and no chief remained, after + the second in descent from that hero, worthy of being recorded + in history. It appears that the isle has been twice colonised + from Cephalonia in modern times, and I was informed that a + grant had been made by the Venetians, entitling each settler in + Ithaca to as much land as his circumstances would enable him to + cultivate." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Mr. Gell then proceeds to invalidate the authority of previous + writers on the subject of Ithaca. Sir George Wheeler and M. le + Chevalier fall under his severe animadversion; and, indeed, + according to his account, neither of these gentlemen had visited + the island, and the description of the latter is "absolutely too + absurd for refutation." In another place, he speaks of M. le C. + "disgracing a work of such merit by the introduction of such + fabrications;" again, of the inaccuracy of the author's maps; + and, lastly, of his inserting an island at the southern entry of + the Channel between Cephalonia and Ithaca, which has no + existence. This observation very nearly approaches to the use of + that monosyllable which Gibbon<span class="fnref">[1]</span>, + without expressing it, so adroitly applied to some assertion of + his antagonist, Mr. Davies. In truth, our traveller's words are + rather bitter towards his brother tourist: but we must conclude + that their justice warrants their severity. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: See his Vindication of the 15th and 16th chapters + of the <i>Decline and Fall</i>, &c.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + In the second chapter, the author describes his landing in + Ithaca, and arrival at the rock Korax and the fountain Arethusa, + as he designates it with sufficient positiveness.—This + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg300" id="pg300">300</a></span> + rock, now known by the name of Korax, or Koraka Petra, he + contends to be the same with that which Homer mentions as + contiguous to the habitation of Eumæus, the faithful swine-herd + of Ulysses.—We shall take the liberty of adding to our + extracts from Mr. Gell some of the passages in Homer to which he + <i>refers</i> only, conceiving this to be the fairest method of + exhibiting the strength or the weakness of his argument. + "Ulysses," he observes, "came to the extremity of the isle to + visit Eumusæ, and that extremity was the most southern; for + Telemachus, coming from Pylos, touched at the first south-eastern + part of Ithaca with the same intention." + </p> + <p> + [Greek: + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Kai tote dê r' Odusêa kakos pothen êgage daimôn + </p> + <p> + Agrou ep' eschatiên, hothi domata naie subôtês; + </p> + <p> + Enth' êlthen philos uios Odussêos theioio, + </p> + <p> + Ek Pulou êmathoenios iôn sun nêi melainê; + </p> + <p class="citation"> + Odussei O. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Autar epên prôtên aktên Ithakês aphikêai, + </p> + <p> + Nêa men es polin otrunai kai panlas hetairous; + </p> + <p> + Autos de prôtisa subôtên eisaphikesthai, + </p> + <p class="citation"> + k.t.l. Odussei O.] + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + These citations, we think, appear to justify the author in his + attempt to identify the situation of his rock and fountain with + the place of those mentioned by Homer. But let us now follow him + in the closer description of the scene.—After some account + of the subjects in the plate affixed, Mr. Gell remarks: "It is + impossible to visit this sequestered spot without being struck + with the recollection of the Fount of Arethusa and the Rock + Korax, which the poet mentions in the same line, adding, that + there the swine eat the <i>sweet</i><span class= + "fnref">[1]</span> acorns, and drank the black water." + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: "<i>Sweet</i> acorns." Does Mr. Gell translate + from the Latin? To avoid similar cause of mistake, [Greek: + menoeikea] should not be rendered <i>suavem</i> but + <i>gratam</i>, as Barnes has given it.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + [Greek: + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + Dêeis ton ge suessi parêmenon; ai de nemontai + </p> + <p> + Par Korakos petrê, epi te krênê Arethousê, + </p> + <p> + Esthousai balanon menoeikea, kai melan hudôr + </p> + <p> + Pinousai; + </p> + <p class="citation"> + Odussei N.] + </p> + </div> + <p><span class="pagenum"><a name="pg301" id= + "pg301">301</a></span> + "Having passed some time at the fountain, taken a drawing, and + made the necessary observations on the situation of the place, we + proceeded to an examination of the precipice, climbing over the + terraces above the source, among shady fig-trees, which, however, + did not prevent us from feeling the powerful effects of the + mid-day sun. After a short but fatiguing ascent, we arrived at + the rock, which extends in a vast perpendicular semicircle, + beautifully fringed with trees, facing to the southeast. Under + the crag we found two caves of inconsiderable extent, the + entrance of one of which, not difficult of access, is seen in the + view of the fount. They are still the resort of sheep and goats, + and in one of them are small natural receptacles for the water, + covered by a stalagmitic incrustation. + </p> + <p> + "These caves, being at the extremity of the curve formed by the + precipice, open toward the south, and present us with another + accompaniment of the fount of Arethusa, mentioned by the poet, + who informs us that the swineherd Eumæus left his guests in the + house, whilst he, putting on a thick garment, went to sleep near + the herd, under the hollow of the rock, which sheltered him from + the northern blast. Now we know that the herd fed near the fount; + for Minerva tells Ulysses that he is to go first to Eumæus, whom + he should find with the swine, near the rock Korax and the fount + of Arethusa. As the swine then fed at the fountain, so it is + necessary that a cavern should be found in its vicinity; and this + seems to coincide, in distance and situation, with that of the + poem. Near the fount also was the fold or stathmos of Eumæus; for + the goddess informs Ulysses that he should find his faithful + servant at or above the fount. + </p> + <p> + "Now the hero meets the swineherd close to the fold, which was + consequently very near that source. At the top of the rock, and + just above the spot where the waterfall shoots down the + precipice, is at this day a stagni or pastoral dwelling, which + the herdsmen of Ithaca still inhabit, on account of the water + necessary for their cattle. One of these people walked on the + verge of the precipice at the time of our visit to the place, and + seemed so anxious to know how we had been conveyed to the spot, + that his enquiries reminded us of a question probably not + uncommon in the days of Homer, who more than once represents the + Ithacences demanding of strangers what ship had brought them to + the island, it being evident they could not come on foot. He told + us that there was, on the summit where he stood, a small cistern + of water, and a kalybea, or shepherd's hut. There are also + vestiges of ancient habitations, and the place is now called + Amarâthia. <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg302" id= + "pg302">302</a></span> + </p> + <p> + "Convenience, as well as safety, seems to have pointed out the + lofty situation of Amarathia as a fit place for the residence of + the herdsmen of this part of the island from the earliest ages. A + small source of water is a treasure in these climates; and if the + inhabitants of Ithaca now select a rugged and elevated spot, to + secure them from the robbers of the Echinades, it is to be + recollected that the Taphian pirates were not less formidable, + even in the days of Ulysses, and that a residence in a solitary + part of the island, far from the fortress, and close to a + celebrated fountain, must at all times have been dangerous, + without some such security as the rocks of Korax. Indeed, there + can be no doubt that the house of Eumæus was on the top of the + precipice; for Ulysses, in order to evince the truth of his story + to the swineherd, desires to be thrown from the summit if his + narration does not prove correct. + </p> + <p> + "Near the bottom of the precipice is a curious natural gallery, + about seven feet high, which is expressed in the plate. It may be + fairly presumed, from the very remarkable coincidence between + this place and the Homeric account, that this was the scene + designated by the poet as the fountain of Arethusa, and the + residence of Eumæus; and, perhaps, it would be impossible to find + another spot which bears, at this day, so strong a resemblance to + a poetic description composed at a period so very remote. There + is no other fountain in this part of the island, nor any rock + which bears the slightest resemblance to the Korax of Homer. + </p> + <p> + "The stathmos of the good Eumæus appears to have been little + different, either in use or construction, from the stagni and + kalybea of the present day. The poet expressly mentions that + other herdsmen drove their flocks into the city at + sunset,—a custom which still prevails throughout Greece + during the winter, and that was the season in which Ulysses + visited Eumæus. Yet Homer accounts for this deviation from the + prevailing custom, by observing that he had retired from the city + to avoid the suitors of Penelope. These trifling occurrences + afford a strong presumption that the Ithaca of Homer was + something more than the creature of his own fancy, as some have + supposed it; for though the grand outline of a fable may be + easily imagined, yet the consistent adaptation of minute + incidents to a long and elaborate falsehood is a task of the most + arduous and complicated nature." + </p> + <p> + After this long extract, by which we have endeavoured to do + justice to Mr. Gell's argument, we cannot allow room for any + farther quotations of such extent; and we <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg303" id="pg303">303</a></span> must offer a + brief and imperfect analysis of the remainder of the work. + </p> + <p> + In the third chapter, the traveller arrives at the capital, and + in the fourth, he describes it in an agreeable manner. We select + his account of the mode of celebrating a Christian festival in + the Greek church:— + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "We were present at the celebration of the feast of the + Ascension, when the citizens appeared in their gayest dresses, + and saluted each other in the streets with demonstrations of + pleasure. As we sate at breakfast in the house of Zignor Zavo, + we were suddenly roused by the discharge of a gun, succeeded by + a tremendous crash of pottery, which fell on the tiles, steps, + and pavements, in every direction. The bells of the numerous + churches commenced a most discordant jingle; colours were + hoisted on every mast in the port, and a general shout of joy + announced some great event. Our host informed us that the feast + of the Ascension was annually commemorated in this manner at + Bathi, the populace exclaiming [Greek: anesê o Chrisos, + alêthinos o Theos,] Christ is risen, the true God." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + In another passage, he continues this account as + follows:—"In the evening of the festival, the inhabitants + danced before their houses; and at one we saw the figure which is + said to have been first used by the youths and virgins of Delos, + at the happy return of Theseus from the expedition of the Cretan + Labyrinth. It has now lost much of that intricacy which was + supposed to allude to the windings of the habitation of the + Minotaur," &c. &c. This is rather too much for even the + inflexible gravity of our censorial muscles. When the author + talks, with all the <i>reality</i> (if we may use the expression) + of a Lempriere, on the stories of the fabulous ages, we cannot + refrain from indulging a momentary smile; nor can we seriously + accompany him in the learned architectural detail by which he + endeavours to give us, from the Odyssey, the ground-plot of the + house of Ulysses.—of which he actually offers a plan in + drawing! "showing how the description of the house of Ulysses in + the Odyssey may be supposed to correspond with the foundations + yet visible on the hill of Aito!"—Oh, <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg304" id="pg304">304</a></span> Foote! Foote! + why are you lost to such inviting subjects for your ludicrous + pencil!—In his account of this celebrated mansion, Mr. Gell + says, one side of the court seems to have been occupied by the + Thalamos, or sleeping apartments of the men, &c. &c.; + and, in confirmation of this hypothesis, he refers to the 10th + Odyssey, line 340. On examining his reference, we read, + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + [Greek: Es thalamon t ienai, kai sês epibêmenai eunês.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + where Ulysses records an invitation which he received from Circe + to take a part of her bed. How this illustrates the above + conjecture, we are at a loss to divine: but we suppose that some + numerical error has occurred in the reference, as we have + detected a trifling mistake or two of the same nature. + </p> + <p> + Mr. G. labours hard to identify the cave of Dexia near Bathi (the + capital of the island), with the grotto of the Nymphs described + in the 13th Odyssey. We are disposed to grant that he has + succeeded: but we cannot here enter into the proofs by which he + supports his opinion; and we can only extract one of the + concluding sentences of the chapter, which appears to us candid + and judicious:— + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "Whatever opinion may be formed as to the identity of the cave + of Dexia with the grotto of the Nymphs, it is fair to state, + that Strabo positively asserts that no such cave as that + described by Homer existed in his time, and that geographer + thought it better to assign a physical change, rather than + ignorance in Homer, to account for a difference which he + imagined to exist between the Ithaca of his time and that of + the poet. But Strabo, who was an uncommonly accurate observer + with respect to countries surveyed by himself, appears to have + been wretchedly misled by his informers on many occasions. + </p> + <p> + "That Strabo had never visited this country is evident, not + only from his inaccurate account of it, but from his citation + of Appollodorus and Scepsius, whose relations are in direct + opposition to each other on the subject of Ithaca, as will be + demonstrated on a future opportunity." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + We must, however, observe that "demonstration" is <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg305" id="pg305">305</a></span> a strong + term.—In his description of the Leucadian Promontory (of + which we have a pleasing representation in the plate), the author + remarks that it is "celebrated for the <i>leap</i> of Sappho, and + the <i>death</i> of Artemisia." From this variety in the + expression, a reader would hardly conceive that both the ladies + perished in the same manner: in fact, the sentence is as proper + as it would be to talk of the decapitation of Russell, and the + death of Sidney. The view from this promontory includes the + island of Corfu; and the name suggests to Mr. Gell the following + note, which, though rather irrelevant, is of a curious nature, + and we therefore conclude our citations by transcribing + it:— + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "It has been generally supposed that Corfu, or Corcyra, was the + Phæacia of Homer; but Sir Henry Englefield thinks the position + of that island inconsistent with the voyage of Ulysses as + described in the Odyssey. That gentleman has also observed a + number of such remarkable coincidences between the courts of + Alcinous and Solomon, that they may be thought curious and + interesting. Homer was familiar with the names of Tyre, Sidon, + and Egypt; and, as he lived about the time of Solomon, it would + not have been extraordinary if he had introduced some account + of the magnificence of that prince into his poem. As Solomon + was famous for wisdom, so the name of Alcinous signifies + strength of knowledge; as the gardens of Solomon were + celebrated, so are those of Alcinous (Od. 7.112.); as the + kingdom of Solomon was distinguished by twelve tribes under + twelve princes (1 Kings, ch. 4.), so that of Alcinous (Od. 8. + 390.) was ruled by an equal number; as the throne of Solomon + was supported by lions of gold (1 Kings, ch. 10.), so that of + Alcinous was placed on dogs of silver and gold (Od, 7. 91.); as + the fleets of Solomon were famous, so were those of Alcinous. + It is perhaps worthy of remark, that Neptune sate on the + mountains of the SOLYMI, as he returned from Æthiopia to Ægæ, + while he raised the tempest which threw Ulysses on the coast of + Phæacia; and that the Solymi of Pamphylia are very considerably + distant from the route.—The suspicious character, also, + which Nausicaa attributes to her countryman agrees precisely + with that which the Greeks and Romans gave of the Jews." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + The seventh chapter contains a description of the Monastery of + Kathara, and several adjacent places. The <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg306" id="pg306">306</a></span> eighth, among + other curiosities, fixes on an imaginary site for the Farm of + Laertes: but this is the agony of conjecture indeed!—and + the ninth chapter mentions another Monastery, and a rock still + called the School of Homer. Some sepulchral inscriptions of a + very simple nature are included.—The tenth and last chapter + brings us round to the Port of Schoenus, near Bathi; after we + have completed, seemingly in a very minute and accurate manner, + the tour of the island. + </p> + <p> + We can certainly recommend a perusal of this volume to every + lover of classical scene and story. If we may indulge the + pleasing belief that Homer sang of a real kingdom, and that + Ulysses governed it, though we discern many feeble links in Mr. + Gell's chain of evidence, we are on the whole induced to fancy + that this is the Ithaca of the bard and of the monarch. At all + events, Mr. Gell has enabled every future traveller to form a + clearer judgment on the question than he could have established + without such a "Vade-mecum to Ithaca," or a "Have with you, to + the House of Ulysses," as the present. With Homer in his pocket, + and Gell on his sumpter-horse or mule, the Odyssean tourist may + now make a very classical and delightful excursion; and we doubt + not that the advantages accruing to the Ithacences, from the + increased number of travellers who will visit them in consequence + of Mr. Gell's account of their country, will induce them to + confer on that gentleman any heraldic honours which they may have + to bestow, should he ever look in upon them again.—<i>Baron + Bathi</i> would be a pretty title:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "<i>Hoc</i> Ithacus <i>velit, et magno mercentur + Atridæ</i>."—Virgil. + </p> + </div> + <p> + For ourselves, we confess that all our old Grecian feelings would + be alive on approaching the fountain of Melainudros, where, as + the tradition runs, or as the priests relate, Homer was restored + to sight. + </p> + <p> + We now come to the "Grecian Patterson," or "Cary," which Mr. Gell + has begun to publish; and <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg307" + id="pg307">307</a></span> really he has carried the epic rule of + concealing the person of the author to as great a length as + either of the above-mentioned heroes of itinerary writ. We hear + nothing of his "hair-breadth 'scapes" by sea or land; and we do + not even know, for the greater part of his journey through + Argolis, whether he relates what he has seen or what he has + heard. Prom other parts of the book, we find the former to be the + case: but, though there have been tourists and "strangers" in + other countries, who have kindly permitted their readers to learn + rather too much of their sweet selves, yet it is possible to + carry delicacy, or cautious silence, or whatever it may be + called, to the contrary extreme. We think that Mr. Gell has + fallen into this error, so opposite to that of his numerous + brethren. It is offensive, indeed, to be told what a man has + eaten for dinner, or how pathetic he was on certain occasions; + but we like to know that there is a being yet living who + describes the scenes to which he introduces us; and that it is + not a mere translation from Strabo or Pausanias which we are + reading, or a commentary on those authors. This reflection leads + us to the concluding remark in Mr. Gell's preface (by much the + most interesting part of his book) to his Itinerary of Greece, in + which he thus expresses himself:— + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "The confusion of the modern with the ancient names of places + in this volume is absolutely unavoidable; they are, however, + mentioned in such a manner, that the reader will soon be + accustomed to the indiscriminate use of them. The necessity of + applying the ancient appellations to the different routes, will + be evident from the total ignorance of the public on the + subject of the modern names, which, having never appeared in + print, are only known to the few individuals who have visited + the country. + </p> + <p> + "What could appear less intelligible to the reader, or less + useful to the traveller, than a route from Chione and Zaracca + to Kutchukmadi, from thence to Krabata to Schoenochorio, and by + the mills of Peali, while every one is in some degree + acquainted with the names of Stymphalus, Nemea, Mycenæ, + Lyrceia, Lerna, and Tegea?" + </p> + </blockquote> + <p><span class="pagenum"><a name="pg308" id= + "pg308">308</a></span> + Although this may be very true inasmuch as it relates to the + reader, yet to the traveller we must observe, in opposition to + Mr. Gell, that nothing can be less useful than the designation of + his route according to the ancient names. We might as well, and + with as much chance of arriving at the place of our destination, + talk to a Hounslow post-boy about making haste to <i>Augusta</i>, + as apply to our Turkish guide in modern Greece for a direction to + Stymphalus, Nemea, Mycenæ, &c. &c. This is neither more + nor less than classical affectation; and it renders Mr. Gell's + book of much more confined use than it would otherwise have + been:—but we have some other and more important remarks to + make on his general directions to Grecian tourists; and we beg + leave to assure our readers that they are derived from travellers + who have lately visited Greece. In the first place, Mr. Gell is + absolutely incautious enough to recommend an interference on the + part of English travellers with the Minister at the Porte, in + behalf of the Greeks. "The folly of such neglect (page 16. + preface,) in many instances, where the emancipation of a district + might often be obtained by the present of a snuff-box or a watch, + at Constantinople, <i>and without the smallest danger of exciting + the jealousy of such a court as that of Turkey,</i> will be + acknowledged when we are no longer able to rectify the error." We + have every reason to believe, on the contrary, that the folly of + half a dozen travellers, taking this advice, might bring us into + a war. "Never interfere with any thing of the kind," is a much + sounder and more political suggestion to all English travellers + in Greece. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Gell apologises for the introduction of "his panoramic + designs," as he calls them, on the score of the great difficulty + of giving any tolerable idea of the face of a country in writing, + and the ease with which a very accurate knowledge of it may be + acquired by maps and panoramic designs. We are informed that this + is not the case with many of these designs. The small scale of + the single map we have already censured; and we have hinted + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg309" id="pg309">309</a></span> + that some of the drawings are not remarkable for correct + resemblance of their originals. The two nearer views of the Gate + of the Lions at Mycenæ are indeed good likenesses of their + subject, and the first of them is unusually well executed; but + the general view of Mycenæ is not more than tolerable in any + respect; and the prospect of Larissa, &c. is barely equal to + the former. The view <i>from</i> this last place is also + indifferent; and we are positively assured that there are no + windows at Nauplia which look like a box of dominos,—the + idea suggested by Mr. Gell's plate. We must not, however, be too + severe on these picturesque bagatelles, which, probably, were + very hasty sketches; and the circumstances of weather, &c. + may have occasioned some difference in the appearance of the same + objects to different spectators. We shall therefore return to Mr. + Gell's preface; endeavouring to set him right in his directions + to travellers, where we think that he is erroneous, and adding + what appears to have been omitted. In his first sentence, he + makes an assertion which is by no means correct. He says, + "<i>We</i> are at present as ignorant of Greece, as of the + interior of Africa." Surely not quite so ignorant; or several of + our Grecian <i>Mungo Parks</i> have travelled in vain, and some + very sumptuous works have been published to no purpose! As we + proceed, we find the author observing that "Athens is <i>now</i> + the most polished city of Greece," when we believe it to be the + most barbarous, even to a proverb— + </p> + <p> + [Greek: + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + O Athêna, protê chora, + </p> + <p> + Ti gaidarous trepheis tora<span class="fnref">[1]</span>?] + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: We write these lines from the <i>recitation</i> of + the travellers to whom we have alluded; but we cannot vouch for + the correctness of the Romaic.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + is a couplet of reproach <i>now</i> applied to this once famous + city; whose inhabitants seem little worthy of the inspiring call + which was addressed to them within these twenty years, by the + celebrated Riga:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + [Greek: Deute paides tôn Ellênôn—k.t.l.] + </p> + </div> + <p><span class="pagenum"><a name="pg310" id= + "pg310">310</a></span> + Iannina, the capital of Epirus, and the seat of Ali Pacha's + government, <i>is</i> in truth deserving of the honours which Mr. + Gell has improperly bestowed on degraded Athens. As to the + correctness of the remark concerning the fashion of wearing the + hair cropped in <i>Molossia,</i> as Mr. Gell informs us, our + authorities cannot depose: but why will he use the classical term + of Eleuthero-Lacones, when that people are so much better known + by their modern name of Mainotes? "The court of the Pacha of + Tripolizza" is said "to realise the splendid visions of the + Arabian Nights." This is true with regard to the <i>court</i>: + but surely the traveller ought to have added that the city and + palace are most miserable, and form an extraordinary contrast to + the splendour of the court.—Mr. Gell mentions <i>gold</i> + mines in Greece: he should have specified their situation, as it + certainly is not universally known. When, also, he remarks that + "the first article of necessity <i>in Greece</i> is a firman, or + order from the Sultan, permitting the traveller to pass + unmolested," we are much misinformed if he be right. On the + contrary, we believe this to be almost the only part of the + Turkish dominions in which a firman is not necessary; since the + passport of the Pacha is absolute within his territory (according + to Mr. G.'s own admission), and much more effectual than a + firman.—"Money," he remarks, "is easily procured at + Salonica, or Patrass, where the English have Consuls." It is much + better procured, we understand, from the Turkish governors, who + never charge discount. The Consuls for the English are not of the + most magnanimous order of Greeks, and far from being so liberal, + generally speaking; although there are, in course, some + exceptions, and Strune of Patrass has been more honourably + mentioned.—After having observed that "horses seem the best + mode of conveyance in Greece," Mr. Gell proceeds: "Some + travellers would prefer an English saddle; but a saddle of this + sort is always objected to by the owner of the horse, <i>and not + without reason</i>" &c. This, we <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg311" id="pg311">311</a></span> learn, is far + from being the case; and, indeed, for a very simple reason, an + English saddle must seem to be preferable to one of the country, + because it is much lighter. When, too, Mr. Gell calls the + <i>postilion</i> "Menzilgi," he mistakes him for his betters: + <i>Serrugees</i> are postilions; <i>Mensilgis</i> are + postmasters.—Our traveller was fortunate in his Turks, who + are hired to walk by the side of the baggage-horses. They "are + certain," he says, "of performing their engagement without + grumbling." We apprehend that this is by no means + certain:—but Mr. Gell is perfectly right in preferring a + Turk to a Greek for this purpose; and in his general + recommendation to take a Janissary on the tour: who, we may add, + should be suffered to act as he pleases, since nothing is to be + done by gentle means, or even by offers of money, at the places + of accommodation. A courier, to be sent on before to the place at + which the traveller intends to sleep, is indispensable to + comfort: but no tourist should be misled by the author's advice + to suffer the Greeks to gratify their curiosity, in permitting + them to remain for some time about him on his arrival at an inn. + They should be removed as soon as possible; for, as to the remark + that "no stranger would think of intruding when a room is + pre-occupied," our informants were not so well convinced of that + fact. + </p> + <p> + Though we have made the above exceptions to the accuracy of Mr. + Gell's information, we are most ready to do justice to the + general utility of his directions, and can certainly concede the + praise which he is desirous of obtaining,—namely, "of + having facilitated the researches of future travellers, by + affording that local information which it was before impossible + to obtain." This book, indeed, is absolutely necessary to any + person who wishes to explore the Morea advantageously; and we + hope that Mr. Gell will continue his Itinerary over that and over + every other part of Greece. He allows that his volume "is only + calculated to become a book of reference, and not of general + entertainment:" but we <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg312" id= + "pg312">312</a></span> do not see any reason against the + compatibility of both objects in a survey of the most celebrated + country of the ancient world. To that country, we trust, the + attention not only of our travellers, but of our legislators, + will hereafter be directed. The greatest caution will, indeed, be + required, as we have premised, in touching on so delicate a + subject as the amelioration of the possessions of an ally: but + the field for the exercise of political sagacity is wide and + inviting in this portion of the globe; and Mr. Gell, and all + other writers who interest us, however remotely, in its + extraordinary <i>capabilities</i>, deserve well of the British + empire. We shall conclude by an extract from the author's work: + which, even if it fails of exciting that general interest which + we hope most earnestly it may attract, towards its important + subject, cannot, as he justly observes, "be entirely + uninteresting to the scholar;" since it is a work "which gives + him a faithful description of the remains of cities, the very + existence of which was doubtful, as they perished before the æra + of authentic history." The subjoined quotation is a good specimen + of the author's minuteness of research as a topographer; and we + trust that the credit which must accrue to him from the present + performance will ensure the completion of his Itinerary:— + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "The inaccuracies of the maps of Anacharsis are in many + respects very glaring. The situation of Phlius is marked by + Strabo as surrounded by the territories of Sicyon, Argos, + Cleonæ, and Stymphalus. Mr. Hawkins observed, that Phlius, the + ruins of which still exist near Agios Giorgios, lies in a + direct line between Cleonæ and Stymphalus, and another from + Sicyon to Argos; so that Strabo was correct in saying that it + lay between those four towns; yet we see Phlius, in the map of + Argolis by M. Barbie du Bocage, placed ten miles to the north + of Stymphalus, contradicting both history and fact. D'Anville + is guilty of the same error. + </p> + <p> + "M. du Bocage places a town named Phlius, and by him Phlionte, + on the point of land which forms the port of Drepano: there are + not at present any ruins there. The maps of D'Anville are + generally more correct than any others where <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg313" id="pg313">313</a></span> ancient + geography is concerned. A mistake occurs on the subject of + Tiryns, and a place named by him Vathia, but of which nothing + can be understood. It is possible that Vathi, or the profound + valley, may be a name sometimes used for the valley of + Barbitsa, and that the place named by D'Anville Claustra may be + the outlet of that valley called Kleisoura, which has a + corresponding signification. + </p> + <p> + "The city of Tiryns is also placed in two different positions, + once by its Greek name, and again as Tirynthus. The mistake + between the islands of Sphæria and Calaura has been noticed in + page 135. The Pontinus, which D'Anville represents as a river, + and the Erasinus are equally ill placed in his map. There was a + place called Creopolis, somewhere toward Cynouria; but its + situation is not easily fixed. The ports called Bucephalium and + Piræus seem to have been nothing more than little bays in the + country between Corinth and Epidaurus. The town called Athenæ, + in Cynouria, by Pausanias, is called Anthena by + <i>Thucydides</i>, book 5. 41. + </p> + <p> + "In general, the map of D'Anville will be found more accurate + than those which have been published since his time; indeed the + mistakes of that geographer are in general such as could not be + avoided without visiting the country. Two errors of D'Anville + may be mentioned, lest the opportunity of publishing the + itinerary of Arcadia should never occur. The first is, that the + rivers Malætas and Mylaon, near Methydrium, are represented as + running toward the south, whereas they flow northwards to the + Ladon; and the second is, that the Aroanius, which falls into + the Erymanthus at Psophis, is represented as flowing from the + lake of Pheneos; a mistake which arises from the ignorance of + the ancients themselves who have written on the subject. The + fact is that the Ladon receives the waters of the lakes of + Orchomenos and Pheneos: but the Aroanius rises at a spot not + two hours distant from Psophis." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + In furtherance of our principal object in this critique, we have + only to add a wish that some of our Grecian tourists, among the + fresh articles of information concerning Greece which they have + lately imported, would turn their minds to the language of the + country. So strikingly similar to the ancient Greek is the modern + Romaic as a written language, and so dissimilar in sound, that + even a few general rules concerning pronunciation would be of + most extensive use. <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg314" id= + "pg314">314</a></span> + </p> + <hr /> + <h2> + PARLIAMENTARY SPEECHES. + </h2> + <hr /> + <h4> + DEBATE ON THE FRAME-WORK BILL, IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS, FEBRUARY + 27, 1812. + </h4> + <p> + The order of the day for the second reading of this Bill being + read, + </p> + <p> + Lord BYRON rose, and (for the first time) addressed their + Lordships as follows:— + </p> + <p> + 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 degree connected with the + suffering county, though a stranger not only to this House in + general, but to almost every individual whose attention I presume + to solicit, I must claim some portion of your Lordships' + indulgence, whilst I offer a few observations on a question in + which I confess myself deeply interested. + </p> + <p> + To enter into any detail of the riots would be superfluous: the + House is already aware that every outrage short of actual + bloodshed has been perpetrated, and that the proprietors of the + Frames obnoxious to the rioters, and all persons supposed to be + connected with them, have been liable to insult and violence. + During the short time I recently passed in Nottinghamshire, not + twelve hours elapsed without some fresh act of violence; and on + the day I left the county I was informed that forty Frames had + been broken the preceding <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg315" + id="pg315">315</a></span> evening, as usual, without resistance + and without detection. + </p> + <p> + Such was then the state of that county, and such I have reason to + believe it to be at this moment. But whilst these outrages must + be admitted to exist to an alarming extent, it cannot be denied + that they have arisen from circumstances of the most unparalleled + distress: the perseverance of these miserable men in their + proceedings, tends to prove that nothing but absolute want could + have driven a large, and once honest and industrious, body of the + people, into the commission of excesses so hazardous to + themselves, their families, and the community. At the time to + which I allude, the town and county were burdened with large + detachments of the military; the police was in motion, the + magistrates assembled, yet all the movements, civil and military, + had led to—nothing. Not a single instance had occurred of + the apprehension of any real delinquent actually taken in the + fact, against whom there existed legal evidence sufficient for + conviction. But the police, however useless, were by no means + idle: several notorious delinquents had been detected; men, + liable to conviction, on the clearest evidence, of the capital + crime of poverty; men, who had been nefariously guilty of + lawfully begetting several children, whom, thanks to the times! + they were unable to maintain. Considerable injury has been done + to the proprietors of the improved Frames. These machines were to + them an advantage, inasmuch as they superseded the necessity of + employing a number of workmen, who were left in consequence to + starve. By the adoption of one species of Frame in particular, + one man performed the work of many, and the superfluous labourers + were thrown out of employment. Yet it is to be observed, that the + work thus executed was inferior in quality; not marketable at + home, and merely hurried over with a view to exportation. It was + called, in the cant of the trade, by the name of "Spider work." + The rejected workmen, in the blindness of their ignorance, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg316" id="pg316">316</a></span> + instead of rejoicing at these improvements in arts so beneficial + to mankind, conceived themselves to be sacrificed to improvements + in mechanism. In the foolishness of their hearts they imagined, + that the maintenance and well doing of the industrious poor, were + objects of greater consequence than the enrichment of a few + individuals by any improvement, in the implements of trade, which + threw the workmen out of employment, and rendered the labourer + unworthy of his hire. And it must be confessed that although the + adoption of the enlarged machinery in that state of our commerce + which the country once boasted, might have been beneficial to the + master without being detrimental to the servant; yet, in the + present situation of our manufactures, rotting in warehouses, + without a prospect of exportation, with the demand for work and + workmen equally diminished, Frames of this description tend + materially to aggravate the distress and discontent of the + disappointed sufferers. But the real cause of these distresses + and consequent disturbances lies deeper. When we are told that + these men are leagued together not only for the destruction of + their own comfort, but of their very means of subsistence, can we + forget that it is the bitter policy, the destructive warfare of + the last eighteen years, which has destroyed their comfort, your + comfort, all men's comfort? That policy, which, originating with + "great statesmen now no more," has survived the dead to become a + curse on the living, unto the third and fourth generation! These + men never destroyed their looms till they were become useless, + worse than useless; till they were become actual impediments to + their exertions in obtaining their daily bread. Can you, then, + wonder that in times like these, when bankruptcy, convicted + fraud, and imputed felony, are found in a station not far beneath + that of your Lordships, the lowest, though once most useful + portion of the people, should forget their duty in their + distresses, and become only less guilty than one of their + representatives? But while the exalted offender can find means to + baffle <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg317" id= + "pg317">317</a></span> the law, new capital punishments must be + devised, new snares of death must be spread for the wretched + mechanic, who is famished into guilt. These men were willing to + dig, but the spade was in other hands: they were not ashamed to + beg, but there was none to relieve them: their own means of + subsistence were cut off, all other employments pre-occupied; and + their excesses, however to be deplored and condemned, can hardly + be subject of surprise. + </p> + <p> + It has been stated that the persons in the temporary possession + of frames connive at their destruction; if this be proved upon + enquiry, it were necessary that such material accessories to the + crime should be principles in the punishment. But I did hope, + that any measure proposed by his Majesty's government, for your + Lordships' decision, would have had conciliation for its basis; + or, if that were hopeless, that some previous enquiry, some + deliberation would have been deemed requisite; not that we should + have been called at once without examination, and without cause, + to pass sentences by wholesale, and sign death-warrants + blindfold. But, admitting that these men had no cause of + complaint; that the grievances of them and their employers were + alike groundless; that they deserved the worst; what + inefficiency, what imbecility has been evinced in the method + chosen to reduce them! Why were the military called out to be + made a mockery of, if they were to be called out at all? As far + as the difference of seasons would permit, they have merely + parodied the summer campaign of Major Sturgeon; and, indeed, the + whole proceedings, civil and military, seemed on the model of + those of the mayor and corporation of Garratt.—Such + marchings and counter-marchings! from Nottingham to Bullwell, + from Bullwell to Banford, from Banford to Mansfield! and when at + length the detachments arrived at their destination, in all "the + pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war," they came just in + time to witness the mischief which had been done, and ascertain + the escape of the perpetrators, <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg318" id="pg318">318</a></span> to collect the "<i>spolia + opima</i>" in the fragments of broken frames, and return to their + quarters amidst the derision of old women, and the hootings of + children. Now, though, in a free country, it were to be wished, + that our military should never be too formidable, at least to + ourselves, I cannot see the policy of placing them in situations + where they can only be made ridiculous. As the sword is the worst + argument that can be used, so should it be the last. In this + instance it has been the first; but providentially as yet only in + the scabbard. The present measure will, indeed, pluck it from the + sheath; yet had proper meetings been held in the earlier stages + of these riots, had the grievances of these men and their masters + (for they also had their grievances) been fairly weighed and + justly examined, I do think that means might have been devised to + restore these workmen to their avocations, and tranquillity to + the county. At present the county suffers from the double + infliction of an idle military and a starving population. In what + state of apathy have we been plunged so long, that now for the + first time the house has been officially apprised of these + disturbances? All this has been transacting within 130 miles of + London, and yet we, "good easy men, have deemed full sure our + greatness was a ripening," and have sat down to enjoy our foreign + triumphs in the midst of domestic calamity. But all the cities + you have taken, all the armies which have retreated before your + leaders, are but paltry subjects of self-congratulation, if your + land divides against itself, and your dragoons and your + executioners must be let loose against your + fellow-citizens.—You call these men a mob, desperate, + dangerous, and ignorant; and seem to think that the only way to + quiet the "<i>Bellua multorum capitum</i>" is to lop off a few of + its superfluous heads. But even a mob may be better reduced to + reason by a mixture of conciliation and firmness, than by + additional irritation and redoubled penalties. Are we aware of + our obligations to a mob? It is the mob that labour in your + fields and serve in your <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg319" + id="pg319">319</a></span> houses,—that man your navy, and + recruit your army,—that have enabled you to defy all the + world, and can also defy you when neglect and calamity have + driven them to despair! You may call the people a mob; but do not + forget, that a mob too often speaks the sentiments of the people. + And here I must remark, with what alacrity you are accustomed to + fly to the succour of your distressed allies, leaving the + distressed of your own country to the care of Providence + or—the parish. When the Portuguese suffered under the + retreat of the French, every arm was stretched out, every hand + was opened, from the rich man's largess to the widow's mite, all + was bestowed, to enable them to rebuild their villages and + replenish their granaries. And at this moment, when thousands of + misguided but most unfortunate fellow-countrymen are struggling + with the extremes of hardships and hunger, as your charity began + abroad it should end at home. A much less sum, a tithe of the + bounty bestowed on Portugal, even if those men (which I cannot + admit without enquiry) could not have been restored to their + employments, would have rendered unnecessary the tender mercies + of the bayonet and the gibbet. But doubtless our friends have too + many foreign claims to admit a prospect of domestic relief; + though never did such objects demand it. I have traversed the + seat of war in the Peninsula, I have been in some of the most + oppressed provinces of Turkey, but never under the most despotic + of infidel governments did I behold such squalid wretchedness as + I have seen since my return in the very heart of a Christian + country. And what are your remedies? After months of inaction, + and months of action worse than inactivity, at length comes forth + the grand specific, the never-failing nostrum of all state + physicians, from the days of Draco to the present time. After + feeling the pulse and shaking the head over the patient, + prescribing the usual course of warm water and bleeding, the warm + water of your mawkish police, and the lancets of your military, + these convulsions must <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg320" id= + "pg320">320</a></span> terminate in death, the sure consummation + of the prescriptions of all political Sangrados. Setting aside + the palpable injustice and the certain inefficiency of the bill, + are there not capital punishments sufficient in your statutes? Is + there not blood enough upon your penal code, that more must be + poured forth to ascend to Heaven and testify against you? How + will you carry the bill into effect? Can you commit a whole + county to their own prisons? Will you erect a gibbet in every + field, and hang up men like scarecrows? or will you proceed (as + you must to bring this measure into effect) by decimation? place + the county under martial law? depopulate and lay waste all around + you? and restore Sherwood Forest as an acceptable gift to the + crown, in its former condition of a royal chase and an asylum for + outlaws? Are these the remedies for a starving and desperate + populace? Will the famished wretch who has braved your bayonets + be appalled by your gibbets? When death is a relief, and the only + relief it appears that you will afford him, will he be dragooned + into tranquillity? Will that which could not be effected by your + grenadiers, be accomplished by your executioners? If you proceed + by the forms of law, where is your evidence? Those who have + refused to impeach their accomplices, when transportation only + was the punishment, will hardly be tempted to witness against + them when death is the penalty. With all due deference to the + noble lords opposite, I think a little investigation, some + previous enquiry would induce even them to change their purpose. + That most favourite state measure, so marvellously efficacious in + many and recent instances, temporising, would not be without its + advantages in this. When a proposal is made to emancipate or + relieve, you hesitate, you deliberate for years, you temporise + and tamper with the minds of men; but a death-bill must be passed + off hand, without a thought of the consequences. Sure I am, from + what I have heard, and from what I have seen, that to pass the + hill under all the <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg321" id= + "pg321">321</a></span> existing circumstances, without enquiry, + without deliberation, would only be to add injustice to + irritation, and barbarity to neglect. The framers of such a bill + must be content to inherit the honours of that Athenian lawgiver + whose edicts were said to be written not in ink but in blood. But + suppose it past; suppose one of these men, as I have seen + them,—meagre with famine, sullen with despair, careless of + a life which your Lordships are perhaps about to value at + something less than the price of a stocking-frame;—suppose + this man surrounded by the children for whom he is unable to + procure bread at the hazard of his existence, about to be torn + for ever from a family which he lately supported in peaceful + industry, and which it is not his fault that he can no longer so + support;—suppose this man, and there are ten thousand such + from whom you may select your victims, dragged into court, to be + tried for this new offence, by this new law; still, there are two + things wanting to convict and condemn him; and these are, in my + opinion,—twelve butchers for a jury, and a Jefferies for a + judge! + </p> + <hr /> + <h4> + DEBATE ON THE EARL OF DONOUGHMORE'S MOTION FOR A COMMITTEE ON THE + ROMAN CATHOLIC CLAIMS, APRIL 21. 1812. + </h4> + <p> + Lord BYRON rose and said:— + </p> + <p> + 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 to the expediency of + relieving the petitioners. In conceding thus much, however, a new + objection is started; it is not the time, say they, or it is an + improper <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg322" id= + "pg322">322</a></span> time, or there is time enough yet. In some + degree I concur with those who say, it is not the time exactly; + that time is passed; better had it been for the country, that the + Catholics possessed at this moment their proportion of our + privileges, that their nobles held their due weight in our + councils, than that we should be assembled to discuss their + claims. It had indeed been better— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p class="i8"> + "Non tempore tali + </p> + <p> + "Cogere concilium cum muros obsidet hostis." + </p> + </div> + <p> + The enemy is without, and distress within. It is too late to + cavil on doctrinal points, when we must unite in defence of + things more important than the mere ceremonies of religion. It is + indeed singular, that we are called together to deliberate, not + on the God we adore, for in that we are agreed; not about the + king we obey, for to him we are loyal; but how far a difference + in the ceremonials of worship, how far believing not too little, + but too much (the worst that can be imputed to the Catholics), + how far too much devotion to their God may incapacitate our + fellow-subjects from effectually serving their king. + </p> + <p> + Much has been said, within and without doors, of church and + state, and although those venerable words have been too often + prostituted to the most despicable of party purposes, we cannot + hear them too often; all, I presume, are the advocates of church + and state,—the church of Christ, and the state of Great + Britain; but not a state of exclusion and despotism, not an + intolerant church, not a church militant, which renders itself + liable to the very objection urged against the Romish communion, + and in a greater degree, for the Catholic merely withholds its + spiritual benediction (and even that is doubtful), but our + church, or rather our churchmen, not only refuse to the Catholic + their spiritual grace, but all temporal blessings whatsoever. It + was an observation of the great Lord Peterborough, made within + these walls, or within the walls where the Lords then assembled, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg323" id="pg323">323</a></span> + that he was for a "parliamentary king and a parliamentary + constitution, but not a parliamentary God and a parliamentary + religion." The interval of a century has not weakened the force + of the remark. It is indeed time that we should leave off these + petty cavils on frivolous points, these Lilliputian sophistries, + whether our "eggs are best broken at the broad or narrow end." + </p> + <p> + The opponents of the Catholics may be divided into two classes; + those who assert that the Catholics have too much already, and + those who allege that the lower orders, at least, have nothing + more to require. We are told by the former, that the Catholics + never will be contented: by the latter, that they are already too + happy. The last paradox is sufficiently refuted by the present as + by all past petitions; it might as well be said, that the negroes + did not desire to be emancipated, but this is an unfortunate + comparison, for you have already delivered them out of the house + of bondage without any petition on their part, but many from + their task-masters to a contrary effect; and for myself, when I + consider this, I pity the Catholic peasantry for not having the + good fortune to be born black. But the Catholics are contented, + or at least ought to be, as we are told; I shall, therefore, + proceed to touch on a few of those circumstances which so + marvellously contribute to their exceeding contentment. They are + not allowed the free exercise of their religion in the regular + army; the Catholic soldier cannot absent himself from the service + of the Protestant clergyman, and unless he is quartered in + Ireland, or in Spain, where can he find eligible opportunities of + attending his own? The permission of Catholic chaplains to the + Irish militia regiments was conceded as a special favour, and not + till after years of remonstrance, although an act, passed in + 1793, established it as a right. But are the Catholics properly + protected in Ireland? Can the church purchase a rood of land + whereon to erect a chapel? No! all the places of worship are + built on leases of trust or <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg324" + id="pg324">324</a></span> sufferance from the laity, easily + broken, and often betrayed. The moment any irregular wish, any + casual caprice of the benevolent landlord meets with opposition, + the doors are barred against the congregation. This has happened + continually, but in no instance more glaringly, than at the town + of Newton-Barry, in the county of Wexford. The Catholics enjoying + no regular chapel, as a temporary expedient, hired two barns; + which, being thrown into one, served for public worship. At this + time, there was quartered opposite to the spot an officer whose + mind appears to have been deeply imbued with those prejudices + which the Protestant petitions now on the table prove to have + been fortunately eradicated from the more rational portion of the + people; and when the Catholics were assembled on the Sabbath as + usual, in peace and good-will towards men, for the worship of + their God and yours, they found the chapel door closed, and were + told that if they did not immediately retire (and they were told + this by a yeoman officer and a magistrate), the riot act should + be read, and the assembly dispersed at the point of the bayonet! + This was complained of to the middle man of government, the + secretary at the castle in 1806, and the answer was (in lieu of + redress), that he would cause a letter to be written to the + colonel, to prevent, if possible, the recurrence of similar + disturbances. Upon this fact, no very great stress need be laid; + but it tends to prove that while the Catholic church has not + power to purchase land for its chapels to stand upon, the laws + for its protection are of no avail. In the mean time, the + Catholics are at the mercy of every "pelting petty officer," who + may choose to play his "fantastic tricks before high heaven," to + insult his God, and injure his fellow-creatures. + </p> + <p> + Every school-boy, any foot-boy (such have held commissions in our + service), any foot-boy who can exchange his shoulder-knot for an + epaulette, may perform all this and more against the Catholic by + virtue of that <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg325" id= + "pg325">325</a></span> very authority delegated to him by his + sovereign, for the express purpose of defending his fellow + subjects to the last drop of his blood, without discrimination or + distinction between Catholic and Protestant. + </p> + <p> + Have the Irish Catholics the full benefit of trial by jury? They + have not; they never can have until they are permitted to share + the privilege of serving as sheriffs and under-sheriffs. Of this + a striking example occurred at the last Enniskillen assizes. A + yeoman was arraigned for the murder of a Catholic named + Macvournagh: three respectable, uncontradicted witnesses deposed + that they saw the prisoner load, take aim, fire at, and kill the + said Macvournagh. This was properly commented on by the judge: + but to the astonishment of the bar, and indignation of the court, + the Protestant jury acquitted the accused. So glaring was the + partiality, that Mr. Justice Osborne felt it his duty to bind + over the acquitted, but not absolved assassin, in large + recognizances; thus for a time taking away his license to kill + Catholics. + </p> + <p> + Are the very laws passed in their favour observed? They are + rendered nugatory in trivial as in serious cases. By a late act, + Catholic chaplains are permitted in gaols, but in Fermanagh + county the grand jury lately persisted in presenting a suspended + clergyman for the office, thereby evading the statute, + notwithstanding the most pressing remonstrances of a most + respectable magistrate, named Fletcher, to the contrary. Such is + law, such is justice, for the happy, free, contented Catholic! + </p> + <p> + It has been asked, in another place, Why do not the rich + Catholics endow foundations for the education of the priesthood? + Why do you not permit them to do so? Why are all such bequests + subject to the interference, the vexatious, arbitrary, peculating + interference of the Orange commissioners for charitable + donations? + </p> + <p> + As to Maynooth college, in no instance, except at the time of its + foundation, when a noble Lord (Camden), at the head of the Irish + administration, did appear to interest <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg326" id="pg326">326</a></span> himself in + its advancement; and during the government of a noble Duke + (Bedford), who, like his ancestors, has ever been the friend of + freedom and mankind, and who has not so far adopted the selfish + policy of the day as to exclude the Catholics from the number of + his fellow-creatures; with these exceptions, in no instance has + that institution been properly encouraged. There was indeed a + time when the Catholic clergy were conciliated, while the Union + was pending, that Union which could not be carried without them, + while their assistance was requisite in procuring addresses from + the Catholic counties; then they were cajoled and caressed, + feared and flattered, and given to understand that "the Union + would do every thing;" but the moment it was passed, they were + driven back with contempt into their former obscurity. + </p> + <p> + In the conduct pursued towards Maynooth college, every thing is + done to irritate and perplex—every thing is done to efface + the slightest impression of gratitude from the Catholic mind; the + very hay made upon the lawn, the fat and tallow of the beef and + mutton allowed, must be paid for and accounted upon oath. It is + true, this economy in miniature cannot sufficiently be commended, + particularly at a time when only the insect defaulters of the + Treasury, your Hunts and your Chinnerys, when only those "gilded + bugs" can escape the microscopic eye of ministers. But when you + come forward, session after session, as your paltry pittance is + wrung from you with wrangling and reluctance, to boast of your + liberality, well might the Catholic exclaim, in the words of + Prior:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "To John I owe some obligation, + </p> + <p> + But John unluckily thinks fit + </p> + <p> + To publish it to all the nation, + </p> + <p> + So John and I are more than quit." + </p> + </div> + <p> + Some persons have compared the Catholics to the beggar in Gil + Bias: who made them beggars? Who <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg327" id="pg327">327</a></span> are enriched with the spoils of + their ancestors? And cannot you relieve the beggar when your + fathers have made him such? If you are disposed to relieve him at + all, cannot you do it without flinging your farthings in his + face? As a contrast, however, to this beggarly benevolence, let + us look at the Protestant Charter Schools; to them you have + lately granted 41,000<i>l</i>.: thus are they supported, and how + are they recruited? Montesquieu observes on the English + constitution, that the model may be found in Tacitus, where the + historian describes the policy of the Germans, and adds, "This + beautiful system was taken from the woods;" so in speaking of the + charter schools, it may be observed, that this beautiful system + was taken from the gipsies. These schools are recruited in the + same manner as the Janissaries at the time of their enrolment + under Amurath, and the gipsies of the present day with stolen + children, with children decoyed and kidnapped from their Catholic + connections by their rich and powerful Protestant neighbours: + this is notorious, and one instance may suffice to show in what + manner:—The sister of a Mr. Carthy (a Catholic gentleman of + very considerable property) died, leaving two girls, who were + immediately marked out as proselytes, and conveyed to the charter + school of Coolgreny; their uncle, on being apprised of the fact, + which took place during his absence, applied for the restitution + of his nieces, offering to settle an independence on these his + relations; his request was refused, and not till after five + years' struggle, and the interference of very high authority, + could this Catholic gentleman obtain back his nearest of kindred + from a charity charter school. In this manner are proselytes + obtained, and mingled with the offspring of such Protestants as + may avail themselves of the institution. And how are they taught? + A catechism is put into their hands, consisting of, I believe, + forty-five pages, in which are three questions relative to the + Protestant religion; one of these queries is, "Where was the + Protestant religion before Luther?" <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg328" id="pg328">328</a></span> + </p> + <p> + Answer, "In the Gospel." The remaining forty-four pages and a + half regard the damnable idolatry of Papists! + </p> + <p> + Allow me to ask our spiritual pastors and masters, is this + training up a child in the way which he should go? Is this the + religion of the Gospel before the time of Luther? that religion + which preaches "Peace on earth, and glory to God?" Is it bringing + up infants to be men or devils? Better would it be to send them + any where than teach them such doctrines; better send them to + those islands in the South Seas, where they might more humanely + learn to become cannibals; it would be less disgusting that they + were brought up to devour the dead, than persecute the living. + Schools do you call them? call them rather dunghills, where the + viper of intolerance deposits her young, that when their teeth + are cut and their poison is mature, they may issue forth, filthy + and venomous, to sting the Catholic. But are these the doctrines + of the Church of England, or of churchmen? No, the most + enlightened churchmen are of a different opinion. What says + Paley? "I perceive no reason why men of different religious + persuasions should not sit upon the same bench, deliberate in the + same council, or fight in the same ranks, as well as men of + various religious opinions, upon any controverted topic of + natural history, philosophy, or ethics." It may be answered, that + Paley was not strictly orthodox; I know nothing of his orthodoxy, + but who will deny that he was an ornament to the church, to human + nature, to Christianity? + </p> + <p> + I shall not dwell upon the grievance of tithes, so severely felt + by the peasantry, but it may be proper to observe, that there is + an addition to the burden, a per centage to the gatherer, whose + interest it thus becomes to rate them as highly as possible, and + we know that in many large livings in Ireland the only resident + Protestants are the tithe proctor and his family. + </p> + <p> + Amongst many causes of irritation, too numerous for <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg329" id="pg329">329</a></span> + recapitulation, there is one in the militia not to be passed + over,—I mean the existence of Orange lodges amongst the + privates. Can the officers deny this? And if such lodges do + exist, do they, can they, tend to promote harmony amongst the + men, who are thus individually separated in society, although + mingled in the ranks? And is this general system of persecution + to be permitted; or is it to be believed that with such a system + the Catholics can or ought to be contented? If they are, they + belie human nature; they are then, indeed, unworthy to be any + thing but the slaves you have made them. The facts stated are + from most respectable authority, or I should not have dared in + this place, or any place, to hazard this avowal. If exaggerated, + there are plenty as willing, as I believe them to be unable, to + disprove them. Should it be objected that I never was in Ireland, + I beg leave to observe, that it is as easy to know something of + Ireland without having been there, as it appears with some to + have been born, bred, and cherished there, and yet remain + ignorant of its best interests. + </p> + <p> + But there are who assert that the Catholics have already been too + much indulged. See (cry they) what has been done: we have given + them one entire college, we allow them food and raiment, the full + enjoyment of the elements, and leave to fight for us as long as + they have limbs and lives to offer, and yet they are never to be + satisfied!—Generous and just declaimers! To this, and to + this only, amount the whole of your arguments, when stript of + their sophistry. Those personages remind me of a story of a + certain drummer, who, being called upon in the course of duty to + administer punishment to a friend tied to the halberts, was + requested to flog high, he did—to flog low, he did—to + flog in the middle, he did,—high, low, down the middle, and + up again, but all in vain; the patient continued his complaints + with the most provoking pertinacity, until the drummer, exhausted + and angry, flung down his scourge, exclaiming, "The devil burn + you, there's no pleasing you, flog where <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg330" id="pg330">330</a></span> one will!" + Thus it is, you have flogged the Catholic high, low, here, there, + and every where, and then you wonder he is not pleased. It is + true that time, experience, and that weariness which attends even + the exercise of barbarity, have taught you to flog a little more + gently; but still you continue to lay on the lash, and will so + continue, till perhaps the rod may be wrested from your hands, + and applied to the backs of yourselves and your posterity. + </p> + <p> + It was said by somebody in a former debate, (I forget by whom, + and am not very anxious to remember,) if the Catholics are + emancipated, why not the Jews? If this sentiment was dictated by + compassion for the Jews, it might deserve attention, but as a + sneer against the Catholic, what is it but the language of + Shylock transferred from his daughter's marriage to Catholic + emancipation— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "Would any of the tribe of Barabbas + </p> + <p> + Should have it rather than a Christian." + </p> + </div> + <p> + I presume a Catholic is a Christian, even in the opinion of him + whose taste only can be called in question for his preference of + the Jews. + </p> + <p> + It is a remark often quoted of Dr. Johnson, (whom I take to be + almost as good authority as the gentle apostle of intolerance, + Dr. Duigenan,) that he who could entertain serious apprehensions + of danger to the church in these times, would have "cried fire in + the deluge." This is more than a metaphor; for a remnant of these + antediluvians appear actually to have come down to us, with fire + in their mouths and water in their brains, to disturb and perplex + mankind with their whimsical outcries. And as it is an infallible + symptom of that distressing malady with which I conceive them to + be afflicted (so any doctor will inform your Lordships), for the + unhappy invalids to perceive a flame perpetually flashing before + their eyes, particularly when their eyes are shut (as those of + the persons to whom I allude have long been), it is impossible to + convince these poor creatures, that the fire against which they + are perpetually warning us and themselves <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg331" id="pg331">331</a></span> is nothing + but an <i>ignis fatuus</i> of their own drivelling imaginations. + What rhubarb, senna, or "what purgative drug can scour that fancy + thence?"—It is impossible, they are given over, theirs is + the true + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "Caput insanabile tribus Anticyris." + </p> + </div> + <p> + These are your true Protestants. Like Bayle, who protested + against all sects whatsoever, so do they protest against Catholic + petitions, Protestant petitions, all redress, all that reason, + humanity, policy, justice, and common sense, can urge against the + delusions of their absurd delirium. These are the persons who + reverse the fable of the mountain that brought forth a mouse; + they are the mice who conceive themselves in labour with + mountains. + </p> + <p> + To return to the Catholics; suppose the Irish were actually + contented under their disabilities; suppose them capable of such + a bull as not to desire deliverance, ought we not to wish it for + ourselves? Have we nothing to gain by their emancipation? What + resources have been wasted? What talents have been lost by the + selfish system of exclusion? You already know the value of Irish + aid; at this moment the defence of England is intrusted to the + Irish militia; at this moment, while the starving people are + rising in the fierceness of despair, the Irish are faithful to + their trust. But till equal energy is imparted throughout by the + extension of freedom, you cannot enjoy the full benefit of the + strength which you are glad to interpose between you and + destruction. Ireland has done much, but will do more. At this + moment the only triumph obtained through long years of + continental disaster has been achieved by an Irish general: it is + true he is not a Catholic; had he been so, we should have been + deprived of his exertions: but I presume no one will assert that + his religion would have impaired his talents or diminished his + patriotism; though, in that case, he must have conquered in the + ranks, for he never could have commanded an army. <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg332" id="pg332">332</a></span> + </p> + <p> + But he is fighting the battles of the Catholics abroad; his noble + brother has this night advocated their cause, with an eloquence + which I shall not depreciate by the humble tribute of my + panegyric; whilst a third of his kindred, as unlike as unequal, + has been combating against his Catholic brethren in Dublin, with + circular letters, edicts, proclamations, arrests, and + dispersions;—all the vexatious implements of petty warfare + that could be wielded by the mercenary guerillas of government, + clad in the rusty armour of their obsolete statutes. Your + Lordships will, doubtless, divide new honours between the Saviour + of Portugal, and the Dispenser of Delegates. It is singular, + indeed, to observe the difference between our foreign and + domestic policy; if Catholic Spain, faithful Portugal, or the no + less Catholic and faithful king of the one Sicily, (of which, by + the by, you have lately deprived him,) stand in need of succour, + away goes a fleet and an army, an ambassador and a subsidy, + sometimes to fight pretty hardly, generally to negotiate very + badly, and always to pay very dearly for our Popish allies. But + let four millions of fellow-subjects pray for relief, who fight + and pay and labour in your behalf, they must be treated as + aliens; and although their "father's house has many mansions," + there is no resting-place for them. Allow me to ask, are you not + fighting for the emancipation of Ferdinand VII., who certainly is + a fool, and, consequently, in all probability a bigot? and have + you more regard for a foreign sovereign than your own + fellow-subjects, who are not fools, for they know your interest + better than you know your own; who are not bigots, for they + return you good for evil; but who are in worse durance than the + prison of a usurper, inasmuch as the fetters of the mind are more + galling than those of the body? + </p> + <p> + Upon the consequences of your not acceding to the claims of the + petitioners, I shall not expatiate; you know them, you will feel + them, and your children's children when you are passed away. + Adieu to that Union so <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg333" id= + "pg333">333</a></span> called, as "<i>Lucus a non lucendo</i>," a + Union from never uniting, which in its first operation gave a + death-blow to the independence of Ireland, and in its last may be + the cause of her eternal separation from this country. If it must + be called a Union, it is the union of the shark with his prey; + the spoiler swallows up his victim, and thus they become one and + indivisible. Thus has Great Britain swallowed up the parliament, + the constitution, the independence of Ireland, and refuses to + disgorge even a single privilege, although for the relief of her + swollen and distempered body politic. + </p> + <p> + And now, my Lords, before I sit down, will his Majesty's + ministers permit me to say a few words, not on their merits, for + that would be superfluous, but on the degree of estimation in + which they are held by the people of these realms? The esteem in + which they are held has been boasted of in a triumphant tone on a + late occasion within these walls, and a comparison instituted + between their conduct and that of noble lords on this side of the + House. + </p> + <p> + What portion of popularity may have fallen to the share of my + noble friends (if such I may presume to call them), I shall not + pretend to ascertain; but that of his Majesty's ministers it were + vain to deny. It is, to be sure, a little like the wind, "no one + knows whence it cometh or whither it goeth," but they feel it, + they enjoy it, they boast of it. Indeed, modest and + unostentatious as they are, to what part of the kingdom, even the + most remote, can they flee to avoid the triumph which pursues + them? If they plunge into the midland counties, there will they + be greeted by the manufacturers, with spurned petitions in their + hands, and those halters round their necks recently voted in + their behalf, imploring blessings on the heads of those who so + simply, yet ingeniously, contrived to remove them from their + miseries in this to a better world. If they journey on to + Scotland, from Glasgow to Johnny Groats, every where will they + receive similar marks of approbation. If <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg334" id="pg334">334</a></span> they take a + trip from Portpatrick to Donaghadee, there will they rush at once + into the embraces of four Catholic millions, to whom their vote + of this night is about to endear them for ever. When they return + to the metropolis, if they can pass under Temple Bar without + unpleasant sensations at the sight of the greedy niches over that + ominous gateway, they cannot escape the acclamations of the + livery, and the more tremulous, but not less sincere, applause, + the blessings, "not loud but deep," of bankrupt merchants and + doubting stock-holders. If they look to the army, what wreaths, + not of laurel, but of nightshade, are preparing for the heroes of + Walcheren. It is true, there are few living deponents left to + testify to their merits on that occasion; but a "cloud of + witnesses" are gone above from that gallant army which they so + generously and piously despatched, to recruit the "noble army of + martyrs." + </p> + <p> + What if in the course of this triumphal career (in which they + will gather as many pebbles as Caligula's army did on a similar + triumph, the prototype of their own,) they do not perceive any of + those memorials which a grateful people erect in honour of their + benefactors; what although not even a sign-post will condescend + to depose the Saracen's head in favour of the likeness of the + conquerors of Walcheren, they will not want a picture who can + always have a caricature; or regret the omission of a statue who + will so often see themselves exalted in effigy. But their + popularity is not limited to the narrow bounds of an island; + there are other countries where their measures, and above all, + their conduct to the Catholics, must render them preeminently + popular. If they are beloved here, in France they must be adored. + There is no measure more repugnant to the designs and feelings of + Bonaparte than Catholic emancipation; no line of conduct more + propitious to his projects, than that which has been pursued, is + pursuing, and, I fear, will be pursued, towards Ireland. What is + England without Ireland, and what is <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg335" id="pg335">335</a></span> Ireland + without the Catholics? It is on the basis of your tyranny + Napoleon hopes to build his own. So grateful must oppression of + the Catholics be to his mind, that doubtless (as he has lately + permitted some renewal of intercourse) the next cartel will + convey to this country cargoes of seve-china and blue ribands, + (things in great request, and of equal value at this moment,) + blue ribands of the Legion of Honour for Dr. Duigenan and his + ministerial disciples. Such is that well-earned popularity, the + result of those extraordinary expeditions, so expensive to + ourselves, and so useless to our allies; of those singular + enquiries, so exculpatory to the accused and so dissatisfactory + to the people; of those paradoxical victories, so honourable, as + we are told, to the British name, and so destructive to the best + interests of the British nation: above all, such is the reward of + a conduct pursued by ministers towards the Catholics. + </p> + <p> + I have to apologise to the House, who will, I trust, pardon one, + not often in the habit of intruding upon their indulgence, for so + long attempting to engage their attention. My most decided + opinion is, as my vote will be, in favour of the motion. + </p> + <hr /> + <h4> + DEBATE ON MAJOR CARTWRIGHT'S PETITION, JUNE 1. 1813. + </h4> + <p> + Lord BYRON rose and said:— + </p> + <p> + My Lords,—The 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 these walls, nor indeed + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg336" id="pg336">336</a></span> + within, but may to-morrow be made liable to the same insult and + obstruction, in the discharge of an imperious duty for the + restoration of the true constitution of these realms, by + petitioning for reform in parliament. The petitioner, my Lords, + is a man whose long life has been spent in one unceasing struggle + for the liberty of the subject, against that undue influence + which has increased, is increasing, and ought to be diminished; + and whatever difference of opinion may exist as to his political + tenets, few will be found to question the integrity of his + intentions. Even now oppressed with years, and not exempt from + the infirmities attendant on his age, but still unimpaired in + talent, and unshaken in spirit—"<i>frangas non + fleetes</i>"—he has received many a wound in the combat + against corruption; and the new grievance, the fresh insult of + which he complains, may inflict another scar, but no dishonour. + The petition is signed by John Cartwright, and it was in behalf + of the people and parliament, in the lawful pursuit of that + reform in the representation, which is the best service to be + rendered both to parliament and people, that he encountered the + wanton outrage which forms the subject-matter of his petition to + your Lordships. It is couched in firm, yet respectful + language—in the language of a man, not regardless of what + is due to himself, but at the same time, I trust, equally mindful + of the deference to be paid to this House. The petitioner states, + amongst other matter of equal, if not greater importance, to all + who are British in their feelings, as well as blood and birth, + that on the 21st January, 1813, at Huddersfield, himself and six + other persons, who, on hearing of his arrival, had waited on him + merely as a testimony of respect, were seized by a military and + civil force, and kept in close custody for several hours, + subjected to gross and abusive insinuation from the commanding + officer, relative to the character of the petitioner; that he + (the petitioner) was finally carried before a magistrate, and not + released till an examination of his papers proved that + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg337" id="pg337">337</a></span> + there was not only no just, but not even statutable charge + against him; and that, notwithstanding the promise and order from + the presiding magistrates of a copy of the warrant against your + petitioner, it was afterwards withheld on divers pretexts, and + has never until this hour been granted. The names and condition + of the parties will be found in the petition. To the other topics + touched upon in the petition, I shall not now advert, from a wish + not to encroach upon the time of the House; but I do most + sincerely call the attention of your Lordships to its general + contents—it is in the cause of the parliament and people + that the rights of this venerable freeman have been violated, and + it is, in my opinion, the highest mark of respect that could be + paid to the House, that to your justice, rather than by appeal to + any inferior court, he now commits, himself. Whatever may be the + fate of his remonstrance, it is some satisfaction to me, though + mixed with regret for the occasion, that I have this opportunity + of publicly stating the obstruction to which the subject is + liable, in the prosecution of the most lawful and imperious of + his duties, the obtaining by petition reform in parliament. I + have shortly stated his complaint; the petitioner has more fully + expressed it. Your Lordships will, I hope, adopt some measure + fully to protect and redress him, and not him alone, but the + whole body of the people, insulted and aggrieved in his person, + by the interposition of an abused civil, and unlawful military + force between them and their right of petition to their own + representatives. + </p> + <p> + His Lordship then presented the petition from Major Cartwright, + which was read, complaining of the circumstances at Huddersfield, + and of interruptions given to the right of petitioning in several + places in the northern parts of the kingdom, and which his + Lordship moved should be laid on the table. + </p> + <p> + Several lords having spoken on the question, + </p> + <p> + Lord Byron replied, that he had, from motives of duty, presented + this petition to their Lordships' consideration. <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg338" id="pg338">338</a></span> The noble + Earl had contended, that it was not a petition, but a speech; and + that, as it contained no prayer, it should not be received. What + was the necessity of a prayer? If that word were to be used in + its proper sense, their Lordships could not expect that any man + should pray to others. He had only to say, that the petition, + though in some parts expressed strongly perhaps, did not contain + any improper mode of address, but was couched in respectful + language towards their Lordships; he should therefore trust their + Lordships would allow the petition to be received. <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg339" id="pg339">339</a></span> + </p> + <hr /> + <h2> + A FRAGMENT.<span class="fnref">[1]</span> + </h2> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: During a week of rain at Diodati, in the summer of + 1816, the party having amused themselves with reading German + ghost stories, they agreed at last to write something in + imitation of them. "You and I," said Lord Byron to Mrs. + Shelley, "will publish ours together." He then began his tale + of the Vampire; and, having the whole arranged in his head, + repeated to them a sketch of the story one evening;—but, + from the narrative being in prose, made but little progress in + filling up his outline. The most memorable result, indeed, of + their storytelling compact, was Mrs. Shelley's wild and + powerful romance of Frankenstein.—MOORE. + </p> + <p> + "I began it," says Lord Byron, "in an old account book of Miss + Milbanke's, which I kept because it contains the word + 'Household,' written by her twice on the inside blank page of + the covers; being the only two scraps I have in the world in + her writing, except her name to the Deed of Separation."] + </p> + </div> + <p class="quotdate"> + <i>June</i> 17. 1816. + </p> + <p> + In the year 17—, having for some time determined on a + journey through countries not hitherto much frequented by + travellers, I set out, accompanied by a friend, whom I shall + designate by the name of Augustus Darvell. He was a few years my + elder, and a man of considerable fortune and ancient family; + advantages which an extensive capacity prevented him alike from + undervaluing or overrating. Some peculiar circumstances in his + private history had rendered him to me an object of attention, of + interest, and even of regard, which neither the reserve of his + manners, nor occasional indications of an inquietude at times + nearly approaching to alienation of mind, could extinguish. + </p> + <p> + I was yet young in life, which I had begun early; but my intimacy + with him was of a recent date: we had been educated at the same + schools and university; but his progress through these had + preceded mine, and he had been deeply initiated, into what is + called the world, <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg340" id= + "pg340">340</a></span> while I was yet in my noviciate. While + thus engaged, I heard much both of his past and present life; + and, although in these accounts there were many and + irreconcileable contradictions, I could still gather from the + whole that he was a being of no common order, and one who, + whatever pains he might take to avoid remark, would still be + remarkable. I had cultivated his acquaintance subsequently, and + endeavoured to obtain his friendship, but this last appeared to + be unattainable; whatever affections he might have possessed, + seemed now, some to have been extinguished, and others to be + concentred: that his feelings were acute, I had sufficient + opportunities of observing; for, although he could control, he + could not altogether disguise them: still he had a power of + giving to one passion the appearance of another, in such a manner + that it was difficult to define the nature of what was working + within him; and the expressions of his features would vary so + rapidly, though slightly, that it was useless to trace them to + their sources. It was evident that he was a prey to some cureless + disquiet; but whether it arose from ambition, love, remorse, + grief, from one or all of these, or merely from a morbid + temperament akin to disease, I could not discover: there were + circumstances alleged, which might have justified the application + to each of these causes; but, as I have before said, these were + so contradictory and contradicted, that none could be fixed upon + with accuracy. Where there is mystery, it is generally supposed + that there must also be evil: I know not how this may be, but in + him there certainly was the one, though I could not ascertain the + extent of the other—and felt loth, as far as regarded + himself, to believe in its existence. My advances were received + with sufficient coldness; but I was young, and not easily + discouraged, and at length succeeded in obtaining, to a certain + degree, that common-place intercourse and moderate confidence of + common and every-day concerns, created and cemented by similarity + of pursuit and frequency of meeting, <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg341" id="pg341">341</a></span> which is + called intimacy, or friendship, according to the ideas of him who + uses those words to express them. + </p> + <p> + Darvell had already travelled extensively; and to him I had + applied for information with regard to the conduct of my intended + journey. It was my secret wish that he might be prevailed on to + accompany me; it was also a probable hope, founded upon the + shadowy restlessness which I observed in him, and to which the + animation which he appeared to feel on such subjects, and his + apparent indifference to all by which he was more immediately + surrounded, gave fresh strength. This wish I first hinted, and + then expressed: his answer, though I had partly expected it, gave + me all the pleasure of surprise—he consented; and, after + the requisite arrangement, we commenced our voyages. After + journeying through various countries of the south of Europe, our + attention was turned towards the East, according to our original + destination; and it was in my progress through those regions that + the incident occurred upon which will turn what I may have to + relate. + </p> + <p> + The constitution of Darvell, which must from his appearance have + been in early life more than usually robust, had been for some + time gradually giving way, without the intervention of any + apparent disease: he had neither cough nor hectic, yet he became + daily more enfeebled: his habits were temperate, and he neither + declined nor complained of fatigue; yet he was evidently wasting + away: he became more and more silent and sleepless, and at length + so seriously altered, that my alarm grew proportionate to what I + conceived to be his danger. + </p> + <p> + We had determined, on our arrival at Smyrna, on an excursion to + the ruins of Ephesus and Sardis, from which I endeavoured to + dissuade him in his present state of indisposition—but in + vain: there appeared to be an oppression on his mind, and a + solemnity in his manner, which ill corresponded with his + eagerness to <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg342" id= + "pg342">342</a></span> proceed on what I regarded as a mere party + of pleasure, little suited to a valetudinarian; but I opposed him + no longer—and in a few days we set off together, + accompanied only by a serrugee and a single janizary. + </p> + <p> + We had passed halfway towards the remains of Ephesus, leaving + behind us the more fertile environs of Smyrna, and were entering + upon that wild and tenantless track through the marshes and + defiles which lead to the few huts yet lingering over the broken + columns of Diana—the roofless walls of expelled + Christianity, and the still more recent but complete desolation + of abandoned mosques—when the sudden and rapid illness of + my companion obliged us to halt at a Turkish cemetery, the + turbaned tombstones of which were the sole indication that human + life had ever been a sojourner in this wilderness. The only + caravansera we had seen was left some hours behind us, not a + vestige of a town or even cottage was within sight or hope, and + this "city of the dead" appeared to be the sole refuge for my + unfortunate friend, who seemed on the verge of becoming the last + of its inhabitants. + </p> + <p> + In this situation, I looked round for a place where he might most + conveniently repose:—contrary to the usual aspect of + Mahometan burial-grounds, the cypresses were in this few in + number, and these thinly scattered over its extent: the + tombstones were mostly fallen, and worn with age:—upon one + of the most considerable of these, and beneath one of the most + spreading trees, Darvell supported himself, in a half-reclining + posture, with great difficulty. He asked for water. I had some + doubts of our being able to find any, and prepared to go in + search of it with hesitating despondency: but he desired me to + remain; and turning to Suleiman, our janizary, who stood by us + smoking with great tranquillity, he said, "Suleiman, verbana su," + (<i>i.e.</i> bring some water,) and went on describing the spot + where it was to be found with great minuteness, at a small well + for camels, a few hundred yards to the right: the janizary + obeyed. I <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg343" id= + "pg343">343</a></span> said to Darvell, "How did you know + this?"—He replied, "From our situation; you must perceive + that this place was once inhabited, and could not have been so + without springs: I have also been here before." + </p> + <p> + "You have been here before!—How came you never to mention + this to me? and what could you be doing in a place where no one + would remain a moment longer than they could help it?" + </p> + <p> + To this question I received no answer. In the mean time Suleiman + returned with the water, leaving the serrugee and the horses at + the fountain. The quenching of his thirst had the appearance of + reviving him for a moment; and I conceived hopes of his being + able to proceed, or at least to return, and I urged the attempt. + He was silent—and appeared to be collecting his spirits for + an effort to speak. He began. + </p> + <p> + "This is the end of my journey, and of my life;—I came here + to die: but I have a request to make, a command—for such my + last words must be.—You will observe it?" + </p> + <p> + "Most certainly; but have better hopes." + </p> + <p> + "I have no hopes, nor wishes, but this—conceal my death + from every human being." + </p> + <p> + "I hope there will be no occasion; that you will recover, + and——" + </p> + <p> + "Peace!—it must be so: promise this." + </p> + <p> + "I do." + </p> + <p> + "Swear it, by all that"——He here dictated an oath of + great solemnity. + </p> + <p> + "There is no occasion for this—I will observe your request; + and to doubt me is——" + </p> + <p> + "It cannot be helped,—you must swear." + </p> + <p> + I took the oath: it appeared to relieve him. He removed a seal + ring from his finger, on which were some Arabic characters, and + presented it to me. He proceeded— + </p> + <p> + "On the ninth day of the month, at noon precisely (what month you + please, but this must be the day), you <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg344" id="pg344">344</a></span> must fling + this ring into the salt springs which run into the Bay of + Eleusis: the day after, at the same hour, you must repair to the + ruins of the temple of Ceres, and wait one hour." + </p> + <p> + "Why?" + </p> + <p> + "You will see." + </p> + <p> + "The ninth day of the month, you say?" + </p> + <p> + "The ninth." + </p> + <p> + As I observed that the present was the ninth day of the month; + his countenance changed, and he paused. As he sat, evidently + becoming more feeble, a stork, with a snake in her beak, perched + upon a tombstone near us; and, without devouring her prey, + appeared to be steadfastly regarding us. I know not what impelled + me to drive it away, but the attempt was useless; she made a few + circles in the air, and returned exactly to the same spot. + Darvell pointed to it, and smiled: he spoke—I know not + whether to himself or to me—but the words were only, "'Tis + well!" + </p> + <p> + "What is well? what do you mean?" + </p> + <p> + "No matter: you must bury me here this evening, and exactly where + that bird is now perched. You know the rest of my injunctions." + </p> + <p> + He then proceeded to give me several directions as to the manner + in which his death might be best concealed. After these were + finished, he exclaimed, "You perceive that bird?" + </p> + <p> + "Certainly." + </p> + <p> + "And the serpent writhing in her beak?" + </p> + <p> + "Doubtless: there is nothing uncommon in it; it is her natural + prey. But it is odd that she does not devour it." + </p> + <p> + He smiled in a ghastly manner, and said, faintly, "It is not yet + time!" As he spoke, the stork flew away. My eyes followed it for + a moment—it could hardly be longer than ten might be + counted. I felt Darvell's weight, as it were, increase upon my + shoulder, <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg345" id= + "pg345">345</a></span> and, turning to look upon his face, + perceived that he was dead! + </p> + <p> + I was shocked with the sudden certainty which could not be + mistaken—his countenance in a few minutes became nearly + black. I should have attributed so rapid a change to poison, had + I not been aware that he had no opportunity of receiving it + unperceived. The day was declining, the body was rapidly + altering, and nothing remained but to fulfil his request. With + the aid of Suleiman's ataghan and my own sabre, we scooped a + shallow grave upon the spot which Darvell had indicated: the + earth easily gave way, having already received some Mahometan + tenant. We dug as deeply as the time permitted us, and throwing + the dry earth upon all that remained of the singular being so + lately departed, we cut a few sods of greener turf from the less + withered soil around us, and laid them upon his sepulchre. + </p> + <p> + Between astonishment and grief, I was tearless. + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg346" id="pg346">346</a></span> + </p> + <hr /> + <h2> + LETTER + <br /> + TO JOHN MURRAY, ESQ. + <br /> + ON + <br /> + THE REV. W.L. BOWLES'S STRICTURES + <br /> + ON THE + <br /> + LIFE AND WRITINGS OF POPE. + </h2> + <hr /> + <blockquote> + <p> + "I'll play at <i>Bowls</i> with the sun and moon."—OLD + SONG. + </p> + <p> + "My mither's auld, Sir, and she has rather forgotten hersel in + speaking to my Leddy, that canna weel bide to be contradickit, + (as I ken nobody likes it, if they could help themsels.)" + </p> + <p> + TALES OF MY LANDLORD, <i>Old Mortality</i>, vol. ii. p. 163. + </p> + </blockquote> + <hr /> + <p> + Ravenna, February 7. 1821. + </p> + <p> + Dear Sir, + </p> + <p> + In the different pamphlets which you have had the goodness to + send me, on the Pope and Bowles' controversy, I perceive that my + name is occasionally introduced by both parties. Mr. Bowles + refers more than once to what he is pleased to consider "a + remarkable circumstance," not only in his letter to Mr. Campbell, + but in his reply to the Quarterly. The Quarterly also and Mr. + Gilchrist have conferred on me the dangerous honour of a + quotation; and Mr. Bowles indirectly makes a kind of appeal to me + personally, by saying, "Lord Byron, <i>if he remembers</i> the + circumstance, will <i>witness</i>"—<i>(witness</i> IN + ITALICS, an ominous character for a testimony at present). + </p> + <p> + I shall not avail myself of a "non mi ricordo," even after so + long a residence in Italy;—I <i>do</i> "remember the + circumstance,"—and have no reluctance to relate it (since + called upon so to do), as correctly as the distance of time and + the impression of intervening events will permit me. In the year + 1812, more than three <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg347" id= + "pg347">347</a></span> years after the publication of "English + Bards and Scotch Reviewers," I had the honour of meeting Mr. + Bowles in the house of our venerable host of "Human Life," + &c. the last Argonaut of classic English poetry, and the + Nestor of our inferior race of living poets. Mr. Bowles calls + this "soon after" the publication; but to me three years appear a + considerable segment of the immortality of a modern poem. I + recollect nothing of "the rest of the company going into another + room,"—nor, though I well remember the topography of our + host's elegant and classically furnished mansion, could I swear + to the very room where the conversation occurred, though the + "taking <i>down</i> the poem" seems to fix it in the library. Had + it been "taken <i>up</i>" it would probably have been in the + drawing-room. I presume also that the "remarkable circumstance" + took place <i>after</i> dinner; as I conceive that neither Mr. + Bowles's politeness nor appetite would have allowed him to detain + "the rest of the company" standing round their chairs in the + "other room," while we were discussing "the Woods of Madeira," + instead of circulating its vintage. Of Mr. Bowles's "good humour" + I have a full and not ungrateful recollection; as also of his + gentlemanly manners and agreeable conversation. I speak of the + <i>whole</i>, and not of particulars; for whether he did or did + not use the precise words printed in the pamphlet, I cannot say, + nor could he with accuracy. Of "the tone of seriousness" I + certainly recollect nothing: on the contrary, I thought Mr. + Bowles rather disposed to treat the subject lightly: for he said + (I have no objection to be contradicted if incorrect), that some + of his good-natured friends had come to him and exclaimed, "Eh! + Bowles! how came you to make the Woods of Madeira?" &c. + &c. and that he had been at some pains and pulling down of + the poem to convince them that he had never made "the Woods" do + any thing of the kind. He was right, and <i>I was wrong,</i> and + have been wrong still up to this acknowledgment; for I ought to + have looked twice before I wrote <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg348" id="pg348">348</a></span> that which involved an + inaccuracy capable of giving pain. The fact was, that, although I + had certainly before read "the Spirit of Discovery," I took the + quotation from the review. But the mistake was mine, and not the + <i>review's,</i> which quoted the passage correctly enough, I + believe. I blundered—God knows how—into attributing + the tremors of the lovers to "the Woods of Madeira," by which + they were surrounded. And I hereby do fully and freely declare + and asseverate, that the Woods did <i>not</i> tremble to a kiss, + and that the lovers did. I quote from memory— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + ———"A kiss + </p> + <p> + Stole on the listening silence, &c. &c. + </p> + <p> + They [the lovers] trembled, even as if the power," &c. + </p> + </div> + <p> + And if I had been aware that this declaration would have been in + the smallest degree satisfactory to Mr. Bowles, I should not have + waited nine years to make it, notwithstanding that "English Bards + and Scotch Reviewers" had been suppressed some time previously to + my meeting him at Mr. Rogers's. Our worthy host might indeed have + told him as much, as it was at his representation that I + suppressed it. A new edition of that lampoon was preparing for + the press, when Mr. Rogers represented to me, that "I was + <i>now</i> acquainted with many of the persons mentioned in it, + and with some on terms of intimacy;" and that he knew "one family + in particular to whom its suppression would give pleasure." I did + not hesitate one moment, it was cancelled instantly; and it is no + fault of mine that it has ever been republished. When I left + England, in April, 1816, with no very violent intentions of + troubling that country again, and amidst scenes of various kinds + to distract my attention,—almost my last act, I believe, + was to sign a power of attorney, to yourself, to prevent or + suppress any attempts (of which several had been made in Ireland) + at a republication. It is proper that I should state, that the + persons with whom I was subsequently <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg349" id="pg349">349</a></span> acquainted, + whose names had occurred in that publication, were made my + acquaintances at their own desire, or through the unsought + intervention of others. I never, to the best of my knowledge, + sought a personal introduction to any. Some of them to this day I + know only by correspondence; and with one of those it was begun + by myself, in consequence, however, of a polite verbal + communication from a third person. + </p> + <p> + I have dwelt for an instant on these circumstances, because it + has sometimes been made a subject of bitter reproach to me to + have endeavoured to <i>suppress</i> that satire. I never shrunk, + as those who know me know, from any personal consequences which + could be attached to its publication. Of its subsequent + suppression, as I possessed the copyright, I was the best judge + and the sole master. The circumstances which occasioned the + suppression I have now stated; of the motives, each must judge + according to his candour or malignity. Mr. Bowles does me the + honour to talk of "noble mind," and "generous magnanimity;" and + all this because "the circumstance would have been explained had + not the book been suppressed." I see no "nobility of mind" in an + act of simple justice; and I hate the word "<i>magnanimity,"</i> + because I have sometimes seen it applied to the grossest of + impostors by the greatest of fools; but I would have "explained + the circumstance," notwithstanding "the suppression of the book," + if Mr. Bowles had expressed any desire that I should. As the + "gallant Galbraith" says to "Baillie Jarvie," "Well, the devil + take the mistake, and all that occasioned it." I have had as + great and greater mistakes made about me personally and + poetically, once a month for these last ten years, and never + cared very much about correcting one or the other, at least after + the first eight and forty hours had gone over them. + </p> + <p> + I must now, however, say a word or two about Pope, of whom you + have my opinion more at large in the unpublished letter <i>on</i> + or <i>to</i> (for I forget which) the <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg350" id="pg350">350</a></span> editor of + "Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine;"—and here I doubt that Mr. + Bowles will not approve of my sentiments. + </p> + <p> + Although I regret having published "English Bards and Scotch + Reviewers," the part which I regret the least is that which + regards Mr. Bowles with reference to Pope. Whilst I was writing + that publication, in 1807 and 1808, Mr. Hobhouse was desirous + that I should express our mutual opinion of Pope, and of Mr. + Bowles's edition of his works. As I had completed my outline, and + felt lazy, I requested that <i>he</i> would do so. He did it. His + fourteen lines on Bowles's Pope are in the first edition of + "English Bards and Scotch Reviewers;" and are quite as severe and + much more poetical than my own in the second. On reprinting the + work, as I put my name to it, I omitted Mr. Hobhouse's lines, and + replaced them with my own, by which the work gained less than Mr. + Bowles. I have stated this in the preface to the second edition. + It is many years since I have read that poem; but the Quarterly + Review, Mr. Octavius Gilchrist, and Mr. Bowles himself, have been + so obliging as to refresh my memory, and that of the public. I am + grieved to say, that in reading over those lines, I repent of + their having so far fallen short of what I meant to express upon + the subject of Bowles's edition of Pope's Works. Mr. Bowles says, + that "Lord Byron <i>knows</i> he does <i>not</i> deserve this + character." I know no such thing. I have met Mr. Bowles + occasionally, in the best society in London; he appeared to me an + amiable, well-informed, and extremely able man. I desire nothing + better than to dine in company with such a mannered man every day + in the week: but of "his character" I know nothing personally; I + can only speak to his manners, and these have my warmest + approbation. But I never judge from manners, for I once had my + pocket picked by the civilest gentleman I ever met with; and one + of the mildest persons I ever saw was All Pacha. Of Mr. Bowles's + "<i>character</i>" I will <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg351" + id="pg351">351</a></span> not do him the <i>injustice</i> to + judge from the edition of Pope, if he prepared it heedlessly; nor + the <i>justice,</i> should it be otherwise, because I would + neither become a literary executioner nor a personal one. Mr. + Bowles the individual, and Mr. Bowles the editor, appear the two + most opposite things imaginable. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "And he himself one—antithesis." + </p> + </div> + <p> + I won't say "vile," because it is harsh; nor "mistaken," because + it has two syllables too many: but every one must fill up the + blank as he pleases. + </p> + <p> + What I saw of Mr. Bowles increased my surprise and regret that he + should ever have lent his talents to such a task. If he had been + a fool, there would have been some excuse for him; if he had been + a needy or a bad man, his conduct would have been intelligible: + but he is the opposite of all these; and thinking and feeling as + I do of Pope, to me the whole thing is unaccountable. However, I + must call things by their right names. I cannot call his edition + of Pope a "candid" work; and I still think that there is an + affectation of that quality not only in those volumes, but in the + pamphlets lately published. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "Why <i>yet</i> he doth <i>deny</i> his prisoners." + </p> + </div> + <p> + Mr. Bowles says, that "he has seen passages in his letters to + Martha Blount which were never published by me, and I <i>hope + never will</i> be by others; which are so <i>gross</i> as to + imply the <i>grossest</i> licentiousness." Is this fair play? It + may, or it may not be that such passages exist; and that Pope, + who was not a monk, although a Catholic, may have occasionally + sinned in word and deed with woman in his youth: but is this a + sufficient ground for such a sweeping denunciation? Where is the + unmarried Englishman of a certain rank of life, who (provided he + has not taken orders) has not to reproach himself between the + ages of sixteen and thirty with far more licentiousness than has + ever yet been traced to Pope? Pope lived in the public eye from + his youth <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg352" id= + "pg352">352</a></span> upwards; he had all the dunces of his own + time for his enemies, and, I am sorry to say, some, who have not + the apology of dulness for detraction, since his death; and yet + to what do all their accumulated hints and charges + amount?—to an equivocal <i>liaison</i> with Martha Blount, + which might arise as much from his infirmities as from his + passions; to a hopeless flirtation with Lady Mary W. Montagu; to + a story of Cibber's; and to two or three coarse passages in his + works. <i>Who</i> could come forth clearer from an invidious + inquest on a life of fifty-six years? Why are we to be + officiously reminded of such passages in his letters, provided + that they exist. Is Mr. Bowles aware to what such rummaging among + "letters" and "stories" might lead? I have myself seen a + collection of letters of another eminent, nay, pre-eminent, + deceased poet, so abominably gross, and elaborately coarse, that + I do not believe that they could be paralleled in our language. + What is more strange, is, that some of these are couched as + <i>postscripts</i> to his serious and sentimental letters, to + which are tacked either a piece of prose, or some verses, of the + most hyperbolical indecency. He himself says, that if "obscenity + (using a much coarser word) be the sin against the Holy Ghost, he + most certainly cannot be saved." These letters are in existence, + and have been seen by many besides myself; but would his + <i>editor</i> have been "<i>candid</i>" in even alluding to them? + Nothing would have even provoked <i>me</i>, an indifferent + spectator, to allude to them, but this further attempt at the + depreciation of Pope. + </p> + <p> + What should we say to an editor of Addison, who cited the + following passage from Walpole's letters to George Montagu? "Dr. + Young has published a new book, &c. Mr. Addison sent for the + young Earl of Warwick, as he was dying, to show him in what peace + a Christian could die; unluckily he died of <i>brandy:</i> + nothing makes a Christian die in peace like being maudlin! but + don't say this in Gath where you are." Suppose the editor + introduced it with this preface: "One <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg353" id="pg353">353</a></span> circumstance + is mentioned by Horace Walpole, which, if true, was indeed + <i>flagitious</i>. Walpole informs Montagu that Addison sent for + the young Earl of Warwick, when dying, to show him in what peace + a Christian could die; but unluckily he died drunk," &c. + &c. Now, although there might occur on the subsequent, or on + the same page, a faint show of disbelief, seasoned with the + expression of "the <i>same candour</i>" (the <i>same</i> exactly + as throughout the book), I should say that this editor was either + foolish or false to his trust; such a story ought not to have + been admitted, except for one brief mark of crushing indignation, + unless it were <i>completely proved.</i> Why the words "<i>if + true</i>?" that "<i>if"</i> is not a peacemaker. Why talk of + "Cibber's testimony" to his licentiousness? to what does this + amount? that Pope when very young was <i>once</i> decoyed by some + noblemen and the player to a house of carnal recreation. Mr. + Bowles was not always a clergyman; and when he was a very young + man, was he never seduced into as much? If I were in the humour + for story-telling, and relating little anecdotes, I could tell a + much better story of Mr. Bowles than Cibber's, upon much better + authority, viz. that of Mr. Bowles himself. It was not related by + <i>him</i> in my presence, but in that of a third person, whom + Mr. Bowles names oftener than once in the course of his replies. + This gentleman related it to me as a humorous and witty anecdote; + and so it was, whatever its other characteristics might be. But + should I, for a youthful frolic, brand Mr. Bowles with a + "libertine sort of love," or with "licentiousness?" is he the + less now a pious or a good man, for not having always been a + priest? No such thing; I am willing to believe him a good man, + almost as good a man as Pope, but no better. + </p> + <p> + The truth is, that in these days the grand "<i>primum mobile"</i> + of England is <i>cant;</i> cant political, cant poetical, cant + religious, cant moral; but always cant, multiplied through all + the varieties of life. It is the fashion, and while it lasts will + be too powerful for those who can <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg354" id="pg354">354</a></span> only exist by taking the tone + of the time. I say <i>cant,</i> because it is a thing of words, + without the smallest influence upon human actions; the English + being no wiser, no better, and much poorer, and more divided + amongst themselves, as well as far less moral, than they were + before the prevalence of this verbal decorum. This hysterical + horror of poor Pope's not very well ascertained, and never fully + proved amours (for even Cibber owns that he prevented the + somewhat perilous adventure in which Pope was embarking) sounds + very virtuous in a controversial pamphlet; but all men of the + world who know what life is, or at least what it was to them in + their youth, must laugh at such a ludicrous foundation of the + charge of "a libertine sort of love;" while the more serious will + look upon those who bring forward such charges upon an insulated + fact as fanatics or hypocrites, perhaps both. The two are + sometimes compounded in a happy mixture. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Octavius Gilchrist speaks rather irreverently of a "second + tumbler of <i>hot</i> white-wine negus." What does he mean? Is + there any harm in negus? or is it the worse for being <i>hot</i>? + or does Mr. Bowles drink negus? I had a better opinion of him. I + hoped that whatever wine he drank was neat; or, at least, that, + like the ordinary in Jonathan Wild, "he preferred <i>punch,</i> + the rather as there was nothing against it in Scripture." I + should be sorry to believe that Mr. Bowles was fond of negus; it + is such a "candid" liquor, so like a wishy-washy compromise + between the passion for wine and the propriety of water. But + different writers have divers tastes. Judge Blackstone composed + his "Commentaries" (he was a poet too in his youth) with a bottle + of port before him. Addison's conversation was not good for much + till he had taken a similar dose. Perhaps the prescription of + these two great men was not inferior to the very different one of + a soi-disant poet of this day, who, after wandering amongst the + hills, returns, goes to bed, and dictates his verses, being fed + by <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg355" id= + "pg355">355</a></span> a by-stander with bread and butter during + the operation. + </p> + <p> + I now come to Mr. Bowles's "invariable principles of poetry." + These Mr. Bowles and some of his correspondents pronounce + "unanswerable;" and they are "unanswered," at least by Campbell, + who seems to have been astounded by the title. The sultan of the + time being offered to ally himself to a king of France because + "he hated the word league;" which proves that the Padishan + understood French. Mr. Campbell has no need of my alliance, nor + shall I presume to offer it; but I do hate that word + "<i>invariable</i>." What is there of <i>human</i>, be it poetry, + philosophy, wit, wisdom, science, power, glory, mind, matter, + life, or death, which is "<i>invariable</i>?" Of course I put + things divine out of the question. Of all arrogant baptisms of a + book, this title to a pamphlet appears the most complacently + conceited. It is Mr. Campbell's part to answer the contents of + this performance, and especially to vindicate his own "Ship," + which Mr. Bowles most triumphantly proclaims to have struck to + his very first fire. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "Quoth he, there was a <i>Ship;</i> + </p> + <p> + Now let me go, thou grey-haired loon, + </p> + <p> + Or my staff shall make thee skip." + </p> + </div> + <p> + It is no affair of mine, but having once begun, (certainly not by + my own wish, but called upon by the frequent recurrence to my + name in the pamphlets,) I am like an Irishman in a "row," "any + body's customer." I shall therefore say a word or two on the + "Ship." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bowles asserts that Campbell's "Ship of the Line" derives all + its poetry, not from "<i>art</i>," but from "<i>nature</i>." + "Take away the waves, the winds, the sun, &c. &c. + <i>one</i> will become a stripe of blue bunting; and the other a + piece of coarse canvass on three tall poles." Very true; take + away the "waves," "the winds," and there will be no ship at all, + not only for poetical, but for any other purpose; and take away + "the sun," and we must <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg356" id= + "pg356">356</a></span> read Mr. Bowles's pamphlet by + candle-light. But the "poetry" of the "Ship" does <i>not</i> + depend on "the waves," &c.; on the contrary, the "Ship of the + Line" confers its own poetry upon the waters, and heightens + <i>theirs.</i> I do not deny, that the "waves and winds," and + above all "the sun," are highly poetical; we know it to our cost, + by the many descriptions of them in verse: but if the waves bore + only the foam upon their bosoms, if the winds wafted only the + sea-weed to the shore, if the sun shone neither upon pyramids, + nor fleets, nor fortresses, would its beams be equally poetical? + I think not: the poetry is at least reciprocal. Take away "the + Ship of the line" "swinging round" the "calm water," and the calm + water becomes a somewhat monotonous thing to look at, + particularly if not transparently <i>clear</i>; witness the + thousands who pass by without looking on it at all. What was it + attracted the thousands to the launch? they might have seen the + poetical "calm water" at Wapping, or in the "London Dock," or in + the Paddington Canal, or in a horse-pond, or in a slop-basin, or + in any other vase. They might have heard the poetical winds + howling through the chinks of a pigsty, or the garret window; + they might have seen the sun shining on a footman's livery, or on + a brass warming pan; but could the "calm water," or the "wind," + or the "sun," make all, or any of these "poetical?" I think not. + Mr. Bowles admits "the Ship" to be poetical, but only from those + accessaries: now if they <i>confer</i> poetry so as to make one + thing poetical, they would make other things poetical; the more + so, as Mr. Bowles calls a "ship of the line" without + them,—that is to say, its "masts and sails and + streamers,"—"blue bunting," and "coarse canvass," and "tall + poles." So they are; and porcelain is clay, and man is dust, and + flesh is grass, and yet the two latter at least are the subjects + of much poesy. + </p> + <p> + Did Mr. Bowles ever gaze upon the sea? I presume that he has, at + least upon a sea-piece. Did any painter ever paint the sea + <i>only</i>, without the addition of a ship, boat, wreck, or some + such adjunct? Is the sea <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg357" + id="pg357">357</a></span> itself a more attractive, a more moral, + a more poetical object, with or without a vessel, breaking its + vast but fatiguing monotony? Is a storm more poetical without a + ship? or, in the poem of the Shipwreck, is it the storm or the + ship which most interests? both <i>much</i> undoubtedly; but + without the vessel, what should we care for the tempest? It would + sink into mere descriptive poetry, which in itself was never + esteemed a high order of that art. + </p> + <p> + I look upon myself as entitled to talk of naval matters, at least + to poets:—with the exception of Walter Scott, Moore, and + Southey, perhaps, who have been voyagers, I have <i>swam</i> more + miles than all the rest of them together now living ever + <i>sailed</i>, and have lived for months and months on shipboard; + and, during the whole period of my life abroad, have scarcely + ever passed a month out of sight of the ocean: besides being + brought up from two years till ten on the brink of it. I + recollect, when anchored off Cape Sigeum in 1810, in an English + frigate, a violent squall coming on at sunset, so violent as to + make us imagine that the ship would part cable, or drive from her + anchorage. Mr. Hobhouse and myself, and some officers, had been + up the Dardanelles to Abydos, and were just returned in time. The + aspect of a storm in the Archipelago is as poetical as need be, + the sea being particularly short, dashing, and dangerous, and the + navigation intricate and broken by the isles and currents. Cape + Sigeum, the tumuli of the Troad, Lemnos, Tenedos, all added to + the associations of the time. But what seemed the most + "<i>poetical</i>" of all at the moment, were the numbers (about + two hundred) of Greek and Turkish craft, which were obliged to + "cut and run" before the wind, from their unsafe anchorage, some + for Tenedos, some for other isles, some for the main, and some it + might be for eternity. The sight of these little scudding + vessels, darting over the foam in the twilight, now appearing and + now disappearing between the waves in the cloud of night, with + their peculiarly <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg358" id= + "pg358">358</a></span> <i>white</i> sails, (the Levant sails not + being of "<i>coarse canvass</i>," but of white cotton,) skimming + along as quickly, but less safely than the sea-mews which hovered + over them; their evident distress, their reduction to fluttering + specks in the distance, their crowded succession, their + <i>littleness</i>, as contending with the giant element, which + made our stout forty-four's <i>teak</i> timbers (she was built in + India) creak again; their aspect and their motion, all struck me + as something far more "poetical" than the mere broad, brawling, + shipless sea, and the sullen winds, could possibly have been + without them. + </p> + <p> + The Euxine is a noble sea to look upon, and the port of + Constantinople the most beautiful of harbours, and yet I cannot + but think that the twenty sail of the line, some of one hundred + and forty guns, rendered it more "poetical" by day in the sun, + and by night perhaps still more, for the Turks illuminate their + vessels of war in a manner the most picturesque, and yet all this + is <i>artificial</i>. As for the Euxine, I stood upon the + Symplegades—I stood by the broken altar still exposed to + the winds upon one of them—I felt all the "<i>poetry</i>" + of the situation, as I repeated the first lines of Medea; but + would not that "poetry" have been heightened by the <i>Argo</i>? + It was so even by the appearance of any merchant vessel arriving + from Odessa. But Mr. Bowles says, "Why bring your ship off the + stocks?" for no reason that I know, except that ships are built + to be launched. The water, &c. undoubtedly HEIGHTENS the + poetical associations, but it does not <i>make</i> them; and the + ship amply repays the obligation: they aid each other; the water + is more poetical with the ship—the ship less so without the + water. But even a ship laid up in dock, is a grand and a poetical + sight. Even an old boat, keel upwards, wrecked upon the barren + sand, is a "poetical" object, (and Wordsworth, who made a poem + about a washing tub and a blind boy, may tell you so as well as + I,) whilst a long extent of sand and unbroken water, <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg359" id="pg359">359</a></span> without the + boat, would be as like dull prose as any pamphlet lately + published. + </p> + <p> + What makes the poetry in the image of the "<i>marble waste of + Tadmor</i>," or Grainger's "Ode to Solitude," so much admired by + Johnson? Is it the "<i>marble</i>" or the "<i>waste,</i>" the + <i>artificial</i> or the <i>natural</i> object? The "waste" is + like all other <i>wastes</i>; but the "<i>marble</i>" of Palmyra + makes the poetry of the passage as of the place. + </p> + <p> + The beautiful but barren Hymettus, the whole coast of Attica, her + hills and mountains, Pentelicus, Anchesmus, Philopappus, &c. + &c. are in themselves poetical, and would be so if the name + of Athens, of Athenians, and her very ruins, were swept from the + earth. But am I to be told that the "nature" of Attica would be + <i>more</i> poetical without the "art" of the Acropolis? of the + Temple of Theseus? and of the still all Greek and glorious + monuments of her exquisitely artificial genius? Ask the traveller + what strikes him as most poetical, the Parthenon, or the rock on + which it stands? The COLUMNS of Cape Colonna, or the Cape itself? + The rocks at the foot of it, or the recollection that Falconer's + <i>ship</i> was bulged upon them? There are a thousand rocks and + capes far more picturesque than those of the Acropolis and Cape + Sunium in themselves; what are they to a thousand scenes in the + wilder parts of Greece, of Asia Minor, Switzerland, or even of + Cintra in Portugal, or to many scenes of Italy, and the Sierras + of Spain? But it is the "<i>art</i>," the columns, the temples, + the wrecked vessel, which give them their antique and their + modern poetry, and not the spots themselves. Without them, the + <i>spots</i> of earth would be unnoticed and unknown; buried, + like Babylon and Nineveh, in indistinct confusion, without + poetry, as without existence; but to whatever spot of earth these + ruins were transported, if they were <i>capable</i> of + transportation, like the obelisk, and the sphinx, and the + Memnon's head, <i>there</i> they would still exist in the + perfection of their beauty, and in the <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg360" id="pg360">360</a></span> pride of + their poetry. I opposed, and will ever oppose, the robbery of + ruins from Athens, to instruct the English in sculpture; but why + did I do so? The <i>ruins</i> are as poetical in Piccadilly as + they were in the Parthenon; but the Parthenon and its rock are + less so without them. Such is the poetry of art. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bowles contends again that the pyramids of Egypt are + poetical, because of "the association with boundless deserts," + and that a "pyramid of the same dimensions" would not be sublime + in "Lincoln's Inn Fields:" not <i>so</i> poetical certainly; but + take away the "pyramids," and what is the "<i>desert?"</i> Take + away Stone-henge from Salisbury plain, and it is nothing more + than Hounslow heath, or any other unenclosed down. It appears to + me that St. Peter's, the Coliseum, the Pantheon, the Palatine, + the Apollo, the Laocoon, the Venus di Medicis, the Hercules, the + dying Gladiator, the Moses of Michael Angelo, and all the higher + works of Canova, (I have already spoken of those of ancient + Greece, still extant in that country, or transported to England,) + are as <i>poetical</i> as Mont Blanc or Mount Ætna, perhaps still + more so, as they are direct manifestations of mind, and + <i>presuppose</i> poetry in their very conception; and have, + moreover, as being such, a something of actual life, which cannot + belong to any part of inanimate nature, unless we adopt the + system of Spinosa, that the world is the Deity. There can be + nothing more poetical in its aspect than the city of Venice: does + this depend upon the sea, or the canals?— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "The dirt and sea-weed whence proud Venice rose?" + </p> + </div> + <p> + Is it the canal which runs between the palace and the prison, or + the "Bridge of Sighs," which connects them, that render it + poetical? Is it the "Canal Grande," or the Rialto which arches + it, the churches which tower over it, the palaces which line, and + the gondolas which glide over the waters, that render this city + more poetical than Rome itself? Mr. Bowles will say, perhaps, + that the <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg361" id= + "pg361">361</a></span> Rialto is but marble, the palaces and + churches only stone, and the gondolas a "coarse" black cloth, + thrown over some planks of carved wood, with a shining bit of + fantastically formed iron at the prow, "<i>without</i>" the + water. And I tell him that without these, the water would be + nothing but a clay-coloured ditch; and whoever says the contrary, + deserves to be at the bottom of that, where Pope's heroes are + embraced by the mud nymphs. There would be nothing to make the + canal of Venice more poetical than that of Paddington, were it + not for the artificial adjuncts above mentioned; although it is a + perfectly natural canal, formed by the sea, and the innumerable + islands which constitute the site of this extraordinary city. + </p> + <p> + The very Cloaca of Tarquin at Rome are as poetical as Richmond + Hill; many will think more so: take away Rome, and leave the + Tibur and the seven hills, in the nature of Evander's time. Let + Mr. Bowles, or Mr. Wordsworth, or Mr. Southey, or any of the + other "naturals," make a poem upon them, and then see which is + most poetical, their production, or the commonest guide-book, + which tells you the road from St. Peter's to the Coliseum, and + informs you what you will see by the way. The ground interests in + Virgil, because it <i>will</i> be <i>Rome</i>, and not because it + is Evander's rural domain. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bowles then proceeds to press Homer into his service, in + answer to a remark of Mr. Campbell's, that "Homer was a great + describer of works of art." Mr. Bowles contends, that all his + great power, even in this, depends upon their connection with + nature. The "shield of Achilles derives its poetical interest + from the subjects described on it." And from what does the + <i>spear</i> of Achilles derive its interest? and the helmet and + the mail worn by Patroclus, and the celestial armour, and the + very brazen greaves of the well-booted Greeks? Is it solely from + the legs, and the back, and the breast, and the human body, which + they enclose? In that case, it would have been more poetical to + have made them fight <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg362" id= + "pg362">362</a></span> naked; and Gulley and Gregson, as being + nearer to a state of nature, are more poetical boxing in a pair + of drawers than Hector and Achilles in radiant armour, and with + heroic weapons. + </p> + <p> + Instead of the clash of helmets, and the rushing of chariots, and + the whizzing of spears, and the glancing of swords, and the + cleaving of shields, and the piercing of breast-plates, why not + represent the Greeks and Trojans like two savage tribes, tugging + and tearing, and kicking and biting, and gnashing, foaming, + grinning, and gouging, in all the poetry of martial nature, + unencumbered with gross, prosaic, artificial arms; an equal + superfluity to the natural warrior, and his natural poet. Is + there any thing unpoetical in Ulysses striking the horses of + Rhesus with <i>his bow</i> (having forgotten his thong), or would + Mr. Bowles have had him kick them with his foot, or smack them + with his hand, as being more unsophisticated? + </p> + <p> + In Gray's Elegy, is there an image more striking than his + "shapeless sculpture?" Of sculpture in general, it may be + observed, that it is more poetical than nature itself, inasmuch + as it represents and bodies forth that ideal beauty and sublimity + which is never to be found in actual nature. This at least is the + general opinion. But, always excepting the Venus di Medicis, I + differ from that opinion, at least as far as regards female + beauty; for the head of Lady Charlemont (when I first saw her + nine years ago) seemed to possess all that sculpture could + require for its ideal. I recollect seeing something of the same + kind in the head of an Albanian girl, who was actually employed + in mending a road in the mountains, and in some Greek, and one or + two Italian, faces. But of <i>sublimity</i>, I have never seen + any thing in human nature at all to approach the expression of + sculpture, either in the Apollo, the Moses, or other of the + sterner works of ancient or modern art. + </p> + <p> + Let us examine a little further this "babble of green fields" and + of bare nature in general as superior <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg363" id="pg363">363</a></span> to artificial + imagery, for the poetical purposes of the fine arts. In landscape + painting, the great artist does not give you a literal copy of a + country, but he invents and composes one. Nature, in her actual + aspect, does not furnish him with such existing scenes as he + requires. Even where he presents you with some famous city, or + celebrated scene from mountain or other nature, it must be taken + from some particular point of view, and with such light, and + shade, and distance, &c. as serve not only to heighten its + beauties, but to shadow its deformities. The poetry of nature + alone, <i>exactly</i> as she appears, is not sufficient to bear + him out. The very sky of his painting is not the <i>portrait</i> + of the sky of nature; it is a composition of different + <i>skies</i>, observed at different times, and not the whole + copied from any <i>particular</i> day. And why? Because nature is + not lavish of her beauties; they are widely scattered, and + occasionally displayed, to be selected with care, and gathered + with difficulty. + </p> + <p> + Of sculpture I have just spoken. It is the great scope of the + sculptor to heighten nature into heroic beauty, <i>i.e.</i> in + plain English, to surpass his model. When Canova forms a statue, + he takes a limb from one, a hand from another, a feature from a + third, and a shape, it may be, from a fourth, probably at the + same time improving upon all, as the Greek of old did in + embodying his Venus. + </p> + <p> + Ask a portrait painter to describe his agonies in accommodating + the faces with which nature and his sitters have crowded his + painting-room to the principles of his art: with the exception of + perhaps ten faces in as many millions, there is not one which he + can venture to give without shading much and adding more. Nature, + exactly, simply, barely nature, will make no great artist of any + kind, and least of all a poet—the most artificial, perhaps, + of all artists in his very essence. With regard to natural + imagery, the poets are obliged to take some of their best + illustrations from <i>art</i>. You say that a <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg364" id="pg364">364</a></span> "fountain is + as clear or clearer than <i>glass</i>" to express its + beauty:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "O fons Bandusiæ, splendidior vitro!" + </p> + </div> + <p> + In the speech of Mark Antony, the body of Cæsar is displayed, but + so also is his <i>mantle</i>:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "You all do know this <i>mantle</i>," &c. + </p> + </div> + <hr /> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "Look! in this place ran Cassius' <i>dagger</i> through." + </p> + </div> + <p> + If the poet had said that Cassius had run his <i>fist</i> through + the rent of the mantle, it would have had more of Mr. Bowles's + "nature" to help it; but the artificial <i>dagger</i> is more + poetical than any natural <i>hand</i> without it. In the sublime + of sacred poetry, "Who is this that cometh from Edom? with + <i>dyed garments</i> from Bozrah?" Would "the comer" be poetical + without his "<i>dyed garments?</i>" which strike and startle the + spectator, and identify the approaching object. + </p> + <p> + The mother of Sisera is represented listening for the "<i>wheels + of his chariot</i>." Solomon, in his Song, compares the nose of + his beloved to "a tower," which to us appears an eastern + exaggeration. If he had said, that her stature was like that of a + "tower's," it would have been as poetical as if he had compared + her to a tree. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "The virtuous Marcia <i>towers</i> above her sex," + </p> + </div> + <p> + is an instance of an artificial image to express a <i>moral</i> + superiority. But Solomon, it is probable, did not compare his + beloved's nose to a "tower" on account of its length, but of its + symmetry; and making allowance for eastern hyperbole, and the + difficulty of finding a discreet image for a female nose in + nature, it is perhaps as good a figure as any other. + </p> + <p> + Art is <i>not</i> inferior to nature for poetical purposes. What + makes a regiment of soldiers a more noble object of view than the + same mass of mob? Their arms, their dresses, their banners, and + the <i>art</i> and artificial symmetry <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg365" id="pg365">365</a></span> of their + position and movements. A Highlander's plaid, a Mussulman's + turban, and a Roman toga, are more poetical than the tattooed or + untattooed buttocks of a New Sandwich savage, although they were + described by William Wordsworth himself like the "idiot in his + glory." + </p> + <p> + I have seen as many mountains as most men, and more fleets than + the generality of landsmen; and, to my mind, a large convoy with + a few sail of the line to conduct them is as noble and as + poetical a prospect as all that inanimate nature can produce. I + prefer the "mast of some great ammiral," with all its tackle, to + the Scotch fir or the alpine tannen; and think that <i>more</i> + poetry <i>has been</i> made out of it. In what does the infinite + superiority of "Falconer's Shipwreck" over all other shipwrecks + consist? In his admirable application of the terms of his art; in + a poet-sailor's description of the sailor's fate. These <i>very + terms</i>, by his application, make the strength and reality of + his poem. Why? because he was a poet, and in the hands of a poet, + <i>art</i> will not be found less ornamental than nature. It is + precisely in general nature, and in stepping out of his element, + that Falconer fails; where he digresses to speak of ancient + Greece, and "such branches of learning." + </p> + <p> + In Dyer's Grongar Hill, upon which his fame rests, the very + appearance of nature herself is moralised into an artificial + image: + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "Thus is nature's <i>vesture</i> wrought, + </p> + <p> + To instruct our wandering thought; + </p> + <p> + Thus she <i>dresses green and gay</i>, + </p> + <p> + To disperse our cares away." + </p> + </div> + <p> + And here also we have the telescope; the misuse of which, from + Milton, has rendered Mr. Bowles so triumphant over Mr. + Campbell:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "So we mistake the future's face, + </p> + <p> + Eyed through Hope's deluding <i>glass</i>." + </p> + </div> + <p><span class="pagenum"><a name="pg366" id= + "pg366">366</a></span> + And here a word en passant to Mr. Campbell:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "As yon summits, soft and fair + </p> + <p> + Clad in colours of the air, + </p> + <p> + Which to those who journey near + </p> + <p> + Barren, brown, and rough appear, + </p> + <p> + Still we tread the same coarse way— + </p> + <p> + The present's still a cloudy day." + </p> + </div> + <p> + Is not this the original of the far-famed— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "'Tis distance lends enchantment to the view, + </p> + <p> + And robes the mountain in its azure hue?" + </p> + </div> + <p> + To return once more to the sea. Let any one look on the long wall + of Malamocco, which curbs the Adriatic, and pronounce between the + sea and its master. Surely that Roman work (I mean <i>Roman</i> + in conception and performance), which says to the ocean, "Thus + far shalt thou come, and no further," and is obeyed, is not less + sublime and poetical than the angry waves which vainly break + beneath it. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bowles makes the chief part of a ship's poesy depend upon the + "<i>wind:</i>" then why is a ship under sail more poetical than a + hog in a high wind? The hog is all nature, the ship is all art, + "coarse canvass," "blue bunting," and "tall poles;" both are + violently acted upon by the wind, tossed here and there, to and + fro, and yet nothing but excess of hunger could make me look upon + the pig as the more poetical of the two, and then only in the + shape of a griskin. + </p> + <p> + Will Mr. Bowles tell us that the poetry of an aqueduct consist in + the <i>water</i> which it conveys? Let him look on that of + Justinian, on those of Rome, Constantinople, Lisbon, and Elvas, + or even at the remains of that in Attica. + </p> + <p> + We are asked, "What makes the venerable towers of Westminster + Abbey more poetical, as objects, than the tower for the + manufactory of patent shot, surrounded by the same scenery?" I + will answer—the <i>architecture</i>. Turn Westminster + Abbey, or Saint Paul's <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg367" id= + "pg367">367</a></span> into a powder magazine, their poetry, as + objects, remains the same; the Parthenon was actually converted + into one by the Turks, during Morosini's Venetian siege, and part + of it destroyed in consequence. Cromwell's dragoons stalled their + steeds in Worcester cathedral; was it less poetical as an object + than before? Ask a foreigner on his approach to London, what + strikes him as the most poetical of the towers before him: he + will point out Saint Paul's and Westminster Abbey, without, + perhaps, knowing the names or associations of either, and pass + over the "tower for patent shot,"—not that, for any thing + he knows to the contrary, it might not be the mausoleum of a + monarch, or a Waterloo column, or a Trafalgar monument, but + because its architecture is obviously inferior. + </p> + <p> + To the question, "Whether the description of a game of cards be + as poetical, supposing the execution of the artists equal, as a + description of a walk in a forest?" it may be answered, that the + <i>materials</i> are certainly not equal; but that "the + <i>artist</i>," who has rendered the "game of cards poetical," is + <i>by far the greater</i> of the two. But all this "ordering" of + poets is purely arbitrary on the part of Mr. Bowles. There may or + may not be, in fact, different "orders" of poetry, but the poet + is always ranked according to his execution, and not according to + his branch of the art. + </p> + <p> + Tragedy is one of the highest presumed orders. Hughes has written + a tragedy, and a very successful one; Fenton another; and Pope + none. Did any man, however,—will even Mr. Bowles + himself,—rank Hughes and Fenton as poets above <i>Pope</i>? + Was even Addison (the author of Cato), or Rowe (one of the higher + order of dramatists as far as success goes), or Young, or even + Otway and Southerne, ever raised for a moment to the same rank + with Pope in the estimation of the reader or the critic, before + his death or since? If Mr. Bowles will contend for + classifications of this kind, let him recollect that descriptive + poetry has been <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg368" id= + "pg368">368</a></span> ranked as among the lowest branches of the + art, and description as a mere ornament, but which should never + form the "subject" of a poem. The Italians, with the most + poetical language, and the most fastidious taste in Europe, + possess now five <i>great</i> poets, they say, Dante, Petrarch, + Ariosto, Tasso, and, lastly, Alfieri<span class= + "fnref">[1]</span>; and whom do they esteem one of the highest of + these, and some of them the very highest? Petrarch the + <i>sonneteer</i>: it is true that some of his Canzoni are <i>not + less</i> esteemed, but <i>not</i> more; who ever dreams of his + Latin Africa? + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: Of these there is one ranked with the others for + his SONNETS, and <i>two</i> for compositions which belong to + <i>no class</i> at all? Where is Dante? His poem is not an + epic; then what is it? He himself calls it a "divine comedy;" + and why? This is more than all his thousand commentators have + been able to explain. Ariosto's is not an <i>epic</i> poem; and + if poets are to be <i>classed</i> according to the <i>genus</i> + of their poetry, where is he to be placed? Of these five, Tasso + and Alfieri only come within Aristotle's arrangement, and Mr. + Bowles's class-book. But the whole position is false. Poets are + classed by the power of their performance, and not according to + its rank in a gradus. In the contrary case, the forgotten epic + poets of all countries would rank above Petrarch, Dante, + Ariosto, Burns, Gray, Dryden, and the highest names of various + countries. Mr. Bowles's title of "<i>invariable</i> principles + of poetry," is, perhaps, the most arrogant ever prefixed to a + volume. So far are the principles of poetry from being + "<i>invariable</i>," that they never were nor ever will be + settled. These "principles" mean nothing more than the + predilections of a particular age; and every age has its own, + and a different from its predecessor. It is now Homer, and now + Virgil; once Dryden, and since Walter Scott; now Corneille, and + now Racine; now Crebillon, now Voltaire. The Homerists and + Virgilians in France disputed for half a century. Not fifty + years ago the Italians neglected Dante—Bettinelli + reproved Monti for reading "that barbarian;" at present they + adore him. Shakspeare and Milton have had their rise, and they + will have their decline. Already they have more than once + fluctuated, as must be the case with all the dramatists and + poets of a living language. This does not depend upon their + merits, but upon the ordinary vicissitudes of human opinions. + Schlegel and Madame de Stael have endeavoured also to reduce + poetry to <i>two</i> systems, classical and romantic. The + effect is only beginning.] + </p> + </div> + <p><span class="pagenum"><a name="pg369" id= + "pg369">369</a></span> + Were Petrarch to be ranked according to the "order" of his + compositions, where would the best of sonnets place him? with + Dante and the others? no; but, as I have before said, the poet + who <i>executes</i> best, is the highest, whatever his + department, and will ever be so rated in the world's esteem. + </p> + <p> + Had Gray written nothing but his Elegy, high as he stands, I am + not sure that he would not stand higher; it is the corner-stone + of his glory: without it, his odes would be insufficient for his + fame. The depreciation of Pope is partly founded upon a false + idea of the dignity of his order of poetry, to which he has + partly contributed by the ingenuous boast, + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "That not in fancy's maze he wandered long, + </p> + <p> + But <i>stoop'd</i> to truth, and moralised his song." + </p> + </div> + <p> + He should have written "rose to truth." In my mind, the highest + of all poetry is ethical poetry, as the highest of all earthly + objects must be moral truth. Religion does not make a part of my + subject; it is something beyond human powers, and has failed in + all human hands except Milton's and Dante's, and even Dante's + powers are involved in his delineation of human passions, though + in supernatural circumstances. What made Socrates the greatest of + men? His moral truth—his ethics. What proved Jesus Christ + the Son of God hardly less than his miracles? His moral precepts. + And if ethics have made a philosopher the first of men, and have + not been disdained as an adjunct to his Gospel by the Deity + himself, are we to be told that ethical poetry, or didactic + poetry, or by whatever name you term it, whose object is to make + men better and wiser, is not the <i>very first order</i> of + poetry; and are we to be told this too by one of the priesthood? + It requires more mind, more wisdom, more power, than all the + "forests" that ever were "walked" for their "description," and + all the epics that ever were founded upon fields of battle. The + Georgics are indisputably, and, I believe, <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg370" id="pg370">370</a></span> + <i>undisputedly</i> even a finer poem than the Æneid. Virgil knew + this; he did not order <i>them</i> to be burnt. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "The proper study of mankind is man." + </p> + </div> + <p> + It is the fashion of the day to lay great stress upon what they + call "imagination" and "invention," the two commonest of + qualities: an Irish peasant with a little whiskey in his head + will imagine and invent more than would furnish forth a modern + poem. If Lucretius had not been spoiled by the Epicurean system, + we should have had a far superior poem to any now in existence. + As mere poetry, it is the first of Latin poems. What then has + ruined it? His ethics. Pope has not this defect; his moral is as + pure as his poetry is glorious. + </p> + <p> + In speaking of artificial objects, I have omitted to touch upon + one which I will now mention. Cannon may be presumed to be as + highly poetical as art can make her objects. Mr. Bowles will, + perhaps, tell me that this is because they resemble that grand + natural article of sound in heaven, and simile upon + earth—thunder. I shall be told triumphantly, that Milton + made sad work with his artillery, when he armed his devils + therewithal. He did so; and this artificial object must have had + much of the sublime to attract his attention for such a conflict. + He <i>has</i> made an absurd use of it; but the absurdity + consists not in using <i>cannon</i> against the angels of God, + but any <i>material</i> weapon. The thunder of the clouds would + have been as ridiculous and vain in the hands of the devils, as + the "villanous saltpetre:" the angels were as impervious to the + one as to the other. The thunderbolts become sublime in the hands + of the Almighty not as such, but because <i>he</i> deigns to use + them as a means of repelling the rebel spirits; but no one can + attribute their defeat to this grand piece of natural + electricity: the Almighty willed, and they fell; his word would + have been enough; and Milton is as absurd, (and, in fact, + <i>blasphemous</i>,) in putting material lightnings into the + hands of the Godhead, as in giving him hands at all. <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg371" id="pg371">371</a></span> + </p> + <p> + The artillery of the demons was but the first step of his + mistake, the thunder the next, and it is a step lower. It would + have been fit for Jove, but not for Jehovah. The subject + altogether was essentially unpoetical; he has made more of it + than another could, but it is beyond him and all men. + </p> + <p> + In a portion of his reply, Mr. Bowles asserts that Pope "envied + Phillips," because he quizzed his pastorals in the Guardian, in + that most admirable model of irony, his paper on the subject. If + there was any thing enviable about Phillips, it could hardly be + his pastorals. They were despicable, and Pope expressed his + contempt. If Mr. Fitzgerald published a volume of sonnets, or a + "Spirit of Discovery," or a "Missionary," and Mr. Bowles wrote in + any periodical journal an ironical paper upon them, would this be + "envy?" The authors of the "Rejected Addresses" have ridiculed + the sixteen or twenty "first living poets" of the day, but do + they "envy" them? "Envy" writhes, it don't laugh. The authors of + the Rejected Addresses may despise some, but they can hardly + "envy" any of the persons whom they have parodied; and Pope could + have no more envied Phillips than he did Welsted, or Theobald, or + Smedley, or any other given hero of the Dunciad. He could not + have envied him, even had he himself <i>not</i> been the greatest + poet of his age. Did Mr. Ings "<i>envy</i>" Mr. Phillips when he + asked him, "How came your Pyrrhus to drive oxen and say, I am + <i>goaded</i> on by love?" This question silenced poor Phillips; + but it no more proceeded from "envy" than did Pope's ridicule. + Did he envy Swift? Did he envy Bolingbroke? Did he envy Gay the + unparalleled success of his "Beggar's Opera?" We may be answered + that these were his friends—true: but does + <i>friendship</i> prevent <i>envy</i>? Study the first woman you + meet with, or the first scribbler, let Mr. Bowles himself (whom I + acquit fully of such an odious quality) study some of his own + poetical intimates: the most envious man I ever heard of is a + poet, and a high <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg372" id= + "pg372">372</a></span> one; besides, it is an <i>universal</i> + passion. Goldsmith envied not only the puppets for their dancing, + and broke his shins in the attempt at rivalry, but was seriously + angry because two pretty women received more attention than he + did. <i>This is envy;</i> but where does Pope show a sign of the + passion? In that case Dryden envied the hero of his Mac Flecknoe. + Mr. Bowles compares, when and where he can, Pope with + Cowper—(the same Cowper whom in his edition of Pope he + laughs at for his attachment to an old woman, Mrs. Unwin; search + and you will find it; I remember the passage, though not the + page;) in particular he requotes Cowper's Dutch delineation of a + wood, drawn up, like a seedsman's catalogue<span class= + "fnref">[1]</span>, with an affected imitation of Milton's style, + as <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg373" id= + "pg373">373</a></span> burlesque as the "Splendid Shilling." + These two writers, for Cowper is no poet, come into comparison in + one great work, the translation of Homer. Now, with all the + great, and manifest, and manifold, and reproved, and + acknowledged, and uncontroverted faults of Pope's translation, + and all the scholarship, and pains, and time, and trouble, and + blank verse of the other, who can ever read Cowper? and who will + ever lay down Pope, unless for the original? Pope's was "not + Homer, it was Spondanus;" but Cowper's is not Homer either, it is + not even Cowper. As a child I first read Pope's Homer with a + rapture which no subsequent work could ever afford, and children + are not the worst judges of their own language. As a boy I read + Homer in the original, as we have all done, some of us by force, + and a few by favour; under which description I come is nothing to + the purpose, it is enough that I read him. As a man I have tried + to read Cowper's version, and I found it impossible. Has any + human reader ever succeeded? + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: I will submit to Mr. Bowles's own judgment a + passage from another poem of Cowper's, to be compared with the + same writer's Sylvan Sampler. In the lines to Mary,— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "Thy <i>needles</i>, once a shining store, + </p> + <p> + For my sake restless heretofore, + </p> + <p> + Now rust disused, and shine no more, + </p> + <p class="i14"> + My Mary," + </p> + </div> + <p> + contain a simple, household, "<i>indoor</i>," artificial, and + ordinary image; I refer Mr. Bowles to the stanza, and ask if + these three lines about "<i>needles</i>" are not worth all the + boasted twaddling about trees, so triumphantly re-quoted? and + yet, in <i>fact</i>, what do they convey? A homely collection + of images and ideas, associated with the darning of stockings, + and the hemming of shirts, and the mending of breeches; but + will any one deny that they are eminently poetical and pathetic + as addressed by Cowper to his nurse? The trash of trees reminds + me of a saying of Sheridan's. Soon after the "Rejected Address" + scene in 1812, I met Sheridan. In the course of dinner, he + said, "Lord Byron, did you know that, amongst the writers of + addresses, was Whitbread himself?" I answered by an enquiry of + what sort of an address he had made. "Of that," replied + Sheridan, "I remember little, except that there was a + <i>phoenix</i> in it."—"A phoenix!! Well, how did he + describe it?"—"<i>Like a poulterer</i>," answered + Sheridan: "it was green, and yellow, and red, and blue: he did + not let us off for a single feather." And just such as this + poulterer's account of a phoenix is Cowper's stick-picker's + detail of a wood, with all its petty minutiæ of this, that, and + the other.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + And now that we have heard the Catholic repreached <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg374" id="pg374">374</a></span> with envy, + duplicity, licentiousness, avarice—what was the Calvinist? + He attempted the most atrocious of crimes in the Christian code, + viz. suicide—and why? because he was to be examined whether + he was fit for an office which he seems to wish to have made a + sinecure. His connection with Mrs. Unwin was pure enough, for the + old lady was devout, and he was deranged; but why then is the + infirm and then elderly Pope to be reproved for his connection + with Martha Blount: Cowper was the almoner of Mrs. Throgmorton; + but Pope's charities were his own, and they were noble and + extensive, far beyond his fortune's warrant. Pope was the + tolerant yet steady adherent of the most bigoted of sects; and + Cowper the most bigoted and despondent sectary that ever + anticipated damnation to himself or others. Is this harsh? I know + it is, and I do not assert it as my opinion of Cowper + <i>personally</i>, but to <i>show what might</i> be said, with + just as great an appearance of truth and candour, as all the + odium which has been accumulated upon Pope in similar + speculations. Cowper was a good man, and lived at a fortunate + time for his works. + </p> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote: One more poetical instance of the power of art, and + even its <i>superiority</i> over nature, in poetry; and I have + done:—the bust of <i>Antinous</i>! Is there any thing in + nature like this marble, excepting the Venus? Can there be more + <i>poetry</i> gathered into existence than in that wonderful + creation of perfect beauty? But the poetry of this bust is in + no respect derived from nature, nor from any association of + moral exaltedness; for what is there in common with moral + nature, and the male minion of Adrian? The very execution is + <i>not natural</i>, but <i>super</i>-natural, or rather + <i>super-artificial,</i> for nature has never done so much. + </p> + <p> + Away, then, with this cant about nature, and "invariable + principles of poetry!" A great artist will make a block of + stone as sublime as a mountain, and a good poet can imbue a + pack of cards with more poetry than inhabits the forests of + America. It is the business and the proof of a poet to give the + lie to the proverb, and sometimes to "<i>make a silken purse + out of a sow's ear</i>;" and to conclude with another homely + proverb, "a good workman will not find fault with his tools."] + </p> + </div> + <p> + Mr. Bowles, apparently not relying entirely upon his own + arguments, has, in person or by proxy, brought forward the names + of Southey and Moore. Mr. Southey "agrees entirely with Mr. + Bowles in his <i>invariable</i> principles of poetry." The least + that Mr. Bowles can do in return is to approve the "invariable + principles of Mr. Southey." I should have thought that the word + "<i>invariable</i>" might have stuck in Southey's throat, like + Macbeth's "Amen!" I am sure it did in mine, and I am not the + least consistent of the two, at least as a voter. Moore <i>(et + tu, Brute!</i>) also approves, and a Mr. J. Scott. There is a + letter also of two lines from a gentleman in asterisks, who, it + seems, is a poet of "the highest rank:"—who <i>can</i> this + be? not my friend, Sir Walter, surely. Campbell it can't be; + Rogers it won't be. <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg375" id= + "pg375">375</a></span> + </p> + <p> + "You have <i>hit the nail in</i> the head, and * * * * [Pope, I + presume] <i>on</i> the head also. + </p> + <p> + "I <i>remain</i> yours, affectionately, "(Five + <i>Asterisks</i>.)" + </p> + <p> + And in asterisks let him remain. Whoever this person may be, he + deserves, for such a judgment of Midas, that "the nail" which Mr. + Bowles has "hit <i>in</i> the head," should he driven through his + own ears; I am sure that they are long enough. + </p> + <p> + The attempt of the poetical populace of the present day to obtain + an ostracism against Pope is as easily accounted for as the + Athenian's shell against Aristides; they are tired of hearing him + always called "the Just." They are also fighting for life; for, + if he maintains his station, they will reach their own by + falling. They have raised a mosque by the side of a Grecian + temple of the purest architecture; and, more barbarous than the + barbarians from whose practice I have borrowed the figure, they + are not contented with their own grotesque edifice, unless they + destroy the prior, and purely beautiful fabric which preceded, + and which shames them and theirs for ever and ever. I shall be + told that amongst those I <i>have</i> been (or it may be, still + <i>am</i>) conspicuous—true, and I am ashamed of it. I + <i>have</i> been amongst the builders of this Babel, attended by + a confusion of tongues, but <i>never</i> amongst the envious + destroyers of the classic temple of our predecessor. I have loved + and honoured the fame and name of that illustrious and unrivalled + man, far more than my own paltry renown, and the trashy jingle of + the crowd of "Schools" and upstarts, who pretend to rival, or + even surpass him. Sooner than a single leaf should be torn from + his laurel, it were better that all which these men, and that I, + as one of their set, have ever written, should + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "Line trunks, clothe spice, or, fluttering in a row, + </p> + <p> + Befringe the rails of Bedlam, or Soho!" + </p> + </div> + <p> + There are those who will believe this, and those who <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg376" id="pg376">376</a></span> will not. + You, sir, know how far I am sincere, and whether my opinion, not + only in the short work intended for publication, and in private + letters which can never be published, has or has not been the + same. I look upon this as the declining age of English poetry; no + regard for others, no selfish feeling, can prevent me from seeing + this, and expressing the truth. There can be no worse sign for + the taste of the times than the depreciation of Pope. It would be + better to receive for proof Mr. Cobbett's rough but strong attack + upon Shakspeare and Milton, than to allow this smooth and + "candid" undermining of the reputation of the most <i>perfect</i> + of our poets, and the purest of our moralists. Of his power in + the <i>passions</i>, in description, in the mock heroic, I leave + others to descant. I take him on his strong ground as an + <i>ethical</i> poet: in the former, none excel; in the mock + heroic and the ethical, none equal him; and in my mind, the + latter is the highest of all poetry, because it does that in + <i>verse</i>, which the greatest of men have wished to accomplish + in prose. If the essence of poetry must be a <i>lie</i>, throw it + to the dogs, or banish it from your republic, as Plato would have + done. He who can reconcile poetry with truth and wisdom, is the + only true "<i>poet</i>" in its real sense, "the <i>maker</i>" + "the <i>creator</i>,"—why must this mean the "liar," the + "feigner," the "tale-teller?" A man may make and create better + things than these. + </p> + <p> + I shall not presume to say that Pope is as high a poet as + Shakspeare and Milton, though his enemy, Warton, places him + immediately under them.<span class="fnref">[1]</span> I would no + more <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg377" id= + "pg377">377</a></span> say this than I would assert in the mosque + (once Saint Sophia's), that Socrates was a greater man than + Mahomet. But if I say that he is very near them, it is no more + than has been asserted of Burns, who is supposed + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "To rival all but Shakspeare's name below." + </p> + </div> + <div class="footnote"> + <p> + [Footnote 1: If the opinions cited by Mr. Bowles, of Dr. + Johnson <i>against</i> Pope, are to be taken as decisive + authority, they will also hold good against Gray, Milton, + Swift, Thomson, and Dryden: in that case what becomes of Gray's + poetical, and Milton's moral character? even of Milton's + <i>poetical</i> character, or, indeed, of <i>English</i> poetry + in general? for Johnson strips many a leaf from every laurel. + Still Johnson's is the finest critical work extant, and can + never be read without instruction and delight.] + </p> + </div> + <p> + I say nothing against this opinion. But of what "<i>order</i>," + according to the poetical aristocracy, are Burns's poems? There + are his <i>opus magnum</i>, "Tam O'Shanter," a <i>tale</i>; the + Cotter's Saturday Night, a descriptive sketch; some others in the + same style: the rest are songs. So much for the <i>rank</i> of + his <i>productions</i>; the <i>rank</i> of <i>Burns</i> is the + very first of his art. Of Pope I have expressed my opinion + elsewhere, as also of the effect which the present attempts at + poetry have had upon our literature. If any great national or + natural convulsion could or should overwhelm your country in such + sort, as to sweep Great Britain from the kingdoms of the earth, + and leave only that, after all, the most living of human things, + a <i>dead language</i>, to be studied and read, and imitated by + the wise of future and far generations, upon foreign shores; if + your literature should become the learning of mankind, divested + of party cabals, temporary fashions, and national pride and + prejudice; an Englishman, anxious that the posterity of strangers + should know that there had been such a thing as a British Epic + and Tragedy, might wish for the preservation of Shakspeare and + Milton; but the surviving world would snatch Pope from the wreck, + and let the rest sink with the people. He is the moral poet of + all civilisation; and as such, let us hope that he will one day + be the national poet of mankind. He is the only poet that never + shocks; the only poet whose <i>faultlessness</i> has been made + his reproach. Cast your eye over his productions; consider their + extent, and contemplate their variety:—pastoral, passion, + mock heroic, translation, satire, ethics,—all excellent, + and often perfect. If his great charm be his <i>melody</i>, how + comes it that foreigners <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg378" + id="pg378">378</a></span> adore him even in their diluted + translations? But I have made this letter too long. Give my + compliments to Mr. Bowles. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + Yours ever, very truly, + <br /> + BYRON. + </p> + <p> + <i>To John Murray, Esq</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Post Scriptum</i>.—Long as this letter has grown, I find + it necessary to append a postscript; if possible, a short one. + Mr. Bowles denies that he has accused Pope of "a sordid + money-getting passion;" but, he adds, "if I had ever done so, I + should be glad to find any testimony that, might show he was + <i>not</i> so." This testimony he may find to his heart's content + in Spence and elsewhere. First, there is Martha Blount, who, Mr. + Bowles charitably says, "probably thought he did not save enough + for her, as legatee." Whatever she <i>thought</i> upon this + point, her words are in Pope's favour. Then there is Alderman + Barber; see Spence's Anecdotes. There is Pope's cold answer to + Halifax when he proposed a pension; his behaviour to Craggs and + to Addison upon like occasions, and his own two lines— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "And, thanks to Homer, since I live and thrive, + </p> + <p> + Indebted to no prince or peer alive;" + </p> + </div> + <p> + written when princes would have been proud to pension, and peers + to promote him, and when the whole army of dunces were in array + against him, and would have been but too happy to deprive him of + this boast of independence. But there is something a little more + serious in Mr. Bowles's declaration, that he "<i>would</i> have + spoken" of his "noble generosity to the outcast Richard Savage," + and other instances of a compassionate and generous heart, + "<i>had they occurred to his recollection when he wrote</i>." + What! is it come to this? Does Mr. Bowles sit down to write a + minute and laboured life and edition of a great poet? Does he + anatomise his character, moral and poetical? Does he present us + with his faults and <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg379" id= + "pg379">379</a></span> with his foibles? Does he sneer at his + feelings, and doubt of his sincerity? Does he unfold his vanity + and duplicity? and then omit the good qualities which might, in + part, have "covered this multitude of sins?" and then plead that + "<i>they did not occur to his recollection</i>?" Is this the + frame of mind and of memory with which the illustrious dead are + to be approached? If Mr. Bowles, who must have had access to all + the means of refreshing his memory, did not recollect these + facts, he is unfit for his task; but if he <i>did</i> recollect + and omit them, I know not what he is fit for, but I know what + would be fit for him. Is the plea of "not recollecting" such + prominent facts to be admitted? Mr. Bowles has been at a public + school, and as I have been publicly educated also, I can + sympathise with his predilection. When we were in the third form + even, had we pleaded on the Monday morning, that we had not + brought up the Saturday's exercise, because "we had forgotten + it," what would have been the reply? And is an excuse, which + would not be pardoned to a schoolboy, to pass current in a matter + which so nearly concerns the fame of the first poet of his age, + if not of his country? If Mr. Bowles so readily forgets the + virtues of others, why complain so grievously that others have a + better memory for his own faults? They are but the faults of an + author; while the virtues he omitted from his catalogue are + essential to the justice due to a man. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bowles appears, indeed, to be susceptible beyond the + privilege of authorship. There is a plaintive dedication to Mr. + Gifford, in which <i>he</i> is made responsible for all the + articles of the Quarterly. Mr. Southey, it seems, "the most able + and eloquent writer in that Review," approves of Mr. Bowles's + publication. Now it seems to me the more impartial, that + notwithstanding that "the great writer of the Quarterly" + entertains opinions opposite to the able article on Spence, + nevertheless that essay was permitted to appear. Is a review to + be devoted to the opinions of any <i>one</i> man? <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg380" id="pg380">380</a></span> + </p> + <p> + Must it not vary according to circumstances, and according to the + subjects to be criticised? I fear that writers must take the + sweets and bitters of the public journals as they occur, and an + author of so long a standing as Mr. Bowles might have become + accustomed to such incidents; he might be angry, but not + astonished. I have been reviewed in the Quarterly almost as often + as Mr. Bowles, and have had as pleasant things said, and some + <i>as unpleasant</i>, as could well be pronounced. In the review + of "The Fall of Jerusalem" it is stated, that I have devoted "my + powers, &c. to the worst parts of Manicheism;" which, being + interpreted, means that I worship the devil. Now, I have neither + written a reply, nor complained to Gifford. I believe that I + observed in a letter to you, that I thought "that the critic + might have praised Milman without finding it necessary to abuse + me;" but did I not add at the same time, or soon after, (à + propos, of the note in the book of Travels,) that I would not, if + it were even in my power, have a single line cancelled on my + account in that nor in any other publication? Of course, I + reserve to myself the privilege of response when necessary. Mr. + Bowles seems in a whimsical state about the author of the article + on Spence. You know very well that I am not in your confidence, + nor in that of the conductor of the journal. The moment I saw + that article, I was morally certain that I knew the author "by + his style." You will tell me that I do <i>not know</i> him: that + is all as it should be; keep the secret, so shall I, though no + one has ever intrusted it to me. He is not the person whom Mr. + Bowles denounces. Mr. Bowles's extreme sensibility reminds me of + a circumstance which occurred on board of a frigate in which I + was a passenger and guest of the captain's for a considerable + time. The surgeon on board, a very gentlemanly young man, and + remarkably able in his profession, wore a <i>wig</i>. Upon this + ornament he was extremely tenacious. As naval jests are sometimes + a little rough, his brother officers made occasional <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg381" id="pg381">381</a></span> allusions to + this delicate appendage to the doctor's person. One day a young + lieutenant, in the course of a facetious discussion, said, + "Suppose now, doctor, I should take off your + <i>hat</i>,"—"Sir," replied the doctor, "I shall talk no + longer with you; you grow <i>scurrilous</i>." He would not even + admit so near an approach as to the hat which protected it. In + like manner, if any body approaches Mr. Bowles's laurels, even in + his outside capacity of an <i>editor</i>, "they grow + <i>scurrilous</i>." You say that you are about to prepare an + edition of Pope; you cannot do better for your own credit as a + publisher, nor for the redemption of Pope from Mr. Bowles, and of + the public taste from rapid degeneracy. <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg382" id="pg382">382</a></span> + </p> + <hr /> + <h2> + OBSERVATIONS UPON "OBSERVATIONS" + <br /> + A SECOND LETTER TO JOHN MURRAY, ESQ. + <br /> + ON + <br /> + THE REV. W.L. BOWLES'S STRICTURES + <br /> + ON THE + <br /> + LIFE AND WRITINGS OF POPE. + </h2> + <hr /> + <h4> + <i>Now first published</i>. + </h4> + <hr /> + <p class="quotdate"> + Ravenna, March 25. 1821. + </p> + <p> + Dear Sir, + </p> + <p> + In the further "Observations" of Mr. Bowles, in rejoinder to the + charges brought against his edition of Pope, it is to be + regretted that he has lost his temper. Whatever the language of + his antagonists may have been, I fear that his replies have + afforded more pleasure to them than to the public. That Mr. + Bowles should not be pleased is natural, whether right or wrong; + but a temperate defence would have answered his purpose in the + former case—and, in the latter, no defence, however + violent, can tend to any thing but his discomfiture. I have read + over this third pamphlet, which you have been so obliging as to + send me, and shall venture a few observations, in addition to + those upon the previous controversy. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bowles sets out with repeating his "<i>confirmed + conviction</i>," that "what he said of the moral part of Pope's + character was, generally speaking, true; and <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg383" id="pg383">383</a></span> that the + principles of <i>poetical</i> criticism which he has laid down + are <i>invariable</i> and <i>invulnerable</i>," &c.; and that + he is the <i>more</i> persuaded of this by the + "<i>exaggerations</i> of his opponents." This is all very well, + and highly natural and sincere. Nobody ever expected that either + Mr. Bowles, or any other author, would be convinced of human + fallibility in their own persons. But it is nothing to the + purpose—for it is not what Mr. Bowles thinks, but what is + to be thought of Pope, that is the question. It is what he has + asserted or insinuated against a name which is the patrimony of + posterity, that is to be tried; and Mr. Bowles, as a party, can + be no judge. The more <i>he</i> is persuaded, the better for + himself, if it give him any pleasure; but he can only persuade + others by the proofs brought out in his defence. + </p> + <p> + After these prefatory remarks of "conviction," &c. Mr. Bowles + proceeds to Mr. Gilchrist; whom he charges with "slang" and + "slander," besides a small subsidiary indictment of "abuse, + ignorance, malice," and so forth. Mr. Gilchrist has, indeed, + shown some anger; but it is an honest indignation, which rises up + in defence of the illustrious dead. It is a generous rage which + interposes between our ashes and their disturbers. There appears + also to have been some slight personal provocation. Mr. + Gilchrist, with a chivalrous disdain of the fury of an incensed + poet, put his name to a letter avowing the production of a former + essay in defence of Pope, and consequently of an attack upon Mr. + Bowles. Mr. Bowles appears to be angry with Mr. Gilchrist for + four reasons:—firstly, because he wrote an article in "The + London Magazine;" secondly, because he afterwards avowed it; + thirdly, because he was the author of a still more extended + article in "The Quarterly Review;" and, fourthly, because he was + NOT the author of the said Quarterly article, and had the + audacity to disown it—for no earthly reason but because he + had NOT written it. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bowles declares, that "he will not enter into a <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg384" id="pg384">384</a></span> particular + examination of the pamphlet," which by a <i>misnomer</i> is + called "Gilchrist's Answer to Bowles," when it should have been + called "Gilchrist's Abuse of Bowles." On this error in the + baptism of Mr. Gilchrist's pamphlet, it may be observed, that an + answer may be abusive and yet no less an answer, though + indisputably a temperate one might be the better of the two: but + if <i>abuse</i> is to cancel all pretensions to reply, what + becomes of Mr. Bowles's answers to Mr. Gilchrist? + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bowles continues:—"But as Mr. Gilchrist derides my + <i>peculiar sensitiveness to criticism</i>, before I show how + <i>destitute of truth is this representation</i>, I will here + explicitly declare the only grounds," &c. &c. + &c.—Mr. Bowles's sensibility in denying his + "sensitiveness to criticism" proves, perhaps, too much. But if he + has been so charged, and truly—what then? There is no moral + turpitude in such acuteness of feeling: it has been, and may be, + combined with many good and great qualities. Is Mr. Bowles a + poet, or is he not? If he be, he must, from his very essence, be + sensitive to criticism; and even if he be not, he need not be + ashamed of the common repugnance to being attacked. All that is + to be wished is, that he had considered how disagreeable a thing + it is, before he assailed the greatest moral poet of any age, or + in any language. + </p> + <p> + Pope himself "sleeps well,"—nothing can touch him further; + but those who love the honour of their country, the perfection of + her literature, the glory of her language—are not to be + expected to permit an atom of his dust to be stirred in his tomb, + or a leaf to be stripped from the laurel which grows over it. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bowles assigns several reasons why and when "an author is + justified in appealing to every <i>upright</i> and + <i>honourable</i> mind in the kingdom." If Mr. Bowles limits the + perusal of his defence to the "upright and honourable" only, I + greatly fear that it will not be extensively circulated. I should + rather hope that some <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg385" id= + "pg385">385</a></span> of the downright and dishonest will read + and be converted, or convicted. But the whole of his reasoning is + here superfluous—"<i>an author is justified in + appealing</i>," &c. when and why he pleases. Let him make out + a tolerable case, and few of his readers will quarrel with his + motives. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bowles "will now plainly set before the literary public all + the circumstances which have led to <i>his name</i> and Mr. + Gilchrist's being brought together," &c. Courtesy requires, + in speaking of others and ourselves, that we should place the + name of the former first—and not "<i>Ego</i> et Rex meus." + Mr. Bowles should have written "Mr. Gilchrist's name and his." + </p> + <p> + This point he wishes "particularly to address to those <i>most + respectable characters</i>, who have the direction and management + of the periodical critical press." That the press may be, in some + instances, conducted by respectable characters is probable + enough; but if they are so, there is no occasion to tell them of + it; and if they are not, it is a base adulation. In either case, + it looks like a kind of flattery, by which those gentry are not + very likely to be softened; since it would be difficult to find + two passages in fifteen pages more at variance, than Mr. Bowles's + prose at the beginning of this pamphlet, and his verse at the end + of it. In page 4. he speaks of "those most respectable characters + who have the direction, &c. of the periodical press," and in + page 10. we find— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "Ye <i>dark inquisitors</i>, a monk-like band, + </p> + <p> + Who o'er some shrinking victim-author stand, + </p> + <p> + A solemn, secret, and <i>vindictive brand</i>, + </p> + <p> + <i>Only</i> terrific in your cowl and hood." + </p> + </div> + <p> + And so on—to "bloody law" and "red scourges," with other + similar phrases, which may not be altogether agreeable to the + above-mentioned "most respectable characters." Mr. Bowles goes + on, "I concluded my observations in the last Pamphleteer with + feelings <i>not unkind</i> towards Mr. Gilchrist, or" [it should + be <i>nor</i>] <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg386" id= + "pg386">386</a></span> "to the author of the review of Spence, be + he whom he might."—"I was in hopes, <i>as I have always + been ready to admit any errors</i> I might have been led into, or + prejudice I might have entertained, that even Mr. Gilchrist might + be disposed to a more <i>amicable</i> mode of discussing what I + had advanced in regard to Pope's moral character." As Major + Sturgeon observes, "There never was a set of more <i>amicable</i> + officers—with the exception of a boxing-bout between + Captain Shears and the Colonel." + </p> + <p> + A page and a half—nay only a page before—Mr. Bowles + re-affirms his conviction, that "what he has said of Pope's moral + character is <i>(generally speaking) true,</i> and that his + "poetical principles are <i>invariable</i> and + <i>invulnerable</i>." He has also published three + pamphlets,—ay, four of the same tenour,—and yet, with + this declaration and these declamations staring him and his + adversaries in the face, he speaks of his "readiness to admit + errors or to abandon prejudices!!!" His use of the word + "amicable" reminds me of the Irish Institution (which I have + somewhere heard or read of) called the "<i>Friendly</i> Society," + where the president always carried pistols in his pocket, so that + when one amicable gentleman knocked down another, the difference + might be adjusted on the spot, at the harmonious distance of + twelve paces. + </p> + <p> + But Mr. Bowles "has since read a publication by him (Mr. + Gilchrist) containing such vulgar slander, affecting private life + and character," &c. &c.; and Mr. Gilchrist has also had + the advantage of reading a publication by Mr. Bowles sufficiently + imbued with personality; for one of the first and principal + topics of reproach is that he is a <i>grocer</i>, that he has a + "pipe in his mouth, ledger-book, green canisters, dingy shop-boy, + half a hogshead of brown treacle," &c. Nay, the same delicate + raillery is upon the very title-page. When controversy has once + commenced upon this footing, as Dr. Johnson said to Dr. Percy, + "Sir, there is an end of politeness—we are to be as rude as + we please—Sir, <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg387" id= + "pg387">387</a></span> you said that I was <i>short-sighted</i>." + As a man's profession is generally no more in his own power than + his person—both having been made out for him—it is + hard that he should be reproached with either, and still more + that an honest calling should be made a reproach. If there is any + thing more honourable to Mr. Gilchrist than another it is, that + being engaged in commerce he has had the taste, and found the + leisure, to become so able a proficient in the higher literature + of his own and other countries. Mr. Bowles, who will be proud to + own Glover, Chatterton, Burns, and Bloomfleld for his peers, + should hardly have quarrelled with Mr. Gilchrist for his critic. + Mr. Gilchrist's station, however, which might conduct him to the + highest civic honours, and to boundless wealth, has nothing to + require apology; but even if it had, such a reproach was not very + gracious on the part of a clergyman, nor graceful on that of a + gentleman. The allusion to "<i>Christian</i> criticism" is not + particularly happy, especially where Mr. Gilchrist is accused of + having "<i>set the first example of this mode in Europe</i>." + What <i>Pagan</i> criticism may have been we know but little; the + names of Zoilus and Aristarchus survive, and the works of + Aristotle, Longinus, and Quintilian: but of "Christian criticism" + we have already had some specimens in the works of Philelphus, + Poggius, Scaliger, Milton, Salmasius, the Cruscanti (versus + Tasso), the French Academy (against the Cid), and the antagonists + of Voltaire and of Pope—to say nothing of some articles in + most of the reviews, since their earliest institution in the + person of their respectable and still prolific parent, "The + Monthly." Why, then, is Mr. Gilchrist to be singled out "as + having set the first example?" A sole page of Milton or Salmasius + contains more abuse—rank, rancorous, <i>unleavened</i> + abuse—than all that can be raked forth from the whole works + of many recent critics. There are some, indeed, who still keep up + the good old custom; but fewer English than foreign. It is a pity + that <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg388" id= + "pg388">388</a></span> Mr. Bowles cannot witness some of the + Italian controversies, or become the subject of one. He would + then look upon Mr. Gilchrist as a panegyrist. + </p> + <p> + In the long sentence quoted from the article in "The London + Magazine," there is one coarse image, the justice of whose + application I shall not pretend to determine:—"The + pruriency with which his nose is laid to the ground" is an + expression which, whether founded or not, might have been + omitted. But the "anatomical minuteness" appears to me justified + even by Mr. Bowles's own subsequent quotation. To the + point:—"<i>Many facts</i> tend to prove the peculiar + susceptibility of his passions; nor can we implicitly believe + that the connexion between him and Martha Blount was of a nature + so pure and innocent as his panegyrist Ruffhead would have us + believe," &c.—"At <i>no time</i> could she have + regarded <i>Pope personally</i> with attachment," + &c.—"But the most extraordinary circumstance in regard + to his connexion with female society, was the strange mixture of + <i>indecent</i> and even <i>profane</i> levity which his conduct + and language often exhibited. The cause of this particularity may + be sought, perhaps, in his consciousness of physical defect, + which made him affect a character uncongenial, and a language + opposite to the truth."—If this is not "minute moral + anatomy," I should be glad to know what is! It is dissection in + all its branches. I shall, however, hazard a remark or two upon + this quotation. + </p> + <p> + To me it appears of no very great consequence whether Martha + Blount was or was not Pope's mistress, though I could have wished + him a better. She appears to have been a cold-hearted, + interested, ignorant, disagreeable woman, upon whom the + tenderness of Pope's heart in the desolation of his latter days + was cast away, not knowing whither to turn as he drew towards his + premature old age, childless and lonely,—like the needle + which, approaching within a certain distance of the pole, becomes + helpless and useless, and, ceasing to tremble, rusts. She seems + to have been so totally unworthy of <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg389" id="pg389">389</a></span> tenderness, + that it is an additional proof of the kindness of Pope's heart to + have been able to love such a being. But we must love something. + I agree with Mr. B. that <i>she</i> "could at no time have + regarded <i>Pope personally</i> with attachment," because she was + incapable of attachment; but I deny that Pope could not be + regarded with personal attachment by a worthier woman. It is not + probable, indeed, that a woman would have fallen in love with him + as he walked along the Mall, or in a box at the opera, nor from a + balcony, nor in a ball-room; but in society he seems to have been + as amiable as unassuming, and, with the greatest disadvantages of + figure, his head and face were remarkably handsome, especially + his eyes. He was adored by his friends—friends of the most + opposite dispositions, ages, and talents—by the old and + wayward Wycherley, by the cynical Swift, the rough Atterbury, the + gentle Spence, the stern attorney-bishop Warburton, the virtuous + Berkeley, and the "cankered Bolingbroke." Bolingbroke wept over + him like a child; and Spence's description of his last moments is + at least as edifying as the more ostentatious account of the + deathbed of Addison. The soldier Peterborough and the poet Gay, + the witty Congreve and the laughing Rowe, the eccentric Cromwell + and the steady Bathurst, were all his intimates. The man who + could conciliate so many men of the most opposite description, + not one of whom but was a remarkable or a celebrated character, + might well have pretended to all the attachment which a + reasonable man would desire of an amiable woman. + </p> + <p> + Pope, in fact, wherever he got it, appears to have understood the + sex well, Bolingbroke, "a judge of the subject," says Warton, + thought his "Epistle on the Characters of Women" his + "masterpiece." And even with respect to the grosser passion, + which takes occasionally the name of "<i>romantic</i>," + accordingly as the degree of sentiment elevates it above the + definition of love by Buffon, it may be remarked, that it does + not always <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg390" id= + "pg390">390</a></span> depend upon personal appearance, even in a + woman. Madame Cottin was a plain woman, and might have been + virtuous, it may be presumed, without much interruption. Virtuous + she was, and the consequences of this inveterate virtue were that + two different admirers (one an elderly gentleman) killed + themselves in despair (see Lady Morgan's "France"). I would not, + however, recommend this rigour to plain women in general, in the + hope of securing the glory of two suicides apiece. I believe that + there are few men who, in the course of their observations on + life, may not have perceived that it is not the greatest female + beauty who forms the longest and the strongest passions. + </p> + <p> + But, apropos of Pope.—Voltaire tells us that the Marechal + Luxembourg (who had precisely Pope's figure) was not only + somewhat too amatory for a great man, but fortunate in his + attachments. La Valière, the passion of Louis XIV., had an + unsightly defect. The Princess of Eboli, the mistress of Philip + II. of Spain, and Maugiron, the minion of Henry III. of France, + had each of them lost an eye; and the famous Latin epigram was + written upon them, which has, I believe, been either translated + or imitated by Goldsmith:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "Lumine Acon dextro, capta est Leonilla sinistro, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Et potis est forma vincere uterque Deos; + </p> + <p> + Blande puer, lumen quod habes concede sorrori, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Sic tu cæcus Amor, sic erit illa Venus." + </p> + </div> + <p> + Wilkes, with his ugliness, used to say that "he was but a quarter + of an hour behind the handsomest man in England;" and this vaunt + of his is said not to have been disproved by circumstances. + Swift, when neither young, nor handsome, nor rich, nor even + amiable, inspired the two most extraordinary passions upon + record, Vanessa's and Stella's. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "Vanessa, aged scarce a score, + </p> + <p> + Sighs for a gown of <i>forty-four</i>." + </p> + </div> + <p> + He requited them bitterly; for he seems to have broken the heart + of the one, and worn out that of the <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg391" id="pg391">391</a></span> other; and he + had his reward, for he died a solitary idiot in the hands of + servants. + </p> + <p> + For my own part, I am of the opinion of Pausanias. that success + in love depends upon Fortune. "They particularly renounce + Celestial Venus, into whose temple, &c. &c. &c. I + remember, too, to have seen a building in Ægina in which there is + a statue of Fortune, holding a horn of Amalthea; and near her + there is a winged Love. The meaning of this is, that the success + of men in love affairs depends more on the assistance of Fortune + than the charms of beauty. I am persuaded, too, with Pindar (to + whose opinion I submit in other particulars), that Fortune is one + of the Fates, and that in a certain respect she is more powerful + than her sisters."—See Pausanias, Achaics, book vii. + chap.26. p.246. Taylor's "Translation." + </p> + <p> + Grimm has a remark of the same kind on the different destinies of + the younger Crebillon and Rousseau. The former writes a + licentious novel, and a young English girl of some fortune and + family (a Miss Strafford) runs away, and crosses the sea to marry + him; while Rousseau, the most tender and passionate of lovers, is + obliged to espouse his chambermaid. If I recollect rightly, this + remark was also repeated in the Edinburgh Review of Grimm's + correspondence, seven or eight years ago. + </p> + <p> + In regard "to the strange mixture of indecent, and sometimes + <i>profane</i> levity, which his conduct and language + <i>often</i> exhibited," and which so much shocks Mr. Bowles, I + object to the indefinite word "<i>often</i>;" and in extenuation + of the occasional occurrence of such language it is to be + recollected, that it was less the tone of <i>Pope</i>, than the + tone of the <i>time</i>. With the exception of the correspondence + of Pope and his friends, not many private letters of the period + have come down to us; but those, such as they are—a few + scattered scraps from Farquhar and others—are more indecent + and coarse than any thing in Pope's letters. The comedies of + Congreve, Vanbrugh, Farquhar, Cibber, &c., which <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg392" id="pg392">392</a></span> naturally + attempted to represent the manners and conversation of private + life, are decisive upon this point; as are also some of Steele's + papers, and even Addison's. We all know what the conversation of + Sir R. Walpole, for seventeen years the prime minister of the + country, was at his own table, and his excuse for his licentious + language, viz. "that every body understood <i>that</i>, but few + could talk rationally upon less common topics." The refinement of + latter days,—which is perhaps the consequence of vice, + which wishes to mask and soften itself, as much as of virtuous + civilisation,—had not yet made sufficient progress. Even + Johnson, in his "London," has two or three passages which cannot + be read aloud, and Addison's "Drummer" some indelicate allusions. + </p> + <p> + The expression of Mr. Bowles, "his consciousness of physical + defect," is not very clear. It may mean deformity or debility. If + it alludes to Pope's deformity, it has been attempted to be shown + that this was no insuperable objection to his being beloved. If + it alludes to debility, as a consequence of Pope's peculiar + conformation, I believe that it is a physical and known fact that + hump-backed persons are of strong and vigorous passions. Several + years ago, at Mr. Angelo's fencing rooms, when I was a pupil of + him and of Mr. Jackson, who had the use of his rooms in Albany on + the alternate days, I recollect a gentleman named + B—ll—gh—t, remarkable for his strength, and the + fineness of his figure. His skill was not inferior, for he could + stand up to the great Captain Barclay himself, with the muffles + on;—a task neither easy nor agreeable to a pugilistic + aspirant. As the by-standers were one day admiring his athletic + proportions, he remarked to us, that he had five brothers as tall + and strong as himself, and that their <i>father and mother were + both crooked, and of very small stature</i>;—I think he + said, neither of them five feet high. It would not be difficult + to adduce similar instances; but I abstain, because the subject + is <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg393" id= + "pg393">393</a></span> hardly refined enough for this immaculate + period, this moral millenium of expurgated editions in books, + manners, and royal trials of divorce. + </p> + <p> + This laudable delicacy—this crying-out elegance of the + day—reminds me of a little circumstance which occurred when + I was about eighteen years of age. There was then (and there may + be still) a famous French "entremetteuse," who assisted young + gentlemen in their youthful pastimes. We had been acquainted for + some time, when something occurred in her line of business more + than ordinary, and the refusal was offered to me (and doubtless + to many others), probably because I was in cash at the moment, + having taken up a decent sum from the Jews, and not having spent + much above half of it. The adventure on the tapis, it seems, + required some caution and circumspection. Whether my venerable + friend doubted my politeness I cannot tell; but she sent me a + letter couched in such English as a short residence of sixteen + years in England had enabled her to acquire. After several + precepts and instructions, the letter closed. But there was a + postscript. It contained these words:—"Remember, Milor, + that <i>delicaci ensure</i> everi succés." The <i>delicacy</i> of + the day is exactly, in all its circumstances, like that of this + respectable foreigner. "It ensures every <i>succès</i>," and is + not a whit more moral than, and not half so honourable as, the + coarser candour of our less polished ancestors. + </p> + <p> + To return to Mr. Bowles. "If what is here extracted can excite in + the mind (I will not say of any 'layman', of any 'Christian', + but) of any <i>human being</i>," &c. &c. Is not Mr. + Gilchrist a "human being?" Mr. Bowles asks "whether in + <i>attributing</i> an article," &c. &c, "to the critic, + he had <i>any reason</i> for distinguishing him with that + courtesy," &c. &c. But Mr. Bowles was wrong in + "attributing the article" to Mr. Gilchrist at all; and would not + have been right in calling him a dunce and a grocer, if he had + written it. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bowles is here "peremptorily called upon to <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg394" id="pg394">394</a></span> speak of a + circumstance which gives him the greatest pain,—the mention + of a letter he received from the editor of 'The London + Magazine.'" Mr. Bowles seems to have embroiled himself on all + sides; whether by editing, or replying, or attributing, or + quoting,—it has been an awkward affair for him. + </p> + <p> + Poor Scott is now no more. In the exercise of his vocation, he + contrived at last to make himself the subject of a coroner's + inquest. But he died like a brave man, and he lived an able one. + I knew him personally, though slightly. Although several years my + senior, we had been schoolfellows together at the + "grammar-schule" (or, as the Aberdonians pronounce it, + "<i>squeel</i>") of New Aberdeen. He did not behave to me quite + handsomely in his capacity of editor a few years ago, but he was + under no obligation to behave otherwise. The moment was too + tempting for many friends and for all enemies. At a time when all + my relations (save one) fell from me like leaves from the tree in + autumn winds, and my few friends became still fewer,—when + the whole periodical press (I mean the daily and weekly, + <i>not</i> the <i>literary</i> press) was let loose against me in + every shape of reproach, with the two strange exceptions (from + their usual opposition) of "The Courier" and "The + Examiner,"—the paper of which Scott had the direction was + neither the last nor the least vituperative. Two years ago I met + him at Venice, when he was bowed in griefs by the loss of his + son, and had known, by experience, the bitterness of domestic + privation. He was then earnest with me to return to England; and + on my telling him, with a smile, that he was once of a different + opinion, he replied to me, 'that he and others had been greatly + misled; and that some pains, and rather extraordinary means, had + been taken to excite them.' Scott is no more, but there are more + than one living who were present at this dialogue. He was a man + of very considerable talents, and of great acquirements. He had + made his way, as a literary character, with high success, and + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg395" id="pg395">395</a></span> + in a few years. Poor fellow! I recollect his joy at some + appointment which he had obtained, or was to obtain, through Sir + James Mackintosh, and which prevented the further extension + (unless by a rapid run to Rome) of his travels in Italy. I little + thought to what it would conduct him. Peace be with + him!—and may all such other faults as are inevitable to + humanity be as readily forgiven him, as the little injury which + he had done to one who respected his talents, and regrets his + loss. + </p> + <p> + I pass over Mr. Bowles's page of explanation, upon the + correspondence between him and Mr. S——. It is of + little importance in regard to Pope, and contains merely a + re-contradiction of a contradiction of Mr. Gilchrist's. We now + come to a point where Mr. Gilchrist has, certainly, rather + exaggerated matters; and, of course, Mr. Bowles makes the most of + it. Capital letters, like Kean's name, "large upon the bills," + are made use of six or seven times to express his sense of the + outrage. The charge is, indeed, very boldly made; but, like + "Ranold of the Mist's" practical joke of putting the bread and + cheese into a dead man's mouth, is, as Dugald Dalgetty says, + "somewhat too wild and salvage, besides wasting the good + victuals." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Gilchrist charges Mr. Bowles with "suggesting" that Pope + "attempted" to commit "a rape" upon Lady M. Wortley Montague. + There are two reasons why this could not be true. The first is, + that like the chaste Letitia's prevention of the intended + ravishment by Fireblood (in Jonathan Wild), it might have been + impeded by a timely compliance. The second is, that however this + might be, Pope was probably the less robust of the two; and (if + the Lines on Sappho were really intended for this lady) the + asserted consequences of her acquiescence in his wishes would + have been a sufficient punishment. The passage which Mr. Bowles + quotes, however, insinuates nothing of the kind: it merely + charges her with encouragement, and him with wishing <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg396" id="pg396">396</a></span> to profit by + it,—a slight attempt at seduction, and no more. The phrase + is, "a step beyond decorum." Any physical violence is so + abhorrent to human nature, that it recoils in cold blood from the + very idea. But, the seduction of a woman's mind as well as person + is not, perhaps, the least heinous sin of the two in morality. + Dr. Johnson commends a gentleman who having seduced a girl who + said, "I am afraid we have done wrong," replied, "Yes, we + <i>have</i> done wrong,"—"for I would not <i>pervert</i> + her mind also." Othello would not "kill Desdemona's <i>soul</i>." + Mr. Bowles exculpates himself from Mr. Gilchrist's charge; but it + is by substituting another charge against Pope. "A step beyond + decorum," has a soft sound, but what does it express? In all + these cases, "ce n'est que le premier pas qui coute." Has not the + Scripture something upon "the lusting after a woman" being no + less criminal than the crime? "A step beyond decorum," in short, + any step beyond the instep, is a step from a precipice to the + lady who permits it. For the gentleman who makes it it is also + rather hazardous if he does not succeed, and still more so if he + does. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bowles appeals to the "Christian reader!" upon this + "<i>Gilchristian</i> criticism." Is not this play upon such words + "a step beyond decorum" in a clergyman? But I admit the + temptation of a pun to be irresistible. + </p> + <p> + But "a hasty pamphlet was published, in which some personalities + respecting Mr. Gilchrist were suffered to appear." If Mr. Bowles + will write "hasty pamphlets," why is he so surprised on receiving + short answers? The grand grievance to which he perpetually + returns is a charge of "<i>hypochondriacism</i>," asserted or + insinuated in the Quarterly. I cannot conceive a man in perfect + health being much affected by such a charge, because his + complexion and conduct must amply refute it. But were it true, to + what does it amount?—to an impeachment of a liver + complaint. "I will tell it to the world," exclaimed the learned + Smelfungus.—"You had better," said I, "tell it to your + physician." There is nothing <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg397" id="pg397">397</a></span> dishonourable in such a + disorder, which is more peculiarly the malady of students. It has + been the complaint of the good, and the wise, and the witty, and + even of the gay. Regnard, the author of the last French comedy + after Molière, was atrabilious; and Molière himself, saturnine. + Dr. Johnson, Gray, and Burns, were all more or less affected by + it occasionally. It was the prelude to the more awful malady of + Collins, Cowper, Swift, and Smart; but it by no means follows + that a partial affliction of this disorder is to terminate like + theirs. But even were it so,— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "Nor best, nor wisest, are exempt from thee; + </p> + <p> + Folly—Folly's only free." PENROSE. + </p> + </div> + <p> + If this be the criterion of exemption, Mr. Bowles's last two + pamphlets form a better certificate of sanity than a physician's. + Mendehlson and Bayle were at times so overcome with this + depression, as to be obliged to recur to seeing "puppet-shows, + and counting tiles upon the opposite houses," to divert + themselves. Dr. Johnson at times "would have given a limb to + recover his spirits." Mr. Bowles, who is (strange to say) fond of + quoting Pope, may perhaps answer,— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "Go on, obliging creatures, let me see + </p> + <p> + All which disgrac'd my betters met in me." + </p> + </div> + <p> + But the charge, such as it is, neither disgraces them nor him. It + is easily disproved if false; and even if proved true, has + nothing in it to make a man so very indignant. Mr. Bowles himself + appears to be a little ashamed of his "hasty pamphlet;" for he + attempts to excuse it by the "great provocation;" that is to say, + by Mr. Bowles's supposing that Mr. Gilchrist was the writer of + the article in the Quarterly, which he was <i>not</i>. + </p> + <p> + "But, in extenuation, not only the <i>great</i> provocation + should be remembered, but it ought to be said, that orders were + sent to the London booksellers, that the most direct personal + passages should be <i>omitted entirely</i>," <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg398" id="pg398">398</a></span> &c. This + is what the proverb calls "breaking a head and giving a plaster;" + but, in this instance, the plaster was not spread in time, and + Mr. Gilchrist does not seem at present disposed to regard Mr. + Bowles's courtesies like the rust of the spear of Achilles, which + had such "skill in surgery." + </p> + <p> + But "Mr. Gilchrist has <i>no right</i> to object, as the reader + will see." I am a reader, a "gentle reader," and I see nothing of + the kind. Were I in Mr. Gilchrist's place, I should object + exceedingly to being abused; firstly, for what I <i>did</i> + write, and, secondly, for what I did <i>not</i> write; merely + because it is Mr. Bowles's will and pleasure to be as angry with + me for having written in the London Magazine, as for not having + written in the Quarterly Review. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Gilchrist has had ample revenge; for he has, in his answer, + said so and so," &c. &c. There is no great revenge in all + this; and I presume that nobody either seeks or wishes it. What + revenge? Mr. Bowles calls names, and he is answered. But Mr. + Gilchrist and the Quarterly Reviewer are not poets, nor + pretenders to poetry; therefore they can have no envy nor malice + against Mr. Bowles: they have no acquaintance with Mr. Bowles, + and can have no personal pique; they do not cross his path of + life, nor he theirs. There is no political feud between them. + What, then, can be the motive of their discussion of his deserts + as an editor?—veneration for the genius of Pope, love for + his memory, and regard for the classic glory of their country. + Why would Mr. Bowles edite? Had he limited his honest endeavours + to poetry, very little would have been said upon the subject, and + nothing at all by his present antagonists. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bowles calls the pamphlet a "mud-cart," and the writer a + "scavenger." Afterward he asks, "Shall he fling dirt and receive + <i>rose-water</i>?" This metaphor, by the way, is taken from + Marmontel's Memoirs; who, lamenting to Chamfort the shedding of + blood during the <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg399" id= + "pg399">399</a></span> French revolution, was answered, "Do you + think that revolutions are to be made with <i>rose-water</i>?" + </p> + <p> + For my own part, I presume that "rose-water" would be infinitely + more graceful in the hands of Mr. Bowles than the substance which + he has substituted for that delicate liquid. It would also more + confound his adversary, supposing him a "scavenger." I remember, + (and do you remember, reader, that it was in my earliest youth, + "Consule Planco,")—on the morning of the great battle, (the + second)—between Gulley and Gregson,—<i>Cribb</i>, who + was matched against Horton for the second fight, on the same + memorable day, awaking me (a lodger at the inn in the next room) + by a loud remonstrance to the waiter against the abomination of + his towels, which had been laid in <i>lavender</i>. Cribb was a + coal-heaver—and was much more discomfited by this + odoriferous effeminacy of fine linen, than by his adversary + Horton, whom, he "finished in style," though with some + reluctance; for I recollect that he said, "he disliked hurting + him, he looked so pretty,"—Horton being a very fine + fresh-coloured young man. + </p> + <p> + To return to "rose-water"—that is, to gentle means of + rebuke. Does Mr. Bowles know how to revenge himself upon a + hackney-coachman, when he has overcharged his fare? In case he + should not, I will tell him. It is of little use to call him "a + rascal, a scoundrel, a thief, an impostor, a blackguard, a + villain, a raggamuffin, a—what you please;" all that he is + used to—it is his mother-tongue, and probably his mother's. + But look him steadily and quietly in the face, and + say—"Upon my word, I think you are the <i>ugliest + fellow</i> I ever saw in my life," and he will instantly roll + forth the brazen thunders of the charioteer Salmoneus as + follows:—"<i>Hugly</i>! what the h—ll are <i>you</i>? + <i>You</i> a <i>gentleman</i>! Why ——!" So much + easier it is to <i>provoke</i>—and therefore to + vindicate—(for passion punishes him who <i>feels</i> it + more than those whom the passionate would excruciate)—by + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg400" id="pg400">400</a></span> a + few quiet words the aggressor, than by retorting violently. The + "coals of fire" of the Scripture are <i>benefits</i>;—but + they are not the less "coals of <i>fire</i>." + </p> + <p> + I pass over a page of quotation and reprobation—"Sin up to + my song"—"Oh let my little bark"—"Arcades + ambo"—"Writer in the Quarterly Review and + himself"—"In-door avocations, indeed"—"King of + Brentford"—"One nosegay"—"Perennial + nosegay"—"Oh Juvenes,"—and the like. + </p> + <p> + Page 12. produces "more reasons,"—(the task ought not to + have been difficult, for as yet there were none)—"to show + why Mr. Bowles attributed the critique in the Quarterly to + Octavius Gilchrist." All these "reasons" consist of + <i>surmises</i> of Mr. Bowles, upon the presumed character of his + opponent. "He did not suppose there could exist a man in the + kingdom so <i>impudent</i>, &c. &c. except Octavius + Gilchrist."—"He did not think there was a man in the + kingdom who would <i>pretend ignorance</i>, &c. &c. + except Octavius Gilchrist."—"He did not conceive that one + man in the kingdom would utter such stupid flippancy, &c. + &c. except Octavius Gilchrist."—"He did not think there + was one man in the kingdom who, &c. &c. could so utterly + show his ignorance, <i>combined with conceit</i>, &c. as + Octavius Gilchrist."—"He did not believe there was a man in + the kingdom so perfect in Mr. Gilchrist's 'old lunes,'" &c. + &c.—"He did not think the <i>mean mind</i> of any one + in the kingdom," &c. and so on; always beginning with "any + one in the kingdom," and ending with "Octavius Gilchrist," like + the word in a catch. I am not "in the kingdom," and have not been + much in the kingdom since I was one and twenty, (about five years + in the whole, since I was of age,) and have no desire to be in + the kingdom again, whilst I breathe, nor to sleep there + afterwards; and I regret nothing more than having ever been "in + the kingdom" at all. But though no longer a man "in the kingdom," + let me hope that when I have ceased to <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg401" id="pg401">401</a></span> exist, it may + be said, as was answered by the master of Clanronald's henchman, + his day after the battle of Sheriff-Muir, when he was found + watching his chief's body. He was asked, "who that was?" he + replied—"it was a man yesterday." And in this capacity, "in + or out of the kingdom," I must own that I participate in many of + the objections urged by Mr. Gilchrist. I participate in his love + of Pope, and in his not understanding, and occasionally finding + fault with, the last editor of our last truly great poet. + </p> + <p> + One of the reproaches against Mr. Gilchrist is, that he is (it is + sneeringly said) an F. S. <i>A</i>. If it will give Mr. Bowles + any pleasure, I am not an F. S. A. but a Fellow of the Royal + Society at his service, in case there should be any thing in that + association also which may point a paragraph. + </p> + <p> + "There are some other reasons," but "the author is now <i>not</i> + unknown." Mr. Bowles has so totally exhausted himself upon + Octavius Gilchrist, that he has not a word left for the real + quarterer of his edition, although now "deterré." + </p> + <p> + The following page refers to a mysterious charge of "duplicity, + in regard to the publication of Pope's letters." Till this charge + is made in proper form, we have nothing to do with it: Mr. + Gilchrist hints it—Mr. Bowles denies it; there it rests for + the present. Mr. Bowles professes his dislike to "Pope's + duplicity, <i>not</i> to Pope"—a distinction apparently + without a difference. However, I believe that I understand him. + We have a great dislike to Mr. Bowles's edition of Pope, but + <i>not</i> to Mr. Bowles; nevertheless, he takes up the subject + as warmly as if it was personal. With regard to the fact of + "Pope's duplicity," it remains to be proved—like Mr. + Bowles's benevolence towards his memory. + </p> + <p> + In page 14. we have a large assertion, that "the 'Eloisa' alone + is sufficient to convict him of <i>gross licentiousness</i>." + Thus, out it comes at last. Mr. Bowles <i>does</i> accuse Pope of + "<i>gross</i> licentiousness," and grounds <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg402" id="pg402">402</a></span> the charge + upon a poem. The <i>licentiousness</i> is a "grand peut-être," + according to the turn of the times being. The grossness I deny. + On the contrary, I do believe that such a subject never was, nor + ever could be, treated by any poet with so much delicacy, mingled + with, at the same time, such true and intense passion. Is the + "Atys" of Catullus <i>licentious</i>? No, nor even gross; and yet + Catullus is often a coarse writer. The subject is nearly the + same, except that Atys was the suicide of his manhood, and + Abelard the victim. + </p> + <p> + The "licentiousness" of the story was <i>not</i> Pope's,—it + was a fact. All that it had of gross, he has softened;—all + that it had of indelicate, he has purified;—all that it had + of passionate, he has beautified;—all that it had of holy, + he has hallowed. Mr. Campbell has admirably marked this in a few + words (I quote from memory), in drawing the distinction between + Pope and Dryden, and pointing out where Dryden was wanting "I + fear," says he, "that had the subject of 'Eloisa' fallen into his + (Dryden's) hands, that he would have given us but a <i>coarse</i> + draft of her passion." Never was the delicacy of Pope so much + shown as in this poem. With the facts and the letters of "Eloisa" + he has done what no other mind but that of the best and purest of + poets could have accomplished with such materials. Ovid, Sappho + (in the Ode called hers)—all that we have of ancient, all + that we have of modern poetry, sinks into nothing compared with + him in this production. + </p> + <p> + Let us hear no more of this trash about "licentiousness." Is not + "Anacreon" taught in our schools?—translated, praised, and + edited? Are not his Odes the amatory praises of a boy? Is not + Sappho's Ode on a girl? Is not this sublime and (according to + Longinus) fierce love for one of her own sex? And is not + Phillips's translation of it in the mouths of all your women? And + are the English schools or the English women the more corrupt for + all this? When you have thrown the ancients into the fire it will + be time to denounce the <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg403" id= + "pg403">403</a></span> moderns. "Licentiousness!"—there is + more real mischief and sapping licentiousness in a single French + prose novel, in a Moravian hymn, or a German comedy, than in all + the actual poetry that ever was penned, or poured forth, since + the rhapsodies of Orpheus. The sentimental anatomy of Rousseau + and Mad. de S. are far more formidable than any quantity of + verse. They are so, because they sap the principles, by + <i>reasoning</i> upon the <i>passions</i>; whereas poetry is in + itself passion, and does not systematise. It assails, but does + not argue; it may be wrong, but it does not assume pretensions to + Optimism. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bowles now has the goodness "to point out the difference + between a <i>traducer</i> and him who sincerely states what he + sincerely believes." He might have spared himself the trouble. + The one is a liar, who lies knowingly; the other (I speak of a + scandal-monger of course) lies, charitably believing that he + speaks truth, and very sorry to find himself in + falsehood;—because he + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "Would rather that the dean should die, + </p> + <p> + Than his prediction prove a lie." + </p> + </div> + <p> + After a definition of a "traducer," which was quite superfluous + (though it is agreeable to learn that Mr. Bowles so well + understands the character), we are assured, that "he feels + equally indifferent, Mr. Gilchrist, for what your malice can + invent, or your impudence utter." This is indubitable; for it + rests not only on Mr. Bowles's assurance, but on that of Sir + Fretful Plagiary, and nearly in the same words,—"and I + shall treat it with exactly the same calm indifference and + philosophical contempt, and so your servant." + </p> + <p> + "One thing has given Mr. Bowles concern." It is "a passage which + might seem to reflect on the patronage a young man has received." + MIGHT seem!! The passage alluded to expresses, that if Mr. + Gilchrist be the reviewer of "a certain poet of nature," his + praise <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg404" id= + "pg404">404</a></span> and blame are equally + contemptible."—Mr. Bowles, who has a peculiarly ambiguous + style, where it suits him, comes off with a "<i>not</i> to the + <i>poet</i>, but the critic," &c. In my humble opinion, the + passage referred to both. Had Mr. Bowles really meant fairly, he + would have said so from the first—he would have been + eagerly transparent.—"A certain poet of nature" is not the + style of commendation. It is the very prologue to the most + scandalous paragraphs of the newspapers, when + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "Willing to wound, and yet afraid to strike." + </p> + </div> + <p> + "A certain high personage,"—"a certain peeress,"—"a + certain illustrious foreigner,"—what do these words ever + precede, but defamation? Had he felt a spark of kindling kindness + for John Clare, he would have named him. There is a sneer in the + sentence as it stands. How a favourable review of a deserving + poet can "rather injure than promote his cause" is difficult to + comprehend. The article denounced is able and amiable, and it + <i>has</i> "served" the poet, as far as poetry can be served by + judicious and honest criticism. + </p> + <p> + With the two next paragraphs of Mr. Bowles's pamphlet it is + pleasing to concur. His mention of "Pennie," and his former + patronage of "Shoel," do him honour. I am not of those who may + deny Mr. Bowles to be a benevolent man. I merely assert, that he + is not a candid editor. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bowles has been "a writer occasionally upwards of thirty + years," and never wrote one word in reply in his life "to + criticisms, merely <i>as</i> criticisms." This is Mr. Lofty in + Goldsmith's Good-natured Man; "and I vow by all that's + honourable, my resentment has never done the men, as mere men, + any manner of harm,—that is, <i>as mere men</i>." + </p> + <p> + "The letter to the editor of the newspaper" is owned; but "it was + not on account of the criticism. It was because the criticism + came down in a frank <i>directed</i> to Mrs. + Bowles!!!"—(the italics and three <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg405" id="pg405">405</a></span> notes of + admiration appended to Mrs. Bowles are copied verbatim from the + quotation), and Mr. Bowles was not displeased with the criticism, + but with the frank and the address. I agree with Mr. Bowles that + the intention was to annoy him; but I fear that this was answered + by his notice of the reception of the criticism. An anonymous + letter-writer has but one means of knowing the effect of his + attack. In this he has the superiority over the viper; he knows + that his poison has taken effect, when he hears the victim + cry;—the adder is <i>deaf</i>. The best reply to an + anonymous intimation is to take no notice directly nor + indirectly. I wish Mr. Bowles could see only one or two of the + thousand which I have received in the course of a literary life, + which, though begun early, has not yet extended to a third part + of his existence as an author. I speak of <i>literary</i> life + only. Were I to add <i>personal</i>, I might double the amount of + <i>anonymous</i> letters. If he could but see the violence, the + threats, the absurdity of the whole thing, he would laugh, and so + should I, and thus be both gainers. + </p> + <p> + To keep up the farce,—within the last month of this present + writing (1821), I have had my life threatened in the same way + which menaced Mr. Bowles's fame,—excepting that the + anonymous denunciation was addressed to the Cardinal Legate of + Romagna, instead of to Mrs. Bowles. The Cardinal is, I believe, + the elder lady of the two. I append the menace in all its + barbaric but literal Italian, that Mr. Bowles may be convinced; + and as this is the only "promise to pay," which the Italians ever + keep, so my person has been at least as much exposed to a "shot + in the gloaming," from "John Heatherblutter" (see Waverley), as + ever Mr. Bowles's glory was from an editor. I am, nevertheless, + on horseback and lonely for some hours (<i>one</i> of them + twilight) in the forest daily; and this, because it was my + "custom in the afternoon," and that I believe if the tyrant + cannot escape amidst his guards (should it be <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg406" id="pg406">406</a></span> so written?), + so the humbler individual would find precautions useless. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bowles has here the humility to say, that "he must succumb; + for with Lord Byron turned against him, he has no + chance,"—a declaration of self-denial not much in unison + with his "promise," five lines afterwards, that "for every + twenty-four lines quoted by Mr. Gilchrist, or his friend, to + greet him with as many from the 'Gilchrisiad';" but so much the + better. Mr. Bowles has no reason to "succumb" but to Mr. Bowles. + As a poet, the author of "The Missionary" may compete with the + foremost of his cotemporaries. Let it be recollected, that all my + previous opinions of Mr. Bowles's poetry were <i>written</i> long + before the publication of his last and best poem; and that a + poet's <i>last</i> poem should be his best, is his highest + praise. But, however, he may duly and honourably rank with his + living rivals. There never was so complete a proof of the + superiority of Pope, as in the lines with which Mr. Bowles closes + his "<i>to be concluded in our next</i>." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bowles is avowedly the champion and the poet of nature. Art + and the arts are dragged, some before, and others behind his + chariot. Pope, where he deals with passion, and with the nature + of the naturals of the day, is allowed even by themselves to be + sublime; but they complain that too soon— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "He stoop'd to truth and moralised his song," + </p> + </div> + <p> + and <i>there</i> even <i>they</i> allow him to be unrivalled. He + has succeeded, and even surpassed them, when he chose, in their + own <i>pretended</i> province. Let us see what their Coryphæus + effects in Pope's. But it is too pitiable, it is too melancholy, + to see Mr. Bowles "<i>sinning</i>" not "<i>up</i>" but + "<i>down</i>" as a poet to his lowest depth as an editor. By the + way, Mr. Bowles is always quoting Pope. I grant that there is no + poet—not Shakspeare himself—who can be so often + quoted, with reference to life;—but his editor is so like + the devil quoting Scripture, <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg407" id="pg407">407</a></span> that I could wish Mr. Bowles in + his proper place, quoting in the pulpit. + </p> + <p> + And now for his lines. But it is painful—painful—to + see such a suicide, though at the shrine of Pope. I can't copy + them all:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Shall the rank, loathsome miscreant of the age + </p> + <p> + Sit, like a night-mare, grinning o'er a page." + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Whose pye-bald character so aptly suit + </p> + <p> + The two extremes of Bantam and of Brute, + </p> + <p> + Compound grotesque of sullenness and show, + </p> + <p> + The chattering magpie, and the croaking crow." + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Whose heart contends with thy Saturnian head, + </p> + <p> + A root of hemlock, and a lump of lead. + </p> + <p> + Gilchrist proceed," &c. &c. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "And thus stand forth, spite of thy venom'd foam, + </p> + <p> + To give thee <i>bite for bite</i>, or lash thee limping + home." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + With regard to the last line, the only one upon which I shall + venture for fear of infection, I would advise Mr. Gilchrist to + keep out of the way of such reciprocal morsure—unless he + has more faith in the "Ormskirk medicine" than most people, or + may wish to anticipate the pension of the recent German + professor, (I forget his name, but it is advertised and full of + consonants,) who presented his memoir of an infallible remedy for + the hydrophobia to the German diet last month, coupled with the + philanthropic condition of a large annuity, provided that his + cure cured. Let him begin with the editor of Pope, and double his + demand. + </p> + <p class="quotsig"> + Yours ever, + <br /> + BYRON. + </p> + <p> + <i>To John Murray, Esq</i>. + </p> + <p> + P.S. Amongst the above-mentioned lines there occurs the + following, <i>applied</i> to Pope— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "The assassin's vengeance, and the coward's lie." + </p> + </div> + <p> + And Mr. Bowles persists that he is a well-wisher to Pope!!! He + has, then, edited an "assassin" and a <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg408" id="pg408">408</a></span> "coward" + wittingly, as well as lovingly. In my former letter I have + remarked upon the editor's forgetfulness of Pope's benevolence. + But where he mentions his faults it is "with sorrow"—his + tears drop, but they do not blot them out. The "recording angel" + differs from the recording clergyman. A fulsome editor is + pardonable though tiresome, like a panegyrical son whose pious + sincerity would demi-deify his father. But a detracting editor is + a paricide. He sins against the nature of his office, and + connection—he murders the life to come of his victim. If + his author is not worthy to be mentioned, do not edit at all: if + he be, edit honestly, and even flatteringly. The reader will + forgive the weakness in favour of mortality, and correct your + adulation with a smile. But to sit down "mingere in patrios + cineres," as Mr. Bowles has done, merits a reprobation so strong, + that I am as incapable of expressing as of ceasing to feel it. + </p> + <h4> + <i>Further Addenda</i>. + </h4> + <p> + It is worthy of remark that, after all this outcry about + "<i>in-door</i> nature" and "artificial images," Pope was the + principal inventor of that boast of the English, <i>Modern + Gardening</i>. He divides this honour with Milton. Hear + Warton:—"It hence appears, that this <i>enchanting</i> art + of modern gardening, in which this kingdom claims a preference + over every nation in Europe, chiefly owes <i>its origin</i> and + its improvements to two great poets, Milton and <i>Pope</i>." + </p> + <p> + Walpole (no friend to Pope) asserts that Pope formed + <i>Kent's</i> taste, and that Kent was the artist to whom the + English are chiefly indebted for diffusing "a taste in laying out + grounds." The design of the Prince of Wales's garden was copied + from <i>Pope's</i> at Twickenham. Warton applauds "his singular + effort of art and taste, in impressing so much variety and + scenery on a spot of five acres." Pope was the <i>first</i> who + ridiculed the "formal, French, Dutch, false and unnatural taste + in gardening," <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg409" id= + "pg409">409</a></span> both in <i>prose</i> and verse. (See, for + the former, "The Guardian.") + </p> + <p> + "Pope has given not only some of our <i>first</i> but <i>best</i> + rules and observations on <i>Architecture</i> and + <i>Gardening</i>." (See Warton's Essay, vol. ii. p. 237, &c. + &c.) + </p> + <p> + Now, is it not a shame, after this, to hear our Lakers in "Kendal + Green," and our Bucolical Cockneys, crying out (the latter in a + wilderness of bricks and mortar) about "Nature," and Pope's + "artificial in-door habits?" Pope had seen all of nature that + <i>England</i> alone can supply. He was bred in Windsor Forest, + and amidst the beautiful scenery of Eton; he lived familiarly and + frequently at the country seats of Bathurst, Cobham, Burlington, + Peterborough, Digby, and Bolingbroke; amongst whose seats was to + be numbered <i>Stowe</i>. He made his own little "five acres" a + model to princes, and to the first of our artists who imitated + nature. Warton thinks "that the most engaging of <i>Kent</i>'s + works was also planned on the model of Pope's,—at least in + the opening and retiring shades of Venus's Vale." + </p> + <p> + It is true that Pope was infirm and deformed; but he could walk, + and he could ride (he rode to Oxford from London at a stretch), + and he was famous for an exquisite eye. On a tree at Lord + Bathurst's is carved "Here Pope sang,"—he composed beneath + it. Bolingbroke, in one of his letters, represents them both + writing in the hay-field. No poet ever admired Nature more, or + used her better, than Pope has done, as I will undertake to prove + from his works, <i>prose</i> and <i>verse</i>, if not anticipated + in so easy and agreeable a labour. I remember a passage in + Walpole, somewhere, of a gentleman who wished to give directions + about some willows to a man who had long served Pope in his + grounds: "I understand, sir," he replied: "you would have them + hang down, sir, <i>somewhat poetical</i>." Now, if nothing + existed but this little anecdote, it would suffice to prove + Pope's taste for <i>Nature</i>, and the impression which he had + made on a common-minded man. But I have already quoted Warton and + Walpole (<i>both</i> his enemies), <span class="pagenum"><a name= + "pg410" id="pg410">410</a></span> and, were it necessary, I could + amply quote Pope himself for such tributes to <i>Nature</i> as no + poet of the present day has even approached. + </p> + <p> + His various excellence is really wonderful: architecture, + painting, <i>gardening</i>, all are alike subject to his genius. + Be it remembered, that English <i>gardening</i> is the purposed + perfectioning of niggard <i>Nature</i>, and that without it + England is but a hedge-and-ditch, double-post-and-rail, Hounslow + Heath and Clapham Common sort of country, since the principal + forests have been felled. It is, in general, far from a + picturesque country. The case is different with Scotland, Wales, + and Ireland; and I except also the lake counties and Derbyshire, + together with Eton, Windsor, and my own dear Harrow on the Hill, + and some spots near the coast. In the present rank fertility of + "great poets of the age," and "schools of poetry"—a word + which, like "schools of eloquence" and of "philosophy," is never + introduced till the decay of the art has increased with the + number of its professors—in the present day, then, there + have sprung up two sorts of Naturals;—the Lakers, who whine + about Nature because they live in Cumberland; and their + <i>under-sect</i> (which some one has maliciously called the + "Cockney School"), who are enthusiastical for the country because + they live in London. It is to be observed, that the rustical + founders are rather anxious to disclaim any connexion with their + metropolitan followers, whom they ungraciously review, and call + cockneys, atheists, foolish fellows, bad writers, and other hard + names not less ungrateful than unjust. I can understand the + pretensions of the aquatic gentlemen of Windermere to what Mr. + Braham terms "<i>entusumusy</i>," for lakes, and mountains, and + daffodils, and buttercups; but I should be glad to be apprised of + the foundation of the London propensities of their imitative + brethren to the same "high argument." Southey, Wordsworth, and + Coleridge have rambled over half Europe, and seen Nature in most + of her varieties (although I think that they have occasionally + not used her very well); but what on <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg411" id="pg411">411</a></span> + earth—of earth, and sea, and Nature—have the others + seen? Not a half, nor a tenth part so much as Pope. While they + sneer at his Windsor Forest, have they ever seen any thing of + Windsor except its <i>brick</i>? + </p> + <p> + The most rural of these gentlemen is my friend Leigh Hunt, who + lives at Hampstead. I believe that I need not disclaim any + personal or poetical hostility against that gentleman. A more + amiable man in society I know not; nor (when he will allow his + sense to prevail over his sectarian principles) a better writer. + When he was writing his "Rimini," I was not the last to discover + its beauties, long before it was published. Even then I + remonstrated against its vulgarisms; which are the more + extraordinary, because the author is any thing but a vulgar man. + Mr. Hunt's answer was, that he wrote them upon principle; they + made part of his "<i>system!!</i>" I then said no more. When a + man talks of his system, it is like a woman's talking of her + <i>virtue</i>. I let them talk on. Whether there are writers who + could have written "Rimini," as it might have been written, I + know not; but Mr. Hunt is, probably, the only poet who could have + had the heart to spoil his own Capo d'Opera. + </p> + <p> + With the rest of his young people I have no acquaintance, except + through some things of theirs (which have been sent out without + my desire), and I confess that till I had read them I was not + aware of the full extent of human absurdity. Like Garrick's "Ode + to Shakspeare," <i>they "defy criticism</i>." These are of the + personages who decry Pope. One of them, a Mr. John Ketch, has + written some lines against him, of which it were better to be the + subject than the author. Mr. Hunt redeems himself by occasional + beauties; but the rest of these poor creatures seem so far gone + that I would not "march through Coventry with them, that's flat!" + were I in Mr. Hunt's place. To be sure, he has "led his + ragamuffins where they will be well peppered;" but a system-maker + must receive all sorts of <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg412" + id="pg412">412</a></span> proselytes. When they have really seen + life—when they have felt it—when they have travelled + beyond the far distant boundaries of the wilds of + Middlesex—when they have overpassed the Alps of Highgate, + and traced to its sources the Nile of the New River—then, + and not till then, can it properly he permitted to them to + despise Pope; who had, if not <i>in Wales</i>, been <i>near</i> + it, when he described so beautifully the "<i>artificial</i>" + works of the Benefactor of Nature and mankind, the "Man of Ross," + whose picture, still suspended in the parlour of the inn, I have + so often contemplated with reverence for his memory, and + admiration of the poet, without whom even his own still existing + good works could hardly have preserved his honest renown. + </p> + <p> + I would also observe to my friend Hunt, that I shall be very glad + to see him at Ravenna, not only for my sincere pleasure in his + company, and the advantage which a thousand miles or so of travel + might produce to a "natural" poet, but also to point out one or + two little things in "Rimini," which he probably would not have + placed in his opening to that poem, if he had ever seen + Ravenna;—unless, indeed, it made "part of his system!!" I + must also crave his indulgence for having spoken of his + disciples—by no means an agreeable or self-sought subject. + If they had said nothing of <i>Pope</i>, they might have remained + "alone with their glory" for aught I should have said or thought + about them or their nonsense. But if they interfere with the + "little Nightingale" of Twickenham, they may find others who will + bear it—<i>I</i> won't. Neither time, nor distance, nor + grief, nor age, can ever diminish my veneration for him, who is + the great moral poet of all times, of all climes, of all + feelings, and of all stages of existence. The delight of my + boyhood, the study of my manhood, perhaps (if allowed to me to + attain it) he may be the consolation of my age. His poetry is the + Book of Life. Without canting, and yet without neglecting + religion, he has assembled all that a <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg413" id="pg413">413</a></span> good and + great man can gather together of moral wisdom clothed in + consummate beauty. Sir William Temple observes, "that of all the + members of mankind that live within the compass of a thousand + years, for one man that is born capable of making a <i>great + poet</i>, there may be a <i>thousand</i> born capable of making + as great generals and ministers of state as any in story." Here + is a statesman's opinion of poetry: it is honourable to him and + to the art. Such a "poet of a thousand years" was <i>Pope</i>. A + thousand years will roll away before such another can be hoped + for in our literature. But it can <i>want</i> them—he + himself is a literature. + </p> + <p> + One word upon his so brutally abused translation of Homer. "Dr. + Clarke, whose critical exactness is well known, has <i>not + been</i> able to point out above three or four mistakes <i>in the + sense</i> through the whole Iliad. The real faults of the + translation are of a different kind." So says Warton, himself a + scholar. It appears by this, then, that he avoided the chief + fault of a translator. As to its other faults, they consist in + his having made a beautiful English poem of a sublime Greek one. + It will always hold. Cowper and all the rest of the blank + pretenders may do their best and their worst: they will never + wrench Pope from the hands of a single reader of sense and + feeling. + </p> + <p> + The grand distinction of the under forms of the new school of + poets is their <i>vulgarity</i>. By this I do not mean that they + are <i>coarse</i>, but "shabby-genteel," as it is termed. A man + may be <i>coarse</i> and yet not <i>vulgar</i>, and the reverse. + Burns is often coarse, but never <i>vulgar</i>. Chatterton is + never vulgar, nor Wordsworth, nor the higher of the Lake school, + though they treat of low life in all its branches. It is in their + <i>finery</i> that the new under school are <i>most</i> vulgar, + and they may be known by this at once; as what we called at + Harrow "a Sunday blood" might be easily distinguished from a + gentleman, although his clothes might be the better cut, and his + boots the best blackened, of the two;—probably because + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg414" id="pg414">414</a></span> + he made the one, or cleaned the other, with his own hands. + </p> + <p> + In the present case, I speak of writing, not of persons. Of the + latter, I know nothing; of the former, I judge as it is found. Of + my friend Hunt, I have already said, that he is any thing but + vulgar in his manners; and of his disciples, therefore, I will + not judge of their manners from their verses. They may be + honourable and <i>gentlemanly</i> men, for what I know; but the + latter quality is studiously excluded from their publications. + They remind me of Mr. Smith and the Miss Broughtons at the + Hampstead Assembly, in "Evelina." In these things (in private + life, at least,) I pretend to some small experience; because, in + the course of my youth, I have seen a little of all sorts of + society, from the Christian prince and the Mussulman sultan and + pacha, and the higher ranks of their countries, down to the + London boxer, the "<i>flash and the swell</i>," the Spanish + muleteer, the wandering Turkish dervise, the Scotch highlander, + and the Albanian robber;—to say nothing of the curious + varieties of Italian social life. Far be it from me to presume + that there ever was, or can be, such a thing as an + <i>aristocracy</i> of <i>poets</i>; but there <i>is</i> a + nobility of thought and of style, open to all stations, and + derived partly from talent, and partly from + education,—which is to be found in Shakspeare, and Pope, + and Burns, no less than in Dante and Alfieri, but which is + nowhere to be perceived in the mock birds and bards of Mr. Hunt's + little chorus. If I were asked to define what this + gentlemanliness is, I should say that it is only to be defined by + <i>examples</i>—of those who have it, and those who have it + not. In <i>life</i>, I should say that most <i>military</i> men + have it, and few <i>naval</i>;—that several men of rank + have it, and few lawyers;—that it is more frequent among + authors than divines (when they are not pedants); that + <i>fencing</i>-masters have more of it than dancing-masters, and + singers than players; and that (if it be not an Irishism to say + so) it is far <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg415" id= + "pg415">415</a></span> more generally diffused among women than + among men. In poetry, as well as writing in general, it will + never <i>make</i> entirely a poet or a poem; but neither poet nor + poem will ever be good for any thing without it. It is the + <i>salt</i> of society, and the seasoning of composition. + <i>Vulgarity</i> is far worse than downright + <i>blackguardism</i>; for the latter comprehends wit, humour, and + strong sense at times; while the former is a sad abortive attempt + at all things, "signifying nothing." It does not depend upon low + themes, or even low language, for Fielding revels in + both;—but is he ever <i>vulgar</i>? No. You see the man of + education, the gentleman, and the scholar, sporting with his + subject,—its master, not its slave. Your vulgar writer is + always most vulgar, the higher, his subject; as the man who + showed the menagerie at Pidcock's was wont to say,—"This, + gentlemen, is the <i>eagle</i> of the <i>sun</i>, from Archangel, + in Russia; the <i>otterer</i> it is, the <i>igherer</i> he + flies." But to the proofs. It is a thing to be felt more than + explained. Let any man take up a volume of Mr. Hunt's subordinate + writers, read (if possible) a couple of pages, and pronounce for + himself, if they contain not the kind of writing which may be + likened to "shabby-genteel" in actual life. When he has done + this, let him take up Pope;—and when he has laid him down, + take up the cockney again—if he can. + </p> + <hr /> + <blockquote> + <p> + <i>Note to the passage in page</i> <a href="#pg396">396.</a> + <i>relative to Pope's lines upon Lady Mary W. Montague</i>.] I + think that I could show, if necessary, that Lady Mary W. + Montague was also greatly to blame in that quarrel, <i>not</i> + for having rejected, but for having encouraged him: but I would + rather decline the task—though she should have remembered + her own line, "<i>He comes too near, that comes to be + denied</i>." I admire her so much—her beauty, her + talents—that I should do this reluctantly. I, besides, am + so attached to the very name of <i>Mary</i>, that as Johnson + once said, "If you called a dog <i>Harvey</i>, I should love + him;" so, if you were to call a female of the same species + "Mary," I should love it better than others <span class= + "pagenum"><a name="pg416" id="pg416">416</a></span> (biped or + quadruped) of the same sex with a different appellation. She + was an extraordinary woman: she could translate + <i>Epictetus</i>, and yet write a song worthy of Aristippus. + The lines, + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <p> + "And when the long hours of the public are past, + </p> + <p> + And we meet, with champaigne and a chicken, at last, + </p> + <p> + May every fond pleasure that moment endear! + </p> + <p> + Be banish'd afar both discretion and fear! + </p> + <p> + Forgetting or scorning the airs of the crowd, + </p> + <p> + He may cease to be formal, and I to be proud, + </p> + <p> + Till," &c. &c. + </p> + </div> + <p> + There, Mr. Bowles!—what say you to such a supper with + such a woman? and her own description too? Is not her + "<i>champaigne and chicken</i>" worth a forest or two? Is it + not poetry? It appears to me that this stanza contains the + "<i>purée</i>" of the whole philosophy of Epicurus:—I + mean the <i>practical</i> philosophy of his school, not the + precepts of the master; for I have been too long at the + university not to know that the philosopher was himself a + moderate man. But, after all, would not some of us have been as + great fools as Pope? For my part, I wonder that, with his quick + feelings, her coquetry, and his disappointment, he did no + more,—instead of writing some lines, which are to be + condemned if false, and regretted if true.<span class="pagenum"><a name="pg417" id= + "pg417">417</a></span> + </p> + </blockquote> + <h2> + INDEX. + </h2> + <hr /> + <h4> + The Roman letters refer to the Volume; the Arabic figures to the + Page. + </h4> + <hr /> + <p> + A. + </p> + <ul class="IX"> + <li>ABERDEEN, Mrs. Byron's residence at, i. 11.; + <ul> + <li>the day school there at which Lord Byron was a pupil, i. + 17.; + </li> + <li>his allusion to the localities of, i. 34.; + </li> + <li>affection of the people of, for his memory, i 36. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Absence, consolations in, ii. 279. + </li> + <li>Abstinence, the sole remedy for plethora, iii. 337. + </li> + <li>Abydos, Lord Byron's swimming feat from Sestos to, i. 316. + 321. 323; v. 129.; vi. <a href="#pg280">280</a>. + <ul> + <li>See Bride of Abydos. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Abyssinia, Lord Byron's project of visiting, ii. 232. + </li> + <li>Academical studies, effect of, on the imaginative faculty, i. + 197. + </li> + <li>Acerbi, Giuseppe, iii. 307. + </li> + <li>Acland, Mr., Lord Byron's school-fellow at Harrow, i. 97. + </li> + <li>Acting, no immaterial sensuality so delightful, iii. 81. + </li> + <li>Actium, remains of the town of, i 295. + </li> + <li>Actors, an impracticable race, iii. 185. + </li> + <li>Ada, iii. 195. + <ul> + <li>See Byron, Augusta-Ada. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Adair, Robert, esq. i, 319. 335. 341.; ii. 9. + </li> + <li>Adams, John, the Southwell carrier, + <ul> + <li>Lord Byron's epitaph on, i. 153. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Addison, Joseph, his character as a poet, i. 197. + <ul> + <li>His conversation, vi. <a href="#pg354">354</a>. + </li> + <li>His 'Drummer', vi. <a href="#pg392">392</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>'Adolphe,' Benjamin Constant's, its character, iii. 251. + </li> + <li>Adversity, iii. 205. + </li> + <li>'Æneid, the,' written for political purposes, ii. 60. + </li> + <li>Æschylus, i. 64. + <ul> + <li>His 'Prometheus', iv. 67. + </li> + <li>His 'Seven before Thebes', 68. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>'Agathon,' Wieland's history of, iv. 236. + </li> + <li>Aglietti, Dr., MS. letters in his profession offered to Mr. + Murray, iv, 98. 126. 129. + </li> + <li>Albania, i. 299. 316. + </li> + <li>Albanians, their character and manners, i. 299. 316. + </li> + <li>Alberoni, Cardinal, ii. 266. + </li> + <li>Albrizzi, Countess, some account of, iii. 318. + <ul> + <li>Her conversazioni, iv. 212. + </li> + <li>Her 'Ritratti di Uomini Illustri', 213. + </li> + <li>Her portrait of Lord Byron, 214. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Alder, Mr, iv. 10. + </li> + <li>Alexander the Great, his exclamation to the Athenians, i. 12. + </li> + <li>Alfieri, Vittorio, his description of his first love, i. 26. + <ul> + <li>Effect of the representation of his 'Mira' on Lord Byron, + iii. 77.; iv. 180. 180 n. + </li> + <li>His conduct to his mother, iii. 127. + </li> + <li>His tomb in the church of Santa Croce, iv. 12. + </li> + <li>Coincidences between the disposition and habits of Lord + Byron and, ii. 5.; vi. <a href="#pg231">231</a>. <a href= + "#pg233">233</a>. + </li> + <li>His 'Life' quoted, i. 45.; ii. 5. 64.; ii. 6.; iv. 342. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Alfred Club, ii. 99. 106.; iii. 233.; iv. 20. + </li> + <li>Algarotti, Francesco, his treatment of Lady M.W. Montagu, iv. + 126. + </li> + <li>Ali Pacha of Yanina, account of, i. 290, 317.; vi. <a href= + "#pg350">350</a>. <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg418" id= + "pg418">418</a></span> + <ul> + <li>Lord Byron's visit to, i. 294. + </li> + <li>His letter in Latin to Lord Byron, ii. 242. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Allegra (Lord Byron's natural daughter), iv. 133. 133 n. 164. + 172. 241. 246. 255. 299.; v. 78. 141. 174. + <ul> + <li>Her death, v. 328, 329, 330, 362. + </li> + <li>Inscription for a tablet to her memory, v. 335. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Allen, John, esq., a 'Helluo of books,' ii. 302. + </li> + <li>Althorp, Viscount, iii. 20, 59. + </li> + <li>Alvanley (William Arden), second Lord, iii. 232. + </li> + <li>Ambrosian library at Milan, Lord Byron's visit to, iii. 300. + </li> + <li>'Americani,' patriotic society so called, v. 105. + </li> + <li>Americans, their freedom acquired by firmness without excess, + v. 200. + </li> + <li>Amurath, Sultan, iii. 22. + </li> + <li>'Anastasius,' Mr. Hope's, his character, iv. 342. + </li> + <li>'Anatomy of Melancholy,' a most amusing medley of quotations + and classical anecdotes, i. 144. + </li> + <li>Ancestry, pride of, one of the most decided features of Lord + Byron's character, i. 1. + </li> + <li>Andalusian nobleman, adventures of a young, v. 234. + </li> + <li>Animal food, influence of, on the character, ii, 106. + </li> + <li>Annesley, the residence of Miss Chaworth, i. 80, 83, 84. + </li> + <li>Annesley, Mr., Lord Byron's schoolfellow at Harrow, i. 91. + </li> + <li>Anstey's 'Bath Guide,' indecencies in, iv. 361. + </li> + <li>'Anti-Byron,' a satire, iii. 14, 57. + </li> + <li>Anti-Jacobin Review, iii. 64. + </li> + <li>Antiloctius, tomb of, i. 316. + </li> + <li>Antinous, the bust of, super-natural, vi. <a href= + "#pg373">373</a>. + </li> + <li>'Antiquary,' character of Scott's novel so called, iii. 296. + </li> + <li>'Antony and Cleopatra,' observations on the play of, ii. 256. + </li> + <li>Apollo Belvidere, iv. 28. + </li> + <li>Arethusa, fountain of, Lord Byron's visit to, vi. <a href= + "#pg073">073</a>. + </li> + <li>Argenson, Marquis d', his advice to Voltaire, iii. 65 n. + </li> + <li>Argyle Institution, ii. 139, 140. + </li> + <li>Ariosto, Lord Byron's imitation of, ii. 111.; + <ul> + <li>his portrait by Titian, iv. 8.; + </li> + <li>Measure of his poetry, 65.; + </li> + <li>spared by the robber who had read his 'Orlando Furioso,' + v. 15.; + </li> + <li>his courage, vi. <a href="#pg247">247</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Aristides, ii. 273. + </li> + <li>Aristophanes, Mitchell's translation of, its excellence, iv. + 345. + </li> + <li>'Armageddon,' Townshend's poem so called, ii. 58. + </li> + <li>Armenian Convent of St. Lazarus, iii. 325, 334, 336. + <ul> + <li>Language, iii. 312, 325, 330. + </li> + <li>Grammar, iii. 315, 334, 335, 354.; iv. 34. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Art, not inferior to nature, for poetical purposes, vi. + <a href="#pg364">364</a>. + </li> + <li>Arts, gulf of, i. 301. + </li> + <li>Ash, Thomas, author of 'The Book,' ii. 334. + <ul> + <li>Lord Byron's generous conduct towards, ii. 336. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Athens, Lord Byron's first visit to, i. 305.; + <ul> + <li>account of the maid of, i. 307, 320. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Atticus, Herodes, ii. 266. + </li> + <li>Aubonne, iii. 268. + </li> + <li>Augusta, stanzas to, iii. 289, 291. + </li> + <li>Augustus Cæsar, his times, v. 104. + </li> + <li>'Auld lang syne,' v. 301. + </li> + <li>Authors, an irritable set, iii. 15. + </li> + <li>Avarice, iv. 127. 234. + </li> + <li>'Away, away, ye notes of woe,' ii: 97. + </li> + <li>'A year ago you swore,' &c. v. 28. + </li> + </ul> + <p> + B. + </p> + <ul class="IX"> + <li>Bacon, Lord, on the celibacy of men of genius, iii, 134. + <ul> + <li>Inaccuracies in his Apophthegms, v. 59, 64. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Baillie, Joanna, the only woman capable of writing tragedy, + in. 168. + </li> + <li>Baillie, Dr., Lord Byron put under his care, i. 44. + </li> + <li>——, Dr. Matthew, consulted on Lord Byron's + supposed insanity, vi. <a href="#pg277">277</a>. + </li> + <li style="list-style: none"> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg419" id="pg419">419</a></span> + </li> + <li>Baillie 'Long', iii. 235. + </li> + <li>Baillie, Mr. D., i. 138. + </li> + <li>Balgounie, brig of, i. 35. + </li> + <li>Ballater, a residence of Lord Byron in his youth, i. 21. + </li> + <li>Bandello, his history of Romeo and Juliet, iii. 322. + </li> + <li>Bankes, William, esq., i.182. 183.; ii. 146.; iv. 239. 349. + <ul> + <li>Letters to, i. 124. 126. 264.; ii. 146. 172. 182.; iv. + 259. 280. 286. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Barbarossa, Aruck, ii. 266. + </li> + <li>Barber, J.T., the painter, ii. 79. + </li> + <li>Barff, Mr., Lord Byron's letters to, on the Greek cause, vi. + <a href="#pg161">161</a>. <a href="#pg164">164</a>. <a href= + "#pg174">174</a>. <a href="#pg175">175</a>. <a href= + "#pg182">182</a>. <a href="#pg184">184</a>. <a href= + "#pg185">185</a>. <a href="#pg193">193</a>. <a href= + "#pg195">195</a>. <a href="#pg196">196</a>. + </li> + <li>Barlow, Joel, character of his 'Columbiad', i. 146. + </li> + <li>Barnes, Thomas, esq., ii. 38. + </li> + <li>Barry, Mr., the banker of Genoa, i. xiv.; iv. 232.; vi. + <a href="#pg059">059</a>. + </li> + <li>Bartley, George, the comedian, iii. 177. + </li> + <li>——, Mrs., the actress, iii. 168. 177. + </li> + <li>Bartolini, the sculptor, his bust of Lord Byron, v. 322. 373. + </li> + <li>Bartorini, princess, her monument at Bologna, iv. 162. + </li> + <li>Bath, Lord Byron at, i. 78. + </li> + <li>'Bath Guide,' Anstey's, iv. 261 + </li> + <li>Baths of Penelope, Lord Byron's visit to, vi. <a href= + "#pg074">074</a> + </li> + <li>'Baviad and Mæviad,' extinguishment of the Delia Cruscans by + the, iv. 32. + </li> + <li>Bay of Biscay, iii.146. + </li> + <li>Bayes, Mr., caricature of Dryden, v. 264 n. + </li> + <li>Beattie, Dr., his 'Minstrel', i. 64. 212. + </li> + <li>Beaumarchais, his singular good fortune, ii.95. + </li> + <li>Beaumont, Sir George, iii. 166. + </li> + <li>Beauvais, Bishop of, ii. 143. + </li> + <li>Beccaria, anecdote of, iii. 301. + </li> + <li>Becher, Rev. John, Lord Byron's friend, i. 98. + <ul> + <li>His epilogue to the 'Wheel of Fortune', 117. + </li> + <li>His influence over Lord Byron, 119. 131. 138. + </li> + <li>Letters to, 204. 209. 216. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Beckford, William, esq., his 'Tales' in continuation of + 'Vathek', iv. 91. + </li> + <li>Beggar's Opera,' Gay's, a St. Giles's lampoon, ii. 303. + </li> + <li>Behmen, Jacob, his reverses, ii. 59. + </li> + <li>Bellingham, Lord Byron present at his execution, ii. 152. + </li> + <li>Beloe, Rev. William, character of his 'Sexagenarian', iv. 84. + </li> + <li>Bembo, Cardinal, amatory correspondence between Lucretia + Borgia and, iii. 300. + </li> + <li>Benacus, the (now the Lago di Garda), iii. 304. + </li> + <li>Bentham, Jeremy, quackery of his followers, iv. 154. 155. + </li> + <li>Benzoni, Countess, her conversazioni, iv.212.; v. 189. + <ul> + <li>Some account of, iv. 220. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>'Beppo, a Venetian Story', iii. 236.; iv. 66. 77. 101. + <ul> + <li>See also, i. 253. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Bergami, the Princess of Wales's courier and chamberlain, + iii. 333. + </li> + <li>Bernadotte, Jean-Baptiste-Jules, King of Sweden, ii. 240. + </li> + <li>Berni, the father of the Beppo style of writing, iv. 95. + </li> + <li>Berry, Miss, ii. 151. + </li> + <li>'Bertram,' Mathurin's tragedy of, iii. 184.; iv. 65. + </li> + <li>Bettesworth, Captain (cousin of Lord Byron), the only officer + in the navy who had more wounds than Lord Nelson, i. 174. + </li> + <li>Betty, William Henry West (the young Roscius), ii. 160. + </li> + <li>Beyle, M., his 'Histoire de la Peinture en Italie', iii. 302. + <ul> + <li>His account of an interview with Lord Byron at Milan, + iii. 302. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Bible, the, read through by Lord Byron before he was eight + years old, v. 265. + </li> + <li>Biography, iv. 265. + </li> + <li>'Bioscope, or Dial of Life,' Mr. Grenville Penn's, ii. 170. + </li> + <li>Birch, Alderman, ii. 182. + </li> + <li>Blackett, Joseph, the poetical cobbler, i. 246.; ii. 13. 57. + 58. + <ul> + <li>His posthumous writings, + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Blackstone, Judge, composed his Commentaries with a bottle of + port before him, vi. <a href="#pg354">354</a>. + </li> + <li style="list-style: none"> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg420" id="pg420">420</a></span> + </li> + <li>Blackwood's Magazine, its Remarks on Don Juan, iv. 269. + </li> + <li>Blake, the fashionable tonsor, v. 32. + </li> + <li>Bland, Rev. Robert, ii. 77. 93, 93 n., 95. 297. + </li> + <li>Blaquiere, Mr., vi. <a href="#pg044">044</a>. <a href= + "#pg142">142</a>. + </li> + <li>Bleeding, Lord Byron's prejudice against, vi. <a href= + "#pg203">203</a>. + </li> + <li>Blessington, Earl of, i. xiv.; iv. 232 n.; vi. <a href= + "#pg013">013</a>. + <ul> + <li>Letters to, vi. <a href="#pg018">018</a>. <a href= + "#pg021">021</a>. <a href="#pg023">023</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>——, Countess of, vi. <a href="#pg013">013</a>. + <a href="#pg016">016</a>, <a href="#pg017">017</a>. + <ul> + <li>Impromptu on her taking a villa called 'Il Paradiso,' vi. + <a href="#pg016">016</a>. + </li> + <li>Lines written at the request of, vi, 17. + </li> + <li>Letters to, vi. <a href="#pg026">026</a>. <a href= + "#pg028">028</a>. <a href="#pg058">058</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Blinkensop, Rev. Mr., his Sermon on Christianity, ii. 218. + </li> + <li>Bloomfield, Nathaniel, ii. 25. + </li> + <li>——, Robert, ii. 25. + </li> + <li>Blount, Martha, Pope's attachment to, vi. <a href= + "#pg351">351</a>. <a href="#pg388">388</a>. + </li> + <li>Blucher, Marshal, iii. 174. 236. + </li> + <li>'BLUES, THE; a Literary Eclogue,' v. 246. + </li> + <li>'Boatswain,' Lord Byron's favourite dog, i. 114. 134. 221. + </li> + <li>Boisragon, Dr., ii. 165. + </li> + <li>Bolivar, Simon, v. 342. 343 n. + </li> + <li>Bolder, Mr., Lord Byron's schoolfellow at Harrow, i. 91. + </li> + <li>Bologna, Lord Byron's visit to the cemetery of, iv. 161. + </li> + <li>Bolton, Mr., letters of Lord Byron to, respecting his will, + ii. 43. 47. 48. + </li> + <li>Bonneval, Claudius Alexander, Count de, ii. 266. + </li> + <li>Bonstetten, M., iii. 250. 252. 372. + </li> + <li>Books, list of, read by Lord Byron before the age of 15, i. + 144, + </li> + <li>Borgia, Lucretia, her amatory correspondence with Cardinal + Bembo, iii. 300. 305. + </li> + <li>'Born in a garret, in a kitchen bred,' iii. 229. + </li> + <li>Borromean Islands, in, 299. 307. + </li> + <li>'Bosquet de Julie,' iii. 257. 284. + </li> + <li>'Bosworth Field,' Lord Byron's projected epic entitled, i. + 170. 175. + </li> + <li>Botzari, Marco, his letter to Lord Byron, vi. <a href= + "#pg075">075</a>. + </li> + <li>His death, <a href="#pg076">076</a>. + </li> + <li>Bowers, Mr. (Lord Byron's school-master at Aberdeen), i. 17. + </li> + <li>Bowles, Rev. William Lisle, his controversy concerning Pope, + v. 29. 37. 98. 138. 152.; vi. <a href="#pg350">350</a>, + <a href="#pg351">351</a>. <a href="#pg353">353</a>. + <ul> + <li>His 'Spirit of Discovery,' <a href="#pg348">348</a>. + </li> + <li>His 'invariable principles of poetry,' <a href="#pg355"> + 355</a>. + </li> + <li>His hypochondriacism, <a href="#pg396">396</a>. + </li> + <li>His 'Missionary,' <a href="#pg406">406</a>. + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's 'Letter on his Strictures on the Life and + Writings of Pope,' <a href="#pg346">346</a>. + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's 'Observations upon Observations; a Second + Letter,' &c., <a href="#pg382">382</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Bowring, Dr., Lord Byron's letters to, on the Greek cause, + and his intention to embark in it, vi. <a href="#pg044">044</a>. + <a href="#pg049">049</a>. <a href="#pg060">060</a>. <a href= + "#pg092">092</a>. <a href="#pg098">098</a>, <a href= + "#pg099">099</a>. <a href="#pg101">101</a>. <a href= + "#pg107">107</a>. + </li> + <li>Boxing, ii. 271. + </li> + <li>Bradshaw, Hon. Cavendish, iii. 170. + </li> + <li>Braham, John, the singer, ii. 260.; iii. 145. + </li> + <li>Breme, Marquis de, iii. 307. + </li> + <li>'BRIDE OF ABYDOS; a Turkish Tale,' ii. 248. 258. 264. 290. + 293. 312. 314. 326.; iii. 54. 228. + </li> + <li>Bridge of Sighs at Venice, account of, iv. 40. + </li> + <li>Brientz, town and lake of, iii. 266. + </li> + <li>'Brig of Balgounie,' i. 35. + </li> + <li>'British Critic,' ii. 259. + </li> + <li>'British Review,' its character of the 'Giaour,' ii. 229. + </li> + <li>——, 'my Grandmother's Review,' iv. 186.; + <ul> + <li>Lord Byron's letter to the editor, 187. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Broglie, Duchess of (daughter of Mad. de Staël), her + character, iii. 285 n. + <ul> + <li>Anecdote of, iv. 150. + </li> + <li>Her remark on the errors of clever people, vi. <a href= + "#pg260">260</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Brooke, Lord (Sir Fulke Greville), account of a MS. poem by, + ii. 181. + </li> + <li>Brougham, Henry, esq. (afterwards Lord Brougham and Vaux), a + candidate for Westminster against Sheridan, iii. 12. + </li> + <li>Broughton, the regicide, his monument at Vevay, iii. 256. + </li> + <li style="list-style: none"> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg421" id="pg421">421</a></span> + </li> + <li>Brown, Isaac Hawkins, his 'Pipe of Tobacco,' ii. 169. 179.; + <ul> + <li>his 'lava buttons,' iii. 124. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Browne, Sir Thomas, his 'Religio Medici' quoted, ii. 315. + </li> + <li>Bruce, Mr., i. 348.; ii. 9. + </li> + <li>Brummell, William, esq., iii. 236. + </li> + <li>Bruno, Dr., Lord Byron's medical attendant in Greece, vi. + <a href="#pg055">055</a>. <a href="#pg201">201</a>. + <ul> + <li>Anecdote of, <a href="#pg128">128</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Brussels, iii. 243, 245. + </li> + <li>Bryant, Jacob, on the existence of Troy, v. 70. + </li> + <li>Brydges, Sir Egerton, his 'Letters on the Character and + Poetical Genius of Byron,' ii. 195. + <ul> + <li>His 'Ruminator,' 271. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Buchanan, Rev. Dr., ii. 232 n. + </li> + <li>Bucke, Rev. Charles, ii. 188. + </li> + <li>Buonaparte, Lucien, his 'Charlemagne,' ii. 93 n., 234. + </li> + <li>——, Napoleon, one of the most extraordinary of + men, ii. 35. 240.; iii. 3. 37. 234., + <ul> + <li>that anakim of anarchy, 261.; + </li> + <li>poor little pagod, iii. 21. 62.; + </li> + <li>ode on his fall, 63. 155. 172.; + </li> + <li>fortune's favourite, 156. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Burdett, Sir Francis, ii. 130. 151. + <ul> + <li>His style of eloquence, ii. 209. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Burgage Manor, Notts, the residence of Lord Byron, i. 92. + </li> + <li>Burgess, Sir James Bland, iii. 184. + </li> + <li>Burke, Rt. Hon. Edmund, his oratory, ii. 209. + </li> + <li>Burns, Robert, his habit of reading at meals, i. 139 n. + <ul> + <li>His elegy on Maillie, 223. + </li> + <li>'What would he have been, if a patrician?' ii. 257. + </li> + <li>His unpublished letters, 302. + </li> + <li>His rank among poets, vi. <a href="#pg377">377</a>. + </li> + <li>'Often coarse, but never vulgar,' 413. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Burton's 'Anatomy of Melancholy,' 'a most amusing and + instructive medley,' i. 144. + </li> + <li>Burun, Ralph de, mentioned in Doomsday Book, i. 1. + </li> + <li>Busby, Dr., Dryden's reverential regard for, i. 57. + </li> + <li>——, Thomas, Mus. Doct., his monologue on the + opening of Drury Lane Theatre, ii. 177. 180. 182. + <ul> + <li>His translation of Lucretius, 262.; iii. 58. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Butler, Dr. (headmaster at Harrow), i. 64. 87. 167. 200, 201. + <ul> + <li>Reconciliation between Lord Byron and, 270. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>BYRON, Sir John, the Little, with the great beard, i. 4. + </li> + <li>——, Sir John, 1st Lord, his high and honourable + services, i. 5. + </li> + <li>——, Sir Richard, tribute to his valour and + fidelity, i. 6. + </li> + <li>——, Admiral John (the grand-father of the poet), + his shipwreck and sufferings, i. 6. + </li> + <li>——, William, fifth Lord (grand-uncle of the + poet), i. 6. + <ul> + <li>His trial for killing Mr. Chaworth in a duel, 7. + </li> + <li>His death, 29. + </li> + <li>His eccentric and unsocial habits, 30. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>BYRON, John (father of the poet), his elopement with Lady + Carmarthen, i. 7. + <ul> + <li>His marriage with Miss Catherine Gordon, 7. + </li> + <li>His death at Valenciennes, 16. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>——, Mrs. (mother of the poet), descended from the + Gordons of Gight, i. 6. + <ul> + <li>Vehemence of her feelings, 7. + </li> + <li>Ballad on the occasion of her marriage, 8. + </li> + <li>Her fortune, 9 n. + </li> + <li>Separates from her husband, 11. + </li> + <li>Her capricious excesses of fondness and of anger, 13. 38. + 103. + </li> + <li>Her death, ii. 31. + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's Letters to, ii. 217. 220. 233. 268. 290. + 313. 328. 337. 340. 350. 353. 356. + </li> + <li>See also, i. 101. 104, 105. 107. 347.; ii. 32. 35. 39.; + v. 3. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>——, Honourable Augusta (sister of the poet), i. + 7. + <ul> + <li>See Leigh, Honourable Augusta. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>——, (GEORGE-GORDON-BYRON), sixth Lord— + <ul> + <li>1788. Born Jan. 22., in Holles Street, London, i. 10. + </li> + <li>1790-1791. Taken by his mother to Aberdeen, i. 11. + <ul> + <li>Impetuosity of his temper, 12. + </li> + <li>Affectionate sweetness and playfulness of his + disposition, 13. + </li> + <li>The malformation of his foot a source of pain and + uneasiness to him, 14. + </li> + <li style="list-style: none"> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg422" id= + "pg422">422</a></span> + </li> + <li>His early acquaintance with the Sacred Writings, 14. + </li> + <li>Instances of his quickness and energy, 15. + </li> + <li>Death of his father, 16. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>1792-1795; Sent to a day-school at Aberdeen, i. 17. + <ul> + <li>His own account of the progress of his infantine + studies, 18. + </li> + <li>His sports and exercises, 20. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>1796-1797. Removed into the Highlands, i. 21. + <ul> + <li>His visits to Lachin-y-gair, 22. + </li> + <li>First awakening of his poetic talent, 22. + </li> + <li>His early love of mountain scenery, 25. + </li> + <li>Attachment for Mary Duff, 26. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>1798. Succeeds to the title, i. 29. + <ul> + <li>Made a ward of Chancery, under the guardianship of + the Earl of Carlisle, and removed to Newstead, 33. + </li> + <li>Placed under the care of an empiric at Nottingham for + the cure of his lameness, 41. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>1799. First symptom of a tendency towards rhyming, i. 42. + <ul> + <li style="list-style: none">Removed to London, and put + under the care of Dr. Baillie, 44. + </li> + <li style="list-style: none">Becomes the pupil of Dr. + Glennie, at Dulwich, 44. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>1800-1804. His boyish love for his cousin, Margaret + Parker, i. 52. + <ul> + <li>His 'first dash into poetry,' 52. + </li> + <li>Is sent to Harrow, 54. + </li> + <li>Notices of his school-life, 60. + </li> + <li>His first Harrow verses, 61. + </li> + <li>His school friendships, 66. + </li> + <li>His mode of life as a schoolboy, 76. + </li> + <li>Accompanies his mother to Bath, 78. + </li> + <li>His early attachment to Miss Chaworth, 79. + </li> + <li>Heads a 'rebelling' at Harrow, 86. + </li> + <li>Passes the vacation at Southwell, 92. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>1805. Removed to Cambridge, i. 92. + <ul> + <li>His college friendships, 93. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>1806. Aug.-Nov., prepares a collection of his poems for + the press, i. 110. + <ul> + <li>His visit to Harrowgate, 113. + </li> + <li>Southwell private theatricals, 116. + </li> + <li>Prints a volume of his poems; but, at the entreaty of + Mr. Becher, commits the edition to the flames, 118. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>1807. Publishes 'Hours of Idleness,' i. 129. + <ul> + <li>List of historical writers whose works he had perused + at the age of nineteen, 140. + </li> + <li>Reviews Wordsworth's Poems, 169. + </li> + <li>Begins 'Bosworth Field,' an epic. Writes part of a + novel, 175. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>1808. His early scepticism, i. 177. + <ul> + <li>Effect produced on his mind by the critique on 'Hours + of Idleness,' in the Edinburgh Review, 204. + </li> + <li>Passes his time between the dissipations of London + and Cambridge, 210. + </li> + <li>Takes up his residence at Newstead, 216. + </li> + <li>Forms the design of visiting India, 220. + </li> + <li>Prepares 'English Bards and Scotch Reviewers,' for + the press, 226. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>1809. His coming of age celebrated at Newstead, i. 227. + <ul> + <li>Takes his seat in the House of Lords, 235. + </li> + <li>Loneliness of his position at this period, 241. + </li> + <li>Sets out on his travels, 251. + </li> + <li>State of mind in which he took leave of England, 259. + </li> + <li>Visits Lisbon, Seville, Cadiz, Gibraltar, Malta, + Prevesa, Zitza, Tepaleen, 277. + </li> + <li>Is introduced to Ali Pacha, 277-288. + </li> + <li>Begins 'Childe Harold' at Ioannina, in Albania, 313. + </li> + <li>Visits Actium, Nicopolis; nearly lost in a Turkish + ship of war; proceeds through Acarnania and Ætolia + towards the Morea, 301. + </li> + <li>Reaches Missolonghi, 302. + </li> + <li>Visits Patras, Vostizza, Mount Parnassus, Delphi, + Lepanto, Thebes, Mount Cithæron, 303. + </li> + <li>Arrives, on Christmas-day, at Athens, 305. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>1810. Spends ten weeks in visiting the monuments of + Athens; makes excursions to several parts of Attica, 307. + <ul> + <li>The Maid of Athens, 310. + </li> + <li>Leaves Athens for Smyrna, 312. + </li> + <li>Visits ruins of Ephesus, 313. + </li> + <li style="list-style: none"> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg423" id= + "pg423">423</a></span> + </li> + <li>Concludes, at Smyrna, the second canto of 'Childe + Harold,' 313. + </li> + <li>April, leaves Smyrna for Constantinople. 315. + </li> + <li>Visits the Troad. 316. + </li> + <li>Swims from Sestos to Abydos, ibid. + </li> + <li>May, arrives at Constantinople. 323. + </li> + <li>June, expedition through the Bosphorus to the Black + Sea. 325. + </li> + <li>July, visits Corinth. 341. + </li> + <li>Aug.-Sept., makes a tour of the Morea, 340. + </li> + <li>Returns to Athens.346. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>1811. Writes 'Hints from Horace,' and 'Curse of Minerva.' + 350. + <ul> + <li>Returns to England, 354. + </li> + <li>Effect of travel on the general character of his mind + and disposition, ii. 1. + </li> + <li>His first connection with Mr. Murray. 30. + </li> + <li>Death of his mother. 31. + </li> + <li>Of his college friends, Matthews and Wingfield, 39. + 50. + </li> + <li>And of 'Thyrza,' 75. + </li> + <li>Origin of his acquaintance with Mr. Moore, 79. + </li> + <li>Act of generosity towards Mr. Hodgson, 108. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>1812. Feb. 27., makes his first speech in the House of + Lords, ii. 120. + <ul> + <li>Feb. 29., publishes the first and second cantos of + 'Childe Harold,' 131. + </li> + <li>Presents the copyright of the poem to Mr. Dallas, + 138. + </li> + <li>Although far advanced in a fifth edition of 'English + Bards,' determines to commit it to the flames, 145. + </li> + <li>Presented to the Prince Regent, 153. + </li> + <li>Writes the Address for the opening of Drury Lane + Theatre, 158. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>1813. April, brings out anonymously 'The Waltz,' ii. 187. + <ul> + <li>May, publishes the 'Giaour,' 188. + </li> + <li>His intercourse, through Mr. Moore, with Mr. Leigh + Hunt, 204. + </li> + <li>Makes preparations for a voyage to the East, 217. + </li> + <li>Projects a journey to Abyssinia, 232. + </li> + <li>Dec., publishes the 'Bride of Abydos,' 312. + </li> + <li>Is an unsuccessful suitor for the hand of Miss + Milbanke, 338. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>1814. Jan., publishes the 'Corsair,' iii. 24. + <ul> + <li>April, writes 'Ode on the Fall of Napoleon + Buonaparte,' 63. + </li> + <li>Comes to the resolution, not only of writing no more, + but of suppressing all he had ever written, 70. + </li> + <li>May, writes 'Lara;' makes a second proposal for the + hand of Miss Milbanke, and is accepted, 113. + </li> + <li>Dec., writes 'Hebrew Melodies,' 141. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>1815. Jan 2., marries Miss Milbanke, iii. 139. + <ul> + <li>April, becomes personally acquainted with Sir Walter + Scott, 159. + </li> + <li>May, becomes a member of the sub-committee of Drury + Lane theatre, 170. + </li> + <li>Pressure of pecuniary embarrassments, 191. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>1816. Jan., Lady Byron adopts the resolution of + separating from him, iii. 198. + <ul> + <li>Samples of the abuse lavished on him, 216 n. + </li> + <li>March, writes 'Fare thee well,' and 'A Sketch,' 229. + </li> + <li>April, leaves England, 238. + </li> + <li>His route—Brussels, Waterloo, &c., 243. + </li> + <li>Takes up his abode at the Campagne Diodati, 246. + </li> + <li>Finishes, June 27, the third canto of 'Childe + Harold,' 247. + </li> + <li>Writes, June 28, 'The Prisoner of Chillon,' 285. + </li> + <li>Writes, in July, 'Monody on the Death of Sheridan,' + 'the Dream,' 'Darkness,' 'Epistle to Augusta,' + 'Churchill's Grave,' 'Prometheus,' 'Could I remount,' + 'Sonnet to Lake Leman,' and part of 'Manfred,' 287. + </li> + <li>August, an unsuccessful negotiation for a domestic + reconciliation, 284. + </li> + <li>Sept., makes a tour of the Bernese Alps, 256. + </li> + <li>His intercourse with Mr. Shelley, 269. + </li> + <li>Oct., proceeds to Italy—route, Martiguy, the + Simplon, Milan, Verona, 297-308. + </li> + <li>Nov., takes up his residence at Venice, 311, + </li> + <li>Marianna Segati, 311. + </li> + <li>Studies the Armenian language, 312. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>1817. Feb., finishes 'Manfred,' iii. 345. + <ul> + <li>March, translates from the Armenian, a correspondence + between + </li> + <li style="list-style: none"> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg424" id= + "pg424">424</a></span> St. Paul and the Corinthians, + 370. + </li> + <li>April, visits Ferrara, and writes 'Lament of Tasso,' + iv. 11. + </li> + <li>Makes a short visit to Rome, and writes there a new + third act to 'Manfred,' 13. + </li> + <li>July, writes, at Venice, the fourth canto of 'Childe + Harold,' 48. + </li> + <li>Oct., writes 'Beppo,' 66. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>1818. The Fornarina, Margaritta Cogni, iv. 112. + <ul> + <li>July, writes 'Ode on Venice,' 125. + </li> + <li>Nov., finishes 'Mazeppa,' 137. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>1819. Jan., finishes second canto of 'Don Juan,' iv. 139. + <ul> + <li>April, beginning of his acquaintance with the + Countess Guiccioli, 143. + </li> + <li>June, writes 'Stanzas to the Po,' 155. + </li> + <li>Dec., completes the third and fourth cantos of 'Don + Juan,' iv. 262. + </li> + <li>Removes to Ravenna, 270. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>1820. Jan., domesticated with Countess Guiccioli, iv. + 276. + <ul> + <li>Feb., translates first canto of the 'Morgante + Maggiore,' 279. + </li> + <li>March, finishes 'Prophecy of Dante,' 291. + </li> + <li>Translates 'Francesa of Rimini,' 293. + </li> + <li>And writes 'Observations upon an Article in + Blackwood's Magazine,' 308. + </li> + <li>April-July, writes 'Marino Faliero,' 333. + </li> + <li>Oct.-Nov., writes fifth canto of 'Don Juan,' v. 37. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>1821. Feb., writes 'Letter on the Rev. W.L. Bowles's + Strictures on the Life of Pope,' v. 99. + <ul> + <li>March, 'Second Letter,' &c. 143. + </li> + <li>May, finishes 'Sardanapalus,' 187. + </li> + <li>July, 'The Two Foscari,' 197. + </li> + <li>Sept., 'Cain,' 239. + </li> + <li>Oct., writes 'Heaven and Earth, a Mystery,' 282.; + </li> + <li>and 'Vision of Judgment,' 261. + </li> + <li>Removes to Pisa, 269-280. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>1822. Jan., finishes 'Werner,' v. 310. + <ul> + <li>Sept, removes to Genoa, v. 355. + </li> + <li>His coalition with Hunt in the 'Liberal,' vi. + <a href="#pg003">003</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>1823. April, turns his views towards Greece, vi. + <a href="#pg042">042</a>. + <ul> + <li>Receives a communication from the London committee, + <a href="#pg049">049</a>. + </li> + <li>May, offers to proceed to Greece, and to devote his + resources to the object in view, <a href= + "#pg049">049</a>. + </li> + <li>Preparations for his departure, <a href= + "#pg054">054</a>. + </li> + <li>July 14., sails for Greece, <a href="#pg062">062</a>. + </li> + <li>Reaches Argostoli, <a href="#pg071">071</a>. + </li> + <li>Excursion to Ithaca, <a href="#pg073">073</a>. + </li> + <li>Waits, at Cephalonia, the arrival of the Greek fleet, + <a href="#pg082">082</a>. + </li> + <li>His conversations on religion with Dr. Kennedy at + Mataxata, <a href="#pg085">085</a>. + </li> + <li>His letters to Madame Guiccioli, <a href= + "#pg090">090</a>. + </li> + <li>His address to the Greek government, <a href= + "#pg095">095</a>. + </li> + <li>And remonstrance to Prince Mavrocordati, <a href= + "#pg096">096</a>. + </li> + <li>Testimonies to the benevolence and soundness of his + views, <a href="#pg110">110</a>. + </li> + <li>Instances of his humanity and generosity while at + Cephalonia, <a href="#pg112">112</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>1824. Jan. 5., arrives at Missolonghi, vi. <a href= + "#pg124">124</a>. + <ul> + <li>Writes 'Lines on completing my thirty-sixth year,' + <a href="#pg137">137</a>. + </li> + <li>Intended attack upon Lepanto, <a href= + "#pg147">147</a>. + </li> + <li>Is made commander-in-chief of the expedition, + <a href="#pg148">148</a>. + </li> + <li>Rupture with the Suliotes, <a href="#pg157">157</a>. + </li> + <li>The expedition suspended, <a href="#pg157">157</a>. + </li> + <li>His last illness, vi. <a href="#pg158">158</a>. + </li> + <li>His death, vi. <a href="#pg211">211</a>. + </li> + <li>His funeral, vi. <a href="#pg222">222</a>. + </li> + <li>Inscription on his monument, vi. <a href= + "#pg233">233</a>. + </li> + <li>His will, vi. <a href="#pg284">284</a>. + </li> + <li>His person, i. 137. 218.; vi. <a href= + "#pg253">253</a>, <a href="#pg254">254</a>. + </li> + <li>His sensitiveness on the subject of his lameness, i. + 14. 38. 138. 224. 256.; ii. 196. 319.; iii. 41. 241.; vi. + <a href="#pg013">013</a>. + </li> + <li>His abstemiousness, i. 347.; ii. 264. 300.; iii. + 281.; v. 30. + </li> + <li>His habitual melancholy, i. 264.; ii. 151.; iii, + 209.; v. 247. 263.; vi. <a href="#pg260">260</a>. + </li> + <li>His tendency to make the worst of his own + obliquities, i. 190.; ii. 136.; iv. 291.; v. 60. 69. + </li> + <li>His generosity and kind-heartedness, i. 136. 254. 280 + n.; ii. 108. 265.336.; iii. 25. 183 n.; iv. 235.; v. 86. + 92. 215. 272.; vi. <a href="#pg074">074</a>. <a href= + "#pg112">112</a>. <a href="#pg134">134</a>. + </li> + <li style="list-style: none"> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg425" id= + "pg425">425</a></span> + </li> + <li>His politics, ii. 311. 334.; iii. 34. 163. + </li> + <li>His religious opinions, ii. 112.; iii. 163. + </li> + <li>His tendency to superstition, i. 136. + </li> + <li>Portraits of him, ii. 175. 180. 187. 280. 324.; iii. + 97. 98. 104. 109. 139. 141.; iv. 7. 33. 95.; v. 200. 322. + 336. 343. 354. 355. 373.; vi. <a href="#pg029">029</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Byron, Lady, ii. 57.; iii. 171. 175. 178 n. 189. 203. 204. + 214.; iv. 251. 270. 272. 282.; v. 4.; vi. <a href= + "#pg026">026</a>. <a href="#pg028">028</a>. <a href= + "#pg114">114</a>. + <ul> + <li>Her remarks on Mr. Moore's Life of Lord Byron, vi. + <a href="#pg275">275</a>. + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's letters to, v. 258.; vi. <a href= + "#pg030">030</a>. + </li> + <li>——, Honourable Augusta Ada, iii. 195. 202. + 297. 298. 328. 332.; iv. 79. 164. 351.; v. 292. 370; vi. + <a href="#pg025">025</a>. <a href="#pg030">030</a>. + <a href="#pg113">113</a>. + </li> + <li>Byron, (George) seventh lord, ii. 285. 288.; iv. 26. + </li> + <li>——, Eliza, ii. 254. 258. + </li> + <li>——, Henry, ii. 254. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + </ul> + <p> + C. + </p> + <ul class="IX"> + <li>Cadiz, described, i. 279. 282. + </li> + <li>Cæsar, Julius, his times, v. 104. + </li> + <li>Cahir, Lady, iii. 81. + </li> + <li>'CAIN, a Mystery,' alleged blasphemies, v. 305. 313. 324. + 338. + <ul> + <li>See also, v. 88. 230. 280. 308. 309. 318. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Caledonian meeting, 'Address intended to be recited at', iii. + 85. + </li> + <li>Calvert, Mr., Lord Byron's schoolfellow at Harrow, i. 91. + </li> + <li>Cambridge, Lord Byron's entry into Trinity College, i. 92. + <ul> + <li>A chaos of din and drunkenness, i. 174. + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's distaste to, 126. 196. 238. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Camoens, distinguished himself in war, i. 64 n. + </li> + <li>Campbell, Thomas, esq., his first introduction to Lord Byron, + ii. 91. + <ul> + <li>Coleridge lecturing against him, 95. 98. + </li> + <li>His 'Pleasures of Hope', 240. + </li> + <li>The best of judges, 292. + </li> + <li>His unpublished poem on a scene in Germany, iii. 109. + </li> + <li>Inadvertencies in his 'Lives of the Poets', iv. 311.; v. + 68, 69. + </li> + <li>His 'Gertrude of Wyoming' full of false scenery, v. 70. + </li> + <li>See, also, ii. 101. 293.; ii. 9. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Canning, Right Hon. George, ii. 222. + <ul> + <li>His oratory, ii. 208. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>——, Sir Stratford, his poem entitled + 'Buonaparte', iii. 69. 109. + </li> + <li>Canova, vi. <a href="#pg363">363</a>. + <ul> + <li>His early love, i. 26. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Cant, 'the grand primum mobile of England', vi. <a href= + "#pg353">353</a>. + </li> + <li>Cantemir, Demetrius, his 'History of the Ottoman Empire,', i. + 141. + </li> + <li>Carlile, Richard, folly of his trial, iv. 258. + </li> + <li>Carlisle (Frederick Howard), fifth Earl of, becomes Lord + Byron's guardian, i. 33. 39. + <ul> + <li>His alleged neglect of his ward, i. 228. 234. 267. 330. + </li> + <li>Proposed reconciliation between Lord Byron and, iii. 30. + 44. 51. 93. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Caroline, Queen of England, iv. 341.; v. 2. 27. 29. 36. 228. + 230. + </li> + <li>Carmarthen, Marchioness of, i. 7.; ii. 244. + </li> + <li>Caro, Annibale, his translations from the classics, v. 72. + </li> + <li>Carpenter, James, the bookseller, i. 172. + </li> + <li>Carr, Sir John, the traveller, i. 279.; iii. 112. + </li> + <li>Cartwright, Major, iv. 171. + </li> + <li>Cary, Rev. Henry Francis, his translation of Dante, iv. 166. + </li> + <li>Castanos, General, i. 284. + </li> + <li>Castellan, A.L., his 'Moeurs des Ottomans', ii. 238. + </li> + <li>Castlereagh, Viscount, (Robert Stewart, Marquis of + Londonderry), iii. 172. 174, 251.; iv. 138. 141. + </li> + <li>Catholic emancipation, ii. 147. + </li> + <li>'Cato,' Pope's prologue to, ii. 165. + </li> + <li>Catullus, his 'Atys' not licentious, vi. <a href= + "#pg400">400</a>. + </li> + <li>'Cavalier Servente', iv. 100. 177. + </li> + <li>Cawthorn, Mr., the bookseller, i. 242.; ii. 96. + </li> + <li>Caylus, Count de, iv. 179. + </li> + <li style="list-style: none"> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg426" id="pg426">426</a></span> + </li> + <li>'Cecilia,' Miss Burney's, ii. 97, 97 n. + </li> + <li>Celibacy of eminent philosophers, iii. 134. + </li> + <li>Centlivre, Mrs., character of her comedies, iv. 297. + <ul> + <li>Drove Congreve from the stage, v. 116. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>'Cenci,' Shelley's, v. 115. + </li> + <li>Chamouni, remarks on the scenery of, iii, 253. 257. 274. + </li> + <li>Charlemont, Lady, Lord Byron's admiration of, ii. 258.; vi. + <a href="#pg362">362</a>. + </li> + <li>——, Mrs., iii. 202.; iv. 2.; vi. <a href= + "#pg276">276</a>. + </li> + <li>Charles the Fifth, iii. 22. + </li> + <li>Charlotte, the Princess, attacks upon Lord Byron in + consequence of his verses to, iii. 1. 72. + <div style="margin-left: 2em"> + Death of, iv. 74. + </div> + </li> + <li>Chatham, Lord, a notice of, in one of Lord Byron's early + poems, i. 131. + <ul> + <li>His oratory, ii. 209. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Chatterton, Thomas, self-educated, i. 145. + <ul> + <li>Never vulgar, vi. <a href="#pg413">413</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Chaucer, Geoffrey, character of his poetry, i. 148. + </li> + <li>Chauncy, Captain, v. 336. + </li> + <li>Chaworth, Mary Anne (afterwards Mrs. Musters), Lord Byron's + early attachment to, i. 79. + <ul> + <li>His last farewell of her, 84. + </li> + <li>Her marriage, 86. + </li> + <li>Interview with, after her marriage, 257. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Cheltenham, Lord Byron at, i. 56. + </li> + <li>Childe Alarique, ii.271. + </li> + <li>'CHILDE HAROLD'S PILGRIMAGE,' the poem commenced, i. 313.; + <ul> + <li>first produced to Mr. Dallas, ii. 15. + </li> + <li>The author's false judgment concerning, 16. + </li> + <li>Identification of Lord Byron's character with, 53. + </li> + <li>Mr. Gifford's opinion of the poem, 61. + </li> + <li>Preparations for publication, 79. + </li> + <li>Its progress through the press, 109. + </li> + <li>Mr. Moore's opinion, 113. + </li> + <li>Its publication and instantaneous success, 131.; + </li> + <li>alleged resemblance to Marmion in it, iii. 70. + </li> + <li>The 3d Canto written, 245. 247. + </li> + <li>Progress of the 4th Canto, iv. 40. 47. + </li> + <li>2500 guineas asked for it, 59. 62. + </li> + <li>The translation confiscated in Italy, 308. + </li> + <li>'The sublimest poetical achievement of mortal pen', vi. + <a href="#pg033">033</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Chillon, Castle of, iii. 247. 257.; iv. 3. 231. + </li> + <li>'CHILLON, PRISONER OF, iii. 285.; iv. 27.221. + </li> + <li>Christ, what proved him the Son of God, vi. <a href="#pg369"> + 369</a>. + </li> + <li>'Christabel', Lord Byron's admiration of, iii. 193. 255. 320. + 331. + </li> + <li>Cicero, Antony's treatment of, ii. 257. + </li> + <li>Cid, i. 143. + </li> + <li>Cigars, ii. 296. + </li> + <li>Cintra, the most beautiful village in the world, i. 277. 280. + </li> + <li>Clare (John Fitzgibbon), Earl of, i. 63. 65. 69. 71. 73, 74, + 75, 99. 121.; ii. 101.; v. 277. 311. 340. 360. + </li> + <li>Clare, John, the poet, vi. <a href="#pg404">404</a>. + </li> + <li>Clarens, iii. 247. 257. 274. + </li> + <li>Claridge, Mr., i. 63. + </li> + <li>'Clarissa Harlowe.' ii. 309. + </li> + <li>Clarke, Rev. James Stanier, his 'Naufragia.' ii. 214. + </li> + <li>Clarke, Hewson, i. 245. + </li> + <li>Classical education, i. 197. + </li> + <li>Claudian, the 'ultimus Romanorum.' iv. 139. + </li> + <li>Claughton, Mr., ii. 173 n.; iii. 95. 101. 104. 118. + </li> + <li>Clayton, Mr., i. 63. + </li> + <li>Clitumnus, the river, iv. 31. + </li> + <li>Clubs, iii. 233. + </li> + <li>Coates, Romeo, his Lothario, iii. 102. + </li> + <li>Cobbett, William, ii. 261.; vi. <a href="#pg076">076</a>. + </li> + <li>Cochrane, Lord, iii. 12.; vi. <a href="#pg187">187</a>. + </li> + <li>'Cockney school' of poetry, vi. <a href="#pg410">410</a>. + </li> + <li>Cogni, Margarita (the Fornarina), story of, iv. 112, 113. + </li> + <li>Coldham, Mr., ii. 122. + </li> + <li>Coleridge, Samuel Taylor, esq., his 'Devil's Walk,' ii. 304. + <ul> + <li>His 'Remorse,' iii. 158. + </li> + <li>His 'Zopolia,' iii. 190. + </li> + <li>His 'Biographia Literaria,' iv. 65. + </li> + <li>His 'Christabel,' iii. 193. 255. 321. 331. + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's letters to, i. 245, 246.; ii. 225. + </li> + <li>See also, ii. 94, 95. 98. 101.; iii. 50. 158. 181. 183. + 190, 191. 321. 331.; iv. 65. + </li> + <li style="list-style: none"> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg427" id= + "pg427">427</a></span> + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Colman, George, esq., his prologue to 'Philaster,' ii. 165. + </li> + <li>——, George, jun., esq., parallel between Sheridan + and, ii. 204.; iii. 188. 259. + </li> + <li>Colocotroni, vi. <a href="#pg156">156</a>. 176. + </li> + <li>Colonna, Cape, i. 307. 317.; vi. <a href="#pg359">359</a>. + <ul> + <li>Columns of, vi. <a href="#pg359">359</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Comedy more difficult to compose than Tragedy, ii. 300. + </li> + <li>Concanen, Mr., iii. 179. + </li> + <li>Congreve, self-educated, i. 145. + <ul> + <li>His comedies, iii. 12.; iv. 297. + </li> + <li>Driven from the stage by Mrs. Centlivre, v. 116. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Constance (a German lady), v. 73. + </li> + <li>Constant, Benjamin de, his 'Adolphe,' iii. 251. + </li> + <li>Constantinople, St. Sophia, i. 329. + <ul> + <li>The seraglio, 330. + </li> + <li>The first sea view, iv. 5. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Cooke, George Frederick, tragedian, an American Life of, ii. + 231, + <ul> + <li>The most natural of actors, iii. 77. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Coolidge, Mr., of Boston, v. 196. 199. + </li> + <li>Copet, iii. 250. 254, 255. 285, 285 n. + </li> + <li>Cordova, Admiral, i. 282. + </li> + <li>——, Sennorita, i. 282. + </li> + <li>'Corinne,' notes written by Lord Byron in, iv. 193. + </li> + <li>Corinth, i. 340. + </li> + <li>——, capture of, vi. <a href="#pg092">092</a>. + <ul> + <li>See 'SIEGE OF CORINTH.' + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Cork, Countess of, iii. 152. + </li> + <li>Cornwall, Barry (Bryan Walter Proctor), v. 115. 240. + </li> + <li>'CORSAIR, the; a Tale,' iii. 2. 12. 26. 28. 54, 54 n., 228. + </li> + <li>'Cosmopolite,' an amusing little volume full of French + flippancy, ii. 70. + </li> + <li>Cotin, L'Abbé, i. 231 n. + </li> + <li>Cottin, Madame, vi. <a href="#pg390">390</a>. + </li> + <li>'Could I remount the river of my years,' iii. 289. + </li> + <li>'Courier,' its attacks on Lord Byron, iii. 1 n., 2. 40. 46. + 48. 93. + </li> + <li>Courtenay, John, esq., anecdotes of, 211. + </li> + <li>Cowell, Mr. John, Letters to, ii. 119. iii. 123. + </li> + <li>Cowley, Abraham, his 'Essays' quoted, i. 89. + <ul> + <li>His character, ii. 194. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Cowper, Earl, iii. 93.; vi. <a href="#pg019">019</a>. + </li> + <li>——, Countess, v. 254. + </li> + <li>——, William, famous at cricket and football, i. + 64 n. + <ul> + <li>His remark on the English system of education, 65 n. + </li> + <li>His spaniel 'Beau,' 223. + </li> + <li>An example of filial tenderness, ii. 33 n. + </li> + <li>'No poet,' vi. <a href="#pg373">373</a>. + </li> + <li>His translation of Homer, <a href="#pg373">373</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Crabbe, Rev. George, the just tribute to, in 'English Bards,' + i. 231, 232. + <ul> + <li>His 'Resentment,' ii. 229 n. + </li> + <li>His quality as a poet, iv. 64. 139. + </li> + <li>'The father of present poesy,' 80. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Crebillon, the younger, his marriage, vi. <a href= + "#pg391">391</a>. + </li> + <li>Cribb, Tom, the pugilist, ii. 277.; vi. <a href= + "#pg399">399</a>. + </li> + <li>Cricketing, one of Lord Byron's most favourite sports, i. + 133.; v. 34. + </li> + <li>'Critic,' Sheridan's, 'too good for a farce,' ii. 303. + </li> + <li>'Critical Review,' its praise of Lord Byron's poetry, i. 176. + </li> + <li>Croker, Right Hon. John Wilson, his query concerning the + title of the 'Bride of Abydos,' ii. 293. + <ul> + <li>His 'guess' as to the origin of 'Beppo iv. 95. + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's letter to, ii. 225. + </li> + <li>His 'Boswell' quoted, ii. 31. 50. 355.; iv. 84.; v. 30. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Crosby, Benjamin, i. 170. 173. + </li> + <li>Crowe, Rev, William, his criticism in 'English Bards,' ii. + 213. + </li> + <li>Curioni, Signor, singer, v. 126. + </li> + <li>Curran, Right Hon. John Philpot, Lord Byron's enthusiastic + praise, ii. 245.; iii. 234. + </li> + <li>'Curse of Kebama,' ii. 68. 94. + </li> + <li>'CURSE OF MINERVA,' ii. 145. 178. 180. + </li> + <li>Curzon, Mr., i. 61. 65. 151. + </li> + <li>Cuvìer, Baron, v. 245. + </li> + </ul> + <p> + D. + </p> + <ul class="IX"> + <li>Dallas, Robert Charles, commencement of his acquaintance with + Lord + </li> + <li style="list-style: none"> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg428" id="pg428">428</a></span> + Byron, i. 177. + <ul> + <li>Childe Harold first shown to him, ii. 15. + </li> + <li>Copywright of the Corsair presented to him, iii. 25. 49. + </li> + <li>His ingratitude, iv. 288. + </li> + <li>See also, i. 190.; ii. 45. 47. 104. + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's letters to, i. 191. 193.; ii. 12. 49. 52. + 56. 58. 61. 66. 68. 69. 71.; iii. 47. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Dalrymple, Sir Hew, i. 280. + </li> + <li>D'Alton, John, esq., his 'Dermid,' iii. 172. + </li> + <li>Dandies, iii. 4. 232. + </li> + <li>Dante, his early passion for Beatrice, i 26 n. + <ul> + <li>His infelicitous marriage, iii. 127. + </li> + <li>His poem celebrated long before his death, v. 15. + </li> + <li>His popularity, 93. + </li> + <li>His gentle feelings, 93. + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's resemblance to, vi. <a href= + "#pg232">232</a>. + </li> + <li>See also, i. 64 n.; iii. 127. 220.; vi. <a href="#pg368"> + 368</a>. + </li> + <li>'PROPHECY OF,' iv. 291. 308. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>D'Arblay, Madame (Miss Burney), 1000 guineas asked for one of + her novels, ii. 96. 100. + <ul> + <li>Her 'Cecilia,' 97. + </li> + <li>See also, ii. 333. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Darnley, death of, a fine subject for a drama, iii. 287. + </li> + <li>'DARKNESS,' iii. 59. + </li> + <li>Darwin, Dr. Erasmus, put down by the Anti-Jacobin, v. 13. + </li> + <li>Davies, Scrope, esq., i. 186,; ii. 39, 40. 51. 63, 63 n.; + iii. 20. 235. + </li> + <li>Davy, Sir Humphry, iii. 166.; iv. 303. 309. + </li> + <li>Dawkins, Mr., v. 331. + </li> + <li>'DEAR DOCTOR, I have read your play,' iv. 54. + </li> + <li>Death, iv. 52. 197.; v. 86. 90. + </li> + <li>Death, in the Apocalypse, iii. 263. + </li> + <li>De Bath, Lord, i. 65. + </li> + <li>Deformity, an incentive to distinction, iii. 241. + </li> + <li>D'Egville, John, the ballet-master, i. 213. + </li> + <li>Delaval, Sir Francis Blake, v. 97. + </li> + <li>Delawarr (George-John West), fifth Earl, i. 69. 121.; ii. + 101. + </li> + <li>Delia, poetical epistle from, to Lord Byron, iii. 217 n. + </li> + <li>Delladecima, Count, vi. <a href="#pg111">111</a>. + <ul> + <li>His opinion of Lord Byron's conduct in Greece, <a href= + "#pg111">111</a> n. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Delphi, fountain of, i. 304. 317. + </li> + <li>Demetrius, ii. 183. + </li> + <li>Denham, his 'Cowper's Hill,' ii. 193. + </li> + <li>Dent de Jument, iii. 258. + </li> + <li>Dervish Tahiri, Lord Byron's faithful Arnaout guide, iii. 194 + n. + </li> + <li>'Devil's Drive,' the, ii. 304. + </li> + <li>Devil's Walk,' Porson's, ii. 304. + </li> + <li>Devonshire, Duchess of (Lady Elizabeth Foster), her character + of the Roman government, v. 206 n. + </li> + <li>'Diary of an Invalid,' Matthews's, its merit, iv. 342. + </li> + <li>Dibdin, Thomas, play-wright, v. 190. + </li> + <li>Dick, Mr., i. 182. + </li> + <li>Diderot, his definition of sensibility, iii. 128. + </li> + <li>Digestion, iii. 5. + </li> + <li>Dioclesian, iii. 22. + </li> + <li>Dionysius at Corinth, iii. 22. + </li> + <li>D'Israeli, J., esq. his 'Essay on the Literary Character,' i. + 63.; ii. 7 n.; iii. 134. + <ul> + <li>His 'Quarrels of Authors,' iii. 15. 171. + </li> + <li>His remark on the effect of medicine upon the mind and + spirits, v. 264 n. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>'Distrest Mother,' excellence of the epilogue to, ii. 165. + </li> + <li>D'Ivernois, Sir Francis, iii. 233. + </li> + <li>Divorce, ii. 310. + </li> + <li>Dogs, fidelity of, i. 223.; iii. 143. + </li> + <li>——-, Lord Byron's fondness for, i. 134. + <ul> + <li>His epitaph on 'Boatswain,' 222. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Don, Brig of, i. 36. + </li> + <li>Donegal, Lady, iii. 9. + </li> + <li>'DON JUAN,' a scene in it adapted from the 'Narrative of the + Shipwreck of the Juno, in 1795,' i. 49. + <ul> + <li>Commencement of the poem, iv. 121. + </li> + <li>The 1st canto finished, 134. + </li> + <li>50 copies to be printed privately, 138. + </li> + <li>2nd canto, 141. + </li> + <li>'Nonsensical prudery' against it, 171. + </li> + <li>Mr. Murray in a fright about it, 177. + </li> + <li>The papers not so fierce as was anticipated, 179. + </li> + <li>Authorship to be kept anonymous, 186. 195. 351.; v. 34. + </li> + <li>General outcry against the poem, iv. 238. 250. + </li> + <li style="list-style: none"> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg429" id= + "pg429">429</a></span> + </li> + <li>Spurious 3rd cantos. 253. + </li> + <li>Mr. Murray going to law, 260. + </li> + <li>The author hurt but not frightened, 304. + </li> + <li>A French lady's compliments, 354. + </li> + <li>Third canto, v. 118. + </li> + <li>The fifth canto hardly the beginning of the poem, 126. + </li> + <li>The Countess Guiccioli's intercession for its + discontinuance, 201. 238. + </li> + <li>Shelley's opinion of it, 220. + </li> + <li>The poem all 'real life', 226. + </li> + <li>Errors of the press, 231. + </li> + <li>Partiality of the Germans for, 336. + </li> + <li>Permission from the Countess to continue it, 348. + </li> + <li>Three more cantos, 351. + </li> + <li>Another, 354. + </li> + <li>The 'Quarterly' Review of the poem, 371 + </li> + <li>An epitome of the author's character, vi. <a href= + "#pg034">034</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Donna Bianca, or White Lady of Colalto the story of her + supernatural appearance, v. 31. + </li> + <li>D'Orsay, Count, vi. <a href="#pg013">013</a>. + <ul> + <li>His 'Journal', <a href="#pg018">018</a>. <a href= + "#pg022">022</a>. + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's letter to, <a href="#pg024">024</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Dorset (George-John Frederick), fourth Duke of, i. 69. 151.; + ii. 151. 153. + <ul> + <li>'LINES occasioned by the death of', iii. 151. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Dorville, Mr, iv. 171. + </li> + <li>Dovedale, Lord Byron's eulogy of the scenery of, iii. 369. + </li> + <li>Dramatists, old English, 'full of gross faults', v. 115. + <ul> + <li>'Not good as models', 145. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>'DREAM,' The, its production, iii. 287. + <ul> + <li>The most mournful and picturesque story that ever came + from the pen and heart of man, 288. + </li> + <li>'One of the most interesting' of Lord Byron's poems, i + 83. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Dreams, ii. 270. + </li> + <li>Drummond, Sir William, ii. 95. + <ul> + <li>His 'OEdipus Judaicus', ii. 97. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>——, Mr., Lord Byron's schoolfellow at Harrow, i. + 91. + </li> + <li>Drury, Rev. Henry, Lord Byron's letters to, i. 200. 270. 315. + 325. 358.; ii. 122. + </li> + <li>——, Rev. Dr. Joseph, his account of Lord Byron's + disposition and capabilities while at Harrow, i. 57. + <ul> + <li>Lord Byron's character of, i. 64. + </li> + <li>His retirement from the mastership of Harrow, i. 86. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Drury, Mark, i. 87. + </li> + <li>Drury Lane Theatre, ii. 171. 174. 176.; iii. 181. 183. + <ul> + <li>'ADDRESS, spoken at the opening of', ii. 161.; iii. 181. + 183. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Dryden, his praise of Oxford, at the expense of Cambridge, i. + 198. + <ul> + <li>Eulogy of his 'Fables' by Lord Byron, v. 18. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>'Duenna,' Lord Byron's partiality for the songs in, i. 101. + </li> + <li>Duff, Colonel (Lord Byron's god-father), i. 101. + </li> + <li>——, Miss Mary (afterwards Mrs. Robert Cockburn), + Lord Byron's boyish attachment for, i. 26.; ii. 261. + </li> + <li>Dulwich, Lord Byron at school there, i. 44. + </li> + <li>Dumont, M, iv. 202. + </li> + <li>Duncan, Mr., Lord Byron's writing-master at Aberdeen, i. 19. + </li> + <li>Dwyer, Mr, i. 318. + </li> + <li>Dyer's 'Grongar Hill', vi. <a href="#pg365">365</a>. + </li> + </ul> + <p> + E. + </p> + <ul class="IX"> + <li>Eagles, a flight of, iii. 17. + </li> + <li>Eboli, Princess of, epigram on her losing an eye, vi. + <a href="#pg390">390</a>. + </li> + <li>Eclectic Review, its strictures on 'Hours of Idleness', i. + 192. + </li> + <li>Eddleston, the Cambridge chorister, Lord Byron's protegé, i. + 93. 160-161, 162. 164 n.; ii. 76. + </li> + <li>Edgecombe, Mr, iv. 155. 173. + </li> + <li>Edgehill, Battle, seven brothers of the Byron family at, i. + 6. + </li> + <li>Edgeworth, Richard Lovell, esq., sketch of, v. 78. + </li> + <li>——, Maria, v. 78-80. + </li> + <li>Edinburgh Annual Register, ii. 78. + </li> + <li>Edinburgh Review, its memorable critique on the 'Hours of + Idleness'. i. 204, 205. + <ul> + <li>Its effect on the author, 290.; ii. 266.; v. 144. 146. + </li> + <li style="list-style: none"> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg430" id= + "pg430">430</a></span> + </li> + <li>Its review of the 'Corsair' and 'Bride of Abydos', iii. + 96. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Education, English system of, i. 65. 199. + </li> + <li>Elba, Isle of, Lord Byron's 'Ode to Napoleon Buonaparte' on + his retreat to, iii.65. + </li> + <li>Eldon, Earl of, i. 236, 237.; ii. 129. + <ul> + <li>Anecdote of, ii. 149. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Elgin, Earl of, severe treatment of, in 'English Bards', ii. + 29. + <ul> + <li>The 'Curse of Minerva' levelled against him, iii. 145. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Ellice, Edward, esq., letter to, v. 342. + </li> + <li>Ellis, George, esq., ii. 259. + </li> + <li>Ellison, Lord Byron's school-fellow at Harrow, i. 91. + </li> + <li>Elliston, Robert William, comedian, Lord Byron's wish that he + should speak his 'Address' at Drury Lane theatre, ii. 162. 166. + </li> + <li>Eloquence, state of, in England, ii. 209. + </li> + <li>Endurance, of more worth than talent, iii. 296. + </li> + <li>ENGLISH BARDS AND SCOTCH REVIEWERS, the groundwork laid + before the appearance of the critique in the 'Edinburgh Review', + i. 175. + <ul> + <li>Sent to Mr. Harness, 238. + </li> + <li>Success of the satire, 242. + </li> + <li>The author's regret in having written it, 244.; ii. 13. + 145. 236. 259. 280.; iii. 159.; vi. <a href="#pg348">348</a>. + <a href="#pg350">350</a>. + </li> + <li>Refusal to republish it, iv. 69. + </li> + <li>Attempted publication of, in Ireland, iii. 110.; v. 128. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Englishman, Otway's three requisites for an, ii. 51. + </li> + <li>Envy, vi. <a href="#pg371">371</a>. + </li> + <li>Ephesus, ruins of, i. 313. + </li> + <li>EPIGRAM on Moore's Operatic Farce, or Farcical Opera, ii. 65. + </li> + <li>Erskine, Lord, his eloquence, ii. 209.; + <ul> + <li>his famous pamphlet, iii. 10. 17. + </li> + <li>See, also, ii. 157. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Essex (George-Capel), fifth Earl of, iii. 93. 170. + </li> + <li>Euxine, or Black Sea, description of, vi. <a href= + "#pg358">358</a>. + </li> + <li>Ewing, Dr., i. 55. + </li> + <li>Exeter 'Change, visit to, ii. 256. + </li> + </ul> + <p> + F. + </p> + <ul class="IX"> + <li>Faber, Rev. George, ii. 232 n. + </li> + <li>Fainting, sensation of, iii. 254. + </li> + <li>Falconer, his 'Shipwreck', vi. <a href="#pg357">357</a>. + <a href="#pg365">365</a>. + </li> + <li>Falkland (Lucius Gary), Viscount, killed in a duel by Mr. + Powell, i. 233. + </li> + <li>'Father of Light! Great God of Heaven!', i. 154. + </li> + <li>Falkner, Mr., Lord Byron's letter to, with a copy of his + poems, i. 128. + </li> + <li>Fall of Terni, iv. 31. + </li> + <li>Falmouth, i. 272. + </li> + <li>Fame, first tidings of, to Lord Byron, ii. 288. + <ul> + <li>See. also, 301.; iv. 160.; v.55. 76. 199. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>'FARE THEE WELL, and if for ever', iii. 229. + </li> + <li>Farrell, D., esq., i. 182. 185. + </li> + <li>Fatalism, ii. 272. + </li> + <li>'Faust,' Goethe's, iii. 375.; iv. 67. + </li> + <li>'Faustus,' Marlow's, iv. 67. + </li> + <li>Fawcett, John, comedian., v. 112. + </li> + <li>'Fazio,' Milman's tragedy of, iv. 92. + </li> + <li>Fear, v. 89. 90. + </li> + <li>Ferrara, Lord Byron's visit to, iv. 158. + </li> + <li>Fersen, Count, iii. 317. + </li> + <li>Fidler, Ernest, i. 21. + </li> + <li>Fielding, 'the prose Homer of human nature.' v. 55. + </li> + <li>Finlay, Kirkman, esq., vi. <a href="#pg089">089</a>. + </li> + <li>Fitzgerald, Lord Edward, iii. 11. + </li> + <li>——, William Thomas, esq., poetaster, iii. 29. 50. + </li> + <li>Flemish school of painting, iii. 300. + </li> + <li>Fletcher, William (Lord Byron's valet), i. 268. 296. 300. + 314. 329. 331. 338. 350. 357.; iii. 10.; vi. <a href= + "#pg216">216</a>, <a href="#pg217">217</a>. + </li> + <li>Flood, Right Hon. Henry, his debut in the House of Commons, + ii. 211. + </li> + <li>'Florence,' the lady addressed under this title in 'Childe + Harold' (Mrs., Spencer Smith), i. 286. + </li> + <li>Florence, Lord Byron's visits to the picture gallery, iv. + 12.; v. 279. + </li> + <li>Foote, Miss, the actress (afterwards, Countess of + Harrington), her debut in the 'Child of Nature', iii. 80. + </li> + <li style="list-style: none"> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg431" id="pg431">431</a></span> + </li> + <li>Forbes, Lady Adelaide, ii. 219.; iv. 28. + </li> + <li>Forresti, G., ii. 183. + </li> + <li>Forsyth, Joseph, esq., his 'Italy', iv. 342. + </li> + <li>Fortune, Lord Byron attributed everything to, ii. 27 n. + <ul> + <li>See, also, iii. 119. 338.; vi. <a href="#pg391">391</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>'Foscari, the Two; an Historical Tragedy', v. 197. + </li> + <li>Foscolo, Ugo, iv. 141, 142. 348. 350. + <ul> + <li>His 'Essay on Petrarch', iii. 132.; vi. <a href="#pg232"> + 232</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Fountain of Arethusa, Lord Byron's visit to, vi. <a href= + "#pg073">073</a> + </li> + <li>Fox, Right Hon. Charles James, notice of, in one of Lord + Byron's early poems, i. 131. + <ul> + <li>His Oratory, ii. 208. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>——, Henry, ii. 280. 292.; iv. 25.; vi. <a href= + "#pg012">012</a>. + </li> + <li>'Frament, A,' in prose, by Lord Byron, vi. <a href="#pg339"> + 339</a>. + </li> + <li>'FRANCESCA OF RIMINI; from the Inferno of Dante', iv. 293.; + v. 89. + </li> + <li>Francis, Sir Philip, the probable author of 'Junius', iv. 92. + </li> + <li>'Frankenstein,' Mrs. Shelley's, iii. 282.; iv. 149.; vi. + <a href="#pg339">339</a>. + </li> + <li>Franklin, Benjamin, ii. 273. + </li> + <li>Frederick the Second, 'the only monarch worth recording in + Prussian annals', i. 141. + </li> + <li>Free press in Greece, vi. <a href="#pg152">152</a>. + </li> + <li>Frere, Right Hon. John Hookham, his 'Whistlecraft,' iv. 67. + </li> + <li>Fribourg, iii. 267. + </li> + <li>Friday, supposed unluckiness of, vi. <a href= + "#pg062">062</a>. + </li> + </ul> + <p> + G. + </p> + <ul class="IX"> + <li>Galignani, M., v. 25, 26. 31. 117. 125. + </li> + <li>Gait, John, esq., his life of Lord Byron, i. xiv. + <ul> + <li>See, also, ii. 289. 300. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Gamba, Count Pietro, the Countess Guiccioli's letter to, + introducing Mr. Moore, iv. 242. + <ul> + <li>His friendship with Lord Byron, v. 43. 242. + </li> + <li>His arrest at Ravenna, 205. + </li> + <li>His notices of Lord Byron on his departure for Greece, + vi. <a href="#pg063">063</a>. <a href="#pg073">073</a>. + <a href="#pg084">084</a>. <a href="#pg113">113</a>. + <a href="#pg115">115</a>. <a href="#pg138">138</a>. + <a href="#pg194">194</a>. + </li> + <li>Remarks on Lord Byron's death, <a href="#pg215">215</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Garrick, Sheridan's Monologue on, ii. 303. + </li> + <li>Gay, Madame Sophie, iv. 314.; v. 1. + </li> + <li>——, Mlle. Delphine, v. 1 n. + </li> + <li>Gell, Sir William, i. 230.; ii. 295. + </li> + <li>Review of his 'Geography of Ithaca,' and 'Itinerary of + Greece', vi. <a href="#pg296">296</a> + </li> + <li>Geneva, Lake of, iii. 268. + </li> + <li>George the Third, granted a pension to Mrs. Byron, i. 43. + </li> + <li>George the Fourth, his interview with Lord Byron, ii. 153. + <ul> + <li>His indignation against 'Cain', v. 309. + </li> + <li>The 'Vault reflection', iii. 55. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>'Georgics,' a finer poem than the Æneid, vi. <a href= + "#pg369">369</a>. + </li> + <li>Germany and the Germans, v. 73. + </li> + <li>Ghost, the Newstead, iii. 108. + </li> + <li>'Giaour, The; a Fragment of a Turkish Tale', the author's + fears for it, ii. 214. + <ul> + <li>First publication of, and its brilliant success, 188. + </li> + <li>Additions to, 226. 238. 242. + </li> + <li>The author's endeavours to 'beat' it, 325. + </li> + <li>The story on which it is founded, 189. 293. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Gibbon, Edward, esq., his remark on public schools, i. 86 n. + 90. + <ul> + <li>His acacia, iii. 246. + </li> + <li>His remark on his own History, v. 310. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Gifford, William, esq., his opinion of 'English Bards', i. + 243. + <ul> + <li>Lord Byron's disinclination that 'Childe Harold' should + be shown to him, ii. 55, 56. 61. 64. 67. + </li> + <li>Influence of his opinion on Lord Byron, 144. 181.; iii. + 32. 36. 227. 252. 298. 335. 344.; iv. 10. 338.; v. 203. 232. + 248. 306.; vi. <a href="#pg164">164</a>, <a href= + "#pg165">165</a>. + </li> + <li>And Jeffrey, monarch-makers in poetry and prose, ii. 259. + </li> + <li>The 'Bride of Abydos' submitted to, 318. + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's letters to, 215. 318. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Gilchrist, Octavius, vi. <a href="#pg346">346</a>. <a href= + "#pg250">250</a>. <a href="#pg254">254</a>. <a href= + "#pg383">383</a>. <a href="#pg387">387</a>. <a href= + "#pg393">393</a>. <a href="#pg401">401</a>. <a href= + "#pg407">407</a>. + </li> + <li style="list-style: none"> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg432" id="pg432">432</a></span> + </li> + <li>Gillies, R.P., the author of 'Childe Alarique,' ii. 271. + </li> + <li>Giordani, Signor, vi. <a href="#pg262">262</a>, + </li> + <li>Giorgione, iv. 241. 286, + <ul> + <li>His 'picture of his wife, 241. + </li> + <li>His judgment of Solomon, 286. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Giraud, Nicolo, Lord Byron's Greek protégé, i. 349.; ii. 43. + </li> + <li>'Glenarvon,' Lady Caroline Lamb's, iii. 249. 251. 314. 373.; + iv. 51. + </li> + <li>Glenbervie (Sylvester Douglas), first Lord, his treatise on + timber, ii. 295. + <ul> + <li>His 'Ricciardetto,' v. 328. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Glennie, Dr. (Lord Byron's preceptor). i. 44. + <ul> + <li>His account of his pupil's studies, 46. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Glover, Mrs., actress, iii. 185. + </li> + <li>Godwin, William, Lord Byron's munificence to, iii. 223. + </li> + <li>Goethe, his 'Kennst du das Land,' &c. imitated, ii. 314 + n. + <ul> + <li>His saying of Lord Byron; iii. 240.; v. 336. + </li> + <li>His 'Faust; iii. 275.; iv. 67.; v. 313. + </li> + <li>His remarks on 'Manfred.' iv. 322. + </li> + <li>Dedication of 'Marino Faliero' to, 355. + </li> + <li>His 'Werther.' 357. + </li> + <li>His 'Giaour' story, v. 293 n. + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's letter to, vi. <a href="#pg070">070</a>. + </li> + <li>His tribute to the memory of Byron, <a href= + "#pg068">068</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Goetz, Countess, iii. 375. + </li> + <li>Gordon, Sir John, of Bogagicht, v. 2. + </li> + <li>——, Sir William, grandson of James I., an + ancestor of Lord Byron's, i. 6. + </li> + <li>——, Duchess of, i. 169. + </li> + <li>——, Mr., vi. <a href="#pg111">111</a>. + </li> + <li>——, Lord Alexander, i. 169. + </li> + <li>——, Pryce, esq., iii. 243. + </li> + <li>Gordons of Gight, i. 6. + </li> + <li>Gower, Lord Granville Leveson (now Earl and Viscount + Granville), ii. 299. + </li> + <li>'Gradus ad Parnassum,' Lord Byron's triangular, ii. 276. + </li> + <li>Grafton (George Henry Fitzroy), fourth Duke of, ii. 148. + </li> + <li>Grainger, his 'Ode to Solitude.' vi. <a href= + "#pg359">359</a>. + </li> + <li>Grant, David, his 'Battles and War Pieces.' i. 17. + </li> + <li>Grattan, Right Hon. Henry, his oratory, ii. 208. + <ul> + <li>Curran's mimicry of him, iii. 234. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Gray, his description of Cambridge. i. 196. + <ul> + <li>His preference for his Latin poems, ii 18 n. + </li> + <li>An example of filial tenderness, 33 n. + </li> + <li>His 'Elegy.' v. 15. 109.; vi. <a href="#pg362">362</a>. + <a href="#pg369">369</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>——, May (Lord Byron's nurse), i. 13. 34. 37. 54. + </li> + <li>Greece, past and present condition of, v. 242. + </li> + <li>Small extent of, i. 304. + </li> + <li>Greek islands, resources for an emigrant population in, vi. + <a href="#pg048">048</a>. + </li> + <li>Greeks, character of the, i. 318. + <ul> + <li>Cause of the purity with which they wrote their own + language, i. 145 n. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Gregson, the pugilist, i. 225.; vi. <a href="#pg399">399</a>. + </li> + <li>Grenville (William Wyndham), Lord, ii. 129, 130. 208. + </li> + <li>Greville, Colonel, challenges Lord Byron for an insinuation + in 'English Bards.' ii. 139. + </li> + <li>Grey, Charles (afterwards Earl Grey), his oratory, ii. 208. + <ul> + <li>See also iii. 19.; v. 76. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Grey de Ruthven, Lord, Newstead Abbey let to him, i. 79. 215. + </li> + <li>Grillparzer, his tragedy of Sappho. v. 72. + </li> + <li>Character of his writings, 73. + </li> + <li>Grimaldi, Joseph, Covent Garden clown, i. 213. + </li> + <li>Grimm, Baron, ii. 252.; v. 81. 95, 96. 102. + <ul> + <li>His 'Correspondence' as valuable as Muratori or + Tiraboschi, 96. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Grindenwald, the, iii. 253. 265. + </li> + <li>'Grongar Hill,' Dyer's, vi. <a href="#pg365">365</a>. + </li> + <li>Guerrino, a picture of his at Milan, iii. 300. + </li> + <li>Guiccioli, Count, iv. 144. 165. 170. 200. 256. 262. 312. 315. + 328. + </li> + <li>——, Countess, her first introduction to Lord + Byron, iv. 144.; + <ul> + <li>attacked with fever; 165. 170. 174.; + </li> + <li>sincerity of Lord Byron's attachment to her, 174.; + </li> + <li>accompanies Lord Byron to Venice, 200.; + </li> + <li>disinterestedness of her conduct, and, 232. and i. xiv.; + </li> + <li>returns with the Count to Ravenna, 262.; + </li> + <li style="list-style: none"> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg433" id= + "pg433">433</a></span> + </li> + <li>Lord Byron follows her, 270. 274.; + </li> + <li>efforts for a separation, 315. 319. v. 85.; + </li> + <li>the Pope pronounces for it, 328.; + </li> + <li>the Countess retires to her father's villa, 331; + </li> + <li>arrest of her father and brother, v. 205.; + </li> + <li>Shelley's opinion of her connexion with Lord Byron, 217. + 219l + </li> + <li>her intercession for the discontinuance of Don Juan, + 238.; + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's unwilling departure for Greece, vi. + <a href="#pg056">056</a>.; + </li> + <li>his letters to the Countess from Greece, <a href= + "#pg091">091</a>. + </li> + <li>See also, iv. 295.; v. 51. 141. 271. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Guildford, Earl of, v. 296.; vi. <a href="#pg182">182</a>. + </li> + <li>Guinguene, P.L., ii. 253.; v. 96. + </li> + <li>Gulley, John, the pugilist (in 1832 M. P. for Pontefract), + vi. <a href="#pg399">399</a>. + </li> + </ul> + <p> + H. + </p> + <ul class="IX"> + <li>Hafiz, the oriental Anacreon, i. 146. + </li> + <li>Hailstone, Professor, i. 115 + </li> + <li>Hall, Captain Basil, Lord Byron's attention to, iv. 129.; + <ul> + <li>his letter to, 131. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Hamilton, Lady Dalrymple, iv. 150. + </li> + <li>Hancock, Charles, esq,. iv 114. + <ul> + <li>Lord Byron's letters to, 121. 127. 131. 133. 139. 177. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Hannibal, saying of, ii. 94. + </li> + <li>Hanson, John, esq. (Lord Byron's solicitor), i. 57. 221. 300. + 314. 357.; iii. 10.; iv. 53. 126.; vi. <a href="#pg010">010</a>. + </li> + <li>——, Miss (afterwards Countess of Portsmouth), i. + 134.; + <ul> + <li>Lord Byron's presence at her marriage, iii. 10, 11.; vi. + <a href="#pg010">010</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>'Hardyknute,' the fine poem so called, its effect on Lord + Byron, iii. 163. + </li> + <li>Harrington, Earl of. See Stanhope. + </li> + <li>——, Countess of. See Foote. + </li> + <li>Harley, Lady Charlotte (the 'lanthe' to whom the first and + second cantos of 'Childe Harold' are dedicated), ii. 186, 186 n. + </li> + <li>——, Lady Jane, iii. 186. + </li> + <li>Harness, Rev. William, i. 70.; ii. 98. 107. 138. + <ul> + <li>His sermons quoted, i. 177 n.; + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's letters to, i. 202. 238.; ii. 93, 94. 100. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Harris, his 'Philosophical Inquiries,' i. 306 n. + </li> + <li>Harrow, Lord Byron's entrance at, i. 54.; + <ul> + <li>his first Harrow verses, 61.; + </li> + <li>his magnanimity in behalf of his friend Peel, 68.; + </li> + <li>'Byron's tomb,' 77.; v. 334.; + </li> + <li>his attachment to Harrow, 182. 196.; ii. 94. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Harrowby, Earl of, ii. 129. + </li> + <li>Harrowgate, Lord Byron's visit to, i. 112. + </li> + <li>Hartington, Marquis of (afterwards sixth Duke of Devonshire), + i. 165. + </li> + <li>Harvey, Mrs. Jane, iv. 150. + </li> + <li>Hatchard, Mr. John, i. 242. + </li> + <li>Hawke (Edward Harvey), third Lord, iii. 123. + </li> + <li>Hay, Captain, iii. 123. + </li> + <li>Hayley, his 'Triumphs of Temper,' Lord Byron's eulogy of, v. + 12. + </li> + <li>Hayreddin, ii. 266. + </li> + <li>Hazlitt, William, his style, v. 91. + </li> + <li>Headfort, Marchioness of, i. 173. + </li> + <li>'HEBREW MELODIES,' iii. 141. 150. 190. + </li> + <li>Helen, 'LINES on Canova's bust of,' iii. 323. + </li> + <li>Hellespont, Lord Byron's swimming feat from Sestos to Abydos, + i. 316. 323.; v. 129-134. + </li> + <li>Hemans, Mrs., her 'Restoration,' iii. 255. + <ul> + <li>Character of her poetry, iv. 321. 343. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Henley, Orator, i. 272. + </li> + <li>Herbert of Cherbury, Lord, his life much interested Lord + Byron, i. 92. + </li> + <li>Hero and Leander, i. 316. 323, 324. + </li> + <li>Hill, Aaron, v. 55. + </li> + <li>'Hills of Annesley, bleak and barren.' i. 84. + </li> + <li>'HINTS FROM HORACE,' written at Athens, i. 350.; + <ul> + <li>first produced to Mr. Dallas, ii. 13, 14.; + </li> + <li>singular preference given by the author to them, iv. 296. + </li> + <li>See also, ii. 70. 78.; iv. 340.; v. 34. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Hippopotamus at Exeter Change, ii. 256. + </li> + <li>Historians, list of, perused by Lord Byron at nineteen, i. + 140. + </li> + <li style="list-style: none"> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg434" id="pg434">434</a></span> + </li> + <li>Hoare, Mr., Lord Byron's schoolfellow at Harrow, i. 91. + </li> + <li>Hobbes, Thomas, i. 143. + </li> + <li>Hobhouse, Right Hon. Henry, i. 186. + </li> + <li>——, Right Hon. Sir John Cam, Bart., his 'Journey + through Albania' quoted, i. 297.; ii. 9. + <ul> + <li>His 'Historical Notes to Childe Harold,' i. 95. 181-183. + 185, 185. 188. 243. 349.; ii. 39. 49. 56. 63. 98. 119.; iii. + 2. 4. 11. 253, 254. 345.; iv. 2, 3. 59, 62. 72, 123. 273.; v. + 250. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Hodgson, Rev. Francis, Lord Byron's well-timed assistance to, + i. 380 n.; ii. 108. + <ul> + <li>His 'Friends,' iv. 143. + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's letters to, i. 222. 225. 272. 277, 278. 312. + 343. 354.; ii. 77. 97. 99. 118. 129.; iii. 40. + </li> + <li>See also, i. 222. 227, 227 n.; ii. 69. 73. 83. 87. 108. + 227. 234. 255. 262. 287, 287 n. 323.; iii. 5, 6. 100. 123. + 313.; v. 153. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Hogg, James, the Ettrick shepherd, iii. 99. 101. 109, 110.; + iv. 352. + </li> + <li>Holerott, Thomas, his 'Memoirs,' iii. 296. + </li> + <li>Holderness, Lady, i. 53. + </li> + <li>Holland, Lord, the allusion to, in English Bards, i. 246.; + ii. 259.; + <ul> + <li>commencement of Lord Byron's acquaintance with, ii. 120. + 129.; + </li> + <li>his oratory, 208. + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's letters to, ii. 122. 130. 154. 159. 162, + 163. 165. 167. 176. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Holland, Lady, ii. 259. 283.; iii. 93. + </li> + <li>——, Dr., i. 295.; ii. 242. + </li> + <li>Holmes, Mr., the miniature painter, v. 141. 224. + </li> + <li>Homer, geography of, Visit to the school of, v. 70. + </li> + <li>Hope, Thomas, esq., his 'Anastasius,' iv. 342. + </li> + <li>Hoppner, R B., esq., his account of Lord Byron's mode of life + at Venice, iv. 82. 224. + <ul> + <li>'LINES on the birth of his son,' iv. 86. + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's letters to, iv. 61. 75. 87. 158. 168. 171. + 244. 247. 249. 252. 268. 271. 275, 276. 298. 303. 217.; + </li> + <li>see also, v. 141. 174. 185. 189. 209. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Horace, Lord Byron's early dislike to, i. 198. + <ul> + <li>Quoted, iii. 4. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>'Horace in London,' ii. 184. + <ul> + <li>See 'Hints from Horace,' 61. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Horestan Castle, Derbyshire, held by Lord Byron's ancestors, + i. 1. + </li> + <li>'Horsæ Ionicæ, ii. 62. + </li> + <li>Homer, Francis, esq., ii. 282. + </li> + <li>'HOURS OF IDLENESS,' first publication of, i. 129.; + <ul> + <li>a review of, 168.; + </li> + <li>another in the 'Critical Review,'176.; + </li> + <li>furious philippic in the 'Eclectic,' 192.; + </li> + <li>Critique of the Edinburgh Review, 204. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Howard, Hon. Frederick, iii. 174. + </li> + <li>Hume, David, his Essays, i. 177 n. + <ul> + <li>His 'Treatise of Human Nature,' 208 n. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Hunt, John, v. 371,; vi. <a href="#pg002">002</a>. + </li> + <li>——, Leigh, Lord Byron's first acquaintance with, + ii. 204. + <ul> + <li>Described, ii. 286.; iv. 103. + </li> + <li>His 'Rimini,' iii. 190, 191. 201, 201 n. + </li> + <li>His 'Foliage,' iv. 103. + </li> + <li>His 'Byron and some of his Contemporaries,' vi. + <a href="#pg005">005</a>. + </li> + <li>See also, ii. 221. 286.; iii. 190, 191. 201. 369.; iv. 3. + 6. 33. 103.; v. 299. 317. 349, 354,; vi. <a href= + "#pg001">001</a>. <a href="#pg003">003</a>. <a href="#pg005"> + 005</a>. <a href="#pg015">015</a>. <a href= + "#pg411">411</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Hunter, P., esq., i. 61. 65. + </li> + <li>Hurd, Bishop, his remark on academical studies, i. 197. + </li> + <li>Hutchinson, Colonel, his Memoirs, i. 6. + </li> + <li>'Huzza! Hodgson, we are going,' i. 273. + </li> + <li>Hymettus, vi. <a href="#pg359">359</a>. + </li> + <li>Hypochondriacism, vi. <a href="#pg396">396</a>. + </li> + </ul> + <p> + I + </p> + <ul class="IX"> + <li>Ida, mount, i. 317. + </li> + <li>Imagination, vi. <a href="#pg370">370</a>. + </li> + <li>Immortality of the soul, ii. 216.; v. 86. 308.; vi. + <a href="#pg257">257</a>. + </li> + <li>Improvisatore, account of one at Milan, iii. 307. + </li> + <li>'Ina,' Mrs. Wilmot's tragedy of, iii. 167. + </li> + <li>Inchbald, Mrs., her 'Simple Story,' ii. 298. + <ul> + <li>Her 'Nature and Art,' 289. + </li> + <li style="list-style: none"> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg435" id= + "pg435">435</a></span> + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Incledon, Charles, singer, iv. 192. + </li> + <li>'INEZ,' Stanzas to, ii. 110. + </li> + <li>Interlachen, iii. 262. 266. + </li> + <li>Invention, vi. <a href="#pg370">370</a>. + </li> + <li>Iris, the, iii. 297. + </li> + <li>'IRISH AVATAR,' v. 241. 243, 244. + </li> + <li>Irving, Washington, esq., v. 196. + </li> + <li>Italian manners, iv. 283. + </li> + <li>Italians, bad translators, except from the classics, v. 72. + </li> + <li>Italy, the only modern nation in Europe that has a poetical + language, v. 15. + </li> + <li>Ithaca, excursion to, vi. <a href="#pg073">073</a>. + </li> + </ul> + <p> + J. + </p> + <ul class="IX"> + <li>Jackson, 'John, the professor of pugilism, i. 213. 277.; iii. + 137. 353. + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's letters to, i. 214, 215. + </li> + <li>Jacobson, M., v. 198. + </li> + <li>'Jacqueline,' Mr. Rogers's, iii. 92. + </li> + <li>Jeffrey, Francis, esq., allusion to in 'English Bards,' i. + 245.; + <ul> + <li>his duel with Mr. Moore, ii. 80.; + </li> + <li>his review of the 'Giaour,' 231. 234.; + </li> + <li>his criticisms on Lord Byron's works, iii. 16. 61. 105. + 107. 190. 357. 373.; iv. 68.; v. 299. 333. 340.; + </li> + <li>his review of Coleridge's 'Christabel,' iii. 320. 345. + 350. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Jersey, Earl of, ii. 157. + </li> + <li>——, Countess of, ii. 147.; iii. 101. 148. 231. + 313. 323.; iv. 13. + </li> + <li>Jesus Christ, iv. 369. + </li> + <li>Job, ii. 259.; iii. 249. + </li> + <li>Jocelyn, Lord, (afterwards Earl of Roden), i. 64. + </li> + <li>Johnson, Dr., ii. 11. 59.; iv. 169. + <ul> + <li>His prologue on opening Drury Lane theatre, ii. 165. + </li> + <li>His 'Vanity of Human Wishes,' v. 66. + </li> + <li>His melancholy, iv. 397. + </li> + <li>His 'Lives of the Poets,' 376 n. + </li> + <li>His 'London,' 392.; + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's high opinion of him, v. 20. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Jones, Mr., tutor at Cambridge, i. 184. + </li> + <li>——, Richard, comedian, iii. 12. + </li> + <li>Jordan, Mrs., actress, iii. 12. + </li> + <li>Joukoffsky, the Russian poet, vi. <a href="#pg110">110</a>. + <a href="#pg110">110</a> n. + </li> + <li>Joy, Henry, esq., his visit to Byron, iv. 57.; vi. <a href= + "#pg225">225</a>. + </li> + <li>Juliet's tomb, iii. 308. 322. 375. + <ul> + <li>See Romeo. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Julius Cæsar, his times, v. 104. + </li> + <li>Jungfrau, the, iii. 253. 262. 264. 361. 374. + </li> + <li>Junius's letters, ii. 269.; iv. 92. + </li> + <li>'Juno,' shipwreck of the, i. 49. + </li> + <li>Jura mountains, iii. 260. + </li> + <li>Juvenal, iii. 22. + </li> + </ul> + <p> + K. + </p> + <ul class="IX"> + <li>Kay, Mr., painter, i. 55. + </li> + <li>Kayo, Sir Richard, i. 4. + </li> + <li>Kean, Edmund, tragedian, his Richard the Third, iii. 5. + <ul> + <li>Lord Byron's enthusiastic admiration of, 77. + </li> + <li>Effect of his Sir Giles Over-reach on, 77.; 158. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Keats, John, his poems, iv. 352, 353.; v. 34. + <ul> + <li>Died through bursting a blood-vessel on reading the + article on his 'Endymion' in the Quarterly Review, v. 21 n. + 144. 146. 179. 212. + </li> + <li>His depreciation of Pope, v. 23.; vi. <a href= + "#pg411">411</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Kelly, Miss, actress, iii. 180. + </li> + <li>Kemble, John Philip, esq., his Coriolanus, ii. 101. + <ul> + <li>His Hamlet, iii. 5. + </li> + <li>Intreats Lord Byron to write a tragedy, 33. + </li> + <li>His acting described, 77 n. + </li> + <li>His Othello, 80. + </li> + <li>His Iago, 81. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Kennedy, Dr., his 'Conversations on religion with Lord Byron + in Cephalonia,' vi. <a href="#pg085">085</a>. + <ul> + <li>Lord Byron's letters to, vi. <a href="#pg172">172</a>. + <a href="#pg179">179</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Kent, Mr., his taste in gardening formed by Pope, vi. + <a href="#pg408">408</a>. + </li> + <li>Kidd, Captain, i. 270. 276. + <ul> + <li>Strange story related to Lord Byron by, 276 n. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Kien Long, his 'Ode to Tea,' i. 147. + </li> + <li>Kinnaird, Hon. Douglas, ii. 99.; iii. 137. 170. 186. 252.; + vi. <a href="#pg103">103</a>. <a href="#pg107">107</a>. + <ul> + <li>Lord Byron's letters to, v. 302.; vi. <a href= + "#pg103">103</a>. <a href="#pg163">163</a>. + </li> + <li style="list-style: none"> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg436" id= + "pg436">436</a></span> + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Klopstock, i. 64 n. + </li> + <li>Knight, Galley, esq., i. 182. + <ul> + <li>His 'Persian Tales,' ii. 313.; iii. 56. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Knox, Captain (British resident at Ithaca), vi. <a href= + "#pg073">073</a>. + </li> + <li>Kosciusko, General, v. 94. + </li> + <li>Koran, sublime poetical passages in, i. 146. + </li> + </ul> + <p> + L. + </p> + <ul class="IX"> + <li>La Bruytère, vi. <a href="#pg227">227</a>. + </li> + <li>Lachin-y-gair, i. 22. + </li> + <li>Lago Maggiore, iii. 299. + </li> + <li>Lake Leman, iii. 259. + </li> + <li>Lake School of Poetry, iv. 80. 339. + </li> + <li>'Lakers,' the, vi. <a href="#pg410">410</a>. + </li> + <li>'Lalla Rookh,' ii. 250.; iii. 359. 365.; iv. 63.; v. 194. + 213. + </li> + <li>Lamartine, M., iv. 318. 330. + </li> + <li>Lamb, Hon. George, i. 245.; iii. 187. + </li> + <li>——, Lady Caroline, ii. 151. 153. 299.; iv. 54. + <ul> + <li>Her 'Glenarvon,' iii. 249. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>'LAMENT OF TASSO,' iv. 11. 14. + </li> + <li>Lansdowne, (Henry Fitzmaurice Pitty), fourth Marquis of, ii. + 157. 208. + </li> + <li>'LAKA; a Tale,' iii. 89. 92, 93. 110. 228. + </li> + <li>Lauderdale, Earl of, his oratory, ii. 290. + </li> + <li>Laura, her portrait, iv. 8. + </li> + <li>La Valière, Madame, vi. <a href="#pg390">390</a>. + </li> + <li>Lavender, the Nottingham empiric, i. 41. + </li> + <li>Lawrence, Sir Thomas, v. 76. + </li> + <li>Leacroft, Mr., i. 98. 117. + </li> + <li>——, Miss, i. 100. + </li> + <li>Leake, Colonel, i. 294. 316.; ii. 9. + <ul> + <li>His 'Outlines of the Greek Revolution,' vi. <a href= + "#pg079">079</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Leandor and Hero, i. 316. 323, 324.; v. 129. + </li> + <li>Leckie, Gould Francis, esq., ii. 139. 141. + </li> + <li>Leigh, Mr., Lord Byron's schoolfellow at Harrow, i. 91. + </li> + <li>——, Colonel, iii. 154. + </li> + <li>——, Hon. Augusta (Lord Byron's sister), i. 7.; + ii. 48. 131. 273.; iii. 20. 37. 134 n. 291. 351.; iv. 26. + </li> + <li>Leinster, Duke of, i. 165. + </li> + <li>Leman, Lake, iii. 259. + </li> + <li>Le Man, Mr., v. 97. + </li> + <li>Leoni, Signor, his translation of Childe Harold, iv. 308. + </li> + <li>Lepanto, Gulf of, i. 304.; iii. 18. + </li> + <li>Lerici, v. 366. + </li> + <li>Leveson-Gower, Lady Charlotte (afterwards Countess of + Surrey), iii. 19. + </li> + <li>Levis, Due de, iii. 61. + </li> + <li>Lewis, Matthew Gregory, esq., ii. 255. 285. 309.; iii. 189. + 295. 375.; iv. 46.; v. 111. + </li> + <li>'Liberal,' the, v. 317. 347. 366. 372.; vi. <a href="#pg003"> + 003</a>. <a href="#pg007">007</a>, <a href="#pg008">008</a>. + <a href="#pg053">053</a>. + </li> + <li>Liberty, v. 68. + </li> + <li>Life, ii. 297.; v. 67. 86. 199. 315.; vi. <a href= + "#pg263">263</a>. + </li> + <li>Likenesses, iii. 186. + </li> + <li>Lisbon, i. 277, 278.; ii. 69.; iv. 5. + </li> + <li>'Lisbon packet,' i. 273. + </li> + <li>Liston, Sir Robert, ii. 183. + </li> + <li>——, John, comedian, ii. 114.; iv. 247. + </li> + <li>Little's Poems, i. 119.; iv. 250.; v. 372. + </li> + <li>Liverpool, Earl of, ii. 256. 308. + </li> + <li>Livy, ii. 196. + </li> + <li>Lloyd, Charles, esq., ii. 94. + </li> + <li>Lobster nights, Pope's and Lord Byron's, iii. 83. + </li> + <li>Loch Leven, i. 37.; iv. 355. + </li> + <li>Locke, his treatise on education, i. 89 n. + <ul> + <li>His contempt for Oxford, i. 197 n. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Lockhart, J.G., esq., his 'Life of Burns,' i. 139 n. + <ul> + <li>His marriage with Miss Scott, v. 301. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>——, Mrs., v. 301. + </li> + <li>Lodburgh, his 'Death Song,' i. 147. + </li> + <li>Lofft, Capel, ii. 25. + </li> + <li>Londo, Andrea, the Greek patriot, vi. <a href= + "#pg151">151</a>. <a href="#pg184">184</a>. + <ul> + <li>Account of, <a href="#pg151">151</a> n. + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's letter to, vi. <a href="#pg151">151</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Londonderry (Robert Stewart), second Marquis of, v. 354.; vi. + <a href="#pg053">053</a>. + </li> + <li>Long, Edward Noel, esq., Lord Byron's schoolfellow at Harrow, + i. 65. 91. 94. 182.; ii. 76 n. + </li> + <li style="list-style: none"> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg437" id="pg437">437</a></span> + </li> + <li>Long, Miss (afterwards Mrs. Long Pole Wellesley).ii. 95. + </li> + <li>Longevity, v. 261. + </li> + <li>Longmans, Messrs., ii. 29.; iii. 102. 154. + </li> + <li>Love, 'Not the principal passion for tragedy.' v. 115. + <ul> + <li>Success in, dependent on fortune, vi. <a href= + "#pg391">391</a>. + </li> + <li>Woman's, v. 34.; vi. <a href="#pg391">391</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Low spirits, v. 284. + </li> + <li>Lowe, Sir Hudson, iii. 234. + </li> + <li>Lucretius, ii. 262. 370.; vi. <a href="#pg370">370</a>. + </li> + <li>Luc, Jean André de, iv. 3. + </li> + <li>Ludlow, General, the regicide, his monument, iii. 256. + </li> + <li>His domal inscription, v. 53 n. + </li> + <li>Lushington, Dr., his letter to Lady Byron, vi. <a href= + "#pg279">279</a>. + </li> + <li>Lutzerode, Baron, v. 336. + </li> + <li>Luxembourg, Maréchal, vi. <a href="#pg390">390</a>. + </li> + <li>Lyttleton, George, Lord. i. 190. + <ul> + <li>Lord Byron compared to, i. 191. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>——, Thomas, Lord, i. 190. + </li> + </ul> + <p> + M. + </p> + <ul class="IX"> + <li>Machinery, effects of, ii. 123. + </li> + <li>Mackenzie, Henry, esq., his notice of Lord Byron's early + poems, i. 126, 127. 157. + </li> + <li>Mackintosh, Sir James, brightest of northern constellations, + ii. 238. 242. + <ul> + <li>his review of Rogers in the Edinburgh Review; 281.; + </li> + <li>a rare instance of the union of very transcendent talent + and great good nature; 284.; + </li> + <li>his letter in the 'Morning Chronicle; iii. 14.; + </li> + <li>high expectation of his promised history; 17.; + </li> + <li>strong impression made by him on Lord Byron, 295. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Macnamara, Arthur, esq, i. 182. + </li> + <li>Mafra, the palace of, the boast of Portugal, i. 281. + </li> + <li>Mahomet, ii. 266. + </li> + <li>Maid of Athens, i. 307. 320. + <ul> + <li>Account of, 308. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Maintenon, Madame, verses written by Lord Byron in a volume + of her letters, i. 85. + </li> + <li>Malamocco, wall of, vi. <a href="#pg366">366</a>. + </li> + <li>'MANFRED; A DRAMATIC POEM,' finished; iii. 345.; + <ul> + <li>extracts sent to Mr. Murray; 34.; + </li> + <li>offered to him for 300 guineas; 354. 366.; iv. 50.; + </li> + <li>a sort of mad Drama; instructions for its title; iv. 4.; + </li> + <li>the third act to be re-written; 10. 15.; + </li> + <li>new third act sent to Mr. Murray; 13.; + </li> + <li>a critique on; omission of a line; 52.; + </li> + <li>critique of the 'Edinburgh Review; 67.; + </li> + <li>a menaced version of the poem; 87.; + </li> + <li>Goethe's remarks on, iv. 322. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Mansel, Dr., Bishop of Bristol, i. 115. 188.; ii. 93. + </li> + <li>Manton gun, Lord Byron's, ii. 9. + </li> + <li>'Manuel,' Mathurin's, iv. 5. 35. 47. + </li> + <li>Marden, Mrs., actress, iii. 176. + </li> + <li>Marianna Segati, iii. 311. 318. 323. 330.; iv. 26. + </li> + <li>'MARINO FALIERO, DOGE of VENICE; an Historical Tragedy.' + Intention to write the tragedy; iii. 348. 371.; + <ul> + <li>commenced; iv. 301.; + </li> + <li>advanced into the second act.; 311.; + </li> + <li>completed; 333.; + </li> + <li>not intended for the stage.; 342.; v. 71. 80. 117. + 120-122. 136.; + </li> + <li>Mr. Gifford's opinion of it; 343. 348.; + </li> + <li>a note to be introduced; 352.; + </li> + <li>the author's talent 'especially undramatic; v. 115.; + </li> + <li>a phrase to be altered; 124.; + </li> + <li>the poem not popular; 127.; + </li> + <li>lines to be introduced; 140. + </li> + <li>reported representation of the play and its condemnation; + 176. 180. 190.; + </li> + <li>a note for the next edition, 211. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Marlow, his 'Faustus.' iv. 67. + </li> + <li>'Marmion.' iii. 227. + </li> + <li>Marriage ceremony, iii. 11. + </li> + <li>Marriages, great cause of unhappy ones, iii. 212. + </li> + <li>'Mary,' Lord Byron's love for the name, vi. <a href="#pg415"> + 415</a>. + </li> + <li>—— of Aberdeen, i. 123 n. + </li> + <li>Massaniello, v. 88. + </li> + <li>Materialism, vi. <a href="#pg259">259</a>. + </li> + <li>Mathews, Charles, comedian, iii. 164. + </li> + <li>Mathurin, Rev. Charles, iii. 184. 224, 225. 263. 369. 372.; + iv. 5. 47. + <ul> + <li>His 'Bertram.' iii. 184.; iv. 65. + </li> + <li>His 'Manuel,', iv. 5. 35. 47. + </li> + <li style="list-style: none"> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg438" id= + "pg438">438</a></span> + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Matlock, Lord Byron at, i. 81. + </li> + <li>Matter, vi. <a href="#pg258">258</a>. + </li> + <li>Matthews, John, esq., of Belmont, some account of, ii. 40. + </li> + <li>——, Charles Skinner, esq., i. 96. 181.; ii. 38, + 38 n., 39, 39 n., 40. 49. 51. 58. 63. + <ul> + <li>Lord Byron's account of, i. 181.; ii. 38 n., 39. 63. + </li> + <li>His visit to Newstead, i. 247. + </li> + <li>Tributes to his memory. ii. 40. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>——, Henry, esq., ii. 40 n. + <ul> + <li>His 'Diary of an Invalid,' iv. 342. + </li> + <li>Account of, v. 30. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>——, Rev. Arthur, ii. 40 n. + </li> + <li>Matthison, Frederic, his 'Letters from the Continent' iii. + 250. + </li> + <li>Maugiron, epigram on the loss of his eye, vi. <a href= + "#pg390">390</a>. + </li> + <li>Mavrocordato, Prince, vi. <a href="#pg096">096</a>. 105. 109. + 168. + <ul> + <li>Lord Byron's letters to, vi. <a href="#pg096">096</a>. + </li> + <li>Proclamation issued by him, on Lord Byron's death, vi. + <a href="#pg213">213</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Mawman, Joseph, bookseller, v. 233. 238. + </li> + <li>Mayfield, Mr. Moore's residence in Staffordshire, ii. 223. + </li> + <li>'MAZEPPA' iv. 137. + </li> + <li>Medicine, effects of, on the mind and spirits, v. 263, 264 n. + </li> + <li>Medwin, Captain, his acquaintance with Lord Byron at Pisa, v. + 358, 359. + </li> + <li>Meillerie, iii. 247. 274. 282. + </li> + <li>Melbourne, Lady, ii. 260. 275.; iv. 101.; v. 254. + </li> + <li>Mendelsohn, his habitual melancholy, vi. <a href= + "#pg397">397</a>. + </li> + <li>Mengaldo, Chevalier, iv. 158.; v. 131. + </li> + <li>Merivale, J.H., esq., ii. 337.; iii. 9. + <ul> + <li>His 'Roncesvalles,' ii. 337. + </li> + <li>His review of 'Grimm's Correspondence,' iii. 9. + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's letter to, ii. 337. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Metastasio, ii. 252. + </li> + <li>Meyler, Richard, esq., iii. 235. + </li> + <li>Mezzophanti, 'a monster of languages', vi. <a href="#pg262"> + 262</a>. + </li> + <li>Milan cathedral, iii. 299. + <ul> + <li>Ambrosian library at, 300. + </li> + <li>Brera gallery, 300. + </li> + <li>Napoleon's triumphal arch, 301. + </li> + <li>State of society at, 307. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Milbanke, Sir Ralph, iii. 121. 146. 175. 202. + </li> + <li>——, Lady. See Noel. + </li> + <li>——, Miss (afterwards Lady Byron), ii. 285. 338.; + iii. 15. 113. 117. 120, 121. + <ul> + <li>See Byron. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Miller, Rev. Dr., his 'Essay on Probabilities', iii. 119. + </li> + <li>——, William, bookseller, refuses to publish + Childe Harold. ii. 29. + </li> + <li>Millingen, Mr., His account of the consultation on Lord + Byron's last illness, 283. + </li> + <li>Milman, Rev. Henry Hart, now Dean of St. Paul's, his 'Fazio' + iv. 92. + </li> + <li>Milnes, Robert, esq., i. 182.; ii. 209. + </li> + <li>Milo, iii. 20. + </li> + <li>Milton, his imitation of Ariosto, ii. 111. + <ul> + <li>His practice of dating his poems followed by Lord Byron, + i. 153 n. + </li> + <li>His dislike to Cambridge, i. 196. 198. + </li> + <li>His infelicitous marriage, iii. 135 n. + </li> + <li>His disregard of painting and sculpture, iv. 210. + </li> + <li>His politics kept him down, v. 15. + </li> + <li>His 'material thunder.' vi. <a href="#pg370">370</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Mirabeau, his eloquence, ii. 209. + </li> + <li>'Mirra,' of Alfieri, effect of the representation of, on Lord + Byron, iv. 180, 180 n. + </li> + <li>Missiaglia, Venetian bookseller, iv. 97. + </li> + <li>Mistress, 'cannot be a friend, ii. 275. + </li> + <li>Mitchell, T., esq., his translation of Aristophanes, ii. + 206.; iv. 345. + </li> + <li>'Mobility', vi. <a href="#pg236">236</a>. + </li> + <li>Modern gardening, Pope the chief inventor of, vi. <a href= + "#pg408">408</a>. + </li> + <li>Moira, Earl of (afterwards Marquis of Hastings), ii. 148. + </li> + <li>Molière, v. 81. + </li> + <li>Monçada, Marquis, iv. 72. + </li> + <li>'Monk,' Lewis's, 'The philtered ideas of a jaded voluptuary', + ii. 296. + </li> + <li>Mont Blanc, iii. 253. + </li> + <li>Montague, Edward Wortley, ii. 266. + </li> + <li>——, Lady Mary Wortley, proposed Italian + translation of her letters and new life of, iv. 73.; + <ul> + <li>three pretty notes by her, 126.; + </li> + <li>Pope's lines on her, vi. <a href="#pg395">395</a>. + <a href="#pg415">415</a>, <a href="#pg416">416</a>. + </li> + <li style="list-style: none"> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg439" id= + "pg439">439</a></span> + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Montbovon, iii.258. + </li> + <li>'Monthly Literary Recreations,' Lord Byron's review of + Wordsworth's poems in, vi. <a href="#pg293">293</a>. + </li> + <li>Monti, his Aristodemo, iii. 6. + </li> + <li>——, account of, iii. 306. + </li> + <li>Moore, Thomas, esq., his prefaces to his 'Life of Lord + Byron,' i. 10. 11. + <ul> + <li>His first acquaintance with Lord Byron, ii. 79. + </li> + <li>Duel between Mr. Jeffrey and, ii. 80. + </li> + <li>His person and manners described, ii. 268. + </li> + <li>His poetry, 276. + </li> + <li>'LINES on his last Operatic Farce or Farcical Opera,' ii. + 65. n. + </li> + <li>His 'Lalla Rookh,' iii. 359. 365.; iv. 63,; v. 194. 213. + </li> + <li>His 'Loves of the Angels,' vi. <a href="#pg014">014</a>. + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's letters to, ii. 84. 87. 88. 90. 107. 114. + 151, 152. 198. 216, 217. 218. 221. 223, 224. 230. 235. 238. + 240, 241, 243. 245. 247, 248. iii. 26. 28, 29. 31. 41. 45. + 50. 52. 55. 59. 64. 78. 80-82. 84. 86, 87. 94, 95. 100. 104. + 107. 112. 114, 115. 118. 120. 138. 142, 143, 145. 147. 149. + 151. 153. 155. 167. 169. 173. 180. 187. 189. 195. 200. 204. + 304. 311. 315. 337. 348. 357. 359. 368. iv. 4. 27. 44. 79. + 93. 102. 132. 272. 313. 317. 325. 327. 335. v. 1. 26. 35. 37. + 39. 110. 121. 135. 147. 149. 177. 184. 190. 194. 196. 213. + 229. 231. 233. 241, 242, 246. 253. 259, 260. 263, 269. 283. + 293, 306. 308, 309, 310. 312. 314. 323, 333. 339. 348. 350. + 352. vi. i. <a href="#pg012">12.</a> <a href= + "#pg109">109.</a> <a href="#pg169">169.</a> + </li> + <li>See also, ii. 95. 97. 99. 113. 243. 249. 268. 276. 298. + 301.; iii. 6. 105. 122. 169. 171. 233.; v. 75, 76. 103. 270.; + vi. <a href="#pg009">009</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Moore, Peter, esq., iii. 186. + </li> + <li>Morgan, Lady, iv. 86. 336. + <ul> + <li>Her 'Italy,' v. 227. 229. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>——, Lord Byron's school-fellow at Harrow, i. 64. + </li> + <li>'MORGANTE MAGGIORE, of Pulci.' translation of the first canto + commenced, iv. 279.; + <ul> + <li>finished, 283.; + </li> + <li>not a line to be omitted, 305. 308.; + </li> + <li>the author's opinion of it, 343.; v. 118. 240. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>'Morning Post,' its attacks on Lord Byron, iii. 1. 40. 46. + 48. + </li> + <li>Morosini. his siege of Athens, iii. 11. + </li> + <li>Mosaic chronology, vi. <a href="#pg259">259</a>. + </li> + <li>Mosti, Count, iv. 158. + </li> + <li>Mother, future conduct of a child dependent on the, ii. 35. + </li> + <li>Muir, Mr., letter to, vi. <a href="#pg118">118</a>. + </li> + <li>Mule, Mrs., Lord Byron's housemaid, iii. 7, 7 n. 146. + </li> + <li>Müller, the historian, iii. 250. + </li> + <li>Muloch, Muley, v. 36. + <ul> + <li>His 'Atheism answered,' iv. 289. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Murat, Joachim, death of, iii. 290. + </li> + <li>Muratori, v. 96. + </li> + <li>Murillo, Lord Byron's opinion of, iv. 9. + </li> + <li>Murray, John, esq, his first connection with Lord Byron, ii. + 30.; + <ul> + <li>Childe Harold placed in his hands, 30. 55.; + </li> + <li>shows the poem to Mr. Gifford, 61. 64. 66. 70.; + </li> + <li>purchases the copyright, 138. + </li> + <li>'The [Greek: anax] of publishers,' 217.; + </li> + <li>recommended by Lord Byron to Mr. Moore as 'among the + first of the trade,' 243.; + </li> + <li>offers 1000 guineas for the 'Giaour' and 'Bride of + Abydos,' 264. 324., iii. 47.; + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's high compliment to,192.; + </li> + <li>pays 1000 guineas for the 'Siege of Corinth' and + 'Parisina,' 221.; + </li> + <li>the 'Mokanna' of publishers,' iv. 44.; + </li> + <li>offers 1500 guineas for the 4th canto of 'Childe Harold,' + 59.; + </li> + <li>poetical epistle to, 76.; + </li> + <li>'Strahan, Tonson, Lintot, of the times,' 96.; + </li> + <li>conduct to Mr. Moore, v. 223.; + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's last letter to, vi. <a href= + "#pg165">165</a>.; + </li> + <li>letters and allusions to, <i>passim</i>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Music, Lord Byron's love of simple, i. 101. 132. + <ul> + <li>See, also, v. 97, 97 n. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Musters, Mr. John, his marriage to Miss Chaworth, i. 86. + </li> + <li>Musters, Mrs., i. 258. + <ul> + <li>See Chaworth. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>'MY BOAT is on the shore,' iii. 237 n.; + </li> + <li>'MY DEAR Mr. Murray,' iv. 76. + </li> + </ul> + <p> + N. + </p> + <ul class="IX"> + <li>Napier, Colonel, vi. <a href="#pg099">099</a>, <a href= + "#pg109">109</a>. <a href="#pg111">111</a>, <a href= + "#pg112">112</a>. + </li> + <li style="list-style: none"> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg440" id="pg440">440</a></span> + <ul> + <li>His testimony to the benevolence and soundness of Lord + Byron's views with regard to Greece, <a href= + "#pg110">110</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Naples, 'the second best sea view, iv. 5. + </li> + <li>Napoleon. See Buonaparte. + </li> + <li>Nathan, his 'Hebrew nasalities,' iii. 153. + </li> + <li>Nature, vi. <a href="#pg362">362</a>, <a href= + "#pg363">363</a>. + </li> + <li>——, 'PRAYER of.' i. 154. + </li> + <li>'Naufragia,' Clarke's, ii. 214. + </li> + <li>Nelson, Southey's Life of, ii.268. + </li> + <li>Nepean, Mr., iii. 283. + </li> + <li>——, Sir Evan, ii. 142. + </li> + <li>Nerni, iii. 283. + </li> + <li>Newstead, granted by Henry VIII. to Sir John Byron, i. 3. + </li> + <li>A prophecy of Mother Shipton's respecting, 33. + </li> + <li>Let to Lord Grey de Ruthen, 79. + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's affection for, 79, 234. 353.; ii. 233. + </li> + <li>Description of, and of the noble owner, 247. + </li> + <li>Attempted sale of, 173. 260.; iii. 112. + </li> + <li>Nicopolis, ruins of, i. 295. + </li> + <li>Night, vi. <a href="#pg259">259</a>. + </li> + <li>Nobility of thought and style defined, vi. <a href="#pg414"> + 414</a>. + </li> + <li>Noel, Lady, iii. 202.; iv. 2. 10. 337.; v. 190. 306. 336.; + vi. <a href="#pg278">278</a>, <a href="#pg279">279</a>. + </li> + <li>Norfolk (Charles Howard), twelfth Duke of, ii. 148. + </li> + <li>Nottingham frame breaking bill, ii. 121. + </li> + <li>——, Lord Byron's residence at, i. 41. 79. + </li> + <li>'Nourjahad,' a drama, falsely attributed to Lord Byron, ii. + 280. 283. + </li> + <li>Novels, ii. 295. + </li> + </ul> + <p> + O. + </p> + <ul class="IX"> + <li>Oak, the Byron, i. 148. + </li> + <li>'ODE ON VENICE,' iv. 125. + </li> + <li>O'Donnovan, P.M., his 'Sir Proteus.' iii. 91. + </li> + <li>'OH! banish care.' ii. 73. + </li> + <li>'OH! Memory, torture me no more.' i. 85. + </li> + <li>O'Higgins, Mr., his Irish tragedy, iii. 182. 185. + </li> + <li>Olympus, iii. 196. + </li> + <li>O'Neil, Miss, actress, iii. 77. + </li> + <li>Orators, only two thorough ones, in all antiquity, ii. 210. + <ul> + <li>'Things of ages.' 210. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Orchomenus, i. 309. + </li> + <li>Orrery, Earl of, his Life of Swift quoted, iii. 133 n. + </li> + <li>Osborne, Lord Sidney, v. 85. + </li> + <li>'Otello,' Rossini's, iv. 92. + </li> + <li>Otway, his three requisites for an Englishman, ii. 51. + </li> + <li>His 'Beividera.' iii. 371. + </li> + <li>Ouchy, iii. 284. + </li> + <li>Owenson, Miss, iii. 9. + <ul> + <li>See Morgan, Lady. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Oxford, Gibbon's bitter recollections of, i. 196. + <ul> + <li>Dryden's praise of, at the expense of Cambridge, 198. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Oxford, Earl of, ii. 173. 180, 181. 213. 217. + </li> + <li>——, Countess of, ii. 173. 181. 217. + </li> + </ul> + <p> + P. + </p> + <ul class="IX"> + <li>'PARISINA,' 1000 guineas offered for it and the 'Siege of + Corinth,' by Mr. Murray, iii. 221. + <ul> + <li>Fancied resemblance between part of the poem and a + similar scene in 'Marmion.' 227. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Parker, Sir Peter, stanzas written by Lord Byron on his + death, iii. 120. + </li> + <li>——, Lady, i. 212. + </li> + <li>——, Margaret, Lord Byron's boyish love for, i. + 52. + </li> + <li>Parkins, Miss Fanny, iii. 108. + </li> + <li>PARLIAMENT, Lord Byron's Speeches in, ii. 128. 147. 207. + 256.; vi. 314, 321. 335. + </li> + <li>Parnassus, Lord Byron's visit to, and stanzas upon, i. 303. + </li> + <li>Parr, Dr., iv. 135.; v. 79. + </li> + <li>Parry, Captain, vi. <a href="#pg139">139</a>. <a href= + "#pg175">175</a> n. <a href="#pg187">187</a>. <a href= + "#pg195">195</a>. <a href="#pg217">217</a>. + </li> + <li>Parruca, Signor, letter to, vi 177. + </li> + <li>Parthenon, vi. <a href="#pg359">359</a>, <a href= + "#pg360">360</a>. + </li> + <li>Pasquali, Padre, iii. 330. 334.; iv. 78. + </li> + <li>Past, 'the best prophet of the future.' v. 89. + </li> + <li style="list-style: none"> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg441" id="pg441">441</a></span> + </li> + <li>Paterson, Mr. (Lord Byron's tutor at Aberdeen), i. 18. + </li> + <li>Patrons, 8. 340. + </li> + <li>Paul, St., translation from the Armenian, of correspondence + between the Corinthians and, vi. <a href="#pg271">271</a>. + </li> + <li>Paul's, St., Cathedral, comparison with St. Sophia's, i. 329. + </li> + <li>Pausanias, his 'Achaics' quoted, vi. <a href= + "#pg391">391</a>. + </li> + <li>Payne, Thomas, bookseller, ii. 67, 67 n. + </li> + <li>Peel, Right Hon. Sir Robert, i. 61 n. + <ul> + <li>Lord Byron's form-fellow at Harrow, 62.; ii. 209.; iii. + 322.; iv. 346. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>——, William, Esq., one of Lord Byron's friends, + i. 99. + </li> + <li>Penelope, baths of, Lord Byron's visit to, vi. <a href= + "#pg074">074</a>. + </li> + <li>Penn, Granville, esq., his 'Bioscope, or Dial of Life, + explained, ii. 170. + </li> + <li>——, William, the founder of Quakerism, ii. 273. + </li> + <li>Perry, James, esq, v. 136. + </li> + <li>Petersburgh, ii. 233. + </li> + <li>Petrarch, his literary and personal character interwoven., i. + x. + <ul> + <li>His severity to his daughter, iii. 127. + </li> + <li>In his youth a coxcomb., 233 n. + </li> + <li>His portrait in the Manfrini palace, iv. 8.; + </li> + <li>his popularity, v. 15. + </li> + <li>See also, ii. 116 n. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Phillips, Ambrose, his pastorals, vi. <a href= + "#pg371">371</a>. + </li> + <li>——, S.M., esq, ii. 283. + </li> + <li>——, Thomas, esq., R.A, iii. 97, 98. + </li> + <li>Philosophers, celibacy of eminent, iii. 134. + </li> + <li>Phoenix, Sheridan's story of the, ii. 163. + </li> + <li>Physic, its effect in raising the spirits, v. 264. + </li> + <li>Pictures, iv. 9. + </li> + <li>Pierce Plowman, i. 148. + </li> + <li>Pigot, Miss,, i. 97. 111. 269.; v. 256, 257 n. + <ul> + <li>Account of her first acquaintance with Lord Byron, i. 98. + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's letters to, i. 100. 105. 108, 109. 113. 159, + 160, 162, 165. 168. 171. 173. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Pigot, Dr, i. 112. + <ul> + <li>His account of Lord Byron's visit to Harrowgate, 113. + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's letters to; i. 104. 107, 108. 123. 158.; ii. + 31. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Pigot, Mrs., Lord Byron's letter to, i. 164. + </li> + <li>Pigot, family, i. 28. + </li> + <li>Pindemonte, Ippolito, Lord Byron's portrait of, iv. 32. + </li> + <li>Pitt, Rt. Hon. William, ii. 208. + </li> + <li>Plagiarism, ii. 314.; iii. 177.; iv. 236.; v. 225, 225 n. + </li> + <li>Players, an impracticable people, iii. 185. + </li> + <li>'Pleasures of Hope.', ii. 98. 240. + </li> + <li>'Pleasures of Memory.', ii. 240. + </li> + <li>Plethora, abstinence the sole remedy for, iii. 337. + </li> + <li>Poetry, distasteful to Byron when a boy., ii. 7 n. + <ul> + <li>When to be employed as the interpreter of feeling, iii. + 231. + </li> + <li>Addiction to, whence resulting, 241. + </li> + <li>New school of, iv. 63. 99. 297. + </li> + <li>'The feeling of a former world and future', v. 89. + </li> + <li>Descriptive, vi. <a href="#pg367">367</a>. + </li> + <li>Ethical, 'the highest of all, <a href="#pg369">369</a>. + </li> + <li>See also, iv. 105. 306.; v. 89. 285. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Poets, self-educated ones, i. 145. + <ul> + <li>Lord Byron's list of celebrated poets of all nations, i. + 146.; + </li> + <li>Unfitted for the calm affections and comforts of domestic + life, iii. 125. + </li> + <li>Querulous and monotonous lives of, ii. 227. + </li> + <li>Female, 278. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>See also, v. 95.; vi. <a href="#pg368">368</a>. <a href= + "#pg376">376</a>. + </li> + <li>Polidori, Dr., iii. 247, 248. 275, 276. 285. 301. 306. 342.; + iv. 5. 7. 38, 39. 72. 147. 150. 152. + <ul> + <li>Some account of, iii. 275. + </li> + <li>Anecdotes of, 278. 301. 306. + </li> + <li>His 'Vampire, 282 n.; iv. 147. + </li> + <li>His tragedy, 54. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Political consistency, vi. <a href="#pg237">237</a>. + </li> + <li>Politics, ii. 311. + </li> + <li>Pomponius Atticus, ii. 266. + </li> + <li>Pope, Alexander, a self-educated poet, i. 145. + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's enthusiastic admiration of, 226. + </li> + <li>His youth and Byron's compared, 265. + </li> + <li>An example of filial tenderness, ii. 33 n. + </li> + <li style="list-style: none"> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg442" id="pg442">442</a></span> + <ul> + <li>His Prologue to Cato, 165. + </li> + <li>His ineffable distance above all modern poets, iv. 64. + 139. + </li> + <li>The parent of real English poetry, 143. + </li> + <li>Atrocious cant and nonsense about, 297. + </li> + <li>The Christianity of English poetry, v. 13. + </li> + <li>Ten times more poetry in his 'Essay on Man' than in the + 'Excursion,' 18. + </li> + <li>Keats' depreciation of, 22. + </li> + <li>The most faultless of poets, 26. + </li> + <li>His imagery, 139. + </li> + <li>The greatest name in our poetry, 150. + </li> + <li>His Essay upon Phillips's Pastorals a model of irony, vi. + <a href="#pg371">371</a>. + </li> + <li>The principal inventor of modern gardening, <a href= + "#pg408">408</a>. + </li> + <li>His 'Homer,' v. 138.; vi. <a href="#pg373">373</a>. + <a href="#pg376">376</a>. <a href="#pg413">413</a>. + </li> + <li>'LETTER ON BOWLES'S STRICTURES ON THE LIFE AND WRITINGS + OF,' vi. <a href="#pg346">346</a>. + </li> + <li>SECOND LETTER, vi. <a href="#pg382">382</a>. + </li> + <li>See, also, i. 223.; iii. 219.; v. 33. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Porson, Professor, his 'Devil's Walk,' ii. 40. 304. + <ul> + <li>Lord Byron's recollection of, iv. 84, + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Portrait painter, agonies of a, vi. <a href="#pg363">363</a>. + </li> + <li>Pouqueville, M. de, iv. 322. + </li> + <li>Powerscourt, Lord, one of Lord Byron's friends, i. 99. 203. + </li> + <li>Pratt, Samuel Jackson, i. 209. 243.; ii. 54. + </li> + <li>Priestley, Dr., his Christian materialism, vi. <a href= + "#pg259">259</a>. + </li> + <li>Prince Regent, iii. 41.; iv. 185. + <ul> + <li>Lord Byron's introduction to, ii. 155. + </li> + <li>See George IV. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Prior's Paulo Purgante, iv. 183. + </li> + <li>'PRISONER OF CHILLON,' iii. 285.; iv. 27. + </li> + <li>Probabilities, Dr. Miller's Essay on, iii. 119. + </li> + <li>Probationary Odes, ii. 169. + </li> + <li>Prologues, 'only two decent ones in our language,' ii. 165. + </li> + <li>'PROMETHEUS,' of Æschylus, iv. 67. + </li> + <li>'PROPHECY OF DANTE, in four cantos,' iv. 291. 308. + </li> + <li>Prophets, v. 8. 89. + </li> + <li>Pulci, his 'Morgante Maggiore,' iv. 279. 283. 305. 308. 343. + <ul> + <li>'Sire of the half serious rhyme,' v. 118. 240. 312. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Punctuation, ii. 327. + </li> + </ul> + <p> + Q. + </p> + <ul class="IX"> + <li>Quarrels of Authors, D'Israeli's, iii. 15. + </li> + <li>Quarterly Review, ii. 240. + </li> + <li>'Quentin Durward,' vi. <a href="#pg115">115</a>. + </li> + </ul> + <p> + R. + </p> + <ul class="IX"> + <li>Rae, John, comedian, iii. 177. + </li> + <li>Rainsford, Lord Byron's schoolfellow at Harrow, i. 61. + </li> + <li>Rancliffe, Lord, iii. 78. 82. + </li> + <li>Raphael, his hair, iv. 25. + </li> + <li>Rashleigh, Lord Byron's schoolfellow at Harrow, i. 91. + </li> + <li>Ravenna, iv. 165. 270. + </li> + <li>Raymond, James Grant, comedian, ii. 162. + </li> + <li>Reading, the love of, i. 139.; iii. 22. + </li> + <li>Regnard, his hypochondriacism, v. 81. + </li> + <li>Reinagle, R.R., his chained eagle, iii. 245. + </li> + <li>'Rejected Addresses,' 'the best of the kind since the + Rolliad,' ii. 179, 180.; vi. <a href="#pg371">371</a>. + </li> + <li>——, the Genuine, ii. 181 n. + </li> + <li>Republics, ii. 272. + </li> + <li>Reviewers, ii. 240. + </li> + <li>Reviews, i. 60. + </li> + <li>Reynolds, Sir Joshua, 'not good in history,' v. 65. + </li> + <li>Reynolds, J.H., his 'Safie,' iii. 6. 40. + </li> + <li>'Ricciardetto,' Lord Glenbervie's translation of, iv. 321.; + v. 328. + </li> + <li>Rice, Lord Byron's schoolfellow at Harrow, i. 64. + </li> + <li>Richardson, 'the vainest and luckiest of authors,' v. 55. + </li> + <li>Riddel, Lady, her masquerade at Bath, at which Lord Byron + appeared, i. 78. + </li> + <li>Ridge, printer, i. 106-108. 111. 166.; iii. 38, 39. + </li> + <li>Riga, the Greek patriot, vi. <a href="#pg151">151</a> n. + </li> + <li>Roberts, Mr. (editor of the British Review), iv. 186. + </li> + <li>Robins, George, auctioneer, ii. 201. in. 170. + </li> + <li style="list-style: none"> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg443" id="pg443">443</a></span> + </li> + <li>Robinson Crusoe, the first part said to be written by Lord + Oxford, ii. 214. + </li> + <li>Rocca, M. de, iii. 251. + </li> + <li>Rochdale estate, in Lancashire, the sale of, i. 32. + </li> + <li>Rochefoucault, 'always right,' ii. 288. + <ul> + <li>Sayings of, v. 95. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Rogers, Samuel, esq., his 'Pleasures of Memory,' ii. 240. + 267. + <ul> + <li>His 'Jacqueline,' iii. 92. + </li> + <li>'The Tithonus of poetry,' iv. 6. + </li> + <li>'The father of present poesy,' 80. + </li> + <li>His Tribute to the memory of Lord Byron, v. 274. + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's letters to, ii. 121. 185.; ii. 44. 90. 92. + 199. 217. 223. 250. 373.; iv. 89.; v. 267. + </li> + <li>See also, i. 231.; ii. 85. 89, 90. 95. 98. 113. 121. 160. + 175. 188. 196. 240. 267. 276. 291, 292.; iii. 13. 234. 360. + 369.; iv. 5. 64. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>——, Mr., of Nottingham (Lord Byron's Latin + tutor), i. 41. + </li> + <li>Rokeby, Lord Byron's schoolfellow at Harrow, i. 91. + </li> + <li>Roman Catholic religion, v. 142. + </li> + <li>Romanelli, physician, i. 343. + </li> + <li>Rome, 'the wonderful,' iv. 14. 31. + <ul> + <li>Finer than Greece, 26. 58. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Romeo and Juliet, the story of, iii. 308. 322. 375. + </li> + <li>Rose, William Stewart, esq., his 'Animali,' iv. 95. + <ul> + <li>His 'Lines to Lord Byron,' 98. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Rose glaciers, iii. 253. 265. + </li> + <li>'Rose-water,' vi. <a href="#pg399">399</a>. + </li> + <li>Ross, Rev. Mr. (Lord Byron's tutor at Aberdeen), i. 18. + </li> + <li>Rossini, his 'Otello,' iv. 92. + </li> + <li>Roscoe, Mr, ii. 210 + </li> + <li>Rossoe, Mr., story of, ii. 173. + </li> + <li>Roufigny, Abbé de, i. 92 n. + </li> + <li>Rousseau, Jean Jacques, Lord Byron's resemblance to, i. 217. + <ul> + <li>Comparison between Lord Byron and, 218. + </li> + <li>His marriage, vi. <a href="#pg391">391</a>. + </li> + <li>His 'Héloïse,' 167. 178. + </li> + <li>His 'Confessions,' 168. 178. + </li> + <li>Force and accuracy of his descriptions, iii. 247. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Rowcroft, Mr, v. 336. + </li> + <li>Royston, Lord Byron's school-fellow at Harrow, i. 91. + </li> + <li>Rubens, his style, iv. 9. + </li> + <li>Rushton, Robert (the 'little page' in Childe Harold), i. 268. + 285.; ii. 110. 115. + <ul> + <li>Lord Byron's letters to, ii. 115, 116. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>'Ruminator,' the, by Sir Egerton Brydges, ii. 271. + </li> + <li>Rusponi, Countess, v. 193. + </li> + <li>Russell, Lord John, i. 75 n.; ii. 283. + </li> + <li>Rycaut, his 'History of the Turks' first drew Lord Byron's + attention to the East, ii. 7, 8. + <ul> + <li>See, also, i. 141. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + </ul> + <p> + S. + </p> + <ul class="IX"> + <li>St. Lambert, his imitation of Thomson, v. 96. + </li> + <li>Sanders, Mr., his portraits of Lord Byron, ii. 175 n. 180. + 187. + </li> + <li>'Sappho,' of Grillparzer, v. 72. + </li> + <li>'SARDANAPALUS,' outline of the Tragedy sketched, v. 74. + <ul> + <li>Four acts completed, 187. + </li> + <li>The play finished, 203. + </li> + <li>A disparagement of it, 269 + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Sarrazin, General, iii. 195. + </li> + <li>Satan, Lord Byron's opinion of his real appearance to the + Creator, vi. <a href="#pg089">089</a>. + </li> + <li>'Satirist,' ii. 176. 179. + </li> + <li>Scaligers, tomb of the, iii. 309. + </li> + <li>Scamander, i. 317. + </li> + <li>Schiller, his 'Thirty years War,' i. 141. + <ul> + <li>His 'Robbers,' iii. 6. + </li> + <li>His 'Fiesco,' 6. + </li> + <li>His 'Ghost-seer,' 372. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Schlegel, Frederick, his writings, v. 90, 91. + <ul> + <li>Anecdotes of, 214. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>'School for Scandal,' ii. 303.; iv. 297. + </li> + <li>School of Homer, Lord Byron's visit to, vi. <a href="#pg073"> + 073</a>. + </li> + <li>Scotland, the impressions on Lord Byron's mind by the + mountain scenery of, i. 24. 35. + <ul> + <li>Lord Byron 'Half a Scot by birth and bred a whole one,' + i. 34. + </li> + <li>'A canny Scot till ten years' old,' v. 301. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Scott, Sir Walter, his dog 'Maida,' i. 223. 345. + <ul> + <li>His 'Rokeby,' ii. 169. 259. + </li> + <li style="list-style: none"> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg444" id= + "pg444">444</a></span> + </li> + <li>The 'monarch of Parnassus,' 275. + </li> + <li>His 'Lives of the Novelists,' 315 n. + </li> + <li>His 'Waverley,' iii. 98. + </li> + <li>His first acquaintance with Byron, 160. + </li> + <li>His 'Antiquary,' 296. + </li> + <li>His review of 'Childe Harold' in the Quarterly, 351, 351 + n. 357. 365.; v. 299. + </li> + <li>His 'Tales of my Landlord,' iv. 25. 31. 38.; v. 57. + </li> + <li>'The Ariosto of the North,' iv. 51. 65. + </li> + <li>The first British poet titled for his talent, iv. 305. + </li> + <li>His 'Ivanhoe,' 325. + </li> + <li>His 'Monastery,' 352. + </li> + <li>His 'Abbot,' 354.; v. 2. + </li> + <li>His imitators, 24. + </li> + <li>The 'Scotch Fielding,' 57. + </li> + <li>His countenance, 72. + </li> + <li>His novels 'a new literature in themselves,' iv. 286. + 289.; v. 72. + </li> + <li>His 'Kenilworth,' 147. + </li> + <li>His 'Life of Swift,' vi. <a href="#pg257">257</a>. + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's letters to, ii. 155.; v. 298. 330. + </li> + <li>See, also, ii. 226. 259.; iv. 139. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Scott, Mr., of Aberdeen, i. 35. + </li> + <li>——, Mr. Alexander, v. 133. + </li> + <li>——, Mr. John, ii. 207.; iii. 81.; v. 143.; vi. + <a href="#pg394">394</a>. + </li> + <li>'Scotticisms,' v. 77. + </li> + <li>Scriptures, Lord Byron's knowledge of the, vi. <a href= + "#pg086">086</a>. <a href="#pg088">088</a>. + <ul> + <li>See, also, Bible. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>'Scourge,' proceedings against the, for a libel on Mrs. + Byron, ii. 32. + </li> + <li>Sculpture, the most artificial of the arts, iv. 12. + <ul> + <li>Its superiority to painting, 57. + </li> + <li>More poetical than nature, vi. <a href="#pg362">362</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Sécheron, iii. 269. + </li> + <li>Self-educated poets, i. 145. + </li> + <li>Sensibility, iii. 128. + </li> + <li>Separation, miseries of, ii. 279 + </li> + <li>Seraglio at Constantinople, description of, i. 330. + </li> + <li>Sestos, i. 316. 321. 323.; v. 130. + </li> + <li>Settle, Elkanah, his 'Emperor of Morocco,' v. 213. + </li> + <li>'Seven before Thebes,' iv. 68. + </li> + <li>Seville, i. 278. 281. 283. + </li> + <li>Seward, Anne, her 'Life of Darwin,' v. 103. + </li> + <li>'Sexagenarian,' Beloe's, iv. 84. + </li> + <li>'Shah Nameh,' the Persian Iliad, i. 146. + </li> + <li>Shakspeare, his infelicitous marriage, iii. 136 n. + <ul> + <li>'The worst of models,' v. 202. + </li> + <li>'Will have his decline,' vi. <a href="#pg368">368</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Sharp, William (the engraver, and disciple of Joanna + Southcote), iii. 109. + </li> + <li>Sharpe, Richard, esq. (the 'Conversationist'), ii. 274.; iii. + 13. 295.; v. 66. + </li> + <li>Sheil, Richard, esq., iv. 36. + </li> + <li>Sheldrake, Mr., i. 44. + </li> + <li>Shelley, Percy Bysshe, esq., his 'Queen Mab,' iii. 269. + <ul> + <li>His portrait of Lord Byron, iv. 111. + </li> + <li>Particulars concerning, 147. + </li> + <li>His visit to Lord Byron at Ravenna, v. 217. + </li> + <li>His praise of Don Juan, v. 220. + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's letters to, 144. 296. + </li> + <li>His letters to Lord Byron, v. 144. 298.; vi. <a href= + "#pg004">004</a>. + </li> + <li>See also, iii. 252. 269. 276. 283, 283 n.; iv. 110.; v. + 142 n. 217. 313. 315. 320. 350. 353. 365.; vi. <a href= + "#pg008">008</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>——, Mrs., iii. 279. + <ul> + <li>Her 'Frankenstein,' 282. + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's letters to, vi. <a href="#pg008">008</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Shepherd, Rev. John, his letter enclosing his wife's prayer + on Lord Byron's behalf, v. 286. + <ul> + <li>Lord Byron's answer, 289. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Sheridan, Right Hon. Richard Brinsley, anecdotes of, ii. 128. + 198. 201. + <ul> + <li>And Colman compared, 204. + </li> + <li>His eloquence, 209. + </li> + <li>His conversation, 210. 257. + </li> + <li>'Whatever he did, was the best of its kind,' 303. + </li> + <li>Defence of, iv. 125. + </li> + <li>His phoenix story, vi. <a href="#pg376">376</a>. + </li> + <li>'MONODY on the Death of,' iii. 252, 253. 296. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>'Shipwreck,' Falconer's, vi. <a href="#pg357">357</a>. + <a href="#pg365">365</a>. + </li> + <li>Shoel, Mr., vi. <a href="#pg404">404</a>. + </li> + <li>Shreikhorn, iii. 253. + </li> + <li>Shrewsbury, Earl of, his letter to Sir John Byron's grandson, + i. 4. + </li> + <li>Siddons, Mrs., her performance of the character of Isabella, + i. 8. + <ul> + <li>Lord Byron's praise of, iii. 77. + </li> + <li>Effect of her acting at Edinburgh, 160 n. + </li> + <li>An allusion to, iv. 94. + </li> + <li style="list-style: none"> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg445" id= + "pg445">445</a></span> + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>'SIEGE OF CORINTH,' iii. 193. 221, 222. 227, 228. 335. + </li> + <li>Sigeum, Cape, vi. <a href="#pg357">357</a>. + </li> + <li>Simplon, the, iii. 299. + </li> + <li>Sinclair, George, esq., 'the prodigy' of Harrow School, i. + 62. 91. + </li> + <li>Sirmium, iii. 304. + </li> + <li>'Sir Proteus,' a satirical ballad, iii. 91. + </li> + <li>'SKETCH,' a, its first publication in the newspapers, iii. + 229. + </li> + <li>Skull-cup, i. 183. 266, 266 n. + </li> + <li>Slave trade, v. 53. + </li> + <li>Slavery, v. 53. + </li> + <li>Sligo, Marquis of, i. 338. 340. 346, 347.; ii. 189. 239. + <ul> + <li>His letter on the origin of the 'Giaour,' 189. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Smart, Christopher, ii. 217. + </li> + <li>Smith, Sir Henry, i. 188. + </li> + <li>——, Horace, esq., his 'Horace in London,' ii. + 184. + </li> + <li>——, Mrs. Spencer. See 'Florence.' + </li> + <li>——, Miss (afterwards Mrs. Oscar Byrne), dancer, + iii. 186. 189. + </li> + <li>Smyrna, Lord Byron's stay at, i. 313. + </li> + <li>Smythe, Professor, i. 230. 286. + </li> + <li>Socrates, v. 86. 303.; vi. <a href="#pg369">369</a>. + </li> + <li>Sonnets, 'the most puling, petrifying, stupidly platonic + compositions,' ii. 307. + </li> + <li>Sorelli, his translation of Grillparzer's 'Sappho,' v.72.; + <ul> + <li>Sotheby, William, esq., his tragedies, iii. 59.; + </li> + <li>his 'Ivan' accepted for Drury Lane Theatre, 175. 184.; + </li> + <li>similarity of a passage in 'Ivan' to one in the + 'Corsair,' 177. 180.; + </li> + <li>a 'row' about 'Ivan,' 229.; + </li> + <li>the Æschylus of the age, iv. 36.; + </li> + <li>his 'Orestes,' 55. + </li> + <li>See also, ii. 268.; iii. 236; iv. 5. 190.; v. 23.; + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's letters to, iii. 175, 176. 233. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Southcote, Joanna, iii. 109, 110 n., 111. + </li> + <li>Southey, Robert, esq., LL.D., his person and manners, ii. + 243. 267. + <ul> + <li>His prose and poetry, 268. + </li> + <li>His 'Roderick,' iii. 143 n.; + </li> + <li>his 'Curse of Kehama,' ii. 67. 94.; + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's intention to dedicate 'Don Juan' to him, iv. + 134. 147.; + </li> + <li>his 'Joan of Arc' would have been better in rhyme, v. 20. + </li> + <li>See also ii. 237.; v. 300. 303. 311. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Southwell, Notts, Lord Byron's residence at, i. 92. 97. 160. + </li> + <li>Southwood, on the Divine Government, vi. <a href= + "#pg090">090</a>. + </li> + <li>SPEECHES IN PARLIAMENT, Lord Byron's, ii. 128. 147. 207. + 256.; vi. <a href="#pg314">314</a>. <a href="#pg321">321</a>. + <a href="#pg335">335</a>. + </li> + <li>Spence's Anecdotes (Singer's edition), v. 117. + </li> + <li>Spencer, Dowager Lady, i. 203. + </li> + <li>——, William, esq., iii. 233. 236. + </li> + <li>——, Countess, ii. 151. + </li> + <li>Spenser, Edmund, his measure, ii. 165. + </li> + <li>Stäel, Madame de, her essay against suicide, ii. 218. 220. + <ul> + <li>Her 'De l'Allemagne,' 262. 291. + </li> + <li>Her personal appearance, iii. 235. + </li> + <li>Her death, iv. 52. + </li> + <li>Notes written by Lord Byron in her 'Corinne,' iv. 193, + 194. + </li> + <li>See also, ii. 216. 230. 234. 246. 257. 284. 290. 291. + 297. 299. 319.; iii. 4. 30. 232. 250. 255. 284, 285 n. 372. + 375.; v. 110-112. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Stafford, Marquis of (now Duke of Sutherland), ii. 299. + </li> + <li>Stafford, Marchioness of (now Duchess of Sutherland), ii. + 230. 299.; iii. 39. + </li> + <li>Stanhope, Hon. Col. Leicester, (now Earl of Harrington), vi. + <a href="#pg040">040</a> n.; + <ul> + <li>his arrival in Greece to assist in effecting its + liberation, <a href="#pg093">093</a>. <a href= + "#pg108">108</a>. <a href="#pg145">145</a>. <a href="#pg152"> + 152</a>. <a href="#pg191">191</a>. <a href= + "#pg215">215</a>. + </li> + <li>His 'Greece in 1823-1824,' vi. <a href="#pg156">156</a>. + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's letters to, vi. <a href="#pg117">117</a>. + <a href="#pg181">181</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>——, Lady Hester, Lord Byron taken to task by, i. + 348. + </li> + <li>Steele, Sir Richard, iii. 212. + </li> + <li>Stella, Swift's, vi. <a href="#pg390">390</a>. + </li> + <li>Sterne, his affected sensibility, ii. 287.; iii. 127. + </li> + <li>Stephenson, Sir John, iii. 173. 182. + </li> + <li>Stockhorn. iii. 261. + </li> + <li>Storm, aspect of one in the Archipelago, vi. <a href= + "#pg357">357</a>. + </li> + <li>'STRAHAN, Tonson, Lintot of the times,' iv. 96. + </li> + <li style="list-style: none"> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg446" id="pg446">446</a></span> + </li> + <li>Strangford, Lord, his 'Camoens,' i. 119. + </li> + <li>Strong, Mr., Lord Byron's school-fellow at Harrow, i. 91. + </li> + <li>Stuart, Sir Charles (now Lord Stuart de Rothsay), v. 348. + </li> + <li>Suleyman, of Thebes, ii. 183. + </li> + <li>'Sunshiny day,' vi. <a href="#pg259">259</a>. + </li> + <li>Supernatural appearances, v. 31. + </li> + <li>Suppers, iii. 338.; + <ul> + <li>lobster nights, iii. 83. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>'Sweet Florence, could another ever share,' i. 287. + </li> + <li>Swift, Dr. Jonathan, i. 265. + <ul> + <li>Similarity between the character of Lord Byron and, 265. + </li> + <li>Gave away his copyrights, ii. 138. + </li> + <li>His Stella and Vanessa, vi. <a href="#pg390">390</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Swoon, the sensation described, iii. 254. + </li> + <li>Sylla, ii. 273.; iii. 22. 63. + </li> + <li>Symplegades, vi. <a href="#pg358">358</a>. + </li> + <li>Switzerland and the Swiss, v. 243. + </li> + </ul> + <p> + T. + </p> + <ul class="IX"> + <li>Taaffe, Mr., v. 283. 294. 296. 325. + <ul> + <li>His 'Commentary on Dante,' v. 283. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Tahiri, Dervise, ii. 183. + </li> + <li>'Tales of my Landlord,' iv. 25. 31. 38. + </li> + <li>Tasso, an expert swordsman and dancer, i. 64 n.; + <ul> + <li>an example of filial tenderness, ii. 33 n.; + </li> + <li>his imprisonment, iv. 6.; + </li> + <li>his popularity in his lifetime, v. 15.; + </li> + <li>remade the whole of his 'Jerusalem,' 33.; + </li> + <li>his sensitiveness to public favour, vi. <a href="#pg002"> + 002</a>, + </li> + <li>'LAMENT of,' iv. 11. 14. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Tattersall, Rev. John Cecil (Lord Byron's school + acquaintance), i. 65. + </li> + <li>77. 201.; ii. 76. + </li> + <li>Tavernier, the eastern traveller, his château at Aubonne, + iii. 268. + </li> + <li>Tavistock, Marquis of, i. 165. + </li> + <li>Taylor. John, esq., Lord Byron's letter to in respect of an + allusion to + </li> + <li>Lady Byron in the 'Sun' newspaper, iii. 178. + </li> + <li>Teeth, iv. 91.; v. 32. + </li> + <li>Temple, Sir William, his opinion of poetry, vi. <a href= + "#pg413">413</a>, + </li> + <li>Tepaleen, i. 291, 291 n. + </li> + <li>Terni, Falls of, iv. 31. + </li> + <li>Terry, Daniel, comedian, iii. 164. + </li> + <li>Theatricals, private, at Southwell, i. 116. + </li> + <li>Thirst, v. 96, 97. + </li> + <li>'This day of all our days has done,' v. 28. + </li> + <li>Thomas of Ercildoune, i. 148. + </li> + <li>Thompson, Mr., ii. 169, 295. + </li> + <li>Thomson, James, the poet, his 'Seasons' would have been + better in rhyme, v. 20. + </li> + <li>Thorwaldsen, the sculptor, his bust of Lord Byron, iv. 33. + 286.; v. 200. 323. + </li> + <li>'THOUGH the day of my destiny's o'er,' iii. 237. 296. + </li> + <li>Thoun, iii. 261. + <ul> + <li>'THROUGH life's dull road, so dim and dirty,' v. 82. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Thurlow (Thomas Hovell Thurlow) second Lord, ii. 197. 199. + 276.; iii. 105. 112. + </li> + <li>Thyrza, ii. 75. + </li> + <li>Tiberius, v. 89. + </li> + <li>Tiraboschi, v. 96. + </li> + <li>''Tis done and shivering in the gale.' + <ul> + <li>Lord Byron's stanzas to Mrs. Musters on leaving England, + i. 259. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Titian, his portrait of Ariosto, iv. 8. + <ul> + <li>His pictures at Florence, iv. 12. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Toderinus, his 'Storia della Letteratura Turchesca,' ii. 238. + 241. + </li> + <li>Town life, iii. 53. + </li> + <li>Townshend, Rev. George, his 'Armageddon,' ii. 58. + </li> + <li>Travelling, Lord Byron's opinion of the advantages of, i. + 351. + </li> + <li>Travis, the Venetian Jew, iv. 74. + </li> + <li>Trelawney, Edward, esq., v. 358.; vi. <a href= + "#pg191">191</a>. <a href="#pg217">217</a>. + </li> + <li>Troad, the, i. 315. 317. + </li> + <li>Troy, i. 317.; v. 70. + <ul> + <li>Authenticity of the tale of, v. 70. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Tuite, Lady, her stanzas to Memory, i. 85. + </li> + <li>Tally's 'Tripoli,' v. 226. + </li> + <li>Turkey, women of, ii. 283 + </li> + <li style="list-style: none"> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg447" id="pg447">447</a></span> + </li> + <li>Turner, W., esq., his 'Tour in the Levant,' v. 129.; vi. + <a href="#pg280">280</a>. + </li> + <li>Twiss, Horace, esq., iii. 232. 314. + </li> + <li>Tyranny, v. 53. + </li> + </ul> + <p> + U. + </p> + <ul class="IX"> + <li>Ulissipont, ii. 69. + </li> + <li>Unities, the, v. 203. + </li> + <li>Usurers; ii. 185, 185 n. + </li> + </ul> + <p> + V. + </p> + <ul class="IX"> + <li>Vacca, Dr., iii. 343. + </li> + <li>Valentia, Lord (now Earl of Mountnorris), iii. 233. + </li> + <li>Valière, Madame la, vi. <a href="#pg390">390</a>. + </li> + <li>'VAMPIRE, The, a Fragment,' vi. <a href="#pg339">339</a>. + <ul> + <li>Superstition, iii. 282.; iv. 147. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Vanbrugh, his comedies, iii. 12. + </li> + <li>Vanessa, Swift's, vi. <a href="#pg390">390</a>. + </li> + <li>'Vanity of Human Wishes,' Johnson's, v. 66. + </li> + <li>Vascillie, ii. 183. + </li> + <li>'Vathek,' iv. 92. + </li> + <li>'VAULT REFLECTIONS,' iii. 55. + </li> + <li>Velasquez, iv. 9. + </li> + <li>Veli Pacha, i. 290. + </li> + <li>Venetian dialect, iii. 312. 323. 326. + </li> + <li>Venice, the gondolas, iii. 311. 314. + <ul> + <li>St. Mark's, iii. 322. 353.; iv. 90. + </li> + <li>Theatres, iii. 322. 329. + </li> + <li>Women, 324. 333. 339.; iv. 90. 93. 112. 239. + </li> + <li>Carnival, iii. 320. 328. 332. 339. + </li> + <li>Morals and manners in, iii. 333. 336,; iv. 172. 247. + </li> + <li>Nobility of, iii. 333. + </li> + <li>Riaito, iii. 372. + </li> + <li>Manfrini palace, iv. 8. + </li> + <li>Bridge of Sighs, iv. 40. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>'VENICE, Ode on,' iv. 125. + </li> + <li>Venus de Medici, more for admiration than love, iv. 12. + </li> + <li>Verona, how much Catullus, Claudian, and Shakspeare have done + for it, iii. 304. + <ul> + <li>Amphitheatre of, 308. + </li> + <li>Juliet's tomb at, 308. + </li> + <li>Tombs of the Scaligers, 309. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Versatility, vi. <a href="#pg248">248</a>. + </li> + <li>Vestris, Italian comedian, v. 59. + </li> + <li>Vevay, iii. 247. 256. + </li> + <li>Vicar of Wakefield, v. 93. + </li> + <li>Voltaire, gave away his copyrights, ii. 138. + <ul> + <li>D'Argenson's advice to, iii. 65 n. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Voluptuary, ii 302. + </li> + <li>Vondel, the Dutch Shakspeare, ii. 78. + </li> + <li>Vostizza, i. 304.; iii. 18. + </li> + <li>Vulgarity of style, vi. <a href="#pg415">415</a>. + </li> + </ul> + <p> + W. + </p> + <ul class="IX"> + <li>Waite, Mr. (Lord Byron's dentist), iii. 5.; v. 32. + </li> + <li>Wales, Princess of (afterwards Queen Caroline), iii. 19. + </li> + <li>Wallace, the Scottish chief, i. 98. + </li> + <li>Wallace-nook, i. 35. + </li> + <li>Walpole, Sir Robert, his conversation at table, vi. + <a href="#pg392">392</a>. + </li> + <li>'WALTZ, THE; an Apostrophic Hymn,' ii. 178, 179. + <ul> + <li>The authorship of it denied by Lord Byron, 187. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Ward, Hon. John William (afterwards Earl of Dudley), his + review + </li> + <li>of Horne Tooke's Life in the Quarterly, ii. 180. + <ul> + <li>His style of speaking, 209. + </li> + <li>Lord Byron's pun on, 284. + </li> + <li>His review of Fox's Correspondence, 311. + </li> + <li>Epigrams on, 330. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Warren, Sir John, i. 31. + </li> + <li>Washington, George, ii. 273.; iii. 67.; vi. <a href="#pg039"> + 039</a>. + </li> + <li>Waterloo, Lord Byron's verses on the battle of, iii. 245. + </li> + <li>Wathen, Mr., i. 97. + </li> + <li>Watier's club, iii. 233.; vi. <a href="#pg020">020</a>. + </li> + <li>'Waverley,' character of, iii. 98. + </li> + <li>Way, William, esq., ii. 140. + </li> + <li>Webster, Sir Godfrey, iii. 83. + </li> + <li>Webster, Wedderburn, esq., iii. 52.; iv. 31. 317. + </li> + <li>'WEEP, daughter of a royal line,' iii. 1, 2. + </li> + <li>Wellesley, Sir Arthur. See Wellington. + </li> + <li>——, Richard, esq., ii. 292. + </li> + <li>Wellington, Duke of, 'the Scipio of our Hannibal,' iii. 174. + </li> + <li>Wengen Alps, iii. 263, 264. + </li> + <li style="list-style: none"> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="pg448" id="pg448">448</a></span> + </li> + <li>Wentworth, Lord, iii. 121. 157. 167. + <ul> + <li>'WERNER; or, THE INHERITANCE; a Tragedy,' v. 264. 310. + 312.; vi. <a href="#pg103">103</a>. + </li> + <li>'Werther,' Goethe's effects of, iv. 357. + </li> + <li>Mad. de Stäel's character of, 357. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>West, Mr. (American artist), his conversations with Lord + Byron, 343. + </li> + <li>Westall, Richard, esq.. R.A., ii. 186. + </li> + <li>Westminster Abbey, vi. <a href="#pg366">366</a>. + </li> + <li>Westmoreland, Lady, i. 284. + </li> + <li>Wetterhorn, iii. 264. + </li> + <li>'What matter the pangs,' v. 260. + </li> + <li>'When man expelled from Eden's bowers,' i. 258. + </li> + <li>'When Time, who steals our years away,' i. 132. + </li> + <li>Whigs, v. 125. + </li> + <li>'Whistlecraft,' iv. 66. 69. + </li> + <li>Whitbread, Samuel, esq., ii. 198 n. 208.; iii. 170. 173. + <ul> + <li>'The Demosthenes of bad taste,' ii. 208. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Whitby, Captain, v. 112. + </li> + <li>White, Henry Kirke, esq., ii. 58. + </li> + <li>——, Lydia, ii. 268. 285.; iv. 103. + </li> + <li>'White Lady of Avenel,' v. 31. + </li> + <li>'White Lady of Colalto,' v. 31. + </li> + <li>'Who killed John Keats?' v. 212. + </li> + <li>'Why, how now, saucy Tom?' v. 136. + </li> + <li>Wieland, i. 226 n. + <ul> + <li>His history of 'Agathon,' iv. 236. + </li> + <li>Resemblance between Byron and, 237 n. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Wilberforce, William, esq., his style of speaking, ii. 209. + <ul> + <li>Personified by Sheridan, iii. 188. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Wildman, Thomas, esq., i. 69. 87. + </li> + <li>——, Colonel, present proprietor of Newstead, i. + 266 n. + </li> + <li>Wilkes, John, esq., vi. <a href="#pg390">390</a>. + </li> + <li>Will, Lord Byron's, in 1811; ii. 43. + <ul> + <li>His last, vi. <a href="#pg284">284</a>. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Williams, Captain, v. 350. 353. + </li> + <li>Williams, Mrs., the fortune-teller, her prediction concerning + Byron, i. 56. + </li> + <li>Wilmot, Mrs., her tragedy, iii. 167. + </li> + <li>Wilson, Professor, iv. 269. + </li> + <li>Windham, Right Hon. William, ii. 208. 274. + </li> + <li>'WINDSOR POETICS,' iii. 55. + </li> + <li>Wingfield, Hon. John, i. 65. 203. + <ul> + <li>His death, ii. 38. 58. 63. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Women, society of, iii. 7. + <ul> + <li>Cannot write tragedy, 168. + </li> + <li>State of, under the ancient Greeks, v. 59. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Woodhouselee, Lord, his opinion of Lord Byron's early poems, + i. 127. + </li> + <li>Woolriche, Dr., iii. 138 n. + </li> + <li>Wordsworth, William, esq., Lord Byron's review of his early + poems, i. 169.; vi. <a href="#pg293">293</a>. + <ul> + <li>The allusion to, in English Bards, i. 245. + </li> + <li>His 'Excursion,' iii. 106.; v. 18. + </li> + <li>His powers to do 'anything,' iii. 111. + </li> + <li>Influence of his poetry on Lord Byron, 274. + </li> + <li>Never vulgar, vi. <a href="#pg413">413</a>. + </li> + <li>See also, iv. 66. + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li>Wrangham, Rev. Francis, iii. 90. + </li> + <li>Wright, Walter Rodwell, esq., his 'Horæ Ionicæ,' ii. 62 + </li> + <li>Writers, tragic, generally mirthful persons, v. 285. + </li> + </ul> + <p> + Y. + </p> + <ul class="IX"> + <li>Yanina, i. 290. + </li> + <li>York, Duke of, i. 173. + </li> + <li>Young, Dr. E., iii. 127, 127 n. + </li> + <li>Yussuff, Pacha, vi. <a href="#pg147">147</a>. + </li> + <li>Yverdun, iii. 267. + </li> + </ul> + <p> + Z. + </p> + <ul class="IX"> + <li>Zitza, i. 290. 296 n. + </li> + <li>Zograffo, Demetrius, ii. 44, 44 n. + </li> + </ul> + <h3> + THE END. + </h3> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Life of Lord Byron, Vol. 6 (of 6), by Thomas Moore + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIFE OF LORD BYRON, VOL. 6 (OF 6) *** + +***** This file should be named 14841-h.htm or 14841-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/4/8/4/14841/ + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Leonard Johnson and the PG Online +Distributed Proofreading Team. + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +https://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +https://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at https://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit https://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including including checks, online payments and credit card +donations. To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + https://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + + +</pre> + + </body> +</html> |