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diff --git a/old/8blj210h.htm b/old/8blj210h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d9b4e7a --- /dev/null +++ b/old/8blj210h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,25216 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html> +<head> +<title>Byron's Letters and Journals, vol. 2</title> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> + +<meta name="keywords" content="Byron, letters, epistolatory, poetry, literature, English Literature, bibliography, e-book, Public Doman, free e-book"> + +<meta name="description" content="The Letters and Journals of George Gordon, Lord Byron, a new, revised and enlarged edition, with illustrations, volume 2 now available in html form, as a free download from Project Gutenberg"> + +<style type="text/css"> +<!-- +body {background:#ffff99; margin:10%; text-align:justify} +h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {color:#A82C28} +– > +</style> +</head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Works of Lord Byron: Letters and +Journals, Volume 2., by Lord Byron + +Copyright laws are changing all over the world. Be sure to check the +copyright laws for your country before downloading or redistributing +this or any other Project Gutenberg eBook. + +This header should be the first thing seen when viewing this Project +Gutenberg file. Please do not remove it. Do not change or edit the +header without written permission. + +Please read the "legal small print," and other information about the +eBook and Project Gutenberg at the bottom of this file. Included is +important information about your specific rights and restrictions in +how the file may be used. You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: The Works of Lord Byron: Letters and Journals, Volume 2. + +Author: Lord Byron + +Release Date: February, 2006 [EBook #9921] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on November 6, 2003] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BYRON: LETTERS AND JOURNALS, VOLUME 2 *** + + + + +Produced by Clytie Siddall, Keren Vergon, +and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team! + + + + + +</pre> + + + +<h1>Byron's <i>Letter and Journals</i></h1><br> +<br><br> + +<b>Volume 2 <i><br> +<br> +<br> +(August 1811-April 1814)</i><br> + + +<br> +<br> +Part of <i>Byron's Works</i><br><br> +<br> +<br> + +<br> +a New, Revised and Enlarged Edition, +with Illustrations.<br> +<br><br> +<br> +<br> + + + +This volume edited by + +Rowland E. Prothero<br> +<br> +1898</b><br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> + + +<p><b><a name="toc">Table of Contents</a></b></p> +<ul> +<li><a href="#introduction">Preface</a></li> +</ul> +<ul> +<li><a href="#section1">List of Letters</a></li> +<li><a href="#section1a">List of Journal Entries</a></li> +<li><a href="#section1c">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a></li> +</ul> +<ul> +<li><a href="#section2">Chapter V—<i>Childe Harold</i>, Cantos I, II</a></li> +<li><a href="#section3">Chapter VI—The Idol of Society—The Drury Lane Address—Second Speech in Parliament</a></li> +<li><a href="#section4">Chapter VII—The <i>Giaour</i> and <i>Bride of Abydos</i></a></li> +<li><a href="#section5">Chapter VIII—Journal: November 14, 1813-April 19, 1814</a></li> +</ul> +<ul> +<li><a href="#app1">Appendix I—Articles from <i>The Monthly Review</i></a></li> +<li><a href="#app2">Appendix II—Parliamentary Speeches</a></li> +<li><a href="#app3">Appendix III—Lady Caroline Lamb and Byron</a></li> +<li><a href="#app4">Appendix IV—Letters of Bernard Barton</a></li> +<li><a href="#app5">Appendix V—Correspondence with Walter Scott</a></li> +<li><a href="#app6">Appendix VI—"The Giant and the Dwarf"</a></li> +<li><a href="#app7">Appendix VII—Attacks upon Byron in the Newspapers for February and March, 1814</a></li> +</ul> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr> +<br> +<br> +<h2><a name="introduction">Preface</a></h2> +<br> +The second volume of Mr. Murray's edition of Byron's <i>Letters and +Journals</i> carries the autobiographical record of the poet's life from +August, 1811, to April, 1814. Between these dates were published +<i>Childe Harold</i> (Cantos I., II.), <i>The Waltz, The Giaour, The +Bride of Abydos</i>, the <i>Ode to Napoleon Buonaparte</i>. At the +beginning of this period Byron had suddenly become the idol of society; +towards its close his personal popularity almost as rapidly declined +before a storm of political vituperation.<br> +<br> +<a name="fr1">Three</a> great collections of Byron's letters, as was noted in the Preface +to the previous volume<a href="#f1"><sup>1</sup></a>, are in existence. The first is contained in +Moore's <i>Life</i> (1830); the second was published in America, in +FitzGreene Halleck's edition of Byron's <i>Works</i> (1847); of the +third, edited by Mr. W. E. Henley, only the first volume has yet +appeared. A comparison between the letters contained in these three +collections and in that of Mr. Murray, down to December, 1813, shows the +following results: Moore prints 152 letters; Halleck, 192; Mr. Henley, +231. Mr. Murray's edition adds 236 letters to Moore, 196 to Halleck, and +to Mr. Henley 157. It should also be noticed that the material added to +Moore's <i>Life</i> in the second and third collections consists almost +entirely of letters which were already in print, and had been, for the +most part, seen and rejected by the biographer. The material added in +Mr. Murray's edition, on the contrary, consists mainly of letters which +have never before been published, and were inaccessible to Moore when he +wrote his <i>Life</i> of Byron.<br> +<br> +These necessary comparisons suggest some further remarks. It would have +been easy, not only to indicate what letters or portions of letters are +new, but also to state the sources whence they are derived. But, in the +circumstances, such a course, at all events for the present, is so +impolitic as to be impossible. On the other hand, anxiety has been +expressed as to the authority for the text which is adopted in these +volumes. To satisfy this anxiety, so far as circumstances allow, the +following details are given.<br> +<br> +The material contained in these two volumes consists partly of letters +now for the first time printed; partly of letters already published by +Moore, Dallas, and Leigh Hunt, or in such books as Galt's <i>Life of +Lord Byron</i>, and the <i>Memoirs of Francis Hodgson</i>. Speaking +generally, it may be said that the text of the new matter, with the few +exceptions noted below, has been prepared from the original letters, and +that it has proved impossible to authenticate the text of most of the +old material by any such process.<br> +<br> +<a name="Cr1">The</a> point may be treated in greater detail. Out of the 388 letters +contained in these two volumes, 220 have been printed from the original +letters. In these 220 are included practically the whole of the new +material. Among the letters thus collated with the originals are those +to Mrs. Byron (with four exceptions), all those to the Hon. Augusta +Byron, to the Hanson family, to James Wedderburn Webster, and to John +Murray, twelve of those to Francis Hodgson, those to the younger +Rushton, William Gifford, John Cam Hobhouse, Lady Caroline Lamb, Mrs. +Parker, Bernard Barton, and others. The two letters to Charles Gordon +(30, 33), the three to Captain Leacroft (62, 63, 64), and the one to +Ensign Long (vol. ii. p. 19, <a href="#f81"><i>note</i></a>), are printed from copies only.<br> +<br> +The old material stands in a different position. Efforts have been made +to discover the original letters, and sometimes with success. But it +still remains true that, speaking generally, the printed text of the +letters published by Moore, Dallas, Leigh Hunt, and others, has not been +collated with the originals. The fact is important. Moore, who, it is +believed, destroyed not only his own letters from Byron, but also many +of those entrusted to him for the preparation of the <i>Life</i>, +allowed himself unusual liberties as an editor. The examples of this +licence given in Mr. Clayden's <i>Rogers and his Contemporaries</i> +throw suspicion on his text, even where no apparent motive exists for +his suppressions. But, as Byron's letters became more bitter in tone, +and his criticisms of his contemporaries more outspoken, Moore felt +himself more justified in omitting passages which referred to persons +who were still living in 1830. From 1816 onwards, it will be found that +he has transferred passages from one letter to another, or printed two +letters as one, and <i>vice versâ</i>, or made such large omissions as +to shorten letters, in some instances, by a third or even a half. No +collation with the originals has ever been attempted, and the garbled +text which Moore printed is the only text at present available for an +edition of the most important of Byron's letters. But the originals of +the majority of the letters published in the <i>Life</i>, from 1816 to +1824, are in the possession or control of Mr. Murray, and in his edition +they will be for the first time printed as they were written. If any +passages are omitted, the omissions will be indicated.<br> +<br> +Besides the new letters contained in this volume, passages have been +restored from Byron's manuscript notes (<i>Detached Thoughts</i>, 1821). +To these have been added Sir Walter Scott's comments, collated with the +originals, and, in several instances, now for the first time published.<br> +<br> +<a href="#App7">Appendix VII.</a> contains a collection of the attacks made upon him in the +Tory press for February and March, 1814, which led him, for the moment, +to resolve on abandoning his literary work.<br> +<br> +In conclusion, I wish to repeat my acknowledgment of the invaluable aid +of the <i>National Dictionary of Biography</i>, both in the facts which +it supplies and the sources of information which it suggests.<br> +<br> +<b>R. E. Prothero.</b><br> +<br> +September, 1898.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="f1"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Also available from <a href="http://promo.net/pg">Project Gutenberg</a> in text and html form.<br> +<a href="#fr1">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section1">List of Letters</a></h2> +<br> +<table summary="List of Letters" border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><b>number</b></td> + <td><b>date</b></td> + <td><b>address</b></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td></td> + <td><b><span style="color: #00CC66;">1811</span></b></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>169</td> + <td>Aug. 23</td> + <td><a href="#L169">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>170</td> + <td>Aug. 24</td> + <td><a href="#L170">To James Wedderburn Webster</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>171</td> + <td>Aug. 25</td> + <td><a href="#L171">To R.C. Dallas</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>172</td> + <td>Aug. 27</td> + <td><a href="#L172">To R.C. Dallas</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>173</td> + <td>Aug. 30</td> + <td><a href="#L173">To the Hon. Augusta Leigh</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>174</td> + <td>Aug. 30</td> + <td><a href="#L174">To the Hon. Augusta Leigh</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>175</td> + <td>Aug. 31</td> + <td><a href="#L175">To James Wedderburn Webster </a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>176</td> + <td>Sept. 2</td> + <td><a href="#L176">To the Hon. Augusta Leigh</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>177</td> + <td>Sept. 3</td> + <td><a href="#L177">To Francis Hodgson</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>178</td> + <td>Sept. 4</td> + <td><a href="#L178">To R.C. Dallas</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><a name="lp2">179</a></td> + <td>Sept. 5</td> + <td><a href="#L179"> To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>180</td> + <td>Sept. 7</td> + <td><a href="#L180">To R.C. Dallas</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>181</td> + <td>Sept. 9</td> + <td><a href="#L181">To the Hon. Augusta Leigh</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>182</td> + <td>Sept. 9</td> + <td><a href="#L182">To Francis Hodgson</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>183</td> + <td>Sept. 10</td> + <td><a href="#L183">To R.C. Dallas</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>184</td> + <td>Sept. 13</td> + <td><a href="#L184">To Francis Hodgson</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>185</td> + <td>Sept. 14</td> + <td><a href="#L185">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>186</td> + <td>Sept. 15</td> + <td><a href="#L186">To R.C. Dallas</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>187</td> + <td>Sept. 16</td> + <td><a href="#L187">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>188</td> + <td>Sept. 16</td> + <td><a href="#L188">To R.C. Dallas</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>189</td> + <td>Sept. 17</td> + <td><a href="#L189">To R.C. Dallas</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>190</td> + <td>Sept. 17</td> + <td><a href="#L190">To R.C. Dallas</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>191</td> + <td>Sept. 21</td> + <td><a href="#L191">To R.C. Dallas</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>192</td> + <td>Sept. 23</td> + <td><a href="#L192">To R.C. Dallas</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>193</td> + <td>Sept. 25</td> + <td><a href="#L193">To Francis Hodgson</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>194</td> + <td>Sept. 26</td> + <td><a href="#L194">To R.C. Dallas</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><a name="lp3">195</a></td> + <td>Oct. 10</td> + <td><a href="#L195">To James Wedderburn Webster </a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>196</td> + <td>Oct. 10</td> + <td><a href="#L196">To R.C. Dallas</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>197</td> + <td>Oct. 11</td> + <td><a href="#L197">To R.C. Dallas</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>198</td> + <td>Oct. 13</td> + <td><a href="#L198">To Francis Hodgson</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>199</td> + <td>Oct. 14</td> + <td><a href="#L199">To R.C. Dallas</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>200</td> + <td>Oct. 16</td> + <td><a href="#L200">To R.C. Dallas</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>201</td> + <td>Oct. 25</td> + <td><a href="#L201">To R.C. Dallas</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>202</td> + <td>Oct. 27</td> + <td><a href="#L202">To Thomas Moore</a> </td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>203</td> + <td>Oct. 29</td> + <td><a href="#L203">To R.C. Dallas</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>204</td> + <td>Oct. 29</td> + <td><a href="#L204">To Thomas Moore</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>205</td> + <td>Oct. 30</td> + <td><a href="#L205">To Thomas Moore</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>206</td> + <td>Oct. 31</td> + <td><a href="#L206">To R.C. Dallas</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>207</td> + <td>Nov. 1</td> + <td><a href="#L207">To Thomas Moore</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>208</td> + <td>Nov. 17</td> + <td><a href="#L208">To Francis Hodgson</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>209</td> + <td>Dec. 4</td> + <td><a href="#L209">To Francis Hodgson</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>210</td> + <td>Dec. 6</td> + <td><a href="#L210">To William Harness</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>211</td> + <td>Dec. 7</td> + <td><a href="#L211">To James Wedderburn Webster</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><a name="lp4">212</a></td> + <td>Dec. 8</td> + <td><a href="#L212">To William Harness</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>213</td> + <td>Dec. 8</td> + <td><a href="#L213">To Francis Hodgson</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>214</td> + <td>Dec. 11</td> + <td><a href="#L214">To Thomas Moore</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>215</td> + <td>Dec. 12</td> + <td><a href="#L215">To Francis Hodgson</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>216</td> + <td>undated</td> + <td><a href="#L216">R.C. Dallas</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>217</td> + <td>Dec. 15</td> + <td><a href="#L217">To William Harness</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td></td> + <td><b><span style="color: #00CC66;">1812</span></b></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>218</td> + <td>Jan. 21</td> + <td><a href="#L218">To Robert Rushton</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>219</td> + <td>Jan. 25</td> + <td><a href="#L219">To Robert Rushton</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>220</td> + <td>Jan. 29</td> + <td><a href="#L220">To Thomas Moore</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>221</td> + <td>Feb. 1</td> + <td><a href="#L221">To Francis Hodgson</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>222</td> + <td>Feb. 4</td> + <td><a href="#L222">To Samuel Rogers</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>223</td> + <td>Feb. 12</td> + <td><a href="#L223">To Master John Cowell</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>224</td> + <td>Feb. 16</td> + <td><a href="#L224">To Francis Hodgson</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>225</td> + <td>Feb. 21</td> + <td><a href="#L225">To Francis Hodgson</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>226</td> + <td>Feb. 25</td> + <td><a href="#L226">To Lord Holland</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>227</td> + <td>March 5</td> + <td><a href="#L227">To Francis Hodgson</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>228</td> + <td>March 5</td> + <td><a href="#L228">To Lord Holland</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><a name="lp5">229</a></td> + <td>undated</td> + <td><a href="#L229">To Thomas Moore</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>230</td> + <td>undated</td> + <td><a href="#L230">To William Bankes</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>231</td> + <td>March 25</td> + <td><a href="#L231">To Thomas Moore</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>232</td> + <td>undated</td> + <td><a href="#L232">To Lady Caroline Lamb</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>233</td> + <td>April 20</td> + <td><a href="#L233">To William Bankes</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>234</td> + <td>undated</td> + <td><a href="#L234">To Thomas Moore</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>235</td> + <td>May 1</td> + <td><a href="#L235">To Lady Caroline Lamb</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>236</td> + <td>May 8</td> + <td><a href="#L236">To Thomas Moore</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>237</td> + <td>May 20</td> + <td><a href="#L237">To Thomas Moore</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>238</td> + <td>June 1</td> + <td><a href="#L238">To Bernard Barton</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>239</td> + <td>June 25</td> + <td><a href="#L239">To Lord Holland</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>240</td> + <td>June 26</td> + <td><a href="#L240">To Professor Clarke</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>241</td> + <td>July 6</td> + <td><a href="#L241">To Walter Scott</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>242</td> + <td>undated</td> + <td><a href="#L242">To Lady Caroline Lambt</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>243</td> + <td>Sept. 5</td> + <td><a href="#L243">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>244</td> + <td>Sept. 10</td> + <td><a href="#L244">To Lord Holland</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>245</td> + <td>Sept. 14</td> + <td><a href="#L245">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><a name="lp6">246</a></td> + <td>Sept. 22</td> + <td><a href="#L246">To Lord Holland</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>247</td> + <td>Sept. 23</td> + <td><a href="#L247">To Lord Holland</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>248</td> + <td>Sept. 24</td> + <td><a href="#L248">To Lord Holland</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>249</td> + <td>Sept. 25</td> + <td><a href="#L249">To Lord Holland</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>250</td> + <td>Sept. 26</td> + <td><a href="#L250">To Lord Holland</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>251</td> + <td>Sept. 27</td> + <td><a href="#L251">To Lord Holland</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>252</td> + <td>Sept. 27</td> + <td><a href="#L252">To Lord Holland</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>253</td> + <td>Sept. 27</td> + <td><a href="#L253"> To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>254</td> + <td>Sept. 28</td> + <td><a href="#L254">To Lord Holland</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>255</td> + <td>Sept. 28</td> + <td><a href="#L255">To Lord Holland</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>256</td> + <td>Sept. 28</td> + <td><a href="#L256">To William Bankes</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>257</td> + <td>Sept. 29</td> + <td><a href="#L257">To Lord Holland</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>258</td> + <td>Sept. 30</td> + <td><a href="#L258">To Lord Holland</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>259</td> + <td>Sept. 30</td> + <td><a href="#L259">To Lord Holland</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>260</td> + <td>Oct. 2</td> + <td><a href="#L260">To Lord Holland</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>261</td> + <td>Oct. 12</td> + <td><a href="#L261">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><a name="lp7">262</a></td> + <td>Oct. 14</td> + <td><a href="#L262">To Lord Holland</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>263</td> + <td>Oct. 18</td> + <td><a href="#L263">To John Hanson</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>264</td> + <td>Oct. 18</td> + <td><a href="#L264">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>265</td> + <td>Oct. 18</td> + <td><a href="#L265">To Robert Rushton</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>266</td> + <td>Oct. 19</td> + <td><a href="#L266">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>267</td> + <td>Oct. 22</td> + <td><a href="#L267">To John Hanson</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>268</td> + <td>Oct. 23</td> + <td><a href="#L268">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>269</td> + <td>Oct. 31</td> + <td><a href="#L269">To John Hanson</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>270</td> + <td>Nov. 8</td> + <td><a href="#L270">To John Hanson</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>271</td> + <td>Nov. 16</td> + <td><a href="#L271">To John Hanson</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>272</td> + <td>Nov. 22</td> + <td><a href="#L272">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>273</td> + <td>Dec. 26</td> + <td><a href="#L273">To William Bankes</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td></td> + <td><b><span style="color: #00CC66;">1813</span></b></td> + <td></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>274</td> + <td>Jan. 8</td> + <td><a href="#L274">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>275</td> + <td>Feb. 3</td> + <td><a href="#L275">To Francis Hodgson </a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>276</td> + <td>Feb. 3</td> + <td><a href="#L276">To John Hanson</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>277</td> + <td>Feb. 20</td> + <td><a href="#L277">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><a name="lp8">278</a></td> + <td>Feb. 24</td> + <td><a href="#L278">To Robert Rushton</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>279</td> + <td>Feb. 27</td> + <td><a href="#L279">To John Hanson</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>280</td> + <td>March 1</td> + <td><a href="#L280">To John Hanson</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>281</td> + <td>March 5</td> + <td><a href="#L281">To——Corbet</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>282</td> + <td>March 6</td> + <td><a href="#L282">To John Hanson</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>283</td> + <td>March 24</td> + <td><a href="#L283">To Charles Hanson</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>284</td> + <td>March 25</td> + <td><a href="#L284">To Samuel Rogers</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>285</td> + <td>March 26</td> + <td><a href="#L285">To the Hon. Augusta Leigh</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>286</td> + <td>March 29</td> + <td><a href="#L286">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>287</td> + <td>April 15</td> + <td><a href="#L287">To John Hanson</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>288</td> + <td>April 17</td> + <td><a href="#L288">To John Hanson</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>289</td> + <td>April 21</td> + <td><a href="#L289">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>290</td> + <td>May 13</td> + <td><a href="#L290">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>291</td> + <td>May 19</td> + <td><a href="#L291">To Thomas Moore</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>292</td> + <td>May 22</td> + <td><a href="#L292">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>293</td> + <td>May 23</td> + <td><a href="#L293">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>294</td> + <td>June 2</td> + <td><a href="#L294">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><a name="lp9">295</a></td> + <td>undated</td> + <td><a href="#L295">To Thomas Moore</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>296</td> + <td>June 3</td> + <td><a href="#L296">To John Hanson</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>297</td> + <td>June 6</td> + <td><a href="#L297">To Francis Hodgson</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>298</td> + <td>June 8</td> + <td><a href="#L298">To Francis Hodgson</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>299</td> + <td>June 9</td> + <td><a href="#L299">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>300</td> + <td>June 12</td> + <td><a href="#L300">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>301</td> + <td>June 13</td> + <td><a href="#L301">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>302</td> + <td>June 18</td> + <td><a href="#L302">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>303</td> + <td>June 18</td> + <td><a href="#L303">To W. Gifford </a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>304</td> + <td>June 22</td> + <td><a href="#L304">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>305</td> + <td>June 22</td> + <td><a href="#L305">To Thomas Moore</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>306</td> + <td>June 26</td> + <td><a href="#L306">To the Hon. Augusta Leigh</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>307</td> + <td>undated</td> + <td><a href="#L307">To the Hon. Augusta Leigh</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>308</td> + <td>June 27</td> + <td><a href="#L308">To the Hon. Augusta Leigh</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>309</td> + <td>July 1</td> + <td><a href="#L309">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>310</td> + <td>July 8</td> + <td><a href="#L310">To Thomas Moore</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><a name="lp10">311</a></td> + <td>July 13</td> + <td><a href="#L311">To Thomas Moore</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>312</td> + <td>July 18</td> + <td><a href="#L312">To John Hanson</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>313</td> + <td>July 22</td> + <td><a href="#L313">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>314</td> + <td>July 25</td> + <td><a href="#L314">To Thomas Moore</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>315</td> + <td>July 27</td> + <td><a href="#L315">To Thomas Moore</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>316</td> + <td>July 28</td> + <td><a href="#L316">To Thomas Moore</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>317</td> + <td>July 31</td> + <td><a href="#L317">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>318</td> + <td>Aug. 2</td> + <td><a href="#L318">To John Wilson Croker</a> </td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>319</td> + <td>undated</td> + <td><a href="#L319">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>320</td> + <td>Aug. 10</td> + <td><a href="#L320">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>321</td> + <td>Aug. 12</td> + <td><a href="#L321">To James Wedderburn Webster</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>322</td> + <td>Aug. 22</td> + <td><a href="#L322">To Thomas Moore</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>323</td> + <td>Aug. 26</td> + <td><a href="#L323">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>324</td> + <td>Aug. 28</td> + <td><a href="#L324">To Thomas Moore</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>325</td> + <td>Sept. 1</td> + <td><a href="#L325">To Thomas Moore</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>326</td> + <td>Sept. 2</td> + <td><a href="#L326">To James Wedderburn Webster</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><a name="lp11">327</a></td> + <td>Sept. 5</td> + <td><a href="#L327">To Thomas Moore</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>328</td> + <td>Sept. 8</td> + <td><a href="#L328">To Thomas Moore</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>329</td> + <td>Sept. 9</td> + <td><a href="#L329">To Thomas Moore</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>330</td> + <td>Sept. 15</td> + <td><a href="#L330">To James Wedderburn Webster</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>331</td> + <td>Sept. 15</td> + <td><a href="#L331">To the Hon. Augusta Leigh</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>332</td> + <td>Sept. 15</td> + <td><a href="#L332">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>333</td> + <td>Sept. 25</td> + <td><a href="#L333">To——Bolton</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>334</td> + <td>Sept. 27</td> + <td><a href="#L334">To Sir James Mackintosh</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>335</td> + <td>Sept. 27</td> + <td><a href="#L335">To Thomas Moore</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>336</td> + <td>Sept. 29</td> + <td><a href="#L336">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>337</td> + <td>Sept. 30</td> + <td><a href="#L337">To James Wedderburn Webster </a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>338</td> + <td>Oct. 1</td> + <td><a href="#L338">To Francis Hodgson</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>339</td> + <td>Oct. 2</td> + <td><a href="#L339">To Thomas Moore</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>340</td> + <td>Oct. 3</td> + <td><a href="#L340">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>341</td> + <td>Oct. 10</td> + <td><a href="#L341">To John Hanson</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>342</td> + <td>Oct. 10</td> + <td><a href="#L342">To the Hon. Augusta Leigh</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>343</td> + <td>Oct. 12</td> + <td><a href="#L343">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><a name="lp12"></a>344</td> + <td>Nov. 8</td> + <td><a href="#L344">To the Hon. Augusta Leigh</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>345</td> + <td>Nov. 12</td> + <td><a href="#L345">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>346</td> + <td>Nov. 12</td> + <td><a href="#L346">To William Gifford</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>347</td> + <td>Nov. 12</td> + <td><a href="#L347">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>348</td> + <td>Nov. 13</td> + <td><a href="#L348">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>349</td> + <td>undated</td> + <td><a href="#L349">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>350</td> + <td>Nov. 13</td> + <td><a href="#L350">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>351</td> + <td>Nov. 14</td> + <td><a href="#L351">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>352</td> + <td>Nov. 15</td> + <td><a href="#L352">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>353</td> + <td>Nov. 17</td> + <td><a href="#L353">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>354</td> + <td>Nov. 20</td> + <td><a href="#L354">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>355</td> + <td>Nov. 22</td> + <td><a href="#L355">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>356</td> + <td>Nov. 23</td> + <td><a href="#L356">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>357</td> + <td>Nov. 24</td> + <td><a href="#L357">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>358</td> + <td>Nov. 27</td> + <td><a href="#L358">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>359</td> + <td>Nov. 28</td> + <td><a href="#L359">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>360</td> + <td>Nov. 29</td> + <td><a href="#L360">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><a name="lp13"></a>361</td> + <td>Nov. 29</td> + <td><a href="#L361">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>362</td> + <td>Nov. 29</td> + <td><a href="#L362">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>363</td> + <td>Nov. 30</td> + <td><a href="#L363">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>364</td> + <td>Dec. 1</td> + <td><a href="#L364">To Thomas Moore</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>365</td> + <td>Dec. 1</td> + <td><a href="#L365">To Francis Hodgson</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>366</td> + <td>Dec. 2</td> + <td><a href="#L366">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>367</td> + <td>Dec. 2</td> + <td><a href="#L367">To Leigh Hunt</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>368</td> + <td>Dec. 3</td> + <td><a href="#L368">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>369</td> + <td>Dec. 3</td> + <td><a href="#L369">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>370</td> + <td>undated</td> + <td><a href="#L370">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>371</td> + <td>Dec. 4</td> + <td><a href="#L371">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>372</td> + <td>Dec. 6</td> + <td><a href="#L372">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>373</td> + <td>Dec. 8</td> + <td><a href="#L373">To Thomas Moore</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>374</td> + <td>Dec. 11</td> + <td><a href="#L374">To John Galt</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>375</td> + <td>Dec. 14</td> + <td><a href="#L375">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>376</td> + <td>Dec. 14</td> + <td><a href="#L376">To Thomas Ashe</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>377</td> + <td>Dec. 15</td> + <td><a href="#L377">To Professor Clarke</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><a name="lp14"></a>378</td> + <td>Dec. 22</td> + <td><a href="#L378">To Leigh Hunt</a></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>379</td> + <td>Dec. 27</td> + <td><a href="#L379">To John Murray</a></td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a><br> + +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="section1a"></a><h2>List of Journal Entries</h2> +<br> +<ul> +<li><a href="#nov161813">November 16th, 1813</a></li> +<li><a href="#nov171813">November 17th, 1813</a></li> +<li><a href="#nov221813">November 22nd, 1813</a></li> +<li><a href="#nov231813">November 23rd, 1813</a></li> +<li><a href="#nov241813">November 24th, 1813</a></li> +<li><a href="#12mn">'Mezza Notte'</a></li> +<li><a href="#nov261813">November 26th, 1813</a></li> +<li><a href="#nov271813">November 27th, 1813</a></li> +<li><a href="#nov301813">November 30th, 1813</a></li> +<li><a href="#dec11813">December 1st, 1813</a></li> +<li><a href="#dec51813">December 5th, 1813</a></li> +<li><a href="#dec61813">December 6th, 1813</a></li> +<li><a href="#dec71813">December 7th, 1813</a></li> +<li><a href="#dec101813">December 10th, 1813</a></li> +<li><a href="#dec121813">December 12th, 1813</a></li> +<li><a href="#dec131813">December 13th, 1813</a></li> +<li><a href="#dec11415161813">December 14th, 15th, 16th, 1813</a></li> +<li><a href="#dec17181813">December 17th, 18th, 1813</a></li> +<li><a href="#jan161814">January 16th, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#feb181814">February 18th, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#feb191814">February 19th, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#feb201814">February 20th, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#feb271814">February 27th, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#mar61814">March 6th, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#mar71814">March 7th, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#mar101814">March 10th, 1814</a></li> +<li><a name="jp2"></a><a href="#mar151814">March 15th, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#mar171814">March 17th, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#mar201814">March 20th, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#mar221814">March 22nd, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#mar281814">March 28th, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#apr81814">April 8th, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#apr91814">April 9th, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#apr101814">April 10th, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#apr191814">April 19th, 1814</a></li> +</ul><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="section1c"></a><h3>Detailed Contents of Appendices</h3> +<br> +<ul> +<li><a href="#app1">Appendix I—Articles from <i>The Monthly Review</i></a></li> +<li style="list-style: none"> +<ol type="1"> +<li><a href="#app1a"><i>Poems</i>, by W. R. Spencer</a></li> +<li><a href="#app1b"><i>Neglected Genius</i>, by W. H. Ireland</a></li> +</ol> +</ul> +<ul> +<li><a href="#app2">Appendix II—Parliamentary Speeches</a></li> +<li style="list-style: none"> +<ol type="1"> +<li><a href="#app2a">Debate on the Frame-Work Bill</a></li> +<li><a href="#app2b">Debate <i>re.</i> the Roman Catholic Claims</a></li> +<li><a href="#app2c">Debate on Major Cartwright's Petition</a></li> +</ol> +</ul> +<ul> +<li><a href="#app3">Appendix III—Lady Caroline Lamb and Byron</a></li> +<li style="list-style: none"> +<ol type="1"> +<li><a href="#app3a">Early Letter from Lady Caroline Lamb to Byron</a></li> +<li><a href="#app3b">Lines Written by Lady Caroline, Spoken while Burning him in Effigy</a></li> +<li><a href="#app3c">Letter from Lady Caroline to Byron, Written on Meeting him Again</a></li> +<li><a href="#app3d">Letter from Lady Caroline to Byron, Written at Rumours of the Marital Separation</a></li> +<li><a href="#app3e">Letter from Lady Caroline to Byron, Written at Publication of "Fare Thee Well"</a></li> +<li><a href="#app3f">Two Letters Written by Lady Caroline after Byron's Death</a></li> +</ol> +</ul> +<ul> +<li><a href="#app4">Appendix IV—Letters of Bernard Barton</a></li> +<li style="list-style: none"> +<ol type="1"> +<li><a href="#app4a">April 14th, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#app4b">April 15th, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#app4c">Part of a Draft of Byron's Reply</a></li> +</ol> +</ul> +<ul> +<li><a href="#app5">Appendix V—Correspondence with Walter Scott</a></li> +<li style="list-style: none"> +<ol type="1"> +<li><a href="#app5a">Scott's Reply to Byron's Letter of July 6, 1812</a></li> +</ol> +</ul> +<ul> +<li><a href="#app6">Appendix VI—"The Giant and the Dwarf"</a></li> +<li style="list-style: none"> +<ol type="1"> +<li><a href="#app6a">the Poem written by Leigh Hunt's Friends in Reply to Moore</a></li> +</ol> +</ul> +<ul> +<li><a name="ap2"></a><a href="#app7">Appendix VII—Attacks upon Byron in the Newspapers for February and March, 1814</a></li> +<li style="list-style: none"> +<ol type="I"> +<li><a href="#app7a"><i>The Courier</i></a></li> +<li style="list-style: none"> +<ol type="1"> +<li><a href="#app7a1"><i>Lord Byron</i>: February 1, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#app7a2">February 2, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#app7a3">February 3, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#app7a4"><i>Byroniana No. 1</i>: February 5, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#app7a5"><i>Byroniana No. 2</i>: February 8, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#app7a6"><i>Byroniana No. 3</i>: February 12, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#app7a7"><i>Byroniana No. 4</i>: February 17, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#app7a8"><i>Byroniana No. 5</i>: February 19, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#app7a9">March 15, 1814</a></li> + +</ol> +<li><a href="#app7b"><i>The Morning Post</i></a></li> +<li style="list-style: none"> +<ol type="1"> +<li><a href="#app7b1"><i>Verses</i>: February 5, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#app7b2"><i>To Lord Byron</i>: February 7, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#app7b3"><i>Lord Byron</i>: February 8, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#app7b4"><i>Lines</i>: February 8, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#app7b5"><i>Lines</i>: February 11, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#app7b6"><i>To Lord Byron</i>: February 15, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#app7b7"><i>To Lord Byron</i>: February 16, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#app7b8"><i>Verses Addressed To Lord Byron</i>: February 16, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#app7b9"><i>Patronage Extraordinary</i>: February 17, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#app7b10"><i>Lord Byron</i>: February 18, 1814</a></li> +</ol> +<li><a href="#app7c"><i>The Sun</i></a></li> +<li style="list-style: none"> +<ol type="1"> +<li><a href="#app7c1">February 4, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#app7c2"><i>Epigram</i>: February 8, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#app7c3"><i>Lord Byron</i>: February 11, 1814</a></li> +<li><a href="#app7c4"><i>Parody</i>: February 16, 1814</a></li> +</ol> +</ol> +</ul> +<br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h2><a name="section2">Chapter V—<i>Childe Harold</i>, Cantos I, II </a></h2> +<br> +<b>August, 1811-March, 1812</b><br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> + + +<h3><a name="L169"></a>Letter No. 169—to John Murray<a href="#f11"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>1</sup></span></a></h3> +<br> +Newstead Abbey, Notts., August 23, 1811.<br><br> + +<br> +Sir,—<a name="fr12">A</a> domestic calamity in the death of a near relation<a href="#f12"><sup>2</sup></a> has +hitherto prevented my addressing you on the subject of this letter. <a name="fr13">My</a> +friend, Mr. Dallas<a href="#f13"><sup>3</sup></a>, has placed in your hands a manuscript poem +written by me in Greece, which he tells me you do not object to +publishing. <a name="fr14">But</a> he also informed me in London that you wished to send +the MS. to Mr. Gifford<a href="#f14"><sup>4</sup></a>. Now, though no one would feel more gratified +by the chance of obtaining his observations on a work than myself, there +is in such a proceeding a kind of petition for praise, that neither my +pride—or whatever you please to call it—will admit.<br> +<br> +Mr. G. is not only the first satirist of the day, but editor of one of +the principal reviews. As such, he is the last man whose censure +(however eager to avoid it) I would deprecate by clandestine means. You +will therefore retain the manuscript in your own care, or, if it must +needs be shown, send it to another. Though not very patient of censure, +I would fain obtain fairly any little praise my rhymes might deserve, at +all events not by extortion, and the humble solicitations of a +bandied-about MS. I am sure a little consideration will convince you it +would be wrong.<br> +<br> +If you determine on publication, I have some smaller poems (never +published), a few notes, and a short dissertation on the literature of +the modern Greeks (written at Athens), which will come in at the end of +the volume.— And, if the present poem should succeed, it is my +intention, at some subsequent period, to publish some selections from my +first work,—my Satire,—another nearly the same length, and a few other +things, with the MS. now in your hands, in two volumes.—But of these +hereafter. You will apprize me of your determination.<br> +<br> +I am, Sir, your very obedient, humble servant,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>. +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="f11"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> For John Murray, see <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. 334, +<i>note</i> 1. [Footnote 1 to Letter 167]<br> +<a href="#L169">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="f12"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Mrs. Byron died August I, 1811.<br> +<a href="#fr12">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="f13"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> For R. C. Dallas, see <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. 168, +<i>note</i> I. [Footnote 1 to Letter 87.]<br> +<a href="#fr13">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="f14"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> For Gifford, the editor of the <i>Quarterly Review</i>, see +<i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. 198, <i>note</i> 2. [Footnote 4 of Letter 102.]<br> +<a href="#fr14">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L170">170—to James Wedderburn Webster</a><a href="#f21"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>1</sup></span></a></h3> +<br> +Newstead Abbey, August 24th, 1811.<br><br> + +<br> +<b>My Dear W.</b>,—<a name="fr22">Conceiving</a> your wrath to be somewhat evaporated, and your +Dignity recovered from the <i>Hysterics</i> into which my innocent note +from London had thrown it, I should feel happy to be informed how you +have determined on the disposal of this accursed Coach<a href="#f22"><sup>2</sup></a>, which has +driven us out of our Good humour and Good manners to a complete +Standstill, from which I begin to apprehend that I am to lose altogether +your valuable correspondence. <a name="fr23">Your</a> angry letter arrived at a moment, to +which I shall not allude further, as my happiness is best consulted in +forgetting it<a href="#f23"><sup>3</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +You have perhaps heard also of the death of poor Matthews, whom you +recollect to have met at Newstead. He was one whom his friends will find +it difficult to replace, nor will Cambridge ever see his equal.<br> +<br> +I trust you are on the point of adding to your relatives instead of +losing them, and of <I>friends</I> a man of fortune will always have a +plentiful stock—at his Table.<br> +<br> +I dare say now you are gay, and connubial, and popular, so that in the +next parliament we shall be having you a County Member. But beware your +Tutor, for I am sure he Germanized that sanguinary letter; you must not +write such another to your Constituents; for myself (as the mildest of +men) I shall say no more about it.<br> +<br> +Seriously, <I>mio Caro W.</I>, if you can spare a moment from Matrimony, +I shall be glad to hear that you have recovered from the pucker into +which this <I>Vis</I> (one would think it had been a <I>Sulky</I>) has +thrown you; you know I wish you well, and if I have not inflicted my +society upon you according to your own Invitation, it is only because I +am not a social animal, and should feel sadly at a loss amongst +Countesses and Maids of Honour, particularly being just come from a far +Country, where Ladies are neither carved for, or fought for, or danced +after, or mixed at all (publicly) with the Men-folks, so that you must +make allowances for my natural <I>diffidence</I> and two years travel.<br> +<br> +But (God and yourself willing) I shall certes pay my promised visit, as +I shall be in town, if Parliament meets, in October.<br> +<br> +In the mean time let me hear from you (without a privy Council), and +believe me in sober sadness,<br> +<br> +Yours very sincerely,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="f21"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> James Wedderburn Webster (1789-1840), grandson of Sir A. +Wedderburn, Bart., whose third son, David, assumed the additional name +of Webster, was the author of <i>Waterloo, and other Poems</i> (1816), +and <i>A Genealogical Account of the Wedderburn Family</i> (privately +printed, 1819). He was with Byron, possibly at Cambridge, certainly at +Athens in 1810. He married, in 1810, Lady Frances Caroline Annesley, +daughter of Arthur, first Earl of Mountnorris and eighth Viscount +Valencia. He was knighted in 1822. Byron, in 1813, lent him £1000. Lady +Frances died in 1837, and her husband in 1840.<br> +<br> +Moore (<i>Memoirs, Journals, etc.</i>, vol. iii. p. 112) mentions dining +with Webster at Paris in 1820. + + <blockquote>"He told me," writes Moore, "that, one day, travelling from Newstead + to town with Lord Byron in his vis-a-vis, the latter kept his pistols + beside him, and continued silent for hours, with the most ferocious + expression possible on his countenance.<br> +<br> + 'For God's sake, my dear B.,' said W—— at last, 'what are you + thinking of? Are you about to commit murder? or what other dreadful + thing are you meditating?' <br> +<br> + To which Byron answered that he always had a sort of presentiment that + his own life would be attacked some time or other; and that this was + the reason of his always going armed, as it was also the subject of + his thoughts at that moment." </blockquote> + +Moore also adds (<i>ibid</i>., p. 292), + +<blockquote>"W. W. owes Lord Byron, he says, +£1000, and does not seem to have the slightest intention of paying him." +</blockquote> +Lady Frances was the lady to whom Byron seriously devoted himself in +1813-4. Subsequently she was practically separated from her husband, and +Byron, in 1823, endeavoured to reconcile them. Moore (<i>Memoirs, +Journals, etc</i>., vol. ii. p. 249) writes, + + <blockquote>"To the Devizes ball in the evening; Lady Frances W. there; introduced + to her, and had much conversation, chiefly about our friend Lord B. + Several of those beautiful things, published (if I remember right) + with the <i>Bride</i>, were addressed to her. She must have been very + pretty when she had more of the freshness of youth, though she is + still but five or six and twenty; but she looks faded already" (1819).</blockquote> + +In the Court of Common Pleas, February 16, 1816, the libel action of +<i>Webster v. Baldwin</i> was heard. The plaintiff obtained £2000 in +damages for a libel charging Lady Frances and the Duke of Wellington +with adultery.<br> +<a href="#L170">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<a href="#fd11">cross-reference: return to Footnote 1 of Letter 218</a><br> +<a href="#fu72">cross-reference: return to Footnote 12 of Journal entry for November 17th, 1813</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="f22"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> On his return to London in July, 1811, Byron ordered a +<i>vis-a-vis</i> to be built by Goodall. This he exchanged for a +carriage belonging to Webster, who, within a few weeks, resold the +<i>vis-a-vis</i> to Byron. The two following letters from Byron to +Webster explain the transaction: + + <blockquote>"Reddish's Hotel, 29th July, 1811.<br> +<br> + "<b>My Dear Webster</b>,—As this eternal <i>vis-a-vis</i> seems to sit heavy + on your soul, I beg leave to apprize you that I have arranged with + Goodall: you are to give me the promised Wheels, and the lining, with + 'the Box at Brighton,' and I am to pay the stipulated sum.<br> +<br> + "I am obliged to you for your favourable opinion, and trust that the + happiness you talk so much of will be stationary, and not take those + freaks to which the felicity of common mortals is subject. I do very + sincerely wish you well, and am so convinced of the justice of your + matrimonial arguments, that I shall follow your example as soon as I + can get a sufficient price for my coronet. In the mean time I should + be happy to drill for my new situation under your auspices; but + business, inexorable business, keeps me here. Your letters are + forwarded. If I can serve you in any way, command me. I will endeavour + to fulfil your requests as awkwardly as another. I shall pay you a + visit, perhaps, in the autumn. Believe me, dear W.,<br> +<br> + Yours unintelligibly,<br> +<br> + B."<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> + "Reddish's Hotel, July 31st, 1811.<br> +<br> + <b>My Dear W. W</b>.,—I always understood that the <i>lining</i> was to + accompany the <i>carriage</i>; if not, the <i>carriage</i> may + accompany the <i>lining</i>, for I will have neither the one nor the + other. In short, to prevent squabbling, this is my determination, so + decide;—if you leave it to my <i>feelings</i> (as you say) they are + very strongly in favour of the said lining. Two hundred guineas for a + carriage with ancient lining!!! Rags and rubbish! You must write + another pamphlet, my dear W., before; but pray do not waste your time + and eloquence in expostulation, because it will do neither of us any + good, but decide—content or <i>not</i> content. The best thing you + can do for the Tutor you speak of will be to send him in your Vis + (with the lining) to 'the U-Niversity of Göttingen.' How can you + suppose (now that my own Bear is dead) that I have any situation for a + German genius of this kind, till I get another, or some children? I am + infinitely obliged by your invitations, but I can't pay so high for a + second-hand chaise to make my friends a visit. The coronet will not + <i>grace</i> the 'pretty Vis,' till your tattered lining ceases to + <i>dis</i>grace it. Pray favour me with an answer, as we must finish + the affair one way or another immediately,—before next week.<br> +<br> + Believe me, yours truly,<br> +<br> + <b>Byron</b>."</blockquote> + + + "Byron," says Webster, in a note, "was more than strict about + "trifles."<br> +<a href="#fr22">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="f23"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> The death of Mrs. Byron, August 1, 1811.<br> +<a href="#fr23">return</a> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L171"></a>171—to R. C. Dallas</h3> +<br> +Newstead Abbey, August 25, 1811.<br><br> + +<br> +Being fortunately enabled to frank, I do not spare scribbling, having +sent you packets within the last ten days. <a name="fr31">I</a> am passing solitary, and do +not expect my agent to accompany me to Rochdale<a href="#f31"><sup>1</sup></a> before the second +week in September; a delay which perplexes me, as I wish the business +over, and should at present welcome employment. I sent you exordiums, +annotations, etc., for the forthcoming quarto, if quarto it is to be: +and <a name="fr32">I</a> also have written to Mr. Murray my objection to sending the MS. to +Juvenal<a href="#f32"><sup>2</sup></a>, but allowing him to show it to any others of the calling. +Hobhouse<a href="#f33"><sup>3</sup></a> is <a name="fr33">amongst</a> the types already: so, between his prose and my +verse, the world will be decently drawn upon for its paper-money and +patience. <a name="fr34">Besides</a> all this, my <i>Imitation of Horace</i><a href="#f34"><sup>4</sup></a> is gasping +for the press at Cawthorn's, but I am hesitating as to the how and the +when, the single or the double, the present or the future. You must +excuse all this, for I have nothing to say in this lone mansion but of +myself, and yet I would willingly talk or think of aught else.<br> +<br> +What are you about to do? Do you think of perching in Cumberland, as you +opined when I was in the metropolis? <a name="fr35">If</a> you mean to retire, why not +occupy Miss Milbanke's "Cottage of Friendship," late the seat of Cobbler +Joe<a href="#f35"><sup>5</sup></a>, for whose death you and others are answerable? His "Orphan +Daughter" (pathetic Pratt!) will, certes, turn out a shoemaking Sappho. +Have you no remorse? I think that elegant address to Miss Dallas should +be inscribed on the cenotaph which Miss Milbanke means to stitch to his +memory.<br> +<br> +<a name="fr36">The</a> newspapers seem much disappointed at his Majesty's not dying, or +doing something better<a href="#f36"><sup>6</sup></a>. I presume it is almost over. If parliament +meets in October, I shall be in town to attend. I am also invited to +Cambridge for the beginning of that month, but am first to jaunt to +Rochdale. <a name="fr37">Now</a> Matthews<a href="#f37"><sup>7</sup></a> is gone, and Hobhouse in Ireland, I have +hardly one left there to bid me welcome, except my inviter. At +three-and-twenty I am left alone, and what more can we be at seventy? It +is true I am young enough to begin again, but with whom can I retrace +the laughing part of life? It is odd how few of my friends have died a +quiet death,—I mean, in their beds. But a quiet life is of more +consequence. Yet one loves squabbling and jostling better than yawning. +This <i>last word</i> admonishes me to relieve you from<br> +<br> +Yours very truly, etc. +<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="f31"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> For Byron's Rochdale property, which was supposed to +contain a quantity of coal, see <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. 78, +<i>note</i> 2. [Footnote 2 of Letter 34]<br> +<a href="#fr31">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="f32"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Gifford.<br> +<a href="#fr32">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="f33"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> For John Cam Hobhouse, see <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. 163, +<i>note</i> 1. [Footnote 1 of Letter 86]<br> +<a href="#fr33">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="f34"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> The poem remained unpublished till after Byron's death. +(See <a href="#f91"><i>note</i></a>, p. 23, and <i>Poems</i>, ed. 1898, vol. i. pp. +385-450.)<br> +<a href="#fr34">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="f35"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 5:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"In Seaham churchyard, without any memorial," says Mr. Surtees, "rest + the remains of Joseph Blacket, an unfortunate child of genius, whose + last days were soothed by the generous attention of the family of + Milbanke."</blockquote> + +<i>Hist. of Durham</i>, vol. i. p. 272. (See also <i>Letters</i>, vol. +i. p. 314, <i>note</i> 2 [Footnote 2 of Letter 154]. For Miss Milbanke, afterwards Lady Byron, see +p. 118, <i>note</i> 4.) [Footnote 1 of Letter 7]<br> +<a href="#fr35">return</a><br> +<a href="#fe41">cross-reference: return to Footnote 1 of Letter 235</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="f36"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 6:</span></a> On July 28, 1811, Lord Grenville wrote to Lord Auckland, + + <blockquote>"It is, I believe, certainly true that the King has taken for the last + three days scarcely any food at all, and that, unless a change takes + place very shortly in that respect, he cannot survive many days"</blockquote> + +(A<i>uckland Correspondence</i>, vol. iv. p. 366). <br> +It was, however, the +mind, and not the physical strength that failed. + + <blockquote>"The King, I should suppose," wrote Lord Buckinghamshire, on August + 13, "is not likely to die soon, but I fear his mental recovery is + hardly to be expected "</blockquote> + +(<i>ibid</i>., vol. iv. p. 367). <br> +George III. never, except for brief +intervals, recovered his reason.<br> +<a href="#fr36">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="f37"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 7:</span></a> For C. S. Matthews, see <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. 150, +<i>note</i> 3.[Footnote 2 of Letter 84]<br> +<a href="#fr37">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L172">172—to R. C. Dallas</a><a href="#f41"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>1</sup></span></a></h3> +<br> +Newstead Abbey, Aug. 27, 1811.<br> +<br><br> + +I was so sincere in my note on the late Charles Matthews, and do feel +myself so totally unable to do justice to his talents, that the passage +must stand for the very reason you bring against it. To him all the men +I ever knew were pigmies. He was an intellectual giant. <a name="fr42">It</a> is true I +loved Wingfield<a href="#f42"><sup>2</sup></a> better; he was the earliest and the dearest, and one +of the few one could never repent of having loved: but in ability—ah! +you did not know Matthews!<br> +<br> +<I>Childe Harold</I> may wait and welcome—books are never the worse for +delay in the publication. <a name="fr43">So</a> you have got our heir, George Anson Byron<a href="#f43"><sup>3</sup></a>, and his +sister, with you.<br> +<br> +<a name="fr44">You</a> may say what you please, but you are one of the <I>murderers</I> of +Blackett, and yet you won't allow Harry White's genius<a href="#f44"><sup>4</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +Setting aside his bigotry, he surely ranks next Chatterton. It is +astonishing how little he was known; and at Cambridge no one thought or +heard of such a man till his death rendered all notice useless. For my +own part, I should have been most proud of such an acquaintance: his +very prejudices were respectable. <a name="fr45">There</a> is a sucking epic poet at +Granta, a Mr. Townsend<a href="#f45"><sup>5</sup></a>, <i>protégé</i> of the late Cumberland. Did +you ever hear of him and his <i>Armageddon</i>? I think his plan (the +man I don't know) borders on the sublime: though, perhaps, the +anticipation of the "Last Day" (according to you Nazarenes) is a little +too daring: at least, it looks like telling the Lord what he is to do, +and might remind an ill-natured person of the line, + +<blockquote>"And fools rush in where angels fear to tread."</blockquote> + +But I don't mean to cavil, only other folks will, and he may bring all +the lambs of Jacob Behmen about his ears. However, I hope he will bring +it to a conclusion, though Milton is in his way.<br> +<br> +Write to me—I dote on gossip—and make a bow to Ju—, and shake George +by the hand for me; but, take care, for he has a sad sea paw.<br> +<br> +P.S.—I would ask George here, but I don't know how to amuse him—all my +horses were sold when I left England, and I have not had time to replace +them. Nevertheless, if he will come down and shoot in September, he will +be very welcome: but he must bring a gun, for I gave away all mine to +Ali Pacha, and other Turks. Dogs, a keeper, and plenty of game, with a +very large manor, I have—a lake, a boat, houseroom, and <i>neat +wines</i>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="f41"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Dallas, writing to Byron, August 18, 1811, had said, + + <blockquote> "I have been reading the <i>Remains</i> of Kirke White, and find that + you have to answer for misleading me. He does not, in my opinion, + merit the high praise you have bestowed upon him." </blockquote> + +Writing again, August 26, he objected to the <i>note</i> on Matthews in +<i>Childe Harold</i>: + + <blockquote>"In your note, as it stands, it strikes me that the eulogy on Matthews + is a <i>little</i> at the expense of Wingfield and others whom you + <i>have</i> commemorated. I should think it quite enough to say that + his Powers and Attainments were above all praise, without expressly + admitting them to be above that of a Muse who soars high in the praise + of others."</blockquote> +<a href="#L172">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="f42"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> For Wingfield, see <i>Letters</i>, vol. i, p. 180, +<i>note</i> 1. [Footnote 2 of Letter 92]<br> +<a href="#fr42">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="f43"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> For George Anson Byron, afterwards Lord Byron, and his sister +Julia, see <i>Letters</i>, vol. i, p. 188, <i>note</i> 1. [Footnote 1 of Letter 96]<br> +<a href="#fr43">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="f44"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> For H. K. White, see <i>Letters</i>, vol. i, p. 336, +<i>note</i> 2. [Footnote 3 of Letter 167]<br> +<a href="#fr44">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="f45"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 5:</span></a> The Rev. George Townsend (1788-1857) of Trinity College, +Cambridge, published <i>Poems</i> in 1810, and eight books of his +<i>Armageddon</i> in 1815. The remaining four books were never +published. Townsend became a Canon of Durham in 1825, and held the stall +till his death in 1857. Richard Cumberland, dramatist, novelist, and +essayist (1732-1811), the "Sir Fretful Plagiary" of <i>The Critic</i>, +announced the forthcoming poem in the <i>London Review</i>; but, as +Townsend says, in the Preface to <i>Armageddon</i>, praised him "too +abundantly and prematurely." "My talents," he adds, "were neither equal +to my own ambition, nor his zeal to serve me." (See <i>Hints from +Horace</i>, lines 191-212, and Byron's <i>note</i> to line 191, +<i>Poems</i>, ed. 1898, vol. i. p. 403.)<br> +<a href="#fr45">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L173">173—To the Hon. Augusta Leigh</a><a href="#f51"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>1</sup></span></a></h3> +<br> +Newstead Abbey, August 30th, 1811.<br> +<br><br> + +My Dear Augusta,—The embarrassments you mention in your last letter I +never heard of before, but that disease is epidemic in our family. +Neither have I been apprised of any of the changes at which you hint, +indeed how should I? On the borders of the Black Sea, we heard only of +the Russians. So you have much to tell, and all will be novelty.<br> +<br> +<a name="fr52">I</a> don't know what Scrope Davies<a href="#f52"><sup>2</sup></a> meant by telling you I liked +Children, I abominate the sight of them so much that I have always had +the greatest respect for the character of Herod. But, as my house here +is large enough for us all, we should go on very well, and I need not +tell you that I long to see <i>you</i>. I really do not perceive any +thing so formidable in a Journey hither of two days, but all this comes +of Matrimony, you have a Nurse and all the etceteras of a family. Well, +I must marry to repair the ravages of myself and prodigal ancestry, but +if I am ever so unfortunate as to be presented with an Heir, instead of +a <i>Rattle</i> he shall be provided with a <i>Gag</i>.<br> +<br> +I shall perhaps be able to accept D's invitation to Cambridge, but I +fear my stay in Lancashire will be prolonged, I proceed there in the 2d +week in Septr to arrange my coal concerns, & then if I can't persuade +some wealthy dowdy to ennoble the dirty puddle of her mercantile +Blood,—why—I shall leave England and all it's clouds for the East +again; I am very sick of it already. Joe<a href="#f53"><sup>3</sup></a> has <a name="fr53">been</a> getting well +of a disease that would have killed a troop of horse; he promises to +bear away the palm of longevity from old Parr. As you won't come, you +will write; I <a name="fr54">long</a> to hear all those unutterable things, being utterly +unable to guess at any of them, unless they concern <i>your</i> relative +the Thane of Carlisle<a href="#f54"><sup>4</sup></a>, though I had great hopes we had done with +him.<br> +<br> +I have little to add that you do not already know, and being quite +alone, have no great variety of incident to gossip with; I am but rarely +pestered with visiters, and the few I have I get rid of as soon as +possible. I will now take leave of you in the Jargon of 1794. "Health & +<i>Fraternity!"</i><br> +<br> +Yours alway, B.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="f51"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> For the Hon. Augusta Leigh, see <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. +18, <i>note</i> 1. [Footnote 1 of Letter 7] Byron's letter is in answer to the following from his +half-sister: + + + <blockquote> "6 Mile Bottom, Aug. 27th.<br> +<br> + "My Dearest Brother,—Your letter was stupidly sent to Town to me on + Sunday, from whence I arrived at home yesterday; consequently I have + not received it so soon as I ought to have done. I feel so very happy + to have the pleasure of hearing from you that I will not delay a + moment answering it, altho' I am in all the delights of + <i>unpacking</i>, and afraid of being too late for the Post.<br> +<br> + "I have been a fortnight in Town, and went up on my <i>eldest</i> + little girl's account. She had been very unwell for some time, and I + could not feel happy till I had better advice than this neighbourhood + affords. She is, thank Heaven! much better, and I hope in a fair way + to be quite <i>herself</i> again. Mr. Davies flattered me by saying + she was exactly the sort of child <i>you</i> would delight in. I am + determined not to say another word in her praise for fear you should + accuse me of partiality and expect too much. The youngest + (<i>little</i> Augusta) is just 6 months old, and has no particular + merit at present but a very sweet placid temper.<br> +<br> + "Oh! that I could immediately set out to Newstead and shew them to + you. I can't tell you <i>half</i> the happiness it would give me to + see it and <i>you</i>; but, my dearest B., it is a long journey and + serious undertaking all things considered. Mr. Davies writes me word + you promise to make him a visit bye and bye; <i>pray do</i>, you can + then so easily come here. I have set my heart upon it. Consider how + very long it is since I've seen you.<br> +<br> + "I have indeed <i>much</i> to tell you; but it is more easily + <i>said</i> than <i>written</i>. Probably you have heard of many + changes in our situation since you left England; in a <i>pecuniary</i> + point of view it is materially altered for the worse; perhaps in other + respects better. Col. Leigh has been in Dorsetshire and Sussex during + my stay in Town. I expect him at home towards the end of this week, + and hope to make him acquainted with you ere long.<br> +<br> + "I have not time to write half I have to say, for my letter must go; + but I prefer writing in a hurry to not writing at all. You can't think + how much I feel for your griefs and losses, or how much and constantly + I have thought of you lately. I began a letter to you in Town, but + destroyed it, from the fear of appearing troublesome. There are times, + I know, when one cannot write with any degree of comfort or + satisfaction. I intend to do so again shortly, so I hope yon won't + think me a bore.<br> +<br> + Remember me most kindly to Old Joe. I rejoice to hear of his health + and prosperity. Your letter (some parts of it at least) made me laugh. + I am so very glad to hear you have sufficiently overcome your + prejudices against the <i>fair sex</i> to have determined upon + marrying; but I shall be most anxious that my future <i>Belle + Soeur</i> should have more attractions than merely money, though to be + sure <i>that</i> is somewhat necessary. I have not another moment, + dearest B., so forgive me if I write again very soon, and believe me,<br> +<br> + Your most affec'tn Sister, A. L.<br> +<br> + Do write if you can."</blockquote> +<a href="#L173">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="f52"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> For Scrope Berdmore Davies, see <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. +165, <i>note</i> 2. [Footnote 2 of Letter 86] The following story is told of him by Byron, in a +passage of his <i>Detached Thoughts</i> (Ravenna, 1821): + +<blockquote>"One night Scrope Davies at a Gaming house (before I was of age), being +tipsy as he usually was at the Midnight hour, and having lost monies, +was in vain intreated by his friends, one degree less intoxicated than +himself, to come or go home. In despair, he was left to himself and to +the demons of the dice-box.<br> +<br> +Next day, being visited about two of the Clock, by some friends just +risen with a severe headache and empty pockets (who had left him losing +at four or five in the morning), he was found in a sound sleep, without +a night-cap, and not particularly encumbered with bed-cloathes: a +Chamber-pot stood by his bed-side, brim-full of—-<i>Bank Notes!</i>, +all won, God knows how, and crammed, Scrope knew not where; but <b>There</b> +they were, all good legitimate notes, and to the amount of some thousand +pounds."</blockquote> +<a href="#fr52">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="f53"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> For Joe Murray, see <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. 21, +<i>note</i> 3. [Footnote 4 of Letter 7]<br> +<a href="#fr53">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="f54"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> For the Earl of Carlisle, see <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. +36, <i>note</i> 2. [Footnote 3 of Letter 13]<br> +<a href="#fr54">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L174"></a>174—To the Hon. Augusta Leigh</h3> +<br> +Newstead Abbey, Aug'st 30th, 1811.<br><br> + +<br> +<b>My Dear Augusta</b>,—I wrote to you yesterday, and as you will not be very +sorry to hear from me again, considering our long separation, I shall +fill up this sheet before I go to bed. I have heard something of a +quarrel between your spouse and the Prince, I don't wish to pry into +family secrets or to hear anything more of the matter, but I can't help +regretting on your account that so long an intimacy should be dissolved +at the very moment when your husband might have derived some advantage +from his R. H.'s friendship. However, at all events, and in all +Situations, you have a brother in me, and a home here.<br> +<br> +I am led into this train of thinking by a part of your letter which +hints at pecuniary losses. I know how delicate one ought to be on such +subjects, but you are probably the only being on Earth <i>now</i> +interested in my welfare, certainly the only relative, and I should be +very ungrateful if I did not feel the obligation. You must excuse my +being a little cynical, knowing how my <i>temper</i> was tried in my +Non-age; the manner in which I was brought up must necessarily have +broken a meek Spirit, or rendered a fiery one ungovernable; the effect +it has had on mine I need not state.<br> +<br> +However, buffeting with the World has brought me a little to reason, and +two years travel in distant and barbarous countries has accustomed me to +bear privations, and consequently to laugh at many things which would +have made me angry before. But I am wandering —in short I only want to +assure you that I love you, and that you must not think I am +indifferent, because I don't shew my affection in the usual way.<br> +<br> +Pray can't you contrive to pay me a visit between this and Xmas? or +shall I carry you down with me from Cambridge, supposing it practicable +for me to come? You will do what you please, without our interfering +with each other; the premises are so delightfully extensive, that two +people might live together without ever seeing, hearing or meeting,—but +I can't feel the comfort of this till I marry. In short it would be the +most amiable matrimonial mansion, and that is another great inducement +to my plan,—my wife and I shall be so happy,—one in each Wing. If this +description won't make you come, I can't tell what will, you must please +yourself. Good night, I have to walk half a mile to my Bed chamber.<br> +Yours ever, <b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1">List of Letters</a><<br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a>/p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L175"></a>175—To James Wedderburn Webster</h3> +<br> +Newstead Abbey, Notts., Aug'st 31st, 1811.<br> +<br><br> + + +<b>My Dear W.</b>,—I send you back your friend's letter, and, though I don't +agree with his Canons of Criticism, they are not the worse for that. <a name="fr61">My</a> +friend Hodgson<a href="#f61"><sup>1</sup></a> is not much honoured by the comparison to the +<i>Pursuits of L.</i>, which is notoriously, as far as the <i>poetry</i> +goes, the worst written of its kind; the World has been long but of one +opinion, viz. that it's sole merit lies in the Notes, which are +indisputably excellent.<br> +<br> +Had Hodgson's "Alterative" been placed with the <i>Baviad</i> the +compliment had been higher to both; for, surely, the <i>Baviad</i> is as +much superior to H.'s poem, as I do firmly believe H.'s poem to be to +the <i>Pursuits of Literature</i>.<br> +<br> +Your correspondent talks for talking's sake when he says "Lady J. Grey" +is neither "Epic, dramatic, or legendary." Who ever said it was "epic" +or "dramatic"? he might as well say his letter was neither "epic or +dramatic;" the poem makes no pretensions to either character. +"Legendary" it certainly is, but what has that to do with its merits? +All stories of that kind founded on facts are in a certain degree +legendary, but they may be well or ill written without the smallest +alteration in that respect. When Mr. Hare prattles about the "Economy," +etc., he sinks sadly;—all such expressions are the mere cant of a +schoolboy hovering round the Skirts of Criticism.<br> +<br> +Hodgson's tale is one of the best efforts of his Muse, and Mr. H.'s +approbation must be of more consequence, before any body will reduce it +to a "Scale," or be much affected by "the place" he "assigns" to the +productions of a man like Hodgson.<br> +<br> +But I have said more than I intended and only beg you never to allow +yourself to be imposed upon by such "common place" as the 6th form +letter you sent me. Judge for yourself.<br> +<br> +I <a name="fr62">know</a> the Mr. Bankes<a href="#f62"><sup>2</sup></a> you mention though not to that "extreme" you +seem to think, but I am flattered by his "boasting" on such a subject +(as you say), for I never thought him likely to "boast" of any thing +which was not his own. I am not "<i>melancholish</i>"—pray what +"<i>folk</i>" dare to say any such thing? I must contradict them by +being <i>merry</i> at their expence.<br> +<br> +I shall invade you in the course of the winter, out of envy, as Lucifer +looked at Adam and Eve.<br> +<br> +Pray be as happy as you can, and write to me that I may catch the +infection.<br> +<br> +Yours ever, <b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="f61"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Webster had sent Byron a letter from Naylor Hare, in which +the latter criticized Hodgson's poems, <i>Lady Jane Grey, a Tale; and +other Poems (1809)</i> (see <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. 195, <i>note +1</i> [Footnote 1 of Letter 102]). <br> +<br> +In the volume (pp. 56-77) was printed his "Gentle Alterative +prepared for the Reviewers," which Hare apparently compared to <i>The +Pursuits of Literature (1794-97)</i>, by T. J. Mathias. <br> +<br> +To this +criticism Byron objected, saying that the "Alterative" might be more +fairly compared to Gifford's <i>Baviad</i> (1794).<br> +<a href="#fr61">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="f62"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> For William John Bankes, see <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. +120, <i>note</i> 1. [Footnote 1 of Letter 67]<br> +<a href="#fr62">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L176">176—To the Hon. Augusta Leigh</a><a href="#f71"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>1</sup></span></a></h3> +<br> +Newstead Abbey, Sept. 2d, 1811.<br><br> + +<br> +My dear Augusta,—I wrote you a vastly dutiful letter since my answer to +your second epistle, and I now write you a third, for which you have to +thank Silence and Solitude. <a name="fr72">Mr</a>. Hanson<a href="#f72"><sup>2</sup></a> comes hither on the 14th, and +I am going to Rochdale on business, but that need not prevent you from +coming here, you will find Joe, and the house and the cellar and all +therein very much at your Service.<br> +<br> +As to Lady B., when I discover one rich enough to suit me and foolish +enough to have me, I will give her leave to make me miserable if she +can. Money is the magnet; as to Women, one is as well as another, the +older the better, we have then a chance of getting her to Heaven. So, +your Spouse does not like brats better than myself; now those who beget +them have no right to find fault, but <i>I</i> may rail with great +propriety.<br> +<br> +My "Satire!"—I am glad it made you laugh for Somebody told me in Greece +that you was angry, and I was sorry, as you were perhaps the only person +whom I did <i>not</i> want to <i>make angry</i>.<br> +<br> +But how you will make <i>me laugh</i> I don't know, for it is a vastly +<i>serious</i> subject to me I assure you; therefore take care, or I +shall hitch <i>you</i> into the next Edition to make up our family +party. Nothing so fretful, so despicable as a Scribbler, see what +<i>I</i> am, and what a parcel of Scoundrels I have brought about my +ears, and what language I have been obliged to treat them with to deal +with them in their own way;—all this comes of Authorship, but now I am +in for it, and shall be at war with Grubstreet, till I find some better +amusement.<br> +<br> +You will write to me your Intentions and may almost depend on my being +at Cambridge in October. You say you mean to be etc. in the +<i>Autumn</i>; I should be glad to know what you call this present +Season, it would be Winter in every other Country which I have seen. If +we meet in October we will travel in my <i>Vis</i>. and can have a cage +for the children and a cart for the Nurse. Or perhaps we can forward +them by the Canal. Do let us know all about it, your "<i>bright +thought</i>" is a little clouded, like the Moon in this preposterous +climate. <br> +<br> +Good even, Child. <br> +<br> +Yours ever, B.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="f71"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> The following is Mrs. Leigh's letter, to which the above is +an answer: + + <blockquote>"6 Mile Bottom, Saturday, 31 Aug.<br> +<br> + My dearest brother,—I hope you don't dislike receiving letters so + much as writing them, for you would in that case pronounce me a great + torment. But as I prepared you in my last for its being followed very + soon by another, I hope you will have reconciled your mind to the + impending toil. I really wrote in such a hurry that I did not say half + I wished; but I did not like to delay telling you how happy you made + me by writing. I have been dwelling constantly upon the idea of going + to Newstead ever since I had your wish to see me there. At last a + <i>bright thought</i> struck me.<br> +<br> + We intend, I believe, to go to Yorkshire in the autumn. Now, if I + could contrive to pay you a visit <i>en passant</i>, it would be + delightful, and give me the greatest pleasure. But I fear you would be + obliged to make up your mind to receive my <i>Brats</i> too. As for my + husband, he prefers the <i>outside of the Mail</i> to <i>the inside of + a Post-Chaise</i>, particularly when partly occupied by Nurse and + Children, so that we always travel <i>independent</i> of each other.<br> +<br> + So much for this, my dear B. I can only say I should <i>much</i> like + to see you at Newstead. The former I hope I shall at all events, as + you must not be shabby, but come to Cambridge as you promised. Are you + staying at Newstead now for any time? I saw George Byron in Town for + one day, and he promised to call or write again, but has not done + either, so I begin to think he has gone back to Lisbon. I think it is + impossible not to like him; he is so good-natured and natural. We + talked much of you; he told me you were grown very thin; as you don't + complain, I hope you are not the worse for being so, and I remember + you used to wish it. Don't you think <i>it a great shame</i> that + George B. is not promoted? I wish there was any possibility of + assisting him about it; but all I know who <i>could</i> do any good + with you <i>present</i> Ministers, I don't for many reasons like to + ask. Perhaps there may be a change bye and bye.<br> +<br> + Fred Howard is married to Miss <i>Lambton</i>. I saw them in town in + their way to Castle Howard. I hope he will be happy with all my heart; + his kindness and friendship to us last year, when Col. <i>Leigh</i> + was placed in one of the most perplexing situations that I think + anybody could be in, is never to be forgotten. I think he used to be a + greater favourite with you than some others of his family. <i>Mrs. + F.H.</i> is very pretty, <i>very</i> young (not quite 17), and appears + gentle and pleasing, which is all one can expect [to discover from] a + very slight acquaintance.<br> +<br> + Now, my dearest Byron, pray let me hear from you. I shall be daily + expecting to hear of a <i>Lady Byron</i>, since you have confided to + me your determination of marrying, in which I really hope you are + serious, being convinced such an event would contribute greatly to + your happiness, <b>provided</b> <i>her Ladyship</i> was the sort of person + that would suit you; and you won't be angry with me for saying that it + is not <b>every</b> <i>one</i> who would; therefore don't be too + <i>precipitate</i>. You will <i>wish me hanged</i>, I fear, for boring + you so unmercifully, so God bless you, my dearest Bro.; and, when you + have time, do write. Are you going to amuse us with any more + <i>Satires</i>? Oh, <i>English Bards!</i> I shall make you laugh (when + we meet) about it.<br> +<br> + Ever your most affectionate Sis. and Friend, <br> +<br> + A.L.</blockquote> +<a href="#L176">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="f72"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> For John Hanson, see Letters, vol. i. p. 8, note 2. [Footnote 1 of Letter 3]<br> +<a href="#fr72">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L177">177—To To Francis Hodgson</a></h3> +<br> +Newstead Abbey, Sept. 3, 1811.<br><br> + +<br> +<b>My Dear Hodgson</b>,—I <a name="fr81">will</a> have nothing to do with your immortality<a href="#f81"><sup>1</sup></a>; +we are miserable enough in this life, without the absurdity of +speculating upon another. If men are to live, why die at all? and if +they die, why disturb the sweet and sound sleep that "knows no waking"? + +<blockquote>"<a name="fr82">Post</a> Mortem nihil est, ipsaque Mors nihil ... quæris quo jaceas post +obitum loco? Quo <i>non</i> Nata jacent."<a href="#f82"><sup>2</sup></a></blockquote> + +As to revealed religion, Christ came to save men; but a good Pagan will +go to heaven, and a bad Nazarene to hell; "Argal" (I argue like the +gravedigger) why are not all men Christians? or why are any? If mankind +may be saved who never heard or dreamt, at Timbuctoo, Otaheite, Terra +Incognita, etc., of Galilee and its Prophet, Christianity is of no +avail: if they cannot be saved without, why are not all orthodox? It is +a little hard to send a man preaching to Judæa, and leave the rest of +the world—Negers and what not—<i>dark</i> as their complexions, +without a ray of light for so many years to lead them on high; and who +will believe that God will damn men for not knowing what they were never +taught? I hope I am sincere; I was so at least on a bed of sickness in a +far-distant country, when I had neither friend, nor comforter, nor hope, +to sustain me. I looked to death as a relief from pain, without a wish +for an after-life, but a confidence that the God who punishes in this +existence had left that last asylum for the <a name="fr83">weary</a>. + +<blockquote><a href="#f83"><img src="images/BG1.gif" width="320" height="36" border="1" alt="Greek: Hon ho theòs agapáei apothnáeskei néos."></a></blockquote> + +I am no Platonist, I am nothing at all; but I would sooner be a +Paulician, Manichean, Spinozist, Gentile, Pyrrhonian, Zoroastrian, than +one of the seventy-two villainous sects who are tearing each other to +pieces for the love of the Lord and hatred of each other. Talk of +Galileeism? Show me the effects—are you better, wiser, kinder by your +precepts? I will bring you ten Mussulmans shall shame you in all +goodwill towards men, prayer to God, and duty to their neighbours. <a name="fr84">And</a> +is there a Talapoin<a href="#f84"><sup>4</sup></a>, or a Bonze, who is not superior to a +fox-hunting curate? But I will say no more on this endless theme; let me +live, well if possible, and die without pain. The rest is with God, who +assuredly, had He <i>come</i> or <i>sent</i>, would have made Himself +manifest to nations, and intelligible to all.<br> +<br> +I shall rejoice to see you. My present intention is to accept Scrope +Davies's invitation; and then, if you accept mine, we shall meet +<i>here</i> and <i>there</i>. Did you know poor Matthews? I shall miss +him much at Cambridge.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="f81"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> The religious discussion arose out of the opening stanzas +of <i>Childe Harold</i>, Canto II., which Hodgson was helping to correct +for the press.<br> +<br> +Byron's opinions were not newly formed, as is shown by the following +letter to Ensign Long (see <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. 73, <i>note +2</i> [Footnote 2 of Letter 31]), which reached the Editor too late for insertion in its proper +place: + + <blockquote>Southwell, Ap: 16th, 1807.<br> +<br> + "Your Epistle, my dear Standard Bearer, augurs not much in favour of + your new life, particularly the latter part, where you say your + happiest Days are over. I most sincerely hope not. The past has + certainly in some parts been pleasant, but I trust will be equalled, + if not exceeded by the future. You hope it is not so with me.<br> +<br> + "To be plain with Regard to myself. Nature stampt me in the Die of + Indifference. I consider myself as destined never to be happy, + although in some instances fortunate. I am an isolated Being on the + Earth, without a Tie to attach me to life, except a few + School-fellows, and a <i>score of females.</i> Let me but 'hear my + fame on the winds' and the song of the Bards in my Norman house, I ask + no more and don't expect so much. Of Religion I know nothing, at least + in its <i>favour</i>. We have <i>fools</i> in all sects and Impostors + in most; why should I believe mysteries no one understands, because + written by men who chose to mistake madness for Inspiration, and style + themselves <i>Evangelicals?</i> However enough on this subject. Your + <i>piety</i> will be <i>aghast,</i> and I wish for no proselytes. This + much I will venture to affirm, that all the virtues and pious + <i>Deeds</i> performed on Earth can never entitle a man to Everlasting + happiness in a future State; nor on the other hand can such a Scene as + a Seat of eternal punishment exist, it is incompatible with the benign + attributes of a Deity to suppose so.<br> +<br> + "I am surrounded here by parsons and methodists, but, as you will + see, not infected with the mania. I have lived a <i>Deist</i>, what I + shall die I know not; however, come what may, <i>ridens moriar</i>.<br> +<br> + "Nothing detains me here but the publication, which will not be + complete till June. About 20 of the present pieces will be cut out, + and a number of new things added. Amongst them a complete Episode of + Nisus and Euryalus from Virgil, some Odes from Anacreon, and several + original Odes, the whole will cover 170 pages. My last production has + been a poem in imitation of Ossian, which I shall not publish, having + enough without it. Many of the present poems are enlarged and altered, + in short you will behold an 'Old friend with a new face.' Were I to + publish all I have written in Rhyme, I should fill a decent Quarto; + however, half is quite enough at present. You shall have <i>all</i> + when we meet.<br> +<br> + "I grow thin daily; since the commencement of my System I have lost 23 + lbs. in my weight <i>(i.e.)</i> 1 st. and 9 lbs. When I began I + weighed 14 st. 6 lbs., and on Tuesday I found myself reduced to 12 st. + 11 lb. What sayest thou, Ned? do you not envy? I shall still proceed + till I arrive at 12 st. and then stop, at least if I am not too fat, + but shall always live temperately and take much exercise.<br> +<br> + "If there is a possibility we shall meet in June. I shall be in Town, + before I proceed to Granta, and if the 'mountain will not come to + Mahomet, Mahomet will go to the mountain.' I don't mean, by comparing + you to the mountain, to insinuate anything on the Subject of your + Size. Xerxes, it is said, formed Mount Athos into the Shape of a + Woman; had he lived now, and taken a peep at Chatham, he would have + spared himself the trouble and made it unnecessary by finding a + <i>Hill</i> ready cut to his wishes.<br> +<br> + "Adieu, dear Mont Blanc, or rather <i>Mont Rouge</i>; don't, for + Heaven's sake, turn Volcanic, at least roll the Lava of your + indignation in any other Channel, and not consume Your's ever, <br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +"<i>Write Immediately</i>."</blockquote> +<a href="#Cr1">cross-reference: return to Preface</a><br> +<br> +Byron lived to modify these opinions, as is shown by the following +passages from his <i>Detached Thoughts</i>: + + +<blockquote> "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>. 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.<br> +<br> + "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 at all resemble + our <i>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."<br> +<br> + "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."<br> +<br> + "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."</blockquote> +<a href="#fr81">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="f82"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> The lines are quoted from Seneca's <i>Troades</i> (act ii. +et seqq.): + + <blockquote>"Post mortem nihil est, ipsaque mors nihil.<br> + ........<br> + ........<br> + Quæris, quo jaceas post obitum loco?<br> + Quo non nata jacent."</blockquote> +<a href="#fr82">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="f83"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> The sentiment is found in one of the <img src="images/BG2.gif" width="119" height="30" border="1" alt="Greek: monóstichoi"> of Menander (<i>Menandri et Philemonis reliquiæ,</i> edidit Augustus Meineke, p. 48). It is thus quoted by Stobæus (<i>Florilegium</i>, cxx. 8) as an iambic: + +<blockquote><img src="images/BG3.gif" width="375" height="30" border="1" alt="Greek: Hon oi theoì philoûsin apothnáeskei néos."></blockquote> + +In the <i>Comicorum Græcorum Sententiæ, id est</i> <img src="images/BG4.gif" width="83" height="30" border="1" alt="Greek: gnômai"> (p. 219, ed, Henricus Stephanus, MDLXIX.) it is quoted as a leonine verse: + +<blockquote><img src="images/BG5.gif" width="312" height="30" border="1" alt="Greek: Hon gàr philei theòs apothnáeskei néos."></blockquote> + +Plautus gives it thus (<i>Bacchides</i>, iv. 7): + +<blockquote>"Quem di diligunt adolescens moritur."</blockquote> +<a href="#fr83">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="f84"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> The word is said to be illegible, and the conclusion of the +letter to be lost (<i>Memoir of the Rev. Francis Hodgson</i>, vol. i. p. +196). Only the latter statement is correct. The word is perfectly +legible. Talapoin (Yule's <i>Glossary of Anglo-Indian Words, sub +voce</i>) is the name used by the Portuguese, and after them by the +French writers, and by English travellers of the seventeenth century +(Hakluyt, ed. 1807, vol. ii. p. 93; and Purchas, ed. 1645, vol. ii. p. +1747), to designate the Buddhist monks of Ceylon and the Indo-Chinese +countries. Pallegoix (<i>Description du Royaume Thai ou Siam</i>, vol. +ii. p. 23) says, + + <blockquote>"Les Européens les ont appelés <i>talapoins</i>, probablement du nom + de l'éventail qu'ils tiennent à la main, lequel s'appelle + <i>talapat</i>, qui signifie <i>feuille de palmier</i>."</blockquote> + +Possibly Byron knew the word through Voltaire (<i>Dial.</i> xxii., +<i>André des Couches à Siam</i>); + + <table summary="Byron 1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>"<i>A. des C.</i>:</td> + <td>Combien avez-vous de soldats?</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td> <i>Croutef.</i>:</td> + <td>Quatre-vingt mille, fort médiocrement payés.</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td> <i>A. des C.</i>:</td> + <td> Et de talapoins?</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td> <i>Cr.</i>:</td> + <td>Cent vingt-mille, tous fainéans et trés riches," etc.</td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<a href="#fr84">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L178">178—to R.C. Dallas</a></h3> +<br> +Newstead Abbey, September 4th, 1811.<br> +<br><br> + +My dear Sir,—<a name="fr91">I</a> am at present anxious, as Cawthorn seems to wish it, to +have a small edition of the <i>Hints from Horace</i><a href="#f91"><sup>1</sup></a> published +immediately, but the Latin (the most difficult poem in the language) +renders it necessary to be very particular not only in correcting the +proofs with Horace open, but in adapting the parallel passages of the +imitation in such places to the original as may enable the reader not to +lose sight of the allusion. I don't know whether I ought to ask you to +do this, but I am too far off to do it for myself; and if you condescend +to my school-boy erudition, you will oblige me by setting this thing +going, though you will smile at the importance I attach to it.<br> +<br> +Believe me, ever yours,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="f91"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> <i>Hints from Horace</i>, written during Byron's second +stay at Athens, March 11-14, 1811, and subsequently added to, had been +placed in the hands of Cawthorn, the publisher of <i>English Bards, and +Scotch Reviewers</i>, for publication. Byron afterwards changed his +mind, and the poem remained unpublished till after his death.<br> +<br> +The following letter from Cawthorn shows that considerable progress had +been made with the printing of the poem, and that Byron also +contemplated another edition of <i>English Bards, and Scotch +Reviewers</i>. The advice of his friends led him to abandon both plans; +but his letter to Cawthorn, printed below, is evidence that in September +he was still at work on <i>Hints from Horace</i>: + + <blockquote> "24, Cockspur Street, Aug. 22'd, 1811.<br> +<br> + "My Lord,—Mr. Green the Amanuensis has finished the Latin of the + Horace, and I shall be happy to do with it as your Lordship may + direct, either to forward it to Newstead, or keep it in Town. Would it + not be better to print a small edition seperate (<i>sic</i>), and + afterwards print the two satires together? This I leave to your + Lordship's consideration. Four Sheets of the <i>Travels</i> are + already printed, and one of the plates (Albanian Solain) is executed. + I sent it Capt. H[obhouse] yesterday to Cork, to see if it meets his + approbation. The work is printed in quarto, for which I may be in some + measure indebted to your Lordship, as I urged it so strongly. I shall + be extremely sorry if Capt. H. is not pleased with it, but I think he + will. Your Lordship's goodness will excuse me for saying how much the + very sudden and melancholy events that have lately transpired—I + regret—Capt. Hobhouse has written me since the decease of Mr. + Mathews. I am told Capt. H. is very much affected at it. I have + received some drawings of costumes from him, which I am to deliver to your Lordship. Is it + likely we shall see your Lordship in Town soon?<br> +<br> + "I have the honour to be your Lordship's<br> +<br> + "Most respectful and greatly obliged Servt.,<br> +<br> + "<b>James Cawthorn</b>.<br> +<br> + "If a small edition is printed of '<i>Horace</i>' for the first" + [words erased] "that, and I think in all probability the '<i>E. + Bards</i>' will want reprinting about March next, when both could be + done together. Do not think me too sanguine."</blockquote> + +A few days later, Byron writes to Cawthom as follows: + + <blockquote>"Newstead Abbey, September 4th, 1811.<br> +<br> + "More notes for the '<i>Hints</i>'! You mistake me much by thinking me + inattentive to this publication. If I had a friend willing and able to + correct the press, it should be out with my good will immediately. + Pray attend to annexing additional notes in their proper places, and + let them be added immediately.<br> +<br> + "Yours, etc.,<br> +<br> + "<b>Byron</b>."</blockquote> +<a href="#fr91">return</a><br> +<a href="#f34">cross-reference: return to Footnote 1 of Letter 231</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp2">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L179">179—to John Murray</a><a href="#fa1"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>1</sup></span></a></h3> +<br> +Newstead Abbey, Notts., Sept. 5, 1811.<br> +<br><br> + +<b>Sir</b>,—The time seems to be past when (as Dr. Johnson said) a man was +certain to "hear the truth from his bookseller," for you have paid me +so many compliments, that, if I was not the veriest scribbler on earth, +I should feel affronted. As I accept your compliments, it is but fair I +should give equal or greater credit to your objections, the more so as I +believe them to be well founded. With regard to the political and +metaphysical parts, I am afraid I can alter nothing; but I have high +authority for my Errors in that point, for even the <i>Æneid</i> was a +<i>political</i> poem, and written for a <i>political</i> purpose; and +as to my unlucky opinions on Subjects of more importance, I am too +sincere in them for recantation. <a name="fra2">On</a> Spanish affairs I have said what I +saw, and every day confirms me in that notion of the result formed on +the Spot; and I rather think honest John Bull is beginning to come round +again to that Sobriety which Massena's retreat<a href="#fa2"><sup>2</sup></a> had begun to reel +from its centre—the usual consequence of <i>un</i>usual success. So you +perceive I cannot alter the Sentiments; but if there are any alterations +in the structure of the versification you would wish to be made, I will +tag rhymes and turn stanzas as much as you please. As for the +"<i>Orthodox</i>," let us hope they will buy, on purpose to abuse—you +will forgive the one, if they will do the other. You are aware that any +thing from my pen must expect no quarter, on many accounts; and as the +present publication is of a nature very different from the former, we +must not be sanguine.<br> +<br> +<a name="fra3">You</a> have given me no answer to my question—tell me fairly, did you show +the MS. to some of your corps<a href="#fa3"><sup>3</sup></a>?<br> +<br> +I sent an introductory stanza to Mr. Dallas, that it might be +forwarded to you; the poem else will open too abruptly. The Stanzas had +better be numbered in Roman characters, there is a disquisition on the +literature of the modern Greeks, and some smaller poems to come in at +the close. These are now at Newstead, but will be sent in time. If Mr. +D. has lost the Stanza and note annexed to it, write, and I will send it +myself.—You tell me to add two cantos, but I am about to visit my +<i>Collieries</i> in Lancashire on the 15th instant, which is so +<i>unpoetical</i> an employment that I need say no more.<br> +<br> +I am, sir, your most obedient, etc., etc.,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fa1"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> The following is Murray's letter, to which Byron replies: + + <blockquote>"London, Sept. 4, 1811, Wednesday.<br> +<br> + "<b>My Lord</b>,—An absence of some days, passed in the country, has + prevented me from writing earlier in answer to your obliging letter. I + have now, however, the pleasure of sending under a separate cover, the + first proof sheet of your Lordship's <i>Poem</i>, which is so good as + to be entitled to all your care to render perfect. Besides its general + merit, there are parts, which, I am tempted to believe, far excel + anything that your Lordship has hitherto published, and it were + therefore grievous indeed, if you do not condescend to bestow upon it + all the improvement of which your Lordship's mind is so capable; every + correction already made is valuable, and this circumstance renders me + more confident in soliciting for it your further attention.<br> +<br> + "There are some expressions, too, concerning Spain and Portugal, + which, however just, and particularly so at the time they were + conceived, yet as they do not harmonize with the general feeling, + would so greatly interfere with the popularity which the poem is, in + other respects, so certainly calculated to excite, that, in compassion + to your publisher, who does not presume to reason upon the subject, + otherwise than as a mere matter of business, I hope your Lordship's + goodness will induce you to obviate them, and, with them, perhaps, + some religious feelings which may deprive me of some customers amongst + the <i>Orthodox</i>.<br> +<br> + "Could I flatter myself that these suggestions were not obtrusive, I + would hazard another, in an earnest solicitation that your Lordship + would add the two promised Cantos, and complete the <i>Poem</i>. It + were cruel indeed not to perfect a work which contains so much that is + excellent; your Fame, my Lord, demands it; you are raising a Monument + that will outlive your present feelings, and it should therefore be so + constructed as to excite no other associations than those of respect + and admiration for your Lordship's Character and Genius.<br> +<br> + "I trust that you will pardon the warmth of this address when I assure + your Lordship that it arises, in the greatest degree, in a sincere + regard for your lasting reputation, with, however, some view to that + portion of it, which must attend the Publisher of so beautiful a Poem, + as your Lordship is capable of rendering<br> +<br> + "<i>The Romaunt of Childe Harold</i>.<br> +<br> + "I have the honour to be, My Lord,<br> +<br> + "Your Lordship's<br> +<br> + "Obedient and faithful servant,<br> +<br> + "<b>John Murray</b>." + </blockquote> +<a href="#L179">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fa2"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> On the night of March 5, 1811, Massena retreated from his +camp at Santarem, whence he had watched Wellington at Torres Vedras, and +on April 4 he crossed the Coa into Spain.<br> +<a href="#fra2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fa3"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> Murray had shown the MS. to Gifford for advice as to its +publication. Byron seems to have resented this on the ground that it +might look like an attempt to propitiate the <i>Quarterly Review</i>.<br> +<a href="#fra3">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp2">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L180"></a>180—to R. C. Dallas</h3> +<br> +Newstead Abbey, September 7, 1811.<br><br> + +<br> +As Gifford has been ever my "Magnus Apollo," any approbation, such as +you mention, <a name="fra11">would</a>, of course, be more welcome than "all Bocara's +vaunted gold", than all "the gems of Samarcand."<a href="#fa11"><sup>1</sup></a> But I am sorry the +MS. was shown to him in such a manner, and had written to Murray to say +as much, before I was aware that it was too late.<br> +<br> +Your objection to the expression "central line" I can only meet by +saying that, before Childe Harold left England, it was his full +intention to traverse Persia, and return by India, which he could not +have done without passing the equinoctial.<br> +<br> +The other errors you mention, I must correct in the progress through the +press. I feel honoured by the wish of such men that the poem should be +continued, but to do that I must return to Greece and Asia; I must have +a warm sun, a blue sky; I cannot describe scenes so dear to me by a +sea-coal fire. I had projected an additional canto when I was in the +Troad and Constantinople, and if I saw them again, it would go on; but +under existing circumstances and <i>sensations</i>, I have neither harp, +"heart, nor voice" to proceed, I feel that <i>you are all right</i> as +to the metaphysical part; but I also feel that I am sincere, <a name="fra12">and</a> that if +I am only to write "ad captandum vulgus," I might as well edit a +magazine at once, or spin canzonettas for Vauxhall<a href="#fa12"><sup>2</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +My work must make its way as well as it can; I know I have every thing +against me, angry poets and prejudices; but if the poem is a +<i>poem</i>, it will surmount these obstacles, and if <i>not</i>, it +deserves its fate. <a name="fra13">Your</a> friend's Ode<a href="#fa13"><sup>3</sup></a> I have read—it is no great +compliment to pronounce it far superior to Smythe's on the same subject, +or to the merits of the new Chancellor. It is evidently the production +of a man of taste, and a poet, <a name="fra14">though</a> I should not be willing to say it +was fully equal to what might be expected from the author of "<i>Horæ +Ionicæ</i>."<a href="#fa14"><sup>4</sup></a> I thank you for it, and that is more than I would do +for any other Ode of the present day.<br> +<br> +I am very sensible of your good wishes, and, indeed, I have need of +them. My whole life has been at variance with propriety, not to say +decency; my circumstances are become involved; my friends are dead or +estranged, and my existence a dreary void. In Matthews I have lost my +"guide, philosopher, and friend;" in Wingfield a friend only, but one +whom I could have wished to have preceded in his long journey.<br> +<br> +Matthews was indeed an extraordinary man; it has not entered into the +heart of a stranger to conceive such a man: there was the stamp of +immortality in all he said or did;—and now what is he? When we see such +men pass away and be no more—men, who seem created to display what the +Creator <i>could make</i> his creatures, gathered into corruption, +before the maturity of minds that might have been the pride of +posterity, what are we to conclude? For my own part, I am bewildered. To +me he was much, to Hobhouse every thing. My poor Hobhouse doted on +Matthews. For me, I did not love quite so much as I honoured him; I was +indeed so sensible of his infinite superiority, that though I did not +envy, I stood in awe of it. He, Hobhouse, Davies, and myself, formed a +coterie of our own at Cambridge and elsewhere. Davies is a wit and man +of the world, and feels as much as such a character can do; but not as +Hobhouse has been affected. Davies, who is not a scribbler, has always +beaten us all in the war of words, and by his colloquial powers at once +delighted and kept us in order. Hobhouse and myself always had the worst +of it with the other two; and even Matthews yielded to the dashing +vivacity of Scrope Davies. But I am talking to you of men, or boys, as +if you cared about such beings.<br> +<br> +I expect mine agent down on the I4th to proceed to Lancashire, where I +hear from all quarters that I have a very valuable property in coals, +etc. I then intend to accept an invitation to Cambridge in October, and +shall, perhaps, run up to town. I have four invitations—to Wales, +Dorset, Cambridge, and Chester; but I must be a man of business. I am +quite alone, as these long letters sadly testify. I perceive, by +referring to your letter, that the Ode is from the author; make my +thanks acceptable to him. His muse is worthy a nobler theme. You will +write as usual, I hope. I wish you good evening, and am, etc.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fa11"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> The lines, which are parodied in Byron's unpublished +<i>Barmaid</i>, are from Sir W. Jones's translation of a song by Hafiz +(<i>Works</i>, vol. x. p. 251): + + <blockquote>"Sweet maid, if thou would'st charm my sight,<br> + And bid these arms thy neck infold;<br> + That rosy cheek, that lily hand,<br> + Would give thy poet more delight,<br> + Than all Bocara's vaunted gold,<br> + Than all the gems of Samarcand."</blockquote> +<a href="#fra11">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fa12"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Vauxhall Gardens (1661 to July 25, 1859) were still not +only a popular but a fashionable resort, though fireworks and +masquerades threatened to expel musicians and vocalists. At this time +the principal singers were Charles Dignum (1765-1827); Maria Theresa +Bland (1769-1838), a famous ballad-singer; Rosoman Mountain, <i>née</i> +Wilkinson (1768-1841), whose husband was a violinist and leader at +Vauxhall.—(<i>The London Pleasure Gardens</i>, pp. 286-326.)<br> +<a href="#fra12">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fa13"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> On June 29, 1811, the Duke of Gloucester was installed as +Chancellor of the University of Cambridge. The Installation Ode, written +by W. Smyth, of Peterhouse (1765-1849), Professor of Modern History at +Cambridge, and author of <i>English Lyrics</i> (1797) and other works, +was set to music by Hague, and performed in the Senate House, Braham and +Ashe, it is said, particularly distinguishing themselves among the +performers. The Ode is given in the <i>Annual Register</i> for 1811, pp. +593-596. The rival Ode, which Byron preferred, was by Walter Rodwell +Wright.<br> +<a href="#fra13">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fa14"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> For Walter Rodwell Wright, author of <i>Horæ Ionicæ</i> +(1809), see Letters, vol. i. p. 336, <i>note</i> 1. [Footnote 2 of Letter 167]<br> +<a href="#fra14">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp2">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L181">181—to the Hon. Augusta Leigh</a></h3> +<br> +[Six Mile Bottom, Newmarket.]<br> +<br> +Newstead Abbey, Sept. 9th, 1811.<br><br> + +<br> +My Dear Augusta,—My Rochdale affairs are understood to be settled as +far as the Law can settle them, and indeed I am told that the most +valuable part is that which was never disputed; but I have never reaped +any advantage from them, and God knows if I ever shall. Mr. H., my +agent, is a good man and able, but the most dilatory in the world. I +expect him down on the 14th to accompany me to Rochdale, where something +will be decided as to selling or working the Collieries. I am Lord of +the Manor (a most extensive one), and they want to enclose, which cannot +be done without me; but I go there in the worst humour possible and am +afraid I shall do or say something not very conciliatory. In short all +my affairs are going on as badly as possible, and I have no hopes or +plans to better them as I long ago pledged myself never to sell +Newstead, which I mean to hold in defiance of the Devil and Man.<br> +<br> +I am quite alone and never see strangers without being sick, but I am +nevertheless on good terms with my neighbours, for I neither ride or +shoot or move over my Garden walls, but I fence and box and swim and run +a good deal to keep me in exercise and get me to sleep. Poor Murray is +ill again, and one of my Greek servants is ill too, and my valet has got +a pestilent cough, so that we are in a peck of troubles; my family +Surgeon sent an Emetic this morning for <i>one</i> of them, I did not +very well know <i>which</i>, but I swore <i>Somebody</i> should take it, +so after a deal of discussion the Greek swallowed it with tears in his +eyes, and by the blessing of it, and the <i>Virgin</i> whom he invoked +to assist <i>it</i> and <i>him</i>, I suppose he'll be well tomorrow, if +not, <i>another</i> shall have the <i>next</i>. So your Spouse likes +children, <i>that</i> is lucky as he will have to bring them up; for my +part (since I lost my Newfoundland dog,) I like nobody except his +successor a Dutch Mastiff and three land Tortoises brought with me from +Greece.<br> +<br> +I thank you for your letters and am always glad to hear from you, but if +you won't come here before Xmas, I very much fear we shall not meet +<i>here</i> at all, for I shall be off somewhere or other very soon out +of this land of Paper credit (or rather no credit at all, for every body +seems on the high road to Bankruptcy), and if I quit it again I shall +not be back in a hurry.<br> +<br> +However, I shall endeavour to see you somewhere, and make my bow with +decorum before I return to the Ottomans, I believe I shall turn +Mussulman in the end.<br> +<br> +<a name="fra21">You</a> ask after my health; I am in tolerable leanness, which I promote by +exercise and abstinence. I don't know that I have acquired any thing by +my travels but a smattering of two languages and a habit of chewing +Tobacco<a href="#fa21"><sup>1</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +Yours ever,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fa21"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> To appease the pangs of hunger, and keep down his fat, +Byron was in the habit of chewing gum-mastic and tobacco. For the same +reason, at a later date, he took opium. The mistake which he makes in +his letter to Hodgson (December 8,1811), "I do nothing but eschew +tobacco," is repeated in <i>Don Juan</i> (Canto XII. stanza xiiii.): + + <blockquote>"In fact, there's nothing makes me so much grieve,<br> + As that abominable tittle-tattle,<br> + Which is the cud eschewed by human cattle."</blockquote> +<a href="#fra21">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<a href="#fc66">cross-reference: return to Footnote 6 of Letter 213</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp2">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L182">182—to Francis Hodgson</a></h3> +<br> +Newstead Abbey, Sept. 9, 1811.<br> +<br> +<br> +Dear Hodgson,—I <a name="fra31">have</a> been a good deal in your company lately, for I +have been reading <i>Juvenal</i> and <i>Lady Jane</i><a href="#fa31"><sup>1</sup></a>, etc., for the +first time since my return. The Tenth Sat'e has always been my +favourite, as I suppose indeed of everybody's. It is the finest recipe +for making one miserable with his life, and content to walk out of it, +in any language. I should think it might be redde with great effect to a +man dying without much pain, in preference to all the stuff that ever +was said or sung in churches. But you are a deacon, and I say no more. +Ah! you <a name="fra32">will</a> marry and become lethargic, like poor Hal of Harrow<a href="#fa32"><sup>2</sup></a>, +who yawns at 10 o' nights, and orders caudle annually.<br> +<br> +I wrote an answer to yours fully some days ago, and, being quite alone +and able to frank, you must excuse this subsequent epistle, which will +cost nothing but the trouble of deciphering. I am expectant of agents to +accompany me to Rochdale, a journey not to be anticipated with pleasure; +though I feel very restless where I am, and shall probably ship off for +Greece again; what nonsense it is to talk of Soul, when a cloud makes it +<i>melancholy</i> and wine makes it <i>mad</i>.<br> +<br> +Collet of Staines, your "most kind host," has lost that girl you saw of +his. She grew to five feet eleven, and might have been God knows how +high if it had pleased Him to renew the race of Anak; but she fell by a +ptisick, a fresh proof of the folly of begetting children. You knew +Matthews. Was he not an intellectual giant? I knew few better or more +intimately, and none who deserved more admiration in point of ability.<br> +<br> +Scrope Davies has been here on his way to Harrowgate; I am his guest in +October at King's, where we will "drink deep ere we depart." "<a name="fra33">Won't</a> you, +won't you, won't you, won't you come, Mr. Mug?"<a href="#fa33"><sup>3</sup></a> We did not +amalgamate properly at Harrow; it was somehow rainy, and then a wife +makes such a damp; but in a seat of celibacy I will have revenge. Don't +you hate helping first, and losing the wings of chicken? And then, +conversation is always flabby. Oh! in the East women are in their proper +sphere, and one has—no conversation at all. My house here is a +delightful matrimonial mansion. When I wed, my spouse and I will be so +happy!—one in each wing.<br> +<br> +I <a name="fra34">presume</a> you are in motion from your Herefordshire station<a href="#fa34"><sup>4</sup></a>, and +Drury must be gone back to Gerund Grinding. I have not been at Cambridge +since I took my M.A. degree in 1808. <i>Eheu fugaces!</i> I look forward +to meeting you and Scrope there with the feelings of other times. Capt. +Hobhouse is at Enniscorthy in Juverna. I wish he was in England.<br> +<br> +Yours ever,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fa31"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> See <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. 195, <i>note</i> I. [Footnote 1 of Letter 102]<br> +<a href="#fra31">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fa32"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> For Henry Drury, see <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. 41, +<i>note</i> 2. [Footnote 1 of Letter 14]<br> +<a href="#fra32">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fa33"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> Byron may possibly allude to "Matthew Mug," a character in +Foote's <i>Mayor of Garratt</i>, said to be intended for the Duke of +Newcastle. In act ii. sc. 2 of the comedy occurs this passage— + + <blockquote>"<i>Heel-Tap</i>. Now, neighbours, have a good caution that this + Master Mug does not cajole you; he is a damn'd palavering fellow." </blockquote> + +But there is no passage in the play which exactly corresponds with +Byron's quotation.<br> +<a href="#fra33">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fa34"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> Hodgson was staying with his uncle, the Rev. Richard Coke, +of Lower Moor, Herefordshire.<br> +<a href="#fra34">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp2">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L183">183—To R.C. Dallas</a></h3> +<br> +Newstead Abbey, Sept. 10, 1811.<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Sir,—I rather think in one of the opening stanzas of <i>Childe +Harold</i> there is this line: + +<blockquote>'Tis said at times the sullen tear would start.</blockquote> + +Now, a line or two after, I have a repetition of the epithet +"<i>sullen</i> reverie;" so (if it be so) let us have "speechless +reverie," or "silent reverie;" but, at all events, do away the +recurrence.<br> +<br> +Yours ever,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp2">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L184">184—To Francis Hodgson</a></h3> +<br> +Newstead Abbey, September 13, 1811.<br> +<br><br> + +My Dear Hodgson,—I <a name="fra41">thank</a> you for your song, or, rather, your two +songs,—your new song on love, and your <i>old song</i> on +<i>religion</i><a href="#fa41"><sup>1</sup></a>. I admire the <i>first</i> sincerely, and in turn +call upon you to <i>admire</i> the following on Anacreon Moore's new +operatic farce<a href="#fa42"><sup>2</sup></a>, or farcical opera—call it which you will: + +<blockquote>Good plays are scarce,<br> +So Moore writes <i>Farce</i>;<br> + Is Fame like his so brittle?<br> +We knew before<br> +That "<i>Little's" Moore</i>,<br> + But now <i>'tis Moore</i> that's <i>Little</i>.</blockquote> + +I won't dispute with you on the Arcana of your new calling; they are +Bagatelles like the King of Poland's rosary. One remark, and I have +done; the basis of your religion is <i>injustice</i>; the <i>Son</i> of +<i>God</i>, the <i>pure</i>, the <i>immaculate</i>, the <i>innocent</i>, +is sacrificed for the <i>Guilty</i>. This proves <i>His</i> heroism; but +no more does away <i>man's</i> guilt than a schoolboy's volunteering to +be flogged for another would exculpate the dunce from negligence, or +preserve him from the Rod. You degrade the Creator, in the first place, +by making Him a begetter of children; and in the next you convert Him +into a Tyrant over an immaculate and injured Being, who is sent into +existence to suffer death for the benefit of some millions of +Scoundrels, who, after all, seem as likely to be damned as ever. As to +miracles, I agree with Hume that it is more probable men should +<i>lie</i> or be <i>deceived</i>, than that things out of the course of +Nature should so happen. Mahomet wrought <a name="fra43">miracles</a>, Brothers<a href="#fa43"><sup>3</sup></a> the prophet had <i>proselytes</i>, and so would Breslaw<a href="#fa44"><sup>4</sup></a> the conjuror, had he lived in the time +of Tiberius.<br> +<br> +Besides I trust that God is not a <i>Jew</i>, but the God of all +Mankind; and as you allow that a virtuous Gentile may be saved, you do +away the necessity of being a Jew or a Christian.<br> +<br> +I do not believe in any revealed religion, because no religion is +revealed: and if it pleases the Church to damn me for not allowing a +<i>nonentity</i>, I throw myself on the mercy of the "<i>Great First +Cause, least understood</i>," who must do what is most proper; though I +conceive He never made anything to be tortured in another life, whatever +it may in this. I will neither read <i>pro</i> nor <i>con</i>. God would +have made His will known without books, considering how very few could +read them when Jesus of Nazareth lived, had it been His pleasure to +ratify any peculiar mode of worship. As to your immortality, if people +are to live, why die? And our carcases, which are to rise again, are +they worth raising? I hope, if mine is, that I shall have a better +<i>pair of legs</i> than I have moved on these two-and-twenty years, or +I shall be sadly behind in the squeeze into Paradise. Did you ever read +"Malthus on Population"? If <a name="fra45">he</a> be right, war and pestilence are our best +friends, to save us from being eaten alive, in this "best of all +possible Worlds."<a href="#fa45"><sup>5</sup></a><br> +<br> +I will write, read, and think no more; indeed, I do not wish to shock +your prejudices by saying all I do think. Let us make the most of life, +and leave dreams to Emanuel Swedenborg. Now to dreams of another +genus—Poesies. I like your song much; but I will say no more, for fear +you should think I wanted to scratch you into approbation of my past, +present, or future acrostics. I shall not be at Cambridge before the +middle of October; but, when I go, I should certes like to see you there +before you are dubbed a deacon. Write to me, and I will rejoin.<br> +<br> +Yours ever, <b>Byron</b><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fa41"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> The lines in which Hodgson answered Byron's letter on his +religious opinions are quoted in the <i>Memoir of the Rev. F. +Hodgson</i>, vol. i. pp. 199, 200.<br> +<a href="#fra41">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fa42"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Moore's <i>M.P., or The Bluestocking</i>, was played at the +Lyceum, September 9, 1811, but was soon withdrawn.<br> +<a href="#fra41">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fa43"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> Richard Brothers (1757-1824) believed that, in 1795, he was +to be revealed as Prince of the Hebrews and ruler of the world. In that +year he was arrested, and confined first as a criminal lunatic, +afterwards in a private asylum, where he remained till 1806. A portrait +of "Richard Brothers, Prince of the Hebrews," was engraved, April, 1795, +by William Sharp, with the following inscription: + + <blockquote><i>"Fully believing this to be the Man whom God has appointed, I + engrave this likeness. William Sharp."</i></blockquote> +<a href="#fra43">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fa44"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> See <i>Breslaw's Last Legacy; or, the Magical +Companion</i>. Including the various exhibitions of those wonderful +Artists, Breslaw, Sieur Comus, Jonas, etc. (1784).<br> +<a href="#fra43">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fa45"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 5:</span></a> <i>Candide, ou l'Optimisms</i> (chapitre xxx.); + + <blockquote> "et Pangloss disait quelquefois à Candide; Tous les événements sont + enchainés dans le meilleur des mondes possibles," etc. </blockquote> + +Hodgson replies (September 18, 1811): + + <blockquote> "Your last letter has unfeignedly grieved me. Believing, as I do from + my heart, that you would be better and happier by thoroughly examining + the evidences for Christianity, how can I hear you say you will not + read any book on the subject, without being pained? But God bless you + under all circumstances. I will say no more. Only do not talk of + 'shocking my prejudices,' or of 'rushing to see me <i>before</i> I am + a Deacon.' I wish to see you at all times; and as to our different + opinions, we can easily keep them to ourselves." </blockquote> + +The next day he writes again: + + <blockquote>"Let me make one other effort. You mentioned an opinion of Hume's + about miracles. For God's sake,—hear me, Byron, for God's + sake—examine Paley's answer to that opinion; examine the whole of + Paley's <i>Evidences</i>. The two volumes may be read carefully in + less than a week. Let me for the last time by our friendship, implore + you to read them."</blockquote> +<a href="#fra45">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp2">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L185">185—To John Murray</a><a href="#fa51"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>1</sup></span></a></h3> +<br> +Newstead Abbey, Notts., Sept. 14, 1811.<br><br> + +<br> +Sir,—Since your former letter, Mr. Dallas informs me that the MS. has +been submitted to the perusal of Mr. Gifford, most contrary to my +wishes, as Mr. D. could have explained, and as my own letter to you did, +in fact, explain, with my motives for objecting to such a proceeding. +Some late domestic events, of which you are probably aware, prevented my +letter from being sent before; indeed, I hardly conceived you would have +so hastily thrust my productions into the hands of a Stranger, who could +be as little pleased by receiving them, as their author is at their +being offered, in such a manner, and to such a Man.<br> +<br> +My address, when I leave Newstead, will be to "Rochdale, Lancashire;" +but I have not yet fixed the day of departure, and I will apprise you +when ready to set off.<br> +<br> +You have placed me in a very ridiculous situation, but it is past, and +nothing more is to be said on the subject. You hinted to me that you +wished some alterations to be made; if they have nothing to do with +politics or religion, I will make them with great readiness.<br> +<br> +I am, Sir, etc., etc., <b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fa51"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> As soon as Byron came to town, he was a frequent visitor at +32, Fleet Street, while the sheets of <i>Childe Harold</i> were passing +through the press. + + <blockquote>"Fresh from the fencing rooms of Angelo and Jackson, he used to amuse + himself by renewing his practice of <i>Carte et Tierce</i>, with his + walking-cane directed against the bookshelves, while Murray was + reading passages from the poem with occasional ejaculations of + admiration, on which Byron would say, 'You think that a good idea, do + you, Murray?' Then he would fence and lunge with his walking-stick at + some special book which he had picked out on the shelves before him. + As Murray afterwards said, 'I was often very glad to get rid of him!'" </blockquote> + +(Smiles's <i>Memoir of John Murray</i>, vol. i. p. 207).<br> +<a href="#L185">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp2">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L186"></a>186—To R. C. Dallas</h3> +<br> +Newstead Abbey, Sept. 15, 1811.<br><br> + +<br> +My dear Sir,—My agent will not he here for at least a week, and even +afterwards my letters will be forwarded to Rochdale. I am sorry that +Murray should <i>groan</i> on my account, tho' <i>that</i> is better +than the anticipation of applause, of which men and books are generally +disappointed.<br> +<br> +The notes I sent are <i>merely matter</i> to be divided, arranged, and +published for <i>notes</i> hereafter, in proper places; at present I am +too much occupied with earthly cares to waste time or trouble upon +rhyme, or its modern indispensables, annotations.<br> +<br> +Pray let me hear from you, when at leisure. I have written to abuse +Murray for showing the MS. to Mr. G., who must certainly think it was +done by my wish, though you know the contrary.—Believe me, Yours ever,<br> +B .<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp2">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L187">187—to John Murray</a></h3> +<br> +Newstead Abbey, Sept. 16, 1811.<br> +<br><br> + +<b>Dear Sir</b>,—I return the proof, which I should wish to be shown to Mr. +Dallas, who understands typographical arrangements much better than I +can pretend to do. The printer may place the notes in his <i>own +way</i>, or any <i>way</i>, so that they are out of <i>my way</i>; I +care nothing about types or margins.<br> +<br> +If you have any communication to make, I shall be here at least a week +or ten days longer. I am, Sir, etc., etc., <br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp2">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L188">188—To R. C. Dallas</a></h3> +<br> +Newstead Abbey, Sept. 16, 1811.<br> +<br><br> + + +<b>Dear Sir</b>,—I send you a <i>motto</i>: + + <blockquote>"L'univers est une espèce de livre, dont on n'a lu que la première + page quand on n'a vu que son pays. J'en ai feuilleté un assez grand + nombre, que j'ai trouvé également mauvaises. Cet examen ne m'a point + été infructueux. Je haïssais ma patrie. Toutes les impertinences des + peuples divers, parmi lesquels j'ai vécu, m'ont réconcilié avec elle. + Quand je n'aurais tiré d'autre bénéfice de mes voyages que celui-là, + je n'en regretterais ni les frais, ni les fatigues."</blockquote> + +"<a name="fra61">Le</a> Cosmopolite."<a href="#fa61"><sup>1</sup></a> + +If not too long, I think it will suit the book. The passage is from a +little French volume, a great favourite with me, which I picked up in +the Archipelago. I don't think it is well known in England; Monbron is +the author; but it is a work sixty years old.<br> +<br> +Good morning! I won't take up your time.<br> +<br> +Yours ever,<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br><br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fa61"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Fougeret de Monbron, born at Péronne, served in the +<i>Gardes du Corps</i>, but abandoned the sword for the pen, and +published <i>Henriade Travestie</i> (1745); <i>Préservatif Centre +l'Anglomanie</i> (1787); and <i>Le Cosmopolite</i> (1750). His novels, +<i>Margot la Ravaudeuse, Thérlsé Philosophe</i>, and others, appeared +under the name of Fougeret. He died in 1761. In that year was published +in London an edition of <i>Le Cosmopolite, ou le Citoyen du Monde</i>, +par Mr. de Monbron, with the motto, "Patria est ubicunque est bene" +(Cic. 5, Tusc. 37).<br> +<br> +Byron's quotation is the opening paragraph of the book. The author, who +had travelled in England, returns to France a complete "Jacques +Rôt-de-Bif." He then visits Holland, the Low Countries, Constantinople, +Italy, Spain, Portugal, and England a second time. He finds that the +charm has vanished, and that the English are no better than their +neighbours. It is a cynical little book, abounding in such sayings as. +"Make acquaintances, not friends; intimacy breeds disgust;" "The best +fruit of travelling is the justification of instinctive dislikes." +Monbron, like Byron, ridicules the traveller's passion for collecting +broken statues and antiques.<br> +<a href="#fra61">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp2">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L189">189—to R. C. Dallas</a></h3> +<br> +Newstead Abbey, Sept. 17, 1811.<br> +<br><br> + +I can easily excuse your not writing, as you have, I hope, something +better to do, and you must pardon my frequent invasions on your +attention, because I have at this moment nothing to interpose between +you and my epistles.<br> +<br> +I cannot settle to any thing, and my days pass, with the exception of +bodily exercise to some extent, with uniform indolence, and idle +insipidity. I have been expecting, and still expect, my agent, when I +shall have enough to occupy my reflections in business of no very +pleasant aspect. Before my journey to Rochdale, you shall have due +notice where to address me—I believe at the post-office of that +township. From Murray I received a second proof of the same pages, which +I requested him to show you, that any thing which may have escaped my +observation may be detected before the printer lays the corner-stone of +an <i>errata</i> column.<br> +<br> +I <a name="fra71">am</a> now not quite alone, having an old acquaintance and school-fellow<a href="#fa71"><sup>1</sup></a> with me, so <i>old</i>, indeed, that we have nothing <i>new</i> to +say on any subject, and yawn at each other in a sort of <i>quiet +inquietude</i>. I <a name="fra72">hear</a> nothing from Cawthorn, or Captain Hobhouse; and +<i>their quarto</i> —Lord have mercy on mankind! We come on like +Cerberus with our triple publications<a href="#fa72"><sup>2</sup></a>. As for <i>myself</i>, by +<i>myself</i>, I must be satisfied with a comparison to <i>Janus</i>.<br> +<br> +I am not at all pleased with Murray for showing the MS.; and I am +certain Gifford must see it in the same light that I do. His praise is +nothing to the purpose: what could he say? He could not spit in the face +of one who had praised him in every possible way. I must own that I wish +to have the impression removed from his mind, that I had any concern in +such a paltry transaction. The more I think, the more it disquiets me; +so I will say no more about it. It is bad enough to be a scribbler, +without having recourse to such shifts to extort praise, or deprecate +censure. It is anticipating, it is begging, kneeling, adulating,—the +devil! the devil! the devil! and all without my wish, and contrary to my +express desire. I <a name="fra73">wish</a> Murray had been tied to <i>Payne's</i> neck when +he jumped into the Paddington Canal<a href="#fa73"><sup>3</sup></a>, and so tell him,—<i>that</i> +is the proper receptacle for publishers. You have thought of settling in +the country, why not try Notts.? I think there are places which would +suit you in all points, and then you are nearer the metropolis. But of +this anon.<br> +<br> +I am, yours, etc., <br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fa71"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> John Claridge. (See <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. 267, +<i>note</i> 2.) [Footnote 4 of Letter 136]<br> +<a href="#fra71">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fa72"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> <i>i. e. Childe Harold, Hints from Horace</i>, and +<i>Travels in Albania.</i><br> +<a href="#fra72">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fa73"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> Mr. Payne, of the firm of Payne and Mackinlay, the +publishers of Hodgson's <i>Juvenal</i>, committed suicide by drowning +himself in the Paddington Canal. Byron, in a note to <i>Hints from +Horace</i>, line 657, thus applies the incident: + + <blockquote>"A literary friend of mine, walking out one lovely evening last + summer, on the eleventh bridge of the Paddington canal, was alarmed by + the cry of 'one in jeopardy:' he rushed along, collected a body of + Irish haymakers (supping on buttermilk in an adjacent paddock), + procured three rakes, one eel spear and a landing-net, and at last + (<i>horresco referens</i>) pulled out—his own publisher. The + unfortunate man was gone for ever, and so was a large quarto wherewith + he had taken the leap, which proved, on inquiry, to have been Mr. + Southey's last work. Its 'alacrity of sinking' was so great, that it + has never since been heard of; though some maintain that it is at this + moment concealed at Alderman Birch's pastry-premises, Cornhill. Be + this as it may, the coroner's inquest brought in a verdict of '<i>Felo + de Bibliopolâ</i>' against a quarto unknown,' and circumstantial + evidence being since strong against the <i>Curse of Kehama</i> (of + which the above words are an exact description), it will be tried by + its peers next session, in Grub Street—Arthur, Alfred, Davideis, + Richard Coeur de Lion, Exodus, Exodiad, Epigoniad, Calvary, Fall of + Cambria, Siege of Acre, Don Roderick, and Tom Thumb the Great, are the + names of the twelve jurors. The judges are Pye, Bowles, and the + bell-man of St. Sepulchre's."</blockquote> +<a href="#fra73">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp2">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L190">190—to R.C. Dallas</a></h3> +<br> +Newstead Abbey, Sept. 17, 1811.<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Sir,—I have just discovered some pages of observations on the +modern Greeks, written at Athens by me, under the title of <i>Noctes +Atticæ</i>. They will do to <i>cut up</i> into notes, and to be <i>cut +up</i> afterwards, which is all that notes are generally good for. They +were written at Athens, as you will see by the date.<br> +<br> +Yours ever, <br> +B.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp2">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L191">191—to R. C. Dallas</a></h3> +<br> +Newstead Abbey, Sept, 21, 1811.<br> +<br><br> + +I have shown my respect for your suggestions by adopting them; but I +have made many alterations in the first proof, over and above; as, for +example: + +<blockquote>Oh Thou, in <i>Hellas</i> deem'd of heavenly birth, <br> +etc., etc.<br> + <br> + Since <i>shamed full oft</i> by <i>later lyres</i> on earth, <br> + Mine, etc.<br> + <br> + Yet there <i>I've wandered</i> by the vaunted rill;</blockquote> + +and so on. So I have got rid of Dr. Lowth and "drunk" to boot, and very +glad I am to say so. I have also sullenised the line as heretofore, and +in short have been quite conformable.<br> +<br> +Pray write; you shall hear when I remove to Lancashire. I have brought +you and my friend Juvenal Hodgson upon my back, on the score of +revelation. You are fervent, but he is quite <i>glowing</i>; and if he +take half the pains to save his own soul, which he volunteers to redeem +mine, great will be his reward hereafter. I honour and thank you both, +but am convinced by neither. Now for notes. Besides those I have sent, I +shall send the observations on the Edinburgh Reviewer's remarks on the +modern Greek, an Albanian song in the Albanian (<i>not Greek</i>) +language, specimens of modern Greek from their New Testament, a comedy +of Goldoni's translated, <i>one scene</i>, a prospectus of a friend's +book, and perhaps a song or two, <i>all</i> in Romaic, besides their +Pater Noster; so there will be enough, if not too much, with what I have +already sent. Have you received the <i>Noctes Atticæ</i>?<br> +<br> +I sent also an annotation on Portugal. <a name="fra81">Hobhouse</a> is also forthcoming<a href="#fa81"><sup>1</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fa81"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> That is, with his <i>Travels in Albania</i>, in part of +which Byron and his Greek servant, Demetrius, were assisting him with +notes and other material.<br> +<a href="#fra81">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp2">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L192">192—to R. C. Dallas.</a></h3> +<br> +Newstead Abbey, Sept. 23, 1811.<br> +<br><br> + +<i>Lisboa</i><a href="#fa91"><sup>1</sup></a> is <a name="fra91">the</a> Portuguese word, consequently the very best. +Ulissipont is pedantic; and as I have <i>Hellas</i> and <i>Eros</i> not +long before, there would be something like an affectation of Greek +terms, which I wish to avoid, since I shall have a perilous quantity of +<i>modern</i> Greek in my notes, as specimens of the tongue; therefore +Lisboa may keep its place. You are right about the <i>Hints</i>; they +must not precede the <i>Romaunt</i>; but Cawthorn will be savage if they +don't; however, keep <i>them</i> back, and <i>him</i> in <i>good +humour</i>, if we can, but do not let him publish.<br> +<br> +I have adopted, I believe, most of your suggestions, but "Lisboa" will +be an exception to prove the rule. I have sent a quantity of notes, and +shall continue; but pray let them be copied; no devil can read my hand. +<a name="fra92">By</a> the by, I do not mean to exchange the ninth verse of the "Good +Night."<a href="#fa92"><sup>2</sup></a> I have no reason to suppose my dog better than his brother +brutes, mankind; and <i>Argus</i> we know to be a fable. The +<i>Cosmopolite</i> was an acquisition abroad. I do not believe it is to +be found in England. It is an amusing little volume, and full of French +flippancy. I read, though I do not speak the language.<br> +<br> +I <i>will</i> be <a name="fra93">angry</a> with Murray. It was a bookselling, back-shop, +Paternoster-row, paltry proceeding; and if the experiment had turned out +as it deserved, I would have raised all Fleet Street, and borrowed the +giant's staff from St. Dunstan's church<a href="#fa93"><sup>3</sup></a>, to immolate the betrayer of +trust. I have written to him as he never was written to before by an +author, I'll be sworn, and I hope you will amplify my wrath, till it has +an effect upon him. You tell me always you have much to write about. +Write it, but let us drop metaphysics;—on that point we shall never +agree. I am dull and drowsy, as usual. I do nothing, and even that +nothing fatigues me. <br> +Adieu.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fa91"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> See <i>Childe Harold</i>, Canto I. stanza xvi., and Byron's +<i>note</i>.<br> +<a href="#fra91">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fa92"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> See <i>Childe Harold</i>, Canto I. The "Good Night" is +placed between stanzas xiii. and xiv. + + <blockquote> "And now I'm in the world alone,<br> + Upon the wide, wide sea;<br> + But why should I for others groan,<br> + When none will sigh for me?<br> + Perchance my dog will whine in vain,<br> + Till fed by stranger hands;<br> + But long ere I come back again<br> + He'd tear me where he stands."</blockquote> +<a href="#fra92">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fa93"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> St. Dunstan's in the West, before its rebuilding by Shaw +(1831-33), was one of the oldest churches in London. The clock, which +projected over the street, and had two wooden figures of wild men who +struck the hours with their clubs, was set up in 1671. Unless there was +a similar clock before this date, as is not improbable, Scott is wrong +in <i>The Fortunes of Nigel</i>, where he makes Moniplies stand +"astonished as old Adam and Eve ply their ding-dong." The figures, the +removal of which, it is said, brought tears to the eyes of Charles Lamb, +were bought by the Marquis of Hertford to adorn his villa in Regent's +Park, still called St. Dunstan's. Murray's shop at 32, Fleet Street, +stood opposite the church, the yard of which was surrounded with +stationers' shops, where many famous books of the seventeenth century +were published.<br> +<a href="#fra93">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp2">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L193">193—to Francis Hodgson</a></h3> +<br> +Newstead Abbey, Sept. 25, 1811.<br> +<br><br> + +<b>My Dear Hodgson</b>,—I fear that before the latest of October or the first +of November, I shall hardly be able to make Cambridge. My everlasting +agent puts off his coming like the accomplishment of a prophecy. +However, finding me growing serious he hath promised to be here on +Thursday, and about Monday we shall remove to Rochdale. I have only to +give discharges to the tenantry here (it seems the poor creatures must +be raised, though I wish it was not necessary), and arrange the receipt +of sums, and the liquidation of some debts, and I shall be ready to +enter upon new subjects of vexation. I intend to visit you in Granta, +and hope to prevail on you to accompany me here or there or anywhere.<br> +<br> +I am plucking up my spirits, and have begun to gather my little sensual +comforts together. Lucy is extracted from Warwickshire; some very bad +faces have been warned off the premises, and more promising substituted +in their stead; the partridges are plentiful, hares fairish, pheasants +not quite so good, and the Girls on the Manor —— Just as I had +formed a tolerable establishment my travels commenced, and on my return +I find all to do over again; my former flock were all scattered; some +married, not before it was needful. As I am a great disciplinarian, I +have just issued an edict for the abolition of caps; no hair to be cut +on any pretext; stays permitted, but not too low before; full uniform +always in the evening; Lucinda to be commander—<i>vice</i> the present, +about to be wedded (<i>mem</i>. she is 35 with a flat face and a +squeaking voice), of all the makers and unmakers of beds in the +household.<br> +<br> +My tortoises (all Athenians), my hedgehog, my mastiff and the other live +Greek, are all purely. The tortoises lay eggs, and I have hired a hen to +hatch them. I am writing notes for <i>my</i> quarto (Murray would have +it a <i>quarto</i>), and Hobhouse is writing text for <i>his</i> quarto; +if you call on Murray or Cawthorn you will hear news of either. I <a name="frb1">have</a> +attacked De Pauw<a href="#fb1"><sup>1</sup></a>, Thornton<a href="#fb1"><sup>1</sup></a>, Lord Elgin<a href="#fb2"><sup>2</sup></a>, Spain, Portugal, the +<i>Edinburgh Review</i><a href="#fb3"><sup>3</sup></a>, travellers, Painters, Antiquarians, and +others, so you see what a dish of Sour Crout Controversy I shall prepare +for myself. It would not answer for me to give way, now; as I was forced +into bitterness at the beginning, I will go through to the last. <i>Væ +Victis</i>! If I fall, I shall fall gloriously, fighting against a host.<br> +<br> +<i>Felicissima Notte a Voss. Signoria,</i><br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fb1"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnotes 1:</span></a> <i>Childe Harold</i>, Canto II. note D, part ii.<br> +<a href="#frb1">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fb2"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> <i>Ibid</i>., note A.<br> +<a href="#frb1">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fb3"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> <i>Ibid</i>., note D, part iii.<br> +<a href="#frb1">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp2">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L194">194—to R. C. Dallas</a></h3> +<br> +Newstead Abbey, Sept. 26, 1811.<br> +<br><br> + +<b>My Dear Sir</b>,-In a stanza towards the end of canto 1st, there is in the +concluding line, + +<blockquote>Some bitter bubbles up, and e'en on roses stings.</blockquote> + +I have altered it as follows: + +<blockquote>Full from the heart of joy's delicious springs<br> +Some bitter o'er the flowers its bubbling venom flings.</blockquote> + +If <a name="frb11">you</a> will point out the stanzas on Cintra<a href="#fb11"><sup>1</sup></a> which you wish recast, I +will send you mine answer. Be good enough to address your letters here, +and they will either be forwarded or saved till my return. My agent +comes tomorrow, and we shall set out immediately.<br> +<br> +The press must not proceed of course without my seeing the proofs, as I +have much to do. <a name="frb12">Pray</a>, do you think any alterations should be made in +the stanzas on Vathek<a href="#fb12"><sup>2</sup></a>?<br> +<br> +I should be sorry to make any improper allusion, as I merely wish to +adduce an example of wasted wealth, and the reflection which arose in +surveying the most desolate mansion in the most beautiful spot I ever +beheld.<br> +<br> +Pray keep Cawthorn back; he was not to begin till November, and even +that will be two months too soon. I am so sorry my hand is +unintelligible; but I can neither deny your accusation, nor remove the +cause of it.—It is a sad scrawl, certes.—A perilous quantity of +annotation hath been sent; I think almost <I>enough</I>, with the +specimens of Romaic I mean to annex.<br> +<br> +I will have nothing to say to your metaphysics, and allegories of rocks +and beaches; we shall all go to the bottom together, so "let us eat and +drink, for tomorrow," etc. I am as comfortable in my creed as others, +inasmuch as it is better to sleep than to be awake.<br> +<br> +I have heard nothing of Murray; I hope he is ashamed of himself. He sent +me a vastly complimentary epistle, with a request to alter the two, and +finish another canto. I sent him as civil an answer as if I had been +engaged to translate by the sheet, declining altering anything in +sentiment, but offered to tag rhymes, and mend them as long as he liked.<br> +<br> +I will write from Rochdale when I arrive, if my affairs allow me; but I +shall be so busy and savage all the time with the whole set, that my +letters will, perhaps, be as pettish as myself. If so, lay the blame on +coal and coal-heavers. Very probably I may proceed to town by way of +Newstead on my return from Lancs. I mean to be at Cambridge in November, +so that, at all events, we shall be nearer. I will not apologise for the +trouble I have given and do give you, though I ought to do so; but I +have worn out my politest periods, and can only say that I am much +obliged to you.<br> +<br> +Believe me, yours always,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fb11"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> <i>Childe Harold</i>, Canto I. stanza xviii.<br> +<a href="#frb11">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fb12"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> <i>i. e.</i> on Bedford (see <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. 228, +<i>note</i> 1 [Footnote 2 of Letter 125]; and <i>Childe Harold</i>, Canto I, stanza xxii.).<br> +<a href="#frb12">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp3">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L195">195—to James Wedderburn Webster</a></h3> +<br> +Newstead Abbey, Oct. 10th, 1811.<br> +<br><br> + +<b>Dear Webster</b>,—I can hardly invite a gentleman to my house a second time +who walked out of it the first in so singular a mood, but if you had +thought proper to pay me a visit, you would have had a "Highland +Welcome."<br> +<br> +I am only just returned to it out of Lancashire, where I have been on +business to a Coal manor of mine near Rochdale, and shall leave it very +shortly for Cambridge and London. My companions, or rather companion, +(for Claridge alone has been with me) have not been very amusing, and, +as to their "<i>Sincerity</i>," they are doubtless sincere enough for a +man who will never put them to the trial. <a name="frb21">Besides</a> you talked so much of +your conjugal happiness, that an invitation from home would have seemed +like Sacrilege, and my rough Bachelor's Hall would have appeared to +little advantage after the "Bower of Armida"<a href="#fb21"><sup>1</sup></a> where you have been reposing.<br> +<br> +I cannot boast of my social powers at any time, and just at present they +are more stagnant than ever. <a name="frb22">Your</a> Brother-in-law<a href="#fb22"><sup>2</sup></a> means to stand for +Wexford, but I have reasons for thinking the Portsmouth interest will be +against him; however I wish him success. Do <i>you</i> mean to stand for +any place next election? What are your politics? I hope Valentia's Lord +is for the Catholics. You will find Hobhouse at Enniscorthy in the +contested County.<br> +<br> +Pray what has seized you? your last letter is the only one in which you +do not rave upon matrimony. Are there no symptoms of a young W.W.? and +shall I never be a Godfather? I believe I must be married myself soon, +but it shall be a secret and a Surprise. However, knowing your exceeding +discretion I shall probably entrust the secret to your silence at a +proper period. <a name="frb23">You</a> have, it is true, invited me repeatedly to Dean's +Court<a href="#fb23"><sup>3</sup></a> and now, when it is probable I might adventure there, you wish to be off. Be it so.<br> +<br> +If you address your letters to this place they will be forwarded +wherever I sojourn. I am about to meet some friends at Cambridge and on +to town in November.<br> +<br> +The <a name="frb24">papers</a> are full of Dalrymple's Bigamy<a href="#fb24"><sup>4</sup></a> (I know the man). What the +Devil will he do with his <i>Spare-rib</i>? He is no beauty, but as lame +as myself. He has more ladies than legs, what comfort to a cripple! +<i>Sto sempre umilissimo servitore</i>. .<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fb21"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Armida is the Sorceress, the niece of Prince Idreotes, in +Tasso's <i>Jerusalem Delivered</i>, in whose palace Rinaldo forgets his +vow as a crusader. Byron, in <i>Don Juan</i> (Canto I. stanza lxxi.), +says: + + <blockquote> "But ne'er magician's wand<br> + Wrought change, with all Armida's fairy art,<br> + Like what this light touch left on Juan's heart."</blockquote> + +In the Catalogue of Byron's books, sold April 5, 1816, appear four +editions of Tasso's <i>Gerusalemme Liberata</i>, being those of 1776, +1785, 1813, and one undated.<br> +<a href="#frb21">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fb22"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> For George Annesley, Lord Valentia, afterwards Earl of +Mountnorris (1769-1844), see <i>Poems</i>, ed. 1898, vol. i. p. 378, and +<i>note 5</i>.<br> +<a href="#frb22">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fb23"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> Near Wimborne, Dorset.<br> +<a href="#frb23">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fb24"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> The suit of <i>Dalrymple</i> v. <i>Dalrymple</i> was tried +before Sir William Scott, in the Consistory Court, Doctors' Commons, +July 16, 1811. The suit was brought by Mrs. Dalrymple (<i>née</i> Joanna +Gordon) against Captain John William Henry Dalrymple. By Scottish law he +was held to have been married to Miss Gordon, and his subsequent +marriage with Miss Manners, sister of the Duchess of St. Albans, was +held to be illegal.<br> +<a href="#frb24">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp3">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h3><a name="L196">196—to R.C. Dallas</a></h3> +<br> +Newstead Abbey, October 10th, 1811.<br><br> + +<br> +<b>Dear Sir</b>,—<a name="frb31">Stanzas</a> 24, 26, 29<a href="#fb31"><sup>1</sup></a>, though <I>crossed</I> must +<I>stand</I>, with their <I>alterations</I>. The <a name="frb32">other</a> three<a href="#fb32"><sup>2</sup></a> are cut +out to meet your wishes. We must, however, have a repetition of the +proof, which is the first. I will write soon.<br> +<br> +Yours ever,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +P.S.—Yesterday I returned from Lancs.<br><br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fb31"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> The stanzas are xxiv., xxv., xxvi. of Canto I.<br> +<a href="#frb31">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fb32"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> The following are the three deleted stanzas: + +<table summary="deleted stanzas" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXV</span></td> + <td>"In golden characters, right well designed,<br> + First on the list appeareth one 'Junot;'<br> + Then certain other glorious names we find;<br> + (Which rhyme compelleth me to place below—)<br> + Dull victors! baffled by a vanquished foe,<br> + Wheedled by conynge tongues of laurels due,<br> + Stand, worthy of each other, in a row<br> + Sirs Arthur, Harry, and the dizzard Hew<br> + Dalrymple, seely wight, sore dupe of 'tother tew."</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXVII</span></td> + <td>"But when Convention sent his handy work,<br> + Pens, tongues, feet, hands, combined in wild uproar;<br> + Mayor, Alderman, laid down th' uplifted fork;<br> + The bench of Bishops half forgot to snore;<br> + Stern Cobbett, who for one whole week forbore<br> + To question aught, once more with transport leapt,<br> + And bit his dev'lish quill agen, and swore<br> + With foe such treaty never should be kept.<br> + Then burst the blatant beast, and roared and raged and—slept!!!"</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><span style="font-size: 150%;">XXVIII</span></td> + <td>"Thus unto heaven appealed the people; heaven,<br> + Which loves the lieges of our gracious King,<br> + Decreed that ere our generals were forgiven,<br> + Inquiry should be held about the thing.<br> +But mercy cloaked the babes beneath her wing;<br> +And as they spared our foes so spared we them.<br> +(Where was the pity of our sires for Byng?)<br> +Yet knaves, not idiots, should the law condemn.<br> +Then live ye, triumph gallants! and bless your judges' phlegm."</td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<a href="#frb32">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp3">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h3><a name="L197">197—to R.C. Dallas</a></h3> +<br> +Newstead Abbey, Oct. 11, 1811.<br> +<br><br> + +I have returned from Lancashire, and ascertained that my property there +may be made very valuable, but various circumstances very much +circumscribe my exertions at present. I shall be in town on business in +the beginning of November, and perhaps at Cambridge before the end of +this month; but of my movements you shall be regularly apprised. Your +objections I have in part done away by alterations, which I hope will +suffice; and I have sent two or three additional stanzas for both +<i>"Fyttes."</i> I <a name="frb41">have</a> been again shocked with a <i>death</i>, and have +lost one very dear to me in happier times<a href="#fb41"><sup>1</sup></a>; but "I have almost forgot +the taste of grief," and "supped full of horrors"<a href="#fb42"><sup>2</sup></a> till I have become +callous, nor have I a tear left for an event which, five years ago, +would have bowed down my head to the earth. It seems as though I were to +experience in my youth the greatest misery of age. My friends fall +around me, and I shall be left a lonely tree before I am withered. Other +men can always take refuge in their families; I have no resource but my +own reflections, and they present no prospect here or hereafter, except +the selfish satisfaction of surviving my betters. I am indeed very +wretched, and you will excuse my saying so, as you know I am not apt to +cant of sensibility.<br> +<br> +Instead of tiring yourself with <i>my</i> concerns, I should be glad to +hear <i>your</i> plans of retirement. I suppose you would not like to be +wholly shut out of society? Now I know a large village, or small town, +about twelve miles off, where your family would have the advantage of +very genteel society, without the hazard of being annoyed by mercantile +affluence; where <i>you</i> would meet with men of information and +independence; and where I have friends to whom I should be proud to +introduce you. There are, besides, a coffee-room, assemblies, etc., +etc., which bring people together. My mother had a house there some +years, and I am well acquainted with the economy of Southwell, the name +of this little commonwealth. Lastly, you will not be very remote from +me; and though I am the very worst companion for young people in the +world, this objection would not apply to <i>you</i>, whom I could see +frequently. Your expenses, too, would be such as best suit your +inclinations, more or less, as you thought proper; but very little would +be requisite to enable you to enter into all the gaieties of a country +life. You could be as quiet or bustling as you liked, and certainly as +well situated as on the lakes of Cumberland, unless you have a +particular wish to be <i>picturesque</i>.<br> +<br> +Pray, is your Ionian friend in town? You have promised me an +introduction. You mention having consulted some friend on the MSS. Is +not this contrary to our usual way? <a name="frb43">Instruct</a> Mr. Murray not to allow his +shopman to call the work <i>Child of Harrow's Pilgrimage!!!!!<a href="#fb43"><sup>3</sup></a></i> as he +has done to some of my astonished friends, who wrote to inquire after my +<i>sanity</i> on the occasion, as well they might. I have heard nothing +of Murray, whom I scolded heartily. Must I write more notes? Are there +not enough? Cawthorn must be kept back with the <i>Hints</i>. I hope he +is getting on with Hobhouse's quarto. Good evening.<br> +<br> +Yours ever, etc.<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fb41"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> The reference is to Edleston (see <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. +130, note 3 [Footnote 2 of Letter 74]), of whose death Miss Edleston had recently sent Byron an +account.<br> +<a href="#frb41">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fb42"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"I have almost forgot the taste of fears: <br> + ...<br> + I have supp'd full with horrors."</blockquote> + +<i>Macbeth</i>, act v. sc. 5.<br> +<a href="#frb41">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fb43"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> Francis Hodgson, writing to Byron, October 8, 1811, says, + + <blockquote> "Murray's shopman, taught, I presume, by himself, calls <i>Psyche</i> + 'Pishy,' <i>The Four Slaves of Cythera</i> 'The Four do. of Cythera,' + and <i>Childe Harold's Pilgrimage</i> 'Child of Harrow's Pilgrimage.' + This misnomering Vendor of Books must have been misbegotten in some + portentous union of the Malaprops and the Slipslops."</blockquote> +<a href="#frb43">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp3">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L198"></a>198—To Francis Hodgson</h3> +<br> +Newstead Abbey, Oct. 13, 1811.<br> +<br><br> + +You will begin to deem me a most liberal correspondent; but as my +letters are free, you will overlook their frequency. I have sent you +answers in prose and verse to all your late communications; and though I +am invading your ease again, I don't know why, or what to put down that +you are not acquainted with already. I am growing <i>nervous</i> (how +you will laugh!)—but it is true,—really, wretchedly, ridiculously, +fine-ladically <i>nervous</i>. Your climate kills me; I can neither +read, write, nor amuse myself, or any one else. My days are listless, +and my nights restless; I have very seldom any society, and when I have, +I run out of it. At "this present writing," there are in the next room +three <i>ladies</i>, and I have stolen away to write this grumbling +letter.—I don't know that I sha'n't end with insanity, for I find a +want of method in arranging my thoughts that perplexes me strangely; but +this looks more like silliness than madness, as Scrope Davies would +facetiously remark in his consoling manner. I must try the hartshorn of +your company; and a session of Parliament would suit me well,—any thing +to cure me of conjugating the accursed verb "<i>ennuyer</i>."<br> +<br> +When shall you be at Cambridge? <a name="frb51">You</a> have hinted, I think, that your +friend Bland<a href="#fb51"><sup>1</sup></a> is returned from Holland. I have always had a great +respect for his talents, and for all that I have heard of his character; +but of me, I believe he knows nothing, except that he heard my sixth +form repetitions ten months together at the average of two lines a +morning, and those never perfect. I remembered him and his <i>Slaves</i> +as I passed between Capes Matapan, St. Angelo, and his Isle of Ceriga, +and I always bewailed the absence of the <i>Anthology</i>. I <a name="frb52">suppose</a> he +will now translate Vondel, the Dutch Shakspeare, and <i>Gysbert van +Amsteli</i> <a href="#fb52"><sup>2</sup></a> will easily be accommodated to our stage in its present state; and I +presume he saw the Dutch poem, where the love of Pyramus and Thisbe is +compared to the passion of Christ; also the love of Lucifer for Eve, and +other varieties of Low Country literature.<br> +<br> +No doubt you will think me crazed to talk of such things, but they are +all in black and white and good repute on the banks of every canal from +Amsterdam to Alkmaar.<br> +<br> +Yours ever,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +My poesy is in the hands of its various publishers; but the <i>Hints +from Horace</i> (to <a name="frb53">which</a> I have subjoined some savage lines on +Methodism<a href="#fb53"><sup>3</sup></a>, and ferocious notes on the vanity of the triple Editory of the <i>Edin. +Annual Register</i><a href="#fb54"><sup>4</sup></a>), my <i>Hints</i>, I say, stand still, and +why?—I have not a friend in the world (but you and Drury) who can +construe Horace's Latin or my English well enough to adjust them for the +press, or to correct the proofs in a grammatical way. So that, unless +you have bowels when you return to town (I am too far off to do it for +myself), this ineffable work will be lost to the world for—I don't know +how many <i>weeks</i>.<br> +<br> +<i>Childe Harold's Pilgrimage</i> must wait till <i>Murray's</i> is +finished. He is making a tour in Middlesex, and is to return soon, when +high matter may be expected. He wants to have it in quarto, which is a +cursed unsaleable size; but it is pestilent long, and one must obey +one's bookseller. I trust Murray will pass the Paddington Canal without +being seduced by Payne and Mackinlay's example, —I say Payne and +Mackinlay, supposing that the partnership held good. Drury, the villain, +has not written to me; "I <a name="frb55">am</a> never (as Mrs. Lumpkin<a href="#fb55"><sup>5</sup></a> says to Tony) to be gratified with the monster's dear wild notes."<br> +<br> +So you are going (going indeed!) into orders. You must make your peace +with the Eclectic Reviewers—they accuse you of impiety, I fear, with +injustice. <a name="frb56">Demetrius</a>, the "Sieger of Cities," is here, with "Gilpin +Horner."<a href="#fb56"><sup>6</sup></a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="frb57">The</a> painter<a href="#fb57"><sup>7</sup></a> is not necessary, as the portraits he already painted +are (by anticipation) very like the new animals.—Write, and send me +your "Love Song"—but I want <i>paulo majora</i> from you. Make a dash +before you are a deacon, and try a <i>dry</i> publisher.<br> +<br> +Yours always,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fb51"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> For Robert Bland, see <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. 271, +<i>note</i> 1 [Footnote 2 of Letter 137]. In his <i>Four Slaves of Cythera</i> (1809), Canto I., +occur the following lines: + + <blockquote>"Now full in sight the Paphian gardens smile,<br> + And thence by many a green and summer isle,<br> + Whose ancient walls and temples seem to sleep,<br> + Enshadowed on the mirror of the deep,<br> + They coast along Cythera's happy ground,<br> + Gem of the sea, for love's delight renown'd."</blockquote> +<a href="#frb51">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fb52"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Bland had been acting as English Chaplain in Holland. Joost +Van Vondel (1587-1679), born at Cologne of Anabaptist parents, became a +Roman Catholic in 1641. Most of his thirty-two tragedies are on +classical or religious subjects, and in the latter may be traced his +gradual change of faith. <i>Gysbrecht van Amstel</i>(1637) is a play, +the action of which takes place on Christmas Day in the thirteenth +century. The scene is laid at Amsterdam, which is captured by a ruse +like that of the Greeks at Troy. The play appealed strongly to the +patriotic instincts of the Dutch by its prophecy of the future greatness +of Amsterdam. Vondel's <i>Lucifer</i> (1654) has been often compared to +<i>Paradise Lost</i>. It also bears some affinities to <i>Cain</i>. In +it the Archangel Lucifer rebels against God on learning the Divine +intention to take on Himself the nature, not of Angels, but of Man.<br> +<a href="#frb52">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fb53"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> <i>Hints from Horace</i>, lines 371-382.<br> +<a href="#frb53">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fb54"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> <i>The Edinburgh Annual Register</i> (1808-26) was +published by John Ballantyne and Co. The prospectus promised a general +history of Europe; a collection of State papers; a chronicle of events; +original essays on morality, literature, and science; and articles on +biography, the useful arts, and meteorology. The Editor was Scott, and +Southey was responsible for the historical department. The first two +parts, giving the history of 1808, did not appear till July, 1810, and +then with an editorial apology for the omission of the articles on +biography, the useful arts, and meteorology; also with an explanation +that the idea of original essays on morality, literature, and science +had been abandoned. The venture, thus unfortunately launched, never +succeeded. For Byron's attack, see <i>Hints from Horace</i>, line 657, +and his <i>note</i>.<br> +<a href="#frb53">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fb55"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 5:</span></a> This is an obvious slip for "Mrs. Hardcastle," who, in <i>She +Stoops to Conquer</i> (act ii.), says, <blockquote>"I'm never to be delighted with +your agreeable wild notes, unfeeling monster!"</blockquote> +<a href="#frb55">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fb56"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 6:</span></a> Probably Demetrius, his Greek servant, whom he nicknames +after Demetrius Poliorcetes, and Claridge, who had bored Byron +during a long stay of three weeks.<br> +<a href="#frb56">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fb57"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 7:</span></a> Barber, whom he had brought down to Newstead to paint his +wolf and his bear.<br> +<a href="#frb57">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp3">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L199">199—to R. C. Dallas</a></h3> +<br> +Oct. 14, 1811.<br><br> + +<br> +<b>Dear Sir</b>,—Stanza 9th, for Canto 2nd, somewhat altered, to avoid +recurrence in a former stanza.<br> +<br> +<table summary="stanza 9" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><span style="font-size: 150%;">IX</span></td> + <td>There, thou! whose love and life together fled,<br> + Have left me here to love and live in vain:—<br> +Twined with my heart, and can I deem thee dead,<br> + When busy Memory flashes o'er my brain?<br> +Well—I will dream that we may meet again,<br> + And woo the vision to my vacant breast;<br> +If aught of young Remembrance then remain,<br> + Be as it may<br> + Whate'er beside Futurity's behest;</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>or</i></td> + <td>Howe'er may be<br> + For me 'twere bliss enough to see thy spirit blest!</td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +I think it proper to state to you, that this stanza alludes to an event +which has taken place since my arrival here, and not to the death of any +<i>male</i> friend. +<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp3">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L200">200—to R. C. Dallas</a></h3> +<br> +Newstead Abbey, Oct. 16, 1811.<br> +<br> +<br> +I am on the wing for Cambridge. Thence, after a short stay, to London. +Will you be good enough to keep an account of all the MSS. you receive, +for fear of omission? Have you adopted the three altered stanzas of the +latest proof? I can do nothing more with them. I am glad you like the +new ones. Of the last, and of the <i>two</i>, I sent for a new edition, +to-day a <i>fresh note</i>. The lines of the second sheet I fear must +stand; I will give you reasons when we meet. + +Believe me, yours ever, +<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b> +<br><br> +<p><a href="#lp3">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L201">201—to R. C. Dallas</a></h3> +<br> +Cambridge, Oct. 25, 1811.<br> +<br><br> + +<b>Dear Sir</b>, I send you a conclusion to the <i>whole</i>. In a stanza +towards the end of Canto I. in the line, + +<blockquote>Oh, known the earliest and <i>beloved</i> the most,</blockquote> + +I shall alter the epithet to "<i>esteemed</i> the most." The present +stanzas are for the end of Canto II. For the beginning of the week I +shall be at No. 8, my old lodgings, in St. James' Street, where I hope +to have the pleasure of seeing you.<br> +<br> +Yours ever,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp3">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L202"></a>202—To Thomas Moore<a href="#fb61"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>1</sup></span></a></h3> +<br> +Cambridge, October 27, 1811.<br> +<br><br> + +<b>Sir</b>,—Your letter followed me from Notts, to this place, which will +account for the delay of my reply.<br> +<br> +Your former letter I never had the honour to receive;—be assured in +whatever part of the world it had found me, I should have deemed it my +duty to return and answer it in person.<br> +<br> +The advertisement you mention, I know nothing of.—At the time of your +meeting with Mr. Jeffrey, I had recently entered College, and remember +to have heard and read a number of squibs on the occasion; and from the +recollection of these I derived all my knowledge on the subject, without +the slightest idea of "giving the lie" to an address which I never +beheld. When I put my name to the production, which has occasioned this +correspondence, I became responsible to all whom it might concern,—to +explain where it requires explanation, and, where insufficiently or too +sufficiently explicit, at all events to satisfy. My situation leaves me +no choice; it rests with the injured and the angry to obtain reparation +in their own way.<br> +<br> +With regard to the passage in question, <i>you</i> were certainly +<i>not</i> the person towards whom I felt personally hostile. On the +contrary, my whole thoughts were engrossed by one, whom I had reason to +consider as my worst literary enemy, nor could I foresee that his former +antagonist was about to become his champion. You do not specify what you +would wish to have done: I can neither retract nor apologise for a +charge of falsehood which I never advanced.<br> +<br> +In the beginning of the week, I shall be at No. 8, St. James's +Street.—Neither the letter nor the friend to whom you stated your +intention ever made their appearance.<br> +<br> +<a name="frb62">Your</a> friend, Mr. Rogers<a href="#fb62"><sup>2</sup></a>, or any other gentleman delegated by you, +will find me most ready to adopt any conciliatory proposition which +shall not compromise my own honour,—or, failing in that, to make the +atonement you deem it necessary to require.<br> +<br> +I have the honour to be, Sir,<br> +<br> +Your most obedient, humble servant,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fb61"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Thomas Moore (1779-1852), by his literary and social gifts, +had made his name several years before 1811, when he first became +personally acquainted with Byron. His precocity was as remarkable as his +versatility. The son of a Dublin grocer, for whom his political interest +secured the post of barrack-master, he went, like Sheridan, to Samuel +Whyte's school, and was afterwards at Trinity College, Dublin. Before he +was fifteen he had written verses, including lines to Whyte, himself a +poet, the publication of which, in the <i>Anthologia Hibernica</i> +(October, 1793; February, March, and June, 1794), gained him a local +reputation. Coming to London in 1799, he read law at the Middle Temple. +His <i>Odes</i> translated from Anacreon (1800), dedicated to the Prince +of Wales, opened to him the houses of the Whig aristocracy; and his +powers as a singer, an actor, a talker, and, later, as a satirist, made +him a favourite in society. In 1801 appeared his <i>Poems: by the late +Thomas Little</i>, amatory verses which Byron read, and imitated in some +of the silliest of his youthful lines.<br> +<br> +The review of Moore's <i>Odes, Epistles, and Other Poems</i> (1806), +which appeared in the <i>Edinburgh Review</i> for July, 1806, provoked +Moore to challenge Jeffrey. Their duel with "leadless pistols" led, not +only to Moore's friendship with Jeffrey, but, indirectly, as is seen +from the following letters, to Moore's acquaintance with Byron. Moore +himself contributed to the <i>Edinburgh</i>, between the years 1814 and +1834, essays on multifarious subjects, from poetry to German +Rationalism, from the Fathers to French official life. In 1807 the first +of the <i>Irish Melodies</i> was published; they continued to appear at +irregular intervals till 1834, when 122 had been printed. A master of +the art of versification, Moore sings, with graceful fancy, in a tone of +mingled mirth and melancholy, his love of his country, of the wine of +other countries, and the women of all countries. But, except in his +patriotism, he shows little depth of feeling. The <i>Melodies</i> are +the work of a brilliantly clever man, endowed with an exquisite musical +ear, and a temperament that is rather susceptible than intense. With +them may be classed his <i>National Airs</i> (1815) and <i>Sacred +Song</i> (1816).<br> +<br> +Moore had already found one field in which he excelled; it was not long +before he discovered another. His serious satires, <i>Corruption</i> +(1808), <i>Intolerance</i> (1808), and <i>The Sceptic</i> (1809), +failed. His nature was neither deep enough nor strong enough for success +in such themes. In the ephemeral strife of party politics he found his +real province. Nothing can be better of their kind than the metrical +lampoons collected in <i>Intercepted Letters, or the Twopenny Post-bag, +by Thomas Brown the Younger</i> (1813). In his hands the bow and arrows +of Cupid become formidable weapons of party warfare; nor do their +ornaments impede the movements of the archer. The shaft is gaily winged +and brightly polished; the barb sharp and dipped in venom; and the +missile hums music as it flies to its mark. Moore's satire is the satire +of the Clubs at its best; but it is scarcely the satire of literature. +<i>The Twopenny Post-bag</i> was the parent of many similar productions, +beginning with <i>The Fudge Family in Paris</i> (1818), and ending with +<i>Fables for the Holy Alliance</i> (1823), which he dedicated to Byron.<br> +<br> +As a serious poet, and the author of <i>Lalla Rookh</i> (1817), <i>The +Loves of the Angels</i> (1823), and <i>Alciphron</i> (1839), Moore was +perhaps overrated by his contemporaries. In spite of their brightness of +fancy, metrical skill, and brilliant cleverness, they lack the greater +elements of the highest poetry.<br> +<br> +Moore's prose work begins, apart from his contributions to periodical +literature, with the <i>Memoirs of Captain Rock</i> (1824), <i>The +Epicurean</i> (1827), <i>The Travels of an Irish Gentleman in Search of +a Religion</i> (1834), <i>The History of Ireland</i> (1846); and a +succession of biographies—the life of <i>Sheridan</i> (1825), of +<i>Byron</i> (1830), and <i>Lord Edward Fitzgerald</i> (1831)—complete +the list. In the midst of his biographical work, Moore was advised by +Lord Lansdowne to write nine lives at once, and print them together +under the title of <i>The Cat</i>. <br> +<br> +In 1811 Moore married Miss Elizabeth Dyke (born 1793), an actress who +fascinated him at the Kilkenny private theatricals in 1809. To the outer +world, Mrs. Moore's bird, as she called him, was a sprightly little +songster, who lived in a whirl of dinners, suppers, concerts, and +theatricals. These, as well as his private anxieties and misfortunes, +are recorded in the eight volumes of his <i>Memoirs, Journals, and +Correspondence</i>, which were edited by Lord John Russell, in 1853. +Moore was an excellent son, a good husband, an affectionate father, and +to Byron a loyal friend, neither envious nor subservient. Clare, +Hobhouse, and Moore were (Lady Blessington's <i>Conversations</i>, 2nd +edition, 1850, pp. 393, 394) the only persons whose friendship Byron +never disclaimed. He spoke of Moore (<i>ibid</i>., pp. 322, 323) as + +<blockquote>"a delightful companion, gay without +being boisterous, witty without effort, comic without coarseness, +and sentimental without being lachrymose. He reminds one of the +fairy who, whenever she spoke, let diamonds fall from her lips. +My <i>tête-à-tête</i> suppers with Moore are among the most agreeable +impressions I retain of the hours passed in London."</blockquote> + +In July, 1806, in consequence of the article in the <i>Edinburgh +Review</i> on his recent volume of <i>Poems</i>, Moore sent, through his +friend Hume, a challenge to Jeffrey, who was seconded by Francis +Horner, and a meeting was arranged. Moore, who had only once +in his life discharged a firearm of any kind, and then nearly blew +his thumb off, borrowed a case of pistols from William Spencer, and +bought in Bond Street enough powder and bullets for a score of +duels. The parties met at Chalk Farm; the seconds loaded the +pistols, placed the men at their posts, and were about to give the +signal to fire, when the police officers, rushing upon them from +behind a hedge, knocked Jeffrey's weapon from his hand, disarmed +Moore, and conveyed the whole party to Bow Street. They were +released on bail; but, on Moore returning to claim the borrowed +pistols, the officer refused to give them up, because only Moore's +pistol was loaded with ball. Horner, however, gave evidence that +he had seen both pistols loaded; and there, but for the reports circulated +in the newspapers, the affair would have ended. But the +joke was too good to be allowed to drop, and, in spite of Moore's +published letter, he was for months a target for the wits (<i>Memoirs, +Journals, and Correspondence</i>, vol. i. pp. 199-208).<br> +<br> +In <i>English Bards, etc.</i>, lines 466, 467, and his <i>note</i>, Byron made +merry over "Little's leadless pistol," with the result that, when the +second edition o£ the satire was published, with his name attached, +Moore sent him the following letter: + +<blockquote>"Dublin, January 1, 1810.<br> +<br> +"My Lord,—Having just seen the name of 'Lord Byron' prefixed +to a work entitled <i>English Bards, and Scotch Reviewers</i>, in +which, as it appears to me, <i>the lie is given</i> to a public statement +of mine, respecting an affair with Mr. Jeffrey some years since, I +beg you will have the goodness to inform me whether I may consider +your Lordship as the author of this publication.<br> +<br> +"I shall not, I fear, be able to return to London for a week or +two; but, in the mean time, I trust your Lordship will not deny +me the satisfaction of knowing whether you avow the insult contained +in the passages alluded to.<br> +<br> +"It is needless to suggest to your Lordship the propriety of keeping +our correspondence secret.<br> +<br> +"I have the honour to be,<br> +<br> +"Your Lordship's very humble servant,<br> +<br> +"<b>Thomas Moore</b>.<br> +<br> +"22, Molesworth Street."</blockquote> + +Owing to Byron's absence abroad, the letter never reached him; +it was, in fact, kept back by Hodgson. On his return to England, +Moore, who in the interval had married, sent him a second letter, +restating the nature of the insult he had received in <i>English Bards</i>. + +<blockquote>"'It is now useless,' I continued (<i>Life</i>, p. 143), 'to speak of the +steps with which it was my intention to follow up that letter. +The time which has elapsed since then, though it has done away +neither the injury nor the feeling of it, has, in many respects, +materially altered my situation; and the only object which I have +now in writing to your Lordship is to preserve some consistency +with that former letter, and to prove to you that the injured feeling +still exists, however circumstances may compel me to be deaf +to its dictates, at present. When I say "injured feeling," let me +assure your Lordship that there is not a single vindictive sentiment +in my mind towards you. I mean but to express that uneasiness, under +(what I consider to be) a charge of falsehood, +which must haunt a man of any feeling to his grave, unless the +insult be retracted or atoned for; and which, if I did <i>not</i> feel, I +should, indeed, deserve far worse than your Lordship's satire could +inflict upon me.' In conclusion I added, that so far from being +influenced by any angry or resentful feeling towards him, it would +give me sincere pleasure if, by any satisfactory explanation, he +would enable me to seek the honour of being henceforward ranked +among his acquaintance."</blockquote> + +Byron's <a href="#L202">letter</a> of October 27, 1811. was written in reply to this +second letter from Moore.<br> +<a href="#L202">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fb62"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> For Samuel Rogers, see p. 67,<a href="#fc2"> <i>note</i></a> 1.<br> +<a href="#frb62">return</a> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp3">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L203">203—to R. C. Dallas</a></h3> +<br> +8, St. James's Street, 29th October, 1811.<br> +<br><br> + +<b>Dear Sir</b>,—I arrived in town last night, and shall be very glad to see +you when convenient.<br> +<br> +Yours very truly,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp3">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L204"></a>204—to Thomas Moore<a href="#fb71"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>1</sup></span></a></h3> +<br> +8, St. James's Street, October 29, 1811.<br> +<br><br> + +<b>Sir</b>,—Soon after my return to England, my friend, Mr. Hodgson, apprised +me that a letter for me was in his possession; but a domestic event +hurrying me from London immediately after, the letter (which may most +probably be your own) is still <i>unopened in his keeping</i>. If, on +examination of the address, the similarity of the handwriting should +lead to such a conclusion, it shall be opened in your presence, for the +satisfaction of all parties. Mr. H. is at present out of town;—on +Friday I shall see him, and request him to forward it to my address.<br> +<br> +With regard to the latter part of both your letters, until the principal +point was discussed between us, I felt myself at a loss in what manner +to reply. Was I to anticipate friendship from one, who conceived me to +have charged him with falsehood? Were not <i>advances</i>, under such +circumstances, to be misconstrued,—not, perhaps, by the person to whom +they were addressed, but by others? In <i>my</i> case such a step was +impracticable. If you, who conceived yourself to be the offended person, +are satisfied that you had no cause for offence, it will not be +difficult to convince me of it. My situation, as I have before stated, +leaves me no choice. I should have felt proud of your acquaintance, had +it commenced under other circumstances; but it must rest with you to +determine how far it may proceed after so <i>auspicious</i> a beginning.<br> +<br> +I have the honour to be, etc.<br><br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fb71"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> +Moore had replied, accepting Byron's explanation, and adding, + + <blockquote>As your Lordship does not show any wish to proceed beyond the rigid + formulary of explanation, it is not for me to make any further + advances. We Irishmen, in businesses of this kind, seldom know any + medium between decided hostility and decided friendship; but, as any + approaches towards the latter alternative must now depend entirely on + your Lordship, I have only to repeat that I am satisfied with your + letter, and that I have the honour to be," etc., etc.</blockquote> +<a href="#L204">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp3">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h3><a name="L205"></a>205—to Thomas Moore<a href="#fb81"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>1</sup></span></a></h3> +<br> +8, St. James's Street, October 30, 1811.<br> +<br><br> + +<b>Sir</b>,—You must excuse my troubling you once more upon this very +unpleasant subject. It would be a satisfaction to me, and I should think +to yourself, that the unopened letter in Mr. Hodgson's possession +(supposing it to prove your own) should be returned <i>in statu quo</i> +to the writer; particularly as you expressed yourself "not quite easy +under the manner in which I had dwelt on its miscarriage."<br> +<br> +A few words more, and I shall not trouble you further. I felt, and still +feel, very much flattered by those parts of your correspondence, which +held out the prospect of our becoming acquainted. If I did not meet them +in the first instance as perhaps I ought, let the situation I was placed +in be my defence. You have <i>now</i> declared yourself +<i>satisfied</i>, and on that point we are no longer at issue. If, +therefore, you still retain any wish to do me the honour you hinted at, +I shall be most happy to meet you, when, where, and how you please, and +I presume you will not attribute my saying thus much to any unworthy +motive.<br> +<br> +I have the honour to remain, etc.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fb81"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"Piqued," says Moore (<i>Life</i>, 144), "at the manner in which my + efforts towards a more friendly understanding were received,"</blockquote> + +he had briefly expressed his satisfaction at Byron's explanation, and +added that the correspondence might close.<br> +<a href="#L205">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp3">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L206">206—to R. C. Dallas</a></h3> +<br> +8, St. James's Street, October 31, 1811.<br> +<br><br> + +<b>Dear Sir</b>,—I have already taken up so much of your time that there needs +no excuse on your part, but a great many on mine, for the present +interruption. I have altered the passages according to your wish. With +this note I send a few stanzas on a subject which has lately occupied +much of my thoughts. They refer to the death of one to whose name you +are a <i>stranger</i>, and, consequently, cannot be interested. I mean +them to complete the present volume. They relate to the same person whom +I have mentioned in Canto 2nd, and at the conclusion of the poem.<br> +<br> +I by no means intend to identify myself with <i>Harold</i>, but to +<i>deny</i> all connection with him. If in parts I may be thought to +have drawn from myself, believe me it is but in parts, and I shall not +own even to that. <a name="frb91">As</a> to the <i>Monastic dome</i>, etc.<a href="#fb91"><sup>1</sup></a>, I thought those circumstances would suit him as well as any other, and I +could describe what I had seen better than I could invent. I would not +be such a fellow as I have made my hero for all the world.<br> +<br> +Yours ever,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fb91"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> <i>Childe Harold</i>, Canto II. stanza xlviii.<br> +<a href="#frb91">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp3">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h3><a name="L207">207—to Thomas Moore</a></h3> +<br> +8, St. James's Street, November 1, 1811.<br> +<br><br> + +Sir,—As I should be very sorry to interrupt your Sunday's engagement, +if Monday, or any other day of the ensuing week, would be equally +convenient to <a name="frc1">yourself</a> and friend, I will then have the honour of +accepting his invitation<a href="#fc1"><sup>1</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +Of the professions of <a name="frc2">esteem</a> with which Mr. Rogers<a href="#fc2"><sup>2</sup></a> has honoured me, +I cannot but feel proud, though undeserving. I should be wanting to +myself, if insensible to the praise of such a man; and, should my +approaching interview with him and his friend lead to any degree of +intimacy with both or either, I shall regard our past correspondence as +one of the happiest events of my life. I have the honour to be,<br> +<br> +Your very sincere and obedient servant,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fc1"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Rogers has left an account of this dinner. + + <blockquote>"Neither Moore nor myself had ever seen Byron when it was settled that + he should dine at my house to meet Moore; nor was he known by sight to + Campbell, who, happening to call upon me that morning, consented to + join the party. I thought it best that I alone should be in the + drawing-room when Byron entered it; and Moore and Campbell accordingly + withdrew. Soon after his arrival, they returned; and I introduced them + to him severally, naming them as Adam named the beasts. When we sat + down to dinner, I asked Byron if he would take soup? 'No; he never + took soup.' 'Would he take some fish?' 'No; he never took fish.' + Presently I asked if he would eat some mutton? 'No; he never ate + mutton.' I then asked if he would take a glass of wine? 'No; he never + tasted wine.' It was now necessary to inquire what he <i>did</i> eat + and drink; and the answer was, 'Nothing but hard biscuits and + soda-water.' Unfortunately, neither hard biscuits nor soda-water were + at hand; and he dined upon potatoes bruised down on his plate and + drenched with vinegar. My guests stayed very late, discussing the + merits of Walter Scott and Joanna Baillie. Some days after, meeting + Hobhouse, I said to him, 'How long will Lord Byron persevere in his + present diet? 'He replied, 'Just as long as you continue to notice + it.' I did not then know, what I now know to be a fact, that Byron, + after leaving my house, had gone to a Club in St. James's Street and + eaten a hearty meat-supper"</blockquote> + +(<i>Table-Talk of Samuel Rogers</i>, pp. + 231, 232). Moore's (<i>Life</i>, p. 145) first impressions of Byron + were <blockquote>"the nobleness of his air, his beauty, the gentleness of his + voice and manners, and—what was naturally not the least + attraction—his marked kindness to myself. Being in mourning for his + mother, the colour, as well of his dress, as of his glossy, curling, + and picturesque hair, gave more effect to the pure, spiritual paleness + of his features, in the expression of which, when he spoke, there was + a perpetual play of lively thought, though melancholy was their + habitual character when in repose."</blockquote> +<a href="#frc1">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fc2"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Samuel Rogers (1763-1855), the third son of a London +banker, was born at Stoke Newington. Shortly after his father's death, +in 1793, he withdrew from any active part in the management of the bank, +and devoted himself for the rest of his long life to literature, art, +and society. In 1803 he moved from chambers in the Temple to a house in +St. James's Place, overlooking the Green Park. Here he lived till his +death, in December, 1855, and here he gathered round him, at his +celebrated breakfasts, the most distinguished men and women of his time. +An excellent account of the "Town Mouse" entertaining the "Country +Mouse" is given by Dean Stanley (<i>Life</i>, vol. i. p. 298), who met +Wordsworth at breakfast with Rogers, in 1841, and describes + + <blockquote>"the town mouse a sleek, well-fed, sly, <i>white</i> mouse, and the + country mouse with its rough, weather-worn face and grey hairs; the + town mouse displaying its delicate little rolls and pyramids of + glistening strawberries, the country mouse exulting in its hollow + tree, its crust of bread and liberty, and rallying its brother on his + late hours and frequent dinners." </blockquote> + +One of his earliest recollections was the sight of a rebel's head upon +a pole at Temple Bar. He had talked with a Thames boatman who remembered +Pope; had seen Garrick in <i>The Suspicious Husband</i>; had heard Sir +Joshua Reynolds deliver his last lecture as President of the Royal +Academy; had seen John Wesley "lying in state" in the City Road; had +gone to call on Dr. Johnson, but, when his hand was on the knocker, +found his courage fled. He lived to be offered the laureateship in 1850, +on the death of Wordsworth, and to decline it in favour of Tennyson. + + <blockquote> "Time was," wrote Mathias (<i>Pursuits of Literature</i>, note, p. + 360, ed. 1808), "when bankers were as stupid as their guineas could + make them; they were neither orators, nor painters, nor poets. But + now. .. Mr. Rogers dreams on Parnassus; and, if I am rightly informed, + there is a great demand among his brethren for the <i>Pleasures of + Memory</i>." </blockquote> + +Rogers began to write poetry at an early age, and continued to write it +all his life. His <i>Ode to Superstition</i> was published in 1786; the +<i>Pleasures of Memory</i>, in 1792; the <i>Epistle to a Friend</i>, in +1798; <i>Columbus</i>, in 1812; <i>Jacqueline</i>, in 1813; <i>Human +Life</i>, in 1819; <i>Italy</i>, in 1822-34. His later years were +occupied in revising, correcting, or amplifying his published poems, and +in preparing the notes to <i>Italy</i>, which are admirable studies in +compactness and precision of language. A disciple of Pope, an imitator +of Goldsmith, Rogers was rather a skilful adapter than an original poet. +His chief talent was his taste; if he could not originate, he could +appreciate. The fastidious care which he lavished on his work has +preserved it. In his commonplace-book he has entered the number of years +which he spent in composing and revising his poems. His <i>Pleasures of +Memory</i> occupied seven years, <i>Columbus</i> fourteen, and +<i>Italy</i> fifteen. An excellent judge of art, he employed Flaxman, +Stothard, and Turner at a time when their powers were little appreciated +by his fellow-countrymen. Of his taste Byron speaks enthusiastically in +his Journal (see p. 331). But the following passage (hitherto +unpublished) from his <i>Detached Thoughts</i> (Ravenna, 1821) gives his +later opinion of the man: + + <blockquote>"When Sheridan was on his death-bed, Rogers aided him with purse and + person. This was particularly kind of Rogers, who always spoke ill of + Sheridan (to me, at least), but, indeed, he does that of everybody to + anybody. Rogers is the reverse of the line: + + <blockquote> 'The <i>best good man</i> with the <i>worst</i> natured Muse,'</blockquote> + + being: + + <blockquote> 'The <i>worst</i> good man with the <i>best</i> natured Muse.'</blockquote> + + His Muse being all Sentiment and Sago and Sugar, while he himself is a + venomous talker. I say 'worst good man' because he is (perhaps) a + <i>good</i> man; at least he does good now and then, as well he may, + to purchase himself a shilling's worth of salvation for his slanders. + They are so <i>little</i>, too—small talk—and old Womanny, and he is + malignant too—and envious—and—he be damned!"</blockquote> + +In a manuscript note to these passages Sir Walter Scott writes, + + <blockquote> "I never heard Rogers say a single word against Byron, which is rather + odd too. Byron wrote a bitter and undeserved satire on Rogers. This + conduct must have been motived by something or other." </blockquote> + +Speaking of Rogers and Sheridan, he says, + + <blockquote>"He certainly took pennyworths out of his friend's character. I sat + three hours for my picture to Sir Thomas Lawrence, during which the + whole conversation was filled up by Rogers with stories of Sheridan, + for the least of which, if true, he deserved the gallows. One + respected his committing a rape on his sister-in-law on the day of her + husband's funeral. Others were worse."</blockquote> + +In politics Rogers was a Whig, in religion a Presbyterian. But +he meddled little with either. In private life he was as kindly in +action as he was caustic in speech. A sensitive man himself, he +studied to be satirical to others. When Ward condemned <i>Columbus</i> +in the <i>Quarterly Review</i>, Rogers repaid his critic in the stinging +epigram: + + <blockquote>"Ward has no heart, they say; but I deny it;—<br> + He has a heart, and gets his speeches by it."</blockquote> + +Byron warmly admired Rogers's poetry. To him he dedicated <i>The +Giaour</i>, in + + <blockquote> "admiration for his genius, respect for his character, and gratitude + for his friendship." </blockquote> + +The <i>Quarterly Review</i>, in an article on <i>The Corsair</i> and +<i>Lara</i>, mentions + + <blockquote>"the highly refined, but somewhat insipid, pastoral tale of + <i>Jacqueline</i>." </blockquote> + +Byron, on reading the review, said to Lady Byron, + + <blockquote> "The man's a fool. <i>Jacqueline</i> is as superior to <i>Lara</i> as + Rogers is to me" </blockquote> + +(<i>Table-Talk of Samuel Rogers</i>, p. 154, <i>note</i>). + + <blockquote> "The <i>Pleasures of Memory</i>," he said (Lady Blessington's + <i>Conversations</i>, p. 153), "is a very beautiful poem, harmonious, + finished, and chaste; it contains not a single meretricious ornament. + If Rogers has not fixed himself in the higher fields of Parnassus, he + has, at least, cultivated a very pretty flower-garden at its base."</blockquote> + But he goes on to speak of the poem (p. 354) as <blockquote>"a <i>hortus + siccus</i> of pretty flowers," and an illustration of "the difference + between inspiration and versification."</blockquote> + +If Rogers ever saw Byron's <i>Question and Answer</i> (1818), he was +generous enough to forget the satire. In <i>Italy</i> he paid a noble +tribute to the genius of the dead poet— + + <blockquote>"He is now at rest;<br> + And praise and blame fall on his ear alike,<br> + Now dull in death. Yes, Byron, thou art gone,<br> + Gone like a star that through the firmament<br> + Shot and was lost, in its eccentric course<br> + Dazzling, perplexing. Yet thy heart, methinks,<br> + Was generous, noble—noble in its scorn<br> + Of all things low or little; nothing there<br> + Sordid or servile. If imagined wrongs<br> + Pursued thee, urging thee sometimes to do<br> + Things long regretted, oft, as many know,<br> + None more than I, thy gratitude would build<br> + On slight foundations; and, if in thy life<br> + Not happy, in thy death thou surely wert,<br> + Thy wish accomplished; dying in the land<br> + Where thy young mind had caught ethereal fire,<br> + Dying in Greece, and in a cause so glorious!<br> + They in thy train—ah, little did they think,<br> + As round we went, that they so soon should sit<br> + Mourning beside thee, while a Nation mourned,<br> + Changing her festal for her funeral song;<br> + That they so soon should hear the minute-gun,<br> + As morning gleamed on what remained of thee,<br> + Roll o'er the sea, the mountains, numbering<br> + Thy years of joy and sorrow.<br> + Thou art gone;<br> + And he who would assail thee in thy grave,<br> + Oh, let him pause! For who among us all,<br> + Tried as thou wert—even from thy earliest years,<br> + When wandering, yet unspoilt, a Highland boy—<br> + Tried as thou wert, and with thy soul of flame;<br> + Pleasure, while yet the down was on thy cheek,<br> + Uplifting, pressing, and to lips like thine,<br> + Her charmed cup—ah, who among us all<br> + Could say he had not erred as much, and more?"</blockquote> +<a href="#frc2">return</a><br> +<a href="#fb62">cross-reference: return to Footnote 2 of Letter 202</a><br> + +<br> +<p><a href="#lp3">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h3><a name="L208">208—to Francis Hodgson</a></h3> +<br> +8, St. James's Street, November 17, 1811.<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Hodgson,—I <a name="frc11">have</a> been waiting for the letter<a href="#fc11"><sup>1</sup></a> which was to have +been sent by you <i>immediately</i>, and must again jog your memory on +the subject. I believe I wrote you a full and true account of poor —'s +proceedings. <a name="frc12">Since</a> his reunion to —,<a href="#fc12"><sup>2</sup></a> I have heard nothing further +from him. What a pity! a man of talent, past the heyday of life, and a +clergyman, to fall into such imbecility. I have heard from Hobhouse, who +has at last sent more copy to Cawthorn for his <i>Travels</i>. I franked +an enormous cover for you yesterday, seemingly to convey at least twelve +cantos on any given subject. I fear the I aspect of it was too +<i>epic</i> for the post. From this and other coincidences I augur a +publication on your part, but what, or when, or how much, you must +disclose immediately.<br> +<br> +I don't know what to say about coming down to Cambridge at present, but +live in hopes. I am so completely superannuated there, and besides feel +it something brazen in me to wear my magisterial habit, after all my +buffooneries, that I hardly think I shall venture again. And being now +an <img src="images/BG6.gif" width="189" height="30" border="1" alt="Greek: ariston men hydôr"> disciple I won't come within wine-shot of +such determined topers as your collegiates. I have not yet subscribed to +Bowen. I mean to cut Harrow "<i>enim unquam</i>" as somebody classically +said for a farewell sentence. I am superannuated there too, and, in +short, as old at twenty-three as many men at seventy.<br> +<br> +Do write and send this letter that hath been so long in your custody. It +is important that Moore should be certain that I never received it, if +it be <i>his</i>. Are you drowned in a bottle of Port? or a Kilderkin of +Ale? that I have never heard from you, or are you fallen into a fit of +perplexity? Cawthorn has declined, and the MS. is returned to him. This +is all at present from yours in the faith,<br> +<br> +<img src="images/BG7.gif" width="96" height="30" border="1" alt="Greek: Mpairon"><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fc11"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> On November 17, 1811, Hodgson writes to Byron: + +<blockquote>"I +enclose you the long-delayed letter, which, from the similarity of +hands alone, Davies and I will go shares in a bet of ten to one is +the cartel in question."</blockquote> +<a href="#frc11">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fc12"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> The names are carefully erased by Hodgson.<br> +<a href="#frc12">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp3">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h3><a name="L209">209—to Francis Hodgson</a></h3> +<br> +8, St. James's Street, December 4, 1811.<br> +<br><br> + +<b>My Dear Hodgson</b>,—I <a name="frc21">have</a> seen Miller<a href="#fc21"><sup>1</sup></a>, who will see Bland<a href="#fc22"><sup>2</sup></a>, but I have no great hopes of his obtaining the +translation from the crowd of candidates. Yesterday I wrote to Harness, +who will probably tell you what I said on the subject. Hobhouse has sent +me my Romaic MS., and I shall require your aid in correcting the press, +as your Greek eye is more correct than mine. But these will not come to +type this month, I dare say. I <a name="frc23">have</a> put some soft lines on ye Scotch in +the <I>Curse of Minerva</I>; take them; + +<blockquote>"Yet Caledonia claims some native worth," etc.<a href="#fc23"><sup>3</sup></a></blockquote> + +If you are not content now, I must say with the Irish drummer to the +deserter who called out, + + <blockquote> "Flog high, flog low"<br> + <br> + "The de'il burn ye, there's no pleasing you, flog where one will." </blockquote> + +Have you given up wine, even British wine?<br> +<br> +I <a name="frc24">have</a> read Watson to Gibbon<a href="#fc24"><sup>4</sup></a>. He proves nothing, so I am where I +was, verging towards Spinoza; and yet it is a gloomy Creed, and I want a +better, but there is something Pagan in me that I cannot shake off. In +short, I deny nothing, but doubt everything. The post brings me to a +conclusion. Bland has just been here. Yours ever,<br> +<br> +BN.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fc21"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> See <i>Letters</I>, vol. i. p. 319, <i>note</i> 2 [Footnote 1 of +Letter 158].<br> +<a href="#frc21">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fc22"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Byron was endeavouring to secure for Bland (see +<i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. 271, <i>note</i> 1 [Footnote 2 of Letter 137]), the work of translating +Lucien Buonaparte's poem of <i>Charlemagne</i>. He did not succeed. The +poem, translated by Dr. Butler, Head-master of Shrewsbury, afterwards +Bishop of Lichfield, and Francis Hodgson, was published in 1815.<br> +<a href="#frc21">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fc23"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> Lines 149-156.<br> +<a href="#frc23">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fc24"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> <i>An Apology for Christianity, in a Series of Letters to +Edward Gibbon, Esq.</i>, by Richard Watson, D.D. (1776). Gibbon had a +great respect for Watson, at this time Professor of Divinity at +Cambridge, afterwards Bishop of Llandaff, whom he describes as "a +prelate of a large mind and liberal spirit." In a letter to Holroyd +(November 4, 1776), he speaks of the <i>Apology</i> as "feeble," but +"uncommingly genteel." To his stepmother he writes, November 29, 1776, +that Watson's answer is "civil" and "too dull to deserve your notice."<br> +<a href="#frc24">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp3">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h3><a name="L210"></a>210—to William Harness<a href="#fc31"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>1</sup></span></a></h3> +<br> +8, St. James's Street, Dec. 6, 1811.<br> +<br><br> + +My Dear Harness,—I write again, but don't suppose I mean to lay such a +tax on your pen and patience as to expect regular replies. When you are +inclined, write: when silent, I shall have the consolation of knowing +that you are much better employed. Yesterday, Bland and I called on Mr. +Miller, who, being then out, will call on Bland to-day or to-morrow. I +shall certainly endeavour to bring them together.—You are censorious, +child; when you are a little older, you will learn to dislike every +body, but abuse nobody.<br> +<br> +With regard to the person of whom you speak, your own good sense must +direct you. I never pretend to advise, being an implicit believer in the +old proverb. This present frost is detestable. It is the first I have +felt for these three years, though I longed for one in the oriental +summer, when no such thing is to be had, unless I had gone to the top of +Hymettus for it.<br> +<br> +I thank you most truly for the concluding part of your letter. I have +been of late not much accustomed to kindness from any quarter, and am +not the less pleased to meet with it again from one where I had known it +earliest. I have not changed in all my ramblings,— Harrow, and, of +course, yourself, never left me, and the + +<blockquote>"<i>Dulces reminiscitur Argos</i>"</blockquote> + +attended me to the very spot to which that sentence alludes in the mind +of the fallen Argive.—Our intimacy began before we began to date at +all, and it rests with you to continue it till the hour which must +number it and me with the things that <i>were</i>.<br> +<br> +Do read mathematics.—I <a name="frc32">should</a> think <i>X plus Y</i> at least as amusing +as the <i>Curse of Kehama</i><a href="#fc32"><sup>2</sup></a>, +and much more intelligible. Master Southey's poems <I>are</I>, in fact, +what parallel lines might be—viz. prolonged <I>ad infinitum</I> without +meeting anything half so absurd as themselves. + +<blockquote>"What news, what news? Queen Orraca,<br> +What news of scribblers five?<br> +S——, W——, C——, L——d, and L——e?<br> +All damn'd, though yet alive."</blockquote> + +<a name="frc33">Coleridge</a> is lecturing<a href="#fc33"><sup>3</sup></a>. + + <blockquote>"<a name="frc34">Many</a> an old fool," said Hannibal to some such lecturer, "but such as + this, never."<a href="#fc34"><sup>4</sup></a></blockquote> + +Ever yours, etc.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fc31"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> See <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. 177, <i>note</i> 1. +[Footnote 1 of Letter 92]<br> +<a href="#L210">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fc32"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Robert Southey (1774-1843) published his <i>Curse of +Kehama</i> in 1810. It formed a part of a series of heroic poems in +which he intended to embody the chief mythologies of the world. In spite +of Byron's adverse opinion, it contains magnificent passages, and +disputes with <i>Roderick, the Last of the Goths </i> (1814), the claim +to be the finest of his longer poems. Southey's literary activity was +immense. He had already produced <i>Joan of Arc</i> (1796), +<i>Thalaba</i> (1801), <i>Madoc</i> (1805), and many other works in +prose and verse. At this time he was personally unknown to Byron, who +had ridiculed his "annual strains." They met for the first time at +Holland House, in September, 1813. (See Byron's <a href="#L335">letter</a> to Moore, +September 27, 1813, and <a href="#Cx2">Journal</a>, p. 331.) The animosity between the two +men belongs to a later date, and in its origin was partly political, +partly personal. Southey, in early life, had been a republican and a +Unitarian, if not a deist. He collaborated with Coleridge in the <i>Fall +of Robespierre</i> (1794), wrote a portion of the <i>Conciones ad +Populum</i> (1795), which the Government considered seditious; and, +according to Poole (<i>Thomas Pools and his Friends</i>, vol. i. chap, +vi.), wavered "between Deism and Atheism." He became a champion of +monarchical principles and of religious orthodoxy, and attacked the +views, which he had once held and expressed in <i>Wat Tyler</i> (written +in 1794, and piratically published in 1817), with the bitterness of a +reactionary. He had also, as Byron believed, circulated, if not +invented, a report that Byron and Shelley had formed "a league of +incest" at Geneva, in 1816-17, with "two girls," Mary Godwin (Mrs. +Shelley) and Jane Clairmont. Byron not only denied the charge, but +retorted upon him, in his "Observations upon an Article in <i>Blackwood's +Magazine</i>" (March 15, 1820), as the author of <i>Wat Tyler</i> and +poet laureate, the man who "wrote treason and serves the King," the +ex-pantisocrat who advocated "all things, including women, in common." +Southey's <i>Vision of Judgment</i>, an apotheosis of George III., +published in 1821, gave Byron a second provocation and a second +opportunity, by speaking in the preface of his "Satanic spirit of pride +and audacious impiety." Byron again replied in prose; and Southey +(January 5, 1820), in a letter to the <i>London Courier</i>, invited him +to attack him in rhyme. In Byron's <i>Vision of Judgment</i> he found +his invitation accepted, and himself pilloried in that tremendous +satire. Southey overvalued his own narrative poetry. It is as a man, a +prominent figure in literary history, a leader in the romantic revival, +a master of prose, and the author of the best short biography in the +English language—the <I>Life of Nelson</I> (1813)—that he lives at the +present day. His name also deserves to be remembered with gratitude by +all who have read the nursery classic of "<I>The Three Bears</I>." Byron +parodies a stanza in Southey's "Queen Orraca and the Five Martyrs of +Morocco" (<I>Works</I>, vol. vi. pp. 166-173): + + <blockquote>"What news, O King Affonso,<br> + What news of the Friars five?<br> + Have they preached to the Miramamolin;<br> + And are they still alive?"</blockquote> + +The blanks stand for Scott or Southey, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Lloyd, and +Lamb(e), with the lines from <I>New Morality</I> in his mind: + + <blockquote>"Coleridge and Southey, Lloyd and Lamb and Co.,<br> + Tune all your mystic harps to praise Lepaux."</blockquote> +<a href="#frc32">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fc33"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> Coleridge, beginning November 18, 1811, and ending January +27, 1812, delivered a course of seventeen lectures on Shakespeare and +Milton, "in illustration of the principles of poetry." The lectures were +given under the auspices of the London Philosophical Society, in the +Scot's Corporation Hall, Crane Court, Fleet Street. Single tickets for +the whole course were two guineas, or three guineas "with the privilege +of introducing a lady." J. Payne Collier took shorthand notes of the +lectures and published a portion of his material, the rest being lost +(<I>Lectures on Shakespear</I>, from notes by J. P. Collier), The notes, +with other contemporary reports from the <I>Times</I>, <I>Morning +Chronicle</I>, <I>Dublin Chronicle</I>, Crabb Robinson's <I>Diary</I>, +and other sources, were republished in 1883 by Mr. Ashe (<I>Lectures and +Notes on Shakspere and other English Poets</I>).<br> +<br> +Collier, in his notes of Coleridge's conversation (November I, 1811), +gives the substance, in all probability, of the attack on Campbell +alluded to in the next letter. Coleridge said that + +<blockquote>"neither Southey, +Scott, nor Campbell would by their poetry survive much beyond the day +when they lived and wrote. Their works seemed to him not to have the +seeds of vitality, the real germs of long life. The two first were +entertaining as tellers of stories in verse; but the last, in his +<i>Pleasures of Hope</i>, obviously had no fixed design, but when a +thought (of course, not a very original one) came into his head, he put +it down in couplets, and afterwards strung the <i>disjecta membra</i> +(not <i>poetæ</i>) together. Some of the best things in it were +borrowed; for instance the line: + + <blockquote> 'And freedom shriek'd when Kosciusko fell,'</blockquote> + +was taken from a much-ridiculed piece by Dennis, a pindaric on William +III.: + + <blockquote>'Fair Liberty shriek'd out aloud, aloud Religion groaned.'</blockquote> + +It is the same production in which the following much-laughed-at +specimen of bathos is found: + + <blockquote> 'Nor Alps nor Pyreneans keep him out,<br> + Nor fortified redoubt.'</blockquote> + +Coleridge had little toleration for Campbell, and considered him, as far +as he had gone, a mere verse-maker "</blockquote>(Ashe's Introduction to <i>Lectures +on Shakspere</i>, pp. 16, 17).<br> +<a href="#frc33">return</a><br> +<a href="#fc51">cross-reference: return to Footnote 1 of Letter 212</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fc34"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> Hannibal, in exile at Ephesus, was taken to hear a lecture +by a peripatetic philosopher named Phormio. The lecturer (<i>homo +copiosus</i>) discoursed for some hours on the duties of a general, and +military subjects generally. The delighted audience asked Hannibal his +opinion of the lecture. He replied in Greek, + + <blockquote> "I have seen many old fools often, but such an old fool as Phormio, + never <br> +<br> +(<i>Multos se deliros senes sæpe vidisse; sed qui magis, quam + Phormio, deliraret, vidisse neminem</i>)" </blockquote> + +(Cicero, <i>De Oratore</i>, ii. 18).<br> +<a href="#frc34">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp3">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L211">211—to James Wedderburn Webster</a></h3> +<br> +8, St. James's St., Dec. 7th, 1811.<br> +<br><br> + +My Dear W.,—I was out of town during the arrival of your letters, but +forwarded all on my return.<br> +<br> +I hope you are going on to your satisfaction, and that her Ladyship is +about to produce an heir with all his mother's Graces and all his Sire's +good qualities. You know I am to be a Godfather. Byron Webster! a most +heroic name, say what you please.<br> +<br> +Don't be alarmed; my "<i>caprice</i>" won't lead me in to Dorset. No, +<i>Bachelors</i> for me! I consider you as dead to us, and all my future +<i>devoirs</i> are but tributes of respect to your <i>Memory</i>. Poor +fellow! he was a facetious companion and well respected by all who knew +him; but he is gone. Sooner or later we must all come to it.<br> +<br> +I see nothing of you in the <i>papers</i>, the only place where I don't +wish to see you; but you will be in town in the Winter. <a name="frc41">What</a> dost thou +do? shoot, hunt, and "wind up y'e Clock" as Caleb Quotem says<a href="#fc41"><sup>1</sup></a>?<br> +<br> +That thou art vastly happy, I doubt not.<br> +<br> +I see your brother in law at times, and like him much; but we miss you +much; I shall leave town in a fortnight to pass my Xmas in Notts.<br> +<br> +Good afternoon, Dear W. <br> +Believe me, Yours ever most truly, <br> +B.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fc41"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Byron alludes to Caleb Quotem's song in <i>The Review, or +Wags of Windsor</i> (act ii. sc. 2), by George Colman the Younger: + + <blockquote> "I'm parish clerk and sexton here,<br> + My name is Caleb Quotem,<br> + I'm painter, glazier, auctioneer,<br> + In short, I am factotum."<br> + <br> + ...<br> + <br> + "At night by the fire, like a good, jolly cock,<br> + When my day's work is done and all over,<br> + I tipple, I smoke, and I wind up the clock,<br> + With my sweet Mrs. Quotem in clover.</blockquote> +<a href="#frc41">return to footnote mark</a> + <br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp4">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L212">212—to William Harness</a></h3> +<br> + St. James's Street, Dec. 8, 1811.<br> +<br><br> + +Behold a most formidable sheet, without gilt or black edging, and +consequently very vulgar and indecorous, particularly to one of your +precision; but this being Sunday, I can procure no better, and will +atone for its length by not filling it. Bland I have not seen since my +last letter; but on Tuesday he dines with me, and will meet Moore, the +epitome of all that is exquisite in poetical or personal +accomplishments. How Bland has settled with Miller, I know not. I have +very little interest with either, and they must arrange their concerns +according to their own gusto. I have done my endeavours, <i>at your request</i>, to bring them together, and hope they may agree to their +mutual advantage.<br> +<br> +<a name="frc51">Coleridge</a> has been lecturing against Campbell<a href="#fc51"><sup>1</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +Rogers was present, and from him I derive the information. We are going +to make a party to hear this Manichean of poesy. Pole<a href="#fc52"><sup>2</sup></a> is to <a name="frc52">marry</a> +Miss Long, and will be a very miserable dog for all that. The present +ministers are to continue, and his Majesty <i>does</i> continue in the +same state; so there's folly and madness for you, both in a breath.<br> +<br> +I <a name="frc53">never</a> heard but of one man truly fortunate, and he was Beaumarchais<a href="#fc53"><sup>3</sup></a>, the author of <i>Figaro</i>, who buried two wives and gained three +lawsuits before he was thirty.<br> +<br> +And now, child, what art thou doing? <i>Reading, I trust</i>. I want to +see you take a degree. Remember, this is the most important period of +your life; and don't disappoint your papa and your aunt, and all your +kin—besides myself. Don't you know that all male children are begotten +for the express purpose of being graduates? <a name="frc54">and</a> that even I am an A.M.<a href="#fc54"><sup>4</sup></a>, though how I became so the Public Orator only can resolve. <a name="frc55">Besides</a>, +you are to be a priest; and to confute Sir William Drummond's late book +about the Bible<a href="#fc55"><sup>5</sup></a> (printed, but not published), and all other infidels +whatever. Now leave Master H.'s gig, and Master S.'s Sapphics, and +become as immortal as Cambridge can make you.<br> +<br> +You see, <I>Mio Carissimo</I>, what a pestilent correspondent I am +likely to become; but then you shall be as quiet at Newstead as you +please, and I won't disturb your studies as I do now. When do you fix +the day, that I may take you up according to contract? Hodgson talks of +making a third in our journey; but we can't stow him, inside at least. +Positively you shall go with me as was agreed, and don't let me have any +of your <i>politesse</i> to H. on the occasion. I shall manage to +arrange for both with a little contrivance. I wish H. was not quite so +fat, and we should pack better. You will want to know what I am +doing—chewing tobacco.<br> +<br> +You see <a name="frc56">nothing</a> of my allies, Scrope Davies and Matthews<a href="#fc56"><sup>6</sup></a>—they don't +suit you; and how does it happen that I—who am a pipkin of the same +pottery—continue in your good graces? Good night,—I will go on in the +morning.<br> +<br> +Dec. 9th.—In a morning I am always sullen, and to-day is as sombre as +myself. Rain and mist are worse than a sirocco, particularly in a +beef-eating and beer-drinking country. My <a name="frc57">bookseller</a>, Cawthorne, has +just left me, and tells me, with a most important face, that he is in +treaty for a novel of Madame D'Arblay's, for which 1000 guineas are +asked<a href="#fc57"><sup>7</sup></a>! He <a name="frc58">wants</a> me to read the MS. (if he obtains it), which I shall +do with pleasure; but I should be very cautious in venturing an opinion +on her whose <i>Cecilia</i> Dr. Johnson superintended<a href="#fc58"><sup>8</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +If he lends it to me, I shall put it in the hands of Rogers and Moore, +who are truly men of taste. I have filled the sheet, and beg your +pardon; I will not do it again. I shall, perhaps, write again; but if +not, believe, silent or scribbling, that I am,<br> +<br> +My dearest William, ever, etc.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fc51"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> See p. 75, <a href="#fc33"><i>note</i> 1</a>. In the application to Coleridge +of the phrase, "Manichean of poesy," Byron may allude to Cowper's +<i>Task</i> (bk. v. lines 444, 445): + + <blockquote>"As dreadful as the Manichean God,<br> + Adored through fear, strong only to destroy."</blockquote> +<a href="#frc51">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fc52"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> William Wellesley Pole Tylney Long Wellesley (1788-1857), +one of the most worthless of the bloods of the Regency, son of Lord +Maryborough, and nephew of the Duke of Wellington, became in 1845 the +fourth Earl of Mornington. He married in March, 1812, Catherine, +daughter and co-heir, with her brother, of Sir James Tylney Long, Bart., +of Draycot, Wilts. On his marriage he added his wife's double name to +his own, and so gave a point to the authors of Rejected Addresses: + + <blockquote>"Long may Long-Tilney-Wellesley-Long-Pole live."</blockquote> + +For Byron's allusion to him in <i>The Waltz</i>, see <i>Poems</i>, 1898, +vol. i. p. 484, note 1. Having run through his wife's large fortune by +his extravagant expenditure at Wanstead Park and elsewhere, he was +obliged, in 1822, to escape from his creditors to the Continent. There +(1823-25) he lived with Mrs. Bligh, wife of Captain Bligh, of the +Coldstream Guards. His wife died in 1825, after filing a bill for +divorce, and making her children wards of Chancery. Wellesley +subsequently (1828) married Mrs. Bligh; but the second wife was as ill +treated as the first, and he left her so destitute that she was a +frequent applicant for relief at the metropolitan police-courts. He died +of heart-disease in July, 1857, a pensioner on the charity of his +cousin, the second Duke of Wellington.<br> +<a href="#frc52">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fc53"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> Byron's statement is incorrect. Pierre-Auguste Caron de +Beaumarchais (1732-1799) married, in 1756, as his first wife, +Madeleine-Catherine Aubertin, widow of the sieur Franquet. She died in +1757. He married, in 1768, as his second wife, Geneviève-Magdaleine +Wattebled, widow of the sieur Lévêque. She died in 1770. The only +lawsuit which he won "before he was thirty," was that against Lepaute, +who claimed as his own invention the escapement for watches and clocks, +which Beaumarchais had discovered. The case was decided in favour of +Beaumarchais in 1754. Out of his second lawsuit—with Count de la +Blache, legatee of his patron Duverney, who died in 1770—sprang his +action against Goëzman, with which began the publication of his +<i>Mémoires</i>. (See Loménie, <i>Beaumarchais and his Times</i>, tr. by +H. S. Edwards, 4 vols., London, 1855-6.)<br> +<a href="#frc53">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fc54"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> Byron took his M. A. degree at Cambridge July 4, 1808.<br> +<a href="#frc54">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fc55"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 5:</span></a> Sir William Drummond (1770-1828), Tory M.P. for St. Mawes +(1795-96) and for Lostwithiel (1796-1801), held from 1801 to 1809 +several diplomatic posts: ambassador to the Court of Naples 1801-3; to +the Ottoman Porte 1803-6; to the Court of Naples for the second time, +1806-9. From 1809, at which date his political and diplomatic career +closed, he devoted himself to literature. He had already published +<i>Philosophical Sketches on the Principles of Society and +Government</i> (1793); <i>A Review of the Governments of Sparta and +Athens</i> (1795); <i>The Satires of Persius</i>, translated (1798); +<i>Byblis, a Tragedy</i>, in verse (1802); <i>Academical Questions</i> +(1805). In 1810 he published <i>Herculanensia</i>; and, in the following +year, printed for private circulation his <i>Œdipus Judaicus</i>, a +bold attempt to explain many parts of the Old Testament as astronomical +allegories. In 1817 appeared the first part of his <i>Odin</i>, a poem +in blank verse; in 1824-29 his <i>Origines, or Remarks on the Origin of +several Empires, States, and Cities</i>, was published. Sir William, who +died at Rome in 1828, lived much of his later life abroad. + +Drummond, as a member of the Alfred Club, is described in the +<I>Sexagenarian</I> (vol. ii. chap, xxiv.), where Beloe, speaking of the +(<I>Œdipus Judaicus</I>), says that + + "he appeared to have employed his leisure in searching for objections + and arguments as they related to Scripture, which had been so often + refuted, that they were considered by the learned and wise as almost + exploded." + +He refers to <I>Byblis</I> as evidence of his "perverted and fantastical +taste" in poetry, praises his "spirited translation" of Persius, +commends the "sound sense and very extensive reading" of his +<I>Philosophical</I> <I>Sketches</I>, and scoffs at the "metaphysical +labyrinth" of his <I>Academical Questions</I>. + + <blockquote> "When you go to Naples," said Byron to Lady Blessington + (<i>Conversations</i>, pp. 238, 239), "you must make acquaintance with + Sir William Drummond, for he is certainly one of the most erudite men + and admirable philosophers now living. He has all the wit of Voltaire, + with a profundity that seldom appertains to wit, and writes so + forcibly, and with such elegance and purity of style, that his works + possess a peculiar charm. Have you read his <i>Academical + Questions</i>? If not, get them directly, and I think you will agree + with me, that the preface to that work alone would prove Sir William + Drummond an admirable writer. He concludes it by the following + sentence, which I think one of the best in our language: + + <blockquote> 'Prejudice may be trusted to guard the outworks for a short space of + time, while Reason slumbers in the citadel; but if the latter sink + into a lethargy, the former will quickly erect a standard for + herself. Philosophy, wisdom, and liberty support each other; he who + will not reason is a bigot; he who cannot is a fool; and he who + dares not is a slave.' </blockquote> + + Is not the passage admirable? How few could have written it! and yet + how few read Drummond's works! They are too good to be popular. His + <i>Odin</i> is really a fine poem, and has some passages that are + beautiful, but it is so little read that it may be said to have + dropped still-born from the press—a mortifying proof of the bad taste + of the age. His translation of Persius is not only very literal, but + preserves much of the spirit of the original;... he has escaped all + the defects of translators, and his Persius resembles the original as + nearly, in feeling and sentiment, as two languages so dissimilar in + idiom will admit."</blockquote> +<a href="#frc55">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fc56"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 6:</span></a> Henry Matthews (1789-1828) of Eton and King's College, +Cambridge, younger brother of Charles Skinner Matthews, and author of +the <i>Diary of an Invalid</i> (1820).<br> +<a href="#frc56">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fc57"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 7:</span></a> <i>The Wanderer, or Female Difficulties</i>, Madame +d'Arblay's fourth and last novel (<i>Evelina</i>, 1778; <i>Cecilia</i>, +1782; <i>Camilla</i>, 1796), was published in 1814. + + <blockquote> "I am indescribably occupied," she writes to Dr. Burney, October 12, + 1813, "in giving more and more last touches to my work, about which I + begin to grow very anxious. I am to receive merely £500 upon delivery + of the MS.; the two following £500 by instalments from nine months to + nine months, that is, in a year and a half from the day of + publication. If all goes well, the whole will be £3000, but only at + the end of the sale of eight thousand copies." </blockquote> + +The book failed; but rumour magnified the sum received by the writer. +Mrs. Piozzi, shortly after the publication of <i>The Wanderer</i> and of +Byron's lines, "Weep, daughter of a royal line," writes to Samuel +Lysons, February 17, 1814: + + <blockquote> "Come now, do send me a kind letter and tell me if Madame d'Arblaye + gets £3000 for her book or no, and if Lord Byron is to be called over + about some verses he has written, as the papers hint." </blockquote> + +(<i>Autobiography, Letters, and Literary Remains</i>, vol. ii. p. 246).<br> +<a href="#frc57">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fc58"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 8:</span></a> Dr. Johnson never saw <i>Cecilia</i> (1782) till it was in print. +A day or two before publication, Miss Burney sent three copies to the +three persons who had the best claim to them—her father, Mrs. Thrale, +and Dr. Johnson.<br> +<a href="#frc58">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp4">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L213">213—to Francis Hodgson</a></h3> +<br> +London, Dec. 8, 1811.<br> +<br><br> + +I sent you a sad <i>Tale of Three Friars</i> the other day, and now take a dose +in another style. I wrote it a day or two ago, on hearing a song of +former days. + + <blockquote>"<a name="frc61">Away</a>, away, ye notes of woe," etc., etc<a href="#fc61"><sup>1</sup></a>.</blockquote> + +I <a name="frc62">have</a> gotten a book by Sir W. Drummond (printed, but not published), +entitled <i>Œdipus Judaicus</i> in which he attempts to prove the +greater part of the Old Testament an allegory, particularly Genesis and +Joshua. He professes himself a theist in the preface, and handles the +literal interpretation very roughly. I wish you could see it. Mr. Ward<a href="#fc62"><sup>2</sup></a> has lent it me, and I confess to me it is worth fifty Watsons.<br> +<br> +You and Harness must fix on the time for your visit to Newstead; I can +command mine at your wish, unless any thing particular occurs in the +interim. Master William Harness and I have recommenced a most fiery +correspondence; I like him as Euripides liked Agatho, or Darby admired +Joan, as much for the past as the present. Bland dines with me on +Tuesday to meet Moore. <a name="frc63">Coleridge</a> has attacked the <i>Pleasures of +Hope</i>, and all other pleasures whatsoever. Mr. Rogers was present, +and heard himself indirectly <i>rowed</i> by the lecturer. We are going +in a party to hear the new Art of Poetry by this reformed schismatic<a href="#fc63"><sup>3</sup></a>; and were I one of these poetical luminaries, or of sufficient +consequence to be noticed by the man of lectures, I should not hear him +without an answer. <a name="frc64">For</a> you know, + +<blockquote>"an a man will be beaten with brains, +he shall never keep a clean doublet."<a href="#fc64"><sup>4</sup></a></blockquote> + +Campbell<a href="#fc65"><sup>5</sup></a> will <a name="frc65">be</a> desperately annoyed. I never saw a man (and of him +I have seen very little) so sensitive;—what a happy temperament! I am +sorry for it; what can <i>he</i> fear from criticism? I don't know if +Bland has seen Miller, who was to call on him yesterday.<br> +<br> +To-day is the Sabbath,—a day I never pass pleasantly, but at Cambridge; +and, even there, the organ is a sad remembrancer. Things are stagnant +enough in town; as long as they don't retrograde, 'tis all very well. +Hobhouse writes and writes and writes, and is an author. I <a name="frc66">do</a> nothing +but eschew tobacco<a href="#fc66"><sup>6</sup></a>. I wish parliament were assembled, that I may +hear, and perhaps some day be heard;—but on this point I am not very +sanguine. I have many plans;—sometimes I think of the East again, and +dearly beloved Greece. I am well, but weakly. <a name="frc67">Yesterday</a> Kinnaird<a href="#fc67"><sup>7</sup></a> +told me I looked very ill, and sent me home happy.<br> +<br> +You will never give up wine. See what it is to be thirty! if you were +six years younger, you might leave off anything. You drink and repent; +you repent and drink.<br> +<br> +Is Scrope still interesting and invalid? And how does Hinde with his +cursed chemistry? To Harness I have written, and he has written, and we +have all written, and have nothing now to do but write again, till Death +splits up the pen and the scribbler.<br> +<br> +<a name="frc68">The</a> Alfred<a href="#fc68"><sup>8</sup></a> has three hundred and fifty-four candidates for six +vacancies. The cook has run away and left us liable, which makes our +committee very plaintive. Master Brook, our head serving-man, has the +gout, and our new cook is none of the best. I speak from report,—for +what is cookery to a leguminous-eating Ascetic? So now you know as much +of the matter as I do. Books and quiet are still there, and they may +dress their dishes in their own way for me. Let me know your +determination as to Newstead, and believe me, Yours ever,<br> +<br> +<img src="images/BG7.gif" width="96" height="30" border="1" alt="Greek: Mpairon."><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fc61"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Here follows one of the <i>Thyrza</i> poems.<br> +<a href="#frc61">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fc62"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> The Hon. John William Ward, afterwards fourth Earl of +Dudley. Byron said of him (Lady Blessington's <i>Conversations with Lord +Byron</i>, p. 197), + + <blockquote>"Ward is one of the best-informed men I know, and, in a + <i>tête-à-tête</i>, is one of the most agreeable companions. He has + great originality, and, being <i>très distrait</i>, it adds to the + piquancy of his observations, which are sometimes somewhat <i>trop + naïve</i>, though always amusing. This <i>naïveté</i> of his is the + more piquant from his being really a good-natured man, who + unconsciously thinks aloud. Interest Ward on a subject, and I know no + one who can talk better. His expressions are concise without being + poor, and terse and epigrammatic without being affected," etc. </blockquote> + +Of somewhat the same opinion was Lady H. Leveson Gower (<i>Letters of +Harriet, Countess Granville</i>, vol. i. pp. 41, 42): + + <blockquote>"The charm of Mr. Ward's conversation is exactly what Mr. Luttrell + wants, a sort of <i>abandon</i>, and being entertaining because it is + his nature and he cannot help it. I only mean Mr. Ward in his happier + hour, for what I have said of him is the very reverse of what he is + when vanity or humour seize upon him."</blockquote> +<a href="#frc62">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fc63"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> Crabb Robinson, in his <i>Diary</i> for January 20, 1812, has the +following entry: + + <blockquote>"In the evening at Coleridge's lecture. Conclusion of Milton. Not one + of the happiest of Coleridge's efforts. Rogers was there, and with him + was Lord Byron. He was wrapped up, but I recognized his club foot, + and, indeed, his countenance and general appearance."</blockquote> +<a href="#frc63">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fc64"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> +<table summary="Benedict quotation" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>Benedict</i></td> + <td> No; if a man will be beaten with brains, he shall wear nothing + handsome about him.</td> +</tr> +</table><br> + + <i>Much Ado about Nothing</i>, act v. sc. 4.<br> +<a href="#frc64">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fc65"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 5:</span></a> Thomas Campbell (1777-1844) lectured at the Royal +Institution in 1811 on poetry. The lectures were afterwards published in +the <i>New Monthly Magazine</i>, of which he was editor (1820-30).<br> +<br> +Campbell also apparently read his lectures aloud at private houses. Miss +Berry (<i>Journal</i>, vol. ii. p. 502) mentions a dinner-party on June +26, 1812, at the Princess of Wales's, where she heard him read his +"first discourse," delivered at the Institution. Again (<i>ibid</i>., vol. iii. +p. 6), she dined with Madame de Stael, March 9, 1814: + + <blockquote>"Nobody but Campbell the poet, Rocca, and her own daughter. After + dinner, Campbell read to us a discourse of his upon English poetry, + and upon some of the great poets. There are always signs of a poet and + critic of genius in all he does, often encumbered by too ornate a + style."</blockquote> + +Campbell's best work was done between 1798 and 1810. Within that period +were published <i>The Pleasures of Hope</i> (1799), <i>Gertrude of +Wyoming</i> (1809), and such other shorter poems as <i>Hohenlinden</i>, <i>Ye +Mariners of England,</i> <i>The Battle of the Baltic,</i> and <i>O'Connor's Child.</i> +His <i>Ritter Bann,</i> a reminiscence of his sojourn abroad (1800-1), was +not published till later; both it and <i>The Last Man</i> were published in +the <i>New Monthly Magazine</i>, during the period of his editorship. An +excellent judge of verse, he collected <i>Specimens of the British +Poets</i> (1819), to which he added a valuable essay on poetry and short +biographies. His <i>Theodoric</i> (1824), <i>Pilgrim of Glencoe</i> +(1842), and Lives of Mrs. Siddons, Petrarch, and Shakespeare added +nothing to his reputation.<br> +<br> +The judgment of contemporary poets in the main agreed with Coleridge's +estimate of Campbell's work. + + <blockquote>"There are some of Campbell's lyrics," said Rogers (<i>Table-Talk</i>, + etc., pp. 254, 255), which will never die. His <i>Pleasures of + Hope</i> is no great favourite with me. The <i>feeling</i> throughout + his <i>Gertrude</i> is very beautiful."</blockquote> + +Wordsworth also thought the + <i>Pleasures of Hope</i> + + <blockquote>"strangely over-rated; its fine words and + sounding lines please the generality of readers, who never stop to ask + themselves the meaning of a passage."</blockquote> + + Byron, who calls Campbell "a + warm-hearted and honest man," thought that his + +<blockquote>"'Lochiel' and + 'Mariners' are spirit-stirring productions; his <i>Gertrude of + Wyoming</i> is beautiful; and some of the episodes in his <i>Pleasures + of Hope</i> pleased me so much that I know them by heart"</blockquote> + +(Lady Blessington's <i>Conversations with Lord Byron</i>, p. 353).<br> +<br> +George Ticknor, who met Campbell in 1815 (<i>Life</i>, vol. i. p. 63), +says, + + <blockquote>"He is a short, small man, and has one of the roundest and most lively + faces I have seen amongst this grave people. His manners seemed as + open as his countenance, and his conversation as spirited as his + poetry. He could have kept me amused till morning." </blockquote> + +Shortly afterwards, Ticknor went to see him at Sydenham (ibid., p. 65): + + <blockquote>"Campbell had the same good spirits and love of merriment as when I + met him before,—the same desire to amuse everybody about him; but + still I could see, as I partly saw then, that he labours under the + burden of an extraordinary reputation, too easily acquired, and feels + too constantly that it is necessary for him to make an exertion to + satisfy expectation. The consequence is that, though he is always + amusing, he is not always quite natural." </blockquote> + +Sir Walter Scott made a similar remark about the numbing effect of +Campbell's reputation upon his literary work; his deference to critics +ruined his individuality. It was Scott's admiration for <i>Hohenlinden</i> +which induced Campbell to publish the poem. The two men, travelling in a +stage-coach alone, beguiled the way by repeating poetry. At last Scott +asked Campbell for something of his own. He replied that there was one +thing he had never printed, full of "drums and trumpets and +blunderbusses and thunder," and that he did not know if there was any +good in it. He then repeated <i>Hohenlinden</i>. When he had finished, Scott +broke out with, + + <blockquote>"But, do you know, that's devilish fine! Why, it's the finest thing + you ever wrote, and it <i>must</i> be printed!"</blockquote> +<a href="#frc65">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fc66"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 6:</span></a> See p. 31, <a href="#fa21">note 1.</a><br> +<a href="#frc66">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fc67"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 7:</span></a> Douglas James William Kinnaird (1788-1830), fifth son of +the seventh Baron Kinnaird, was educated at Eton, Göttingen, and Trinity +College, Cambridge. He was an intimate friend of Hobhouse, with whom he +travelled on the Continent (1813-14), and was in political sympathy. He +represented Bishop's Castle from July, 1819, to March, 1820, but losing +his seat at the general election, did not again attempt to enter +Parliament. He was famous for his "mob dinners," to which Moore probably +refers when he writes to Byron, in an undated letter, of the +"Deipnosophist Kinnaird." He was a partner in the bank of Ransom and +Morland, a member of the committee for managing Drury Lane Theatre, +author of the acting version of <i>The Merchant of Bruges, or Beggar's +Bush</i> (acted at Drury Lane, December 14, 1815), and a member of the +Radical Rota Club. <br> +<br> +Kinnaird was Byron's "trusty and trustworthy trustee and banker, and +crown and sheet anchor." It was at his suggestion that Byron wrote the +<I>Hebrew Melodies</I> and the <I>Monody on the Death of Sheridan</I>. +Talking of Kinnaird to Lady Blessington (<I>Conversations</I>, p. 215), +Byron said, + + <blockquote> "My friend Dug is a proof that a good heart cannot compensate for an + irritable temper; whenever he is named, people dwell on the last and + pass over the first; and yet he really has an excellent heart, and a + sound head, of which I, in common with many others of his friends, + have had various proofs. He is clever, too, and well informed, and I + do think would have made a figure in the world, were it not for his + temper, which gives a dictatorial tone to his manner, that is + offensive to the <i>amour propre</i> of those with whom he mixes."</blockquote> +<a href="#frc67">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fc68"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 8:</span></a> The Alfred Club (1808-55), established at 23, Albemarle +Street, was the Savile of the day. Beloe, in his <I>Sexagenarian</I> +(vol. ii. chaps, xx.-xxv.), describes among the members of the +Symposium, as he calls it, Sir James Mackintosh, George Ellis, William +Gifford, John Reeves, Sir W. Drummond, and himself. Byron, in his +<I>Detached Thoughts</I>, says, + + <blockquote> "I was a member of the Alfred. It was pleasant; a little too sober and + literary, and bored with Sotheby and Sir Francis d'Ivernois; but one + met Peel, and Ward, and Valentia, and many other pleasant or known + people; and it was, upon the whole, a decent resource in a rainy day, + in a dearth of parties, or parliament, or in an empty season." </blockquote> + +It was, says Mr. Wheatley (<I>London Past and Present</I>), known as the +<I>Half-read</I>.<br> +<br> +In a manuscript note, now for the first time printed as written, on the +above passage from Byron's <I>Detached Thoughts</I>, Sir Walter Scott +writes, + + <blockquote>"The Alfred, like all other clubs, was much haunted with boars, a + tusky monster which delights to range where men most do congregate. A + boar, or bore, is always remarkable for something respectable, such as + wealth, character, high birth, acknowledged talent, or, in short, for + something that forbids people to turn him out by the shoulders, or, in + other words, to cut him dead. Much of this respectability is supplied + by the mere circumstance of belonging to a certain society of + clubists, within whose districts the bore obtains free-warren, and may + wallow or grunt at pleasure. Old stagers in the club know and avoid + the fated corner and arm-chair which he haunts; but he often rushes + from his lair on the inexperienced."</blockquote> +<a href="#frc68">return</a> + <br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp4">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L214">214—to Thomas Moore</a></h3> +<br> +December 11, 1811.<br><br> + +<br> +My Dear Moore,—If you please, we will drop our former monosyllables, +and adhere to the appellations sanctioned by our godfathers and +godmothers. If you make it a point, I will withdraw your name; at the +same time there is no occasion, as I have this day postponed your +election <i>sine die</i>, till it shall suit your wishes to be amongst +us. I do not say this from any awkwardness the erasure of your proposal +would occasion to <i>me</i>, but simply such is the state of the case; +and, indeed, the longer your name is up, the stronger will become your +probability of success, and your voters more numerous. Of course you +will decide—your wish shall be my law. If my zeal has already outrun +discretion, pardon me, and attribute my officiousness to an excusable +motive.<br> +<br> +I wish you would go down with me to Newstead. Hodgson will be there, and +a young friend, named Harness, the earliest and dearest I ever had from +the third form at Harrow to this hour. I can promise you good wine, and, +if you like shooting, a manor of 4000 acres, fires, books, your own free +will, and my own very indifferent company. <i>Balnea, <a name="frc71">vina</a>, Venus</i><a href="#fc71"><sup>1</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +Hodgson will plague you, I fear, with verse;—for <a name="frc72">my</a> own part I will +conclude, with Martial, <i>nil recitabo tibi</i><a href="#fc72"><sup>2</sup></a>; and surely the +last inducement, is not the least. Ponder on my proposition, and believe +me, my dear Moore, <br> +Yours ever,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fc71"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"Balnea, vina, Venus corrumpunt corpora nostra." </blockquote> + +The words are thus given in Grüter (<i>Corpus Inscriptionum</i> (1603), +p. DCCCCXII. 10.<br> +<a href="#frc71">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fc72"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Martial (xi. lii. 16), <i>Ad Julium Cerealem</i>: + + <blockquote> "Plus ego polliceor: nil recitabo tibi."</blockquote> + +<a href="#frc72">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp4">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L215">215—to Francis Hodgson</a></h3> +<br> +8, St. James's Street, Dec. 12, 1811.<br><br> + +<br> +Why, Hodgson! I fear you have left off wine and me at the same time,—I +have written and written and written, and no answer! <a name="frc81">My</a> dear Sir Edgar<a href="#fc81"><sup>1</sup></a>, water disagrees with you—drink sack and write. Bland did not come +to his appointment, being unwell, but Moore supplied all other vacancies +most delectably. I have hopes of his joining us at Newstead. I am sure +you would like him more and more as he developes,—at least I do.<br> +<br> +How Miller and Bland go on, I don't know. Cawthorne talks of being in +treaty for a novel of Madame D'Arblay's, and if he obtains it (at 1500 +guineas!!) wishes me to see the MS. This I should read with pleasure,— +not that I should ever dare to venture a criticism on her whose writings +Dr. Johnson once revised, but for the pleasure of the thing. If my +worthy publisher wanted a sound opinion, I should send the MS. to Rogers +and Moore, as men most alive to true taste. I have had frequent letters +from Wm. Harness, and <i>you</i> are silent; certes, you are not a +schoolboy. However, I have the consolation of knowing that you are +better employed, viz. reviewing. You don't deserve that I should add +another syllable, and I won't.<br> +<br> +Yours, etc.<br> +<br> +P.S.—I only wait for your answer to fix our meeting. <br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fc81"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Hodgson published, in 1810, <i>Sir Edgar, a Tale</i>.<br> +<a href="#frc81">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp4">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L216">216—to R. C. Dallas</a></h3> +<br> +[<a name="frc91">Undated</a>, Dec.? 1811]<a href="#fc91"><sup>1</sup></a><br> +<br><br> + +<b>Dear Sir</b>,—I have only this scrubby paper to write on—excuse it. I am +certain that I sent some more notes on Spain and Portugal, particularly +one on the latter. Pray rummage, and don't mind my <i>politics</i>. I +believe I leave town next week. Are you better? I hope so.<br> +<br> +Yours ever, <br> +B.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fc91"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Dallas's answer is dated December 14, 1811<br> +<a href="#frc91">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp4">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L217">217—to William Harness</a></h3> +<br> +8, St. James's Street, Dec. 15, 1811.<br> +<br><br> + +I wrote you an answer to your last, which, on reflection, pleases me as +little as it probably has pleased yourself. I will not wait for your +rejoinder; but proceed to tell you, that I had just then been greeted +with an epistle of ——'s, full of his petty grievances, and this at the +moment when (from circumstances it is not necessary to enter upon) I was +bearing up against recollections to which <i>his</i> imaginary +sufferings are as a scratch to a cancer. These things combined, put me +out of humour with him and all mankind. The latter part of my life has +been a perpetual struggle against affections which embittered the +earliest portion; and though I flatter myself I have in a great measure +conquered them, yet there are moments (and this was one) when I am as +foolish as formerly. I never said so much before, nor had I said this +now, if I did not suspect myself of having been rather savage in my +letter, and wish to inform you this much of the cause. You know I am not +one of your dolorous gentlemen: so now let us laugh again.<br> +<br> +<a name="frd1">Yesterday</a> I went with Moore to Sydenham to visit Campbell<a href="#fd1"><sup>1</sup></a>. He was +not visible, so we jogged homeward merrily enough. To-morrow I dine with +Rogers, and am to hear Coleridge, who is a kind of rage at present. <a name="frd2">Last</a> +night I saw Kemble in <i>Coriolanus</i><a href="#fd2"><sup>2</sup></a>; —he <i>was glorious</i>, and +exerted himself wonderfully. By good luck I got an excellent place in +the best part of the house, which was more than overflowing. Clare<a href="#fd3"><sup>3</sup></a> +<a name="frd3">and</a> Delawarr<a href="#fd4"><sup>4</sup></a>, who were there on the same speculation, were less +fortunate. I saw them by accident,—we were not together. I wished for +you, to gratify your love of Shakspeare and of fine acting to its +fullest extent. Last week I saw an exhibition of a different kind in a +<a name="frd5">Mr</a>. Coates<a href="#fd5"><sup>5</sup></a>, at the Haymarket, who performed Lothario in a +<i>damned</i> and damnable manner.<br> +<br> +I told you the fate of B[land] and H[odgson] in my last. So much for +these sentimentalists, who console themselves in their stews for the +loss—the never to be recovered loss—the despair of the refined +attachment of a couple of drabs! You censure <i>my</i> life, +Harness,—when I compare myself with these men, my elders and my +betters, I really begin to conceive myself a monument of prudence —a +walking statue—without feeling or failing; and yet the world in general +hath given me a proud pre-eminence over them in profligacy. Yet I like +the men, and, God knows, ought not to condemn their aberrations. But I +own I feel provoked when they dignify all this by the name of +<i>love</i>—romantic attachments for things marketable for a dollar!<br> +<br> +Dec. 16th.—I have just received your letter;—I feel your kindness very +deeply. The foregoing part of my letter, written yesterday, will, I +hope, account for the tone of the former, though it cannot excuse it. I +do <i>like</i> to hear from you—more than <i>like</i>. Next to seeing +you, I have no greater satisfaction. But you have other duties, and +greater pleasures, and I should regret to take a moment from either. H——was to call to-day, but I have not seen him. The circumstances you +mention at the close of your letter is another proof in favour of my +opinion of mankind. Such you will always find them— selfish and +distrustful. I except none. The cause of this is the state of society. +In the world, every one is to stir for himself—it is useless, perhaps +selfish, to expect any thing from his neighbour. But I do not think we +are born of this disposition; for you find <i>friendship</i> as a +schoolboy, and <i>love</i> enough before twenty.<br> +<br> +I went to see ——; he keeps me in town, where I don't wish to be at +present. He is a good man, but totally without conduct. And now, my +dearest William, I must wish you good morrow, and remain ever, <br> +Most +sincerely and affectionately yours, etc.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fd1"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Campbell lived at Sydenham from 1804 to 1820. Moore (<i>Life</i>, +p. 148) adds the following note: + + <blockquote> "On this occasion, another of the noble poet's peculiarities was, + somewhat startlingly, introduced to my notice. When we were on the + point of setting out from his lodgings in St. James's Street, it being + then about midday, he said to the servant, who was shutting the door + of the <i>vis-a-vis</i>, 'Have you put in the pistols?' and was + answered in the affirmative. It was difficult,—more especially taking + into account the circumstances under which we had just become + acquainted,— to keep from smiling at this singular noonday + precaution."</blockquote> +<a href="#frd1">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fd2"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> On December 14, 1811, at Covent Garden, Kemble acted +"Coriolanus" with Mrs. Siddons as "Volumnia." It was Kemble's great +part, and in it he made his last appearance on the stage (June 23, +1817).<br> +<a href="#frd2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fd3"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> For Lord Clare, see <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. 116, +<i>note</i> 1. [Footnote 1 of Letter 65]<br> +<a href="#frd3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fd4"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> For Lord Delawarr, see <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. 41, note 1 [Footnote 5 of Letter 13].<br> +<a href="#frd3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fd5"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 5:</span></a> Robert Coates, "the Amateur of Fashion," known as "Romeo" +Coates, sometimes as "Diamond" Coates, sometimes as "Cock-a-doodle-doo" +Coates (1772-1848), was the only surviving son of a wealthy West Indian +planter. He made his first appearance on the stage at Bath (February 9, +1810), as "Romeo." In the play-bill he was announced as "a Gentleman, +1st Appearance on any stage." Genest (<i>English Stage</i>, vol. viii. +p. 207) says, + + <blockquote>"Many gentlemen have been weak enough to fancy themselves actors, but + no one ever persevered in obtruding himself for so long a time on the + notice of the public in spite of laughter, hissing, etc." </blockquote> + +On December 9, 1811, he appeared at the Haymarket as "Lothario" in +Rowe's <i>Fair Penitent</i>. Mathews, at Covent Garden, imitated his +performance, in Bate Dudley's <i>At Home</i>, as "Mr. Romeo Rantall," +appearing in the + + <blockquote> "pink silk vest and cloak, white satin breeches and stockings, Spanish + hat, with a rich high plume of ostrich feathers," </blockquote> in which Coates had + played "Lothario".<br> +<br> +<i>Memoirs of Charles Mathews</i>, vol. ii. pp. 238, 239).<br> +<a href="#frd5">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp4">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h3><a name="L218"></a>218—to Robert Rushton<a href="#fd11"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>1</sup></span></a></h3> +<br> +8, St. James's Street, Jan. 21, 1812.<br> +<br><br> + +Though I have no objection to your refusal to carry <i>letters</i> to +Mealey's, you will take care that the letters are taken by <i>Spero</i> +at the proper time. I have also to observe, that Susan is to be treated +with civility, and not <i>insulted</i> by any person over whom I have +the smallest controul, or, indeed, by any one whatever, while I have the +power to protect her. I am truly sorry to have any subject of complaint +against <i>you</i>; I have too good an opinion of you to think I shall +have occasion to repeat it, after the care I have taken of you, and my +favourable intentions in your behalf. I see no occasion for any +communication whatever between <i>you</i> and the <i>women</i>, and wish +you to occupy yourself in preparing for the situation in which you will +be placed. If a common sense of decency cannot prevent you from +conducting yourself towards them with rudeness, I should at least hope +that your <i>own interest</i>, and regard for a master who has +<i>never</i> treated you with unkindness, will have some weight.<br> +<br> +Yours, etc., <b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +P.S.—I wish you to attend to your arithmetic, to occupy yourself in +surveying, measuring, and making yourself acquainted with every +particular relative to the <i>land</i> of Newstead, and you will +<i>write</i> to me <i>one letter every week</i>, that I may know how you +go on.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fd11"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> The two following letters, and a suppressed passage in the +letter to Moore of January 29, 1812, refer to a quarrel among his +dependents, in which Rushton, the "little page" of Childe Harold (see +<i>Letters</i>, vol. i. pp. 224, 242), played a part. The story is told +at considerable length in a letter to Hodgson, dated January 28, 1812. +To the same affair probably belong the following scrap and Byron's note: + + <blockquote> "Pray don't forget me, as I shall never cease thinking of you, my + Dearest <i>and only Friend, (signed) S. H. V.</i>" </blockquote> + +To this Byron has added this note: + + <blockquote> "This was written on the 11th of January, 1812; on the 28th I received + ample proof that the Girl had forgotten <i>me</i> and <i>herself</i> + too. Heigho! B." </blockquote> + +The letters show, writes Moore (<i>Life</i>, p. 152), + + <blockquote> "how gravely and coolly the young lord could arbitrate on such an + occasion, and with what considerate leaning towards the servant whose + fidelity he had proved, in preference to any new liking or fancy by + which it might be suspected he was actuated toward the other."</blockquote> + +In a MS. book written by Mrs. Heath of Newstead (<i>née</i> Rebekah +Beardall), it is stated that the elder Rushton had as his farm-servant +Fletcher, afterwards Byron's valet. Byron watched Fletcher and young +Robert Rushton ploughing, took a fancy to both, and engaged them as his +servants. Rushton accompanied Byron to Geneva, but afterwards entered +the service of James Wedderburn Webster (see p. 2, <a href="#f21"><i>note</i></a> 1). In +1827 he married a woman of the name of Bagnall, and with her help kept a +school at Arnold, near Nottingham. Subsequently he took a farm on the +Newstead estate, named Hazelford, and shortly afterwards died, leaving a +widow and three children.<br> +<a href="#L218">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp4">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h3><a name="L219"></a>219—to Robert Rushton</h3> +<br> +8, St. James's Street, January 25, 1812.<br> +<br><br> + +Your refusal to carry the letter was not a subject of remonstrance: it +was not a part of your business; but the language you used to the girl +was (as <i>she</i> stated it) highly improper.<br> +<br> +You say, that you also have something to complain of; then state it to +me immediately: it would be very unfair, and very contrary to my +disposition, not to hear both sides of the question.<br> +<br> +If any thing has passed between you <i>before</i> or since my last visit +to Newstead, do not be afraid to mention it. I am sure <i>you</i> would +not deceive me, though <i>she</i> would. Whatever it is, <i>you</i>, +shall be forgiven. I have not been without some suspicions on the +subject, and am certain that, at your time of life, the blame could not +attach to you. You will not <i>consult</i>, any one as to your answer, +but write to me immediately. I shall be more ready to hear what you have +to advance, as I do not remember ever to have heard a word from you +before <i>against</i>, any human being, which convinces me you would not +maliciously assert an untruth. There is not any one who can do the least +injury to you, while you conduct yourself properly. I shall expect your +answer immediately. Yours, etc.,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp4">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + + +<h3><a name="L220">220—to Thomas Moore</a></h3> +<br> +January 29, 1812.<br> +<br><br> + +My Dear Moore,—I wish very much I could have seen you; I am in a state +of ludicrous tribulation. ——<br> +<br> +Why <a name="frd21">do</a> you say that I dislike your poesy<a href="#fd21"><sup>1</sup></a>? I have expressed no such +opinion, either in <i>print</i> or elsewhere. In scribbling myself, it +was necessary for me to find fault, and I fixed upon the trite charge of +immorality, because I could discover no other, and was so perfectly +qualified in the innocence of my heart, to "pluck that mote from my +neighbour's eye."<br> +<br> +I feel very, very much obliged by your approbation; but, at <i>this +moment</i>, praise, even <i>your</i> praise, passes by me like "the idle +wind." I meant and mean to send you a copy the moment of publication; +but now I can <a name="frd22">think</a> of nothing but damned, deceitful,—delightful woman, +as Mr. Liston says in the <i>Knight of Snowdon</i><a href="#fd22"><sup>2</sup></a>?<br> Believe me, my +dear Moore,<br> +<br> +Ever yours, most affectionately, <b>Byron</b>.<br><br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fd21"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Of Moore's early poems Byron was an admirer. The influence +of "Little" and "Anacreon" is strongly marked throughout <i>Hours of +Idleness</i>. For the "trite charge of immorality," see <i>English +Bards, etc.</i>, lines 283-294; and <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. 113. +Byron's opinion of Moore's later poetry was thus stated by him to Lady +Blessington (<i>Conversations</i>, pp. 354, 355): + + <blockquote> "Having compared Rogers's poems to a flower-garden, to what shall I + compare Moore's?—to the Valley of Diamonds, where all is brilliant + and attractive, but where one is so dazzled by the sparkling on every + side that one knows not where to fix, each gem beautiful in itself, + but overpowering to the eye from their quantity."</blockquote> +<a href="#frd21">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fd22"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> <i>The Knight of Snowdoun</i>, a musical drama, written by Thomas +Morton (1764-1838), and founded on <i>The Lady of the Lake</i>, was +produced at Covent Garden, Feb. 5, 1811, and published the same +year. John Liston (1776-1846), the most famous comedian of the +century, played the part of "Macloon," his wife that of "Isabel." +In act iii. sc. 3 Macloon says, + + <blockquote>"Oh, woman! woman! deceitful, damnable, (<i>changing into a + half-smile</i>) delightful woman! do all one can, there's nothing else + worth thinking of."</blockquote> +<a href="#frd22">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp4">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L221">221—to Francis Hodgson</a></h3> +<br> +8, St. James's Street, Feb. 1, 1812.<br><br> + +<br> +<b>My Dear Hodgson</b>,—I am rather unwell with a vile cold, caught in the +House of Lords last night. Lord Sligo and myself, being tired, <i>paired +off</i>, being of opposite sides, so that nothing was gained or lost by +<i>our</i> votes. I did not speak: but I might as well, for nothing +could have been inferior to the Duke of Devonshire, Marquis of +Downshire, and the Earl of Fitzwilliam. The Catholic Question comes on +this month, and perhaps I may then commence. I must "screw my courage to +the sticking-place," and we'll <i>not</i> fail.<br> +<br> +Yours ever, B.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp4">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L222">222—to Samuel Rogers</a></h3> +<br> +February 4, 1812.<br> +<br><br> + +<b>My Dear Sir</b>,—<a name="frd31">With</a> my best acknowledgments to Lord Holland<a href="#fd31"><sup>1</sup></a>, I have +to offer my perfect concurrence in the propriety of the question +previously to be put to ministers. If their answer is in the negative, I +shall, with his Lordship's approbation, give notice of a motion for a +Committee of Inquiry. I would also gladly avail myself of his most able +advice, and any information or documents with which he might be pleased +to intrust me, to bear me out in the statement of facts it may be +necessary to submit to the House.<br> +<br> +<a name="frd32">From</a> all that fell under my own observation during my Christmas visit to +Newstead, I feel convinced that, if <i>conciliatory</i> measures are not +very soon adopted, the most unhappy consequences may be apprehended<a href="#fd32"><sup>2</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +Nightly outrage and daily depredation are already at their height; and +not only the masters of frames, who are obnoxious on account of their +occupation, but persons in no degree connected with the malecontents or +their oppressors, are liable to insult and pillage.<br> +<br> +I am very much obliged to you for the trouble you have taken on my +account, and beg you to believe me,<br> +<br> +Ever your obliged and sincere, etc.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fd31"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> For Lord Holland, see <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. 184, +<i>note</i> I. He was Recorder of Nottingham; hence his special interest +in the proposed legislation against frame-breaking.<br> +<a href="#frd31">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fd32"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Owing to the state of trade, numbers of stocking-weavers +had lost work. The discontent thus produced was increased by the +introduction of a wide frame for the manufacture of gaiters and +stockings, which, it was supposed, would further diminish the demand for +manual labour. In November, 1811, organized bands of men began to break +into houses and destroy machinery. For several days no serious effort +was made to check the riots, which extended to a considerable distance +round Nottingham. But on November 14 the soldiers were called out. +Between that date and December 9, 900 cavalry and 1000 infantry were +sent to Nottingham; and, on January 8, 1812, these forces were increased +by two additional regiments. The rioters assumed the name of Luddites, +and their leader was known as General Lud. The name is said to have +originated in 1779, in a Leicestershire village, where a half-witted +lad, named Ned Lud, broke a stocking-frame in a fit of passion; hence +the common saying, when machinery was broken, that "Ned Lud" did it. A +Bill was introduced in the House of Commons (February 14) increasing the +severity of punishments for frame-breaking. On the second reading +(February 17) Sir Samuel Romilly strongly opposed the measure, which +passed its third reading (February 20) without a division. The Bill, as +introduced into the Upper House by Lord Liverpool, +<ol type="1"> +<li>rendered the +offence of frame-breaking punishable by death; and</li> +<li>compelled persons +in whose houses the frames were broken to give information to the +magistrates</li> +</ol>. +On the second reading of the Bill (February 27, 1812), +Byron spoke against it in his first speech in the House of Lords (see +<a href="#app2a">Appendix II. (1)</a>). The Bill passed its third reading on March 5, and +became law as 52 Geo. III. c. 16. Byron did not confine his opposition +to a speech in the House of Lords. He also addressed "An Ode to the +Framers of the Frame Bill," which appeared in the <i>Morning +Chronicle</i> on Monday, March 2, 1812. The following letter to Perry, +the editor, is published by permission of Messrs. Ellis and Elvey, in +whose possession is the original: + + <blockquote>"Sir,—I take the liberty of sending an alteration of the two last + lines of Stanza 2'd which I wish to run as follows, + + <blockquote> 'Gibbets on Sherwood will <i>heighten</i> the Scenery <br> +Shewing how Commerce, <i>how</i> Liberty thrives!'</blockquote> + + I wish you could insert it tomorrow for a particular reason; but I + feel much obliged by your inserting it at all. Of course, do not put + <i>my name</i> to the thing. <br> + Believe me, Your obliged and very obed't Serv't, <br> + <b>Byron</b>. + + 8, St. James Street, Sunday,<br> + March 1st, 1812."</blockquote> +<a href="#frd32">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp4">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L223"></a>223—To Master John Cowell<a href="#fd41"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>1</sup></span></a></h3> +<br> +8, St. James's Street, February 12, 1812.<br> +<br> +<b>My Dear John</b>,—You have probably long ago forgotten the writer of these +lines, who would, perhaps, be unable to recognize <i>yourself</i>, from +the difference which must naturally have taken place in your stature and +appearance since he saw you last. I have been rambling through Portugal, +Spain, Greece, etc., etc., for some years, and have found so many +changes on my return, that it would be very unfair not to expect that +you should have had your share of alteration and improvement with the +rest. I write to request a favour of you: a little boy of eleven years, +the son of Mr. ——, my particular friend, is about to become an Etonian, +and I should esteem any act of protection or kindness to him as an +obligation to myself: let me beg of you then to take some little notice +of him at first, till he is able to shift for himself.<br> +<br> +I was happy to hear a very favourable account of you from a schoolfellow +a few weeks ago, and should be glad to learn that your family are as +well as I wish them to be. I presume you are in the upper school;—as an +<i>Etonian</i>, you will look down upon a <i>Harrow</i> man; but I +never, even in my boyish days, disputed your superiority, <a name="frd42">which</a> I once +experienced in a cricket match, where I had the honour of making one of +eleven, who were beaten to their hearts' content by your college in +<i>one innings</i><a href="#fd42"><sup>2</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +Believe me to be, with great truth, etc., etc.,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fd41"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"Breakfasted with Mr. Cowell," writes Moore, in his <i>Diary</i>, June 11, + 1828, "having made his acquaintance for the purpose of gaining + information about Lord Byron. Knew Byron for the first time when he + himself was a little boy, from being in the habit of playing with B.'s + dogs. Byron wrote to him to school to bid him mind his prosody. Gave + me two or three of his letters to him. Saw a good deal of B. at + Hastings; mentioned the anecdote about the ink-bottle striking one of + the lead Muses. These Muses had been brought from Holland; and there + were, I think, only eight of them arrived safe. Fletcher had brought + B. a large jar of ink, and, not thinking it was full, B. had thrust + his pen down to the very bottom; his anger at finding it come out all + besmeared with ink made him chuck the jar out of the window, when it + knocked down one of the Muses in the garden, and deluged her with ink. + In 1813, when B. was at Salt Hill, he had Cowell over from Eton, and + <i>pouched</i> him no less than ten pounds. Cowell has ever since kept + one of the notes. Told me a curious anecdote of Byron's mentioning to + him, as if it had made a great impression on him, their seeing Shelley + (as they thought) walking into a little wood at Lerici, when it was + discovered afterwards that Shelley was at that time in quite another + direction. 'This,' said Byron, in a sort of awe-struck voice, 'was + about ten days before his death.' Cowell's imitation of his look and + manner very striking. Thinks that in Byron's speech to Fletcher, when + he was dying, threatening to appear to him, there was a touch of that + humour and fun which he was accustomed to mix up with everything".</blockquote> + +(<i>Memoirs, Journals, etc</i>., vol. v. pp. 302, 303).<br> +<a href="#L223">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fd42"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> See <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. 70, and <i>note</i> 1 [Footnote 2 of Letter 30].<br> +<a href="#frd42">return</a> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp4">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L224">224—to Francis Hodgson</a></h3> +<br> +8, St. James's Street, February 16, 1812.<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Hodgson,—I send you a proof. Last week I was very ill and confined +to bed with stone in the kidney, but I am now quite recovered. The women +are gone to their relatives, after many attempts to explain what was +already too clear. If the stone had got into my heart instead of my +kidneys, it would have been all the better. However, I have quite +recovered <i>that</i> also, and only wonder at my folly in excepting my +own strumpets from the general corruption,—albeit a two months' +weakness is better than ten years. I have one request to make, which is, +never mention a woman again in any letter to me, or even allude to the +existence of the sex. I won't even read a word of the feminine +gender;—it must all be <i>propria quæ maribus</i>.<br> +<br> +In the spring of 1813 I shall leave England for ever. Every thing in my +affairs tends to this, and my inclinations and health do not discourage +it. Neither my habits nor constitution are improved by your customs or +your climate. I shall find employment in making myself a good Oriental +scholar. I shall retain a mansion in one of the fairest islands, and +retrace, at intervals, the most interesting portions of the East. In the +mean time, I am adjusting my concerns, which will (when arranged) leave +me with wealth sufficient even for home, but enough for a principality +in Turkey. At present they are involved, but I hope, by taking some +necessary but unpleasant steps, to clear every thing. Hobhouse is +expected daily in London: we shall be very glad to see him; and, +perhaps, you will come up and "drink deep ere he depart," <a name="frd51">if</a> not, +"Mahomet must go to the mountain;"<a href="#fd51"><sup>1</sup></a>—but Cambridge will bring sad +recollections to him, and worse to me, though for very different +reasons. I believe the only human being, that ever loved me in truth and +entirely, was of, or belonging to, Cambridge, and, in that, no change +can now take place. There is one consolation in death—where he sets his +seal, the impression can neither be melted nor broken, but endureth for +ever.<br> +<br> +Yours always,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +P.S.—I almost rejoice when one I love dies young, for I could never +bear to see them old or altered.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fd51"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> See Bacon's <i>Essays</i> ("Of Boldness"): + + <blockquote>"Mahomet made the people believe that he would call a hill to him, and + from the top of it offer up his prayers for the observers of his law. + The people assembled; Mahomet called the hill to come to him, again + and again; and when the hill stood still, he was never a whit abashed, + but said, 'If the hill will not come to Mahomet, Mahomet will go to + the hill.'"</blockquote> +<a href="#frd51">return</a> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp4">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h3><a name="L225"></a>225—to Francis Hodgson</h3> +<br> +London, February 21, 1812.<br> +<br><br> + +My Dear Hodgson,—<a name="frd61">There</a> is a book entituled <i>Galt, his Travels in ye +Archipelago</i><a href="#fd61"><sup>1</sup></a>, daintily printed by Cadell and Davies, ye which I +could desiderate might be criticised by you, inasmuch as ye author is a +well-respected esquire of mine acquaintance, but I fear will meet with +little mercy as a writer, unless a friend passeth judgment. Truth to +say, ye boke is ye boke of a cock-brained man, and is full of devises +crude and conceitede, but peradventure for my sake this grace may be +vouchsafed unto him. Review him myself I can not, will not, and if you +are likewize hard of heart, woe unto ye boke! ye which is a comely +quarto.<br> +<br> +<a name="frd62">Now</a> then! I have no objection to review, if it pleases Griffiths<a href="#fd62"><sup>2</sup></a> to +send books, or rather <i>you</i>, for you know the sort of things I like +to [play] with. You will find what I say very serious as to my +intentions. I have every reason to induce me to return to Ionia.<br> +<br> +Believe me, yours always,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fd61"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> John Galt (1779-1839) published in 1812 his <i>Voyages and +Travels in the Years 1809, 1810, and 1811</i>. For his meeting with +Byron at Gibraltar in 1809, see <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. 243, +<i>note</i> 1 [Footnote 1 of Letter 130]; see also <i>ibid.</i>, p. 304, <i>note</i> 2 [Footnote 2 of Letter 131]. Galt's +novels were, in later years, liked by Byron, who + + <blockquote>"praised the <i>Annals of the Parish</i> very highly, as also <i>The + Entail</i>,... some scenes of which, he said, had affected him very + much. + +<blockquote>'The characters in Mr. Galt's novels have an identity,' added + Byron, 'that reminds me of Wilkie's pictures'"</blockquote> </blockquote> + +(Lady Blessington's <i>Conversations with Lord Byron</i>, p. 74). + + <blockquote>"When I knew Galt, years ago," said Byron to Lady Blessington, I was + not in a frame of mind to form an impartial opinion of him: his + mildness and equanimity struck me even then; but, to say the truth, + his manner had not deference enough for my then aristocratical taste, + and finding I could not awe him into a respect sufficiently profound + for my sublime self, either as a peer or an author, I felt a little + grudge towards him that has now completely worn off," etc., etc.</blockquote> + +(<i>ibid.</i>, p. 249).<br> +<a href="#frd61">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<a href="#fu11">cross-reference: return to Footnote 1 of Letter 374</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fd62"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> George Edward Griffiths (circ. 1769-1829), son of Ralph +Griffiths, who founded, owned, and published the <i>Monthly Review</i>, +and boarded and lodged Oliver Goldsmith as a contributor, succeeded to +the management of the <i>Review</i> on the death of his father in 1803. +He edited it till 1825, when he sold the property. He lived at Linden +House, Turnham Green. Francis Hodgson wrote for the <i>Monthly +Review</i>, and, March 2, 1814, he writes to Byron, + + <blockquote> "I have already read a review of Safie in the <i>British Critic</i>, + and will undertake it in the <i>Monthly</i> if Griffiths, with whom I + am in very bad odour from my late shameful idleness, will allow me. Oh + that you would write a good smart critique of something to get both + <i>yourself and me</i> in high repute at Turnham Green!!!!"</blockquote> + +In Byron's <i>Detached Thoughts</i> occurs the following passage: + + <blockquote>"I have been a reviewer. In the <i>Monthly Review</i> I wrote some + articles which were inserted. This was in the latter part of 1811. In + 1807, in a Magazine called <i>Monthly Literary Recreations</i>, I + reviewed Wordsworth's trash of that time.<br> +<br> + Excepting these, I cannot accuse myself of anonymous Criticism (that I + recollect), though I have been <i>offered</i> more than one review in + our principal Journals."</blockquote> + +In the Bodleian Library is a copy of the <i>Monthly Review</i>, in which +Griffiths has entered the initials of the authors of each article. Two +articles from the <i>Review</i>, attributed to Byron on this authority, +are given in <a href="#App1">Appendix I</a>.<br> +<a href="#frd62">return</a> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp4">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h3><a name="L226"></a>226—to Lord Holland</h3> +<br> +8, St. James's Street, February 25, 1812.<br> +<br><br> + +<b>My Lord</b>,—With my best thanks, I have the honour to return the Notts. +letter to your Lordship. I have read it with attention, but do not think +I shall venture to avail myself of its contents, as my view of the +question differs in some measure from Mr. Coldham's. I hope I do not +wrong him, but <i>his</i> objections to the bill appear to me to be +founded on certain apprehensions that he and his coadjutors might be +mistaken for the "<i>original advisers</i>" (to quote him) of the +measure. For my own part, I consider the manufacturers as a much injured +body of men, sacrificed to the views of certain individuals who have +enriched themselves by those practices which have deprived the +frame-workers of employment. For instance;—by the adoption of a certain +kind of frame, one man performs the work of seven—six are thus thrown +out of business. But it is to be observed that the work thus done is far +inferior in quality, hardly marketable at home, and hurried over with a +view to exportation. Surely, my Lord, however we may rejoice in any +improvement in the arts which may be beneficial to mankind, we must not +allow mankind to be sacrificed to improvements in mechanism. The +maintenance and well-doing of the industrious poor is an object of +greater consequence to the community than the enrichment of a few +monopolists by any improvement in the implements of trade, which +deprives the workman of his bread, and renders the labourer "unworthy of +his hire."<br> +<br> +My own motive for opposing the bill is founded on its palpable +injustice, and its certain inefficacy. I have seen the state of these +miserable men, and it is a disgrace to a civilized country. Their +excesses may be condemned, but cannot be subject of wonder. The effect +of the present bill would be to drive them into actual rebellion. The +few words I shall venture to offer on Thursday will be founded upon +these opinions formed from my own observations on the spot. By previous +inquiry, I am convinced these men would have been restored to +employment, and the county to tranquillity. It is, perhaps, not yet too +late, and is surely worth the trial. It can never be too late to employ +force in such circumstances. I believe your Lordship does not coincide +with me entirely on this subject, and most cheerfully and sincerely +shall I submit to your superior judgment and experience, and take some +other line of argument against the bill, or be silent altogether, should +you deem it more advisable. Condemning, as every one must condemn, the +conduct of these wretches, I believe in the existence of grievances +which call rather for pity than punishment. I have the honour to be, +with great respect, my Lord, your Lordship's<br> +<br> +Most obedient and obliged servant,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +P.S.—I am a little apprehensive that your Lordship will think me too +lenient towards these men, and half a <i>frame-breaker myself</i>.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp4">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h3><a name="L227">227—to Francis Hodgson</a></h3> +<br> +8, St. James's Street, March 5, 1812.<br> +<br><br> + +<b>My Dear Hodgson</b>,—<i>We</i> are not answerable for reports of speeches +in the papers; they are always given incorrectly, and on this occasion +more so than usual, from the debate in the Commons on the same night. +The <i>Morning Post</i> should have said <i>eighteen years</i>. However, +you will find the speech, as spoken, in the Parliamentary Register, when +it comes out. Lords Holland and Grenville, particularly the latter, paid +me some high compliments in the course of their speeches, as you may +have seen in the papers, and Lords Eldon and Harrowby answered me. I +<a name="frd71">have</a> had many marvellous eulogies<a href="#fd71"><sup>1</sup></a> repeated to me since, in person +and by proxy, from divers persons <I>ministerial</I>—yea, +<I>ministerial!</I>—as well as oppositionists; of them I shall only +mention Sir F. Burdett. <I>He</I> says it is the best speech by a +<I>lord</I> since the "<I>Lord</I> knows when," probably from a +fellow-feeling in the sentiments. Lord H. tells me I shall beat them all +if I persevere; and Lord G. remarked that the construction of some of my +periods are very like <I>Burke's!!</I> And so much for vanity. I spoke +very violent sentences with a sort of modest impudence, abused every +thing and every body, and put the Lord Chancellor very much out of +humour: and if I may believe what I hear, have not lost any character by +the experiment. As to my delivery, loud and fluent enough, perhaps a +little theatrical. I <a name="frd72">could</a> not recognize myself or any one else in the +newspapers<a href="#fd72"><sup>2</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +I <a name="frd73">hire</a> myself unto Griffiths, and my poesy<a href="#fd73"><sup>3</sup></a> comes out on Saturday. +Hobhouse is here; I shall tell him to write. My stone is gone for the +present, but I fear is part of my habit. We <I>all</I> talk of a visit +to Cambridge.<br> +<br> +Yours ever,<br> +<br> +B.<br><br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fd71"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> For Byron's speech, February 27, 1812, see <a href="#app2a">Appendix II. +(1)</a>.] Grenville said, + + <blockquote>"There never was a maxim of greater wisdom than that uttered by the + noble lord [Byron] who had so ably addressed their lordships that + night for the first time" </blockquote> + +(<I>Hansard</I>, vol. xxi. p. 977). Moore quotes a passage from Byron's +<I>Detached Thoughts</I>: + + <blockquote> "Sheridan's liking for me (whether he was not mystifying me I do not + know, but Lady Caroline Lamb and others told me that he said the same + both before and after he knew me) was founded upon <i>English Bards, + and Scotch Reviewers</i>. He told me that he did not care about poetry + (or about mine—at least, any but <i>that</i> poem of mine), but he + was sure, from <i>that</i> and other symptoms, I should make an + orator, if I would but take to speaking, and grow a parliament man. He + never ceased harping upon this to me to the last; and I remember my + old tutor, Dr. Drury, had the same notion when I was a <i>boy</i>; but + it never was my turn of inclination to try. I spoke once or twice, as + all young peers do, as a kind of introduction into public life; but + dissipation, shyness, haughty and reserved opinions, together with the + short time I lived in England after my majority (only about five years + in all), prevented me from resuming the experiment. As far as it went, + it was not discouraging, particularly my <i>first</i> speech (I spoke + three or four times in all); but just after it, my poem of <i>Childe + Harold</i> was published, and nobody ever thought about my + <i>prose</i> afterwards, nor indeed did I; it became to me a secondary + and neglected object, though I sometimes wonder to myself if I should + have succeeded."</blockquote> +<a href="#frd71">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fd72"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Byron, writing to John Hanson, February 28, 1812, says: + + <blockquote>"Dear Sir,—In the report of my speech (which by the bye is given very + incorrectly) in the <i>M[orning] Herald</i>, <i>Day</i>, and + <i>B[ritish] Press</i>, they state that I mentioned <i>Bristol</i>, a + place I never saw in my life and knew nothing of whatever, nor + <i>mentioned</i> at all last night. Will you be good enough to send to + these <i>papers</i> <i>immediately</i>, and have the mistake + corrected, or I shall get into a scrape with the Bristol people?<br> +<br> + "I am, yours very truly,<br> +<br> + "B."</blockquote> +<a href="#frd72">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fd73"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> <I>Childe Harold</I>, Cantos I., II.<br> +<a href="#frd73">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp5">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h3><a name="L228">228—to Lord Holland</a></h3> +<br> +St. James's Street, March 5, 1812.<br><br> + +<br> +<b>My Lord</b>,—<a name="frd81">May</a> I request your Lordship to accept a copy of the thing +which accompanies this note<a href="#fd81"><sup>1</sup></a>?<br> +<br> +<a name="frd82">You</a> have already so fully proved the truth of the first line of Pope's +couplet<a href="#fd82"><sup>2</sup></a>, + +<blockquote>"Forgiveness to the injured doth belong,"</blockquote> + +that I long for an opportunity to give the lie to the verse that +follows. If I were not perfectly convinced that any thing I may have +formerly uttered in the boyish rashness of my misplaced resentment had +made as little impression as it deserved to make, I should hardly have +the confidence—perhaps your Lordship may give it a stronger and more +appropriate appellation—to send you a quarto of the same scribbler. But +your Lordship, I am sorry to observe to-day, is troubled with the gout; +if my book can produce a <I>laugh</I> against itself or the author, it +will be of some service. If it can set you to <I>sleep</I>, the benefit +will be yet greater; <a name="frd83">and</a> as some facetious personage observed half a +century ago, that "poetry is a mere drug,"<a href="#fd83"><sup>3</sup></a><br> +<br> +I offer you mine as a humble assistant to the <I>eau medicinale</I>. I +trust you will forgive this and all my other buffooneries, and believe +me to be, with great respect,<br> +<br> +Your Lordship's obliged and sincere servant,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fd81"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> <I>Childe Harold</I> was published March 1, 1812. Another +copy of <I>Childe Harold</I> was sent to Mrs. Leigh, with the following +inscription: + + <blockquote>"To Augusta, my dearest sister, and my best friend, who has ever loved + me much better than I deserved, this volume is presented by her + <i>father's</i> son, and most affectionate brother, B."</blockquote> + +The effect which the poem instantly produced is best expressed in +Byron's own memorandum: + + <blockquote> "I awoke one morning and found myself famous." </blockquote> + +He was only just twenty-three years old. + + <blockquote>"The subject," says Elizabeth, Duchess of Devonshire (<i>Two + Duchesses</i>, pp. 375, 376), "of conversation, of curiosity, of + enthusiasm almost, one might say, of the moment is not Spain or + Portugal, Warriors or Patriots, but Lord Byron!" "He returned," she + continues, "sorry for the severity of some of his lines (in the + <i>English Bards</i>), and with a new poem, <i>Childe Harold</i>, + which he published. This poem is on every table, and himself courted, + visited, flattered, and praised whenever he appears. He has a pale, + sickly, but handsome countenance, a bad figure, and, in short, he is + really the only topic almost of every conversation—the men jealous of + him, the women of each other." <br> +<br> + "Lord Byron," writes Lady Harriet Leveson Gower to the Duke of + Devonshire, May 10, 1812 (<i>Letters of Harriet, Countess + Granville</i>, vol. i. p. 34), "is still upon a pedestal, and Caroline + William doing homage. I have made acquaintance with him. He is + agreeable, but I feel no wish for any further intimacy. His + countenance is fine when it is in repose; but the moment it is in + play, suspicious, malignant, and consequently repulsive. His manner is + either remarkably gracious and conciliatory, with a tinge of + affectation, or irritable and impetuous, and then, I am afraid, + perfectly natural." +</blockquote> +Rogers (<I>Recollections of the Table-Talk of Samuel Rogers</I>, pp. +232, 233) says, + + <blockquote>"After Byron had become the <i>rage</i>, I was frequently amused at + the manoeuvres of certain noble ladies to get acquainted with him by + means of me; for instance, I would receive a note from Lady ——, + requesting the pleasure of my company on a particular evening, with a + postscript, 'Pray, could you not contrive to bring Lord Byron with + you?' Once, at a great party given by Lady Jersey, Mrs. Sheridan ran + up to me and said, 'Do, as a favour, try if you can place Lord Byron + beside me at supper!'"</blockquote><br> +<a href="#frd81">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fd82"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"Forgiveness to the injured does belong,<br> + But they ne'er pardon, who have done the wrong."</blockquote> + +Dryden's <I>Conquest of Grenada</I>, part ii. act i. sc. 2.<br> +<a href="#frd82">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fd83"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> Murphy, in sc. 1 of <I>The Way to Keep Him</I> (1760), uses +the word in the same sense; + + <blockquote> "A wife's a drug now; mere tar-water, with every virtue under heaven, + but nobody takes it."</blockquote> +<a href="#frd83">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp5">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h2><a name="section3"></a>Chapter VI—The Idol of Society—The Drury Lane Address—Second Speech in Parliament</h2> +<br> +<b>March, 1812-May, 1813</b><br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> + +<h3><a name="L229">229—to Thomas Moore</a></h3> +<br> +<a name="frd91">With</a> regard to the passage on Mr. Way's loss, no unfair play was hinted +at, as may be seen by referring to the book<a href="#fd91"><sup>1</sup></a>; and it is expressly +added that the managers <I>were ignorant</I> of that transaction. As to +the prevalence of play at the Argyle, it cannot be denied that there +were <I>billiards</I> and <I>dice</I>;—Lord B. has been a witness to +the use of both at the Argyle Rooms. These, it is presumed, come under +the denomination of play. If play be allowed, the President of the +Institution can hardly complain of being termed the "Arbiter of +Play,"—or what becomes of his authority?<br> +<br> +Lord B. has no personal animosity to Colonel Greville. A public +institution, to which he himself was a subscriber, he considered himself +to have a right to notice <I>publickly</I>. Of that institution Colonel +Greville was the avowed director;—it is too late to enter into the +discussion of its merits or demerits.<br> +<br> +Lord B. must leave the discussion of the reparation, for the real or +supposed injury, to Colonel G.'s friend and Mr. Moore, the friend of +Lord B.—begging them to recollect that, while they consider Colonel +G.'s honour, Lord B. must also maintain his own. If the business can be +settled amicably, Lord B. will do as much as can and ought to be done by +a man of honour towards conciliation;—if not, he must satisfy Colonel +G. in the manner most conducive to his further wishes. +<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> + +<a name="fd91"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Byron, in <i>English Bards, etc.</i> (lines 638-667), had +alluded to Colonel Greville, Manager of the Argyle Institution: + + <blockquote> "Or hail at once the patron and the pile<br> + Of vice and folly, Greville and Argyle," etc.</blockquote> + +In a note he had also referred to "Billy" Way's loss of several thousand +pounds in the Rooms. On his return from abroad, Colonel Greville +demanded satisfaction through his friend Gould Francis Leckie. Byron +referred Leckie to Moore, and sent Moore the above paper for his +guidance. The affair was amicably settled.<br> +<br> +In his <i>Detached Thoughts</i> occurs the following passage:— + + <blockquote>"I have been called in as mediator, or second, at least twenty times, + in violent quarrels, and have always contrived to settle the business + without compromising the honour of the parties, or leading them to + mortal consequences, and this, too, sometimes in very difficult and + delicate circumstances, and having to deal with very hot and haughty + spirits,—Irishmen, gamesters, guardsmen, captains, and cornets of + horse, and the like. This was, of course, in my youth, when I lived in + hot-headed company. I have had to carry challenges from gentlemen to + noblemen, from captains to captains, from lawyers to counsellors, and + once from a clergyman to an officer in the Life Guards; but I found + the latter by far the most difficult: + + <blockquote> 'to compose <br> +The bloody duel without blows,'</blockquote> + + the business being about a woman: I must add, too, that I never saw a + <i>woman</i> behave so ill, like a cold-blooded, heartless b——as she + was,—but very handsome for all that. A certain Susan C——was she + called. I never saw her but once; and that was to induce her but to + say two words (which in no degree compromised herself), and which + would have had the effect of saving a priest or a lieutenant of + cavalry. She would <i>not</i> say them, and neither Nepean nor myself + (the son of Sir Evan Nepean, and a friend to one of the parties) could + prevail upon her to say them, though both of us used to deal in some + sort with womankind. At last I managed to quiet the combatants without + her talisman, and, I believe, to her great disappointment: she was the + damnedest b—— that I ever saw, and I have seen a great many. Though + my clergyman was sure to lose either his life or his living, he was as + warlike as the Bishop of Beauvais, and would hardly be pacified; but + then he was in love, and that is a martial passion."</blockquote> + +One challenge from a gentleman to a nobleman was that of Scrope Davies +to Lord Foley, in 1813; but Byron succeeded in arranging the matter. +That from a lawyer to a counsellor was in 1815, from John Hanson to +Serjeant Best, afterwards Lord Wynford, and arose out of the marriage of +Miss Hanson to Lord Portsmouth; this quarrel was also settled by Byron. +The case of the clergyman was that of the Rev. Robert Bland, whose +mistress, during his absence in Holland, left him for an officer in the +Guards (see <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. 197, end of <i>note</i> [Footnote 1 of Letter 102] on +Francis Hodgson). Byron was himself a fair shot with a pistol. + + <blockquote>"When in London," writes Gronow (<i>Reminiscences</i>, vol. i. p. + 152), "Byron used to go to Manton's shooting-gallery, in Davies + Street, to try his hand, as he said, at a wafer. Wedderburn Webster + was present when the poet, intensely delighted with his own skill, + boasted to Joe Manton that he considered himself the best shot in + London. 'No, my lord,' replied Manton, 'not the best; but your + shooting to-day was respectable.' Whereupon Byron waxed wroth, and + left the shop in a violent passion."</blockquote> +<a href="#frd91">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp5">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L230">230—to William Bankes</a></h3> +<br> +My dear Bankes,—My eagerness to come to an explanation has, I trust, +convinced you that whatever my unlucky manner might inadvertently be, +the change was as unintentional as (if intended) it would have been +ungrateful. I really was not aware that, while we were together, I had +evinced such caprices; that we were not so much in each other's company +as I could have wished, I well know, but I think so <I>acute an +observer</I> as yourself must have perceived enough to <I>explain +this</I>, without supposing any slight to one in whose society I have +pride and pleasure. Recollect that I do not allude here to "extended" or +"extending" acquaintances, but to circumstances you will understand, I +think, on a little reflection.<br> +<br> +And now, my dear Bankes, do not distress me by supposing that I can +think of you, or you of me, otherwise than I trust we have long thought. +You told me not long ago that my temper was improved, and I should be +sorry that opinion should be revoked. Believe me, your friendship is of +more account to me than all those absurd vanities in which, I fear, you +conceive me to take too much interest. I have never disputed your +superiority, or doubted (seriously) your good will, and no one shall +ever "make mischief between us" without the sincere regret on the part +of your ever affectionate, etc.<br> +<br> +P.S.—I <a name="fre1">shall</a> see you, I hope, at Lady Jersey's<a href="#fe1"><sup>1</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +Hobhouse goes also.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fe1"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> George Child-Villiers (1773-1859), "in manners and +appearance <I>le plus grand seigneur</I> of his time," succeeded his +father, "the Prince of Maccaronies," in 1805, as fifth Earl of Jersey. +He was twice Lord Chamberlain to William IV., and twice Master of the +Horse to Queen Victoria. He married, in 1804, Lady Sarah Sophia Fane, +eldest daughter of John, tenth Earl of Westmorland, and heiress, through +her mother, <I>née</I> Sarah Anne Child, of the fortune of her +grandfather, Robert Child, the banker.<br> +<br> +Lady Jersey for many years reigned supreme, by her beauty and wit, in +London society, + + <blockquote> "the veriest tyrant," said Byron, "that ever governed Fashion's fools, + and compelled them to shake their caps and bells as she willed it." </blockquote> + +At Almack's, where, according to Gronow (<I>Reminiscences</I>, vol. i. +p. 32), she introduced the quadrille after Waterloo, she was a despot. +<I>Almack's</I>, the very clever and personal picture of fashionable +life, published in 1826, is dedicated + + <blockquote> "To that most Distinguished and Despotic Conclave, composed of their + High Mightinesses the Ladies Patronesses of the Balls at Almack's, the + Rulers of Fashion, the Arbiters of Taste, the Leaders of <i>Ton</i>, + and the Makers of Manners, whose Sovereign sway over 'the world' of + London has long been established on the firmest basis, whose Decrees + are Laws, and from whose judgment there is no appeal." </blockquote> + +Over this "Willis Coalition Cabinet" Lady Jersey, as "Lady Hauton," is +described as reigning supreme. + + <blockquote>"She knew more than any person I ever met with, and both everything + and everybody; she could quiz and she could flatter." <br> +<br> + "Treat people like fools," she is supposed to say, "and they will + worship you; stoop to make up to them, and they will directly tread + you underfoot."</blockquote> + +Ticknor (<I>Life</I>, vol. i. p. 269) speaks of her as a "beautiful +creature, with a great deal of talent, taste, and elegant knowledge." He +was at Almack's, in 1819, and standing close to Lady Jersey, then at the +height of beauty and brilliant talent, a leader in society, and with +decided political opinions, when she refused the Duke of Wellington +admittance. The lady patronesses had made a rule to admit no one after +eleven o'clock. When the rule first came into operation, Ticknor heard +one of the attendants announce that the Duke of Wellington was at the door. + + <blockquote> "What o'clock is it?" Lady Jersey asked. "Seven minutes after eleven, + your ladyship." She paused a moment, and then said, with emphasis and + distinctness, Give my compliments,—give Lady Jersey's compliments to + the Duke of Wellington, and say that she is very glad that the first + enforcement of the rule of exclusion is such that hereafter no one can + complain of its application. He cannot be admitted."</blockquote> + +(<i>ibid</i>., vol. i. pp. 296, 297).<br> +<br> +Politically, Lady Jersey was a power. Such an entry as the following +sounds strange to modern readers: Dining at Lord Holland's, in 1835, in +company with Lord Melbourne, Lord Grey, and other prominent politicians, +Ticknor notes that + + <blockquote> "public business was much talked about—the corporation bill, the + motion for admitting Dissenters to the universities, etc., etc.; and + as to the last, when the question arose whether it would be debated on + Tuesday night, it was admitted to be doubtful whether Lady Jersey + would not succeed in getting it postponed, as she has a grand dinner + that evening." </blockquote> + +(<i>Life</i>, vol. i. pp. 409, 410).<br> +<br> +Lady Jersey, whose mother-in-law, <i>née</i> Frances Twyden, had +been a bitter opponent of the Princess of Wales, provoked the wrath +of the Regent by espousing the cause of his wife. The Prince +was determined to break off this friendship with his wife's champion, +and sent a letter to her by the hand of Colonel Willis, announcing +his determination. Some time later they met at a great party given +by Henry Hope in Cavendish Square. Lady Jersey was walking +with Rogers in the gallery, when they met the Prince, who + + <blockquote>"stopped for a moment, and then, drawing himself up, marched past her + with a look of the utmost disdain. Lady Jersey returned the look to + the full; and, as soon as the Prince was gone, said to me, with a + smile, 'Didn't I do it well?'" </blockquote> + +(<i>Table Talk of Samuel Rogers</i>, pp. 267, 268).<br> +<br> +From this same change of feeling arose the incident which Byron +celebrated in his Condolatory Address "On the Occasion of the +Prince Regent Returning her Picture to Mrs. Mee." The lines +were enclosed with a letter which is printed at the date May 29, +1814. "Pegasus is, perhaps, the only horse of whose paces," said +Byron (<i>Conversations with Lady Blessington</i>, p. 51), "Lord [Jersey] +could not be a judge." Of Lady Jersey he says (<i>ibid</i>., p. 50), + + <blockquote> "Of all that coterie, Madame [de Stael], after Lady [Jersey], was the + best; at least I thought so, for these two ladies were the only ones + who ventured to protect me when all London was crying out against me + on the separation, and they behaved courageously and kindly ... Poor + dear Lady [Jersey]! Does she still retain her beautiful cream-coloured + complexion and raven hair? I used to long to tell her that she spoiled + her looks by her excessive animation; for eyes, tongue, head, and arms + were all in movement at once, and were only relieved from their active + service by want of respiration," etc., etc.</blockquote> +<a href="#fre1">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<a href="#fh12">cross-reference: return to Footnote 2 of Letter 256</a> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp5">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L231"></a>231—to Thomas Moore</h3> +<br> +March 25, 1812.<br> +<br><br> + +<a name="fre11">Know</a> all men by these presents, that you, Thomas Moore, stand +indicted—no—invited, by special and particular solicitation, to Lady +Caroline Lamb's<a href="#fe11"><sup>1</sup></a> tomorrow evening, at half-past nine o'clock, where +you will meet with a civil reception and decent entertainment. Pray, +come—I was so examined after you this morning, that I entreat you to +answer in person.<br> +<br> +Believe me, etc.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fe11"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Lady Caroline Lamb (1785-1828), the "Calantha Avondale" of +her own <i>Glenarvon</i>, was the daughter of Frederick Ponsonby, third +Earl of Bessborough, by his wife, Lady Henrietta Frances Spencer, sister +of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire. She was brought up, partly in Italy +under the care of a servant, partly by her grandmother, the wife of +John, first Earl Spencer. She married, June 3, 1805, William Lamb, +afterwards Lord Melbourne.<br> +<br> +Her manuscript commonplace-book is in the possession of the Hon. G. +Ponsonby. A few pages are taken up with a printed copy of the <i>Essay +on the Progressive Improvement of Mankind</i>, with which her husband +won the declamation prize at Trinity, Cambridge, in 1798. The rest of +the volume consists of some 200 pages filled with prose, and verse, and +sketches. It begins with a list of her nicknames—"Sprite," "Young +Savage," "Ariel," "Squirrel," etc. Then follow the secret language of an +imaginary order; her first verses, written at the age of thirteen; +scraps of poetry, original and extracted, in French, Italian, and +English; a long fragment of a wild romantic story of a girl's seduction +by an infidel nobleman. A clever sketch in water-colour of William Lamb +and of herself, after their marriage, is followed by verses on the birth +of her son, "little "Augustus," August 23, 1807. The last stanza of a +poem, which has nothing to commend it except the feelings of the wife +and mother which it expresses, runs thus: + + <blockquote>"His little eyes like William's shine;<br> + How great is then my joy,<br> + For, while I call this darling mine,<br> + I see 'tis William's boy!"</blockquote> + +The most ambitious effort in the volume is a poem, illustrated with +pictures in water colours, such as <i>L'Amour se cache sous le voile +d'Amitié</i>, or <i>l'Innocence le recoit dans ses bras</i>; a third, in the style +of Blake, bears the inscription <i>le Désespoir met fin à ses jours</i>. The +poem opens with the following lines: + + <blockquote>"Winged with Hope and hushed with Joy,<br> + See yon wanton, blue-eyed Boy,—<br> + Arch his smile, and keen his dart,—<br> + Aim at Laura's youthful heart!<br> + How could he his wiles disguise?<br> + How deceive such watchful eyes?<br> + How so pure a breast inspire,<br> + Set so young a Mind on fire?<br> + 'Twas because to raise the flame<br> + Love bethought of friendship's name.<br> + Under this false guise he told her<br> + That he lived but to behold her.<br> + How could she his fault discover<br> + When he often vowed to love her?<br> + How could she her heart defend<br> + When he took the name of friend?"</blockquote> + +Dates are seldom affixed to the compositions, and it is impossible to +say whether any are autobiographical. But, taken as a whole, they reveal +a clever, romantic, impulsive, imaginative woman, whose pet names +describe at once the charm of her character and the fascination of her +small, slight figure, "golden hair, large hazel eyes," and low musical +voice.<br> +<br> +Her marriage with William Lamb, June 3, seems to have been at first kept +secret. Lord Minto in August, 1805 (<i>Life and Letters</i>, vol. iii. +p. 361), speaks of her as unmarried, and adds that she is "a lively and +rather a pretty girl; they say she is very clever." Augustus Foster, +writing to his mother, Lady Elizabeth Foster, July 30, 1805 (<i>The Two +Duchesses</i>, p. 233), says, <blockquote>"I cannot fancy Lady Caroline married. I +cannot be glad of it. How changed she must be—the delicate Ariel, the +little Fairy Queen become a wife and soon perhaps a mother." </blockquote>Lady +Elizabeth replies, September 30, 1805 (<i>ibid</i>., p. 242): <blockquote>"You may +retract all your sorrow about Caro Ponsonby's marriage, for she is the +same wild, delicate, odd, delightful person, unlike everything."</blockquote> + +Lady Caroline and William Lamb are described by Lady Elizabeth, three +months later, as "flirting all day long <i>è felice adesso</i>." The +phrase, perhaps, correctly expresses Lady Caroline's conception of love +as an episode; but no breach occurred till 1813. In the previous year, +when Byron had suddenly risen to the height of his fame, she had refused +to be introduced by Lady Westmorland to the man of whom she made the +famous entry in her Diary "mad, bad, and dangerous to know." But they +met, a few days later, at Holland House, and Byron called on her in +Whitehall, where for the next four months he was a daily visitor. On +blue-bordered paper, embossed at the corners with scallop-shells, she +wrote to Byron at an early stage in their acquaintance,<a href="#app3a"> the letter +numbered 1 in Appendix III</a>.<br> +<br> +<a name="CR2">For</a> the sequel to the story of their friendship, see Byron's <a href="#L232">letter</a> +to Lady Caroline, p. 135, <a href="#fg1"><i>note</i></a> 1, and <a href="#app3">Appendix III</a>.<br> +<a href="#fre11">return</a> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp5">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L232">232—to Lady Caroline Lamb</a></h3> +<br> +[Undated.]<br> +<br><br> + +I never supposed you artful: we are all selfish,—nature did that for +us. But even when you attempt deceit occasionally, you cannot maintain +it, which is all the better; want of success will curb the tendency. +Every word you utter, every line you write, proves you to be either +<i>sincere</i> or a <i>fool</i>. Now as I know you are not the one, I +must believe you the other.<br> +<br> +I never knew a woman with greater or more pleasing talents, +<i>general</i> as in a woman they should be, something of everything, +and too much of nothing. <a name="fre21">But</a> these are unfortunately coupled with a +total want of common conduct<a href="#fe21"><sup>1</sup></a>. For instance, the <i>note</i> to your +<i>page</i>—do you suppose I delivered it? or did you mean that I +should? I did not of course.<br> +<br> +Then your heart, my poor Caro (what a little volcano!), that pours +<i>lava</i> through your veins; and yet I cannot wish it a bit colder, +to make a <i>marble slab</i> of, as you sometimes see (to understand my +foolish metaphor) brought in vases, tables, etc., from Vesuvius, when +hardened after an eruption. To drop my detestable tropes and figures, +you know I have always thought you the cleverest, most agreeable, +absurd, amiable, perplexing, dangerous, fascinating little being that +lives now, or ought to have lived 2000 years ago. I won't talk to you of +beauty; I am no judge. But our beauties cease to be so when near you, +and therefore you have either some, or something better. And now, Caro, +this nonsense is the first and last compliment (if it be such) I ever +paid you. You have often reproached me as wanting in that respect; but +others will make up the deficiency.<br> +<br> +Come to Lord Grey's; at least do not let me keep you away. All that you +so often <i>say</i>, I <i>feel</i>. Can more be said or felt? This same +prudence is tiresome enough; but one <i>must</i> maintain it, or what +<i>can</i> one do to be saved? Keep to it.<br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fe21"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> The following letter from Lady Caroline to Fletcher, +Byron's valet, illustrates the statement in the text: + + <blockquote><b>Fletcher</b>,—Will you come and see me here some evening at 9, and no one + will know of it. You may say you bring a letter, and wait the answer. + I will send for you in. But I will let you know first, for I wish to + speak with you. I also want you to take the little Foreign Page I + shall send in to see Lord Byron. Do not tell him before-hand, but, + when he comes with flowers, shew him in. I shall not come myself, + unless just before he goes away; so do not think it is me. Besides, + you will see this is quite a child, only I wish him to see my Lord if + you can contrive it, which, if you tell me what hour is most + convenient, will be very easy. I go out of Town to-morrow for a day or + two, and I am now quite well—at least much better."</blockquote> +<a href="#fre21">return</a> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp5">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L233"></a>233—To William Bankes</h3> +<br> +<b>My Dear Bankes</b>,—I feel rather hurt (not savagely) at the speech you +made to me last night, and my hope is that it was only one of your +<i>profane</i> jests. I should be very sorry that any part of my +behaviour should give you cause to suppose that I think higher of +myself, or otherwise of you than I have always done. I can assure you +that I am as much the humblest of your servants as at Trin. Coll.; and +if I have not been at home when you favoured me with a call, the loss +was more mine than yours. In the bustle of buzzing parties, there is, +there can be, no rational conversation; but when I can enjoy it, there +is nobody's I can prefer to your own.<br> +<br> +Believe me, ever faithfully and most affectionately yours,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp5">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L234"></a>234—to Thomas Moore</h3> +<br> +Friday noon.<br> +<br><br> + +I should have answered your note yesterday, but I hoped to have seen you +this morning. I <a name="fre31">must</a> consult with you about the day we dine with Sir +Francis<a href="#fe31"><sup>1</sup></a>. I <a name="fre32">suppose</a> we shall meet at Lady Spencer's<a href="#fe32"><sup>2</sup></a> to-night. I +<a name="fre33">did</a> not know that you were at Miss Berry's<a href="#fe33"><sup>3</sup></a> the other night, or I +should have certainly gone there.<br> +<br> +As usual, I am in all sorts of scrapes, though none, at present, of a +martial description.<br> +<br> +Believe me, etc.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fe31"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Probably with Sir Francis Burdett, at 77, Piccadilly.<br> +<a href="#fre31">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fe32"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Grandmother of Lady Caroline Lamb.<br> +<a href="#fre32">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fe33"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> Mary Berry (1763-1852), the friend and editor of Horace +Walpole, whom she might have married, lived at Little Strawberry Hill, +and in North Audley Street, London. In her <i>Journal</i> Miss Berry mentions +two occasions on which she met Byron. The first was Thursday, April 2, +1812, at Lord Glenbervie's. + + <blockquote>"I had a quarter of an hour's conversation, which, I own, gave me a + great desire to know him better, and he seemed willing that I should + do so." </blockquote> + +The second occasion was May 7, 1812. + + <blockquote> "At the end of the evening I had half an hour's conversation with Lord + Byron, principally on the subject of the Scotch Review, with which he + is very much pleased. He is a singular man, and pleasant to me but I + very much fear that his head begins to be turned by all the adoration + of the world, especially the women" </blockquote> + +(<i>Journal and Correspondence of Miss Berry</i>, vol. ii. pp. 496, +497).<br> +<a href="#fre33">return</a> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp5">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L235"></a>235—to Lady Caroline Lamb</h3> +<br> +May 1st, 1812.<br> +<br><br> + +<b>My Dear Lady Caroline</b>,—I <a name="fre41">have</a> read over the few poems of Miss Milbank<a href="#fe41"><sup>1</sup></a> with attention. They display fancy, feeling, and a little practice +would very soon induce facility of expression. <a name="fre42">Though</a> I have an +abhorrence of Blank Verse, I like the lines on Dermody<a href="#fe42"><sup>2</sup></a> so much that +I wish they were in rhyme. The lines in the Cave at Seaham have a turn +of thought which I cannot sufficiently commend, and here I am at least +candid as my own opinions differ upon such subjects. The first stanza is +very good indeed, and the others, with a few slight alterations, might +be rendered equally excellent. The last are smooth and pretty. But these +are all, has she no others? She certainly is a very extraordinary girl; +who would imagine so much strength and variety of thought under that +placid Countenance? It is not necessary for Miss M. to be an authoress, +indeed I do not think publishing at all creditable either to men or +women, and (though you will not believe me) very often feel ashamed of +it myself; but I have no hesitation in saying that she has talents +which, were it proper or requisite to indulge, would have led to +distinction.<br> +<br> +A friend of mine (fifty years old, and an author, but not <i>Rogers</i>) +has just been here. As there is no name to the MSS. I shewed them to +him, and he was much more enthusiastic in his praises than I have been. +He thinks them beautiful; I shall content myself with observing that +they are better, much better, than anything of Miss M.'s protegée +(<i>sic</i>) Blacket. You will say as much of this to Miss M. as you +think proper. I say all this very sincerely. I have no desire to be +better acquainted with Miss Milbank; she is too good for a fallen spirit +to know, and I should like her more if she were less perfect. Believe +me, yours ever most truly, <br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fe41"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> This letter refers to the future Lady Byron, the "Miss +Monmouth" of <i>Glenarvon</i> (see vol. iii. p. 100), who was first +brought to Byron's notice by Lady Caroline Lamb. Anna Isabella (often +shortened into Annabella) Milbanke (born May 17, 1792; died May 16, +1860) was the only child of Sir Ralph Milbanke, Bart., and the Hon. +Judith Noel, daughter of Lord Wentworth. Her childhood was passed at +Halnaby, or at Seaham, where her father had "a pretty villa on the +cliff." In 1808 Seaham + + <blockquote>"was the most primitive hamlet ever met with—a +dozen or so of cottages, no trade, no manufacture, no business doing +that we could see; the owners were mostly servants of Sir Ralph +Milbanke's." </blockquote> + +(<i>Memoirs of a Highland Lady</i>, p. 71). It was here that +Blacket the poet (see <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. 314, <i>note</i> 2 [Footnote 2 of Letter 154]; p. +6, <a href="#f35"><i>note</i></a> 5, of the present volume; and <i>English Bards, etc</i>., +line 770, and Byron's <i>note</i>) died, befriended by Miss Milbanke.<br> +<br> +Byron (Medwin's <i>Conversations with Lord Byron</i>, pp. 44, 45) thus +describes the personal appearance of his future wife: + + <blockquote> "There was something piquant and what we term pretty in Miss Milbanke. + Her features were small and feminine, though not regular. She had the + fairest skin imaginable. Her figure was perfect for her height; and + there was a simplicity, a retired modesty, about her, which was very + characteristic, and formed a happy contrast to the cold, artificial + formality and studied stiffness which is called fashion." </blockquote> + +The roundness of her face suggested to Byron the pet name of "Pippin."<br> +<br> +High-principled, guided by a strong sense of duty, imbued with deep +religious feeling, Miss Milbanke lived to impress F. W. Robertson as +"the noblest woman he ever knew" (<i>Diary of Crabb Robinson</i> (1852), +vol. iii. p. 405). She was also a clever, well-read girl, fond of +mathematics, a student of theology and of Greek, a writer of meritorious +verse, which, however, Byron only allowed to be "good by accident" +(Medwin, p. 60). Among her mother's friends were Mrs. Siddons, Joanna +Baillie, and Maria Edgeworth. The latter, writing, May, 1813, to Miss +Ruxton, says, "Lady Milbanke is very agreeable, and has a charming, +well-informed daughter." With all her personal charms, virtues, and +mental gifts, she shows, in many of her letters, a precision, formality, +and self-complacency, which suggest the female pedant. Byron says of her +that "she was governed by what she called fixed rules and principles, +squared mathematically," (Medwin, p. 60); at one time he used to speak of +her as his "Princess of Parallelograms," and at a later period he called +her his "Mathematical Medea."<br> +<br> +Before Miss Milbanke met Byron, she had a lover in Augustus Foster, son +of Lady Elizabeth Foster, afterwards Duchess of Devonshire. The duchess, +writing to her son, February 29, 1812, says that Mrs. George Lamb (?) +would sound Miss Milbanke as to her feelings: + + <blockquote> "Caro means to see <i>la bella</i> Annabelle before she writes to you + ... I shall almost hate her if she is blind to the merits of one who + would make her so happy"</blockquote> + +(<i>The Two Duchesses</i>, p. 358). Apparently Mr. Foster's love was not +returned. + + <blockquote>"She persists in saying," writes the duchess, May 4, 1812 + (<i>ibid</i>., p. 362), "that she never suspected your attachment to + her; but she is so odd a girl that, though she has for some time + rather liked another, she has decidedly refused them, because she + thinks she ought to marry a person with a good fortune; and this is + partly, I believe, from generosity to her parents, and partly owning + that fortune is an object to herself for happiness. In short, she is + good, amiable, and sensible, but cold, prudent, and reflecting. Lord + Byron makes up to her a little; but she don't seem to admire him + except as a poet, nor he her except for a wife." </blockquote> + +Again, June 2, 1812, she says, + + <blockquote>"Your Annabella is a mystery; liking, not liking; generous-minded, yet + afraid of poverty; there is no making her out. I hope you don't make + yourself unhappy about her; she is really an icicle."</blockquote> + +Miss Milbanke's unaffected simplicity attracted Byron; even her coldness +was a charm. When he came to know her, he probably found her not only +agreeable, but the best woman he had ever met. Lady Melbourne, who knew +him most intimately, and was also Miss Milbanke's aunt, may well have +thought that, if her niece once gained control over Byron, her influence +would be the making of his character. She encouraged the match by every +means in her power. It is unnecessary to suppose that she did so to save +Lady Caroline Lamb; that danger was over. At some time before the autumn +of 1812, Byron proposed to Miss Milbanke, and was refused. He still, +however, continued to correspond with her, and his <a href="#section5"><i>Journal</i></a> shows +that his affection for her was steadily growing during the years +1813-14. In September, 1814, he proposed a second time, and was +accepted.<br> +<br> +Byron professed to believe (Medwin, p. 59) that Miss Milbanke was not in +love with him. + + <blockquote>"I was the fashion when she first came out; I had the character of + being a great rake, and was a great dandy—both of which young ladies + like. She married me from vanity, and the hope of reforming and fixing + me." </blockquote> + +Byron was not the man to unbosom himself to Medwin on such a subject. +Moore asked the same question—whether Lady Byron really loved Byron—of +Lady Holland, who + + <blockquote> "seemed to think she must. He was such a loveable person. I remember + him (said she) sitting there with that light upon him, looking so + beautiful!'" + </blockquote> +(<i>Journals, etc.</i>, vol. ii. p. 324). The letters that will follow +seem to show beyond all question that the marriage was one of true +affection on both sides.<br> +<a href="#fre41">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fe42"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Thomas Dermody (1775-1802), a precocious Irish lad, whose +dissipated habits weakened his mind and body, published poems in +1792, 1800, and 1802. His collected verses appeared in 1807 under +the title of <i>The Harp of Erin</i>, edited by J. G. Raymond, who had +published the previous year (1806) <i>The Life of Thomas Dermody</i> in +two volumes.<br> +<a href="#fre42">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp5">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L236">236—to Thomas Moore</a></h3> +<br> +May 8, 1812.<br><br> + +<br> +I am too proud of being your friend, to care with whom I am linked in +your estimation, and, God knows, I want friends more at this time than +at any other. I am "taking care of myself" to no great purpose. If you +knew my situation in every point of view, you would excuse apparent and +unintentional neglect. I shall leave town, I think; but do not you leave +it without seeing me. I wish you, from my soul, every happiness you can +wish yourself; and I think you have taken the road to secure it. Peace +be with you! I fear she has abandoned me. Ever, etc.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp5">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L237">237—to Thomas Moore</a></h3> +<br> +May 20, 1812.<br><br> + +<br> +On <a name="fre51">Monday</a>, after sitting up all night, I saw Bellingham launched into +eternity<a href="#fe51"><sup>1</sup></a>, and at three the same day I saw—— launched into the +country.<br> +<br> +I believe, in the beginning of June, I shall be down for a few days in +Notts. If so, I shall beat you up <i>en passant</i> with Hobhouse, who +is endeavouring, like you and every body else, to keep me out of +scrapes.<br> +<br> +I meant to have written you a long letter, but I find I cannot. If any +thing remarkable occurs, you will hear it from me—if good; if +<i>bad</i>, there are plenty to tell it. In the mean time, do you be +happy.<br> +<br> +Ever yours, etc.<br> +<br> +P.S.—My best wishes and respects to Mrs. Moore;— she is beautiful. I +may say so even to you, for I was never more struck with a countenance.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fe51"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Bellingham, while engaged in the timber trade at Archangel, +fancied himself wronged by the Russian Government, and the British +Ambassador at St. Petersburg, Lord G. Leveson-Gower. Returning to +England, he set up in Liverpool as an insurance broker, continuing to +press his claims against Russia on the Ministry without success. On May +11, 1812, he shot Spencer Perceval, First Lord of the Treasury and +Chancellor of the Exchequer, dead in the lobby of the House of Commons. +Bellingham was hanged before Newgate on May 18. Byron took a window, +says Moore (<i>Life</i>, p. 164), to see the execution. He + + <blockquote> "was +accompanied on the occasion by his old schoolfellows, Mr. Bailey and Mr. +John Madocks. They went together from some assembly, and, on their +arriving at the spot, about three o'clock in the morning, not finding +the house that was to receive them open, Mr. Madocks undertook to rouse +the inmates, while Lord Byron and Mr. Bailey sauntered, arm in arm, up +the street. During this interval, rather a painful scene occurred. +Seeing an unfortunate woman lying on the steps of a door, Lord Byron, +with some expression of compassion, offered her a few shillings; but, +instead of accepting them, she violently pushed away his hand, and, +starting up with a yell of laughter, began to mimic the lameness of his +gait. He did not utter a word; but 'I could feel,' said Mr. Bailey, 'his +arm trembling within mine, as we left her.' "</blockquote> + +In Byron's <i>Detached Thoughts</i> is an anecdote of Baillie, whose +name is here misspelt by Moore: + +<blockquote>"Baillie (commonly called 'Long' +Baillie, a very clever man, but odd) complained in riding, to our friend +Scrope Davies, that he had a <i>stitch</i> in his side. 'I don't wonder +at it,' said Scrope, 'for you ride like a <i>tailor</i>.' Whoever has +seen B. on horseback, with his very tall figure on a small nag, would +not deny the justice of the repartee."</blockquote> +<a href="#fre51">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp5">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L238"></a>238—to Bernard Barton<a href="#fe61"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>1</sup></span></a></h3> +<br> +8, St. James's St., June 1, 1812.<br> +<br><br> + +The most satisfactory answer to the concluding part of your letter is +that Mr. Murray will republish your volume, if you still retain your +inclination for the experiment, which I trust will be successful. Some +weeks ago my friend Mr. Rogers showed me some of the stanzas in MS., and +I then expressed my opinion of their merit, which a further perusal of +the printed volume has given me no reason to revoke. I mention this, as +it may not be disagreeable to you to learn that I entertained a very +favourable opinion of your powers, before I was aware that such +sentiments were reciprocal.<br> +<br> +Waiving your obliging expressions as to my own productions, for which I +thank you very sincerely, and assure you that I think not lightly of the +praise of one whose approbation is valuable, will you allow me to talk +to you candidly, not critically, on the subject of yours? You will not +suspect me of a wish to discourage, since I pointed out to the publisher +the propriety of complying with your wishes. I think more highly of your +poetical talents than it would, perhaps, gratify you to hear expressed, +for I believe, from what I observe of your mind, that you are above +flattery. To come to the point, you deserve success, but we know, before +Addison wrote his <i>Cato</i>, that desert does not always command it. +But, suppose it attained,— + + <blockquote> "<a name="fre62">You</a> know what ills the author's life assail,<br> + Toil, envy, want, the patron and the jail."<a href="#fe62"><sup>2</sup></a></blockquote> + +Do not renounce writing, but never trust entirely to authorship. If you +have a possession, retain it; <a name="fre63">it</a> will be, like Prior's fellowship<a href="#fe63"><sup>3</sup></a>, a +last and sure resource. Compare Mr. Rogers with other authors of the +day; assuredly he is amongst the first of living poets, but is it to +that he owes his station in society, and his intimacy in the best +circles? No, it is to his prudence and respectability; the world (a bad +one, I own) courts him because he has no occasion to court it. He is a +poet, nor is he less so because he was something more. <a name="fre64">I</a> am not sorry to +hear that you are not tempted by the vicinity of Capel Loft, Esq're.<a href="#fe64"><sup>4</sup></a>, though, if he had done for you what he has done for the +Bloomfields, I should never have laughed at his rage for patronising. +But a truly constituted mind will ever be independent. That you may be +so is my sincere wish, and, if others think as well of your poetry as I +do, you will have no cause to complain of your readers.<br> +<br> +Believe me, etc.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fe61"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Bernard Barton (1784-1849), the friend of Charles Lamb, and +the Quaker poet, to whose <i>Poems and Letters</i> (1849) Edward +FitzGerald prefixed a biographical introduction, published <i>Metrical +Effusions</i> (1812), <i>Poems by an Amateur</i> (1817), <i>Poems</i> +(1820), and several other works. He was for many years a clerk in a bank +at Woodbridge, in Suffolk. Byron's advice to him was that of Lamb: "Keep +to your bank, and your bank will keep you." Two letters, [<a href="#app4a">1</a>, <a href="#app4b">2</a>] written by him +to Byron in 1814, showing his admiration of the poet, and his +appreciation of the generosity of his character, and <a href="#app4c">part</a> of the draft +of Byron's answer, are given in <a href="#App4">Appendix IV</a>.<br> +<a href="#L238">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fe62"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"There mark what ills the scholar's life assail,—<br> + Toil, envy, want, the patron and the jail."</blockquote> + +Johnson's <i>Vanity of Human Wishes</i>, line 159.<br> +<a href="#fre62">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fe63"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> Matthew Prior (1664-1721) became a Fellow of St. John's +College, Cambridge, in 1688.<br> +<a href="#fre63">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fe64"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> For Capell Lofft and the Bloomfields, see <i>Letters</i>, +vol. i. p. 337, <i>notes</i> I and 2 [Footnotes 4 and 5 of Letter 167].<br> +<a href="#fre64">return</a> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp5">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L239">239—to Lord Holland</a></h3> +<br> +June 25, 1812.<br> +<br><br> + +<b>My Dear Lord</b>,—I must appear very ungrateful, and have, indeed, been +very negligent, but till last night I was not apprised of Lady Holland's +restoration, and I shall call to-morrow to have the satisfaction, I +trust, of hearing that she is well.—I hope that neither politics nor +gout have assailed your Lordship since I last saw you, and that you also +are "as well as could be expected."<br> +<br> +<a name="fre71">The</a> other night, at a ball, I was presented by order to our gracious +Regent, who honoured me with some conversation, and professed a +predilection for poetry<a href="#fe71"><sup>1</sup></a>.—I confess it was a most unexpected honour, +and I thought of poor Brummell's<a href="#fe72"><sup>2</sup></a> adventure, with some apprehension +of a similar blunder. I <a name="fre73">have</a> now great hope, in the event of Mr. Pye's<a href="#fe73"><sup>3</sup></a> decease, of "warbling truth at court," like Mr. Mallet<a href="#fe74"><sup>4</sup></a> of +indifferent memory.—Consider, one hundred marks a year! besides the +wine and the disgrace; but then remorse would make me drown myself in my +own butt before the year's end, or the finishing of my first +dithyrambic.—So that, after all, I shall not meditate our laureate's +death by pen or poison.<br> +<br> +Will you present my best respects to Lady Holland? and believe me, hers +and yours very sincerely.<br> +<br> + <b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fe71"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> The ball was given in June, 1812, at Miss Johnson's (see +<i>Memoir of John Murray</i>, vol. i. p. 212). In the words +"predilection for poetry" Byron probably refers to the phrase in the +Regent's letter to the Duke of York (February 13, 1812): "I have no +predilections to indulge, no resentments to gratify." Moore, in the +<i>Twopenny Post-bag</i>, twice fastens on the phrase. In "The +Insurrection of the Papers", a dream suggested by Lord Castlereagh's +speech— "It would be impossible for His Royal Highness to disengage his +person from the accumulating pile of papers that encompassed it"—he +writes: + + <blockquote> "But, oh, the basest of defections!<br> + His Letter about 'predilections'—<br> + His own dear Letter, void of grace,<br> + Now flew up in its parent's face! "</blockquote> + +And again, in the "Parody of a Celebrated Letter": + + <blockquote>"I am proud to declare I have no predilections,<br> + My heart is a sieve, where some scatter'd affections<br> + Are just danc'd about for a moment or two,<br> + And the <i>finer</i> they are, the more sure to run through."</blockquote> +<a href="#fre71">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fe72"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> The grandfather of Beau Brummell, who was in business in +Bury Street, St. James's, also let lodgings. One of his lodgers, Charles +Jenkinson, afterwards Earl of Liverpool, obtained for his landlord's +son, William Brummell, a clerkship in the Treasury. The Treasury clerk +became so useful to Lord North that he obtained several lucrative +offices; and, dying in 1794, left £65,000 in the hands of trustees for +division among his three children. The youngest of these was George +Bryan Brummell (1788-1840), the celebrated Beau.<br> +<br> +George Brummell went from Eton to Oriel College, Oxford, where his +undergraduate career is traced in "Trebeck," a character in Lister's +<i>Granby</i> (1826). From Oxford Brummell entered the Tenth Hussars, a +favourite regiment of the Prince of Wales. Well-built and well-mannered, +possessed of admirable tact, witty and original in conversation, +inexhaustible in good temper and good stories, a master of impudence and +banter, the new cornet made himself so agreeable to the prince that, at +the latter's marriage, Brummell attended him, both at St. James's and to +Windsor, as "a kind of <i>chevalier d'honneur</i>." In 1798 Brummell left +the army with the rank of captain. A year later he came of age, and +settled at 4, Chesterfield Street, Mayfair.<br> +<br> +On his intimacy with the Prince Regent, Brummell founded the +extraordinary position which he achieved in society. Fashion was in +those days a power; and he was its dictator—the oracle, both for men +and women, of taste, manners, and dress. His ascendency rested in some +degree on solid foundations. He was not a mere fop, but conspicuous for +the quiet neatness of his dress—for "a certain exquisite propriety," as +Byron described it to Leigh Hunt—and, at a time when the opposite was +common, for the scrupulous cleanliness of his person and his linen. An +excellent dancer, clever at <i>vers de société</i>, an agreeable singer, +a talented artist, a judge of china, buhl, and other objects of +<i>virtù</i>, a collector of snuff-boxes, a connoisseur in canes, he had +gifts which might have raised him above the Bond Street <i>flaneur</i>, +or the idler at Watier's Club. Well-read in a desultory fashion, he +wrote verses which were not without merit in their class. The following +are the first and last stanzas of <i>The Butterfly's Funeral</i>, a poem +which was suggested by Mrs. Dorset's <i>Peacock at Home</i> and Roscoe's +<i>Butterfly's Ball</i>:— + + <blockquote>"Oh ye! who so lately were blythsome and gay,<br> + At the Butterfly's banquet carousing away;<br> + Your feasts and your revels of pleasure are fled,<br> + For the soul of the banquet, the Butterfly's dead!<br><br> + + ...<br><br> + + And here shall the daisy and violet blow,<br> + And the lily discover her bosom of snow;<br> + While under the leaf, in the evenings of spring,<br> + Still mourning his friend, shall the grasshopper sing."</blockquote> + +In the days of his prosperity (1799-1816), Brummell knew everybody to +whose acquaintance he condescended. His Album, in which he collected 226 +pieces of poetry, many by himself, others by celebrities of the day, is +a curious proof of his popularity. It contains contributions from such +persons as the Duchess of Devonshire, Erskine, Lord John Townshend, +Sheridan, General Fitzpatrick, William Lamb (afterwards Lord Melbourne) +and his brother George, and Byron. Lady Hester Stanhope (<i>Memoirs</i>, +vol. i. pp. 280-283) knew him well. She describes him "riding in Bond +Street, with his bridle between his fore-finger and thumb, as if he held +a pinch of snuff;" gives many instances of his audacious effrontery, and +yet concludes that "the man was no fool," and that she "should like to +see him again."<br> +<br> +The story that Brummell told the Prince Regent to ring the bell was +denied by him. A more probable version of the story is given in Jesse's +<i>Life of Beau Brummell</i> (vol. i. p. 255), + + <blockquote>"that one evening, when Brummell and Lord Moira were engaged in + earnest conversation at Carlton House, the prince requested the former + to ring the bell, and that he replied without reflection, 'Your Royal + Highness is close to it,' upon which the prince rang the bell and + ordered his friend's carriage, but that Lord Moira's intervention + caused the unintentional liberty to be overlooked." </blockquote> + +The rupture between them is attributed by Jesse to Mrs. Fitzherbert's +influence. Whatever the cause, the prince cut his former friend. A short +time afterwards, Brummell, walking with Lord Alvanley, met the prince +leaning on the arm of Lord Moira. As the prince, who stopped to speak to +Lord Alvanley, was moving on, Brummell said to his companion, "Alvanley, +who's your fat friend?" In the <i>Twopenny Postbag</i> Moore makes the +Regent say, in the "Parody of a Celebrated Letter": + + <blockquote>"Neither have I resentments, or wish there should come ill<br> + To mortal—except, now I think on it, Beau Brummell,<br> + Who threatened last year, in a superfine passion,<br> + To cut me, and bring the old king into fashion."</blockquote> + +Brummell's position withstood the loss of the Regent's friendship. He +became one of the most frequent visitors to the Duke and Duchess of +York, at Oatlands Park (<i>Journal of T. Raikes</i>, vol. i. p. 146); +and his friendship with the duchess lasted till her death. <br> +<br> +He was ruined by gambling at Watier's Club, of which he was perpetual +president. This club, which was in Piccadilly, at the corner of Bolton +Street, was originally founded, in 1807, by Lord Headfort, John Madocks, +and other young men, for musical gatherings. But glees and snatches soon +gave way to superlative dinners and gambling at macao. Byron, Moore, and +William Spencer belonged to Watier's—the only men of letters admitted +within its precincts. From 1814 to 1816 Brummell lost heavily; he could +obtain no further supplies, and was completely ruined. In his distress +he wrote to Scrope Davies, in May, 1816: + + <blockquote>"<b>My Dear Scrope</b>,—Lend me two hundred pounds; the banks are shut, and + all my money is in the three per cents. It shall be repaid to-morrow + morning.<br> +<br> + Yours,<br> + <b>George Brummell</b>.</blockquote> + +The reply illustrates Byron's remark that + + <blockquote>"Scrope Davies is a wit, and a man of the world, and feels as much as + such a character can do."<br> + +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> + + "<b>My Dear George</b>,—'Tis very unfortunate, but all my money is in the + three per cents.<br> +<br> + Yours,<br> + <b>S. Davies</b>.</blockquote> + +On May 17, + + <blockquote>"obliged," says Byron (<i>Detached Thoughts</i>), "by that affair of + poor Meyler, who thence acquired the name of 'Dick the + Dandykiller'—(it was about money and debt and all that)—to retire to + France," </blockquote> + +Brummell took flight to Dover, and crossed to Calais. Watier's Club died +a natural death, in 1819, from the ruin of most of its members.<br> +<br> +Amongst Brummell's effects at Chesterfield Street was a screen which he +was making for the Duchess of York. The sixth panel was occupied by +Byron and Napoleon, placed opposite each other; the former, surrounded +with flowers, had a wasp in his throat (Jesse's <i>Life</i>, vol. i. p. +361). At Calais Brummell bought a French grammar to study the language. +When Scrope Davies was asked, says Byron (<i>Detached Thoughts</i>), + + <blockquote> "what progress Brummell had made in French, he responded 'that + Brummell had been stopped, like Buonaparte in Russia, by the + <i>Elements</i>.' I have put this pun into <i>Beppo</i>, which is 'a + fair exchange and no robbery;' for Scrope made his fortune at several + dinners (as he owned himself) by repeating occasionally as his own + some of the buffooneries with which I had encountered him in the + morning."</blockquote> + +Brummell died, in 1840, at Caen, after making acquaintance with the +inside of the debtor's prison in that town—imbecile, and in the asylum +of the <i>Bon Sauveur</i>. He is buried in the Protestant cemetery of +Caen. France has raised a more lasting monument to his fame in Barbey +d'Aurevilly's <i>Du Dandysme et de Georges Brummell</i> (1845).<br> +<a href="#fre71">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fe73"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> Henry James Pye (1745-1813) was, from 1790 to his death, +poet laureate, in which post he succeeded Thomas Warton, and was +followed by Southey. Mathias, in the <i>Pursuits of Literature</i> +(Dialogue ii. lines 69, 70), says: + + <blockquote>"With Spartan Pye lull England to repose,<br> + Or frighten children with Lenora's woes;"</blockquote> + +and again (<i>ibid</i>., lines 79, 80): + + <blockquote>"Why should I faint when all with patience hear,<br> + And laureat Pye sings more than twice a year?"</blockquote> + +His birthday odes were so full of "vocal groves and feathered choirs," +that George Steevens broke out with the lines: + + <blockquote>"When the <i>pie</i> was opened," etc.</blockquote> + +Pye's <i>magnum opus</i> was <i>Alfred</i> (1801), an epic poem in six +books.<br> +<a href="#fre73">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fe74"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> David Mallet, or Malloch (1705-1765), is best known for his +ballad of <i>William and Margaret</i>, his unsubstantiated claim to the +authorship of <i>Rule, Britannia</i>, and his edition of Bolingbroke's +works. He was appointed, in 1742, under-secretary to Frederick, Prince +of Wales.<br> +<a href="#fre73">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp5">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L240"></a>240—to Professor Clarke<a href="#fe81"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>1</sup></span></a></h3> +<br> +St. James's Street, June 26, 1812.<br> +<br> +Will you accept my very sincere congratulations on your second volume, +wherein I have retraced some of my old paths, adorned by you so +beautifully, that they afford me double delight? The part which pleases +me best, after all, is the preface, because it tells me you have not yet +closed labours, to yourself not unprofitable, nor without gratification, +for what is so pleasing as to give pleasure? I <a name="fre82">have</a> sent my copy to Sir +Sidney Smith, who will derive much gratification from your anecdotes of +Djezzar<a href="#fe82"><sup>2</sup></a>, his "energetic old man." I doat upon the Druses; but who +the deuce are they with their Pantheism? I shall never be easy till I +ask <i>them</i> the question. How much you have traversed! I must resume +my seven leagued boots and journey to Palestine, which your description +mortifies me not to have seen more than ever. I still sigh for the +Ægean. Shall not you always love its bluest of all waves, and brightest +of all skies? You have awakened all the gipsy in me. I long to be +restless again, and wandering; see what mischief you do, you won't allow +gentlemen to settle quietly at home. I will not wish you success and +fame, for you have both, but all the happiness which even these cannot +always give.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fe81"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Edward Daniel Clarke (1769-1822), appointed Professor of +Mineralogy at Cambridge, in 1808, was the rival whose travels Hobhouse +was anxious to anticipate. He is described by Miss Edgeworth, in 1813 +(<i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. 205), as <blockquote>"a little, square, pale, +flat-faced, good-natured-looking, fussy man, with very intelligent eyes, +yet great credulity of countenance, and still greater benevolence."</blockquote> +Byron met Clarke at Cambridge in November, 1811, discussed Greece with +him, and was relieved to find that he knew "no Romaic." Clarke was an +indefatigable traveller, and, as he was a botanist, mineralogist, +antiquary, and numismatist, he made good use of his opportunities. The +marbles, including the Eleusinian Ceres, which he brought home, are in +the Fitzwilliam Museum. His mineralogical collections were purchased, +after his death, by the University of Cambridge; and his coins by Payne +Knight. His <i>Travels in Various Countries of Europe, Asia, and +Africa</i> appeared at intervals, from 1810 to 1823, in six quarto +volumes. The following letter was written by Clarke to Byron, after the +appearance of <i>Childe Harold</i>: + + <blockquote> "Trumpington, Wednesday morning.<br> +<br> + <b>Dear Lord Byron</b>,—From the eagerness which I felt to make known my + opinions of your poem before others had expressed <i>any</i> upon the + subject, I waited upon you to deliver my hasty, although hearty, + commendation. If it be worthy your acceptance, take it once more, in a + more deliberate form! Upon my arrival in town I found that Mathias + entirely coincided with me. 'Surely,' said I to him, 'Lord Byron, at + this time of life, cannot have experienced such keen anguish as those + exquisite allusions to what older men <i>may</i> have felt seem to + denote!' This was his answer: '<i>I fear he has—he could not else + have written such a poem</i>.' This morning I read the second canto with + all the attention it so highly merits, in the peace and stillness of + my study; and I am ready to confess I was never so much affected by + any poem, passionately fond of poetry as I have been from my earliest + youth....<br> +<br> + "The eighth stanza, '<i>Yet if as holiest men</i>,' etc., has never + been surpassed. In the twenty-third, the sentiment is at variance with + Dryden: + + <blockquote> 'Strange cozenage! <i>none</i> would live past years again.'</blockquote> + +And it is perhaps an instance wherein, for the first time, I found not +within my own breast an echo to your thought, for I would not '<i>be +once more a boy</i>;' but the generality of men will agree with you, and +wish to tread life's path again.<br> +<br> +In the twelfth stanza of the same canto, you might really add a very +curious note to these lines: + + <blockquote> 'Her sons too weak the sacred shrine to guard,<br> + Yet felt some portion of their mother's pains,'</blockquote> + +by stating this fact: When the last of the Metopes was taken from the +Parthenon, and, in moving it, a great part of the superstructure with +one of the triglyphs, was thrown down by the work men whom Lord Elgin +employed, the Disdar, who beheld the mischief done to the building, took +his pipe out of his mouth, dropped a tear, and, in a supplicating tone +of voice, said to Lusieri—<img src="images/BG8.gif" width="73" height="30" border="1" alt="Greek: Télos!"> I was present at the time.<br> +<br> +Once more I thank you for the gratification you have afforded me.<br> +<br> +Believe me, ever yours most truly, <br> +<b>E. D. Clarke</b>."</blockquote> +<a href="#L240">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fe82"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> In Clarke's <i>Travels</i> (Part II. sect. i. chap, xii., +"Greece, Egypt, and the Holy Land") will be found an account of Djezzar +Pasha, who fortified Acre in 1775, and with Sir Sidney Smith, defended +it against Buonaparte, March 16 to May 20, 1799. Clarke (<i>ibid</i>.) +mentions the Druses detained by Djezzar as hostages.<br> +<a href="#fre82">return</a> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp5">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L241"></a>241—To Walter Scott<a href="#fe91"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>1</sup></span></a></h3> +<br> +St. James's Street, July 6, 1812.<br><br> + +<br> +<b>Sir</b>,—I have just been honoured with your letter.—I feel sorry that you +should have thought it worth while to notice the "evil works of my +nonage," as the thing is suppressed <i>voluntarily</i>, and your +explanation is too kind not to give me pain. The Satire was written when +I was very young and very angry, and fully bent on displaying my wrath +and my wit, and now I am haunted by the ghosts of my wholesale +assertions. I cannot sufficiently thank you for your praise; and now, +waving myself, let me talk to you of the Prince Regent. He ordered me to +be presented to him at a ball; and after some sayings peculiarly +pleasing from royal lips, as to my own attempts, he talked to me of you +and your immortalities: he preferred you to every bard past and present, +and asked which of your works pleased me most. It was a difficult +question. I answered, I thought the <i>Lay</i>. He said his own opinion +was nearly similar. In speaking of the others, I told him that I thought +you more particularly the poet of <i>Princes</i>, as <i>they</i> never +appeared more fascinating than in <i>Marmion</i> and the <i>Lady of the +Lake</i>. He was pleased to coincide, and to dwell on the description of +your Jameses as no less royal than poetical. He spoke alternately of +Homer and yourself, and seemed well acquainted with both; so <a name="fre92">that</a> (with +the exception of the Turks<a href="#fe92"><sup>2</sup></a> and your humble servant) you were in very +good company. I defy Murray to have exaggerated his Royal Highness's +opinion of your powers, nor can I pretend to enumerate all he said on +the subject; but it may give you pleasure to hear that it was conveyed +in language which would only suffer by my attempting to transcribe it, +<a name="fre93">and</a> with a tone and taste which gave me a very high idea of his +abilities and accomplishments, which I had hitherto considered as +confined to <i>manners</i>, certainly superior to those of any living +<i>gentleman</i><a href="#fe93"><sup>3</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +This interview was accidental. I never went to the levée; for having +seen the courts of Mussulman and Catholic sovereigns, my curiosity was +sufficiently allayed; and my politics being as perverse as my rhymes, I +had, in fact, "no business there." To be thus praised by your Sovereign +must be gratifying to you; and if that gratification is not alloyed by +the communication being made through me, the bearer of it will consider +himself very fortunately and sincerely,<br> +<br> +Your obliged and obedient servant,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +P.S.—Excuse this scrawl, scratched in a great hurry, and just after a +journey.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fe91"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> The correspondence which begins with this letter laid the +foundation of a firm friendship between the two poets. Scott was +naturally annoyed by the attack upon him in <i>English Bards, etc</i>. +(lines 171-174), made by "a young whelp of a Lord Byron." Though +<i>Childe Harold</i> seemed to him "a clever poem," it did not raise his +opinion of Byron's character. Murray, hoping to heal the breach between +them, wrote to Scott, June 27, 1812 (<i>Memoir of John Murray</i>, vol. +i. p. 213), giving Byron's account of the conversation with the Prince +Regent. + + <blockquote> "But the Prince's great delight," says Murray, "was Walter Scott, + whose name and writings he dwelt upon and recurred to incessantly. He + preferred him far beyond any other poet of the time, repeated several + passages with fervour, and criticized them faithfully.... Lord Byron + called upon me, merely to let off the raptures of the Prince + respecting you, thinking, as he said, that if I were likely to have + occasion to write to you, it might not be ungrateful for you to hear + of his praises."</blockquote> + +Scott's answer (July 2) enclosed the following letter from himself to +Byron: + + <blockquote>"Edinburgh, July 3d, 1812.<br> +<br> + "<b>My Lord</b>,—I am uncertain if I ought to profit by the apology which is + afforded me, by a very obliging communication from our acquaintance, + John Murray, of Fleet Street, to give your Lordship the present + trouble. But my intrusion concerns a large debt of gratitude due to + your Lordship, and a much less important one of explanation, which I + think I owe to myself, as I dislike standing low in the opinion of any + person whose talents rank so highly in my own, as your Lordship's most + deservedly do.<br> +<br> + "The first <i>count</i>, as our technical language expresses it, + relates to the high pleasure I have received from the <i>Pilgrimage of + Childe Harold</i>, and from its precursors; the former, with all its + classical associations, some of which are lost on so poor a scholar as + I am, possesses the additional charm of vivid and animated + description, mingled with original sentiment; but besides this debt, + which I owe your Lordship in common with the rest of the reading + public, I have to acknowledge my particular thanks for your having + distinguished by praise, in the work which your Lordship rather + dedicated in general to satire, some of my own literary attempts. And + this leads me to put your Lordship right in the circumstances + respecting the sale of <i>Marmion</i>, which had reached you in a + distorted and misrepresented form, and which, perhaps, I have some + reason to complain, were given to the public without more particular + inquiry. The poem, my Lord, was <i>not</i> written upon contract for a + sum of money—though it is too true that it was sold and published in + a very unfinished state (which I have since regretted), to enable me + to extricate myself from some engagements which fell suddenly upon me + by the unexpected misfortunes of a very near relation. So that, to + quote statute and precedent, I really come under the case cited by + Juvenal, though not quite in the extremity of the classic author: + + <blockquote> 'Esurit, intactam Paridi nisi vendit Agaven.'</blockquote> + + And so much for a mistake, into which your Lordship might easily fall, + especially as I generally find it the easiest way of stopping + sentimental compliments on the beauty, etc., of certain poetry, and + the delights which the author must have taken in the composition, by + assigning the readiest reason that will cut the discourse short, upon + a subject where one must appear either conceited or affectedly rude + and cynical.<br> +<br> + "As for my attachment to literature, I sacrificed for the pleasure of + pursuing it very fair chances of opulence and professional honours, at + a time of life when I fully knew their value; and I am not ashamed to + say, that in deriving advantages in compensation from the partial + favour of the public, I have added some comforts and elegancies to a + bare independence. I am sure your Lordship's good sense will easily + put this unimportant egotism to the right account, for—though I do + not know the motive would make me enter into controversy with a fair + or an <i>unfair</i> literary critic—I may be well excused for a wish + to clear my personal character from any tinge of mercenary or sordid + feeling in the eyes of a contemporary of genius. Your Lordship will + likewise permit me to add that you would have escaped the trouble of + this explanation, had I not understood that the satire alluded to had + been suppressed, not to be reprinted. For in removing a prejudice on + your Lordship's own mind, I had no intention of making any appeal by + or through you to the public, since my own habits of life have + rendered my defence as to avarice or rapacity rather too easy.<br> +<br> + "Leaving this foolish matter where it lies, I have to request your + Lordship's acceptance of my best thanks for the flattering + communication which you took the trouble to make Mr. Murray on my + behalf, and which could not fail to give me the gratification which I + am sure you intended. I dare say our worthy bibliopolist overcoloured + his report of your Lordship's conversation with the Prince Regent, but + I owe my thanks to him nevertheless, for the excuse he has given me + for intruding these pages on your Lordship. Wishing you health, + spirit, and perseverance, to continue your pilgrimage through the + interesting countries which you have still to pass with <i>Childe + Harold</i>, I have the honour to be, my Lord,<br> +<br> + "Your Lordship's obedient servant,<br> +<br> + "<b>Walter Scott</b>.<br> +<br> + "P.S.—Will your Lordship permit me a verbal criticism on <i>Childe + Harold</i>, were it only to show I have read his Pilgrimage with + attention? <i>Nuestra Dama de la Pena</i> means, I suspect, not our + Lady of Crime or Punishment, but our Lady of the Cliff; the difference + is, I believe, merely in the accentuation of <i>peña</i>."</blockquote> + +To Scott Byron replied with the letter given in the text. Scott's +answer, which followed in due course, will be found in <a href="#app5">Appendix V</a>.<br> +<br> +The Prince Regent, it may be added, showed his appreciation of Scott's +poetry by offering him, on the death of Pye, the post of poet laureate. +Scott refused, on the ground, apparently, that the office had been made +ridiculous by the previous holder. + + <blockquote>"At the time when Scott and Byron were the two <i>lions</i> of London, + Hookham Frere observed, 'Great poets formerly (Homer and Milton) were + blind; now they are lame'" </blockquote> + +(<i>Table-Talk of Samuel Rogers</i>, P. 194).<br> +<a href="#L241">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fe92"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> The Turkish ambassador and suite were at the ball.<br> +<a href="#fre92">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fe93"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> Byron had already written his "Stanzas to a Lady Weeping," +suggested by the rumour that Princess Charlotte had burst into tears, on +being told that there would be no change of Ministry when the Prince of +Wales assumed the Regency. They appeared anonymously in the <i>Morning +Chronicle</i> for March 7, 1812, under the title of a "Sympathetic +<i>Address</i> to a Young Lady." They were published, as Byron's work, +with <i>The Corsair</i>, in February, 1814. The verses rather betray the +influence of Moore than express his own feelings at the time. In <i>Don +Juan</i> (Canto XII. stanza lxxxiv.) he thus speaks of the Regent— + + <blockquote> "There, too, he saw (whate'er he may be now)<br> + A Prince, the prince of princes at the time,<br> + With fascination in his very bow,<br> + And full of promise, as the spring of prime.<br> + Though royalty was written on his brow,<br> + He had <i>then</i> the grace, too, rare in every clime,<br> + Of being, without alloy of fop or beau,<br> + A finish'd gentleman from top to toe."</blockquote> + +Dallas found him, shortly after his introduction to the prince, "in a +full-dress court suit of clothes, with his fine black hair in powder," +prepared to attend a levee. But the levee was put off, and the +subsequent avowal of the authorship of the stanzas rendered it +impossible for him to go (<i>Recollections</i>, p. 234).<br> +<a href="#fre93">return</a><br> +<a href="#fw41">cross-reference: return to Footnote 1 of Journal entry for February 18th, 1814</a> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp5">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L242">242—to Lady Caroline Lamb</a></h3> +<br> +[August, 1812?]<br><br> + +<br> +<b><a name="frg1">My</a> Dearest Caroline</b><a href="#fg1"><sup>1</sup></a>,—If tears which you saw and know I am not apt +to shed,—if the agitation in which I parted from you,—agitation which +you must have perceived through the <i>whole</i> of this most +<i>nervous</i> affair, did not commence until the moment of leaving you +approached,—if all I have said and done, and am still but too ready to +say and do, have not sufficiently proved what my real feelings are, and +must ever be towards you, my love, I have no other proof to offer. God +knows, I wish you happy, and when I quit you, or rather you, from a +sense of duty to your husband and mother, quit me, you shall acknowledge +the truth of what I again promise and vow, that no other in word or +deed, shall ever hold the place in my affections, which is, and shall +be, most sacred to you, till I am nothing. I never knew till <i>that +moment</i> the <i>madness</i> of my dearest and most beloved friend; I +cannot express myself; this is no time for words, but I shall have a +pride, a melancholy pleasure, in suffering what you yourself can +scarcely conceive, for you do not know me. I am about to go out with a +heavy heart, because my appearing this evening will stop any absurd +story which the event of the day might give rise to. Do you think +<i>now</i> I am <i>cold</i> and <i>stern</i> and <i>artful</i>? Will +even <i>others</i> think so? Will your <i>mother</i> ever—that mother +to whom we must indeed sacrifice much, more, much more on my part than +she shall ever know or can imagine? "Promise not to love you!" ah, +Caroline, it is past promising. But I shall attribute all concessions to +the proper motive, and never cease to feel all that you have already +witnessed, and more than can ever be known but to my own heart,—perhaps +to yours. May God protect, forgive, and bless you. Ever, and even more +than ever,<br> +<br> +Your most attached,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +P. S.—These taunts which have driven you to this, my dearest Caroline, +were it not for your mother and the kindness of your connections, is +there anything on earth or heaven that would have made me so happy as to +have made you mine long ago? and not less <i>now</i> than <i>then</i>, +but <i>more</i> than ever at this time. You know I would with pleasure +give up all here and all beyond the grave for you, and in refraining +from this, must my motives be misunderstood? I care not who knows this, +what use is made of it,—it is to <i>you</i> and to <i>you</i> only that +they are <i>yourself (sic)</i>. I was and am yours freely and most +entirely, to obey, to honour, love,—and fly with you when, where, and +how you yourself <i>might</i> and <i>may</i> determine.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fg1"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Lady Caroline's infatuation for Byron, expressed in various +ways—once (in July, 1813) by a self-inflicted stab with a table-knife, +or a broken glass—became the talk of society. + + <blockquote> "Your little friend, Caro William," writes the Duchess of Devonshire, + May 4, 1812, "as usual, is doing all sorts of imprudent things for him + and with him." </blockquote> + +Again she writes, six days later, of Byron: + + <blockquote>"The ladies, I hear, spoil him, and the gentlemen are jealous of him. + He is going back to Naxos, and then the husbands may sleep in peace. I + should not be surprised if Caro William were to go with him, she is so + wild and imprudent" </blockquote> + +(The <i>Two Duchesses</i>, pp. 362, 364). But Lady Caroline's +extravagant adoration wearied Byron, who felt that it made him +ridiculous; Lady Melbourne gave him sound advice about her +daughter-in-law; and he was growing attached to Miss Milbanke, and, when +rejected by her, at first to Lady Oxford, and later to Lady Frances +Wedderburn Webster. When Lady Bessborough endeavoured to persuade her +daughter to leave London for Ireland, Lady Caroline is said to have +forced herself into Byron's room, and implored him to fly with her. +Byron refused, conducted her back to Melbourne House, wrote her the +letter printed above, and, as she herself admits, kept the secret. In +December, 1812, Lady Caroline burned Byron in effigy, with "his book, +ring, and chain," at Brocket Hall. The lines which she wrote for the +ceremony are preserved in Mrs. Leigh's handwriting, and given in +<a href="#app3b">Appendix III, 2</a>.<br> +<br> +From Ireland Lady Caroline continued the siege, threatening to follow +him into Herefordshire, demanding interviews, and writing about him to +Lady Oxford. At length Byron sent her the letter, probably in November, +1812, which she professes to publish in <i>Glenarvon</i> (vol. iii. +chap. ix.). The words are acknowledged by Byron to have formed part at +least of the real document, which is here quoted as printed in the +novel: + + <blockquote> "Mortanville Priory, November the 9th.<br> +<br> + "<b>Lady Avondale</b>,—I am no longer your lover; and since you oblige me to + confess it, by this truly unfeminine persecution, ... learn, that I am + attached to another; whose name it would, of course, be dishonourable + to mention. I shall ever remember with gratitude the many instances I + have received of the predilection you have shown in my favour. I shall + ever continue your friend, if your ladyship will permit me so to style + myself; and, as a first proof of my regard, I offer you this advice, + correct your vanity, which is ridiculous; exert your absurd caprices + upon others; and leave me in peace.<br> +<br> + "Your most obedient servant,<br> +<br> + "<b>Glenarvon</b>."</blockquote> + +The first effect of this letter and her unrequited passion was, as she +told Lady Morgan, to deprive her temporarily of reason, and it may be +added that, when she was a child, her grandmother was so alarmed by her +eccentricities as to consult a doctor on the state of her mind. The +second effect was to render her temper so ungovernable that William Lamb +decided on a separation. All preliminaries were arranged; the solicitor +arrived with the documents; but the old charm reasserted itself, and she +was found seated by her husband, "feeding him with tiny scraps of +transparent bread and butter" (Torrens, <i>Memoirs of Lord +Melbourne</i>, vol. i. p. 112). The separation did not take place till +1825.<br> +<br> +Throughout 1812-14 Lady Caroline continued to write to Byron, at first +asking for interviews. Two of her last letters to him, written +apparently on the eve of his leaving England, in 1816, are worth +printing, though they increase the mystery of <i>Glenarvon</i>. (See +Appendix III., <a href="#app3d">4</a> and <a href="#app3e">5</a>.)<br> +<br> +In Isaac Nathan's <i>Fugitive Pieces</i> (1829), a section is devoted to +"Poetical Effusions, Letters, Anecdotes, and Recollections of Lady +Caroline Lamb."<br> +<br> +Lady Caroline wrote three novels: <i>Glenarvon</i> (1816); <i>Graham +Hamilton</i> (1822); and <i>Ada Reis; a Tale</i> (1823). +<i>Glenarvon</i>, apart from its biographical interest, is unreadable. + + <blockquote> "I do not know," writes C. Lemon to Lady H. Frampton (<i>Journal of + Mary Frampton</i>, pp. 286, 287), "all the characters in + <i>Glenarvon</i>, but I will tell you all I do know. I am not + surprised at your being struck with a few detached passages; but + before you have read one volume, I think you will doubt at which end + of the book you began. There is no connection between any two ideas in + the book, and it seems to me to have been written as the sages of + Laputa composed their works. 'Glenarvon' is Lord Byron; 'Lady + Augusta,' the late Duchess of Devonshire; 'Lady Mandeville'—I think + it is Lady Mandeville, but the lady who dictated Glearvon's farewell + letter to Calantha—is Lady Oxford. This letter she really dictated to + Lord Byron to send to Lady Caroline Lamb, and is now very much + offended that she has treated the matter so lightly as to introduce it + into her book. The best character in it is the 'Princess of + Madagascar' (Lady Holland), with all her Reviewers about her. The + young Duke of Devonshire is in the book, but I forget under what name. + I need not say that the heroine is Lady Caroline's own self."</blockquote> + +In July, 1824, she was out riding, when she accidentally met Byron's +funeral on its way to Newstead. "I am sure," she wrote to Murray, July +13, 1824, "I am very sorry I ever said one unkind word against him." Her +mind never recovered the shock, and she died in January, 1828, in the +presence of her husband, at Melbourne House. (See also <a href="#app3f">Appendix III., 6</a>.)<br> +<a href="#frg1">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<a href="#CR2">cross-reference: return to Footnote 1 of Letter 231</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp5">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L243">243—to John Murray</a></h3> +<br> +High Street, Cheltenham, Sept. 5, 1812.<br> +<br><br> + +<b>Dear Sir</b>,—Pray have the goodness to send those despatches, and a No. of +the <i>E.R.</i> with the rest. I hope you have written to Mr. Thompson, +thanked him in my name for his present, and told him that I shall be +truly happy to comply with his request.—How do you go on? and when is +the graven image, "with <i>bays and wicked rhyme upon't</i>," to grace, +or disgrace, some of our tardy editions?<br> +<br> +<a name="frg11">Send</a> me "<i>Rokeby</i>"<a href="#fg11"><sup>1</sup></a> who the deuce is he?—no matter, he has good +connections, and will be well introduced. I thank you for your +inquiries: I am so so, but my thermometer is sadly below the poetical +point. <a name="frg12">What</a> will you give <i>me</i> or <i>mine</i> for a poem<a href="#fg12"><sup>2</sup></a> of six +cantos, (<i>when complete—no</i> rhyme, <i>no</i> recompense,) as like +the last two as I can make them? I have some ideas which one day may be +embodied, and till winter I shall have much leisure.<br> +<br> +Believe me, yours very sincerely,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +P. S.—My <a name="frg13">last</a> question is in the true style of Grub Street; but, like +<i>Jeremy Diddler</i><a href="#fg13"><sup>3</sup></a>, I only "ask for information."—Send me Adair +on <i>Diet and Regimen</i>, just republished by Ridgway<a href="#fg14"><sup>4</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fg11"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> <i>Rokeby</i>, completed December 31, 1812, was published +in the following year, with a dedication to John Morritt, to whom Rokeby +belonged. It was, as Scott admits in the Preface to the edition of 1830, +comparatively a failure. In the popularity of Byron he finds the chief +cause of the small success which his poem obtained. + + <blockquote> "To have kept his ground at the crisis when <i>Rokeby</i> appeared," + he writes, "its author ought to have put forth his utmost strength, + and to have possessed all his original advantages, for a mighty and + unexpected rival was advancing on the stage—a rival not in poetical + powers only, but in that art of attracting popularity, in which the + present writer had hitherto preceded better men than himself. The + reader will easily see that Byron is here meant, who, after a little + velitation of no great promise, now appeared as a serious candidate, + in the first two cantos of <i>Childe Harold</i>."</blockquote> + +On this rivalry Byron wrote the passage in his Diary for November 17, +1813. A further cause for the cold reception of <i>Rokeby</i> was its +inferiority both to the <i>Lay</i> and to <i>Marmion</i>. In Letter vii. +of the <i>Twopenny Post-bag</i>, Moore writes thus of <i>Rokeby</i> + + <blockquote> "Should you feel any touch of <i>poetical</i> glow,<br> + We've a Scheme to suggest—Mr. Sc—tt, you must know,<br> + (Who, we're sorry to say it, now works for the <i>Row</i>)<br> + Having quitted the Borders, to seek new renown,<br> + Is coming by long Quarto stages, to Town;<br> + And beginning with Rokeby (the job's sure to pay)<br> + Means to <i>do</i> all the Gentlemen's Seats on the way.<br> + Now the Scheme is (though none of our hackneys can beat him)<br> + To start a fresh Poet through Highgate to <i>meet</i> him;<br> + Who, by means of quick proofs—no revises—long coaches—<br> + May do a few Villas before Sc—tt approaches—<br> + Indeed, if our Pegasus be not curst shabby,<br> + He'll reach, without found'ring, at least Woburn Abbey."</blockquote> +<a href="#frg11">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fg12"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> <i>The Giaour</i>, published in 1813, for which Murray +paid, not Byron, but Dallas, 500 guineas.<br> +<a href="#frg12">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fg13"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> Kenney's <i>Raising the Wind</i>, act i. sc. 1:<br> +<br> +<table summary="Raising the Wind excerpt" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>Diddler</i></td> + <td>O Sam, you haven't got such a thing as tenpence about + you, have you?</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>Sam</i></td> + <td>Yes. <i>And I mean to keep it about me, you see</i>.</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>Diddler</i></td> + <td>Oh, aye, certainly. I only asked for information.</td> +</tr> +</table><br> +<br> +<a href="#frg13">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fg14"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> James MacKittrick (1728-1802), who assumed the name of +Adair, published, in 1804, <i>An Essay on Diet and Regimen, as +indispensable to the Recovery and Preservation of Firm Health, +especially to Indolent, Studious, Delicate and Invalid; with appropriate +cases</i>.<br> +<a href="#frg13">return</a> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp5">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L244">244—to Lord Holland</a></h3> +<br> +Cheltenham, September 10, 1812.<br> +<br><br> + +My Dear Lord,—<a name="frg21">The</a> lines which I sketched off on your hint are still, or +rather <i>were</i>, in an unfinished state, for I have just committed +them to a flame more decisive than that of Drury<a href="#fg21"><sup>1</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +Under all circumstances, I should hardly wish a contest with +Philodrama—Philo-Drury—Asbestos, H——, and all the anonymes and +synonymes of Committee candidates. Seriously, I think you have a chance +of something much better; for prologuising is not my forte, and, at all +events, <a name="frg22">either</a> my pride or my modesty won't let me incur the hazard of +having my rhymes buried in next month's Magazine, under "Essays on the +Murder of Mr. Perceval." and "Cures for the Bite of a Mad Dog," as poor +Goldsmith complained of the fate of far superior performances<a href="#fg22"><sup>2</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +I am still sufficiently interested to wish to know the successful +candidate; and, amongst so many, I have no doubt some will be excellent, +particularly in an age when writing verse is the easiest of all +attainments.<br> +<br> +I cannot answer your intelligence with the "like comfort," <a name="frg23">unless</a>, as +you are deeply theatrical, you may wish to hear of Mr. Betty<a href="#fg23"><sup>3</sup></a>, whose +acting is, I fear, utterly inadequate to the London engagement into +which the managers of Covent Garden have lately entered. <a name="frg24">His</a> figure is +fat, his features flat, his voice unmanageable, his action ungraceful, +and, as Diggory<a href="#fg24"><sup>4</sup></a> says, "I defy him to extort that damned muffin face +of his into madness." I was very sorry to see him in the character of +the "Elephant on the slack rope;" for, when I last saw him, I was in +raptures with his performance. But then I was sixteen—an age to which +all London condescended to subside. After all, much better judges have +admired, and may again; but I venture to "prognosticate a prophecy" (see +the <i>Courier</i>) that he will not succeed.<br> +<br> +<a name="frg25">So</a>, poor dear Rogers has stuck fast on "the brow of the mighty +Helvellyn"<a href="#fg25"><sup>5</sup></a> I hope not for ever. My best respects to Lady H.:—her +departure, with that of my other friends, was a sad event for me, now +reduced to a state of the most cynical solitude. + + <blockquote>"By the waters of Cheltenham I sat down and <i>drank</i>, when I + remembered thee, oh Georgiana Cottage! As for our <i>harps</i>, we + hanged them up upon the willows that grew thereby. Then they said, + Sing us a song of Drury Lane," etc.;</blockquote> + +—but I am dumb and dreary as the Israelites. The waters have disordered +me to my heart's content—you <i>were</i> right, as you always are.<br> +<br> +Believe me, ever your obliged and affectionate servant,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fg21"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Drury Lane Theatre was reopened, after the fire of February +24, 1809, on Saturday, October 10, 1812. In the previous August the +following advertisement was issued: + + <blockquote> "<i>Rebuilding of Drury-Lane Theatre.</i><br> +<br> + "The Committee are desirous of promoting a fair and free competition + for an Address, to be spoken upon the opening of the Theatre, which + will take place on the 10th of October next: They have therefore + thought fit to announce to the Public, that they will be glad to + receive any such Compositions, addressed to their Secretary at the + Treasury Office in Drury Lane, on or before the 10th of September, + sealed up, with a distinguishing word, number, or motto, on the cover, + corresponding with the inscription, on a separate sealed paper, + containing the name of the Author, which will not be opened, unless + containing the name of the successful Candidate. + Theatre Royal, Drury-Lane, + August 13, 1812.<br> +<br> + Owing to an accidental delay in the publication of the above + Advertisement, the Committee have thought proper to extend the time + for receiving Addresses, from the last day of August to the 10th of + September."</blockquote> + +Byron, on the suggestion of Lord Holland, intended to send in an +<i>Address</i> in competition with other similar productions. He +afterwards changed his mind, and refused to compete. After all the +<i>Addresses</i> had been received and rejected, the Committee applied +to him to write an <i>Address</i>. This he consented to do.<br> +<a href="#frg21">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fg22"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"The public were more importantly employed, than to observe the easy + simplicity of my style, or the harmony of my periods. Sheet after + sheet was thrown off to oblivion. My essays were buried among the + essays upon liberty, Eastern tales, and cures for the bite of a mad + dog."</blockquote> + +<i>Vicar of Wakefield</i>, chap. xx.<br> +<a href="#frg22">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fg23"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> See <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. 63, <i>note</i> 2 [Footnote 2 of Letter 24].<br> +<a href="#frg23">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fg24"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> "Diggory," one of Liston's parts, a character in Jackman's +<i>All the World's a Stage</i>, asks (act i. sc. 2), "But how can you +extort that damned pudding-face of yours to madness?"<br> +<a href="#frg24">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fg25"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 5:</span></a> Rogers had gone for a tour in the North. Byron alludes to +Scott's poem <i>Helvellyn</i>: + + <blockquote> "I climb'd the dark brow of the mighty Helvellyn," etc., etc.</blockquote> + +The poem was occasioned, as Scott's note states, by the death of "a +young gentleman of talents, and of a most amiable disposition," who was +killed on the mountain in 1805.<br> +<a href="#frg25">return</a> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp6">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L245">245—to John Murray</a></h3> +<br> +Cheltenham, Sept. 14, 1812.<br> +<br><br> + +<b>Dear Sir</b>,—The parcels contained some letters and verses, all (but one) +anonymous and complimentary, and very anxious for my conversion from +certain infidelities into which my good-natured correspondents conceive +me to have fallen. <a name="frg31">The</a> books were presents of a <i>convertible</i> kind +also,—<i>Christian Knowledge</i> and the <i>Bioscope</i><a href="#fg31"><sup>1</sup></a>, a +religious Dial of Life explained:—to the author of the former (Cadell, +publisher,) I beg you will forward my best thanks for his letter, his +present, and, above all, his good intentions. The <i>Bioscope</i> +contained an MS. copy of very excellent verses, from whom I know not, +but evidently the composition of some one in the habit of writing, and +of writing well. I do not know if he be the author of the +<i>Bioscope</i> which accompanied them; but whoever he is, if you can +discover him, thank him from me most heartily. The other letters were +from ladies, who are welcome to convert me when they please; and if I +can discover them, and they be young, as they say they are, I could +convince them perhaps of my devotion. I had also a letter from Mr. +Walpole on matters of this world, which I have answered.<br> +<br> +<a name="frg32">So</a> you are Lucien's publisher<a href="#fg32"><sup>2</sup></a>! I am promised an interview with him, +and think I shall ask <i>you</i> for a letter of introduction, as "the +gods have made him poetical." From whom could it come with a better +grace than from <i>his</i> publisher and mine? Is it not somewhat +treasonable in you to have to do with a relative of the "direful foe," +as the <i>Morning Post</i> calls his brother?<br> +<br> +But my book on <i>Diet and Regimen</i>, where is it? I thirst for +Scott's <i>Rokeby</i>; let me have y'e first-begotten copy. <a name="frg33">The</a> +<i>Anti-Jacobin Review</i><a href="#fg33"><sup>3</sup></a> is all very well, and not a bit worse +than the <i>Quarterly</i>, and at least less harmless. By the by, have +you secured my books? I want all the Reviews, at least the Critiques, +quarterly, monthly, etc., Portuguese and English, extracted, and bound +up in one volume for my <i>old age</i>; and pray, sort my Romaic books, +and get the volumes lent to Mr. Hobhouse—he has had them now a long +time. If any thing occurs, you will favour me with a line, and in winter +we shall be nearer neighbours.<br> +<br> +Yours very truly,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +P. S.—I was applied to to write the <i>Address</i> for Drury Lane, but +the moment I heard of the contest, I gave up the idea of contending +against all Grub Street, and threw a few thoughts on the subject into +the fire. I did this out of respect to you, being sure you would have +turned off any of your authors who had entered the lists with such +scurvy competitors; to triumph would have been no glory, and to have +been defeated—'sdeath!—I <a name="frg34">would</a> have choked myself, like Otway, with a +quartern loaf<a href="#fg34"><sup>4</sup></a>; so, remember I had, and have, nothing to do with it, +upon <i>my Honour!</i><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fg31"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Granville Penn (1761-1844) was the author of numerous works +on religious subjects. <i>The Bioscope, or Dial of Life Explained</i> +appeared in 1812. The other work referred to by Byron is probably Penn's +<i>Christian's Survey of all the Primary Events and Periods of the +World</i> (1811), of which a second edition was published in 1812.<br> +<a href="#frg31">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fg32"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Lucien Buonaparte (1775-1840), Prince of Canino, since 1810 +a landed proprietor in Shropshire, wrote an epic poem, <i>Charlemagne, +ou l'Église délivrée</i>. It was translated (1815) by Dr. Butler of +Shrewsbury and Francis Hodgson.<br> +<a href="#frg32">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fg33"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> <i>The Anti-Jacobin Review</i> criticized <i>Childe +Harold</i> in August, 1812; the <i>Quarterly</i>, in March, 1812.<br> +<a href="#frg33">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fg34"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> Otway died April, 1685, at the age of thirty-three, from a +fever contracted by drinking water when heated by running after an +assassin (Spence's <i>Anecdotes</i>, p. 44). Theophilus Cibber (<i>Lives +of the Poets</i>, ed. 1753, vol. ii. pp. 333, 334) gives another account +of his death, viz. that he begged a shilling of a gentleman, and, being +given a guinea, bought a roll, with which he was choked.<br> +<a href="#frg34">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp6">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + + +<h3><a name="L246">246—to Lord Holland</a></h3> +<br> +September 22, 1812.<br> +<br><br> + +My Dear Lord,—In a day or two I will send you something which you will +still have the liberty to reject if you dislike it. I should like to +have had more time, but will do my best,—but too happy if I can oblige +<i>you</i>, though I may offend a hundred scribblers and the discerning +public.<br> +<br> +Ever yours.<br> +<br> +Keep <i>my name</i> a <i>secret</i>; or I shall be beset by all the +rejected, and, perhaps, damned by a party.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp6">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L247">247—to Lord Holland</a></h3> +<br> +Cheltenham, September 23, 1812.<br> +<br><br> + +Ecco!—I have marked some passages with <i>double</i> readings—choose +between them—<i>cut—add—reject</i>—or <i>destroy</i>—do with them +as you will—I leave it to you and the Committee—you cannot say so +called "a <i>non committendo</i>." <a name="frg41">What</a> will <i>they</i> do (and I do) +with the hundred and one rejected Troubadours<a href="#fg41"><sup>1</sup></a>?<br> +<br> +"With trumpets, yea, and with shawms," will you be assailed in the most +diabolical doggerel. I wish my name not to transpire till the day is +decided. I shall not be in town, so it won't much matter; but let us +have a <i>good deliverer</i>. I <a name="frg42">think</a> Elliston<a href="#fg42"><sup>2</sup></a> should be the man, or +Pope<a href="#fg43"><sup>3</sup></a>; not Raymond<a href="#fg44"><sup>4</sup></a>, I implore you, by the love of Rhythmus!<br> +<br> +The passages marked thus = =, above and below, are for you to choose +between epithets, and such like poetical furniture. Pray write me a +line, and believe me<br> +<br> +Ever, etc.<br> +<br> +My best remembrances to Lady H. Will you be good enough to decide +between the various readings marked, and erase the other; or our +<i>deliverer</i> may be as puzzled as a commentator, and belike repeat +both. If these <i>versicles</i> won't do, I will hammer out some more +endecasyllables.<br> +<br> +P.S.—Tell Lady H. I have had sad work to keep out the Phœnix—I mean +the Fire Office of that name. It has insured the theatre, and why not +the Address?<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fg41"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> The genuine rejected addresses were advertised for by B. +McMillan, of Bow Street, Covent Garden, and forty-two of them were +published by him in November, 1812, with the following title: <i>The +Genuine Rejected Addresses presented to the Committee of Management for +Drury Lane Theatre; preceded by that written by Lord Byron and adopted +by the Committee</i>.<br> +<br> +The youngest competitor was "Anna, a young lady in the fifteenth year of +her age."<br> +<br> +The actual number sent in was 112, and sixty-nine of the competitors +invoked the Phœnix. Among the competitors were Peter Pindar, whose +<i>Address</i> was printed in 1813; Whitbread, the manager, who gave the +"poulterer's description" of the Phœnix; and Horace Smith, who +published his <i>Address without a Phœnix</i>, By S. T. P., in +<i>Rejected Addresses</i>.<br> +<a href="#frg41">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fg42"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Robert William Elliston (1774-1831), according to Genest +(<i>English Stage</i>, vol. ix. p. 338), made his first appearance at +Bath in April, 1791, as "Tressel" in <i>Richard III</i>., and from 1796 +to 1803 Bath remained his head-quarters. An excellent actor both in +tragedy and comedy, he became in 1803 a member of the Haymarket Company. +From 1804 to 1809, and again from 1812 to 1815, he acted at Drury Lane. +Byron's Prologue was spoken by him on October 10, 1812, at the reopening +of the new theatre. It was at Drury Lane in April, 1821, while he was +lessee (1819-26), that Byron's <i>Marino Faliero</i> was acted. His last +appearance was as "Sheva" in <i>The Jew</i>, at the Surrey Theatre, of +which (1826-31) he was lessee. In spite of his drunken habits, he won +the enthusiastic praise of Charles Lamb as the "joyousest of once +embodied spirits" (see <i>Essays of Elia</i>, "To the Shade of +Elliston" and "Ellistoniana").<br> +<a href="#frg42">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fg43"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> Alexander Pope (1763-1835), miniaturist, <i>gourmand</i>, +and actor, was for years the principal tragedian at Covent Garden. +Opinion was divided as to his merits as an actor. He owed much to his +voice, which had a "mellow richness ... superior to any other performer +on the stage." Genest, who quotes the above (vol. ix. p. 377), adds that +"in his better days he had more pathos about him than any other actor." +He made his first appearance in Cork as "Oroonoko," and subsequently +(January, 1785) at Covent Garden in the same part. He ceased acting at +Covent Garden in June, 1827.<br> +<a href="#frg42">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fg44"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> In the cast for <i>Hamlet</i>, with which Drury Lane +reopened, Raymond played the Ghost. Raymond was also the stage manager +of the theatre.<br> +<a href="#frg42">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp6">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L248">248—to Lord Holland</a></h3> +<br> +September 24.<br> +<br><br> + +I send a recast of the four first lines of the concluding paragraph. + +<blockquote>This greeting o'er, the ancient rule obey'd,<br> +The drama's homage by her Herald paid,<br> +Receive <i>our welcome too</i>, whose every tone<br> +Springs from our hearts, and fain would win your own.<br> +The curtain rises, etc., etc.</blockquote> + +And do forgive all this trouble. See what it is to have to do even with +the <i>genteelest</i> of us.<br> +<br> +Ever, etc. +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp6">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L249"></a>249—to Lord Holland</h3> +<br> +Cheltenham, Sept. 25, 1812.<br> +<br><br> + +<a name="frg51">Still</a> "more matter for a May morning."<a href="#fg51"><sup>1</sup></a> Having patched the middle and +end of the Address, I send one more couplet for a part of the beginning, +which, if not too turgid, you will have the goodness to add. <a name="frg52">After</a> that +flagrant image of the <i>Thames</i> (I hope no unlucky wag will say I +have set it on fire, though Dryden<a href="#fg52"><sup>2</sup></a>, in his <i>Annus Mirabilis</i>, +and Churchill<a href="#fg53"><sup>3</sup></a>, in his <i>Times</i>, did it before me), I mean to +insert this: + +<blockquote>As flashing far the new Volcano shone<br> + And swept the skies with {lightnings}/{<i>meteors</i>} not their own,<br> + While thousands throng'd around the burning dome,<br> + Etc., etc.</blockquote> + +I think "thousands" less flat than "crowds collected"— <a name="frg54">but</a> don't let me +plunge into the bathos, or rise into Nat. Lee's <i>Bedlam metaphors</i><a href="#fg54"><sup>4</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +By the by, the best view of the said fire (which I myself saw from a +house-top in Covent-garden) was at Westminster Bridge, from the +reflection on the Thames.<br> +<br> +Perhaps the present couplet had better come in after "trembled for their +homes," the two lines after;—as otherwise the image certainly sinks, +and it will run just as well.<br> +<br> +The lines themselves, perhaps, may be better thus—("choose," or +"refuse"—but <a name="frg55">please</a> <i>yourself</i>, and don't mind "Sir Fretful"<a href="#fg55"><sup>5</sup></a>): + + <blockquote>As flash'd the volumed blaze, and {<i>sadly</i>}/{ghastly} shone<br> + The skies with lightnings awful as their own.</blockquote> + +The last <i>runs</i> smoothest, and, I think, best; but you know +<i>better</i> than <i>best</i>. "Lurid" is also a less indistinct +epithet than "livid wave," and, if you think so, a dash of the pen will +do.<br> +<br> +I expected one line this morning; in the mean time, I shall remodel and +condense, and, if I do not hear from you, shall send another copy.<br> +<br> +I am ever, etc.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fg51"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> <i>Twelfth Night</i>, act iii. sc. 4.<br> +<a href="#frg51">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fg52"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Dryden's <i>Annus Mirabilis</i>, stanza 231: + + <blockquote>"A key of fire ran all along the shore,<br> + And lightened all the river with a blaze;<br> + The wakened tides began again to roar,<br> + And wondering fish in shining waters gaze."</blockquote> +<a href="#frg52">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fg53"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> Churchill's <i>Times</i>, lines 701, 702: + + <blockquote> "Bidding in one grand pile this Town expire,<br> + Her towers in dust, her Thames a Lake of fire."</blockquote> +<a href="#frg52">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fg54"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> Nathaniel Lee (circ. 1653-1692), the dramatist, wrote +<i>The Rival Queens</i> (1677), in which occurs the line: + + <blockquote>"When Greek join'd Greek then was the tug of war."</blockquote> + +He collaborated with Dryden in <i>Œdipus</i> (1679) and <i>The Duke of +Guise</i> (1682). His numerous dramas were distinguished, in his own +day, for extravagance and bombast. His mind failing, he was confined +from 1684 to 1688 in Bethlehem Hospital, where he is said to have +composed a tragedy in 25 acts.<br> +<a href="#frg54">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fg55"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 5:</span></a> <i>The Critic</i>, act i. sc. I. "Sneer," speaking of "Sir +Fretful Plagiary," says, + + <blockquote>"He is as envious as an old maid verging on the desperation of six and + thirty; and then the insidious humility with which he seduces you to + give a free opinion on any of his works can be exceeded only by the + petulant arrogance with which he is sure to reject your observations."</blockquote> +<a href="#frg55">return</a> + <br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp6">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L250"></a>250—to Lord Holland</h3> +<br> +September 26, 1812.<br><br> + +<br> +You will think there is no end to my villanous emendations. The fifth +and sixth lines I think to alter thus: + +<blockquote>Ye who beheld—oh sight admired and mourn'd,<br> +Whose radiance mock'd the ruin it adorn'd;</blockquote> + +because "night" is repeated the next line but one; and, as it now +stands, the conclusion of the paragraph, "worthy him (Shakspeare) and +<i>you</i>," appears to apply the "<i>you</i>" to those only who were +out of bed and in Covent Garden market on the night of conflagration, +instead of the audience or the discerning public at large, all of whom +are intended to be comprised in that comprehensive and, I hope, +comprehensible pronoun.<br> +<br> +By the by, one of my corrections in the fair copy sent yesterday has +dived into the bathos some sixty fathom: + +<blockquote>When Garrick died, and Brinsley ceased to write.</blockquote> + +<a name="frg61">Ceasing</a> to <i>live</i> is a much more serious concern, and ought not to +be first; therefore I will let the old couplet stand, with its half +rhymes "sought" and "wrote."<a href="#fg61"><sup>1</sup></a><br> +<br> +Second thoughts in every thing are best, but, in rhyme, third and fourth +don't come amiss. I am very anxious on this business, and I do hope that +the very trouble I occasion you will plead its own excuse, and that it +will tend to show my endeavour to make the most of the time allotted. I +wish I had known it months ago, for in that case I had not left one line +standing on another. I always scrawl in this way, and smooth as much as +I can, but never sufficiently; and, latterly, I can weave a nine-line +stanza faster than a couplet, for which measure I have not the cunning. +When I began <i>Childe Harold</i>, I had never tried Spenser's measure, +and now I cannot scribble in any other.<br> +<br> +<a name="frg62">After</a> all, my dear Lord, if you can get a decent <i>Address</i> +elsewhere, don't hesitate to put this aside<a href="#fg62"><sup>2</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +Why did you not trust your own Muse? I am very sure she would have been +triumphant, and saved the Committee their trouble—"'tis a joyful one" +to me, but I fear I shall not satisfy even myself. After the account you +sent me, 'tis no compliment to say you would have beaten your +candidates; but I mean that, in <i>that</i> case, there would have been +no occasion for their being beaten at all.<br> +<br> +<a name="frg63">There</a> are but two decent prologues in our tongue—Pope's to <i>Cato</i><a href="#fg63"><sup>3</sup></a>—Johnson's to Drury-Lane<a href="#fg64"><sup>4</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +<a name="frg65">These</a>, with the epilogue to <i>The Distrest Mother</i><a href="#fg65"><sup>5</sup></a> and, I think, +one of Goldsmith's<a href="#fg66"><sup>6</sup></a>, and a prologue of old Colman's to Beaumont and +Fletcher's <i>Philaster</i><a href="#fg67"><sup>7</sup></a>, are the best things of the kind we +have.<br> +<br> +P.S.—I am diluted to the throat with medicine for the stone; and +Boisragon wants me to try a warm climate for the winter—but I won't. +<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fg61"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"Such are the names that here your plaudits sought,<br> + When Garrick acted, and when Brinsley wrote."</blockquote> + +At present the couplet stands thus: + + <blockquote>"Dear are the days that made our annals bright,<br> + Ere Garrick fled, or Brinsley ceased to write."</blockquote> +<a href="#frg61">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fg62"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"I am almost ashamed," writes Lord Holland to Rogers, October 22, 1812 + (Clayden's <i>Rogers and his Contemporaries</i>, vol. i. p. 115), "of + having induced Lord Byron to write on so ungrateful a theme + (ungrateful in all senses) as the opening of a theatre; he was so + good-humoured, took so much pains, corrected so good-humouredly, and + produced, as I thought and think, a prologue so superior to the common + run of that sort of trumpery, that it is quite vexatious to see him + attacked for it. Some part of it is a little too much laboured, and + the whole too long; but surely it is good and poetical.... You cannot + imagine how I grew to like Lord Byron in my critical intercourse with + him, and how much I am convinced that your friendship and judgment + have contributed to improve both his understanding and his happiness."</blockquote> +<a href="#frg62">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fg63"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> Pope wrote the Prologue to Addison's <i>Cato</i> when it +was acted at Drury Lane, April 13, 1713.<br> +<a href="#frg63">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fg64"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> Johnson wrote the Prologue when Garrick opened Drury Lane, +September 15, 1747, with <i>The Merchant of Venice</i>. "It is," says +Genest (<i>English Stage</i>, vol. iv. p. 231), "the best Prologue that +was ever written." Johnson wrote the Prologue to Milton's <i>Comus</i>, +played at Drury Lane, April 5, 1750; to Goldsmith's <i>Good-Natured +Man</i>, played at Covent Garden, January 29, 1769; and to Hugh Kelly's +<i>A Word to the Wise</i>, played at Drury Lane, March 3, 1770.<br> +<a href="#frg63">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fg65"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 5:</span></a> <i>The Distrest Mother</i>, adapted from Racine by Ambrose +Philips, was first played at Drury Lane, March 17, 1712. Addison is +supposed (Genest, <i>English Stage</i>, vol. ii. p. 496) to have written +the epilogue.<br> +<a href="#frg65">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fg66"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 6:</span></a> It is impossible to say to which of Goldsmith's epilogues +Byron refers. A previous editor of Moore's <i>Life, etc</i>., identified +it with his epilogue to Charlotte Lennox's unsuccessful comedy, <i>The +Sister</i>, which was once played at Covent Garden, February 18, 1769, +and then withdrawn.<br> +<a href="#frg65">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fg67"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 7:</span></a> George Colman the Elder, who edited an edition of Beaumont +and Fletcher (10 vols., 1778), wrote the prologue to <i>Philaster</i>, +when it was produced at Drury Lane, October 8, 1763.<br> +<a href="#frg65">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp6">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L251"></a>251—to Lord Holland</h3> +<br> +Sept. 27, 1812.<br> +<br><br> + +I <a name="frg71">believe</a> this is the third scrawl since yesterday—all about epithets. +I think the epithet "intellectual" won't convey the meaning I intend; +and though I hate compounds, for the present I will try (<i>col' +permesso</i>) the word "genius gifted patriots of our line"<a href="#fg71"><sup>1</sup></a> instead. +Johnson has "many coloured life," a compound —— but they are always +best avoided. <a name="frg72">However</a>, it is the only one in ninety lines<a href="#fg72"><sup>2</sup></a>, but will +be happy to give way to a better. I am ashamed to intrude any more +remembrances on Lady H. or letters upon you; but you are, fortunately +for me, gifted with patience already too often tried by<br> +<br> +Your etc., etc.,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fg71"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> This, as finally altered, stood thus: + + <blockquote>"Immortal names emblazon'd on our line."</blockquote> +<a href="#frg71">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fg72"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Reduced to seventy-three lines.<br> +<a href="#frg72">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp6">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L252"></a>252—to Lord Holland</h3> +<br> +September 27, 1812.<br> +<br><br> + +I have just received your very kind letter, and hope you have met with a +second copy corrected and addressed to Holland House, <a name="frg81">with</a> some +omissions and this new couplet, + + <blockquote>As glared each rising flash<a href="#fg81"><sup>1</sup></a>, and ghastly shone<br> + The skies with lightnings awful as their own.</blockquote> + +As to remarks, I can only say I will alter and acquiesce in any thing. +<a name="frg82">With</a> regard to the part which Whitbread<a href="#fg82"><sup>2</sup></a> wishes to omit, I believe +the <i>Address</i> will go off <i>quicker</i> without it, though, like +the agility of the Hottentot, at the expense of its vigour. I leave to +your choice entirely the different specimens of stucco-work; and a +<i>brick</i> of your own will also much improve my Babylonish turret. I +should like Elliston to have it, with your leave. "<a name="frg83">Adorn</a>" and "mourn" +are lawful rhymes in Pope's <i>Death of the Unfortunate Lady</i>.—Gray +has "forlorn" and "mourn"—and "torn" and "mourn" are in Smollett's +famous <i>Tears of Scotland</i><a href="#fg83"><sup>3</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +As there will probably be an outcry amongst the rejected, I hope the +Committee will testify (if it be needful) that I sent in nothing to the +congress whatever, with or without a name, as your Lordship well knows. +All I have to do with it is with and through you; and though I, of +course, wish to satisfy the audience, I do assure you my first object is +to comply with your request, and in so doing to show the sense I have of +the many obligations you have conferred upon me.<br> +Yours ever,<br> +B.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fg81"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> At present: + + <blockquote>"As glared the volumed blaze."</blockquote> +<a href="#frg81">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fg82"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Samuel Whitbread (1758-1815) married, in 1789, Elizabeth, +daughter of General Sir Charles Grey, created (1806) Earl Grey, and +sister of the second Earl Grey, of Reform Bill fame. The son of a +wealthy brewer, whose fortune he inherited, he entered Parliament as +M.P. for Bedford in 1790. Raikes, in his <i>Journal</i> (vol. iv. PP. +50, 51), speaks of him, at the outset of his career, as a staunch +Foxite, and "much remarked in society." Comparing him with his +brother-in-law Grey, he says, + + <blockquote>"Mr. Whitbread was a more steady character; his appearance was heavy; + he was fond of agriculture, and was very plain and simple in his + tastes. Both were reckoned good debaters in the House, but Grey was + the most eloquent." </blockquote> + +An independent Whig, and an advocate for peace with France, Whitbread +supported Fox against Pitt throughout the Napoleonic War, strongly +opposed its renewal after the return of the emperor from Elba, and +interested himself in such measures as moderate Parliamentary reform, +the amendment of the poor law, national education, and retrenchment of +public expenditure. On April 8, 1805, he moved the resolutions which +ended in the impeachment of Lord Melville, and took the lead in the +inquiries, which were made, March, 1809, into the conduct of the Duke of +York. He was a plain, business-like speaker, and a man of such +unimpeachable integrity that Mr., afterwards Lord, Plunket, in a speech +on the Roman Catholic claims, February 28, 1821, called him "the +incorruptible sentinel of the constitution."<br> +<br> +When he moved the articles of impeachment against Lord Melville, Canning +scribbled the following impromptu parody of his speech (<i>Anecdotal +History of the British Parliament</i>, p. 222): + + <blockquote> "I'm like Archimedes for science and skill;<br> + I'm like a young prince going straight up a hill;<br> + I'm like—(with respect to the fair be it said)—<br> + I'm like a young lady just bringing to bed.<br> + If you ask why the 11th of June I remember<br> + Much better than April, or May, or November,<br> + On that day, my lords, with truth I assure ye,<br> + My sainted progenitor set up his brewery;<br> + On that day, in the morn, he began brewing beer;<br> + On that day, too, commenced his connubial career;]<br> + On that day he received and he issued his bills;<br> + On that day he cleared out all the cash from his tills;<br> + On that day he died, having finished his summing,<br> + And the angels all cried, 'Here's old Whitbread a-coming!'<br> + So that day still I hail with a smile and a sigh,<br> + For his beer with an E, and his bier with an I;<br> + And still on that day, in the hottest of weather,<br> + The whole Whitbread family dine all together.—<br> + So long as the beams of this house shall support<br> + The roof which o'ershades this respectable Court,<br> + Where Hastings was tried for oppressing the Hindoos;<br> + So long as that sun shall shine in at those windows,<br> + My name shall shine bright as my ancestor's shines,<br> + <i>Mine</i> recorded in journals, <i>his</i> blazoned on signs!"</blockquote> + +An active member of Parliament, a large landed proprietor, the manager +of his immense brewery in Chiswell Street, Whitbread also found time to +reduce to order the chaotic concerns of Drury Lane Theatre. He was, with +Lord Holland and Harvey Combe, responsible for the request to Byron to +write an address, having first rejected his own address with its +"poulterer's description of the Phœnix." He was fond of private +theatricals, and Dibdin (<i>Reminiscences</i>, vol. ii. pp. 383, 384) +gives the play-bill of an entertainment given by him at Southill. In the +first play, <i>The Happy Return</i>, he took the part of "Margery;" and +in the second, <i>Fatal Duplicity</i>, that of "Eglantine," a very young +lady, loved by "Sir Buntybart" and "Sir Brandywine." In his capacity as +manager of Drury Lane, Whitbread is represented by the author of +<i>Accepted Addresses</i> (1813) as addressing "the M—s of H—d"— + + <blockquote> "My <b>Lord</b>,—<br><br> + + "As I now have the honour to be<br> + By <i>Man'ging</i> a <i>Playhouse</i> a double M.P.,<br> + In this my address I think fit to complain<br> + Of certain encroachments on great Drury Lane," etc., etc.</blockquote> + +Whitbread strongly supported the cause of the Princess of Wales. Miss +Berry (<i>Journal</i>, vol. iii. p. 25) says that he dictated the +letters which the Princess wrote to the Queen, who had desired that she +should not attend the two drawing-rooms to be held in June, 1814. "They +were good," she adds, "but too long, and sometimes marked by Whitbread's +want of taste."<br> +<br> +The strain of his multifarious activities affected both his health and +his mind, and he committed suicide July 6, 1815.<br> +<a href="#frg82">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fg83"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"By foreign hands thy humble grave adorn'd,<br> + By strangers honour'd, and by strangers mourn'd."</blockquote> + +(Pope.) + + <blockquote>"Stay, oh stay! nor thus forlorn,<br> + Leave me unbless'd, unpitied, here to mourn."</blockquote> + +(Gray.) + + <blockquote>"Mourn, hapless Caledonia, mourn<br> + Thy banish'd peace, thy laurels torn."</blockquote> + +(Smollett.)<br> +<a href="#frg83">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp6">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L253">253—to John Murray</a></h3> +<br> +Cheltenham, September 27, 1812.<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Sir,—I sent in no <i>Address</i> whatever to the Committee; but +out of nearly one hundred (this is <i>confidential</i>), none have been +deemed worth acceptance; and in consequence of their <i>subsequent</i> +application to <i>me</i>, I have written a prologue, which <i>has</i> +been received, and will be spoken. The MS. is now in the hands of Lord +Holland.<br> +<br> +I write this merely to say, that (however it is received by the +audience) you will publish it in the next edition of <i>Childe +Harold</i>; and I only beg you at present to keep my name secret till +you hear further from me, and as soon as possible I wish you to have a +correct copy, to do with as you think proper.<br> +<br> +I am, yours very truly, <br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +P. S.—I should wish a few copies printed off <i>before</i>, that the +Newspaper copies may be correct <i>after</i> the <i>delivery</i>. +<br><br> +<p><a href="#lp6">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L254">254—to Lord Holland</a></h3> +<br> +September 28, 1812.<br><br> + +<br> +Will this do better? The metaphor is more complete. + +<blockquote>Till slowly ebb'd the {<i>lava of the</i>}/{spent volcanic} wave,<br> + And blackening ashes mark'd the Muse's grave.</blockquote> + +If not, we will say "burning wave," and instead of "burning clime," in +the line some couplets back, have "glowing."<br> +<br> +Is <a name="frg91">Whitbread</a> determined to castrate all my <i>cavalry</i> lines<a href="#fg91"><sup>1</sup></a>? I +<a name="frg92">don't</a> see why t'other house should be spared; besides it is the public, +who ought to know better; and you recollect Johnson's was against +similar buffooneries of Rich's—but, certes, I am not Johnson<a href="#fg92"><sup>2</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +Instead of "effects," say "labours"—"degenerate" will do, will it? Mr. +Betty is no longer a babe, therefore the line cannot be personal. <a name="frg93">Will</a> +this do? + +<blockquote>Till ebb'd the lava of {<i>the burning</i>}/{that molten} wave<a href="#fg93"><sup>3</sup></a> </blockquote> + +with "glowing dome," in case you prefer "burning" added to this "wave" +metaphorical. The word "fiery pillar" was suggested by the "pillar of +fire" in the book of <i>Exodus</i>, which went before the Israelites through +the Red Sea. I once thought of saying "like Israel's pillar," and making +it a simile, but I did not know,—the great temptation was leaving the +epithet "fiery" for the supplementary wave. I want to work up that +passage, as it is the only new ground us prologuizers can go upon: + + <blockquote>This is the place where, if a poet<br> + Shined in description, he might show it.</blockquote> + +If I part with the possibility of a future conflagration, we lessen the +compliment to Shakspeare. However, we will e'en mend it thus: + + <blockquote>Yes, it shall be—the magic of that name,<br> + That scorns the scythe of Time, the torch of Flame,<br> + On the same spot, etc., etc.</blockquote> + +There—the deuce is in it, if that is not an improvement to Whitbread's +content. Recollect, it is the "name," and not the "magic," that has a +noble contempt for those same weapons. If it were the "magic," my +metaphor would be somewhat of the maddest—so the "name" is the +antecedent. But, my dear Lord, your patience is not quite so +immortal—therefore, with many and sincere thanks, I am,<br> +<br> +Yours ever most affectionately.<br> +<br> +P.S.—I foresee there will be charges of partiality in the papers; but +you know I sent in no <i>Address</i>; and glad both you and I must be +that I did not, for, in that case, their plea had been plausible. I +doubt the Pit will be testy; but conscious innocence (a novel and +pleasing sensation) makes me bold.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fg91"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> The lines which were omitted by the Committee ran thus: + + <blockquote> "<i>Nay, lower still, the Drama yet deplores<br> + That late she deigned to crawl upon all-fours.<br> + When Richard roars in Bosworth for a horse,<br> + If you command, the steed must come in course.<br> + If you decree, the Stage must condescend</i><br> + To soothe the sickly taste we dare not mend.<br> + <i>Blame not our judgment should we acquiesce,<br> + And gratify you more by showing less</i>.<br> + Oh, since your Fiat stamps the Drama's laws,<br> + Forbear to mock us with misplaced applause;<br> + <i>That public praise be ne'er again disgraced,<br> + From</i> {brutes to man recall}/{<i>babes and brutes redeem} a nation's taste</i>;<br> + Then pride shall doubly nerve the actor's powers,<br> + When Reason's voice is echoed back by ours."</blockquote> + +The last couplet but one was altered in a subsequent copy, thus: + + <blockquote>"<i>The past reproach let present scenes refute,<br> + Nor shift from man to babe, from babe to brute</i>."</blockquote> + +On February 18, 1811, at Covent Garden, a troop of horses were +introduced in <i>Bluebeard</i>. For the manager, Juvenal's words, +"<i>Lucri bonus est odor ex re Qualibet</i>" (<i>Sat</i>. xiv. 204) may +have been true; but, as the dressing-room of the equine comedians was +under the orchestra, the stench on the first night was to the audience +intolerable. At the same theatre, April 29, 1811, the horses were again +brought on the stage in Lewis's <i>Timour the Tartar</i>. At the same +theatre, on the following December 26, a live elephant appeared. The +novelty had, however, been anticipated in the Dublin Theatre during the +season of 1771-72 (Genest's <i>English Stage</i>, vol. viii. p. 287). At +the Haymarket, and Drury Lane, the introduction of live animals was +ridiculed. <i>The Quadrupeds of Quedlinburgh</i> was given at the +Haymarket, July 26, 1811, as a burlesque on <i>Timour the Tartar</i> and +the horses. The Prologue, by Colman the Younger, attacks the passion for +German plays and animal actors: + + <blockquote>"Your taste, recover'd half from foreign quacks,<br> + Takes airings, now, on English horses' backs;<br> + While every modern bard may raise his name,<br> + If not on <i>lasting praise</i>, on <i>stable fame</i>."</blockquote> + +At the Lyceum, during the season 1811-12, <i>Quadrupeds, or the +Manager's Last Kick</i>, in which the tailors were mounted on asses and +mules, was given by the Drury Lane Company with success. It was this +introduction of animal performers which Byron wished to attack.<br> +<a href="#frg91">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<a href="#CR3">cross-reference: return to Footnote 1 of Letter 255</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fg92"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> The following are the lines in Johnson's <i>Prologue</i> to +which Byron refers: + + <blockquote> "Then crush'd by rules, and weaken'd as refined,<br> + For years the power of Tragedy declined;<br> + From bard to bard the frigid caution crept,<br> + Till Declamation roared, whilst Passion slept.<br> + Yet still did Virtue deign the stage to tread,<br> + Philosophy remained though Nature fled.<br> + But forced, at length, her ancient reign to quit,<br> + She saw great Faustus lay the ghost of Wit;<br> + Exulting Folly hailed the joyous Day,<br> + And Pantomime and Song confirmed her sway.<br> + But who the coming changes can presage,<br> + And mark the future periods of the Stage?<br> + Perhaps if skill could distant times explore,<br> + New Behns, new Durfeys, yet remain in store;<br> + Perhaps, where Lear has raved, and Hamlet died,<br> + On flying cars new sorcerers may ride;<br> + Perhaps (for who can guess th' effects of chance?)<br> + Here Hunt may box, or Mahomet may dance."</blockquote> + +John Rich (circ. 1682-1761) was the creator of pantomime in England, +which he introduced at Lincoln's Inn Fields in April, 1716, and in +which, under the stage name of Lun, he played the part of Harlequin. At +Lincoln's Inn Fields, January 29, 1728, he produced <i>The Beggar's +Opera</i>, which, after being refused at Drury Lane, made "Gay +<i>rich</i>, and Rich <i>gay</i>." "Great Faustus" probably alludes to +the war between the two theatres, and the rival productions of +<i>Harlequin Dr. Faustus</i> at Drury Lane in 1723, and of <i>The +Necromancer, or the History of Dr. Faustus</i> at Lincoln's Inn Fields +in December of the same year. On December 7, 1732, Rich opened the new +theatre at Covent Garden, of which he remained manager till his death in +1761.<br> +<a href="#frg92">return</a><br> +<a href="#CR4">cross-reference: return to Footnote 3 of Letter 255</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fg93"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> The form of this couplet, as printed, is as follows: + + <blockquote> "Till blackening ashes and lonely wall<br> + Usurp'd the Muse's realm, and mark'd her fall."</blockquote> +<a href="#frg93">return</a> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp6">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L255">255—to Lord Holland</a></h3> +<br> +September 28.<br> +<br><br> + +I have altered the <i>middle</i> couplet, so as I hope partly to do away +with W.'s objection. I <a name="frh1">do</a> think, in the present state of the stage, it +had been unpardonable to pass over the horses and Miss Mudie<a href="#fh1"><sup>1</sup></a>, etc. +As Betty is no longer a boy, how can this be applied to him? He is now +to be judged as a man. If he acts still like a boy, the public will but +be more ashamed of their blunder. I have, you see, <i>now</i> taken it +for granted that these things are reformed. I confess, I wish that part +of the <i>Address</i> to stand; but if W. is inexorable, e'en let it go. +I have also new-cast the lines, and softened the hint of future +combustion, and sent them off this morning. Will you have the goodness +to add, or insert, the <i>approved</i> alterations as they arrive? <a name="frh2">They</a> +"come like shadows, so depart,"<a href="#fh2"><sup>2</sup></a> occupy me, and, I fear, disturb you.<br> +<br> +Do not let Mr. W. put his <i>Address</i> into Elliston's hands till you +have settled on these alterations. E. will think it too long:—much +depends on the speaking. I fear it will not bear much curtailing, +without <i>chasms</i> in the sense.<br> +<br> +It is certainly too long in the reading; but if Elliston exerts himself, +such a favourite with the public will not be thought tedious. <i>I</i> +should think it so, if <i>he</i> were not to speak it.<br> +<br> +Yours ever, etc.<br> +<br> +P.S.—On looking again, I doubt my idea of having obviated W.'s +objection. To the other House allusion is <i>non sequitur</i>—but I +wish to plead for this part, because the thing really is not to be +passed over. <a name="frh3">Many</a> afterpieces of the Lyceum by the <i>same company</i> +have already attacked this "Augean <i>Stable</i>"—and Johnson, in his +prologue against "Lunn" (the harlequin manager, Rich),— +"Hunt,"—"Mahomet," etc. is surely a fair precedent<a href="#fh3"><sup>3</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fh1"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> <a name="CR3">For</a> the horses, see p. 156, <a href="#fg91"><i>note</i></a> 1. Miss Mudie, +another "Phenomenon," with whom the Covent Garden manager hoped to rival +the success of Master Betty, was announced in the <i>Morning Post</i>, +July 29, 1805, as the "Young Roscia of the Dublin Stage." She appeared +at Covent Garden, November 23, 1805, in the part of "Peggy" in <i>The +Country Girl</i>, Miss Brunton being "Alithea," C. Kemble "Harcourt," +and Moody "Murray." Being hissed by the audience, she walked with great +composure to the front of the stage, and said, as reported in the +<i>Morning Post</i> (November 25, 1805) + + <blockquote>"Ladies and gentlemen,—I know nothing I have done to offend you, and + has set (<i>sic</i>) those who are sent here to hiss me; I will be + very much obliged to you to turn them out."</blockquote> + +This unfortunate speech made matters worse; the audience refused +to hear her, and her part was finished by Miss Searle.<br> +<br> +Miss Mudie was said to be only eight years old. But J. Kemble, being +asked if she were really such a child, answered, + +<blockquote>"<i>Child</i>! Why, +sir, when I was a very young actor in the York Company, that little +creature kept an inn at Tadcaster, and had a large family"</blockquote> (Clark +Russell's <i>Representative Actors</i>, p. 363, <i>note</i> 2). The +<i>Morning Post</i> (April 5, 1806) says that Miss Mudie afterwards +joined a children's troupe in Leicester Place, where,<blockquote> "though deservedly +discountenanced at a great theatre, she will, no doubt, prove an +acquisition to the infant establishment"</blockquote> (Ashton's <i>Dawn of the XIXth +Century in England</i>, pp. 333-336).<br> +<a href="#frh1">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fh2"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> <i>Macbeth</i>, act iv. sc. 1.<br> +<a href="#frh2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fh3"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> <a name="CR4">For</a> Lun, or Rich, see p. 157, end of <a href="#fg92"><i>note</i></a> 1 [Footnote 2]. Hunt, +in the notes to Johnson's <i>Prologue</i> (Gilfillan's edition of +Johnson's <i>Poestical Works</i>, p. 38), is said to be "a famous +stage-boxer, Mahomet, a rope-dancer."<br> +<a href="#frh3">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp6">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L256"></a>256—to William Bankes</h3> +<br> +Cheltenham, September 28, 1812.<br><br> + +<br> +<b>My Dear Bankes</b>,—When you point out to one how people can be intimate at +the distance of some seventy leagues, I will plead guilty to your +charge, and accept your farewell, but not <i>wittingly</i>, till you +give me some better reason than my silence, which merely proceeded from +a notion founded on your own declaration of <i>old</i>, that you hated +writing and receiving letters. Besides, how was I to find out a man of +many residences? If I had addressed you <i>now</i>, it had been to your +borough, where I must have conjectured you were amongst your +constituents. So now, in despite of Mr. N. and Lady W., you shall be as +"much better" as the Hexham post-office will allow me to make you. I do +assure you I am much indebted to you for thinking of me at all, and +can't spare you even from amongst the superabundance of friends with +whom you suppose me surrounded.<br> +<br> +<a name="frh11">You</a> heard that Newstead<a href="#fh11"><sup>1</sup></a> is sold—the sum £140,000; sixty to remain +in mortgage on the estate for three years, paying interest, of course. +Rochdale is also likely to do well—so my worldly matters are mending. I +have been here some time drinking the waters, simply because there are +waters to drink, and they are very medicinal, and sufficiently +disgusting. <a name="frh12">In</a> a few days I set out for Lord Jersey's<a href="#fh12"><sup>2</sup></a>, but return +here, where I am quite alone, go out very little, and enjoy in its +fullest extent the <i>dolce far niente</i>. What you are about I cannot +guess, even from your date;—not dauncing to the sound of the gitourney +in the Halls of the Lowthers? one of whom is here, ill, poor thing, with +a phthisic. I heard that you passed through here (at the sordid inn +where I first alighted) the very day before I arrived in these parts. <a name="frh13">We</a> +had a very pleasant set here; at first the Jerseys, Melbournes<a href="#fh13"><sup>3</sup></a>, +Cowpers<a href="#fh14"><sup>4</sup></a>, and Hollands, but all gone; and the only persons I know are +the Rawdons<a href="#fh15"><sup>5</sup></a> and Oxfords<a href="#fh16"><sup>6</sup></a>, with some later acquaintances of less brilliant descent.<br> +<br> +But I do not trouble them much; and as for your rooms and your +assemblies "they are not dreamed of in our philosophy!!"—<a name="frh17">Did</a> you read +of a sad accident in the Wye t'other day<a href="#fh17"><sup>7</sup></a>? A dozen drowned; and Mr. +Rossoe, a corpulent gentleman, preserved by a boat-hook or an eel-spear, +begged, when he heard his wife was saved —no—<i>lost</i>—to be thrown +in again!!—as if he could not have thrown himself in, had he wished it; +but this passes for a trait of sensibility. What strange beings men are, +in and out of the Wye!<br> +<br> +I have to ask you a thousand pardons for not fulfilling some orders +before I left town; but if you knew all the cursed entanglements I +<i>had</i> to wade through, it would be unnecessary to beg your +forgiveness.—<a name="frh18">When</a> will Parliament (the new one) meet<a href="#fh18"><sup>8</sup></a>?—in sixty +days, on account of Ireland, I presume: the Irish election will demand a +longer period for completion than the constitutional allotment. Yours, +of course, is safe, and all your side of the question. Salamanca is the +ministerial watchword, and all will go well with you. I hope you will +speak more frequently, I am sure at least you <i>ought</i>, and it will +be expected. I see Portman means to stand again. Good night.<br> +<br> +Ever yours most affectionately,<br> +<br> +<img src="images/BG7.gif" width="96" height="30" border="1" alt="Greek: Mpairon"><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fh11"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Newstead was put up at Garraway's in the autumn of 1812; +but only £90,000 were bid, and the property was therefore withdrawn. +Subsequently it was privately sold to a Mr. Claughton, who found himself +unable to complete the purchase, and forfeited £25,000 on the contract. +Newstead was eventually sold, in November, 1817, to Colonel Wildman, +Byron's Harrow schoolfellow, for £94,500.<br> +<a href="#frh11">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fh12"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> For Lady Jersey, see p. 112, <a href="#fe1"><i>note</i></a> 1. The following +passage, from Byron's <i>Detached Thoughts</i>, gives an account of the +party at Middleton: + + <blockquote>"In 1812 at Middelton (Lord Jersey's), amongst a goodly company of + Lords, Ladies, and wits, etc., there was poor old Vice Leach, the + lawyer, attempting to play off the fine gentleman. His first + exhibition, an attempt on horseback, I think, to escort the women—God + knows where—in the month of November, ended in a fit of the + Lumbago—as Lord Ogleby says, 'a grievous enemy to Gallantry and + address'—and if he could have but heard Lady Jersey quizzing him (as + I did) next day for the <i>cause</i> of his malady, I don't think that + he would have turned a 'Squire of dames' in a hurry again. He seemed + to me the greatest fool (in that line) I ever saw. This was the last I + saw of old Vice Leach, except in town, where he was creeping into + assemblies, and trying to look young—and gentlemanly.<br> +<br> + Erskine too!—Erskine was there—good but intolerable. He jested, he + talked, he did everything admirably, but then he <i>would</i> be + applauded for the same thing twice over. He would read his own verses, + his own paragraphs, and tell his own story again and again; and then + 'the trial by Jury!!!'—I almost wished it abolished, for I sate next + him at dinner, and, as I had read his published speeches, there was no + occasion to repeat them to me. Chester (the fox-hunter), surnamed + 'Cheek Chester,' and I sweated the Claret, being the only two who did + so. Cheek, who loves his bottle, and had no notion of meeting with a + 'bonvivant' in a scribbler, in making my eulogy to somebody one + evening, summed it up in 'by G-d, he <i>drinks like a Man</i>!'"</blockquote> +<a href="#frh12">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fh13"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> Sir Peniston Lamb, created an Irish baron as Lord +Melbourne in 1770, an Irish viscount in 1780, and an English peer in +1815, married, in 1769, Elizabeth, only daughter of Sir Ralph Milbanke, +of Halnaby, Yorkshire, one of the cleverest and most beautiful women of +the day. Horace Walpole, writing to Mason, May 12, 1778, mentions her +when she was at the height of her beauty. + + <blockquote>"On Tuesday," he says, "I supped, after the opera, at Mrs. Meynel's + with a set of the most fashionable company, which, take notice, I very + seldom do now, as I certainly am not of the age to mix often with + young people. Lady Melbourne was standing before the fire, and + adjusting her feathers in the glass. Says she, 'Lord, they say the + stocks will blow up! That will be very comical.'"</blockquote> + +Greville (<i>Memoirs</i>, ed. 1888, vol. vi. p. 248) associates her name +with that of Lord Egremont. Reynolds painted her with her eldest son in +his well-known picture <i>Maternal Affection</i>. Her second son, +William, afterwards Prime Minister, used to say, + + <blockquote> "Ah! my mother was a most remarkable woman; not merely clever and + engaging, but the most sagacious woman I ever knew"</blockquote> + +(<i>Memoirs of Viscount Melbourne</i>, vol. i. p. 135). Lady Melbourne, +whom Byron spoke of as + + <blockquote> "the best, the kindest, and ablest female I have ever known, old or + young," </blockquote> + +died in 1818, her husband in 1828. He thus described her to Lady +Blessington (<i>Conversations</i>, p. 225): + + <blockquote>"Lady M., who might have been my mother, excited an interest in my + feelings that few young women have been able to awaken. She was a + charming person—a sort of modern Aspasia, uniting the energy of a + man's mind with the delicacy and tenderness of a woman's. She wrote + and spoke admirably, because she felt admirably. Envy, malice, hatred, + or uncharitableness, found no place in her feelings. She had all of + philosophy, save its moroseness, and all of nature, save its defects + and general <i>faiblesse</i>; or if some portion of <i>faiblesse</i> + attached to her, it only served to render her more forbearing to the + errors of others. I have often thought, that, with a little more + youth, Lady M. might have turned my head, at all events she often + turned my heart, by bringing me back to mild feelings, when the demon + passion was strong within me. Her mind and heart were as fresh as if + only sixteen summers had flown over her, instead of four times that + number."</blockquote> +<a href="#frh13">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fh14"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> Peter, fifth Earl Cowper (1778-1837), married, in 1805 +Emily Mary Lamb, daughter of Lord Melbourne; she married, secondly, in +1839, Lord Palmerston.<br> +<a href="#frh13">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fh15"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 5:</span></a> Francis Rawdon, second Earl of Moira (1754-1826), created +Lord Rawdon (1783), and Marquis of Hastings (1817), married, in 1804, +the Countess of Loudoun.<br> +<a href="#frh13">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fh16"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 6:</span></a> Edward Harley (1773-1848) succeeded his uncle as fifth Earl +of Oxford in 1790, and married, in 1794, Jane Elizabeth, daughter of the +Rev. James Scott, Vicar of Itchin, Hants. It is probably of Lady Oxford, +whose picture was painted by Hoppner, that Byron spoke to Lady +Blessington (<i>Conversations</i>, p. 255), + + <blockquote>"Even now the autumnal charms of Lady —— are remembered by me with + more than admiration. She resembled a landscape by Claude Lorraine, + with a setting sun, her beauties enhanced by the knowledge that they + were shedding their last dying beams, which threw a radiance around. A + woman... is only grateful for her <i>first</i> and <i>last</i> + conquest. The first of poor dear Lady ——'s was achieved before I + entered on this world of care; but the <i>last</i>, I do flatter + myself, was reserved for me, and a <i>bonne bouche</i> it was."</blockquote> + +The following passage certainly relates to Lady Oxford: + + <blockquote> "There was a lady at that time," said Byron (Medwin's + <i>Conversations</i>, pp. 93, 94), "double my own age, the mother of + several children who were perfect angels, with whom I had formed a + <i>liaison</i> that continued without interruption for eight months. + The autumn of a beauty like her's is preferable to the spring in + others. She told me she was never in love till she was thirty; and I + thought myself so with her when she was forty. I never felt a stronger + passion; which she returned with equal ardour.... She had been + sacrificed, almost before she was a woman, to one whose mind and body + were equally contemptible in the scale of creation; and on whom she + bestowed a numerous family, to which the law gave him the right to be + called father. Strange as it may seem, she gained (as all women do) an + influence over me so strong, that I had great difficulty in breaking + with her, even when I knew she had been inconstant to me: and once was + on the point of going abroad with her, and narrowly escaped this + folly."</blockquote> + +To be near the Oxfords at Eywood, in Herefordshire, Byron took Kinsham +Court, a dower-house of the family, where Bishop Harley died in 1788. At +one time, as is evident from his correspondence with Hanson, he was bent +on going abroad with Lady Oxford. In the end he only accompanied her to +Portsmouth. Of Lady Oxford, Uvedale Price wrote thus to Rogers (Clayden, +<i>Rogers and his Contemporaries</i>, vol. i. pp. 397, 398): + + <blockquote> "This is a melancholy subject"—[the death, by consumption of Lord + Aberdeen's children]—"and I must go to another. Poor Lady Oxford! I + had heard with great concern of her dangerous illness, but hoped she + might get through it, and was much, very much grieved to hear that it + had ended fatally. I had, as you know, lived a great deal with her + from the time she came into this country, immediately after her + marriage; but for some years past, since she went abroad, had scarcely + had any correspondence or intercourse with her, till I met her in town + last spring. I then saw her twice, and both times she seemed so + overjoyed to see an old friend, and expressed her joy so naturally and + cordially, that I felt no less overjoyed at seeing her after so long + an absence. She talked, with great satisfaction, of our meeting for a + longer time this next spring, little thinking of an eternal + separation. There could not, in all respects, be a more ill-matched + pair than herself and Lord Oxford, or a stronger instance of the cruel + sports of Venus, or, rather, of Hymen: + + <blockquote> 'Cui placet impares<br> + Formas atque animos sub juga ahenea<br> + Sævo mittere cum joco.'</blockquote> + + It has been said that she was, in some measure, forced into the match. + Had she been united to a man whom she had loved, esteemed, and + respected, she herself might have been generally respected and + esteemed, as well as loved; but in her situation, to keep clear of all + misconduct required a strong mind or a cold heart; perhaps both, and + she had neither. Her failings were in no small degree the effect of + circumstances; her amiable qualities all her own. There was something + about her, in spite of her errors, remarkably attaching, and that + something was not merely her beauty. 'Kindness has resistless charms,' + and she was full of affectionate kindness to those she loved, whether + as friends or as lovers. As a friend, I always found her the same, + never at all changeful or capricious. As I am not a very rigid + moralist, and am extremely open to kindness, 'I could have better + spared a better woman.'"</blockquote> +<a href="#frh13">return</a><br> +<a href="#fn82">cross-reference: return to Footnote 2 of Letter 300</a><br> +<br> +<br> + +<a name="fh17"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 7:</span></a> An account of the accident is given in the Chronicle of the +<i>Annual Register</i>, September 21, 1812. The party consisted of ten +people, three of whom were saved. Among those rescued was Mr. +Rothery—not Rossoe, as Byron gives it.<br> +<a href="#frh17">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fh18"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 8:</span></a> The new Parliament met November 30, 1812. Wellington won +the battle of Salamanca on the previous July 22.<br> +<a href="#frh18">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp6">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L257"></a>257—to Lord Holland</h3> +<br> +September 29, 1812.<br> +<br><br> + +<a name="frh21">Shakespeare</a> certainly ceased to reign in <i>one</i> of his kingdoms, as +George III. did in America, and George IV.<a href="#fh21"><sup>1</sup></a> may in Ireland? Now, we +have nothing to do out of our own realms, and when the monarchy was +gone, his majesty had but a barren sceptre. I have <i>cut away</i>, you +will see, and altered, but make it what you please; <a name="frh22">only</a> I do implore, +for my <i>own</i> gratification, one lash on those accursed +quadrupeds—"a long shot, Sir Lucius, if you love me."<a href="#fh22"><sup>2</sup></a> I have +altered "wave," etc., and the "fire," and so forth for the timid.<br> +<br> +Let me hear from you when convenient, and believe me, etc.<br> +<br> +P.S.—Do let <i>that</i> stand, and cut out elsewhere. I shall choke, if +we must overlook their damned menagerie.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fh21"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Some objection, it appears, had been made to the passage, +"and Shakspeare <i>ceased to reign</i>."<br> +<a href="#frh21">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fh22"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Bob Acres, in <i>The Rivals</i> (act v. se. 3), says, "A +long shot, Sir Lucius, if you love me."<br> +<a href="#frh22">return</a><br><br> + +<p><a href="#lp6">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L258">258—to Lord Holland</a></h3> +<br> +September 30, 1812.<br> +<br><br> + +I <a name="frh31">send</a> you the most I can make of it; for I am not so well as I was, and +find I "pull in resolution."<a href="#fh31"><sup>1</sup></a><br> +<br> +I wish much to see you, and will be at Tetbury by twelve on Saturday; +and from thence I go on to Lord Jersey's. It is impossible not to allude +to the degraded state of the Stage, but I have lightened <i>it</i>, and +endeavoured to obviate your <i>other</i> objections. <a name="frh32">There</a> is a new +couplet for Sheridan, allusive to his Monody<a href="#fh32"><sup>2</sup></a>. All the alterations I +have marked thus ],—as you will see by comparison with the other copy. +I have cudgelled my brains with the greatest willingness, and only wish +I had more time to have done better.<br> +<br> +<a name="frh33">You</a> will find a sort of clap-trap laudatory couplet inserted for the +quiet of the Committee<a href="#fh33"><sup>3</sup></a>, and I have added, towards the end, the +couplet you were pleased to <i>like</i>. The whole Address is +seventy-three lines, still perhaps too long; and, if shortened, you will +save time, but, I fear, a little of what I meant for sense also.<br> +<br> +With myriads of thanks, I am ever, etc.<br> +<br> +My sixteenth edition of respects to Lady H.—How she must laugh at all +this!<br> +<br> +I wish Murray, my publisher, to print off some copies as soon as your +Lordship returns to town—it will ensure correctness in the papers +afterwards.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fh31"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> <i>Macbeth</i>, act v. sc. 5.<br> +<a href="#frh31">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fh32"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Sheridan's <i>Monody on Garrick</i>.<br> +<a href="#frh32">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fh33"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> The Committee of Selection consisted, says the +<i>Satirist</i> (November 1, 1812, p. 395), + + <blockquote> "of one peer and two commoners, one poet and two prosers, one Lord and + two Brewers; and the only points in which they coincided were in being + all three parliament men, all three politicians, all three in + opposition to the Government of the country. Their names, as we + understand, were Vassal Holland, Samuel Whitbread, and Harvey + Christian Combe."</blockquote> +<a href="#frh33">return</a><br> + <br> +<p><a href="#lp6">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + + +<h3><a name="L259"></a>259—to Lord Holland</h3> +<br> +<blockquote>Far be from him that hour which asks in vain<br> +Tears such as flow for Garrick in his strain;</blockquote> + +<i>or</i>, + +<blockquote>Far be that hour that vainly asks in turn<br> +Such verse for him as {<i>crown'd his</i>/wept o'er} Garrick's urn.</blockquote> +<br> + +September 30, 1812.<br> +<br><br> + +Will you <a name="frh41">choose</a> between these added to the lines on Sheridan<a href="#fh41"><sup>1</sup></a>?<br> +<br> +I think they will wind up the panegyric, and agree with the train of +thought preceding them.<br> +<br> +Now, one word as to the Committee—how could they resolve on a rough +copy of an <i>Address</i> never sent in, unless you had been good enough +to retain in memory, or on paper, the thing they have been good enough +to adopt? By the by, the circumstances of the case should make the +Committee less <i>avidus gloriæ</i>, for all praise of them would look +plaguy suspicious. If necessary to be stated at all, the simple facts +bear them out. They surely had a right to act as they pleased. My sole +object is one which, I trust, my whole conduct has shown; viz. that I +did nothing insidious—sent in no Address <i>whatever</i>—but, when +applied to, did my best for them and myself; but, above all, that there +was no undue partiality, which will be what the rejected will endeavour +to make out. Fortunately—most fortunately—I sent in no lines on the +occasion. For I am sure that had they, in that case, been preferred, it +would have been asserted that <i>I</i> was known, and owed the +preference to private friendship. This is what we shall probably have to +encounter; but, if once spoken and approved, we sha'n't be much +embarrassed by their brilliant conjectures; and, as to criticism, an +<i>old</i> author, like an old bull, grows cooler (or ought) at every +baiting.<br> +<br> +The only thing would be to avoid a party on the night of +delivery—afterwards, the more the better, and the whole transaction +inevitably tends to a good deal of discussion. <a name="frh42">Murray</a> tells me there are +myriads of ironical Addresses<a href="#fh42"><sup>2</sup></a> ready—<i>some</i>, in imitation of +what is called <i>my style</i>. If they are as good as the +<i>Probationary Odes</i><a href="#fh43"><sup>3</sup></a>, or Hawkins's <i>Pipe of Tobacco</i><a href="#fh44"><sup>4</sup></a>, +it will not be bad fun for the imitated. + +Ever, etc.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fh41"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> These added lines, as may be seen by reference to the +printed Address, were not retained.<br> +<a href="#frh41">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fh42"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Probably the reference is to <i>Rejected Addresses, or the +New Theatrum Poetarum</i> (1812), by James (1775-1839) and Horace +(1779-1849) Smith. "Cui Bono?" the parody on Byron, is the joint +composition of James and Horace. The manuscript was offered to Murray +for £20, but declined by him. It was afterwards published by John +Miller, of Bow Street, Covent Garden, who also published <i>Horace in +London</i>.<br> +<a href="#frh42">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fh43"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> <i>Probationary Odes</i>, which generally forms, with +<i>Political Eclogues</i>, the third portion of the <i>Rolliad</i>, is +really distinct from that work. It is the result of an imaginary contest +for the laureate-ship. Each candidate was to deliver a "Probationary +Birthday Ode," and among the candidates are Dr. Pretyman, Archbishop +Markham, Thomas and Joseph Warton, Sir Cecil Wray, Sir Joseph Mawbey, +Henry Dundas, Lord Thurlow, and other Tories of the day. The plan of the +work is said to have been suggested by Joseph Richardson (1755-1803), +who wrote Odes iv. (Sir Richard Hill) and xix. (Lord Mountmorres).<br> +<a href="#frh42">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fh44"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> <i>In Praise of a Pipe of Tobacco</i> (1736), written by +Isaac Hawkins Browne (1705-1760), was an ode in imitation of Swift, +Pope, Thomson, and other contemporary poets. Browne represented Wenlock +in the Whig interest in the Parliaments of 1744 and 1747. Johnson spoke +of him (Boswell, <i>Johnson</i>, April 5, 1775) as "one of the first +wits of this country," who "got into Parliament, and never opened his +mouth."<br> +<a href="#frh42">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp6">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L260">260—to Lord Holland</a></h3> +<br> +October 2, 1812.<br> +<br><br> + +A copy of this <i>still altered</i> is sent by the post, but this will +arrive first. It must be "humbler"—"<i>yet aspiring</i>" does away the +modesty, and, after all, <i>truth is truth</i>. Besides, there is a puff +direct altered, to please your <i>plaguy renters</i>.<br> +<br> +I shall be at Tetbury by 12 or 1—but send this for you to ponder over. +There are several little things marked thus / altered for your perusal. +I have dismounted the cavalry, and, I hope, arranged to your general +satisfaction.<br> +<br> +Ever, etc.<br> +<br> +At Tetbury by noon.—I hope, after it is sent, there will be no more +elisions. It is not now so long—73 lines—two less than allotted. I +will alter all Committee objections, but I hope you won't permit +<i>Elliston</i> to have any <i>voice</i> whatever,—except in speaking +it.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp7">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L261">261—to John Murray</a></h3> +<br> +Cheltenham, Oct. 12, 1812.<br><br> + +<br> +<b>Dear Sir</b>,—I <a name="frh51">have</a> a <i>very strong objection</i> to the engraving of the +portrait<a href="#fh51"><sup>1</sup></a>, and request that it may, on no account, be prefixed; but +let <i>all</i> the proofs be burnt, and the plate broken. I will be at +the expense which has been incurred; it is but fair that <i>I</i> +should, since I cannot permit the publication. I beg, as a particular +favour, that you will lose no time in having this done, for which I have +reasons that I will state when I see you. Forgive all the trouble I have +occasioned you.<br> +<br> +I <a name="frh52">have</a> received no account of the reception of the <i>Address</i><a href="#fh52"><sup>2</sup></a>, +but see it is vituperated in the papers, which does not much embarrass +an <i>old author</i>. I leave it to your own judgment to add it, or not, +to your next edition when required. Pray comply <i>strictly</i> with my +wishes as to the engraving, and believe me, etc.<br> +<br> +Yours very truly,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +P.S.—Favour me with an answer, as I shall not be easy until I hear that +the <i>proofs</i>, etc., are destroyed. I <a name="frh53">hear</a> that the <i>Satirist</i> +has reviewed <i>Childe Harold</i><a href="#fh53"><sup>3</sup></a>, in what manner I need not ask; +but I wish to know if the old personalities are revived? I have a better +reason for asking this than any that merely concerns myself; but in +publications of that kind, others, particularly female names, are +sometimes introduced.<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fh51"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> A miniature by Sanders. Besides this miniature, Sanders had +also painted a full-length of Byron, from which the portrait prefixed to +the quarto edition of Moore's <i>Life</i> is engraved. In reference to +the latter picture, Byron says, in a note to Rogers, + + <blockquote> "If you think the picture you saw at Murray's worth your acceptance, + it is yours; and you may put a glove or mask on it, if you like"</blockquote> + (Moore).<br> +<a href="#frh51">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fh52"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> On Saturday, October 10, Drury Lane reopened with <i>The +Devil to Pay</i> and <i>Hamlet</i>. Then, after the whole body of actors +had sung "God save the King" and "Rule, Britannia," Elliston delivered +Byron's address.<br> +<a href="#frh52">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fh53"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> <i>The Satirist, a Monthly Meteor</i> (see <i>Letters</i>, +vol. i. p. 321, <i>note</i> 3 [Footnote 3 of Letter 159]), ran from October, 1807, to 1814. Up to +1812 it was the property of George Manners, who sold it in that year to +W. Jerdan. It reviewed <i>Childe Harold</i> in October, 1812 (pp. +344-358); and again in December of the same year (pp. 542-550). In the +first of the two notices, the <i>Satirist</i> quotes the "judgment of +our predecessors," that unless Byron "improved wonderfully, he could +never be a poet," and continues thus: + + <blockquote>"It is with unaffected satisfaction we find that he has improved + wonderfully, and that he is a poet. Indeed, when we consider the + comparatively short interval which has elapsed, and contrast the + character of his recent with that of his early work, we confess + ourselves astonished at the intellectual progress which Lord Byron has + made, and are happy to hold him up as another example of the + extraordinary effects of study and cultivation, <i>even</i> on minds + apparently of the most unpromising description."</blockquote> + +The reviewer severely condemns the morbid bitterness of the poet's +thought and feeling, but yet affirms that the poems + + <blockquote>"abound with beautiful imagery, clothed in a diction free, forcible, + and various. <i>Childe Harold</i>, although avowedly a fragment, + contains many fragments which would do honour to any poet, of any + period, in any country."</blockquote> +<a href="#frh53">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp7">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L262">262—to Lord Holland.</a></h3> +<br> +Cheltenham, Oct. 14, 1812.<br> +<br><br> + +<b>My Dear Lord</b>,—I <a name="frh61">perceive</a> that the papers, yea, even Perry's<a href="#fh61"><sup>1</sup></a>, are +somewhat ruffled at the injudicious preference of the Committee. My +friend Perry has, indeed, <i>et tu, Brute</i>-d me rather scurvily, for +which I will send him, for the <i>Morning Chronicle</i>, the next +epigram I scribble, as a token of my full forgiveness.<br> +<br> +Do the Committee mean to enter into no explanation of their proceedings? +You must see there is a leaning towards a charge of partiality. You +will, at least, acquit me of any great anxiety to push myself before so +many elder and better anonymous, to whom the twenty guineas (which I +take to be about two thousand pounds <i>Bank</i> currency) and the +honour would have been equally welcome. "Honour," I see, "hath skill in +paragraph-writing."<br> +<br> +I wish to know how it went off at the second reading, and whether any +one has had the grace to give it a glance of approbation. I have seen no +paper but Perry's and two Sunday ones. Perry is severe, and the others +silent. If, however, you and your Committee are not now dissatisfied +with your own judgments, I shall not much embarrass myself about the +brilliant remarks of the journals. My own opinion upon it is what it +always was, perhaps pretty near that of the public.<br> +<br> +Believe me, my dear Lord, etc., etc.<br> +<br> +P.S.—My best respects to Lady H., whose smiles will be very +consolatory, even at this distance.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fh61"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> James Perry (1756-1821) purchased, in 1789, the <i>Morning +Chronicle</i>, originally established by Woodfall in 1769. In Perry's +hands the paper became the leading organ of the Whigs. He was the first +editor to introduce a succession of parliamentary reporters. He gathered +round him a remarkable staff of contributors, including Ricardo, Sir +James Mackintosh, Porson (who married his sister), Charles Lamb, +Sheridan, Coleridge, Hazlitt, Lord Campbell, Moore, Campbell, Byron, and +Burns. The <i>Morning Chronicle</i> (October 12, 1812) says: + + <blockquote> "Mr. Elliston then came forward and delivered the following + <i>Prize</i> Address. We cannot boast of the eloquence of the + delivery. It was neither gracefully nor correctly recited. The merits + of the production itself we submit to the criticism of our readers. We + cannot suppose that it was selected as the most poetical composition + of all the scores that were submitted to the Committee. But, perhaps + by its tenor, by its allusions to the fire, to Garrick, to Siddons, + and to Sheridan, it was thought most applicable to the occasion, + notwithstanding its being in parts unmusical, and in general tame."</blockquote> + +Again (October 14), in a notice of <i>Rejected Addresses</i>, the +<i>Morning Chronicle</i> returns to the subject: + + <blockquote>"A wag has already published a small volume of <i>Addresses + rejected</i>, in which, with admirable wit, all the poets of the day + are assembled, contesting for the Prize Address at Drury Lane. And + certainly he has assigned to the pen of Lord B. a superior <i>poem</i> + to that which has gained the prize."</blockquote> + +The Address was also severely handled in <i>A Critique on the Address +written by Lord Byron, which was Spoken at the opening of the New +Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, October</i> 10, 1812. By Lord—— (London, no date). The author is "astonished at the glaring faults and +general insipidity" of the address, and, after a detailed criticism, +concludes that "public indignation" will sympathize with the rejected +poets, and "pursue the rival patrons and the rival bard."<br> +<br> +Rogers, writing to Moore, October 22, 1812 (<i>Memoirs, etc., of Thomas +Moore</i>, vol. viii. p. 123), says, <blockquote>"Poor Byron! what I hear and read +of his prologue makes me very angry. Of such value is public favour! So +a man is to be tried by a copy of verses thrown off perhaps at hazard, +and <i>invitâ Minervâ!</i>"</blockquote> +<a href="#frh61">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp7">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L263"></a>263—to John Hanson</h3> +<br> +Cheltenham, Octr. 18th, 1812.<br><br> + +<br> +Dear Sir,—With perfect confidence in you I sign the note; but is not +Claughton's delay very strange? let us take care what we are about. I +answered his letter, which I enclose to you, very <i>cautiously;</i> the +wines and China, etc., I will not demur much upon; but the <i>vase</i> +and cup (not the <i>skull cup</i>) and some little coffee things brought +from the East, or made for the purpose of containing relics brought from +thence, I will not part with, and if he refuses to ratify, I will take +such steps as the Law will allow on the form of the contract for +compelling him to ratify it.<br> +<br> +Pray write. I am invited to Lord O.'s and Lord H.'s; but if you wish +very much to meet me I can come to town.<br> +<br> +I suppose the tythe purchase will be made in my name. <a name="frh71">What</a> is to be done +with Deardon?<a href="#fh71"><sup>1</sup></a><br> +<br> +<a name="frh72">Mrs</a>. M[assingberd]<a href="#fh72"><sup>2</sup></a> is dead, and I would wish something settled for +the Daughter who is still responsible. Will you give a glance into that +business, and if possible first settle something about the Annuities.<br> +<br> +I shall perhaps draw within a £100 next week, but I will delay for your +answer on C.'s business.<br> +<br> +Ever yours, sincerely and affectionately,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +My love to all the family.<br> +<br> +I wish to do something for young Rushton, if practicable at +<i>Rochdale</i>; if not, think of some situation where he might occupy +himself to avoid Idleness, in the mean time.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fh71"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Deardon was the lessee of the Rochdale coal-pits. + + <blockquote> "When Mr. France was here," writes Mrs. Byron to Hanson, July 13, 1811 + (Kölbing's <i>Englische Studien</i>, vol. xxv. p. I53), "he told me + there had been an injunction procured to prevent Deardin from working + the Coal Pits that was in dispute between Lord Byron and him, but + since France was here, there has been a Man from Lancashire who says + they are worked by Deardin the same as ever. I also heard that the + Person you sent down to take an account of the Coals was bribed by + Deardin, and did not give an account of half of what was got."</blockquote> +<a href="#frh71">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fh72"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> For Mrs. Massingberd, see <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. 100, +at end of <i>note</i> 3 [Footnote 1 of Letter 52]. Byron's pecuniary transactions, though not +unimportant in their influence on his career, are difficult to unravel. +The following statement, in his own handwriting, with regard to the +Annuities was apparently prepared for some legal proceedings, and is +dated January 16, 1812: + + <blockquote>"Lord Byron, to the best of his knowledge and recollection, in Dec., + 1805-January, 1806 applied to King, in consequence of an + advertisement in the papers, who acquainted Lord Byron that his + minority prevented all money transactions without the security of + competent persons. Through Mr. K. he became acquainted with Mr. + Dellevelly, another of the tribe of Israel, and subsequently with a + Mr. Howard of Golden Square.<br> +<br> + "After many delays, during which Lord B. had interviews with Howard, + once, he thinks, in Golden Square, but more frequently in Piccadilly, + Mrs. M[assingberd] agreed to become security jointly with her + daughter. Lord B. knows Howard's person perfectly well, has not seen + him subsequent to the transaction, but recollects Howard's mentioning + to him that he, Lord B., was acting imprudently, stating that he made + it a rule to advise young men against such proceedings. Lord B. + recollects, on the day on which the money was paid, that he remained + in the next room till the papers were signed, Mrs. M[assingberd] + having stated that the parties wished him to be kept out of sight + during the business, and wished to avoid even mentioning his name. + Mrs. M[assingberd] deducted the interest for two years and a half, and + £100 for Howard's papers." </blockquote> + +Two other Annuities were effected, in both of which Mrs. Massingberd +figured as a security, and in one the manager of Dorant's Hotel. It was +the interest on these minority loans which crippled Byron. Two were +still unpaid in 1817.<br> +<a href="#frh72">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp7">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L264">264—to John Murray</a></h3> +<br> +Cheltenham, Oct. 18, 1812,<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Sir,—<a name="frh81">Will</a> you have the goodness to get this Parody of a peculiar +kind<a href="#fh81"><sup>1</sup></a> (for all the first lines are <i>Busby's</i> entire), inserted +in several of the papers (<i>correctly</i>—and copied <i>correctly; my +hand</i> is difficult)—particularly the <i>Morning Chronicle</i>? Tell +Mr. Perry I forgive him all he has said, and may say against <i>my +address</i>, but he will allow me to deal with the Doctor—(<i>audi +alteram partem</i>)—and not <i>betray</i> me. I cannot think what has +befallen Mr. Perry, for of yore we were very good friends;—but no +matter, only get this inserted.<br> +<br> +I have a poem on Waltzing for <i>you</i>, of which I make <i>you</i> a +present; but it must be anonymous. It is in the old style of <i>English +Bards, and Scotch Reviewers</i>.<br> +<br> +Ever yours,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +P. S.—<a name="frh82">With</a> the next edition of <i>Childe Harold</i> you may print the +first fifty or a hundred opening lines of the <i>Curse of Minerva</i><a href="#fh82"><sup>2</sup></a> down to the couplet beginning + +<blockquote>Mortal ('twas thus she spake), etc.</blockquote> + +Of course, the moment the Satire begins, there you will stop, and the +opening is the best part.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fh81"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> The <i>Parenthetical Address</i>, "By Dr. Plagiary," is a +parody by Byron of Dr, Busby's <i>Address</i>, the original of which +will be found in the <i>Genuine Rejected Addresses</i>, as well as +parodied in <i>Rejected Addresses</i> ("Architectural Atoms"). On +October 14 young Busby forced his way on to the stage of Drury Lane, +attempted to recite his father's address, and was taken into custody. On +the next night, Dr. Busby, speaking from one of the boxes, obtained a +hearing for his son, who could not, however, make his voice heard in the +theatre. Then another "rejected" author tried to recite his composition, +but was hooted down. Order was restored by Raymond reminding the +audience that the Chamberlain's licence was necessary for all stage +speeches. To the failure of the younger Busby (himself a competitor and +the author of an "Unalogue" of fifty-six lines) to make himself heard, +Byron alludes in the stage direction to the <i>Parenthetical +Address</i>—"to be spoken in an inarticulate voice by Master P." The +<i>Parenthetical Address</i> appeared in the <i>Morning Chronicle</i> +for October 23, 1812. In the same issue was printed a long statement by +Dr. Busby, in which, after paying a compliment to Byron's "poetical +genius," he insisted that the Committee of Drury Lane had broken faith +by not choosing one of the addresses sent in by competitors. (See +references to Dr. Busby in <i>Poems</i>, vol. i. pp. 481 and 485, +<i>note</i> 1.) Dr. Thomas Busby (1755-1838) composed the music for +Holcroft's <i>Tale of Mystery</i>, the first musical melodrama produced +on the English stage (Covent Garden, November 13, 1802). He was for some +time assistant editor of the <i>Morning Post</i>, and Parliamentary +reporter for the <i>London Courant</i>; wrote on musical subjects, +taught languages and music, and translated Lucretius into rhymed verse +(1813).<br> +<a href="#frh81">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fh82"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> <i>The Curse of Minerva,</i> written at Athens, in 1811, +was not published as a whole till 1828. But the first fifty-four lines +appeared in Canto III of <i>The Corsair</i> (1814). (See <i>The Curse +of Minerva:</i> Introductory note, <i>Poems,</i> 1898, vol. i. p. 453.)<br> +<a href="#frh82">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp7">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L265">265—to Robert Rushton</a></h3> +<br> +Cheltenham, Oct. 18th, 1812.<br> +<br> +<br> +Robert,—I hope you continue as much as possible to apply yourself to +<i>Accounts</i> and Land-Measurement, etc. Whatever change may take +place about Newstead, there will be none as to you and Mr. Murray. It is +intended to place you in a situation in Rochdale for which your +pursuance of the Studies I recommend will best fit you. Let me hear from +you; is your health improved since I was last at the Abbey? In the mean +time, if any accident occur to me, you are provided for in my will, and +if not, you will always find in your Master a sincere Friend. <br> +B.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp7">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L266">266—to John Murray</a></h3> +<br> +Oct. 19, 1812.<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Sir,—Many thanks, but I <i>must</i> pay the <i>damage</i>, and +will thank you to tell me the amount for the engraving. I think the +<i>Rejected Addresses</i> by far the best thing of the kind since the +<i>Rolliad</i>, and wish <i>you</i> had published them. Tell the author +"I forgive him, were be twenty times our satirist;" and think his +imitations not at all inferior to the famous ones of Hawkins Browne. He +must be a man of very lively wit, and much less scurrilous than Wits +often are: altogether, I very much admire the performance, and wish it +all success. The <i>Satirist</i> has taken a <i>new</i> tone, as you +will see: we have now, I think, finished with <i>C. H.'s</i> critics. I +have in <i>hand</i> a <i>Satire</i> on <i>Waltzing</i>, which you must +publish anonymously: it is not long, not quite 200 lines, but will make +a very small boarded pamphlet. In a few days you shall have it.<br> +<br> +Ever yours,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +P.S.—The editor of the <i>Satirist</i> almost ought to be thanked for +his revocation; it is done handsomely, after five years' warfare. +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp7">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L267"></a>267—to John Hanson</h3> +<br> +Octr. 22d, 1812.<br><br> + +<br> +<b>Dear Sir</b>,—I enclose you Mr. C[laughton]'s letter, from which you +yourself will judge of my own. I insisted on the <i>contract</i>, and +said, <i>if</i> I gave up the wines, etc., it would be as a <i>gift</i>. +He admits the validity, as you perceive. I told him that <i>I</i> wished +to avoid raising difficulties and in all respects to fulfil the bargain.<br> +<br> +I am going to Lord Oxford's, <i>Eywood, Presteigne, Hereford</i>. In my +way back I will take Farleigh, if you are not returned to London before.<br> +<br> +I wish to take a small <i>house</i> for the winter any where not remote +from St. James's. Will you arrange this for me?—and think of young +Rushton, whom I promised to provide for, and must begin to think of it; +he might be a <i>sub</i>-Tythe <i>collector</i>, or a Bailiff to our +agent at Rochdale, or many other things. He has had a fair education and +was well disposed; at all events, he must no longer remain in idleness.<br> +<br> +Let the Mule be sold and the dogs.<br> +<br> +Pray let me hear from you when convenient, and<br> +<br> +Believe me, ever yours truly,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +My best remembrances to all.<br> +<br> +I shall draw for <i>fifty</i> this week.<br> +<br> +Is anything done about Miss M[assingberd]? You have not mentioned her.<br> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp7">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L268">268—to John Murray</a></h3> +<br> +Oct. 23, 1812.<br> +<br><br> + +<b>Dear Sir</b>,—Thanks, as usual. You go on boldly; but have a care of +<i>glutting</i> the public, who have by this time had enough of <i>C. +H.</i> <i>Waltz</i> shall be prepared. It is rather above 200 lines, +with an introductory letter to the Publisher. I think of publishing, +with <i>C. H.</i>, the opening lines of the <i>Curse of Minerva</i>, as +far as the first speech of Pallas,—because some of the readers like +that part better than any I have ever written; and as it contains +nothing to affect the subject of the subsequent portion, it will find a +place as a <i>descriptive fragment</i>.<br> +<br> +The <i>plate</i> is <i>broken</i>? between ourselves, it was unlike the +picture; and besides, upon the whole, the frontispiece of an author's +visage is but a paltry exhibition. At all events, <i>this</i> would have +been no recommendation to the book. I am sure Sanders would not have +<i>survived</i> the engraving. By the by, the <i>picture</i> may remain +with <i>you</i> or <i>him</i> (which you please), till my return. The +<i>one</i> of two remaining copies is at your service till I can give +you a <i>better</i>; the other must be <i>burned peremptorily</i>. +Again, do not forget that I have an account with you, and <i>that</i> +this is <i>included</i>. I give you too much <b>Trouble</b> to allow you to +incur <b>Expense</b> also.<br> +<br> +You best know how far this "Address Riot" will affect the future sale of +<i>C. H.</i> I like the volume of "<i>rejected A.</i>" better and +better. The other parody which Perry has received is <i>mine</i> also (I +believe). It is Dr. Busby's speech versified. You are removing to +Albemarle Street, I find, and I rejoice that we shall be nearer +neighbours. I am going to Lord Oxford's, but letters here will be +forwarded. When at leisure, all communications from you will be +willingly received by the humblest of your scribes. <a name="frh91">Did</a> Mr. Ward write +the review of H. Tooke's Life<a href="#fh91"><sup>1</sup></a>? It is excellent.<br> +<br> +Yours ever,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fh91"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> See <i>Quarterly Review</i>, vol. vii. p. 313. The article +alluded to was written by the Hon. J. W. Ward, afterwards Earl of +Dudley.<br> +<a href="#frh91">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp7">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L269">269—to John Hanson</a></h3> +<br> +Eywood, Presteign, Hereford, Octr. 31st, 1812.<br> +<br><br> + +<b>Dear Sir</b>,—<a name="frm1">The</a> inclosed bill<a href="#fm1"><sup>1</sup></a> will convince you how anxious I must be +for the payment of Claughton's first instalment; though it has been sent +in without due notice, I cannot blame Mr. Davies who must feel very +anxious to get rid of the business. Press C., and let me have an answer +whenever you can to this Place.<br> +<br> +Yours ever,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +P.S.—I am at <i>Lord Oxford's</i>, Eywood, as above.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fm1"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> The bill was Byron's for £1500, and the enclosure ran as +follows: + + <blockquote>"Lord Byron.<br> +<br> + A Bill for £1500, drawn by Scrope B. Davies, lies due at Sir <i>James + Esdaile</i> and Co's., No. 21, <i>Lombard-Street</i>.<br> +<br> + All Drafts intended for the Payment of Bills, to be brought before + Half past Three o'Clock.<br> +<br> + Please to call between 3 and Five o'Clock."</blockquote> + +The same day Byron writes a second letter to Hanson: + + <blockquote>"Do pray press Claughton, as Mr. D.'s business must be settled at all + events. I send you his letter, and I am more uncomfortable than I can + possibly express myself upon the subject. Pray write."</blockquote> +<a href="#frm1">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp7">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L270">270—to John Hanson</a></h3> +<br> <br> + +Presteign, Novr. 8th, 1812.<br> +<br> +<b>Dear Sir</b>,—Not being able (and to-day being Sunday also) to procure a +stamp, as the Post town is very remote, I must request this letter to be +considered as an Order for paying fifteen hundred pounds to S. B. Davies, +Esq., and the same sum to your own account for the Tythe purchase. Mr. +D.'s receipt can be indorsed on the bond.<br> +<br> +I shall be in London the latter end of the week. I set out from this +place on the 12th. As to Mr. C., the Law must decide between us; I shall +abide by the Contract. Your answer will not reach me in time, so do not +write to me while here.<br> +<br> +<a name="frm11">Pray</a> let Mr. D. be paid and you also—come what may<a href="#fm11"><sup>1</sup></a>. I always foresaw +that C. would <i>shirk;</i> but he did it with his eyes open. What +question can arise as to the title? has it never been examined? I never +heard of it before, and surely, in all our law suits, that question must +have come to issue.<br> +<br> +I hope we shall meet in town. I will wait on you the moment I arrive.<br> +<br> +My best respects to your family; believe me, <br> +Ever yours sincerely,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fm11"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Byron was prepared to make some sacrifices to extricate +himself from debt, or go abroad. The following letter to Hanson is dated +December 10, 1812: + + <blockquote> "<b>Dear Sir</b>,—I have to request that you will pay the bearer (my Groom) + the wages due to him (12 pds. 10s.), and dismiss him immediately, as I + have given up my horses, and place the sum to my account.<br> +<br> + Ever yours,<br> +<br> + <b>Byron</b>."</blockquote> + +Four days later, December 14, 1812, he writes again to Hanson— + + <blockquote>"<b>Dear Sir,</b>—I request your attention to the enclosed. See what can be + done with Howard, and urge Claughton. If this kind of thing continues, + I must quit a country which my debts render uninhabitable, + notwithstanding every sacrifice on my part.<br> +<br> + Yours ever,<br> +<br> + B."</blockquote> +<a href="#frm11">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp7">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L271">271—to John Hanson</a></h3> +<br> +Presteign, Novr. 16th, 1812.<br> +<br><br> + +<b>Dear Sir</b>,—The floods having rendered the road impassable, I am detained +here, but trust by the latter end of the week to proceed to Cheltenham, +where I shall expect a letter from you to tell me if I am wanted in +town.<br> +<br> +I shall not be in time for the Prince's address; but I wish you to write +down for my <i>Parliamentary</i> robes (Mrs. Chaworth had them, at least +Mrs. Clarke the mother); though I rather think those were the Coronation +and not the House robes. At least enquire.<br> +<br> +I hope Mr. D. is paid; and, if Mr. C. demurs, we must bring an action +according to Contract.<br> +<br> +I trust you are well, and well doing in my behalf and your own.<br> +<br> +Ever yours most sincerely,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp7">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L272">272—to John Murray</a></h3> +<br> +Cheltenham, November 22, 1812.<br><br> + +<br> +<b>Dear Sir</b>,—On my return here from Lord Oxford's, I found your obliging +note, and will thank you to retain the letters, and any other subsequent +ones to the same address, till I arrive in town to claim them, which +will probably be in a few days. I have in charge a curious and very long +MS. poem, written by Lord Brooke (the <i>friend</i> of Sir <i>Philip +Sidney</i>), which I wish to submit to the inspection of Mr. Gifford, +with the following queries: —first, whether it has ever been published, +and secondly (if not), whether it is worth publication? It is from Lord +Oxford's Library, and must have escaped or been overlooked amongst the +MSS. of the Harleian Miscellany. The writing is Lord Brooke's, except a +different hand towards the close. It is very long, and in the six-line +stanza. It is not for me to hazard an opinion upon its merits; but I +would take the Liberty, if not too troublesome, to submit it to Mr. +Gifford's judgment, which, from his excellent edition of Massinger, I +should conceive to be as decisive on the writings of that age as on +those of our own.<br> +<br> +<a name="frm21">Now</a> for a less agreeable and important topic.—How came Mr. Mac-Somebody<a href="#fm21"><sup>1</sup></a>, without consulting you or me, to prefix the Address to his volume +of "<i>dejected addresses?"</i> Is not this somewhat larcenous? I think +the ceremony of leave might have been asked, though I have no objection +to the thing itself; and leave the "hundred and eleven" to tire +themselves with "base comparisons." I should think the ingenuous public +tolerably sick of the subject, and, except the parodies, I have not +interfered, nor shall; <a name="frm22">indeed</a> I did not know that Dr. Busby had +published his apologetical letter and postscript<a href="#fm22"><sup>2</sup></a>, or I should have +recalled them. But, I confess, I looked upon his conduct in a different +light before its appearance. I <a name="frm23">see</a> some mountebank has taken Alderman +Birch's name<a href="#fm23"><sup>3</sup></a> to vituperate the Doctor; he had much better have +pilfered his pastry, which I should imagine the more valuable +ingredient—at least for a Puff. —<a name="frm24">Pray</a> secure me a copy of Woodfall's +new <i>Junius</i><a href="#fm24"><sup>4</sup></a>,<br> +<br> +and believe me,<br> +<br> +Dear Sir, yours very sincerely,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fm21"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> B. McMillan.<br> +<a href="#frm21">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fm22"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> This probably refers to Busby's apologetic letter in the +<i>Morning Chronicle</i> for October 23, 1812.<br> +<a href="#frm22">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fm23"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> Alderman Birch was a pastry-cook in Cornhill.<br> +<a href="#frm23">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fm24"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> In the Catalogue of Byron's books, sold April 5, 1816, +appear two copies of <i>Junius</i>: +<ul> + +<li>"Junius's Letters, 2 vol. <i>russia</i>, 1806."</li> +<li>"Junius's Letters, by Woodfall, 3 vol., <i>Large Paper</i>, 1812."</li> +</ul><br> +<a href="#frm24">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp7">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L273">273—to William Bankes</a></h3> +<br> +December 26, [1812].<br> +<br><br> + +The multitude of your recommendations has already superseded my humble +endeavours to be of use to you; and, indeed, most of my principal +friends are returned, Leake from Joannina, Canning and Adair from the +city of the Faithful, and at Smyrna no letter is necessary, as the +consuls are always willing to do every thing for personages of +respectability. I have sent you <i>three</i>; one to Gibraltar, which, +though of no great necessity, will, perhaps, put you on a more intimate +footing with a very pleasant family there. You will very soon find out +that a man of any consequence has very little occasion for any letters +but to ministers and bankers, and of them we have already plenty, I will +be sworn.<br> +<br> +It is by no means improbable that I shall go in the spring; and if you +will fix any place of rendezvous about August, I will <i>write</i> or +<i>join</i> you.—When in Albania, I wish you would inquire after +Dervise Tahiri and Vascillie (or Bazil), and make my respects to the +viziers, both there and in the Morea. If you mention my name to Suleyman +of Thebes, I think it will not hurt you; if I had my dragoman, or wrote +Turkish, I could have given you letters of <i>real service;</i> but to +the English they are hardly requisite, and the Greeks themselves can be +of little advantage. Liston<a href="#fm31"><sup>1</sup></a> you <a name="frm31">know</a> already, and I do not, as he +was not then minister. Mind you visit Ephesus and the Troad, and let me +hear from you when you please. I believe G. Forresti is now at Yanina; +but if not, whoever is there will be too happy to assist you. Be +particular about <i>firmauns;</i> never allow yourself to be bullied, +for you are better protected in Turkey than any where; trust not the +Greeks; and take some knicknackeries for <i>presents—watches, +pistols,</i> etc., etc., to the Beys and Pachas. If you find one +Demetrius, at Athens or elsewhere, I can recommend him as a good +dragoman. I hope to join you, however; but you will find swarms of +English now in the Levant.<br> +<br> +Believe me, etc.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fm31"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Robert Liston, afterwards Sir Robert Liston (1742-1836), +succeeded Adair as Ambassador at Constantinople in 1811.<br> +<a href="#frm31">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp7">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L274">274—to John Murray.</a></h3> +<br> +Eywood, Presteign, January 8, 1813.<br><br> + +<br> +Dear Sir,—You have been imposed upon by a letter forged in my name to +obtain the picture left in your possession. <a name="frm41">This</a> I know by the +confession of the culprit<a href="#fm41"><sup>1</sup></a> and as she is a woman (and of rank), with +whom I have unfortunately been too much connected, you will for the +present say very little about it; but if you have the letter +<i>retain</i> it—write to me the particulars. You will also be more +cautious in future, and not allow anything of mine to pass from your +hands without my <i>Seal</i> as well as Signature.<br> +<br> +I have not been in town, nor have written to you since I left it. So I +presume the forgery was a skilful performance.—I shall endeavour to get +back the picture by fair means, if possible.<br> +<br> +Yours ever,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +P. S.—Keep the letter if you have it. I did not receive your parcel, and +it is now too late to send it on, as I shall be in town on the 17th. <a name="frm42">The</a> +<i>delinquent</i> is one of the first families in this kingdom; but, as +Dogberry says, this is "flat burglary."<a href="#fm42"><sup>2</sup></a><br> +<br> +Favour me with an answer. I hear I am scolded in the <i>Quarterly;</i> +but you and it are already forgiven. I suppose that made you bashful +about sending it.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fm41"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> The culprit was Lady Caroline Lamb, who imitated Byron's +handwriting with remarkable skill.<br> +<a href="#frm41">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fm42"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> <i>Much Ado about Nothing</i>, act iv. sc. 2.<br> +<a href="#frm42">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp7">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L275">275—to Francis Hodgson</a></h3> +<br> +February 3, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +My Dear Hodgson,—I will join you in any bond for the money you require, +be it that or a larger sum. With regard to security, as Newstead is in a +sort of abeyance between sale and purchase, and my Lancashire property +very unsettled, I do not know how far I can give more than personal +security, but what I can I will. At any rate you can try, and as the sum +is not very considerable, the chances are favourable. I hear nothing of +my own concerns, but expect a letter daily. Let me hear from you where +you are and will be this month. I am a great admirer of the <i>R. A.</i> +[<i>Rejected Addresses</i>], though I have had so great a share in the +cause of their publication, <a name="frm51">and</a> I like the <i>C. H.</i> [<i>Childe +Harold</i>] imitation one of the best<a href="#fm51"><sup>1</sup></a>. Lady Oxford has heard me talk +much of you as a relative of the Cokes, etc., and desires me to say she +would be happy to have the pleasure of your acquaintance. You must come +and see me at K[insham]. I am sure you would like <i>all</i> here if you +knew them.<br> +<br> +The "Agnus" is furious. <a name="frm52">You</a> can have no idea of the horrible and absurd +things she has said and done<a href="#fm52"><sup>2</sup></a> since (really from the best motives) I +withdrew my homage. "<a name="frm53">Great</a> pleasure" is, certes, my object, but "<i>why +brief</i>, Mr. Wild?"<a href="#fm53"><sup>3</sup></a> I cannot answer for the future, but the past +is pretty secure; and in it I can number the last two months as worthy +of the gods in <i>Lucretius.</i> I cannot review in the +"<i>Monthly;</i>" in fact I can just now do nothing, at least with a +pen; and I really think the days of Authorship are over with me +altogether. I <a name="frm54">hear</a> and rejoice in Eland's and Merivale's intentions<a href="#fm54"><sup>4</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +<a name="frm55">Murray</a> has grown great, and has got him new premises in the fashionable +part of the town<a href="#fm55"><sup>5</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +We live here so shut out of the <i>monde</i> that I have nothing of +general import to communicate, and fill this up with a "happy new year," +and drink to you and Drury.<br> +<br> +Ever yours, dear H., B.<br> +<br> +I have no intention of continuing "<i>Childe Harold.</i>" There are a +few additions in the "body of the book" of description, which will +merely add to the number of pages in the next edition. I have taken +Kinsham Court. <a name="frm56">The</a> business of last summer I broke off<a href="#fm56"><sup>6</sup></a>, and now the +amusement of the gentle fair is writing letters literally threatening my +life, and much in the style of "Miss Mathews" in "<i>Amelia</i>," or +"Lucy" in the "<i>Beggar's Opera</i>." Such is the reward of restoring a +woman to her family, who are treating her with the greatest kindness, +and with whom I am on good terms. I am still in <i>palatia Circes</i>, +and, being no Ulysses, cannot tell into what animal I may be converted; +as you are aware of the turn of both parties, your conjectures will be +very correct, I daresay, and, seriously, I am very much <i>attached</i>. +She has had her share of the denunciations of the brilliant Phryne, and +regards them as much as I do. I hope you will visit me at K. which will +not be ready before spring, and I am very sure you would like my +neighbours if you knew them. If <a name="frm57">you</a> come down now to Kington<a href="#fm57"><sup>7</sup></a>, pray +come and see me.<br> + +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fm51"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"Byron often talks of the authors of the <i>Rejected Addresses</i>, + and always in terms of unqualified praise. He says that the + imitations, unlike all other imitations, are full of genius. + 'Parodies,' he said, 'always give a bad impression of the original, + but in the <i>Rejected Addresses</i> the reverse was the fact;' and he + quoted the second and third stanzas, in imitation of himself, as + admirable, and just what he could have wished to write on a similar + subject"</blockquote> + +(Lady Blessington's <i>Conversations</i>, p. 134).<br> +<a href="#frm51">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fm52"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> + + <blockquote> "The Bessboroughs," writes Lady H. Leveson Gower to Lady G. Morpeth, + September 12, 1812 (<i>Letters of Harriet, Countess Granville</i>, + vol. i. pp. 40, 41), "have been unpacked about a couple of hours. My + aunt looks stout and well, but poor Caroline most terribly the + contrary. She is worn to the bone, as pale as death and her eyes + starting out of her head. She seems indeed in a sad way, alternately + in tearing spirits and in tears. I hate her character, her feelings, + and herself when I am away from her, but she interests me when I am + with her, and to see her poor careworn face is dismal, in spite of + reason and speculation upon her extraordinary conduct. She appears to + me in a state very (little) short of insanity, and my aunt describes + it as at times having been decidedly so."</blockquote> +<a href="#frm52">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fm53"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> The context and allusion seem to require another word than +"<i>brief</i>;" but the sentence is written as printed. In Fielding's +<i>Life of Mr. Jonathan Wild</i> (Bk. III. chap. viii.) and in + + <blockquote>"a dialogue matrimonial, which passed between Jonathan Wild, Esquire, + and Laetitia his wife" (<i>née</i> Laetitia Snap), "Laetitia asks, + 'But pray, Mr. Wild, why b—ch? Why did you suffer such a word to + escape you?'"</blockquote> +<a href="#frm53">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fm54"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> The republication of the <i>Anthology</i><br> +<a href="#frm54">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fm55"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 5:</span></a> Murray's removal from 32, Fleet Street, to 50, Albemaile +Street.<br> +<a href="#frm55">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fm56"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 6:</span></a> With Lady Caroline Lamb.<br> +<a href="#frm56">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fm57"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 7:</span></a> Near Lower Moor, the residence of Hodgson's relatives, the +Cokes.<br> +<a href="#frm57">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp7">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L276">276—to John Hanson</a></h3> +<br> +3d Feb'y, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Sir,—<a name="frm61">Will</a> you forward the inclosed immediately to Corbet, whose +address I do not exactly remember? It is of consequence, relative to a +foolish woman<a href="#fm61"><sup>1</sup></a> I never saw, who fancies I want to marry her.<br> +<br> +Yours ever, B.<br> +<br> +P. S.—I wish you would see Corbet and talk to him about it, for she +plagues my soul out with her damned letters.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fm61"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> The lady in question seems to have been Lady Falkland (see +<i>Letters</i>, vol. 1, p. 216, <i>note</i> 1 [Footnote 1 of Letter 117], and <a href="#L281">the letter dated March 5, 1813</a>.<br> +<a href="#frm61">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp7">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L277">277—to John Murray</a></h3> +<br> +February 20, 1813.<br> +<br> +Dear Sir,—<a name="frm71">In</a> "<i>Horace in London</i>"<a href="#fm71"><sup>1</sup></a> I perceive some stanzas on Lord Elgin in which (waving the kind +compliment to myself<a href="#fm72"><sup>2</sup></a>) I heartily concur. I wish I had the pleasure +of Mr. Smith's acquaintance, as I could communicate the curious anecdote +you read in Mr. T.'s letter. If he would like it, he can have the +<i>substance</i> for his second Edition; if not, I shall add it to +<i>our</i> next, though I think we already have enough of Lord Elgin.<br> +<br> +What I have read of this work seems admirably done. My praise, however, +is not much worth the Author's having; but you may thank him in my name +for <i>his</i>. The idea is new—we have excellent imitations of the +Satires, etc. by Pope; but I remember but one imitative Ode in his +works, and <i>none</i> any where else. I <a name="frm73">can</a> hardly suppose that +<i>they</i> have lost any fame by the fate of the Farce<a href="#fm73"><sup>3</sup></a>; but even +should this be the case, the present publication will again place them +on their pinnacle.<br> +<br> +Yours truly,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fm71"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> <i>Horace in London; consisting of Imitations of the First +Two Books of the Odes of Horace</i>, by James and Horace Smith (1813), +was a collection of imitations, the best of which are by James Smith, +republished from Hill's <i>Monthly Mirror</i>, where they originally +appeared.<br> +<a href="#frm71">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fm72"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> In Book 1. ode xv. of <i>Horace in London</i>, entitled +"The Parthenon," Minerva thus speaks: + + <blockquote>"All who behold my mutilated pile<br> + Shall brand its ravager with classic rage,<br> + And soon a titled bard from Britain's Isle,<br> + Thy country's praise and suffrage shall engage,<br> + And fire with Athens' wrongs an angry age!"</blockquote> +<a href="#frm71">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fm73"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> Horace Smith's unsuccessful comedy, <i>First Impressions; or, +Trade in the West</i>, was performed at Drury Lane. The prologue, +spoken by Powell, beseeches a judgment from the audience: + + <blockquote>"Such as mild Justice might herself dispense,<br> + To <i>Inexperience and a First Offence</i>."</blockquote> +<a href="#frm73">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp8">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L278">278—to Robert Rushton</a></h3> +<br> +4, Bennet Street, St. James's, Feb. 24th, 1813.<br><br> + +<br> +I feel rather surprised to have heard nothing from you or your father in +answer to Fletcher's last letter. I wish to know whether you intend +taking a share in a farm with your brother, or prefer to wait for some +other situation in Lancashire;—the first will be the best, because, at +your time of life, it is highly improper to remain idle. If this +<i>marriage</i> which is spoken of for you is at all advantageous, I can +have no objection; but I should suppose, after being in my service from +your infancy, you will at least let me know the name of your +<i>intended</i>, and her expectations. If at all respectable, nothing +can be better for your settlement in life, and a proper provision will +be made for you; at all events let me hear something on the subject, +for, as I have some intention of leaving England in the Summer, I wish +to make my arrangements with regard to yourself before that period. As +you and Mr. Murray have not received any money for some time, if you +will draw on <i>me</i> for <i>fifty</i> pounds (payable at Messrs. +Hoare's, Bankers, Fleet Street), and tell Mr. J[oseph] Murray to draw +for the <i>same sum</i> on his <i>own</i> account, both will be paid by +me.<br> +<br> +Etc., etc.,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp8">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L279">279—to John Hanson</a></h3> +<br> +F'y. 27th, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Sir,—I have called several times, and you may suppose am very +anxious to hear something from or of Mr. Claughton.<br> +<br> +It is my determination, on account of a malady to which I am subject, +and for other weighty reasons, to go abroad again almost immediately. To +this you will object; but, as my intention cannot be altered, I have +only to request that you will assist me as far as in your power to make +the necessary arrangements.<br> +<br> +I have every confidence in you, and will leave the fullest powers to act +in my absence. If this man still hesitates, I must sell my part of +Rochdale for what it will bring, even at a loss, and fight him out about +Newstead; without this, I have no funds to go on with, and I do not wish +to incur further debts if possible.<br> +<br> +Pray favour me with a short reply to this, and say when I can see you. +Excuse me to Mrs. H. for my non-appearance last night; I was detained in +the H. of L. till too late to dress for her party. Compliments to all.<br> +<br> +Ever yours, +<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp8">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L280">280—to John Hanson</a></h3> +<br> +March 1st, 1813.<br><br> + +<br> +Dear Sir,—I am sorry that I could not call today but will tomorrow. +Your objections I anticipated and can only repeat that I cannot act +otherwise; so pray hasten some arrangement—for with, or without, I must +go.<br> +<br> +A person told me yesterday there was one who would give within £10,000 of +C.'s price and take the title as it was. C. is a fool or is shuffling.<br> +<br> +Think of what I said about <i>Rochdale</i>, for I will sell it for what +I can get, and will not stay three months longer in this country. I +again repeat I will leave all with full powers to you. I commend your +objection which is a proof of an honourable mind—which however I did +not need to convince me of your character. If you have any news send a +few lines.<br> +<br> +Ever yours,<br> +<br> +BN. + <br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp8">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L281">281—to——Corbet</a></h3> +<br> +Mh. 5th, 1813.<br><br> + +<br> +Dear Sir,—Lady F[alkland?] has returned by Mr. Hanson the only two +letters I ever wrote her, both some time ago, and neither containing the +least allusion which could make any person suppose that I had any +intention further than regards the children of her husband. My servant +returned the packet and letter of yesterday at the moment of receiving +them; by her letter to Mr. H. it should seem they have not been +redelivered. I am sorry for this, but it is not my fault, and they ought +never to have been sent. After her Ladyship's mistakes, so often +repeated, you will not blame me for declining all further interference +in her affairs, and I rely much upon your word in contradicting her +foolish assertions, and most absurd imaginations. She now says that "I +need not leave the country on her account." How the devil she knew that +I was about to leave it I cannot guess; but, however, for the first time +she has <i>dreamed</i> right. But <i>her</i> being the cause is still +more ludicrous than the rest. First, she would have it that I returned +here for love of a woman I <i>never saw</i>, and now that I am going, +for the same whom I <i>have never seen</i>, and certainly never wished, +nor wish, to see! The maddest <i>consistency</i> I ever heard of. I +trust that she has regained her senses, as she tells Mr. H. she will not +scribble any more, which will also save <i>you</i> from the troublesome +correspondence of<br> +<br> +Your obliged and obedient servant,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>. +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp8">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a><br> +<a href="#fm61">cross-reference: return to Footnote 1 of Letter 276</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L282">282—to John Hanson</a></h3> +<br> +March 6th, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Sir,—I must be ready in April at whatever risk,—at whatever loss. +You will therefore advertize Rochdale; if you decline this, I will sell +it for what it will bring, even though but a few thousand pounds.<br> +<br> +With regard to Claughton, I shall only say that, if he knew the +ruin,—the misery, he occasions by his delay, he would be sorry for his +conduct, and I only hope that he and I may not meet, or I shall say +something he will not like to hear. I have called often. I shall call +today at three or between three and four; again and again, I can only +beg of you to forward my plans, for here no power on earth shall make me +remain six weeks longer.<br> +<br> +Ever yours,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp8">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L283">283—to Charles Hanson</a></h3> +<br> +Mh. 24th, 1813.<br><br> + +<br> +My Dear Charles,—This is very evasive and dissatisfactory. What is to +be done I cannot tell, but your father had better see his letter and +this of mine. A long litigation neither suits my inclination nor +circumstances; it were better to take back the estate, and raise it to +what it will bear, which must be at least double, to dismantle the house +and sell the materials, and sell Rochdale. Something I must determine on +and that quickly. I want to go abroad immediately; it is utterly +impossible for me to remain here; every thing I have done to extricate +myself has been useless. Your father said "<i>sell</i>;" I have sold, +and see what has become of it! If I go to Law with this fellow, after +five years litigation at the present depreciation of money, the +<i>price</i> will not be worth the <i>property</i>; besides how much of +it will be spent in the contest! and how am I to live in the interim? +Every day land rises and money falls. I shall tell Mr. Cn. he is a +<i>scoundrel</i>, and have done with him, and I only hope he will have +spirit enough to resent the appellation, and defend his own rascally +conduct. In the interim of his delay in his journey, I shall leave town; +on Sunday I shall set out for Herefordshire, from whence, when wanted, I +will return.<br> +<br> +Pray tell your father to get the money on Rochdale, or I must sell it +directly. I must be ready by the last week in <i>May</i>, and am +consequently pressed for time.<br> +<br> +I go first to Cagliari in Sardinia, and on to the Levant.<br> +<br> +Believe me, dear Charles,<br> +<br> +Yours truly,<br> +<br> +B. +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp8">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L284"></a>284—to Samuel Rogers<a href="#fm81"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>1</sup></span></a></h3> +<br> +March 25, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +I enclose you a draft for the usurious interest due to Lord +B[oringdon]'s <i>protégé</i>;—I also could wish you would state thus +much for me to his Lordship. Though the transaction speaks plainly in +itself for the borrower's folly and the lender's usury, it never was my +intention to <i>quash</i> the demand, as I <i>legally</i> might, nor to +withhold payment of principal, or, perhaps, even <i>unlawful</i> +interest. You know what my situation has been, and what it is. I have +parted with an estate (which has been in my family for nearly three +hundred years, and was never disgraced by being in possession of a +<i>lawyer</i>, a <i>churchman</i>, or a <i>woman</i>, during that +period,) to liquidate this and similar demands; and the payment of the +purchase is still withheld, and may be, perhaps, for years. If, +therefore, I am under the necessity of making those persons <i>wait</i> +for their money, (which, considering the terms, they can afford to +suffer,) it is my misfortune.<br> +<br> +When I arrived at majority in 1809,1 offered my own security on +<i>legal</i> interest, and it was refused. <i>Now</i>, I will not accede +to this. This man I may have seen, but I have no recollection of the +names of any parties but the <i>agents</i> and the securities. The +moment I can, it is assuredly my intention to pay my debts. This +person's case may be a hard one; but, under all circumstances, what is +mine? I could not foresee that the purchaser of my estate was to demur +in paying for it.<br> +<br> +I am glad it happens to be in my power so far to accommodate my +Israelite, and only wish I could do as much for the rest of the Twelve +Tribes.<br> +<br> +Ever yours, dear R.,<br> +<br> +BN.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fm81"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> The following was Rogers's reply: + + <blockquote>"Friday Morning.<br> +<br> + "My Dearest Byron,—I have just received your note, but I <i>will + not</i> execute your Commission; and, moreover, I will tell Lord + Boringdon that I refused to do it. I know your situation; and I should + never sleep again, if by any interference of mine, for by so harsh a + word I must call it, you should be led by your generosity, your pride, + or any other noble motive, to do more than you are called upon to do.<br> +<br> + "I mentioned the thing to Lord Holland last night, and he entirely + agreed with me, that you are not called upon to do it. The Principal + and the legal interest are all that these extortioners are entitled + to; and, you must forgive me, but I will not do as you require. I + shall keep the draft till I see you.<br> +<br> + "Yours ever and ever,<br> +<br> + "<b>Saml. Rogers</b>."</blockquote> +<a href="#L284">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp8">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L285">285—to the Hon. Augusta Leigh.</a></h3> +<br> +4, Bennet Street, St. James's, March 26th, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +My Dearest Augusta,—I did not answer your letter, because I could not +answer as I wished, but expected that every week would bring me some +tidings that might enable me to reply better than by apologies. But +Claughton has not, will not, and, I think, cannot pay his money, and +though, luckily, it was stipulated that he should never have possession +till the whole was paid, the estate is still on my hands, and your +brother consequently not less embarrassed than ever. This is the truth, +and is all the excuse I can offer for inability, but not unwillingness, +to serve you.<br> +<br> +I am going abroad again in June, but should wish to see you before my +departure. You have perhaps heard that I have been fooling away my time +with different "<i>regnantes</i>;" but what better can be expected from +me? I have but one <i>relative</i>, and her I never see. I have no +connections to domesticate with, and for marriage I have neither the +talent nor the inclination. I cannot fortune-hunt, nor afford to marry +without a fortune. <a name="frm91">My</a> parliamentary schemes are not much to my taste—I +spoke twice last Session<a href="#fm91"><sup>1</sup></a>, and was told it was well enough; but I +hate the thing altogether, and have no intention to "strut another hour" +on that stage. I am thus wasting the best part of life, daily repenting +and never amending.<br> +<br> +On Sunday, I set off for a fortnight for Eywood, near Presteign, in +Herefordshire—with the <i>Oxfords</i>. I see you put on a <i>demure</i> +look at the name, which is very becoming and matronly in you; but you +won't be sorry to hear that I am quite out of a more serious scrape with +another singular personage which threatened me last year, and trouble +enough I had to steer clear of it I assure you. I hope all my nieces are +well, and increasing in growth and number; but I wish you were not +always buried in that bleak common near Newmarket.<br> +<br> +I am very well in health, but not happy, nor even comfortable; but I +will not bore you with complaints. I am a fool, and deserve all the ills +I have met, or may meet with, but nevertheless very <i>sensibly</i>, +dearest Augusta,<br> +<br> +Your most affectionate brother<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fm91"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> What is generally supposed to have been Byron's second +speech (see <a href="#app2b">Appendix II. (2)</a>) was made, April 21, 1813, on Lord +Donoughmore's motion for a Committee on Roman Catholic claims.<br> +<br> +The following impressions of his short parliamentary career are recorded +by Byron himself: + + <blockquote>"I have never heard any one who fulfilled my ideal of an orator. + Grattan would have been near it, but for his harlequin delivery. Pitt + I never heard. Fox but once, and then he struck me as a debater, which + to me seems as different from an orator as an improvisatore, or a + versifier, from a poet. Grey is great, but it is not oratory. Canning + is sometimes very like one. Windham I did not admire, though all the + world did; it seemed sad sophistry. Whitbread was the Demosthenes of + bad taste and vulgar vehemence, but strong, and English. Holland is + impressive from sense and sincerity. Lord Lansdowne good, but still a + debater only. Grenville I like vastly, if he would prune his speeches + down to an hour's delivery. Burdett is sweet and silvery as Belial + himself, and I think the greatest favourite in Pandemonium; at least I + always heard the country gentlemen and the ministerial devilry praise + his speeches <i>up</i> stairs, and run down from Bellamy's when he was + upon his legs. I heard Bob Milnes make his <i>second</i> speech; it + made no impression. I like Ward—studied, but keen, and sometimes + eloquent. Peel, my school and form fellow (we sat within two of each + other), strange to say, I have never heard, though I often wished to + do so; but, from what I remember of him at Harrow, he <i>is</i>, or + <i>should</i> be, among the best of them. Now I do <i>not</i> admire + Mr. Wilberforce's speaking; it is nothing but a flow of words—'words, + words, alone.'<br> +<br> + "I <a name="Cx1">doubt</a> greatly if the English <i>have</i> any eloquence, properly + so called; and am inclined to think that the Irish <i>had</i> a great + deal, and that the French <i>will</i> have, and have had in Mirabeau. + Lord Chatham and Burke are the nearest approaches to orators in + England. I don't know what Erskine may have been at the <i>bar</i>, + but in the House, I wish him at the bar once more. Lauderdale is + shrill, and Scotch, and acute. Of Brougham I shall say nothing, as I + have a personal feeling of dislike to the man.<br> +<a href="#fx12">cross-reference: return to Footnote 2 of Journal entry for March 10th, 1814</a><br> + +<br> + "But amongst all these, good, bad, and indifferent, I never heard the + speech which was not too long for the auditors, and not very + intelligible, except here and there. The whole thing is a grand + deception, and as tedious and tiresome as maybe to those who must be + often present. I heard Sheridan only once, and that briefly, but I + liked his voice, his manner, and his wit: and he is the only one of + them I ever wished to hear at greater length.<br> +<br> + "The impression of Parliament upon me was, that its members are not + formidable as <i>speakers</i>, but very much so as an <i>audience</i>; + because in so numerous a body there may be little eloquence, (after + all, there were but <i>two</i> thorough orators in all antiquity, and + I suspect still <i>fewer</i> in modern times,) but there must be a + leaven of thought and good sense sufficient to make them <i>know</i> + what is right, though they can't express it nobly.<br> +<br> + "Horne Tooke and Roscoe both are said to have declared that they left + Parliament with a higher opinion of its aggregate integrity and + abilities than that with which they entered it. The general amount of + both in most Parliaments is probably about the same, as also the + number of <i>speakers</i> and their talent. I except <i>orators</i>, + of course, because they are things of ages, and not of septennial or + triennial reunions. Neither House ever struck me with more awe or + respect than the same number of Turks in a divan, or of Methodists in + a barn, would have done. Whatever diffidence or nervousness I felt + (and I felt both, in a great degree) arose from the number rather than + the quality of the assemblage, and the thought rather of the <i>public + without</i> than the persons within,—knowing (as all know) that + Cicero himself, and probably the Messiah, could never have altered the + vote of a single lord of the bedchamber, or bishop. I thought + <i>our</i> House dull, but the other animating enough upon great days.<br> +<br> + "I have heard that when Grattan made his first speech in the English + Commons, it was for some minutes doubtful whether to laugh at or cheer + him. The <i>débût</i> of his predecessor, Flood, had been a complete + failure, under nearly similar circumstances. But when the ministerial + part of our senators had watched Pitt (their thermometer) for the cue, + and saw him nod repeatedly his stately nod of approbation, they took + the hint from their huntsman, and broke out into the most rapturous + cheers. Grattan's speech, indeed, deserved them; it was a + <i>chef-d'oeuvre</i>. I did not hear <i>that</i> speech of his (being + then at Harrow), but heard most of his others on the same + question—also that on the war of 1815. I differed from his opinions + on the latter question, but coincided in the general admiration of his + eloquence.<br> +<br> + "When I met old Courtenay, the orator, at Rogers's the poet's, in + 1811-12, I was much taken with the portly remains of his fine figure, + and the still acute quickness of his conversation. It was <i>he</i> + who silenced Flood in the English House by a crushing reply to a hasty + <i>débût</i> of the rival of Grattan in Ireland. I asked Courtenay + (for I like to trace motives) if he had not some personal provocation; + for the acrimony of his answer seemed to me, as I read it, to involve + it. Courtenay said 'he had; that, when in Ireland (being an Irishman), + at the bar of the Irish House of Commons, Flood had made a personal + and unfair attack upon <i>himself</i>, who, not being a member of that + House, could not defend himself, and that some years afterwards, the + opportunity of retort offering in the English Parliament, he could not + resist it.' He certainly repaid Flood with interest, for Flood never + made any figure, and only a speech or two afterwards, in the English + House of Commons. I must except, however, his speech on Reform in + 1790, which Fox called 'the best he ever heard upon that subject.'"</blockquote> +<a href="#frm91">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp8">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L286">286—to John Murray</a></h3> +<br> +March 29th, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Sir,—<a name="frn1">Westall</a> has, I believe, agreed to illustrate your book<a href="#fn1"><sup>1</sup></a>, +and I fancy one of the engravings will be from the pretty little girl<a href="#fn2"><sup>2</sup></a> you saw the other day, though without her name, and merely as a +model for some sketch connected with the subject. I would also have the +portrait (which you saw to-day) of the friend who is mentioned in the +text at the close of Canto 1st, and in the notes,—which are subjects +sufficient to authorise that addition.<br> +<br> +Believe me, yours truly, B'N.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fn1"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> An edition of the first two cantos of <i>Childe Harold</i>, +to be illustrated by Richard Westall (1765-1836), who painted Byron's +portrait in 1813-14.<br> +<a href="#frn1">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fn2"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Lady Charlotte Harley, daughter of Lord Oxford, to whom, +under the name of Ianthe, the introductory lines to <i>Childe Harold</i> +were afterwards addressed. Lady Charlotte married, in 1820, +Brigadier-General Bacon.<br> +<a href="#frn1">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp8">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L287"></a>287—to John Hanson</h3> +<br> +Presteigne, April 15th, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Sir,—I wrote to you requesting an answer last week, and again +apprising you of my determination of leaving England early in May, and +proceeding no further with Claughton.<br> +<br> +Now, having arrived, I shall write to that person immediately to give up +the whole business. I am sick of the delays attending it, and can wait +no longer, and I have had too much of <i>law</i> already at Rochdale to +place Newstead in the same predicament.<br> +<br> +I shall only be able to see you for a few days in town, as I shall sail +before the 20th of May.<br> +<br> +Believe me, yours ever, B.<br> +<br> +P. S.—My best compliments to Mrs. H. and the family.<br> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp8">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L288">288—to John Hanson</a></h3> +<br> +Presteigne, April 17th, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Sir,—I shall follow your advice and say nothing to our shuffling +purchaser, but leave him to you, and the fullest powers of +<i>Attorney</i>, which I hope you will have ready on my arrival in town +early next week. I wish, if possible, the arrangement with Hoare to be +made immediately, as I must set off forthwith. I mean to remain +<i>incog</i>. in London for the short time previous to my embarkation.<br> +<br> +I have not written to Claughton, nor shall, of course, after your +counsel on the subject. I wish you would turn in your mind the +expediency of selling Rochdale. I shall never make any thing of it, as +it is.<br> +<br> +I beg you will provide (as before my last voyage) the fullest powers to +act in my absence, and bring my cursed concerns into some kind of order. +You must at least allow that I have acted according to your advice about +Newstead, and I shall take no step without your being previously +consulted.<br> +<br> +I hope I shall find you and Mrs. H., etc., well in London, and that you +have heard something from this dilatory gentleman.<br> +<br> +Believe me, ever yours truly, <br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp8">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L289">289—to John Murray</a></h3> +<br> +April 21, 1813.<br><br> + +<br> +Dear Sir,—I shall be in town by Sunday next, and will call and have +some conversation on the subject of Westall's proposed designs. I <a name="frn11">am</a> to +sit to him for a picture at the request of a friend of mine<a href="#fn11"><sup>1</sup></a>; and as +Sanders's is not a good one, you will probably prefer the other. I wish +you to have Sanders's taken down and sent to my lodgings +immediately—before my arrival. I <a name="frn12">hear</a> that a certain malicious +publication on <i>Waltzing</i><a href="#fn12"><sup>2</sup></a> is attributed to me. This report, I suppose, +you will take care to contradict, as the Author, I am sure, will not +like that I should wear his cap and bells. Mr. Hobhouse's quarto will be +out immediately; pray send to the author for an early copy which I wish +to take abroad with me.<br> +<br> +Dear Sir, I am, yours very truly, B.<br> +<br> +P. S.—I <a name="frn13">see</a> the <i>Examiner</i><a href="#fn13"><sup>3</sup></a> threatens some observations upon you +next week. What can you have done to share the wrath which has +heretofore been principally expended upon the Prince? I <a name="frn14">presume</a> all your +Scribleri will be drawn up in battle array in defence of the modern +Tonson—Mr. Bucke<a href="#fn14"><sup>4</sup></a>, for instance. Send in my account to Bennet +Street, as I wish to settle it before sailing.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fn11"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> This picture, exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1815, is +now in the possession of the Baroness Burdett-Coutts.<br> +<a href="#frn11">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fn12"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Byron's <i>Waltz</i> was published anonymously in the +spring of 1813, not, apparently, by Murray, but by Sherwood, Neely, and +Jones, Paternoster Row.<br> +<a href="#frn12">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fn13"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> In the <i>Examiner</i> for April, 1813, occurs the +paragraph: "A word or two on Mr. Murray's (the 'splendid bookseller') +judgment in the Fine Arts—next week, <i>if room</i>."<br> +<a href="#frn13">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fn14"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> Charles Bucke (1781-1846), a voluminous writer of verse, +plays, and miscellaneous subjects, published, in 1813, his <i>Philosophy +of Nature; or, the Influence of Scenery on the Mind and Heart</i>. He +supported himself by his pen, and that indifferently. Byron seems to +suggest that he was a dependent of Murray's. In 1817 he sent to the +Committee of Management at Drury Lane his tragedy, <i>The Italians; or, +the Fatal Accusation</i>, and it was accepted. In February, 1819, he +withdrew the play, in consequence of a quarrel with Edmund Kean, and +published it with extracts from the correspondence and a Preface, which +sent it through numerous editions. The play itself was, after being +withdrawn, played at Drury Lane, April 3, 1819. Bucke and his Preface +were answered in <i>The Assailant Assailed</i>, and in <i>A Defence of +Edmund Kean, Esq</i>. (both in 1819), and the opinion of the town +condemned both him and his tragedy.<br> +<a href="#frn14">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp8">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="section4">Chapter VII—The <i>Giaour</i> and <i>Bride of Abydos</i></a></h2> +<br> +<b>May, 1812-December, 1813</b><br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> + + +<h3><a name="L290">290—to John Murray</a></h3> +<br> +May 13, 1813.<br><br> + +<br> +Dear Sir,—I <a name="frn21">send</a> a corrected, and, I hope, amended copy of the lines +for the "fragment" already sent this evening<a href="#fn21"><sup>1</sup></a>. Let the enclosed be +the copy that is sent to the Devil (the printers) and burn the other.<br> +<br> +Yours, etc., B'N. +<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fn21"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> <i>The Giaour</i>, which was now in the press, was expanded, +either in the course of printing, or in the successive editions, from +400 lines to 1400. It was published in May, 1813.<br> +<a href="#frn21">return to footnote mark</a> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp8">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + + +<h3><a name="L291">291—to Thomas Moore</a></h3> +<br> +May 19, 1813.<br> + + + + <blockquote> Oh you, who in all names can tickle the town,<br> + <a name="frn31">Anacreon</a>, Tom Little, Tom Moore, or Tom Brown<a href="#fn31"><sup>1</sup></a>,—<br> + For hang me if I know of which you may most brag,<br> + Your Quarto two-pounds, or your Twopenny Post Bag;<br><br> + + ...<br> + <br> + But now to my letter—to <i>yours</i> 'tis an answer—<br> + To-morrow be with me, as soon as you can, sir,<br> + All ready and dress'd for proceeding to spunge on<br> + (<a name="frn32">According</a> to compact) the wit in the dungeon<a href="#fn32"><sup>2</sup></a>—<br> + Pray Phœbus at length our political malice<br> + May not get us lodgings within the same palace!<br> + I suppose that to-night you're engaged with some codgers,<br> + <a name="frn33">And</a> for Sotheby's<a href="#fn33"><sup>3</sup></a> Blues have deserted Sam Rogers;<br> + And I, though with cold I have nearly my death got,<br> + Must put on my breeches, and wait on the Heathcote.<br> + But to-morrow at four, we will both play the <i>Scurra</i>,<br> + <a name="frn34">And</a> you'll be Catullus, the Regent, Mamurra<a href="#fn34"><sup>4</sup></a>.</blockquote> + + +Dear M.,—having got thus far, I am interrupted by ——. 10 o'clock.<br> +<br> +Half-past 11.——is gone. I must dress for Lady Heathcote's.—Addio.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fn31"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Moore's <i>Intercepted Letters, or the Twopenny Post-bag. +By Thomas Brown, the Younger</i>, was published in 1813.<br> +<a href="#frn31">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fn32"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> The "wit in the dungeon" was James Henry Leigh Hunt +(1784-1859), who was educated at Christ's Hospital, and began his +literary life with "a collection of poems, written between the ages of +twelve and sixteen," and published in 1801 as <i>Juvenilia</i>. In 1808 +he and his brother John started a weekly newspaper called the +<i>Examiner</i>, which advocated liberal principles with remarkable +independence. On February 24, 1811, Hunt published an article in defence +of Peter Finnerty, convicted for a libel on Castlereagh, and exhorting +public writers to be bold in the cause of individual liberty. The same +number contained an article on the savagery of military floggings, for +which he was prosecuted, defended by Brougham, and acquitted. His +acquittal drew from Shelley a letter of congratulation, addressed to +Hunt as "one of the most fearless enlighteners of the public mind" +(Dowden's <i>Life of Shelley</i>, vol. i. p. 113).<br> +<br> +In March, 1812, the <i>Morning Post</i> printed a poem, speaking of the +Prince Regent as the "Mæcenas of the Age," the "Exciter of Desire," the +"Glory of the People," an "Adonis of Loveliness," etc. The +<i>Examiner</i> for March 12, 1812, thus translated this adulation into +"the language of truth:" + + <blockquote> "What person, unacquainted with the true state of the case, would + imagine, in reading these astounding eulogies, that this 'Glory of the + People' was the subject of millions of shrugs and reproaches!... that + this "'Exciter of Desire' (bravo! Messieurs of the <i>Post</i>!), this + 'Adonis in Loveliness,' was a corpulent man of fifty!—in short, this + <i>delightful, blissful, wise, pleasureable, honourable, virtuous, + true</i>, and <i>immortal</i> prince was a violator of his word, a + libertine over head and ears in disgrace, a despiser of domestic ties, + the companion of gamblers and demireps, a man who has just closed half + a century without one single claim on the gratitude of his country or + the respect of posterity."</blockquote> + +Crabb Robinson, who met Leigh Hunt, four days later, at Charles Lamb's, +says (<i>Diary</i>, vol. i. p. 376), + + <blockquote>"Leigh Hunt is an enthusiast, very well intentioned, and, I believe, + prepared for the worst. He said, pleasantly enough, 'No one can accuse + me of not writing a libel. Everything is a libel, as the law is now + declared, and our security lies only in their shame.'" </blockquote> + +For this libel John and Leigh Hunt were convicted in the Court of King's +Bench on December 9, 1812. In the following February they were sentenced +to two years' imprisonment and a fine of £500 a-piece. John was +imprisoned in Coldbath-fields, Leigh in the Surrey County Gaol. They +were released on February 2 or 3, 1815.<br> +<br> +Shelley, on reading the sentence, proposed a subscription for + + <blockquote> "the brave and enlightened man... to whom the public owes a debt as + the champion of their liberties and virtues" </blockquote> + +(Dowden, <i>Life of Shelley</i>, vol. i. p. 325). Keats wrote a sonnet +to Hunt on the day he left his prison, beginning: + + <blockquote>"What though for showing truth to flatter'd state, + Kind Hunt was shut in prison."</blockquote> + +A political alliance was thus cemented, which, for the time, was +disastrous to the literary prospects of Shelley and Keats. To Hunt +Shelley dedicated the <i>Cenci</i>, and Keats his first volume of +<i>Poems</i> (1817). He is the "gentlest of the wise" in Shelley's +<i>Adonais</i>; and, in a suppressed stanza of the same poem, the poet +speaks of Hunt's "sweet and earnest looks," "soft smiles," and "dark and +night-like eyes." The words inscribed on Shelley's tomb—"<i>Cor +Cordium</i>"—were Hunt's choice. In his various papers Hunt zealously +championed his friends. In the <i>Examiner</i> for September to October, +1819, he defended Shelley's personal character; in the same paper for +June to July, 1817, he praised Keats's first volume of <i>Poems</i>; he +reviewed "Lamia" in the <i>Indicator</i> for August 2-9, 1820, and "La +Belle Dame sans Merci" in that for May 10, 1820. In his <i>Foliage</i> +(1818) are three sonnets addressed to Keats.<br> +<br> +Shelley believed in Hunt to the end. It was mainly through him that Hunt +came to Pisa in June, 1822, to join with Byron in <i>The Liberal</i>. +But he doubted whether the alliance between the "wren and the eagle" +could continue (<i>Life of Shelley</i>, vol. ii. p. 519). Keats, on the +other hand, lost his faith in Hunt. In a letter to Haydon (May, 1817), +speaking of Hunt, he says, + + <blockquote> "There is no greater Sin after the seven deadly than to flatter + oneself into an idea of being a great Poet." </blockquote> + +Again (March, 1818) he writes, + + <blockquote>"It is a great Pity that People should, by associating themselves with + the finest things, spoil them. Hunt has damned Hampstead, and masks, + and sonnets, and Italian tales." </blockquote> + +He writes still more severely (December, 1818-January, 1819), + + <blockquote> "If I were to follow my own inclinations, I should never meet any one + of that set again, not even Hunt, who is certainly a pleasant fellow + in the main when you are with him; but in reality he is vain, + egotistical, and disgusting in matters of taste and morals. Hunt does + one harm by making fine things petty, and beautiful things hateful. + Through him I am indifferent to Mozart. I care not for white + Busts—and many a glorious thing when associated with him becomes a + nothing." </blockquote> + +Haydon considered that Hunt was the "great unhinger" of Keats's best +dispositions (<i>Works of Keats</i>, ed. H. B. Forman, vol. iv. p. 359); +and Severn attributes Keats's temporary "mawkishness" to Hunt's society +(<i>ibid</i>., p. 376).<br> +<br> +Nathaniel Hawthorne (<i>Our Old Home</i>, p. 229, ed. 1884) says of +Hunt, and means it as high praise, that + + <blockquote>"there was not an English trait in him from head to foot—morally, + intellectually, or physically. Beef, ale or stout, brandy or + port-wine, entered not at all into his composition." </blockquote> + +He was, in fact, a man of weak fibre, who allowed himself to sponge upon +his friends, such as Talfourd, Haydon, and Shelley. Though Dickens +denied (<i>All the Year Round</i>, Dec. 24, 1859) that "Harold Skimpole" +was intended for Hunt, the picture was recognized as a portrait. On the +other hand, Hunt was a man of kindly and genial disposition. + + <blockquote> "He loves everything," says Crabb Robinson (<i>Diary</i>, vol. ii. p. + 192), "he catches the sunny side of everything, and, excepting that he + has a few polemical antipathies, finds everything beautiful." </blockquote> + +In his essays, the best of which appeared in the <i>Indicator</i> +(1819-21), he communicates some of his own sense of enjoyment to those +of his readers who are content to take him as he is. His circle is +limited; but in it his observation is minute and suggestive. The Vale of +Health is to him, in a degree proportioned to their respective powers, +what the Temple was to Lamb. His style is neat, pretty, and would be +affected if it were not the man himself. As a literary journalist, a +dramatic critic, and an essayist, he has a place in literature. His +poetry is less successful; his affectations, innate vulgarity, and habit +of pawing his subjects repel even those who are attracted by its +sweetness. Yet his <i>Story of Rimini</i> (1816), which he dedicated to +Byron, was admired in its day. Byron, though he condemned its affected +style, thought the poem a "devilish good one." Moore held the same +opinion; and Jeffrey, writing to him May 28, 1816 (<i>Memoirs, etc., of +Thomas Moon,</i> vol. ii. p. 100), says, + + <blockquote>"I certainly shall not be ill-natured to <i>Rimini</i>. It is very + sweet and very lively in many places, and is altogether piquant, as + being by far the best imitation of Chaucer and some of his Italian + contemporaries that modern times have produced."</blockquote> + +No two men could be more unlike than Byron and Hunt, or have less in +common. Yet, with a singular capacity for self-delusion, Hunt told his +wife that the texture of Byron's mind resembled his to a thread +(<i>Correspondence of L. Hunt</i>, vol. i. p. 88). The friendship began +in political sympathy; but two years later (see Byron's letter to Moore, +June 1, 1818) it had, on one side at least, cooled. In June, 1822, Hunt +came to Pisa to launch <i>The Liberal</i>, with the aid of Shelley and Byron. +<i>The Liberal: Verse and Prose from the South</i>, started in 1822, +lived through four numbers, and died in July, 1823. During that time +Byron expressed to Lady Blessington (<i>Conversations</i>, p. 77) + + <blockquote>"a very good opinion of the talents and principle of Mr. Hunt, though, + as he said, 'our tastes are so opposite that we are totally unsuited + to each other ... in short, we are more formed to be friends at a + distance, than near.'" </blockquote> + +For the best part of two years Hunt was Byron's guest: he repaid his +hospitality by publishing his <i>Lord Byron and Some of his +Contemporaries</i> (1828). Though Lady Blessington said the book "gave, +in the main, a fair account" of Byron (Crabb Robinson's <i>Diary</i>, +vol. iii. p. 13), its publication was a breach of honour. As such it was +justly attacked by Moore in "The <i>Living Dog</i> and the <i>Dead Lion</i> ": + + <blockquote> "Next week will be published (as 'Lives' are the rage)<br> + The whole Reminiscences, wondrous and strange,<br> +Of a small puppy-dog, that lived once in the cage<br> + Of the late noble Lion at Exeter 'Change.<br><br> + +"Though the dog is a dog of the kind they call 'sad,'<br> + 'Tis a puppy that much to good breeding pretends;<br> +And few dogs have such opportunities had<br> + Of knowing how Lions behave—among friends.<br><br> + +"How that animal eats, how he snores, how he drinks,<br> + Is all noted down by this Boswell so small;<br> +And 'tis plain, from each sentence, the puppy-dog thinks<br> + That the Lion was no such great things after all.<br><br> + +"Though he roared pretty well—this the puppy allows—<br> + It was all, he says, borrowed—all second-hand roar;<br> +And he vastly prefers his own little bow-wows<br> + To the loftiest war-note the Lion could pour.<br><br> + +"'Tis, indeed, as good fun as a <i>Cynic</i> could ask,<br> + To see how this cockney-bred setter of rabbits<br> +Takes gravely the Lord of the Forest to task,<br> + And judges of Lions by puppy-dog habits.<br><br> + +"Nay, fed as he was (and this makes it a dark case)<br> + With sops every day from the Lion's own pan,<br> +He lifts up his leg at the noble beast's carcass,<br> + And—does all a dog, so diminutive, can.<br><br> + +"However, the book's a good book, being rich in<br> + Examples and warnings to lions high-bred,<br> +How they suffer small mongrelly curs in their kitchen,<br> + Who'll feed on them living, and foul them when dead.</blockquote> + +"<i>Exeter 'Change</i>. <br> +<br> +<b>T. Pidcock</b>."<br> +<br> +For the reply of Hunt or one of his friends, "The Giant and the Dwarf," +see <a href="#app6">Appendix VI</a>.<br> +<a href="#frn32">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fn33"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> William Sotheby (1757-1833), once a cavalry officer, +afterwards a man of letters and of fortune, published his <i>Oberon</i> +in 1798, and his <i>Georgics</i> in 1800 (see <i>English Bards, +etc.</i>, line 818, and <i>note</i>). The following passage from Byron's +<i>Detached Thoughts</i> (1821) refers to him: + + <blockquote> "Sotheby is a good man; rhymes well (if not wisely), but is a bore. He + seizes you by the button. One night of a rout, at Mrs. Hope's, he had + fastened upon me (something about Agamemnon or Orestes—or some of his + plays), notwithstanding my symptoms of manifest distress, (for I was + in love and had just nicked a minute when neither mothers, nor + husbands, nor rivals, nor gossips, were near my then idol, who was + beautiful as the Statues of the Gallery where we stood at the time). + Sotheby, I say, had seized upon me by the button, and the + heart-strings, and spared neither. W. Spencer, who likes fun, and + don't dislike mischief, saw my case, and, coming up to us both, took + me by the hand and pathetically bade me farewell, 'for,' said he, 'I + see it is all over with you.' Sotheby then went away. <i>Sic me + servavit Apollo.</i>"</blockquote> +<a href="#frn33">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fn34"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> See Catullus, xxix. 3: + + <blockquote>"Quis hoc potest videre, quis potest pati,<br> + Nisi impudicus et vorax, et aleo,<br> + Mamurram habere, quod Comata Gallia<br> + Habebat uncti et ultima Britannia?"</blockquote> + +See also xli. 4, xliii. 5 (compare Horace, <i>Sat</i>. i. 5. 37), and +lvii. 2.<br> +<a href="#frn34">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp8">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L292">292—to John Murray</a></h3> +<br> +May 22nd, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Sir,—I <a name="frn41">return</a> the "<i>Curiosities of Literature</i>."<a href="#fn41"><sup>1</sup></a> Pray is +it fair to ask if the "<i>Twopenny Postbag</i>" is to be reviewed in +this No.? because, if not, I should be glad to undertake it, and leave +it to Chance and the Editor for a reception into your pages.<br> +<br> +Yours truly, + +B.<br> +<br> +P. S.—<a name="frn42">You</a> have not sent me Eustace's <i>Travels</i><a href="#fn42"><sup>2</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fn41"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> The first volume of Isaac Disraeli's <i>Curiosities of +Literature</i> was published in 1791. The remaining volumes were +published at intervals: vol. ii., 1793; vol. iii., 1817; vols. iv. and +v., in 1823; vol. vi., 1834.<br> +<a href="#frn41">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fn42"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> John Chetwode Eustace (<i>circ</i>. 1762-1815) published +his <i>Tour through Italy</i> in 1813.<br> +<a href="#frn42">return</a> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp8">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L293">293—to John Murray</a></h3> +<br> +May 23rd, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Sir,—I question whether ever author before received such a +compliment from his <i>master</i>. I am glad you think the thing is +tolerably <i>vamped</i> and will be <i>vendible</i>.<br> +<br> +Pray look over the proof again. I am but a careless reviser, and let me +have 12 struck off, and one or two for yourself to serve as MS. for the +thing when published in the body of the volume. If Lady Caroline Lamb +sends for it, do <i>not</i> let her have it, till the copies are all +ready, and then you can send her one.<br> +<br> +Yours truly,<br> +<br> +<img src="images/BG7.gif" width="96" height="30" border="1" alt="Greek: Mpairon"><br> +<br> +P. S.—H.'s book is out at last; I have my copy, which I have lent +already.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp9">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L294">294—to John Murray</a></h3> +<br> +June 2, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Sir,—I <a name="frn51">presented</a> a petition to the house yesterday<a href="#fn51"><sup>1</sup></a>, which gave +rise to some debate, and I wish you to favour me for a few minutes with +the <i>Times</i> and <i>Herald</i> to look on their hostile report.<br> +<br> +You will find, if you like to look at my <i>prose</i>, my words nearly +<i>verbatim</i> in the <i>M. Chronicle</i>.<br> +<br> +B'N.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fn51"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> The petition was from Major Cartwright, and was presented +June 1, 1813. (For Byron's speech, see <a href="#app2c">Appendix II. (3)</a>.) Returning from +the House, he called on Moore, and, while the latter was dressing for +dinner, walked up and down the next room, + + <blockquote>"spouting in a sort of mock heroic voice, detached sentences of the + speech he had just been delivering. 'I told them,' he said, 'that it + was a most flagrant violation of the Constitution—that, if such + things were permitted, there was an end of English freedom, and + that—' <br> +<br> + 'But what was this dreadful grievance?' asked Moore. <br> +<br> + 'The grievance?' he repeated, pausing as if to consider, 'oh, + <i>that</i> I forget.'"</blockquote> +<a href="#frn51">return</a> + <br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp9">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h3><a name="L295">295—to Thomas Moore</a></h3> +<br> +My Dear Moore,—"<a name="frn61">When</a> Rogers"<a href="#fn61"><sup>1</sup></a> must not see the inclosed, which I +send for your perusal. I am ready to fix any day you like for our visit. +<a name="frn62">Was</a> not Sheridan good upon the whole? The "Poulterer" was the first and +best<a href="#fn62"><sup>2</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +Ever yours, etc.<br> + + +<blockquote>1.<br><br> + +When Thurlow this damn'd nonsense sent,<br> +(I hope I am not violent),<br> +Nor men nor gods knew what he meant.<br> +<br><br> + +2.<br><br> + +And since not ev'n our Rogers' praise<br> +To common sense his thoughts could raise—<br> +Why <i>would</i> they let him print his lays?<br> +<br><br> + +3.<br><br> + + ...<br><br> + +4.<br><br> + + ...<br><br> + +5.<br><br> + +To me, divine Apollo, grant—O!<br> +Hermilda's first and second canto,<br> +I'm fitting up a new portmanteau;<br> +<br> +6.<br><br> + +And thus to furnish decent lining,<br> +My own and others' bays I'm twining—<br> +So, gentle Thurlow, throw me thine in.</blockquote> + +<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fn61"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> In the late spring or early summer of 1813, Byron and Moore +supped on bread and cheese with Rogers. Their host had just received +from Lord Thurlow a copy of his <i>Poems on Several Occasions</i> +(1813), and, in spite of protests by Rogers, Byron and Moore, in wild +spirits, hunted through the volume to find absurdities. Byron lighted +upon some lines to Rogers himself, "On the Poem of Mr. Rogers entitled +'An Epistle to a Friend.'" The first stanza ran thus: + + <blockquote> "When Rogers o'er this labour bent,<br> + Their purest fire the Muses lent,<br> + T' illustrate this sweet argument."</blockquote> + +But when he began to read them aloud, he could not, for laughing, get +beyond the first two words. Two or three times he tried, but always +broke down, till he was joined by Moore in a fit of laughter which at +last infected Rogers himself. The three were, as Moore tells the story, + + <blockquote>"in such a state of inextinguishable laughter, that, had the author + himself been of the party, I question much whether he could have + resisted the infection." </blockquote> + +A day or two afterwards, Byron sent Moore the lines given in Letter 295. +On the same day he again returned to the subject, with the following +additional lines, in which the last stanza of the same poem is the +text: + + <blockquote> "Then, thus, to form Apollo's crown,<br> + (Let ev'ry other bring his own,)<br> + I lay my branch of laurel down."</blockquote><br> +<br> + + + +"To <b>Lord Thurlow</b>.<br> +<br> +<table summary="I lay my branch of laurel down" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><span style="font-size: 150%;">1</span></td> + <td> "'<i>I lay my branch of laurel down</i>.'<br><br> + + "<i>Thou</i> 'lay thy branch of <i>laurel</i> down!'<br> + Why, what thou'st stole is not enow;<br> + And, were it lawfully thine own,<br> + Does Rogers want it most, or thou?<br> + Keep to thyself thy wither'd bough,<br> + Or send it back to Dr. Donne—<br> + Were justice done to both, I trow,<br> + He'd have but little, and thou—none.</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><span style="font-size: 150%;">2</span></td> + <td> "'<i>Then thus to form Apollo's crown</i>.'<br><br> + + "A crown! why, twist it how you will,<br> + Thy chaplet must be foolscap still.<br> + When next you visit Delphi's town,<br> + Inquire amongst your fellow-lodgers,<br> + They'll tell you Phœbus gave his crown,<br> + Some years before your birth, to Rogers.</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><span style="font-size: 150%;">3</span></td> + <td> "'<i>Let every other bring his own</i>.'<br><br> + + "When coals to Newcastle are carried,<br> + And owls sent to Athens as wonders,<br> + From his spouse when the Regent's unmarried,<br> + Or Liverpool weeps o'er his blunders;<br> + When Tories and Whigs cease to quarrel,<br> + When Castlereagh's wife has an heir,<br> + Then Rogers shall ask us for laurel,<br> + And thou shalt have plenty to spare."</td> +</tr> +</table> +<br> +<br> + +Edward Hovell (1781-1829) succeeded his uncle in 1806 as second Baron +Thurlow. He published several volumes of poetry: <i>Poems on Several +Occasions</i> (1812); <i>Ariadne, a Poem</i> (1814); <i>Carmen +Britannicum, or the Song of Britain: written in honour of the Prince +Regent</i> (1814); <i>Moonlight, a Poem</i> (1814); <i>The Sonnets of +Edward, Lord Thurlow</i> (privately printed, 1821); <i>Angelica, or the +Rape of Proteus, a Poem</i> (1822).<br> +<a href="#frn61">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fn62"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Byron had met Sheridan and Moore at dinner with Rogers. In +the course of the evening the conversation turned on the <i>Address</i> +which Whitbread had written and sent in for the opening of Drury Lane. +Like many of his competitors, he had introduced the Phœnix. "But +Whitbread," said Sheridan, "made more of this bird than any of them; he +entered into particulars, and described its wings, beak, tail, etc.; in +short, it was a <i>poulterer's</i> description of a Phoenix."<br> +<a href="#frn62">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp9">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L296">296—to John Hanson</a></h3> +<br> +June 3d, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Sir,—When you receive this I shall have left town for a week, and, +as it is perfectly right we should understand each other, I think you +will not be surprised at my persisting in my intention of going abroad. +If the Suit can be carried on in my absence,—<i>well</i>; if not, it +must be given up. One word, one letter, to Cn. would put an end to it; +but this I shall not do, at all events without acquainting you before +hand; nor at all, provided I am able to go abroad again. But at all +hazards, at all losses, on this last point I am as determined as I have +been for the last six months, and you have always told me that you would +endeavour to assist me in that intention. Every thing is ordered and +ready now. Do not trifle with me, for I am in very solid serious +earnest, and if utter ruin <i>were</i>, or <i>is</i> before me, on the +one hand—and wealth at home on the other,—I have made my choice, and +go I will.<br> +<br> +If you wish to write, address a line before Saturday to Salthill Post +Office; Maidenhead, I believe, but am not sure, is the Post town; but I +shall not be in town till Wednesday next.<br> +<br> +Believe me, yours ever,<br> +<br> +BN.<br> +<br> +P. S.—Let all the books go to Mr. Murray's immediately, and let the +plate, linen, etc., which I find <i>excepted</i> by the <i>contract</i>, +be sold, particularly a large silver vase—with the <i>contents</i> not +removed as they are curious, and a silver cup (not the skull) be sold +also—both are of value.<br> +<br> +The Pictures also, and every moveable that is mine, and can be converted +into cash; all I want is a few thousand pounds, and then adieu. You +shan't be troubled with me these ten years, if ever.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp9">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h3><a name="L297">297—to Francis Hodgson</a></h3> +<br> +June 6, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +<b>My Dear Hodgson</b>,—I write to you a few lines on business. <a name="frn71">Murray</a> has +thought proper at his own risk, and peril, and profit (if there be any) +to publish <i>The Giaour</i>; and it may possibly come under your ordeal +in the <i>Monthly</i><a href="#fn71"><sup>1</sup></a> I merely wish to state that in the published +copies there are additions to the amount of ten pages, <i>text</i> and +<i>margin</i> (<i>chiefly</i> the last), which render it a little less +unfinished (but more unintelligible) than before. If, therefore, you +review it, let it be from the published copies and not from the first +sketch. I shall not sail for this month, and shall be in town again next +week, when I shall be happy to hear from you but more glad to see you. +You know I have no time or turn for correspondence(!). But you also +know, I hope, that I am not the less<br> +<br> +Yours ever,<br> +<br> +<img src="images/BG7.gif" width="96" height="30" border="1" alt="Greek: Mpairon"><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fn71"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> <i>The Giaour</i> was reviewed in the <i>Monthly Review</i> +for June, 1813 (N.S. vol. lxxi. p. 202). In the Editor's copy is added +in MS. at the end of the article, as indicating the author of the +review, the word "Den."<br> +<a href="#frn71">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp9">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L298">298—to Francis Hodgson</a></h3> +<br> +June 8th, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +My dear Hodgson,—In town for a night I find your card. I had written to +you at Cambridge merely to say that Murray has thought it expedient to +publish <i>The Giaour</i> at his own risk (and reimbursement, if he +can), and that, as it will probably be in your department in the +<i>Monthly</i>, I wished to state that, in the published copies, there +are additions to the tune of 300 lines or so towards the end, and, if +reviewed, it should <i>not</i> be from the privately printed copy. So +much for scribbling.<br> +<br> +I shall manage to see you somewhere before I sail, which will be next +month; till then I am yours here, and afterwards any where and every +where,<br> +<br> +Dear H., <i>tutto tuo</i>, + +BN.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp9">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L299">299—to John Murray</a></h3> +<br> +Je. 9, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Sir,—I regret much that I have no profane garment to array you +with for the masquerade. As my motions will be uncertain, you need not +write nor send the proofs till my return.<br> +<br> +Yours truly,<br> +<br> +BN.<br> +<br> +P. S.—My wardrobe is out of town—or I could have dressed you as an +Albanian—or a Turk—or an officer—or a Waggoner.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp9">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h3><a name="L300">300—to John Murray</a></h3> +<br> +June 12, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Sir,—Having occasion to send a servant to London, I will thank you +to inform me whether I left with the other things 3 miniatures in your +care (—if not—I know where to find them), and also to "report +progress" in unpacking the books? The bearer returns this evening.<br> +<br> +How does Hobhouse's work go on, or rather off—for that is the essential +part? In <a name="frn81">yesterday's</a> paper, immediately under an advertisement on +"Strictures in the Urethra," I see—most appropriately consequent—a +poem with "<i>strictures</i> on Ld B., Mr. Southey and others,"<a href="#fn81"><sup>1</sup></a> +though I am afraid neither "Mr. S.'s" poetical distemper, nor "mine," +nor "others," is of the suppressive or stranguary kind. You may read me +the prescription of this kill or cure physician. The medicine is +compounded at White and Cochrane's, Fleet Street. As I have nothing else +to do, I may enjoy it like Sir Fretful, or the Archbishop of Grenada, or +any other personage in like predicament.<br> +<br> +<a name="frn82">Recollect</a> that my lacquey returns in the Evening, and that I set out for +Portsmouth<a href="#fn82"><sup>2</sup></a> to-morrow. All here are very well, and much pleased with +your politeness and attention during their stay in town.<br> +<br> +Believe me, yours truly,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +P. S.—Are there anything but books? If so, let those <i>extras</i> +remain untouched for the present. I trust you have not stumbled on any +more "Aphrodites," and have burnt those. I send you both the +advertisements, but don't send me the first treatise—as I have no +occasion for <i>Caustic</i> in that quarter.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fn81"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> In the <i>Morning Chronicle</i> (June 10, 1813) appeared +advertisements of the two following books: +<ul> +<li><i>Practical Observations on +the best mode of curing Strictures, etc., with Remarks on Inefficacy, +etc., of Caustic Applications</i>. By William Wadd. Printed for J. +Callow, Soho.</li> +<li><i>Modern Poets; a Dialogue in Verse, containing some +Strictures on the Poetry of Lord Byron, Mr. Southey, and Others</i>. +Printed for White, Cochrane, and Co., Fleet Street.</li> +</ul> +In a note on <i>Modern Poets</i> (p. 7) occurs the following passage: + + <blockquote>"In <i>English Bards, and Scotch Reviewers</i> the same respectable + corps of critics is successively exhibited, in the course of only ten + lines, under the following significant but somewhat incongruous forms, + viz. (1) Northern Wolves, (2) Harpies, (3) Bloodhounds." </blockquote> + +In proof the writer quotes lines 426-437 of the Satire. Then follows a +long review of <i>Childe Harold</i>, in which the critic condemns +Harold, the hero, as "an uncouth incumbrance of this flighty Lord;" the +want of "plot ... action and fable, interest, order, end;" and asks: + + <blockquote>"Shall he immortal bays aspire to wear<br> + Who immortality from man would tear,<br> + Repress the sigh which hopes a happier home,<br> + And chase the visions of a life to come?"</blockquote> +<a href="#frn81">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fn82"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> For Byron's intention to go abroad with Lord and Lady +Oxford, see p. 164, <a href="#fh16"><i>note</i></a> 3.<br> +<a href="#frn82">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp9">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h3><a name="L301">301—to John Murray</a></h3> +<br> +[Maidenhead], June 13, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Sir,—Amongst the books from Bennet St. is a small vol. of +abominable poems by the Earl of Haddington which must not be in ye +Catalogue on Sale—also—a vol. of French Epigrams in the same +predicament.<br> +<br> +On the title page of Meletius is an inscription in writing which must be +<i>erased</i> and made illegible.<br> +<br> +I have read the strictures, which are just enough, and not grossly +abusive, in very fair couplets. There is a note against Massinger near +the end, but one cannot quarrel with one's company, at any rate. The +author detects some incongruous figures in a passage of <i>E. Bds</i>., page +23., but which edition I do not know. In the <i>sole</i> copy in your +possession—I mean the <i>fifth</i> edition—you may make these alterations, +that I may profit (though a little too late) by his remarks:—For +"<i>hellish</i> instinct," substitute "<i>brutal</i> instinct;" "<i>harpies</i>" alter +to "<i>felons</i>;" and for "blood-hounds" write "hell-hounds." These be +"very bitter words, by my troth," and the alterations not much sweeter; +but as I shall not publish the thing, they can do no harm, but are a +satisfaction to me in the way of amendment. The passage is only 12 +lines.<br> +<br> +You do not answer me about H.'s book; I want to write to him, and not to +say anything unpleasing. If you direct to Post Office, Portsmouth, till +<i>called</i> for, I will send and receive your letter. <a name="frn91">You</a> never told me of +the forthcoming critique on <i>Columbus</i><a href="#fn91"><sup>1</sup></a> which is not <i>too</i> fair; and +I do not think justice quite done to the <i>Pleasures</i>, which surely +entitles the author to a higher rank than that assigned to him in the +<i>Quarterly</i>. But I must not cavil at the decisions of the <i>invisible +infallibles</i>; and the article is very well written. The <a name="frn92">general</a> horror +of "<i>fragments</i>"<a href="#fn92"><sup>2</sup></a> makes me tremulous for "<i>The Giaour</i>;" but you +would publish it—I presume, by this time, to your repentance. But as I +consented, whatever be its fate, I won't now quarrel with you, even +though I detect it in my pastry; but I shall not open a pye without +apprehension for some weeks.<br> +<br> +The Books which may be marked G.O. I will carry out. <a name="frn93">Do</a> you know +Clarke's <i>Naufragia</i><a href="#fn93"><sup>3</sup></a>? I am told that he asserts the <i>first</i> volume of <i>Robinson Crusoe</i> was +written by the first Lord Oxford, when in the Tower, and +given by him to Defoe; if true, it is a curious anecdote. +Have you got back Lord Brooke's MS.? and what does +Heber say of it? Write to me at Portsmouth.<br> +<br> +Ever yours, etc.,<br> +<br> +Bn.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fn91"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Rogers's <i>Columbus</i> was reviewed by Ward in the <i>Quarterly</i> +for March, 1813. The reviewer detects "evident marks of haste" in the +poem.<br> +<a href="#frn91">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fn92"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> <i>The Giaour</i>, like <i>Columbus</i>, was written in fragments.<br> +<a href="#frn92">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fn93"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> James Stanier Clarke, a Navy Chaplain (1765-1834), +published, in 1805, <i>Naufragia, or Historical Memoirs of Shipwrecks</i>. In +that work he does not himself attribute the <i>first</i> volume of <i>Robinson +Crusoe</i> to Lord Oxford. The following is the passage to which Byron +refers (<i>Naufragia</i>, vol. i. pp. 12, 13): + + <blockquote>"But before I conclude this +Section, I wish to make the admirers of this Nautical Romance mindful of +a Report, which prevailed many years ago; that Defoe, after all, was not +the real author of <i>Robinson Crusoe</i>. This assertion is noticed in an +article in the seventh volume of the <i>Edinburgh Magazine</i> [vol. vii. p. +269]. Dr. Towers, in his <i>Life</i> of Defoe in the <i>Biographia</i>, is +inclined to pay no attention to it; but was that writer aware of the +following letter, which also appeared in the <i>Gentleman's Magazine</i> for +1788? (vol. lviii. part i. p. 208). At least no notice is taken of it in +his <i>Life</i> of Defoe: + + <blockquote> 'Dublin, February 25.<br> +<br> + Mr. Urban,—In the course of a late conversation with a nobleman of + the first consequence and information in this kingdom, he assured me, + that Mr. Benjamin Holloway, of Middleton Stony, assured him, some time + ago: that he knew for fact, that the celebrated Romance of 'Robinson + Crusoe' was really written by the Earl of Oxford, when confined in the + Tower of London: that his Lordship gave the manuscript to Daniel + Defoe, who frequently visited him during his confinement: and that + Defoe, having afterwards added the second volume, published the whole + as his own production. This anecdote I would not venture to send to + your valuable magazine, if I did not think my information good, and + imagine it might be acceptable to your numerous readers, + not-withstanding the work has heretofore been generally attributed to + the latter. W. W.'" </blockquote> + +It is impossible for me to enter on a discussion of this literary +subject; though I thought the circumstance ought to be more generally +known. And yet I must observe, that I always discerned a very striking +falling off between the composition of the first and second volumes of +this Romance—they seem to bear evident marks of having been the work of +different writers."</blockquote> + +A volume of memoranda in the handwriting of Warton, the Laureate, +preserved in the British Museum, contains the following: + + <blockquote>"Mem. Jul. 10, 1774. In the year 1759, I was told by the Rev. Mr. + Benjamin Holloway, rector of Middleton Stony, in Oxfordshire, then + about 70 years old, and in the early part of his life domestic + Chaplain to Lord Sunderland, that he had often heard Lord Sunderland + say that Lord Oxford, while a prisoner in the Tower of London, wrote + the first volume of the History of Robinson Crusoe, merely as an + amusement under confinement; and gave it to Daniel De Foe, who + frequently visited Lord Oxford in the Tower, and was one of his + Pamphlet writers. That De Foe, by Lord Oxford's permission, printed it + as his own, and, encouraged by its extraordinary success, added + himself the second volume, the inferiority of which is generally + acknowledged. Mr. Holloway also told me, from Lord Sunderland, that + Lord Oxford dictated some parts of the manuscript to De Foe. Mr. + Holloway was a grave conscientious clergyman, not vain of telling + anecdotes, very learned, particularly a good orientalist, author of + some theological tracts, bred at Eton School, and a Master of Arts at + St. John's College, Cambridge. He lived many years with great respect + in Lord Sunderland's family, and was like to the late Duke of + Marlborough. He died, as I remember, about the year "1761."</blockquote> +<a href="#frn92">return</a> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp9">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h3><a name="L138">138—To his Mother</a></h3> +<br> +Constantinople, May 18, 1810.<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Madam,—I arrived here in an English frigate from Smyrna a few days +ago, without any events worth mentioning, except landing to view the +plains of Troy, and afterwards, when we were at anchor in the +Dardanelles, <i>swimming</i> from Sestos to Abydos, in imitation of +Monsieur Leander, whose story you, no doubt, know too well for me to add +anything on the subject except that I crossed the Hellespont without so +good a motive for the undertaking. As I am just going to visit the +Captain-Pacha, you will excuse the brevity of my letter. When Mr. Adair +takes leave I am to see the Sultan and the mosques, etc.<br> +<br> +Believe me, yours ever,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp9">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h3><a name="L302">302—to John Murray</a></h3> +<br> +June 18, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Sir,—Will you forward the enclosed answer to the kindest letter I +ever received in my life, my sense of which I can neither express to Mr. +Gifford himself nor to any one else?<br> +<br> +Ever yours,<br> +<br> +B'N.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp9">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h3><a name="L303">303—to W. Gifford</a></h3> +<br> +June 18, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +My Dear Sir,—I feel greatly at a loss how to write to you at all—still +more to thank you as I ought. If you knew the veneration with which I +have ever regarded you, long before I had the most distant prospect of +becoming your acquaintance, literary or personal, my embarrassment would +not surprise you.<br> +<br> +Any <a name="frp1">suggestion</a> of yours, even were it conveyed in the less tender shape +of the text of the <i>Baviad</i>, or a Monk Mason note in Massinger<a href="#fp1"><sup>1</sup></a>, +would have been obeyed; I should have endeavoured to improve myself by +your censure: judge then if I shall be less willing to profit by your +kindness. It is not for me to bandy compliments with my elders and my +betters: I receive your approbation with gratitude, and will not return +my brass for your Gold by expressing more fully those sentiments of +admiration, which, however sincere, would, I know, be unwelcome.<br> +<br> +To your advice on Religious topics, I shall equally attend. Perhaps the +best way will be by avoiding them altogether. The already published +objectionable passages have been much commented upon, but certainly have +been rather <i>strongly</i> interpreted. I am no Bigot to Infidelity, +and did not expect that, because I doubted the immortality of Man, I +should be charged with denying the existence of a God. It was the +comparative insignificance of ourselves and <i>our world</i>, when +placed in competition with the mighty whole, of which it is an atom, +that first led me to imagine that our pretensions to eternity might be +over-rated.<br> +<br> +This, and being early disgusted with a Calvinistic Scotch school, where +I was cudgelled to Church for the first ten years of my life, afflicted +me with this malady; for, after all, it is, I believe, a disease of the +mind as much as other kinds of hypochondria.<br> +<br> +I regret to hear you talk of ill-health. May you long exist! not only to +enjoy your own fame, but outlive that of fifty such ephemeral +adventurers as myself.<br> +<br> +As I do not sail quite so soon as Murray may have led you to expect (not +till July) I trust I have some chance of taking you by the hand before +my departure, and repeating in person how sincerely and affectionately I +am<br> +<br> +Your obliged servant,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fp1"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> See <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. 198 [Footnote 4 of Letter 192.].<br> +<a href="#frp1">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp9">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h3><a name="L304">304—to John Murray</a></h3> +<br> +June 22, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Sir,—I send you a <i>corrected</i> copy of the lines with several +<i>important</i> alterations,—so many that this had better be sent for +proof rather than subject the other to so many blots.<br> +<br> +You will excuse the eternal trouble I inflict upon you. As you will see, +I have attended to your Criticism, and softened a passage you proscribed +this morning.<br> +<br> +Yours veritably, + +B.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp9">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h3><a name="L305">305—to Thomas Moore</a></h3> +<br> +June 22, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +<a name="frp11">Yesterday</a> I dined in company with Stael, the "Epicene,"<a href="#fp11"><sup>1</sup></a> whose +politics are sadly changed. She is for the Lord of Israel and the Lord +of Liverpool—a vile antithesis of a Methodist and a Tory—talks of +nothing but devotion and the ministry, and, I presume, expects that God +and the government will help her to a pension.<br> +<br> +<a name="frp12">Murray</a>, the <img src="images/BG9.gif" width="51" height="30" border="1" alt="Greek: anax"> of publishers, the Anak of stationers, has a +design upon you in the paper line. He wants you to become the staple and +stipendiary editor of a periodical work. What say you? Will you be +bound, like "Kit Smart, to write for ninety-nine years in the +"<i>Universal Visitor?</i>"<a href="#fp12"><sup>2</sup></a><br> +<br> +Seriously, he talks of hundreds a year, and—though I hate prating of +the beggarly elements —his proposal may be to your honour and profit, +and, I am very sure, will be to our pleasure.<br> +<br> +I don't know what to say about "friendship." I never was in friendship +but once, in my nineteenth year, and then it gave me as much trouble as +love. I <a name="frp13">am</a> afraid, as Whitbread's sire said to the king, when he wanted +to knight him, that I am "too old;<a href="#fp13"><sup>3</sup></a> but nevertheless, no one wishes +you more friends, fame, and felicity, than<br> +<br> +Yours, etc.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fp11"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"'And ah! what verse can grace thy stately mien,<br> + Guide of the world, preferment's golden queen,<br> + Neckar's fair daughter, Staël the <i>Epicene</i>!<br> + Bright o'er whose flaming cheek and pumple nose<br> + The bloom of young desire unceasing glows!<br> + Fain would the Muse—but ah! she dares no more,<br> + A mournful voice from lone <i>Guyana's</i> shore,<br> + Sad Quatremer, the bold presumption checks,<br> + Forbid to question thy ambiguous sex.'<br> +<br> + "These lines contain the Secret History of Quatremer's deportation. He + presumed, in the Council of Five Hundred, to arraign Madame de Staël's + conduct, and even to hint a doubt of her sex. He was sent to + <i>Guyana</i>. The transaction naturally brings to one's mind the + dialogue between Falstaff and Hostess Quickly in Shakespeare's + <i>Henry IV</i>."</blockquote> + +<i>Canning's New Morality</i>, lines 293-301 (Edmonds' edition of the +<i>Poetry of the Anti-Jacobin</i>, pp. 282, 283).<br> +<br> +Anne Louise Germaine Necker (1766-1817), only child of the Minister +Necker and his wife Suzanne Curchod, Gibbon's early love, married, in +1786, the Swedish Ambassador Baron de Staël Holstein, who died in 1802. +She married, as her second husband, in 1811, M. de Rocca, a young French +officer, who had been severely wounded in Spain, but survived her by a +year (Madame de Récamier, <i>Souvenirs</i>, vol. i. p. 272). Her book, +<i>De l'Allemagne</i>, seized and destroyed by Napoleon, was brought out +in June, 1813, by John Murray. Byron thought her + + <blockquote>"certainly the cleverest, though not the most agreeable woman he had + ever known. 'She declaimed to you instead of conversing with you,' + said he, 'never pausing except to take breath; and if during that + interval a rejoinder was put in, it was evident that she did not + attend to it, as she resumed the thread of her discourse as though it + had not been interrupted'".</blockquote> + +(Lady Blessington's <i>Conversations</i>, p. 26). Croker (<i>Croker +Papers</i>, vol. i. p. 327) describes her as + + <blockquote>"ugly, and not of an intellectual ugliness. Her features were coarse, + and the ordinary expression rather vulgar, she had an ugly mouth, and + one or two irregularly prominent teeth, which perhaps gave her + countenance an habitual gaiety. Her eye was full, dark, and + expressive; and when she declaimed, which was almost whenever she + spoke, she looked eloquent, and one forgot that she was plain."</blockquote> + +Madame de Staël + + <blockquote>"did not affect to conceal her preference for the society of men to + that of her own sex," </blockquote> + +and was entirely above, or below, studying the feminine arts of +pleasing. In 1802 Miss Berry called on her in Paris. + + <blockquote> "Found her in an excessively dirty <i>cabinet</i>—sofa singularly so; + her own dress, a loose spencer with a bare neck," </blockquote> + +(<I>Journal</I>, vol. ii. p. 145). A similar experience is mentioned by +Crabb Robinson (<I>Diary</I>, 1804). + + <blockquote>"On the 28th of January," he writes, "I first waited on Madame de + Staël. I was shown into her bedroom, for which, not knowing Parisian + customs, I was unprepared. She was sitting, most decorously, <i>in</i> + her bed, and writing. She had her night-cap on, and her face was not + made up for the day. It was by no means a captivating spectacle; but I + had a very cordial reception, and two bright black eyes smiled + benignantly on me."</blockquote> + +Of her political opinions Sir John Bowring (<I>Autobiographical +Recollections</I>, pp. 375, 376) has left a sketch. + + <blockquote> "Madame de Staël was a perfect aristocrat, and her sympathies were + wholly with the great and prosperous. She saw nothing in England but + the luxury, stupidity, and pride of the Tory aristocracy, and the + intelligence and magnificence of the Whig aristocracy. These latter + talked about truth, and liberty and herself, and she supposed it was + all as it should be. As to the millions, the people, she never + inquired into their situation. She had a horror of the + <i>canaille</i>, but anything of <i>sangre asul</i> had a charm for + her. When she was dying she said, 'Let me die in peace; let my last + moments be undisturbed.' Yet she ordered the cards of every visitor to + be brought to her. Among them was one from the Duc de Richelieu. + 'What!' exclaimed she indignantly, 'What! have you sent away the + <i>Duke</i>? Hurry! Fly after him. Bring him back. Tell him that, + though I die for all the world, I live for <i>him</i>.'"</blockquote> + +Napoleon's hatred of her was intense. "Do not allow that jade, Madame de +Staël," he writes to Fouché, December 31, 1806 (<I>New Letters of +Napoleon I.</I>, p. 35), "to come near Paris." Again, March 15, 1807 +(<I>ibid.</I>, p. 39), "You are not to allow Madame de Staël to come +within forty leagues of Paris. That wicked schemer ought to make up her +mind to behave herself at last." In a third letter, April 19, 1807 +(<I>ibid.</I>, p. 40), he speaks of her as "paying court, one day to the +great—a patriot, a democrat, the next!... a fright, ... a worthless +woman" (Léon Lecestre's <I>Lettres inédites de Napoléon I'er</I>, 2nd +ed. vol. i. pp. 84, 88, 93).<br> +<a href="#frp11">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fp12"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"Old Gardner the bookseller employed Rolt and Smart to write a monthly + miscellany called the <i>Universal Visitor</i>. There was a formal + written contract, which Allen the printer saw.... They were bound to + write nothing else; they were to have, I think, a third of the profits + of his sixpenny pamphlet; and the contract was for ninety-nine years" </blockquote> + +(Boswell's <i>Life of Dr. Johnson</i>, ed. Birrell, vol. iii. p. 192).<br> +<a href="#frp12">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fp13"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> + + <blockquote> "But first the Monarch, so polite,<br> + Ask'd Mister Whitbread if he'd be a <i>Knight</i>.<br> + Unwilling in the list to be enroll'd,<br> + Whitbread contemplated the Knights of <i>Peg</i>,<br> + Then to his generous Sov'reign made a leg,<br> + And said, 'He was afraid he was <i>too old</i>,'" etc.</blockquote> + +Peter Pindar's <i>Instructions to a Laureat</i>.<br> +<a href="#frp13">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp9">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h3><a name="L306">306—to the Hon. Augusta Leigh</a></h3> +<br> +4, Bennet Street, June 26th, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +<b>My Dearest Augusta</b>,—Let me know when you arrive, and when, and where, +and how, you would like to see me,—any where in short but at +<i>dinner</i>. I have put off going into ye country on purpose to +<i>waylay</i> you.<br> +<br> +Ever yours,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp9">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L307">307—to the Hon. Augusta Leigh</a></h3> +<br> +[June, 1813.]<br> +<br><br> + +<b>My Dearest Augusta</b>,—And if you knew <i>whom</i> I had put off besides +my journey—you would think me grown strangely fraternal. However I +won't overwhelm you with my <i>own praises</i>.<br> +<br> +Between one and two be it—I shall, in course, prefer seeing you all to +myself without the incumbrance of third persons, <a name="frp21">even</a> of <i>your</i> +(for I won't own the relationship) fair cousin of <i>eleven page</i> +memory<a href="#fp21"><sup>1</sup></a>, who, by the bye, makes one of the finest busts I have seen +in the Exhibition, or out of it. Good night!<br> +<br> +Ever yours, <b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +P. S.—Your writing is grown like my Attorney's, and gave me a qualm, +till I found the remedy in your signature.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fp21"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. 54 [end of Footnote 3 of Letter 13.], Lady Gertrude Howard +married, in 1806, William Sloane Stanley, and died in 1870.<br> +<a href="#frp21">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp9">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h3><a name="L308">308—to the Hon. Augusta Leigh</a></h3> +<br> +[Sunday], June 27th, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +<b>My Dearest Augusta</b>,—If <a name="frp31">you</a> like to go with me to ye Lady Davy's<a href="#fp31"><sup>1</sup></a> +to-night, I <i>have</i> an invitation for you.<br> +<br> +There you will see the <i>Stael</i>, some people whom you know, and +<i>me</i> whom you do <i>not</i> know,—and you can talk to which you +please, and I will watch over you as if you were unmarried and in danger +of always being so. Now do as you like; but if you chuse to array +yourself before or after half past ten, I will call for you. I think our +being together before 3d people will be a new <i>sensation</i> to +<i>both</i>.<br> +<br> +Ever yours,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fp31"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Sir Humphry Davy (1778-1829), the son of a wood-carver of +Penzance, was apprenticed to John Borlase, a surgeon at Penzance, in +whose dispensary he became a chemist. He wrote poetry as a young man, +but soon abandoned the pursuit for science. Two poems on Byron by Davy, +one written in 1823, the other in 1824, will be found in Dr. Davy's +<i>Memoirs of the Life of Sir H. Davy</i>, vol. ii. pp. 168, 169. In +October, 1798, he joined Dr. Beddoes at Bristol, where he superintended +the laboratory at his Pneumatic Institution. His <i>Researches, Chemical +and Philosophical</i> (1799), made him famous. At the Royal Institution +in London, founded in 1799, Davy became assistant-lecturer in chemistry, +and director of the chemical laboratory. There his lecture-room was +crowded by some of the most distinguished men and women of the day. +Within the next few years his discoveries in electricity and galvanism, +(1806-7) brought him European celebrity; his lectures on agricultural +chemistry (1810) marked a fresh era in farming, and inaugurated the new +movement of "science with practice." His famous discovery of the Safety +Lamp was made in 1816. He was created a baronet in 1818. A skilful +fisherman, he wrote, when in declining health, <i>Salmonia, or Days of +Fly-fishing</i>, published in 1827. Ticknor (<i>Life</i>, vol. i. p. +57), speaking of Davy in 1815, says, + +<blockquote>"He is now about thirty-three, but +with all the freshness and bloom of five-and-twenty, and one of the +handsomest men I have seen in England. He has a great deal of vivacity, +talks rapidly, though with great precision, and is so much interested in +conversation, that his excitement amounts to nervous impatience, and +keeps him in constant motion."</blockquote> + +Davy married, in 1812, a rich widow, Jane Aprecce, <i>née</i> Kerr +(1780-1855). The marriage brought him wealth; but it also, it is said, +impaired the simplicity of his character, and made him ambitious of +social distinction. Miss Berry (<i>Journal</i>, vol. ii. p. 535) supped +with Lady Davy in May, 1813, to meet the Princess of Wales, and notes +that among the other guests was Byron. Lady Davy, who was so dark a +brunette that Sydney Smith said she was as brown as a dry toast, was for +many years a prominent figure in the society of London and Rome. It was +of her that Madame de Staël said that she had "all Corinne's talents +without her faults or extravagances." Ticknor, who called on her in +June, 1815, + +<blockquote>"found her in her parlour, working on a dress, the contents +of her basket strewed about the table, and looking more like home than +anything since I left it. She is small, with black eyes and hair, a very +pleasant face, an uncommonly sweet smile, and, when she speaks, has much +spirit and expression in her countenance. Her conversation is agreeable, +particularly in the choice and variety of her phraseology, and has more +the air of eloquence than I have ever heard before from a lady."</blockquote> +(<i>Life of George Ticknor</i>, vol. i. P. 57).<br> +<a href="#frp31">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp9">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L309">309—to John Murray</a></h3> +<br> +July 1st, 1813.<br><br> + +<br> +<b>Dear Sir</b>,—<a name="frp41">There</a> is an error in my dedication<a href="#fp41"><sup>1</sup></a>. The word "<i>my</i>" +must be struck out—"my" admiration, etc.; it is a false construction +and disagrees with the signature. I hope this will arrive in time to +prevent a <i>cancel</i> and serve for a proof; recollect it is only the +"my" to be erased throughout.<br> +<br> +<a name="frp42">There</a> is a critique in the <i>Satirist</i><a href="#fp42"><sup>2</sup></a>, which I have +read,—fairly written, and, though <i>vituperative</i>, very fair in +judgment. One part belongs to you, <i>viz</i>., the 4<i>s</i>. and +6<i>d</i> charge; it is unconscionable, but you have no conscience.<br> +<br> +Yours truly,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fp41"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> The dedication was originally printed thus: + +<blockquote>"To Samuel +Rogers, Esq., as a slight but most sincere token of my admiration of his +genius."</blockquote> +<a href="#frp41">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fp42"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> <i>The Satirist</i> for July 1, 1813 (pp. 70-88), reviews the <i>Giaour</i> +at length. It condemns it for its fragmentary character and consequent obscurity, its carelessness and defects of style; but it also +admits that the poem "abounds with proofs of genius:" + + <blockquote> "A word in conclusion. The noble lord appears to have an + aristocratical solicitude to be read only by the opulent. Four + shillings and sixpence for forty-one octavo pages of poetry! and those + pages verily happily answering to Mr. Sheridan's image of a rivulet of + text flowing through a meadow of margin. My good Lord Byron, while you + are revelling in all the sensual and intellectual luxury which the + successful sale of Newstead Abbey has procured for you, you little + think of the privations to which you have subjected us unfortunate + Reviewers, ... in order to enable us to purchase your lordship's + expensive publication."</blockquote> +<a href="#frp42">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp10">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L310">310—to Thomas Moore</a></h3> +<br> +4, Benedictine Street, St. James's, July 8, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +I presume by your silence that I have blundered into something noxious +in my reply to your letter, for the which I beg leave to send beforehand +a sweeping apology, which you may apply to any, or all, parts of that +unfortunate epistle. If I err in my conjecture, I expect the like from +you in putting our correspondence so long in quarantine. God he knows +what I have said; but he also knows (if he is not as indifferent to +mortals as the <i>nonchalant</i> deities of Lucretius), that you are the +last person I want to offend. So, if I have,—why the devil don't you +say it at once, and expectorate your spleen?<br> +<br> +<a name="frp51">Rogers</a> is out of town with Madame de Stael, who hath published an Essay +against Suicide<a href="#fp51"><sup>1</sup></a>, which, I presume, will make somebody shoot +himself;—as a sermon by Blenkinsop, in <i>proof</i> of Christianity, +sent a hitherto most orthodox acquaintance of mine out of a chapel of +ease a perfect atheist. Have you found or founded a residence yet? and +have you begun or finished a poem? If you won't tell me what <i>I</i> +have done, pray say what you have done, or left undone, yourself. I am +still in equipment for voyaging, and anxious to hear from, or of, you +<i>before</i> I go, which anxiety you should remove more readily, as you +think I sha'n't cogitate about you afterwards. I shall give the lie to +that calumny by fifty foreign letters, particularly from any place where +the plague is rife,—without a drop of vinegar or a whiff of sulphur to +save you from infection.<br> +<br> +The Oxfords have sailed almost a fortnight, and my sister is in town, +which is a great comfort,—for, never having been much together, we are +naturally more attached to each other. I <a name="frp52">presume</a> the illuminations have +conflagrated to Derby (or wherever you are) by this time<a href="#fp52"><sup>2</sup></a>. We are +just recovering from tumult and train oil, and transparent fripperies, +and all the noise and nonsense of victory. Drury Lane had a large +<i>M. W.</i>, which some thought was Marshal Wellington; others, that it +might be translated into Manager Whitbread; while the ladies of the +vicinity of the saloon conceived the last letter to be complimentary to +themselves. I leave this to the commentators to illustrate. If you don't +answer this, I sha'n't say what <i>you</i> deserve, but I think <i>I</i> +deserve a reply. <a name="frp53">Do</a> you conceive there is no Post-Bag but the Twopenny<a href="#fp53"><sup>3</sup></a>? Sunburn me, if you are not too bad.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fp51"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> + + <blockquote> "Madame de Stael treats me as the person whom she most delights to + honour; I am generally ordered with her to dinner, as one orders beans + and bacon: she is one of the few persons who surpass expectation; she + has every sort of talent, and would be universally popular, if, in + society, she were to confine herself to her inferior talents— + pleasantry, anecdote, and literature. I have reviewed her <i>Essay on + Suicide</i> in the last <i>Edinburgh Review</i>: it is not one of her best, + and I have accordingly said more of the author and the subject than of + the work."</blockquote> + +Sir J. Mackintosh (<i>Life</i>, vol. ii. p. 269).<br> +<a href="#frp51">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fp52"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> One result of the illuminations in honour of the battle of +Vittoria (June 21, 1813), which took place July 7, was a great fire at +Woolwich. Moore was at this time living at Mayfield Cottage near +Ashbourne, in Derbyshire.<br> +<a href="#frp52">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fp53"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> Moore's <i>Intercepted Letters, or the Twopenny Post-bag</i>, +was published, without his name, in 1813.<br> +<a href="#frp53">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp10">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L311">311—to Thomas Moore</a></h3> +<br> +July 13, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Your letter set me at ease; for I really thought (as I hear of your +susceptibility) that I had said—I know not what—but something I should +have been very sorry for, had it, or I, offended you;—though I don't +see how a man with a beautiful wife—<i>his own</i> +children,—quiet—fame—competency and friends, (I will vouch for a +thousand, which is more than I will for a unit in my own behalf,) can be +offended with any thing.<br> +<br> +Do <a name="frp61">you</a> know, Moore, I am amazingly inclined—remember I say but +<i>inclined</i>—to be seriously enamoured with Lady A[delaide] F[orbes]<a href="#fp61"><sup>1</sup></a>— but this——has ruined all my prospects. However, you know her; +is she <i>clever</i>, or sensible, or good-tempered? either <i>would</i> +do—I scratch out the <i>will</i>. I don't ask as to her beauty—that I +see; but my circumstances are mending, and were not my other prospects +blackening, I would take a wife, and that should be the woman, had I a +chance. I do not yet know her much, but better than I did.<br> +<br> +I want to get away, but find difficulty in compassing a passage in a +ship of war. <a name="frp62">They</a> had better let me go; if I cannot, patriotism is the +word—"nay, an they'll mouth, I'll rant as well as they."<a href="#fp62"><sup>2</sup></a><br> +<br> +Now, what are you doing?—writing, we all hope, for our own sakes. +Remember you must edit my posthumous works, with a Life of the Author, +for which I will send you Confessions, dated "Lazaretto," Smyrna, Malta, +or Palermo—one can die any where.<br> +<br> +<a name="frp63">There</a> is to be a thing on Tuesday ycleped a national fête<a href="#fp63"><sup>3</sup></a>. The +Regent and —— are to be there, and every body else, who has shillings +enough for what was once a guinea. Vauxhall is the scene—there are six +tickets issued for the modest women, and it is supposed there will be +three to spare. The passports for the lax are beyond my arithmetic.<br> +<br> +P. S.—The Staël last night attacked me most furiously—said that I had +"no right to make love—that I had used——barbarously—that I had no +feeling, and was totally <i>in</i>sensible to <i>la belle passion</i>, +and <i>had</i> been all my life." I am very glad to hear it, but did not +know it before. Let me hear from you anon.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fp61"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"Lady A. F—— <i>was</i> also very handsome. It is melancholy to talk + of women in the past tense. What a pity, that of all flowers, none + fade so soon as beauty! Poor Lady A. F— has not got married. Do you + know, I once had some thoughts of her as a wife; not that I was in + love, as people call it, but I had argued myself into a belief that I + ought to marry, and, meeting her very often in society, the notion + came into my head, not heart, that she would suit me. Moore, too, told + me so much of her good qualities—all which was, I believe, quite + true—that I felt tempted to propose to her, but did not, whether + <i>tant mieux</i> or <i>tant pis</i>, God knows, supposing my proposal + accepted."</blockquote> + +(Lady Blessington's <i>Conversations</i>, pp. 108, 109).<br> +<br> +Lady Adelaide Forbes, whom Byron in Rome compared to the "Belvedere +Apollo," was the daughter of George, sixth Earl of Granard, and his +wife, Lady Selina Rawdon, daughter of the first Earl of Moira. Born in +1789, she died at Dresden, in 1858, unmarried. Lord Moira was Moore's +patron, and, through this connection and political sympathies, Moore was +acquainted with Lord Granard and his family.<br> +<a href="#frp61">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fp62"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Byron possibly quoted the actual words from <i>Hamlet</i> +(act v. sc. 1), referring to Moore's attack on the Regent in <i>The +Two-penny Post-bag</i>: + + <blockquote> "Nay, an thou'lt mouth,<br> + I'll rant as well as thou."</blockquote> + +But the letter is destroyed.<br> +<a href="#frp62">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fp63"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> The <i>Morning Chronicle</i> for July 12 contains the +announcement that "the Prince Regent has projected a <i>Grand National +Fête</i> in honour of the battle of Vittoria. It is to be held at +Vauxhall Gardens." The <i>fête</i> was held on Tuesday, July 20, +beginning with a banquet, at which such toasts were drunk as "The +Marquis of Wellington," "Sir Thomas Graham and the other officers +engaged," "The Spanish Armies and the brave Guerillas." The <i>báton</i> +of Marshal Jourdan was "disposed among the plate, so as to be obvious to +all." The proceedings ended with illuminations and dancing.<br> +<a href="#frp63">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp10">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L312">312—to John Hanson</a></h3> +<br> +Sunday, July 18th, 1813.<br><br> + +<br> +<b>Dear Sir</b>,—A Report is in general circulation (which has distressed my +friends, and is not very pleasing to me), that the Purchaser of Newstead +is a <i>young</i> man, who has been over-reached, ill-treated, and +ruined, by me in this transaction of the sale, and that I take an unfair +advantage of the <i>law</i> to enforce the contract. This must be +contradicted by a true and open statement of the circumstances +attending, and subsequent to, the sale, and that immediately and +publicly. Surely, if anyone is ill treated it is myself. He bid his own +price; he took time before he bid at all, and now, when I am actually +granting him further time as a favour, I hear from all quarters that I +have acted unfairly. Pray do not delay on this point; see him, and let a +proper and true statement be drawn up of the sale, etc., and inserted in +the papers.<br> +<br> +Ever yours,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +P.S.—Mr. C. himself, if he has either honour or feeling, will be the +first to vindicate me from so unfounded an implication. It is surely not +for his credit to be supposed <i>ruined</i> or <i>over-reached</i>.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp10">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L313">313—to John Murray</a></h3> +<br> +July 22nd, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Sir,—I have great pleasure in accepting your invitation to meet +anybody or nobody as you like best.<br> +<br> +Pray what should you suppose the book in the inclosed advertisement to +be? is it anything relating to Buonaparte or Continental Concerns? If +so, it may be worth looking after, particularly if it should turn out to +be your purchase—Lucien's <i>Epic</i>.<br> +<br> +Believe me, very truly yours,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp10">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L314">314—to Thomas Moore</a></h3> +<br> +July 25, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +I am not well versed enough in the ways of single woman to make much +matrimonial progress.<br> +<br> +I <a name="frp71">have</a> been dining like the dragon of Wantley<a href="#fp71"><sup>1</sup></a> for this last week. My +head aches with the vintage of various cellars, and my brains are +muddled as their dregs. I met your friends the Daltons:—she sang one of +your best songs so well, that, but for the appearance of affectation, I +could have cried; he reminds me of Hunt, but handsomer, and more musical +in soul, perhaps. I wish to God he may conquer his horrible anomalous +complaint. The upper part of her face is beautiful, and she seems much +attached to her husband. He is right, nevertheless, in leaving this +nauseous town. The first winter would infallibly destroy her +complexion,—and the second, very probably, every thing else.<br> +<br> +I must tell you a story. Morris<a href="#fp72"><sup>2</sup></a> (of <a name="frp72">indifferent</a> memory) was dining +out the other day, and complaining of the Prince's coldness to his old +wassailers. D'Israeli (a learned Jew) bored him with questions—why +this? and why that? "Why did the Prince act thus?"—"Why, sir, on +account of Lord ——, who ought to be ashamed of himself."—"And why +ought Lord—— to be ashamed of himself?"—"Because the Prince, sir, +——"—"And why, sir, did the Prince cut <i>you</i>?"—"Because, +G—d d—mme, sir, I stuck to my principles."—"And why did you stick to +your principles?"<br> +<br> +Is not this last question the best that was ever put, when you consider +to whom? It nearly killed Morris. <a name="frp73">Perhaps</a> you may think it stupid, but, +as Goldsmith said about the peas<a href="#fp73"><sup>3</sup></a>, it was a very good joke when I +heard it—as I did from an ear-witness—and is only spoilt in my +narration.<br> +<br> +The <a name="frp74">season</a> has closed with a dandy ball<a href="#fp74"><sup>4</sup></a>;—but I have dinners with +the Harrowbys, Rogers, and Frere and Mackintosh<a href="#fp75"><sup>5</sup></a>, where I shall drink your health in a silent bumper, and regret your absence till "too much +canaries" wash away my memory, or render it superfluous by a vision of +you at the opposite side of the table. <a name="frp76">Canning</a> has disbanded his party +by a speech from his [——]— the true throne of a Tory<a href="#fp76"><sup>6</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +<a name="frp77">Conceive</a> his turning them off in a formal harangue, and bidding them +think for themselves. "I have led my ragamuffins where they are well +peppered. There are but three of the 150 left alive,"<a href="#fp77"><sup>7</sup></a> and they are +for the <i>Townsend</i> (<i>query</i>, might not Falstaff mean the Bow +Street officer? I dare say Malone's posthumous edition will have it so) +for life.<br> +<br> +Since I wrote last, I have been into the country. I journeyed by +night—no incident, or accident, but an alarm on the part of my valet on +the outside, who, in crossing Epping Forest, actually, I believe, flung +down his purse before a mile-stone, with a glow-worm in the second +figure of number XIX—mistaking it for a footpad and dark lantern. I can +only attribute his fears to a pair of new pistols wherewith I had armed +him; and he thought it necessary to display his vigilance by calling out +to me whenever we passed any thing—no matter whether moving or +stationary. Conceive ten miles, with a tremor every furlong. I have +scribbled you a fearfully long letter. This <a name="frp78">sheet</a> must be blank, and is +merely a wrapper, to preclude the tabellarians<a href="#fp78"><sup>8</sup></a> of the post from +peeping. You once complained of my <i>not</i> writing;—I will "heap +coals of fire upon your head" by <i>not</i> complaining of your +<i>not</i> reading. Ever, my dear Moore, your'n (isn't that the +Staffordshire termination?), <br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fp71"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Under the title of "An excellent Ballad of a most dreadful +combat, fought between Moore of Moore-Hall and the Dragon of Wantley," +this ballad forms (in the 12th edition) the Argument of <i>The Dragon of +Wantley, a Burlesque Opera</i>, performed at Covent Garden, the libretto +of which is by Sig. Carini, <i>i.e.</i> Henry Carey: + + <blockquote>"Have you not heard of the <i>Trojan</i> Horse;<br> + With Seventy Men in his Belly?<br> + This Dragon was not quite so big,<br> + But very near, I'll tell you;<br> + Devoured he poor Children three,<br> + That could not with him grapple;<br> + And at one sup he eat them up,<br> + As one would eat an Apple.<br> + <br> + "All sorts of Cattle this Dragon did eat,<br> + Some say he eat up Trees,<br> + And that the Forest sure he would<br> + Devour by degrees.<br> + For Houses and Churches were to him Geese and Turkies;<br> + He eat all, and left none behind,<br> + But some Stones, dear Jack, which he could not crack,<br> + Which on the Hills you'll find."</blockquote> +<a href="#frp71">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fp72"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Charles Morris (1745-1838) served in the 17th Foot, the +Royal Irish Dragoons, and finally in the Second Life Guards. He was +laureate and punch-maker to the Beef-steak Club, founded in 1735 by John +Rich, patentee of Covent Garden Theatre. The Prince of Wales became a +member of the Club in 1785, and Morris was a frequent guest at Carlton +House. Another member of the Club was the Duke of Norfolk, who gave +Morris the villa at Brockham, near Betchworth, where he lived and died.<br> +<br> +Morris, who was an admirable song-writer and singer, attached himself +politically to the Prince's party, and attacked Pitt in such popular +ballads as "Billy's too young to drive us," and "Billy Pitt and the +Farmer." He was, however, disappointed in his hope of reward from his +political patrons, and vented his spleen in his ode, "The Old Whig Poet +to his Old Buff Waistcoat" + + <blockquote> "Farewell, thou poor rag of the Muse!<br> + In the bag of the clothesman go lie;<br> + A farthing thou'lt fetch from the Jews,<br> + Which the hard-hearted Christians deny," etc.</blockquote> + +Some of his poems deserve the censure of <i>The Shade of Pope</i> (line +225): + + <blockquote> "There reeling Morris and his bestial songs."</blockquote> + +But others, in their ease and vivacity, hold their own with all but the +best of Moore's songs. A collection of them was printed in two volumes +by Bentley, in 1840, under the title of <i>Lyra Urbanica</i>.<br> +<a href="#frp72">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fp73"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> In Forster's <i>Life of Goldsmith</i> (vol. i. p. 34) it is +related that Goldsmith ran away from Trinity College, Dublin, because he +had been beaten by one of the Fellows. He started for Cork with a +shilling in his pocket, on which he lived for three days. He told +Reynolds that he thought + + <blockquote>"a handful of grey pease, given him by a girl at a wake (after fasting + for twenty-four hours) the most comfortable repast he had ever made." </blockquote> + +Byron may mean that any joke seems good to a man who had not heard one +for a day.<br> +<a href="#frp73">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fp74"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"I liked the Dandies," says Byron, in his <i>Detached Thoughts</i>; + "they were always very civil to <i>me</i>, though in general they + disliked literary people, and persecuted and mystified Madme. de + Staël, Lewis, Horace Twiss, and the like, damnably. They persuaded + Madme. de Staël that Alvanley had a hundred thousand a year, etc., + etc., till she praised him to his <i>face</i> for his <i>beauty!</i> + and made a set at him for Albertine (<i>Libertine</i>, as Brummell + baptized her, though the poor girl was, and is, as correct as maid or + wife can be, and very amiable withal), and a hundred other fooleries + besides. The truth is, that, though I gave up the business early, I + had a tinge of Dandyism in my minority, and probably retained enough + of it to conciliate the great ones at four and twenty. I had gamed and + drunk and taken my degrees in most dissipations, and, having no + pedantry, and not being overbearing, we ran quietly together. I knew + them all more or less, and they made me a member of Watier's (a superb + club at that time), being, I take it, the only literary man (except + <i>two</i> others, both men of the world, M[oore] and S[pencer] in it. + Our Masquerade was a grand one; so was the Dandy Ball too—at the + Argyle,—but <i>that</i> (the latter) was given by the four + chiefs—B[rummel?], M[idmay?], A[lvanley?], and P[ierreoint?], if I + err not."</blockquote> +<a href="#frp74">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fp75"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 5:</span></a> Sir James Mackintosh (1765-1832), after studying medicine, +was called to the English Bar in 1795. Originally a supporter of the +French Revolution, he answered Burke's <i>Reflections</i> with his +<i>Vindiciæ Gallicæ</i> (1791). He is "Mr. Macfungus" in the <i>Anti- +Jacobin's</i> account of the "Meeting of the Friends of Freedom." But +his revolutionary sympathies rapidly cooled, and he publicly disavowed +them in his <i>Introductory Discourse on the Study of the Law of Nature +and Nations</i> (1799). He remained, however, throughout his life, a +Whig. His lectures on "<i>The Law of Nature and Nations</i>," delivered +at Lincoln's Inn, in 1799, brought him into prominence, both at the Bar +and in society. In 1803 he was knighted on accepting the Recordership of +Bombay. He returned to England in 1812, entered Parliament as member for +Nairn, advocated some useful measures, became a Privy Councillor in +1828, and held office in the Whig Ministry of 1830 as Commissioner of +the Board of Control. In politics, as well as in literature, he +disappointed expectation. His principal works, besides those mentioned +above, were his <i>Dissertation on the Progress of Ethical +Philosophy</i> (1830), and his <i>History of the Revolution in England +in 1688</i> (1834).<br> +<br> +His great intellectual powers were shown to most advantage in society. +Rogers (<i>Table-Talk</i>, pp. 197, 198) thought him one of the three +acutest men he had ever known. + + <blockquote> "He had a prodigious memory, and could repeat by heart more of Cicero + than you could easily believe.... I never met a man with a fuller mind + than Mackintosh,—such readiness on all subjects, such a talker." <br> +<br> + "Till subdued by age and illness," wrote Sydney Smith (<i>Life of + Mackintosh</i>, vol. ii. p. 500), "his conversation was more brilliant + and instructive than that of any human being I ever had the good + fortune to be acquainted with." </blockquote> + +As in political life, so in society, he was too much of the lecturer. +Ticknor (<i>Life</i>, vol. i. p. 265) thought him "a little too precise, +a little too much made up in his manners and conversation." But on all +sides there is evidence to confirm the testimony of Rogers +(<i>Table-Talk</i>, p. 207) that he was a man "who had not a particle of +envy or jealousy in his nature."<br> +<a href="#frp74">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fp76"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 6:</span></a> George Canning (1770-1827) had been offered the Foreign +Office in 1812 after the assassination of Perceval, on condition that +Castlereagh should lead the House of Commons. He refused the +offer. Elected M. P. for Liverpool in 1812, he had, in July, 1813, +disbanded his followers, and in 1814 left England. He supported +Lord Liverpool in carrying the repressive measures known as the +Six Acts (1817-20), and, on the death of Lord Londonderry, in +1822, entered the Government as Secretary for Foreign Affairs. It +is to the private speech to his followers, in July, 1813, that Byron +refers.<br> +<br> +The <i>Morning Chronicle</i> for July 29, 1813, has the following +paragraph: + + <blockquote> "Mr. Canning it seems has (to use a French phrase) <i>reformed</i> his + political corps. He assembled them at the close of the Session, and + with many expressions of regret for the failure of certain + negociations, which might have been favourable to them as a body, + relieved them from their oaths of allegiance, and recommended them to + pursue in future their objects separately. The Right Honourable + gentleman, perhaps, finds it more convenient for himself to act + unencumbered; and both he and one or two others may find their + interest in disbanding the squad; but some of them are turned off + <i>without a character</i>."</blockquote> +The <i>Courier</i> for July 29, quoting + the first part of the statement, adds, <blockquote>"We believe ... that Mr. + Canning is not indisposed to join the present Cabinet, and may wish + one or two of his particular friends to come in with him."</blockquote> +<a href="#frp76">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fp77"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 7:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"I have led my ragamuffins where they are pepper'd: there's but three + of my hundred and fifty left alive; and they are for the town's end, + to beg during life." </blockquote> + +(<i>Henry IV</i>., Part I. act v. sc. 3). <br> +<br> +Townshend, the Bow Street +officer, is described by Cronow (<i>Reminiscences</i>, vol. i. p. 286) +as + + <blockquote>"a little fat man with a flaxen wig, Kersey-mere breeches, a blue + straight-cut coat, and a broad-brimmed white hat. To the most daring + courage he added great dexterity and cunning; and was said, <i>in + propria persona</i>, to have taken more thieves than all the other Bow + Street officers put together."</blockquote> +<a href="#frp77">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fp78"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 8:</span></a> + + "Epistolam, quam attulerat Phileros tabellarius." + +(Cic., <i>Fam</i>.,9, 15).<br> +<a href="#frp78">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp10">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L315">315—to Thomas Moore</a></h3> +<br> +July 27, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +When you next imitate the style of "Tacitus," pray add, <i>de moribus +Germannorum</i>;—this last was a piece of barbarous silence, and could +only be taken from the <i>Woods</i>, and, as such, I attribute it +entirely to your sylvan sequestration at Mayfield Cottage. You will +find, on casting up accounts, that you are my debtor by several sheets +and one epistle. I shall bring my action;—if you don't discharge, +expect to hear from my attorney. I <a name="frp81">have</a> forwarded your letter to +Ruggiero<a href="#fp81"><sup>1</sup></a>; but don't make a postman of me again, for fear I should be +tempted to violate your sanctity of wax or wafer.<br> +<br> +Believe me, ever yours <i> indignantly</i>, <br> +BN.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fp81"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> <i>i. e.</i> Samuel Rogers.<br> +<a href="#frp81">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp10">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L316">316—to Thomas Moore</a></h3> +<br> +July 28, 1813.<br> +<br> + +Can't you be satisfied with the pangs of my jealousy of Rogers, without +actually making me the pander of your epistolary intrigue? This is the +second letter you have enclosed to my address, notwithstanding a +miraculous long answer, and a subsequent short one or two of your own. +If you do so again, I can't tell to what pitch my fury may soar. I shall +send you verse or arsenic, as likely as any thing,—four thousand +couplets on sheets beyond the privilege of franking; that privilege, +sir, of which you take an undue advantage over a too susceptible +senator, by forwarding your lucubrations to every one but himself. I +won't frank <i>from</i> you, or <i>for</i> you, or <i>to</i> you—may I +be curst if I do, unless you mend your manners. I disown you—I disclaim +you—and by all the powers of Eulogy, I will write a panegyric upon you +—or dedicate a quarto—if you don't make me ample amends.<br> +<br> +P. S.—I <a name="frp91">am</a> in training to dine with Sheridan<a href="#fp91"><sup>1</sup></a> and Rogers this +evening. I have a <a name="frp92">little</a> spite against R., and will shed his "Clary +wines pottle-deep."<a href="#fp92"><sup>2</sup></a> This is nearly my ultimate or penultimate +letter; for I am quite equipped, and only wait a passage. Perhaps I may +wait a few weeks for Sligo, but not if I can help it.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fp91"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> In his <i>Detached Thoughts</i> Byron has noted the +following impressions of Sheridan: + + <blockquote>"In society I have met Sheridan frequently: he was superb! He had a + sort of liking for me, and never attacked me, at least to my face, as + he did every body else—high names, and wits, and orators, some of + them poets also. I have seen him cut up Whitbread, quiz Madame de + Staël, annihilate Colman, and do little less by some others (whose + names, as friends, I set not down) of good fame and ability. Poor + fellow! he got drunk very thoroughly and very soon. It occasionally + fell to my lot to pilot him home—no sinecure, for he was so tipsy + that I was obliged to put on his cocked hat for him. To be sure, it + tumbled off again, and I was not myself so sober as to be able to pick + it up again.<br> +<br> + "The last time I met him was, I think, at Sir Gilbert Elliot's, where + he was as quick as ever—no, it was not the last time; the last time + was at Douglas Kinnaird's. I have met him in all places and + parties—at Whitehall with the Melbournes, at the Marquis of + Tavistock's, at Robins's the auctioneer's, at Sir Humphry Davy's, at + Sam Rogers's,—in short, in most kinds of company, and always found + him very convivial and delightful.<br> +<br> + "I have seen Sheridan weep two or three times. It may be that he was + maudlin; but this only renders it more impressive, for who would see + + <blockquote> 'From Marlborough's eyes the tears of dotage flow,<br> + And Swift expire a driveller and a show'?</blockquote> + + "Once I saw him cry at Robins's the auctioneer's, after a splendid + dinner, full of great names and high spirits. I had the honour of + sitting next to Sheridan. The occasion of his tears was some + observation or other upon the subject of the sturdiness of the Whigs + in resisting office and keeping to their principles: Sheridan turned + round: 'Sir, it is easy for my Lord G. or Earl G. or Marquis B. or + Lord H. with thousands upon thousands a year, some of it either + <i>presently</i> derived, or <i>inherited</i> in sinecure or + acquisitions from the public money, to boast of their patriotism and + keep aloof from temptation; but they do not know from what temptation + those have kept aloof who had equal pride, at least equal talents, and + not unequal passions, and nevertheless knew not in the course of their + lives what it was to have a shilling of their own.' And in saying this + he wept.<br> +<br> + "There was something odd about Sheridan. One day, at dinner, he was + slightly praising that pert pretender and impostor, Lyttelton (the + Parliamentary puppy, still alive, I believe). I took the liberty of + differing from him; he turned round upon me, and said, 'Is that your + real opinion?' I confirmed it. Then said he, 'Fortified by this + concurrence, I beg leave to say that it, in fact, is <i>my</i> opinion + also, and that he is a person whom I do absolutely and utterly + despise, abhor, and detest.' He then launched out into a description + of his despicable qualities, at some length, and with his usual wit, + and evidently in earnest (for he hated Lyttelton). His former + compliment had been drawn out by some preceding one, just as its + reverse was by my hinting that it was unmerited.<br> +<br> + "I have more than once heard him say, 'that he never had a shilling of + his own.' To be sure, he contrived to extract a good many of other + people's.<br> +<br> + "In 1815 I had occasion to visit my lawyer in Chancery Lane; he was + with Sheridan. After mutual greetings, etc., Sheridan retired first. + Before recurring to my own business, I could not help inquiring + <i>that</i> of Sheridan. 'Oh,' replied the attorney, 'the usual thing! + to stave off an action from his wine-merchant, my client.'—'Well,' + said I, 'and what do you mean to do?'—'Nothing at all for the + present,' said he: 'would you have us proceed against old Sherry? what + would be the use of it?' and here he began laughing, and going over + Sheridan's good gifts of conversation.<br> +<br> + "Now, from personal experience, I can vouch that my attorney is by no + means the tenderest of men, or particularly accessible to any kind of + impression out of the statute or record; and yet Sheridan, in half an + hour, had found the way to soften and seduce him in such a manner, + that I almost think he would have thrown his client (an honest man, + with all the laws, and some justice, on his side) out of the window, + had he come in at the moment.<br> +<br> + "Such was Sheridan! he could soften an attorney! There has been + nothing like it since the days of Orpheus.<br> +<br> + "One day I saw him take up his own '<i>Monody on Garrick</i>.' He + lighted upon the Dedication to the Dowager Lady Spencer. On seeing it, + he flew into a rage, and exclaimed 'that it must be a forgery, that he + had never dedicated any thing of his to such a damned canting bitch,' + etc., etc.—and so went on for half an hour abusing his own + dedication, or at least the object of it. If all writers were equally + sincere, it would be ludicrous.<br> +<br> + "He told me that, on the night of the grand success of his <i>School + for Scandal</i> he was knocked down and put into the watch-house for + making a row in the street, and being found intoxicated by the + watchmen. Latterly, when found drunk one night in the kennel, and + asked his name by the watchmen, he answered, 'Wilberforce.'<br> +<br> + "When dying he was requested to undergo 'an operation.' He replied + that he had already submitted to two, which were enough for one man's + lifetime. Being asked what they were, he answered, 'having his hair + cut, and sitting for his picture."<br> +<br> + "I have met George Colman occasionally, and thought him extremely + pleasant and convivial. Sheridan's humour, or rather wit, was always + saturnine, and sometimes savage; he never laughed (at least that + <i>I</i> saw, and I watched him), but Colman did. If I had to + <i>choose</i> and could not have both at a time I should say, 'Let me + begin the evening with Sheridan, and finish it with Colman.' Sheridan + for dinner, Colman for supper; Sheridan for claret or port but Colman + for every thing, from the madeira and champagne at dinner the claret + with a <i>layer</i> of <i>port</i> between the glasses up to the punch + of the night, and down to the grog, or gin and water, of + daybreak;—all these I have threaded with both the same. Sheridan was a + grenadier company of life guards, but Colman a whole regiment—of + <i>light infantry</i>, to be sure, but still a regiment."</blockquote> +<a href="#frp91">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fp92"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> + + <blockquote> "Potations pottle deep"</blockquote> + +<i>Othello</i>, act ii. sc. 3, line 54.<br> +<a href="#frp92">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp10">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L317">317—to John Murray</a></h3> +<br> +July 31, 1813.<br><br> + +<br> +Dear Sir—As I leave town early tomorrow, the proof must be sent +to-night, or many days will be lost. If you have any <i>reviews</i> of +the <i>Giaour</i> to send, let me have them now. I am not very well to +day. I <a name="frq1">thank</a> you for the <i>Satirist</i>, which is short but savage on +this unlucky affair, and <i>personally</i> facetious on me which is much +more to the purpose than a tirade upon other peoples' concerns<a href="#fq1"><sup>1</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +Ever yours, B.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fq1"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> In the <i>Satirist</i> (vol. xiii. pp. 150, 151) is an +article headed "Scandalum Magnatum," with the motto from <i>Rejected +Addresses</i>: + + <blockquote>With horn-handled knife,<br> + To kill a tender lamb as dead as mutton."<br> +<br> + "A short time back (say the newspapers, and newspapers never say + <i>the thing which is not</i>) Lady H. gave a ball and supper. Among + the company were Lord B—n, Lady W—, and Lady C. L—b. Lord B., it + would appear, is a favourite with the latter Lady; on this occasion, + however, he seemed to lavish his attention on another fair object. + This preference so enraged Lady C. L. that in a paroxysm of jealousy + she took up a dessert-knife and stabbed herself. The gay circle was, + of course, immediately plunged in confusion and dismay, which however, + was soon succeeded by levity and scandal. The general cry for medical + assistance was from Lady W—d: Lady W—d!!! And why? Because it was + said that, early after her marriage, Lady W— also took a similar + liberty with her person for a similar cause, and was therefore + considered to have learned from experience the most efficacious remedy + for the complaint. It was also whispered that the Lady's husband had + most to grieve, that the attempt had not fully succeeded. Lady C. L. + is still living.<br> +<br> + "The poet has told us how 'Ladies wish to be who love their Lords;' + but this is the first public demonstration in our times to show us how + Ladies wish to be who love, not their own, but others' Lords. 'Better + be with the dead than thus,' cried the jealous fair; and, casting a + languishing look at Lord B—, who, Heaven knows, is more like Pan than + Apollo, she whipt up as pretty a little dessert-knife as a Lady could + desire to commit suicide with, + + <blockquote> 'And stuck it in her wizzard.'</blockquote> + + "The desperate Lady was carried out of the room, and the affair + endeavoured to be hushed up, etc., etc." </blockquote> +<a href="#frq1">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp10">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L318"></a>318—to John Wilson Croker<a href="#fq11"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>1</sup></span></a></h3> +<br> +Bt. Str., August 2, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Sir,—I was honoured with your unexpected and very obliging letter, +when on the point of leaving London, which prevented me from +acknowledging my obligation as quickly as I felt it sincerely. I am +endeavouring all in my power to be ready before Saturday —and even if I +should not succeed, I can only blame my own tardiness, which will not +the less enhance the benefit I have lost. I have only to add my hope of +forgiveness for all my trespasses on your time and patience, and with my +best wishes for your public and private welfare, I have the honour to +be, most truly, Your obliged and most obedient servant, <br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fq11"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> J. W. Croker (1780-1857),—the "Wenham" of Thackeray, the +"Rigby" of Disraeli, and the "Con Crawley" of Lady Morgan's <i>Florence +Macarthy</i>, had been made Secretary to the Admiralty in 1809. At his +request Captain Carlton of the <i>Boyne</i>, "just then ordered to +re-enforce Sir Edward Pellew" in the Mediterranean, had consented to +receive Byron into his cabin for the voyage,"<br> +<a href="#frq11">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp10">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h3><a name="L319">319—to John Murray</a></h3> +<br> +If you send more proofs, I shall never finish this infernal +story—"<i>Ecce signum</i>"—thirty-three more lines enclosed! to the +utter discomfiture of the printer, and, I fear, not to your advantage. <br> +B.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp10">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L320">320—to John Murray</a></h3> +<br> +Half-past two in the morning, Aug. 10, 1813.<br><br> + +<br> +Dear Sir,—Pray suspend the <i>proofs</i>, for I am <i>bitten</i> again, +and have <i>quantities</i> for other parts of the bravura. Yours ever,<br> +B.<br> +<br> +P. S.—You shall have them in the course of the day.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp10">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L321"></a>321—To James Wedderburn Webster</h3> +<br> +August 12, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +My Dear Webster,—I am, you know, a detestable correspondent, and write +to no one person whatever; you therefore cannot attribute my silence to +any thing but want of good breeding or good taste, and not to any more +atrocious cause; and as I confess the fault to be entirely +mine—why—you will pardon it.<br> +<br> +I have ordered a copy of the <i>Giaour</i> (which is nearly doubled in +quantity in this edition) to be sent, and I will first scribble my name +in the title page. Many and sincere thanks for your good opinion of +book, and (I hope to add) author.<br> +<br> +Rushton shall attend you whenever you please, though I should like him +to stay a few weeks, and help my other people in forwarding my chattels. +Your taking him is no less a favor to me than him; and I trust he will +behave well. If not, your remedy is very simple; only don't let him be +idle; honest I am sure he is, and I believe good-hearted and quiet. No +pains has been spared, and a good deal of expense incurred in his +education; accounts and mensuration, etc., he ought to know, and I +believe he does.<br> +<br> +I write this near London, but your answer will reach me better in Bennet +Street, etc. (as before). I am going very soon, and if you would do the +same thing—as far as Sicily—I am sure you would not be sorry. My +sister, Mrs. L. goes with me—her spouse is obliged to retrench for a +few years (but <i>he</i> stays at home); so that his <i>link boy</i> +prophecy (if ever he made it) recoils upon himself.<br> +<br> +I am truly glad to hear of Lady Frances's good health. Have you added to +your family? Pray make my best respects acceptable to her Ladyship.<br> +<br> +Nothing will give me more pleasure than to hear from you as soon and as +fully as you please. Ever most truly yours,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp10">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h3><a name="L322">322—to Thomas Moore</a></h3> +<br> +Bennet Street, August 22, 1813.<br><br> + +<br> +As our late—I might say, deceased—correspondence had too much of the +town-life leaven in it, we will now, <i>paulo majora</i>, prattle a +little of literature in all its branches; and first of the +first—criticism. The <a name="frq21">Prince</a> is at Brighton, and Jackson, the boxer, +gone to Margate, having, I believe, decoyed Yarmouth to see a milling in +that polite neighbourhood<a href="#fq21"><sup>1</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +<a name="frq22">Mad'e</a>. de Staël Holstein has lost one of her young barons<a href="#fq22"><sup>2</sup></a>, who has +been carbonadoed by a vile Teutonic adjutant,—kilt and killed in a +coffee-house at Scrawsenhawsen. Corinne is, of course, what all mothers +must be,—but will, I venture to prophesy, do what few mothers +could—write an Essay upon it. She cannot exist without a grievance—and +somebody to see, or read, how much grief becomes her. I have not seen +her since the event; but merely judge (not very charitably) from prior +observation.<br> +<br> +<a name="frq23">In</a> a "mail-coach copy" of the <i>Edinburgh</i><a href="#fq23"><sup>3</sup></a> I perceive <i>The Giaour</i> is second article. The numbers are still in +the Leith smack—<i>pray which way is the wind?</i> <a name="frq24">The</a> said article is +so very mild and sentimental, that it must be written by Jeffrey <i>in +love</i><a href="#fq24"><sup>4</sup></a>;—you know he is gone to America to marry some fair one, of +whom he has been, for several <i>quarters, éperdument amoureux</i>. +<a name="frq25">Seriously</a> —as Winifred Jenkins<a href="#fq25"><sup>5</sup></a> says of Lismahago—Mr. Jeffrey (or +his deputy) "has done the handsome thing by me," and I say +<i>nothing</i>. But this I will say, if you and I had knocked one +another on the head in this quarrel, how he would have laughed, and what +a mighty bad figure we should have cut in our posthumous works. By <a name="frq26">the</a> +by, I was call'd <i>in</i> the other day to mediate between two +gentlemen bent upon carnage, and—after a long struggle between the +natural desire of destroying one's fellow-creatures, and the dislike of +seeing men play the fool for nothing,—I got one to make an apology, and +the other to take it, and left them to live happy ever after<a href="#fq26"><sup>6</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +One was a peer, the other a friend untitled, and both fond of high +play;—and one, I can swear for, though very mild, "not fearful," and so +dead a shot, that, though the other is the thinnest of men, he would +have split him like a cane. They both conducted themselves very well, +and I put them out of <i>pain</i> as soon as I could.<br> +<br> +There <a name="frq27">is</a> an American <i>Life</i> of G. F. Cooke<a href="#fq27"><sup>7</sup></a>, <i>Scurra</i> +deceased, lately published. Such a <a name="frq28">book</a>!—I believe, since <i>Drunken +Barnaby's Journal</i><a href="#fq28"><sup>8</sup></a> nothing like it has drenched the press. All +green-room and tap-room—drams and the drama—brandy, whisky-punch, and, +<i>latterly</i>, toddy, overflow every page. Two things are rather +marvellous,—first, that a man should live so long drunk, and, next, +that he should have found a sober biographer. There are some very +laughable things in it, nevertheless;—but the pints he swallowed, and +the parts he performed, are too regularly registered.<br> +<br> +All this time you wonder I am not gone; so do I; but the accounts of the +plague are very perplexing—not so much for the thing itself as the +quarantine established in all ports, and from all places, even from +England. It is true, the forty or sixty days would, in all probability, +be as foolishly spent on shore as in the ship; but one likes to have +one's choice, nevertheless. Town is awfully empty; but not the worse for +that. I am really puzzled with my perfect ignorance of what I mean to +do;—not stay, if I can help it, but where to go? Sligo is for the +North;—a pleasant place, Petersburgh, in September, with one's ears and +nose in a muff, or else tumbling into one's neckcloth or +pocket-handkerchief! If the winter treated Buonaparte with so little +ceremony, what would it inflict upon your solitary traveller?—<a name="frq29">Give</a> me a +<i>sun</i>, I care not how hot, and sherbet, I care not how cool, and +<i>my</i> Heaven is as easily made as your Persian's<a href="#fq29"><sup>9</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +<i>The Giaour</i> is <a name="frq30">now</a> a thousand and odd lines. "Lord Fanny spins a +thousand such a day,"<a href="#fq30"><sup>10</sup></a> eh, Moore?—thou wilt needs be a wag, but I +forgive it. Yours ever,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +P. S.—I perceive I have written a flippant and rather cold-hearted +letter! let it go, however. I <a name="frq31">have</a> said nothing, either, of the +brilliant sex; but the fact is, I am at this moment in a far more +serious, and entirely new, scrape<a href="#fq31"><sup>11</sup></a> than any of the last twelve +months,—and that is saying a good deal. It is unlucky we can neither +live with nor without these women.<br> +<br> +I am now thinking of regretting that, just as I have left Newstead, you +reside near it. Did you ever see it? <i>do</i>—but don't tell me that +you like it. If I had known of such intellectual neighbourhood, I don't +think I should have quitted it. You could have come over so often, as a +bachelor,—for it was a thorough bachelor's mansion—plenty of wine and +such sordid sensualities—with books enough, room enough, and an air of +antiquity about all (except the lasses) that would have suited you, when +pensive, and served you to laugh at when in glee. I had built myself a +bath and a <i>vault</i>—and now I sha'n't even be buried in it. It is +odd that we can't even be certain of a <i>grave</i>, at least a +particular one. I remember, when about fifteen, reading your poems +there, which I can repeat almost now,—and asking all kinds of questions +about the author, when I heard that he was not dead according to the +preface; wondering if I should ever see him—and though, at that time, +without the smallest poetical propensity myself, very much taken, as you +may imagine, with that volume. Adieu—I commit you to the care of the +gods—Hindoo, Scandinavian, and Hellenic!<br> +<br> +P. S. 2d.—<a name="frq32">There</a> is an excellent review of Grimm's <i>Correspondence</i> +and Madame de Staël in this No. of the <i>E[dinburgh] R[eview]</i><a href="#fq32"><sup>12</sup></a>. +Jeffrey, himself, was my critic last year; but this is, I believe, by +another hand. I hope you are going on with your <i>grand coup</i>—pray +do—or that damned Lucien Buonaparte will beat us all. I have seen much +of his poem in MS., and he really surpasses every thing beneath Tasso. +Hodgson is translating him <i>against</i> another bard. You and (I +believe Rogers,) Scott, Gifford, and myself, are to be referred to as +judges between the twain,—that is, if you accept the office. Conceive +our different opinions! I think we, most of us (I am talking very +impudently, you will think —<i>us</i>, indeed!) have a way of our +own,—at least, you and Scott certainly have.<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fq21"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> The fight, in which Harry Harmer, "the Coppersmith" (1784-1834), beat Jack Ford, took place at St. Nicholas, near Margate, August +23, 1813.<br> +<br> +Francis Charles Seymour Conway, Earl of Yarmouth (1777-1842), succeeded +his father as second Marquis of Hertford in 1822. The colossal +libertinism and patrician splendour of his life inspired Disraeli to +paint him as "Monmouth" in <i>Coningsby</i>, and Thackeray as "Steyne" +in <i>Vanity Fair</i>. He married, in 1798, Maria Fagniani, claimed as a +daughter by George Selwyn and by "Old Q.," and enriched by both. +Yarmouth, as an intimate friend of the Regent, and the son of the +Prince's female favourite, was the butt of Moore and the Whig satirists. +Byron gibes at Yarmouth's red whiskers, which helped to gain him the +name of "Red Herrings" in the <i>Waltz</i>, line 142, <i>note</i> 1. +Yarmouth, like Byron, patronized the fancy, and, like him also, was a +frequenter of Manton's shooting-gallery in Davies Street; but there is +no record of their being acquainted, though the house, which Byron +occupied (13, Piccadilly Terrace) during his brief married life, was in +the occupation of Lord Yarmouth before Byron took it from the Duchess of +Devonshire.<br> +<a href="#frq21">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fq22"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Albert de Staël + + <blockquote>"led an irregular life, and met a deplorable death at Doberan, a small + city of the duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, on the coast of the Baltic + Sea, a favourite resort in summer for bathing, gambling, etc. Some + officers of the état-major of Bernadotte had gone to try their luck in + this place of play and pleasure. They quarrelled over some louis, and + a duel immediately ensued. I well remember that the Grand-Duke Paul of + Mecklenburg-Schwerin told me he was there at the time, and, while + walking with his tutors in the park, suddenly heard the clinking of + swords in a neighbouring thicket. They ran to the place, and reached + it just in time to see the head of Albert fall, cleft by one of those + long and formidable sabres which were carried by the Prussian cavalry." </blockquote> + +The above passage is quoted from the unpublished <i>Souvenirs</i> of M. +Pictet de Sergy, given by A. Stevens in his <i>Life of Madame de +Staël</i>, vol. ii. pp. 204, 205.<br> +<a href="#frq22">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fq23"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> Only special copies of books published in Edinburgh came to +London by coach: the bulk was forwarded in Leith smacks.<br> +<br> +In the <i>Edinburgh Review</i> for July, 1813, the <i>Giaour</i> was +reviewed as a poem "full of spirit, character, and originality," and +producing an effect at once "powerful and pathetic." But the reviewer +considers that "energy of character and intensity of emotion... +presented in combination with worthlessness and guilt," are "most +powerful corrupters and perverters of our moral nature," and he deplores +Byron's exclusive devotion to gloomy and revolting subjects.<br> +<a href="#frq23">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fq24"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> Francis Jeffrey (1773-1850) succeeded Sidney Smith as +editor of the <i>Edinburgh Review</i> (founded 1802), and held the +editorship till 1829. The first number of the <i>Review</i>, says +Francis Horner, brought to light "the genius of that little man." During +the first six years of its existence, he wrote upwards of seventy +articles. At the same time, he was a successful lawyer. Called to the +Scottish Bar in 1794, he became successively Dean of the Faculty of +Advocates (1829), Lord Advocate (1830), and a Judge of the Court of +Sessions (1834) with the title of Lord Jeffrey. He married, as his +second wife, at New York, in October, 1813, Charlotte Wilkes, a +grandniece of John Wilkes.<br> +<br> +Jeffrey is described at considerable length by Ticknor, in a letter, +dated February 8, 1814 (<i>Life of G. Ticknor</i>, vol. i. pp. 43-47): + + <blockquote> "You are to imagine, then, before you a short, stout, little + gentleman, about five and a half feet high, with a very red face, + black hair, and black eyes. You are to suppose him to possess a very + gay and animated countenance, and you are to see in him all the + restlessness of a will-o'-wisp ... He enters a room with a countenance + so satisfied, and a step so light and almost fantastic, that all your + previous impressions of the dignity and severity of the <i>Edinburgh + Review</i> are immediately put to flight ... It is not possible, + however, to be long in his presence without understanding something of + his real character, for the same promptness and assurance which mark + his entrance into a room carry him at once into conversation. The + moment a topic is suggested—no matter what or by whom—he comes + forth, and the first thing you observe is his singular fluency," etc., + etc.</blockquote> + +By the side of this description may be set that given of Jeffrey by +Francis Horner (<i>Life of Jeffrey</i>, 2nd edition, vol. i. p. 212): + + <blockquote> "His manner is not at first pleasing; what is worse, it is of that + cast which almost irresistibly impresses upon strangers the idea of + levity and superficial talents. Yet there is not any man whose real + character is so much the reverse."</blockquote> + +The secret of his success, both as editor and critic, is that he made +the <i>Review</i> the expression of the Whig character, both in its +excellences and its limitations. A man of clear, discriminating mind, of +cool and placid judgment, he refused to accept the existing state of +things, was persuaded that it might be safely improved, saw the +practical steps required, and had the courage of his convictions. He was +suspicious of large principles, somewhat callous to enthusiasm or +sentiment, intolerant of whatever was incapable of precise expression. +His intellectual strength lay not in the possession of one great gift, +but in the simultaneous exercise of several well-adjusted talents. His +literary taste was correct; but it consisted rather in recognizing +compliance with accepted rules of proved utility than in the readiness +to appreciate novelties of thought and treatment. Hence his criticism, +though useful for his time, has not endured beyond his day. It may be +doubted whether more could be expected from a man who was eminently +successful in addressing a jury. "He might not know his subject, but he +knew his readers" (Bagehot's <i>Literary Studies</i>, vol. i. p. 30).<br> +<br> +Byron, believing him to have been the author of the famous article on +<i>Hours of Idleness</i>, attacked him bitterly in <i>English Bards, and +Scotch Reviewers</i>; (lines 460-528). He afterwards recognized his +error. <i>Don Juan</i> (Canto X. stanza xvi.) expresses his mature +opinion of a critic who, whatever may have been his faults, was as +absolutely honest as political prejudice would permit: + + <blockquote> "And all our little feuds, at least all <i>mine</i>,<br> + Dear Jeffrey, once my most redoubted foe<br> + (As far as rhyme and criticism combine<br> + To make such puppets of us things below),<br> + Are over; Here's a health to 'Auld Lang Syne!'<br> + I do not know you, and may never know<br> + Your face—but you have acted, on the whole,<br> + Most nobly; and I own it from my soul."</blockquote> + +Jeffrey reviewed <i>Childe Harold</i> in the <i>Edinburgh Review</i>, +No. 38, art. 10; the <i>Giaour</i>, No. 42, art. 2; the <i>Corsair</i> +and <i>Bride of Abydos</i>, No. 45, art. 9; Byron's <i>Poetry</i>, No. +54, art. I; <i>Manfred</i>, No. 56, art. 7; <i>Beppo</i>, No. 58, art. +2; <i>Marino Faliero</i>, No. 70, art. I; Byron's <i>Tragedies</i>, No. +72, art. 5.<br> +<a href="#frq24">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fq25"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 5:</span></a> Winifred Jenkins is the maid to Miss Tabitha Bramble, who +marries Captain Lismahago, in Smollett's <i>Humphrey Clinker</i>.<br> +<a href="#frq25">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fq26"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 6:</span></a> Lord Foley and Scrope Davies.<br> +<a href="#frq26">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fq27"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 7:</span></a> G. F. Cooke (1755-1812), from 1794 to 1800 was the hero of +the Dublin stage, with the exception of an interval, during which he +served in the army. On October 31, 1800, he appeared at Covent Garden as +"Richard III," and afterwards played such parts in tragedy as "Iago" +and "Shylock" with great success. In comedy he was also a favourite, +especially as "Kitely" in <i>Every Man in his Humour</i>, and "Sir +Pertinax MacSycophant" in <i>The Man of the World</i>. His last +appearance on the London stage was as "Falstaff," June 5, 1810. In that year he sailed for New York, and, +September 26, 1812, died there from his "incorrigible habits of +drinking."<br> +<br> +Byron uses the word <i>scurra</i>, which generally means a "parasite," +in its other sense of a "buffoon." <i>Memoirs of George Frederic Cooke, +late of the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden</i>, by W. Dunlap, in 2 vols., +was published in 1813<br> +<a href="#frq27">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fq28"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 8:</span></a> The original edition of <i>Drunken Barnaby's Journal</i>, a +small square volume, without date, was probably printed about 1650. The +author was supposed to be Barnaby Harrington of Queen's College, Oxford. +But Joseph Haslewood, whose edition (1818) is the best, attributed it to +Richard Brathwait (circ. 1588-1673). The title of the second edition +(1716) runs as follows: <i>Drunken Barnaby's Four Journeys to the North +of England. In Latin and English Verse. Wittily and merrily (tho' near +one hundred years ago) composed; found among some old musty books, that +had a long time lain by in a corner; and now at last made publick. To +which is added, Bessy Bell</i>.<br> +<br> +"Drunken Barnaby" was also the burden of an old ballad quoted by +Haslewood: + + <blockquote>"Barnaby, Barnaby, thou'st been drinking,<br> + I can tell by thy nose, and thy eyes winking;<br> + Drunk at Richmond, drunk at Dover,<br> + Drunk at Newcastle, drunk all over.<br> + Hey, Barnaby! tak't for a warning,<br> + Be no more drunk, nor dry in a morning!"</blockquote> +<a href="#frq28">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fq29"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 9:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"A Persian's Heav'n is easily made—<br> + 'Tis but black eyes and lemonade."</blockquote> +<a href="#frq29">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fq30"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 10:</span></a> Pope's <i>Imitations of Horace</i>, Satire I line 6.<br> +<a href="#frq30">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fq31"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 11:</span></a> With Lady Frances Wedderburn Webster.<br> +<a href="#frq31">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fq32"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> The review of Madame de Staël's <i>Germany</i> was by +Mackintosh.<br> +<a href="#frq32">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp10">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h3><a name="L323">323—to John Murray</a></h3> +<br> +August 26, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Sir,—I have looked over and corrected one proof, but not so +carefully (God knows if you can read it through, but I can't) as to +preclude your eye from discovering some <i>o</i>mission of mine or +<i>com</i>mission of y'e Printer. If you have patience, look it over. Do +you know any body who can <i>stop</i>—I mean <i>point</i>-commas, and +so forth? for I am, I hear, a sad hand at your punctuation. I have, but +with some difficulty, <i>not</i> added any more to this snake of a poem, +which has been lengthening its rattles every month. It is now fearfully +long, being more than a canto and a half of <i>C. H</i>., which contains +but 882 lines per book, with all late additions inclusive.<br> +<br> +The last lines Hodgson likes—it is not often he does —and when he +don't, he tells me with great energy, and I fret and alter. I have +thrown them in to soften the ferocity of our Infidel, and, for a dying +man, have given him a good deal to say for himself.<br> +<br> +Do you think you shall get hold of the <i>female</i> MS. you spoke of to +day? if so, you will let me have a glimpse; but don't tell our +<i>master</i> (not W's), or we shall be buffeted.<br> +<br> +I was quite sorry to hear you say you stayed in town on my account, and +I hope sincerely you did not mean so superfluous a piece of politeness.<br> +<br> +Our <i>six</i> critiques!—they would have made half a <i>Quarterly</i> +by themselves; but this is the age of criticism.<br> +<br> +Ever yours,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp10">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h3><a name="L324">324—to Thomas Moore</a></h3> +<br> +August 28, 1813.<br><br> + +<br> +Ay, <a name="frq41">my</a> dear Moore, "there <i>was</i> a time"—I have heard of your +tricks, when "you was campaigning at the "King of Bohemy."<a href="#fq41"><sup>1</sup></a><br> +<br> +I am much mistaken if, some fine London spring, about the year 1815, +that time does not come again. After all, we must end in marriage; and I +can conceive nothing more delightful than such a state in the country, +reading the county newspaper, etc., and kissing one's wife's maid. +Seriously, I would incorporate with any woman of decent demeanour +to-morrow—that is, I would a month ago, but, at present, ——<br> +<br> +Why <a name="frq42">don't</a> you "parody that Ode?"—Do you think<a href="#fq42"><sup>2</sup></a> I should be +<i>tetchy?</i> or have you done it, and won't tell me?—<a name="frq43">You</a> are quite +right about Giamschid, and I have reduced it to a dissyllable within +this half hour<a href="#fq43"><sup>3</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +I am <a name="frq44">glad</a> to hear you talk of Richardson<a href="#fq44"><sup>4</sup></a>, because it tells me what +you won't—that you are going to beat Lucien. At least tell me how far +you have proceeded. Do you think me less interested about your works, or +less sincere than our friend Ruggiero? I am not—and never was. In <a name="frq45">that</a> +thing of mine, the <i>English Bards</i>, at the time when I was angry +with all the world, I never "disparaged your parts," although I did not +know you personally;—and have always regretted that you don't give us +an <i>entire</i> work, and not sprinkle yourself in detached +pieces—beautiful, I allow, and quite <i>alone</i> in our language, but +still giving us a right to expect a <i>Shah Nameh</i><a href="#fq45"><sup>5</sup></a> (is that the +name?) as well as gazelles. Stick to the East;—the oracle, Staël, told +me it was the only poetical policy. The North, South, and West, have all +been exhausted; but from the East, we have nothing but Southey's +unsaleables,—and these he has contrived to spoil, by adopting only +their most outrageous fictions. His personages don't interest us, and +yours will. You will have no competitor; and, if you had, you ought to +be glad of it. The little I have done in that way is merely a "voice in +the wilderness" for you; and if it has had any success, that also will +prove that the public are orientalising, and pave the path for you.<br> +<br> +I <a name="frq46">have</a> been thinking of a story, grafted on the amours of a Peri and a +mortal—something like, only more <i>philanthropical</i> than, Cazotte's +<i>Diable Amoureux</i><a href="#fq46"><sup>6</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +It would require a good deal of poesy, and tenderness is not my forte. +For <a name="frq47">that</a>, and other reasons, I have given up the idea, and merely +suggest it to you, because, in intervals of your greater work, I think +it a subject you might make much of<a href="#fq47"><sup>7</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +If <a name="frq48">you</a> want any more books, there is "Castellan's <i>Moeurs des +Ottomans</i>," the best compendium of the kind I ever met with, in six +small tomes<a href="#fq48"><sup>8</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +I <a name="frq49">am</a> really taking a liberty by talking in this style to my "elders and +my betters;"—pardon it, and don't <i>Rochefoucault</i><a href="#fq49"><sup>9</sup></a> my motives.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fq41"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Jerry Sneak, in Foote's <i>Mayor of Garratt</i> (act ii.), +says to Major Sturgeon, "I heard of your tricks at the King of Bohemy."<br> +<a href="#frq41">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fq42"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> + + <blockquote> "The Ode of Horace— + + <blockquote> 'Natis in usum lætitiæ,' etc.;</blockquote> + + some passages of which I told him might be parodied, in allusion to + some of his late adventures: + + <blockquote>'Quanta laboras in Charybdi!<br> + Digne puer meliore flammâ!'"</blockquote></blockquote> + +(Moore.)<br> +<a href="#frq42">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fq43"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"In his first edition of <i>The Giaour</i> he had used this word as a + trisyllable—'Bright as the gem of Giamschid'—but on my remarking to + him, upon the authority of Richardson's Persian Dictionary, that this + was incorrect, he altered it to 'Bright as the ruby of Giamschid.' On + seeing this, however, I wrote to him, 'that, as the comparison of his + heroine's eye to a "ruby" might unluckily call up the idea of its + being bloodshot, he had better change the line to "Bright as the jewel + of Giamschid;"' which he accordingly did in the following edition"</blockquote> + (Moore).<br> +<br> +In the <i>Sháh Námeh</i>, Giamschid is the fourth sovereign of the +ancient Persians, and ruled seven hundred years. His jewel was a green +chrysolite, the reflection of which gives to the sky its blue-green +colour. Byron probably changed to "ruby" on the authority of +<i>Vathek</i> (p. 58, ed. 1856), where Beckford writes, + + <blockquote> "Then all the riches this place contains, as well as the carbuncle of + Giamschid, shall be hers."</blockquote> +<a href="#frq43">return</a><br> +<a href="#fq44">cross-reference: return to Footnote 4 of Letter 324</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fq44"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> Moore's reference (see <a href="#fq43"><i>note</i></a> 1) to John Richardson's +<i>Dictionary of Persian, Arabic, and English</i> (1777), suggests to +Byron that Moore was at work on an Oriental poem, probably <i>Lalla +Rookh</i>, which would surpass the <i>Charlemagne</i> of Lucien +Buonaparte.<br> +<a href="#frq44">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fq45"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 5:</span></a> The <i>Sháh Námeh</i> is a rhymed history of Persia, in +which occurs the famous episode of Sohrab and Rustem. It was written in +thirty years by Abul Kásim Firdausí, the last name being given to him by +Sultan Mahmúd because he had shed over the court at Ghizni the delights +of "Paradise." Firdausí is said to have lived about 950 to 1030. (See +The <i>Sháh Námeh</i>, translated and abridged by James Atkinson.)<br> +<a href="#frq45">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fq46"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 6:</span></a> Jacques Cazotte (1720-1792) wrote <i>La Patte du Chat</i> +(1741); <i>Mille et une Fadaises</i> (1742); <i>Observations sur la +lettre de Rousseau au sujet de la Musique Française</i> (1754); and +other works. <i>Le Diable Amoureux</i> appeared in 1772. Cazotte escaped +the September Massacres at the Abbaye in 1792, through the heroism of +his daughter, but was executed on the twenty-fifth of the same month.<br> +<a href="#frq46">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fq47"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 7:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"I had already, singularly enough, anticipated this suggestion, by + making the daughter of a Peri the heroine of one of my stories, and + detailing the love adventures of her aërial parent in an episode. In + acquainting Lord Byron with this circumstance, in my answer to the + above letter, I added, 'All I ask of your friendship is—not that you + will abstain from Peris on my account, for that is too much to ask of + human (or, at least, author's) nature—but that, whenever you mean to + pay your addresses to any of these aërial ladies, you will, at once, + tell me so, frankly and instantly, and let me, at least, have my + choice whether I shall be desperate enough to go on, with such a + rival, or at once surrender the whole race into your hands, and take, + for the future, to Antediluvians with Mr. Montgomery'"</blockquote> + +(Moore).<br> +<a href="#frq47">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fq48"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 8:</span></a> Brunet, <i>s.v.</i> "Breton de la Martinière," gives the +title of the work: <i>Moeurs, usages costumes des Othomans, et abrégé de +leur histoire</i>. Par A. L. Castellan, Paris, 1812.<br> +<a href="#frq48">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fq49"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 9:</span></a> Maxime LXXXV.: + + <blockquote>"Nous nous persuadons souvent d'aimer les gens plus puissans que nous, + et néanmoins c'est l'interêt seul qui produit notre amitié; nous ne + nous donnons pas à eux pour le bien que nous leur voulons faire, mais + pour celui que nous en voulons recevoir."</blockquote> +<a href="#frq49">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp10">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h3><a name="L325">325—to Thomas Moore</a></h3> +<br> +August—September, I mean—1, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +I <a name="frq51">send</a> you, begging your acceptance, Castellan, and three vols. on +Turkish literature<a href="#fq51"><sup>1</sup></a>, not yet looked into. The <i>last</i> I <a name="frq52">will</a> +thank you to read, extract what you want, and return in a week, as they +are lent to me by that brightest of Northern constellations, Mackintosh<a href="#fq52"><sup>2</sup></a>,—amongst many other kind things into which India has warmed him; +for I am sure your <i>home</i> Scotsman is of a less genial description.<br> +<br> +Your Peri, my dear M., is sacred and inviolable; I have no idea of +touching the hem of her petticoat. Your affectation of a dislike to +encounter me is so flattering, that I begin to think myself a very fine +fellow. <a name="frq53">But</a> you are laughing at me—"Stap my vitals, Tam! thou art a +very impudent person;"<a href="#fq53"><sup>3</sup></a> and, if you are not laughing at me, you +deserve to be laughed at. Seriously, what on earth can you, or have you, +to dread from any poetical flesh breathing? It really puts me out of +humour to hear you talk thus.<br> +<br> +<i>The Giaour</i> I have added to a good deal; but still in foolish +fragments. It contains about 1200 lines, or rather more—now printing. +You will allow me to send you a copy. You delight me much by telling me +that I am in your good graces, and more particularly as to temper; for, +unluckily, I have the reputation of a very bad one. But they say the +devil is amusing when pleased, and I must have been more venomous than +the old serpent, to have hissed or stung in your company. It may be, and +would appear to a third person, an incredible thing, but I know +<i>you</i> will believe me when I say, that I am as anxious for your +success as one human being can be for another's,—as much as if I had +never scribbled a line. Surely the field of fame is wide enough for all; +and if it were not, I would not willingly rob my neighbour of a rood of +it. Now you have a pretty property of some thousand acres there, and +when you have passed your present Inclosure Bill, your income will be +doubled, (there's a metaphor, worthy of a Templar, namely, pert and +low,) while my wild common is too remote to incommode you, and quite +incapable of such fertility. I <a name="frq54">send</a> you (which return per post, as the +printer would say) a curious letter from a friend of mine<a href="#fq54"><sup>4</sup></a>, which +will let you into the origin of <i>The Giaour</i>. Write soon.<br> +<br> +Ever, dear Moore, yours most entirely, etc.<br> +<br> +P.S.—This letter was written to me on account of a <i>different +story</i> circulated by some gentlewomen of our acquaintance, a little +too close to the text. The part erased contained merely some Turkish +names, and circumstantial evidence of the girl's detection, not very +important or decorous.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fq51"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Giovanni Battista Toderini (1728-1799) published his work +<i>Della Letteratura Turchesca</i>, at Venice in 1787. Brunet says, "Cet +ouvrage curieux a été traduit en Français, par Cournand. Paris, 1789 +(<i>De La Littérature des Turcs</i>)."<br> +<a href="#frq51">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fq52"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> + + <blockquote> "Yes, his manner was cold; his shake of the hand came under +the genus 'mortmain;' but his heart was overflowing with benevolence"</blockquote> +(Lady Holland's <i>Memoir of Sydney Smith</i>, 4th edition, vol. i. p. +440).<br> +<a href="#frq52">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fq53"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> A reminiscence of Sheridan's <i>Trip to Scarborough</i> +(act v. sc. 2), itself borrowed from Vanbrugh's <i>Relapse</i> (act iv. +sc. 6), in both of which passages Lord Foppington says, "Strike me dumb, +Tam, thou art a very impudent fellow."<br> +<a href="#frq53">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fq54"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> The following is the letter to which Byron refers: + + <blockquote>Albany, Monday, August 31, 1813.<br> +<br> + "<b>My Dear Byron</b>,—You have requested me to tell you all that I heard at + Athens about the affair of that girl who was so near being put an end + to while you were there; you have asked me to remember every + circumstance, in the remotest degree relating to it, which I heard. In + compliance with your wishes, I write to you all I heard, and I cannot + imagine it to be very far from the fact, as the circumstances happened + only a day or two before I arrived at Athens, and, consequently, was a + matter of common conversation at the time.<br> +<br> + "The new governor, unaccustomed to have the same intercourse with the + Christians as his predecessor, had, of course, the barbarous Turkish + ideas with regard to women. In consequence, and in compliance with the + strict letter of the Mohammedan law, he ordered this girl to be sewed + up in a sack, and thrown into the sea—as is, indeed, quite customary + at Constantinople. As you were returning from bathing in the Piræus, + you met the procession going down to execute the sentence of the + Waywode on this unhappy girl. Report continues to say, that on finding + out what the object of their journey was, and who was the miserable + sufferer, you immediately interfered; and on some delay in obeying + your orders, you were obliged to inform the leader of the escort that + force should make him comply; that, on further hesitation, you drew a + pistol, and told him, that if he did not immediately obey your orders, + and come back with you to the Aga's house, you would shoot him dead. + On this the man turned about and went with you to the governor's + house; here you succeeded, partly by personal threats, and partly by + bribery and entreaty, in procuring her pardon, on condition of her + leaving Athens. I was told that you then conveyed her in safety to the + convent, and despatched her off at night to Thebes, where she found a + safe asylum. Such is the story I heard, as nearly as I can recollect + it at present. Should you wish to ask me any further questions about + it, I shall be very ready and willing to answer them.<br> +<br> + I remain, my dear Byron,<br> +<br> + Yours very sincerely,<br> +<br> + Sligo.</blockquote> +<a href="#frq54">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp11">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h3><a name="L326">326—to James Wedderburn Webster</a></h3> +<br> +September 2nd, 1813.<br><br> + +<br> +My dear Webster,—<a name="frq61">You</a> are just the same generous and I fear careless +gentleman of the years of <i>indifferent</i> memory 1806—but I +must not burthen you with my entire household. Joe<a href="#fq61"><sup>1</sup></a> is, I believe, +necessary for the present as a fixture, to keep possession till every +thing is arranged; and were it otherwise, you don't know what a +perplexity he would prove—honest and faithful, but fearfully +superannuated: now <i>this</i> I ought and do bear, but as he has not +been fifty years in your family, it would be rather hard to convert your +mansion into a hospital for decayed domestics. Rushton is, or may be +made useful, and I am less <i>compunctious</i> on his account.<br> +<br> +"<a name="frq62">Will</a> I be Godfather?"<a href="#fq62"><sup>2</sup></a><br> +<br> +Yea, verily! I believe it is the only species of parentage I shall ever +encounter, for all my acquaintance, Powerscourt, Jocelyn, yourself, +Delawarr, Stanhope, with a long list of happy <i>etceteras</i>, are +married; most of them my juniors too, and I as single and likely to +remain so as, nay more than, if I were seventy.<br> +<br> +If it is a <i>girl</i> why not also? Georgina, or even <i>Byron</i> will +make a classical name for a spinster, if Mr. Richardson's <i>Sir Charles +Grandison</i> is any authority in your estimation.<br> +<br> +My ship is not settled. My passage in the <i>Boyne</i> was only for +<i>one</i> Servant, and would not do, of course. You ask after the +expense, a question no less interesting to the married than the single. +Unless things are much altered, no establishment in the Mediterranean +Countries could amount to the quarter of the expenditure requisite in +England for the same or an inferior household.<br> +<br> +I am interrupted, and have only time to offer my best thanks for all +your good wishes and intentions, and to beg you will believe me,<br> +<br> +Equally yours ever,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +P.S.—Rushton shall be sent on Saturday next. +<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> + +<a name="fq61"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Joseph Murray<br> +<a href="#frq61">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fq62"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Webster's eldest son was christened "Byron Wedderburn." He +died young, and when his father told Byron of the child's death, the +godfather + + <blockquote> "almost chuckled with joy or irony," and said, "Well, I cautioned you,<br> + and told you that my name would almost damn any thing or creature." </blockquote> + +(<i>MS. note</i> by Wedderburn Webster.)<br> +<a href="#frq62">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp11">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L327">327—to Thomas Moore</a></h3> +<br> +Sept. 5, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +You need not tie yourself down to a day with Toderini, but send him at +your leisure, having anatomised him into such annotations as you want; I +do not believe that he has ever undergone that process before, which is +the best reason for not sparing him now.<br> +<br> +<a name="frq71">Rogers</a> has returned to town, but not yet recovered of the +<i>Quarterly</i>. What fellows these reviewers are! "these bugs do fear +us all."<a href="#fq71"><sup>1</sup></a><br> +<br> +They made you fight, and me (the milkiest of men) a satirist, and will +end by making Rogers madder than Ajax. I <a name="frq72">have</a> been reading <i>Memory</i> +again, the other day, and <i>Hope</i> together, and retain all my +preference of the former<a href="#fq72"><sup>2</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +His elegance is really wonderful—there is no such thing as a vulgar +line in his book.<br> +<br> +What say you to Buonaparte? Remember, I back him against the field, +barring catalepsy and the Elements. Nay, I almost wish him success +against all countries but this,—were it only to choke the <i>Morning +Post</i>, and his undutiful father-in-law, with that rebellious bastard +of Scandinavian adoption, Bernadotte. Rogers wants me to go with him on +a crusade to the Lakes, and to besiege you on our way. This last is a +great temptation, but I fear it will not be in my power, unless you +would go on with one of us somewhere—no matter where. It is too late +for Matlock, but we might hit upon some scheme, high life or low,—the +last would be much the best for amusement. I <a name="frq73">am</a> so sick of the other, +that I quite sigh for a cider-cellar<a href="#fq73"><sup>3</sup></a>, or a cruise in a smuggler's +sloop.<br> +<br> +You cannot wish more than I do that the Fates were a little more +accommodating to our parallel lines, which prolong <i>ad infinitum</i> +without coming a jot nearer. I almost wish I were married, too—which is +saying much. All my friends, seniors and juniors, are in for it, and ask +me to be godfather,—the only species of parentage which, I believe, +will ever come to my share in a lawful way; and, in an unlawful one, by +the blessing of Lucina, we can never be certain,—though the parish may. +I suppose I shall hear from you to-morrow. If not, this goes as it is; +but I leave room for a P.S., in case any thing requires an answer.<br> +<br> +Ever, etc.<br> +<br> +No letter—<i>n'importe</i>. Rogers thinks the <i>Quarterly</i> will be +at <i>me</i> this time; if so, it shall be a war of extermination—no +<i>quarter</i>. From the youngest devil down to the oldest woman of that +review, all shall perish by one fatal lampoon. The ties of nature shall +be torn asunder, for I will not even spare my bookseller; nay, if one +were to include readers also, all the better.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fq71"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> "Warwick was a bug that feared us all" (<i>Henry VI</i>., +Part III. act v. se. 2).<br> +<a href="#frq71">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fq72"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Byron quoted to Lady Blessington "some passages from the +<i>Pleasures of Hope</i>, which he said was a poem full of beauties... +'The <i>Pleasures of Memory</i> is a very beautiful poem' (said Byron), +'harmonious, finished, and chaste; it contains not a single meretricious +ornament'" (<i>Conversations</i>, pp. 352, 353).<br> +<a href="#frq72">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fq73"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> No. 20, Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, was a tavern called the +<i>Cider Cellars</i>. Over the entrance was the motto, <i>Honos erit +huic quoque homo</i>, supplied by Porson, who frequented the house. +There Lord Campbell heard him "recite from memory to delighted listeners +the whole of Anstey's <i>Pleader's Guide</i>" (<i>Lives of the Chief +Justices</i>, vol. iii. p. 271, note). Mr. Wheatley, in <i>London Past +and Present, sub voce</i> "Maiden Lane," says that the + + <blockquote> "tavern continued to be frequented by young men, and 'much in vogue + for devilled kidneys, oysters, and Welch rabbits, cigars, "goes" of + brandy, and great supplies of London stout' (also for comic songs), + till it was absorbed in the extensions of the Adelphi Theatre."</blockquote> +<a href="#frq73">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp11">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h3><a name="L328">328—to Thomas Moore.</a></h3> +<br> +September 8, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +I am sorry to see Toderini again so soon, for fear your scrupulous +conscience should have prevented you from fully availing yourself of his +spoils. By this coach I send you a copy of that awful pamphlet <i>The +Giaour</i>, which has never procured me half so high a compliment as +your modest alarm. You will (if inclined in an evening) perceive that I +have added much in quantity,—a circumstance which may truly diminish +your modesty upon the subject.<br> +<br> +You stand certainly in great need of a "lift" with Mackintosh. My dear +Moore, you strangely under-rate yourself. I should conceive it an +affectation in any other; but I think I know you well enough to believe +that you don't know your own value. However, 'tis a fault that generally +mends; and, in your case, it really ought. I have heard him speak of you +as highly as your wife could wish; and enough to give all your friends +the jaundice.<br> +<br> +<a name="frq81">Yesterday</a> I had a letter from <i>Ali Pacha!</i> brought by Dr. Holland, +who is just returned from Albania<a href="#fq81"><sup>1</sup></a>. It is in Latin, and begins +"Excellentissime <i>nec non</i> Carissime," and ends about a gun he +wants made for him;—it is signed "Ali Vizir." What do you think he has +been about? H. <a name="frq82">tells</a> me that, last spring, he took a hostile town, +where, forty-two years ago, his mother and sisters were treated as Miss +Cunigunde<a href="#fq82"><sup>2</sup></a> was by the Bulgarian cavalry. He takes the town, selects +all the survivors of this exploit—children, grandchildren, etc. to the +tune of six hundred, and has them shot before his face. <a name="frq83">Recollect</a>, he +spared the rest of the city, and confined himself to the Tarquin +pedigree<a href="#fq83"><sup>3</sup></a>,—which is more than I would. So much for "dearest friend."<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fq81"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> See <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. 246 [Letter 131], and <i>note</i> [Footnote 1 of Letter 131]. Dr., +afterwards Sir Henry, Holland (1788-1873) published his <i>Travels in +the Ionian Islands, Albania, etc.</i>, in 1815.<br> +<a href="#frq81">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fq82"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Voltaire's <i>Candide</i>, ch. vii.: + + <blockquote> "On ne vous a done pas violé? on ne vous a point fendu le ventre, + comme le philosophe Pangloss me l'avait assuré? Si fait, dit la belle + Cunégonde; mais on ne meurt pas toujours de ces deux accidents."</blockquote> +<a href="#frq82">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fq83"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> The "false Sextus... that wrought the deed of shame," and +violated Lucretia.<br> +<a href="#frq83">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp11">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h3><a name="L329">329 —to Thomas Moore</a></h3> +<br> +Sept. 9, 1813.<br><br> + +<br> +I write to you from Mr. Murray's, and I may say, from Murray, who, if +you are not predisposed in favour of any other publisher, would be happy +to treat with you, at a fitting time, for your work. I can safely +recommend him as fair, liberal, and attentive, and certainly, in point +of reputation, he stands among the first of "the trade." I am sure he +would do you justice. I have written to you so much lately, that you +will be glad to see so little now.<br> +<br> +Ever, etc., etc.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp11">List of Letters</a><br> +<p><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h3><a name="L330">330—to James Wedderburn Webster</a></h3> +<br> +September 15th, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +My dear Webster,—I shall not resist your second invitation, and shortly +after the receipt of this you may expect me. You will excuse me from the +races. As a guest I have no "antipathies" and few preferences.... You +won't mind, however, my <i>not</i> dining with you—every day at least. +When we meet, we can talk over our respective plans: mine is very short +and simple; viz. to sail when I can get a passage. If I remained in +England I should live in the Country, and of course in the vicinity of +those whom I knew would be most agreeable.<br> +<br> +I <a name="frq91">did</a> not know that Jack's graven image<a href="#fq91"><sup>1</sup></a> was at Newstead. If it be, +pray transfer it to Aston. It is my hope to see you so shortly, tomorrow +or next day, that I will not now trouble you with my speculations.<br> +<br> +Ever yours very faithfully,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +P.S.—I don't know how I came to sign myself with the "i." It is the old +spelling, and I sometimes slip into it. When I say I can't <i>dine</i> +with you, I mean that sometimes I don't dine at all. Of course, when I +do, I conform to all hours and domestic arrangements.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fq91"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> "Jack's graven image" means the portrait of John Jackson +the pugilist.<br> +<a href="#frq91">return</a> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp11">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L331"></a><h3>331—to the Hon. Augusta Leigh</h3> +<br> +[Wednesday], Sept'r. 15th, 1813.<br><br> + +<br> +My dear Augusta,—I joined my friend Scrope about 8, and before eleven +we had swallowed six bottles of his burgundy and Claret, which left him +very unwell and me rather feverish; we were <i>tête à tête</i>. I +remained with him next day and set off last night for London, which I +reached at three in the morning. Tonight I shall leave it again, perhaps +for Aston or Newstead. I have not yet determined, nor does it much +matter. As you perhaps care more on the subject than I do, I will tell +you when I know myself.<br> +<br> +When my departure is arranged, and I can get this long-evaded passage, +you will be able to tell me whether I am to expect a visit or not, and I +can come for or meet you as you think best. If you write, address to +Bennet Street.<br> +<br> +Yours very truly,<br> +<br> +B. + +<br> +<p><a href="#lp11">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L332"></a><h3>332—to John Murray</h3> +<br> +Sept. 15, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Sir,—Will you pray enquire after any ship with a convoy <i>taking +passengers</i> and get me one if possible? I mean not in a ship of war, +but anything that may be <i>paid</i> for. I have a friend and 3 +servants—Gibraltar or Minorca—or Zante.<br> +<br> +Yours ever,<br> +<br> +B. +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp11">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L333"></a><h3>333—to James Wedderburn Webster</h3> +<br> +Stilton, September 25th, 1813.<br><br> + +<br> +My Dear W.,—Thus far can I "report progress," and as a solid token of +my remembrance I send you a <i>cheese</i> of 13 lbs. to enable your +digestion to go through the race week. It will go to night; pray let +your retainers enquire after it. The date of this letter will account +for so homely a present. On my arrival in town I will write more on our +different concerns. In the mean time I wish you and yours all the +gratification on Doncaster you can wish for yourselves. <a name="frs1">My</a> love to the +faithless Nettle<a href="#frs1"><sup>1</sup></a> (who I dare say is <i>wronging</i> me during my +absence), and my best Compliments to all in your house who will receive +them.<br> +<br> +Ever, dear W., yours truly,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="frs1"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> A dog given by Webster to Byron. (<i>Note</i> by J. W. W.)<br> +<a href="#frs1">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp11">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L334"></a><h3>334—to Sir James Mackintosh</h3> +<br> +Sept. 27, 1813.<br><br> + +<br> +Dear Sir James,—I was to have left London on Friday, but will certainly +remain a day longer (and believe I <i>would a year</i>) to have the +honour of meeting you. My best respects to Lady Mackintosh.<br> +<br> +Ever your obliged and faithful servant,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp11">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L335"></a><h3>335—to Thomas Moore</h3> +<br> +September 27, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +<a name="frs11">Thomas</a> Moore,—(Thou wilt never be called "<i>true</i> Thomas,"<a href="#fs11"><sup>1</sup></a> +like he of Ercildoune,) why don't you write to me?—as you won't, I +must. I was near you at Aston the other day, and hope I soon shall be +again. If so, you must and shall meet me, and go to Matlock and +elsewhere, and take what, in <i>flash</i> dialect, is poetically termed +"a lark," with Rogers and me for accomplices. Yesterday, at Holland +House, I was introduced to Southey—the best-looking bard I have seen +for some time. To have that poet's head and shoulders, I would almost +have written his Sapphics. He is certainly a prepossessing person to +look on, and a man of talent, and all that, and—<i>there</i> is his +eulogy.<br> +<br> +—— read me <i>part</i> of a letter from you. By the foot of Pharaoh, I +believe there was abuse, for he stopped short, so he did, after a fine +saying about our correspondence, and <i>looked</i>—I wish I could +revenge myself by attacking you, or by telling you that I have +<i>had</i> to defend you—an agreeable way which one's friends have of +recommending themselves by saying—"Ay, ay, <i>I</i> gave it Mr. +Such-a-one for what he said about your being a plagiary, and a rake, and +so on." But do you know that you are one of the very few whom I never +have the satisfaction of hearing abused, but the reverse;—and do you +suppose I will forgive <i>that</i>?<br> +<br> +I have been in the country, and ran away from the Doncaster races. <a name="frs12">It</a> is +odd,—I was a visitor in the same house<a href="#fs12"><sup>2</sup></a> which came to my sire as a +residence with Lady Carmarthen (with whom he adulterated before his +majority—by the by, remember <i>she</i> was not my mamma),—and they +thrust me into an old room, with a nauseous picture over the chimney, +which I should suppose my papa regarded with due respect, and which, +inheriting the family taste, I looked upon with great satisfaction. I +stayed a week with the family, and behaved very well—though the lady of +the house is young, and religious, and pretty, and the master is my +particular friend. I felt no wish for any thing but a poodle dog, which +they kindly gave me. Now, for a man of my courses not even to have +<i>coveted</i>, is a sign of great amendment. <a name="frs13">Pray</a> pardon all this +nonsense, and don't "snub me when I'm in spirits."<a href="#fs13"><sup>3</sup></a><br> +<br> +Ever yours,<br> +<br> +BN.<br> +<br> +Here's an impromptu for you by a "person of quality," written last week, +on being reproached for low spirits: + +<blockquote>When from the heart where Sorrow sits,<br> + Her dusky shadow mounts too high,<br> +And o'er the changing aspect flits,<br> + And clouds the brow, or fills the eye:<br> +Heed not that gloom, which soon shall sink;<br> + My Thoughts their dungeon know too well—<br> +Back to my breast the wanderers shrink,<br> + And bleed within their silent cell.</blockquote><br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fs11"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Thomas Learmont, of Ercildoune, called "Thomas the +"Rhymer," is to reappear on earth when Shrove Tuesday and Good Friday +change places. He sleeps beneath the Eildon Hills.<br> +<a href="#frs11">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fs12"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Aston Hall, Rotherham, at that time rented by J. Wedderburn +Webster.<br> +<a href="#frs12">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fs13"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> In <i>She Stoops to Conquer</i> (act ii.) Tony Lumpkin says, + + <blockquote>"I wish you'd let me and my good alone, then—snubbing this way when + I'm in spirits."</blockquote> +<a href="#frs13">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp11">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a><br> +<a href="#fc32">cross-reference: return to Footnote 2 of Letter 210</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L336"></a><h3>336—to John Murray</h3> +<br> +Sept. 29, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Sir,—Pray suspend the <i>proofs</i> for I am bitten again and have +quantities for other parts of <i>The Giaour</i>.<br> +<br> +Yours ever,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +P. S.—You shall have these in the course of the day.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp11">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L337"></a><h3>337—to James Wedderburn Webster</h3> +<br> +September 30th, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +My dear Webster,—Thanks for your letter. I had answered it by +<i>anticipation</i> last night, and this is but a postscript to my +reply. My yesterday's contained some advice, which I now see you don't +want, and hope you never will.<br> +<br> +So! Petersham<a href="#fs21"><sup>1</sup></a> has <a name="frs21">not</a> joined you. I pity the poor women. No one can +properly repair such a deficiency; but rather than such a chasm should +be left utterly unfathomable, I, even I, the most awkward of attendants +and deplorable of danglers, would have been of your forlorn hope, on +this expedition. Nothing but business, and the notion of my being +utterly superfluous in so numerous a party, would have induced me to +resign so soon my quiet apartments never interrupted but by the sound, +or the more harmonious barking of Nettle, and clashing of billiard +balls.<br> +<br> +On Sunday I shall leave town and mean to join you immediately. I have +not yet had my sister's answer to Lady Frances's very kind invitation, +but expect it tomorrow. Pray <a name="frs22">assure</a> Lady Frances that I never can forget +the obligation conferred upon me in this respect, and I trust that even +Lady Catherine<a href="#fs22"><sup>2</sup></a> will, in this instance, not question my "stability."<br> +<br> +I yesterday wrote you rather a long tirade about La Comptesse, but you +seem in no immediate peril; I will therefore burn it. Yet I don't know +why I should, as you may relapse: it shall e'en go.<br> +<br> +I have been passing my time with Rogers and Sir James Mackintosh; and +once at Holland House I met Southey; he is a person of very <i>epic</i> +appearance, and has a fine head—as far as the outside goes, and wants +nothing but taste to make the inside equally attractive.<br> +<br> +Ever, my dear W., yours,<br> +<br> +Biron.<br> +<br> +P.S.—I read your letter thus: "the Countess is <i>miserable</i>" +instead of which it is "<i>inexorable</i>" a very different thing. The +best way is to let her alone; she must be a <i>diablesse</i> by what you +told me. You have probably not <i>bid</i> high enough. <i>Now</i> you +are not, perhaps, of my opinion; but I would not give the tithe of a +Birmingham farthing for a woman who could or would be purchased, nor +indeed for any woman <i>quoad mere woman</i>; that is to say, unless I +loved her for something more than her sex. If she <i>loves</i>, a little +<i>pique</i> is not amiss, nor even if she don't; the next thing to a +woman's <i>love</i> in a man's favour is her <i>hatred</i>,—a seeming +paradox but true. Get them once out of <i>indifference</i> and +circumstance, and their passions will do wonders for a <i>dasher</i> +which I suppose you are, though I seldom had the impudence or patience +to follow them up.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fs21"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Lord Petersham was one of the chief dandies of the day. +Gronow in 1814 (<i>Reminiscences</i>, vol. i. p. 285) found him + + <blockquote>"making a particular sort of blacking, which he said would eventually + supersede every other."</blockquote> + +His snuff-mixture was famous among tobacconists, and he gave his name to +a fashionable great-coat. In his collection of snuff-boxes, one of the +finest in England, he was supposed to have a box for every day in the +year. Gronow (<i>ibid</i>.) + + <blockquote> "heard him, on the occasion of a delightful old light-blue Sèvres box + he was using being admired, say, in his lisping way, 'Yes, it is a + nice summer box, but would not do for winter wear.'" </blockquote> + +Lord Petersham, who never went out of doors before 6 p.m., was +celebrated for his brown carriages, brown horses, brown harness, and +brown liveries.<br> +<a href="#frs21">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fs22"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Lady Catherine Annesley, sister of Lady F. W. Webster, +afterwards Lady John Somerset.<br> +<a href="#frs22">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp11">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L338"></a><h3>338—to Francis Hodgson</h3> +<br> +October 1, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +My Dear H.,—I leave town again for Aston on Sunday, but have messages +for you. Lord Holland desired me repeatedly to bring you; he wants to +know you much, and begged me to say so: you will like him. I had an +invitation for you to dinner there this last Sunday, and Rogers is +perpetually screaming because you don't call, and wanted you also to +dine with him on Wednesday last. Yesterday we had Curran there—who is +beyond all conception! and Mackintosh and the wits are to be seen at +H. H. constantly, so that I think you would like their society. I will be +a judge between you and the attorneo. So B[utler] may mention me to +Lucien if he still adheres to his opinion. Pray let Rogers be one; he +has the best taste extant. Bland's nuptials delight me; if I had the +least hand in bringing them about it will be a subject of selfish +satisfaction to me these three weeks. Desire Drury—if he loves me—to +kick Dwyer thrice for frightening my horses with his flame-coloured +whiskers last July. Let the kicks be hard, etc.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp11">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L339"></a><h3>339—to Thomas Moore</h3> +<br> +October 2, 1813.<br><br> + +<br> +You have not answered some six letters of mine. This, therefore, is my +penultimate. I will write to you once more, but, after that—I swear by +all the saints—I am silent and supercilious. I <a name="frs31">have</a> met Curran<a href="#fs31"><sup>1</sup></a> at +Holland House—he beats every body;—his imagination is beyond human, +and his humour (it is difficult to define what is wit) perfect. Then he +has fifty faces, and twice as many voices, when he mimics—I never met +his equal. Now, <a name="frs32">were</a> I a woman, and eke a virgin, that is the man I +should make my Scamander<a href="#fs32"><sup>2</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +He is quite fascinating. Remember, I have met him but once; and you, who +have known him long, may probably deduct from my panegyric. I almost +fear to meet him again, lest the impression should be lowered. He talked +a great deal about you—a theme never tiresome to me, nor any body else +that I know. What a variety of expression he conjures into that +naturally not very fine countenance of his! He absolutely changes it +entirely. I have done—for I can't describe him, and you know him. On +Sunday I return to Aston, where I shall not be far from you. Perhaps I +shall hear from you in the mean time. Good night.<br> +<br> +Saturday morn.—Your letter has cancelled all my anxieties. I did <i>not +suspect</i> you in <i>earnest</i>. Modest again! Because I don't do a very +shabby thing, it seems, I "don't fear your competition." If it were +reduced to an alternative of preference, I <i>should</i> dread you, as +much as Satan does Michael. But is there not room enough in our +respective regions? Go on—it will soon be my turn to forgive. To-day I +dine with Mackintosh and Mrs. <i>Stale</i>—as John Bull may be pleased +to denominate Corinne—whom I saw last night, at Covent Garden, yawning +over the humour of Falstaff.<br> +<br> +The reputation of "gloom," if one's friends are not included in the +<i>reputants</i>, is of great service; as it saves one from a legion of +impertinents, in the shape of common-place acquaintance. But thou +know'st I can be a right merry and conceited fellow, and rarely +<i>larmoyant</i>. <a name="frs33">Murray</a> shall reinstate your line forthwith<a href="#fs33"><sup>3</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +I believe the blunder in the motto was mine;—and yet I have, in +general, a memory for you, and am sure it was rightly printed at first.<br> +<br> +I do "blush" very often, if I may believe Ladies H. and M.;—but +luckily, at present, no one sees me. Adieu.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fs31"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Rogers (<i>Table-Talk, etc</i>., p. 161) regretted "that so +little of Curran's brilliant talk has been preserved." John Philpot +Curran (1750-1817), after accepting the Mastership of the Rolls in +Ireland (1806), spent much of his time in England. He retired from the +Bench, where he never shone, in 1814.<br> +<br> +In Byron's <i>Detached Thoughts</i> (1821) occurs the following passage: + + <blockquote>"I was much struck with the simplicity of Grattan's manners in private + life. They were odd, but they were natural. Curran used to take him + off, bowing to the very ground, and 'thanking God that he had no + peculiarities of gesture or appearance,' in a way irresistibly + ludicrous. Rogers used to call him a 'Sentimental Harlequin;' but + Rogers backbites everybody, and Curran, who used to quiz his great + friend Godwin to his very face, would hardly respect a fair mark of + mimicry in another. To be sure, Curran <i>was</i> admirable! to hear + his description of the examination of an Irish witness was next to + hearing his own speeches; the latter I never heard, but I have the + former." </blockquote> + +Elsewhere (<i>ibid</i>.) he returns to the subject: + + <blockquote>"Curran! Curran's the man who struck me most—such imagination! There + never was anything like it, that ever I saw or heard of. His + <i>published</i> life—his published speeches—give you no idea of the + man; none at all. He was a <i>Machine</i> of imagination, as some one + said that Piron was an 'Epigrammatic Machine.' I did not see a great + deal of Curran,—only in 1813; but I met him at home (for he used to + call on me), and in society, at Mackintosh's, Holland House, etc., + etc. And he was wonderful, even to me, who had seen many remarkable + men of the time."</blockquote> + +The following notes on this passage are in the handwriting of Walter +Scott: + + <blockquote>"When Mathews first began to imitate Curran in Dublin—in society, I + mean,—Curran sent for him and said, the moment he entered the room, + 'Mr. Mathews, you are a first-rate artist, and, since you are to do my + picture, pray allow me to give you a sitting.' Everyone knows how + admirably Mathews succeeded in furnishing at last the portraiture + begun under these circumstances. No one was more aware of the truth + than Curran himself. In his latter and feeble days, he was riding in + Hyde Park one morning, bowed down over the saddle and bitterly + dejected in his air. Mathews happened to observe and saluted him. + Curran stopped his horse for a moment, squeezed Charles by the hand, + and said in that deep whisper which the comedian so exquisitely + mimics, 'Don't speak to me, my dear Mathews; you are the only Curran + now!'"<br> +<br> + "Did you know Curran?" asked Byron of Lady Blessington + (<i>Conversations</i>, p. 176); "he was the most wonderful person I + ever saw. In him was combined an imagination the most brilliant and + profound, with a flexibility and wit that would have justified the + observation applied to ——, that his heart was in his head."</blockquote> + +Moore (<i>Journal, etc</i>., vol. i. p. 40) quotes a couplet by Mrs. +Battier upon Curran, which "commemorates in a small compass two of his +most striking peculiarities, namely, his very unprepossessing personal +appearance, and his great success, notwithstanding, in pursuits of +gallantry...: + + <blockquote> "'For though his monkey face might fail to woo her,<br> + Yet, ah! his monkey tricks would quite undo her.'"</blockquote> +<a href="#frs31">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fs32"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> In the spurious letters of Æschines (Letter x.) is a +passage which explains the allusion. + + <blockquote>"It is the custom of maidens, on the eve of their marriage, to wash in + the waters of the Scamander, and then to utter this almost sacred + formula, + + <blockquote> 'Take, O Scamander, my virginity' <br> +<br> + <img src="images/BG10.gif" width="792" height="60" border="1" alt="Greek: to èpos toûto hosper hierón ti epilégein, Lhabé mou + Scámandre tàen parthénian"></blockquote></blockquote> +<a href="#frs32">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fs33"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> + +<blockquote> "The motto to <i>The Giaour</i>: + + <blockquote>One fatal remembrance—one sorrow that throws<br> + Its bleak shade alike o'er our joys and our woes,' etc.</blockquote> + + which is taken from one of the <i>Irish Melodies</i>, had been quoted + by him incorrectly in the first editions of the poem" (Moore).</blockquote> +<a href="#frs33">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp11">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L340"></a><h3>340—to John Murray</h3> +<br> +Stilton, Oct. 3, 1813.<br><br> + +<br> +Dear Sir,—I have just recollected an alteration you may make in the +proof to be sent to Aston.—Among the lines on Hassan's Serai, not far +from the beginning, is this: + +<blockquote>Unmeet for Solitude to share.</blockquote> + +Now to share implies more than <i>one</i>, and Solitude is a single +gentlewoman; it must be thus: + +<blockquote>For many a gilded chamber's there,<br> + Which Solitude might well forbear;</blockquote> + +and so on.—My address is Aston Hall, Rotherham. Will you adopt this +correction? and pray accept a cheese from me for your trouble. <br> +Ever +yours, <br> +B.<br> +<br> +P. S.—I leave this to your discretion; if any body thinks the old line a +good one or the cheese a bad one, don't accept either. But, in that +case, the word <i>share</i> is repeated soon after in the line: + +<blockquote>To share the Master's "bread and salt;"</blockquote> + +and must be altered to: + +<blockquote>To break the Master's bread and salt.</blockquote> + +This is not so well, though—confound it! If the old line stands, let +the other run thus: + +<blockquote>Nor there will weary traveller halt,<br> + To bless the sacred "bread and salt."</blockquote> + +<i>Note</i>.—To partake of food—to break bread and taste salt with +your host—ensures the safety of the guest; even though an enemy, his +person from that moment becomes sacred.<br> +<br> +There is another additional note sent yesterday—on the Priest in the +Confessional.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp11">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L341"></a><h3>341—to John Hanson</h3> +<br> +Nottingham, Octr. 10th, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Sir,—I am disposed to advance a loan of £1000 to James Webster +Wedderburne Webster, Esqre., of Aston Hall, York County, and request you +will address to me <i>there a bond</i> and <i>judgement</i> to be signed +by the said as soon as possible. Of Claughton's payments I know nothing +further, and the demands on myself I know also; but W. is a very old +friend of mine, and a man of property, and, as I can command the money, +he shall have it. I do not at all wish to inconvenience you, and I also +know that, when we balance accounts, it will be much in your favour; but +if you could replace the sum at Hoare's from my advance of two thousand +eight hundred in July, it would be a favour; or, still better, if C. +makes further payments, which will render it unnecessary. Don't let the +first part of the last sentence embarrass you at all; the last part +about Claughton I would wish you to attend to. I have written this +day—about his opening the cellar.<br> +<br> +Pray send the bond and judgement to Aston as directed.<br> +<br> +Ever, dear Sir,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +P. S.—Many, many thanks for your kind invitation; but it was too late. I +was in this county before it arrived. My best remembrances to Mrs. H. +and all the family.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp11">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L342"></a><h3>342—to the Hon. Augusta Leigh</h3> +<br> +[Sunday], October 10th, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +My dearest Augusta,—I have only time to say that I am not in the least +angry, and that my silence has merely arisen from several circumstances +which I cannot now detail. I trust you are better, and will continue +<i>best</i>. Ever, my dearest,<br> +<br> +Yours,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp11">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L343"></a><h3>343—to John Murray</h3> +<br> +Oct. 12, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Sir,—You must look <i>The Giaour</i> again over carefully; there +are a few lapses, particularly in the last page,—"I <i>know</i> 'twas +false; she could not die;" it was, and ought to be—"<i>knew</i>." Pray +observe this and similar mistakes.<br> +<br> +I <a name="frs41">have</a> received and read the <i>British Review</i><a href="#fs41"><sup>1</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +I really think the writer in most parts very right. The only mortifying +thing is the accusation of imitation.<br> +<br> +<i>Crabbe's passage</i> I never saw; and Scott I no further meant to +follow than in his <i>lyric</i> measure, which is Gray's, Milton's, and +any one's who likes it. <i>The Giaour</i> is certainly a bad character, +but not dangerous: and I think his fate and his feelings will meet with +few proselytes. I shall be very glad to hear from or of you, when you +please; but don't put yourself out of your way on my account.<br> +<br> +Yours ever,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fs41"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> <i>The British Review</i> (No. ix.) criticized <i>The +Giaour</i> severely (pp. 132-145). "Lord Byron," it says, "has had the +bad taste to imitate Mr. Walter Scott" (p. 135). Further on (p. 139) it +charges him with borrowing a simile from Crabbe's <i>Resentment</i>. The +passage to which the reviewer alludes will be found in lines 11-16 of +that poem: + + <blockquote>"Those are like wax—apply them to the fire,<br> + Melting, they take th' impressions you desire:<br> + Easy to mould, and fashion as you please,<br> + And again moulded with an equal ease:<br> + Like smelted iron these the forms retain;<br> + But, once impress'd, will never melt again."</blockquote> +<a href="#frs41">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp12">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L344"></a><h3>344—to the Hon. Augusta Leigh</h3> +<br> +(Monday), Nov'r. 8th, 1813.<br><br> + +<br> +My Dearest Augusta,—I have only time to say that I shall write +tomorrow, and that my present and long silence has been occasioned by a +thousand things (with which <i>you</i> are not concerned). It is not L'y +C. nor O.; but perhaps you may <i>guess</i>, and, if you do, do not +tell.<br> +<br> +You do not know what mischief your being with me might have prevented. You shall hear from me tomorrow; in the mean time don't be alarmed. I am +in <i>no immediate</i> peril.<br> +<br> +Believe me, ever yours,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp12">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L345"></a><h3>345—to John Murray</h3> +<br><br> + +(Nov. 12, 1813. With first proof of <i>Bride of Abydos</i> correct.)<br> +<br> +Dear Sir,—I have looked over—corrected—and added—<i>all</i> of which +you may do too—at least <i>certainly</i> the <i>two</i> first. There is +more MS. <i>within</i>. Let me know tomorrow at your leisure <i>how</i> +and <i>when</i> we shall proceed! It looks better than I thought at +first. <i>Look over</i> again. I suspect some omissions on my part and +on the printers'.<br> +<br> +Yours ever,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +Always print "een" "even." I utterly abhor "een"—if it must be +contracted, be it "ev'n."<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp12">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L346"></a><h3>346—to William Gifford</h3> +<br> +November 12, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +My Dear Sir,—I hope you will consider, when I venture on any request, +that it is the reverse of a certain Dedication, and is addressed, +<i>not</i> to "The Editor of the <i>Quarterly Review</i>" but to Mr. +Gifford. You will understand this, and on that point I need trouble you +no farther.<br> +<br> +You have been good enough to look at a thing of mine in MS.—a Turkish +story, and I should feel gratified if you would do it the same favour in +its probationary state of printing. It was <a name="frs51">written</a>, I cannot say for +amusement, nor "obliged by hunger and request of friends,"<a href="#fs51"><sup>1</sup></a> but in a +state of mind, from circumstances which occasionally occur to "us +youth," that rendered it necessary for me to apply my mind to something, +any thing but reality; and under this not very brilliant inspiration it +was composed. Being done, and having at least diverted me from myself, I +thought you would not perhaps be offended if Mr. Murray forwarded it to +you. He has done so, and to apologise for his doing so a second time is +the object of my present letter.<br> +<br> +I beg you will <i>not</i> send me any answer. I assure you very +sincerely I know your time to be occupied, and it is enough, more than +enough, if you read; you are not to be bored with the fatigue of +answers.<br> +<br> +A word to Mr. Murray will be sufficient, and send it either to the +flames or + +<blockquote> "A hundred hawkers' load,<br> + On wings of wind to fly or fall abroad."</blockquote> + +It <a name="frs52">deserves</a> no better than the first, as the work of a week, and +scribbled <i>stans pede in uno</i><a href="#fs52"><sup>2</sup></a>, (by the by, the only foot I have +to stand on); and I promise never to trouble you again under forty +cantos, and a voyage between each. Believe me ever,<br> +<br> +Your obliged and affectionate servant,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fs51"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Pope, <i>Epistle to Arbuthnot</i>, l. 44.<br> +<a href="#frs51">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fs52"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Horace, <i>Sat</i>. 1. iv. 10.<br> +<a href="#frs52">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp12">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L347"></a><h3>347—to John Murray</h3> +<br> +Nov. 12, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Two friends of mine (Mr. Rogers and Mr. Sharpe) have advised me not to +risk at present any single publication separately, for various reasons. +As they have not seen the one in question, they can have no bias for or +against the merits (if it has any) or the faults of the present subject +of our conversation. You <a name="frs61">say</a> all the last of <i>The Giaour</i><a href="#fs61"><sup>1</sup></a> are +gone—at least out of your hands. <a name="frs62">Now</a>, if you think of publishing any +new edition with the last additions which have not yet been before the +reader (I mean distinct from the two-volume publication), we can add +"<i>The Bride of Abydos</i>," which will thus steal quietly into the +world<a href="#fs62"><sup>2</sup></a>: if liked, we can then throw off some copies for the +purchasers of former "Giaours;" and, if not, I can omit it in any future +publication. What think you? I really am no judge of those things; and, +with all my natural partiality for one's own productions, I would rather +follow any one's judgment than my own.<br> +<br> +P. S.—Pray let me have the proofs. I sent <i>all</i> to-night. I have +some alterations that I have thought of that I wish to make speedily. I +hope the proof will be on separate pages, and not all huddled together +on a mile-long, ballad-singing sheet, as those of <i>The Giaour</i> +sometimes are: for then I can't read them distinctly.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fs61"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> In <i>Accepted Addresses; or, Premium Poetarum</i>, pp. +50-52 (1813), <i>Address</i> xvii. is from "Lord B——n to J. M——y, +Book- seller." The address itself runs as follows: + + <blockquote> "A Turkish tale I shall unfold,<br> + A sweeter tale was never told;<br> + But then the facts, I must allow,<br> + Are in the east not common now;<br> + Tho' in the 'olden time,' the scene<br> + My Goaour (<i>sic</i>) describes had often been.<br> + What is the cause! Perhaps the fair<br> + Are now more cautious than they were;<br> + Perhaps the Christians not so bold,<br> + So enterprising as of old.<br> + No matter what the cause may be,<br> + It is a subject fit for me.<br> + <br> + "Take my disjointed fragments then,<br> + The offspring of a willing pen.<br> + And give them to the public, pray,<br> + On or before the month of May.<br> + Yes, my disjointed fragments take,<br> + But do not ask <i>how much they'll make</i>.<br> + Perhaps not fifty pages—well,<br> + I in a little space can tell<br> + Th' adventures of an infidel;<br> + Of <i>quantity</i> I never boast,<br> + For <i>quality</i>'s, approved of most.<br> + <br> + "It is a handsome sum to touch,<br> + Induces authors to write much;<br> + But in this much, alas! my friend,<br> + How little is there to commend.<br> + So, Mr. M——y, I disdain,<br> + To sacrifice my muse for gain.<br> + I wish it to be understood,<br> + The little which I write is good.<br> + <br> + "I do not like the quarto size,<br> + Th' octavo, therefore, I advise.<br> + Then do not, Mr. M——y, fail,<br> + To publish this, my Turkish Tale;<br> + For tho' the volume may be thin,<br> + A thousand readers it will win;<br> + And when my pages they explore,<br> + They'll gladly read them o'er and o'er;<br> + And all the ladies, I engage,<br> + With tears will moisten every page."</blockquote> +<a href="#frs61">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fs62"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> John Murray writes, in an undated letter to Byron, + + <blockquote>"Mr. Canning returned the poem to-day with very warm expressions of + delight. I told him your delicacy as to separate publication, of which + he said you should remove every apprehension."</blockquote> +<a href="#frs62">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp12">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L348"></a><h3>348—to John Murray</h3> +<br> +Nov. 13, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Will you forward the letter to Mr. Gifford with the proof? There is an +alteration I may make in Zuleika's speech, in second canto (the only one +of <i>hers</i> in that canto). It is now thus: + +<blockquote>And curse—if I could curse—the day.</blockquote> + +It must be: + +<blockquote>And mourn—I dare not curse—the day,<br> + That saw my solitary birth, etc., etc.</blockquote> + +Ever yours, <br> +B.<br> +<br> +In the last MS. lines sent, instead of "living heart," correct to +"quivering heart." It is in line 9th of the MS. passage. <br> +Ever yours +again,<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp12">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L349"></a><h3>349—to John Murray</h3> +<br> +Alteration of a line in Canto 2nd. +Instead of: + +<blockquote>And tints to-morrow with a <i>fancied</i> ray</blockquote> + +Print: + +<blockquote>And tints to-morrow with <i>prophetic</i> ray.<br> + <br> + The evening beam that smiles the clouds away,<br> + And tints to-morrow with prophetic ray;</blockquote> + +Or, + +<blockquote>And {<i>gilds</i>/tints} the hope of Morning with its ray;</blockquote> + +Or, + +<blockquote>And gilds to-morrow's hope with heavenly ray.</blockquote><br> + + +Dear Sir,—I wish you would ask Mr. G. which of them is best, or rather +<i>not worst</i>.<br> +<br> +Ever yours, B.<br> +<br> +You can send the request contained in this at the same time with the +<i>revise, after</i> I have seen the <i>said revise</i>.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp12">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L350"></a><h3>350—to John Murray</h3> +<br> +Nov. 13, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Certainly. Do you <a name="frs71">suppose</a> that no one but the Galileans are acquainted +with <i>Adam</i>, and <i>Eve</i>, and <i>Cain,</i><a href="#fs71"><sup>1</sup></a> and +<i>Noah</i>?—Surely, I might have had Solomon, and Abraham, and David, +and even Moses, or the other. When you know that <i>Zuleika</i> is the +<i>Persian poetical</i> name for <i>Potiphar's</i> wife, on whom and +Joseph there is a long poem in the Persian, this will not surprise you. +If you want authority look at Jones, D'Herbelot, <i>Vathek</i>, or the +notes to the <i>Arabian Nights</i>; and, if you think it necessary, +model this into a <i>note</i>.<br> +<br> +Alter, in the inscription, "the most affectionate respect," to "with +every sentiment of regard and respect,"<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fs71"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> + + <blockquote> "Some doubt had been expressed by Murray as to the propriety of his + putting the name of Cain into the mouth of a Mussulman." </blockquote> + +(Moore).<br> +<a href="#frs71">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp12">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L351"></a><h3>351—to John Murray</h3> +<br> +Nov. 14, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +I send you a note for the <i>ignorant</i>, but I really wonder at +finding <i>you</i> among them. I don't care one lump of Sugar for my +<i>poetry</i>; but for my <i>costume</i>, and my <i>correctness</i> on +those points (of which I think the <i>funeral</i> was a proof), I will +combat lustily.<br> +<br> +Yours ever,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp12">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L352"></a><h3>352—to John Murray</h3> +<br> +November 15, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +<b>Dear Sir</b>,—Mr. Hodgson has looked over and <i>stopped</i>, or rather +<i>pointed</i>, this revise, which must be the one to print from. He has +also made some suggestions, with most of which I have complied, as he +has always, for these ten years, been a very sincere, and by no means +(at times) flattering critic of mine. <i>He</i> likes it (you will think +<i>flatteringly</i>, in this instance) better than <i>The Giaour</i>, +but doubts (and so do I) its being so popular; but, contrary to some +others, advises a separate publication. On this we can easily decide. I +confess I like the <i>double</i> form better. Hodgson says, it is +<i>better versified</i> than any of the others; which is odd, if true, +as it has cost me less time (though more <i>hours</i> at a time) than +any attempt I ever made.<br> +<br> +Yours ever, B.<br> +<br> +P. S.—Do attend to the punctuation: I can't, for I don't know a +comma—at least where to place one.<br> +<br> +That Tory of a printer has omitted two lines of the opening, and +<i>perhaps more</i>, which were in the MS. Will you, pray, give him a +hint of accuracy? I have reinserted the 2, but they were in the +manuscript, I can swear.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp12">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L353"></a><h3>353—to John Murray</h3> +<br> +November 17, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +My Dear Sir,—<a name="frs81">That</a> you and I may distinctly understand each other on a +subject, which, like "the dreadful reckoning when men smile no more,"<a href="#fs81"><sup>1</sup></a> makes conversation not very pleasant, I think it as well to +<i>write</i> a few lines on the topic.—Before I left town for +Yorkshire, you said that you were ready and willing to give five hundred +guineas for the copyright of <i>The Giaour</i>; and my answer was—from +which I do not mean to recede—that we would discuss the point at +Christmas. The new story may or may not succeed; the probability, under +present circumstances, seems to be, that it may at least pay its +expences—but even that remains to be proved, and till it is proved one +way or the other, we will say nothing about it. Thus then be it: I will +postpone all arrangement about it, and <i>The Giaour</i> also, till +Easter, 1814; and you shall then, according to your own notions of +fairness, make your own offer for the two. At <a name="frs82">the</a> same time, I do not +rate the last in my own estimation at half <i>The Giaour</i>; and +according to your own notions of its worth and its success within the +time mentioned, be the addition or deduction to or from whatever sum may +be your proposal for the first, which has already had its success<a href="#fs82"><sup>2</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +My account with you since my last payment (which I believe cleared it +off within five pounds) I presume has not <i>much</i> increased—but +whatever it is have the goodness to send it to me—that I may at least +meet you on even terms.<br> +<br> +The pictures of Phillips I consider as <i>mine</i>, all three; and the +one (not the Arnaut) of the two best is much at <i>your service</i>, if +you will accept it as a present, from Yours very truly, <b>Biron</b>.<br> +<br> +P. S.—The expence of engraving from the miniature send me in my account, +as it was destroyed by my desire; and have the goodness to burn that +detestable print from it immediately.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fs81"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> <i>The What d'ye call't?</i> by John Gay (act ii. sc. 9): + + <blockquote>"So comes a reckoning when the banquet's o'er,<br> + The dreadful reckoning, and men smile no more."</blockquote> +<a href="#frs81">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fs82"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Murray replies, November 18, 1813, + + <blockquote>"I restore the <i>Giaour</i> to your Lordship entirely, and for + <i>it</i>, the <i>Bride of Abydos</i>, and the miscellaneous poems + intended to fill up the volume of the small edition, I beg leave to + offer you the sum of One Thousand Guineas, and I shall be happy if you + perceive that my estimation of your talents in my character of a man + of business is not much under my admiration of them as a man."</blockquote> +<a href="#frs82">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp12">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L354"></a><h3>354—to John Murray</h3> +<br> +November 20, 1813.<br><br> + +<br> +More work for the <i>Row</i>. I am doing my best to beat "<i>The +Giaour</i>"—<i>no</i> difficult task for any one but the author. Yours +truly, <br> +B.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp12">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L355"></a><h3>355—to John Murray</h3> +<br> +November 22, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +<b>Dear Sir</b>,—I have no time to <i>cross</i>-investigate, but I believe and +hope all is right. I care less than you will believe about its success, +but I can't survive a single <i>misprint</i>; it <i>choaks</i> me to see +words misused by the Printers. Pray look over, in case of some eyesore +escaping me. Ever yours, B.<br> +<br> +P. S.—Send the earliest copies to Mr. Frere, Mr. Canning, Mr. Heber, Mr. +Gifford, Lord Holland, Lady Melbourne (Whitehall), Lady C. L. (Brocket), +Mr. Hodgson (Cambridge), Mr. Merivale, Mr. Ward, from the author.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp12">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L356"></a><h3>356—to John Murray</h3> +<br> +November 23, 1813.<br><br> + +<br> +<b>Dear Sir</b>,—You wanted some <i>reflections</i>, and I send you <i>per +Selim</i> (see his speech in Canto 2d, page 46.), eighteen lines in +decent couplets, of a pensive, if not an <i>ethical</i> tendency. One +more revise—poz. the <i>last</i>, if decently done—at any rate the +<i>pen</i>ultimate. Mr. <a name="frs91">Canning's</a> approbation (<i>if</i> he did approve) +I need not say makes me proud<a href="#fs91"><sup>1</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +As to printing, print as you will and how you will—by itself, if you +like; but let me have a few copies in <i>sheets</i>.<br> +<br> +Ever yours,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fs91"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Canning wrote the following note to Murray: + + <blockquote>"I received the books, and, among them, <i>The Bride of Abydos</i>. It + is very, very beautiful. Lord Byron (when I met him, one day, at + dinner at Mr. Ward's) was so kind as to promise to give me a copy of + it. I mention this, not to save my purchase, but because I should be + really flattered by the present. I can now say that I have read enough + of Mad. de Staël to be highly pleased and instructed by her. The + second volume delights me particularly. I have not yet finished the + third, but am taking it with me on my journey to Liverpool."</blockquote> +<a href="#frs91">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp12">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L357"></a><h3>357—to John Murray</h3> +<br> +November 24, 1813.<br><br> + +<br> +You must pardon me once more, as it is all for your good: it must be +thus: + +<blockquote>He makes a Solitude, and calls it Peace.</blockquote> + +"<i>Makes</i>" is <a name="frt1">closer</a> to the passage of Tacitus<a href="#ft1"><sup>1</sup></a>, from which the +line is taken, and is, besides, a stronger word than "<i>leaves</i>." + +<blockquote>Mark where his carnage and his conquests cease—<br> + He makes a Solitude, and calls it—peace.</blockquote> + +You will perceive that the sense is now clearer, the "<i>He</i>" refers +to "<i>Man</i>" in the preceding couplet.<br> +<br> +Yours ever,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="ft1"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"Solitudinem faciunt—pacem appellant."</blockquote> + +Tacitus, <i>Agricola</i>, 30.<br> +<a href="#frt1">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp12">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L358"></a><h3>358—to John Murray</h3> +<br> +November 27, 1813.<br><br> + +<br> +Dear Sir,—If you look over this carefully by the <i>last proof</i> with +my corrections, it is probably right; this <i>you</i> can <i>do</i> as +well or better;—I have not now time. The copies I mentioned to be sent +to different friends last night, I should wish to be made up with the +new Giaours, if it also is ready. If not, send <i>The Giaour</i> +afterwards.<br> +<br> +<a name="frt11">The</a> <i>Morning Post</i> says <i>I</i> am the author of <i>Nourjahad<a href="#ft11"><sup>1</sup></a>!!</i> + +This comes of lending the drawings for their dresses; but it is not +worth a <i>formal contradiction</i>. Besides, the criticisms on the +<i>supposition</i> will, some of them, be quite amusing and furious. The +<i>Orientalism</i> —which I hear is very splendid—of the Melodrame +(whosever it is, and I am sure I don't know) is as good as an +Advertisement for your Eastern Stories, by filling their heads with +glitter. Yours ever, B.<br> +<br> +P. S.—You will of course <i>say</i> the truth, that I am <i>not</i> the +Melo-dramatist—if any one charges me in your presence with the +performance.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="ft11"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> The same charge is made in the <i>Satirist</i> (vol. xiii. +p. 508). <i>Illusion, or the Trances of Nourjahad</i>, was acted at +Drury Lane, November 25, 1813. It is described by Genest (<i>The English +Stage</i>, vol. viii. p. 403) as "a Melo-dramatic spectacle in three +acts by an anonymous author." "Nourjahad" was acted by Elliston; +"Mandane," his wife, by Mrs. Horn.<br> +<a href="#frt11">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp12">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L359"></a><h3>359—to John Murray</h3> +<br> +November 28, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Sir,—<a name="frt21">Send</a> another copy (if not too much of a request) to Lady +Holland of the <i>Journal</i><a href="#ft21"><sup>1</sup></a>, in my name, when you receive this; it +is for <i>Earl Grey</i>—and I will relinquish my own. Also to Mr. +Sharpe, Lady Holland, and Lady Caroline Lamb, copies of <i>The +Bride</i>, as soon as convenient. <br> +Ever yours, <br> +<b>Biron</b>.<br> +<br> +P. S.—Mr. W. and myself still continue our purpose; but I shall not +trouble you on any arrangement on the score of <i>The Giaour</i> and +<i>The Bride</i> till our return,—or, at any rate, before <i>May</i>, +1814,—that is, six months from hence: and before that time you will be +able to ascertain how far your offer may be a losing one: if so, you can +deduct proportionably; and if not, I shall not at any rate allow you to +go higher than your present proposal, which is very handsome, and more +than fair.<br> +<br> +I <a name="frt22">have</a> had—but this must be <i>entre nous</i>—a very kind note, on the +subject of <i>The Bride</i>, from Sir James Mackintosh, and an +invitation to go there this evening, which it is now too late to accept<a href="#ft22"><sup>2</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="ft21"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> The Rev. John Eagles (1783-1855), scholar, artist, and +contributor (1831-55) to <i>Blackwood's Magazine</i>, edited <i>The Journal of +Llewellin Penrose, a Seaman</i>, which Murray published in 1815.<br> +<a href="#frt21">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="ft22"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> + + <blockquote> "Lord Byron is the author of the day; six thousand of his <i>Bride of + Abydos</i> have been sold within a month."</blockquote> + +Sir James Mackintosh (<i>Life</i>, vol. ii. p. 271).<br> +<a href="#frt22">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp12">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L360"></a><h3>360—to John Murray.</h3> +<br> +November 29, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Sunday—Monday morning—three o'clock—in my doublet and +hose,—<i>swearing</i>.<br> +<br> +Dear Sir,—I <a name="frt31">send</a> you in time an Errata page, containing an omission of +mine<a href="#ft31"><sup>1</sup></a>, which must be thus added, as it is too late for insertion in +the text. The passage is an imitation altogether from Medea in Ovid, and +is incomplete without these two lines. Pray let this be done, and +directly; it is necessary, will add one page to your book +(-<i>making</i>), and can do no harm, and is yet in time for the +<i>public</i>. Answer me, thou Oracle, in the affirmative. You can send +the loose pages to those who have copies already, if they like; but +certainly to all the <i>Critical</i> copyholders.<br> +<br> +Ever yours, <b>Biron</b>.<br> +<br> +P. S.—I have got out of my bed (in which, however, I could not sleep, +whether I had amended this or not), and so good morning. I am trying +whether <i>De l'Allemagne</i> will act as an opiate, but I doubt it.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="ft31"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> <i>The Bride of Abydos</i>, Canto II. stanza xx. The lines were: + + <blockquote> "Then, if my lip once murmurs, it must be<br> + No sigh for Safety, but a prayer for thee."</blockquote> +<a href="#frt31">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp13">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L361"></a><h3>361—to John Murray</h3> +<br> +November 29, 1813.<br> +<br> +<br> +"<i>You have looked at it!</i>" to much purpose, to allow so stupid a +blunder to stand; it is <i>not</i> "<i>courage</i>" but +"<i>carnage</i>;" and if you don't want me to cut my own throat, see it +altered.<br> +<br> +I am very sorry to hear of the fall of Dresden.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp13">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L362"></a><h3>362—to John Murray</h3> +<br> +Nov. 29, 1813, Monday.<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Sir,—You will act as you please upon that point; but whether I go +or stay, I shall not say another word on the subject till May—nor then, +unless quite convenient to yourself. I have many things I wish to leave +to your care, principally papers. The <i>vases</i> need not be now sent, +as Mr. W. is gone to Scotland. You are right about the Er[rata] page; +place it at the beginning. Mr. <a name="frt41">Perry</a> is a little premature in his +compliments<a href="#ft41"><sup>1</sup></a>: these may do harm by exciting expectation, and I think +<i>we</i> ought to be above it—<a name="frt42">though</a> I see the next paragraph is on +the <i>Journal</i><a href="#ft42"><sup>2</sup></a>, which makes me suspect <i>you</i> as the author +of both.<br> +<br> +Would it not have been as well to have said in 2 cantos in the +advertisement? they will else think of <i>fragments</i>, a species of +composition very well for <i>once</i>, like <i>one ruin</i> in a +<i>view</i>; but one would not build a town of them. <i>The Bride</i>, +such as it is, is my first <i>entire</i> composition of any length +(except the Satire, and be damned to it), for <i>The Giaour</i> is but a +string of passages, and <i>Childe Harold</i> is, and I rather think +always will be, unconcluded. I return Mr. Hay's note, with thanks to him +and you.<br> +<br> +There <a name="frt43">have</a> been some epigrams on Mr. W[ard]: one I see to-day<a href="#ft43"><sup>3</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +The first I did not see, but heard yesterday. The second seems very bad +and Mr. P[erry] has placed it over <i>your</i> puff. I only hope that +Mr. W. does not believe that I had any connection with either. The +Regent is the only person on whom I ever expectorated an epigram, or +ever should; and even if I were disposed that way, I like and value Mr. +W. too well to allow my politics to contract into spleen, or to admire +any thing intended to annoy him or his. You need not take the trouble to +answer this, as I shall see you in the course of the afternoon.<br> +<br> +Yours very truly, B.<br> +<br> +P. S.—I have said this much about the epigrams, because I live so much +in the <i>opposite camp</i>, and, from my post as an Engineer, might be +suspected as the flinger of these hand Grenadoes; but with a worthy foe +I am all for open war, and not this bush-fighting, and have [not] had, +nor will have, any thing to do with it. I do not know the author.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="ft41"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> In the <i>Morning Chronicle</i>, November 29, 1813, +appeared the following paragraph: + + <blockquote>"Lord Byron's muse is extremely fruitful. He has another poem coming + out, entitled <i>The Bride of Abydos</i>, which is spoken of in terms + of the highest encomium."</blockquote> +<a href="#frt41">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="ft42"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> <i>Journal of Llewellin Penrose, a Seaman.</i><br> +<a href="#frt42">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="ft43"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"Ward has no heart, they say; but I deny it;—<br> + He has a heart, and gets his speeches by it."</blockquote> +<a href="#frt43">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp13">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L363"></a><h3>363—to John Murray</h3> +<br> +Tuesday evening, Nov. 30, 1813.<br><br> + +<br> +Dear Sir,—For the sake of correctness, particularly in an Errata page, +the alteration of the couplet I have just sent (half an hour ago) must +take place, in spite of delay or cancel; let me see the <i>proof</i> +early to-morrow. I found out <i>murmur</i> to be a neuter <i>verb</i>, +and have been obliged to alter the line so as to make it a substantive, +thus: + +<blockquote>The deepest murmur of this life shall be<br> + No sigh for Safety, but a prayer for thee!</blockquote> + +Don't send the copies to the <i>country</i> till this is all right.<br> +<br> +Yours,<br> +B.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp13">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L364"></a><h3>364—to Thomas Moore.</h3> +<br> +November 30, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Since I last wrote to you, much has occurred, good, bad, and +indifferent,—not to make me forget you, but to prevent me from +reminding you of one who, nevertheless, has often thought of you, and to +whom <i>your</i> thoughts, in many a measure, have frequently been a +consolation. We were once very near neighbours this autumn; and a good +and bad neighbourhood it has proved to me. <a name="frt51">Suffice</a> it to say, that your +French quotation<a href="#ft51"><sup>1</sup></a> was confoundedly to the purpose,—though very +<i>unexpectedly</i> pertinent, as you may imagine by what I <i>said</i> +before, and my silence since. <a name="frt52">However</a>, "Richard's himself again,"<a href="#ft52"><sup>2</sup></a> +and except all night and some part of the morning, I don't think very +much about the matter.<br> +<br> +All <a name="frt53">convulsions</a> end with me in rhyme; and to solace my midnights, I have +scribbled another Turkish story<a href="#ft53"><sup>3</sup></a>—not a Fragment—which you will +receive soon after this. It does not trench upon your kingdom in the +least, and if it did, you would soon reduce me to my proper boundaries. +You will think, and justly, that I run some risk of losing the little I +have gained in fame, by this further experiment on public patience; but +I have really ceased to care on that head. I <a name="frt54">have</a> written this, and +published it, for the sake of the <i>employment</i>,—to wring my +thoughts from reality, and take refuge in "imaginings," however +"horrible;"<a href="#ft54"><sup>4</sup></a> and, as to success! those who succeed will console me +for a failure—excepting yourself and one or two more, whom luckily I +love too well to wish one leaf of their laurels a tint yellower. This is +the work of a week, and will be the reading of an hour to you, or even +less,—and so, let it go ——.<br> +<br> +P.S.—Ward and I <i>talk</i> of going to Holland. I want to see how a +Dutch canal looks after the Bosphorus. Pray respond.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="ft51"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Moore wrote to Byron in 1813 an undated letter, in which +the following passage occurs: + + <blockquote>"I am sorry I must wait till 'we are veterans' before you will open to + me 'the story of your wandering life, wherein you find more hours + <i>due to repentance</i> ... than time hath told you yet.' Is it so + with you, or are you, like me, reprobate enough to look back with + complacency on what you have done? I suppose repentance <i>must bring + up the rear</i> with us all; but at present I should say with old + Fontenelle, <i>Si je recommençais ma carrière, je ferais tout + ce que j'ai fait</i>."</blockquote> +<a href="#frt51">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="ft52"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Colley Cibber's <i>Richard III</i>, act v. sc. 3: + + <blockquote>"Conscience, avaunt! Richard's himself again."</blockquote> +<a href="#frt52">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="ft53"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> <i>The Bride of Abydos</i> was published December, 1813.<br> +<a href="#frt53">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="ft54"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> + + <blockquote> "Horrible imaginings."</blockquote> + +<i>Macbeth</i>, act i. sc. 3.<br> +<a href="#frt54">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp13">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L365"></a><h3>365—to Francis Hodgson</h3> +<br> +Nov'r—Dec'r 1st, 1813.<br><br> + +<br> +I <a name="frt61">have</a> just heard that <i>Knapp</i> is acquainted with what I was but +too happy in being enabled to do for you<a href="#ft61"><sup>1</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +Now, my dear Hn., you, or Drury, must have told this, for, upon my own +honour, not even to Scrope, nor to one soul, (Drury knew it before) have +I said one syllable of the matter. So don't be out of humour with me +about it, but you can't be more so than I am. I am, however, glad of one +thing; if you ever conceived it to be in the least an obligation, this +disclosure most fairly and fully releases you from it: + +<blockquote>"To John I owe some obligation,<br> + But John unluckily thinks fit<br> +To publish it to all the nation,<br> + So John and I are more than quit."</blockquote> + +And so there's an end of the matter.<br> +<br> +Ward <i>wavers</i> a little about the Dutch, till matters are more +sedative, and the French more sedentary.<br> +<br> +The <i>Bride</i> will blush upon you in a day or two; there is +<i>much</i>, at least a <i>little</i> addition. I am happy to say that +Frere and Heber, and some other "good men and true," have been kind +enough to adopt the same opinion that you did.<br> +<br> +Pray write when you like, and believe me,<br> +<br> +Ever yours,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +P.S.—Murray has <i>offered</i> me a thousand guineas for the <i>two</i> +(<i>Giaour</i> and <i>Bride</i>), and told M'e. de Stael that he had +<i>paid</i> them to me!! I should be glad to be able to tell her so too. +But the truth is, he would; but I thought the fair way was to decline it +till May, and, at the end of 6 months, he can safely say whether he can +afford it or not—without running any risk by Speculation. If he paid +them now and lost by it, it would be hard. If he gains, it will be time +enough when he has already funded his profits. But he needed not have +told "<i>la Baronne</i>" such a devil of an uncalled for piece +of—premature <i>truth</i>, perhaps—but, nevertheless, a <i>lie</i> in +the mean time.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="ft61"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Hodgson, now engaged to Miss Tayler, was anxious to clear +off his father's liabilities. Byron gave him from first to last the sum +of £1500 for the purpose. Hodgson, in a letter to his uncle, thus +describes the gift (<i>Memoir of Rev. F. Hodgson</i>, vol. i. pp. 268, +269): + + <blockquote>"My noble-hearted friend, Lord Byron, after many offers of a similar + kind, which I felt bound to refuse, has irresistibly in my present + circumstances ... volunteered to pay all my debts, and within a few + pounds it is done! Oh, if you knew (but <i>you</i> do know) the + exultation of heart, aye, and of head too, I feel at being free from + these depressing embarrassments, you would, as I do, bless my dearest + friend and brother Byron."</blockquote> +<a href="#frt61">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp13">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a><br> +<a href="#fv63">cross-reference: return to Footnote 3 of Journal entry for December 1st, 1813</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L366"></a><h3>366—to John Murray</h3> +<br> +Dec. 2, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + + +Dear Sir,—When you can, let the couplet enclosed be inserted either in +the page, or in the Errata page. I trust it is in time for some of the +copies. This alteration is in the same part—the page <i>but one</i> +before the last correction sent.<br> +<br> +Yours, etc.,<br> +<br> +B.<br> +<br> +P. S.—I am afraid, from all I hear, that people are rather inordinate in +their expectations, which is very unlucky, but cannot now be helped. +This comes of Mr. Perry and one's wise friends; but do not <i>you</i> +wind <i>your</i> hopes of success to the same pitch, for fear of +accidents, and I can assure you that my philosophy will stand the test +very fairly; and I have done every thing to ensure you, at all events, +from positive loss, which will be some satisfaction to both. <br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp13">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L367"></a><h3>367—to Leigh Hunt</h3> +<br> +4, Bennet St., Dec. 2, 1813.<br><br> + +<br> +My dear Sir,—Few things could be more welcome than your note, and on +Saturday morning I will avail myself of your permission to thank you for +it in person. My time has not been passed, since we met, either +profitably or agreeably. A very short period after my last visit, an +incident occurred with which, I fear, you are not unacquainted, as +report, in many mouths and more than one paper, was busy with the topic. +That, naturally, gave me much uneasiness. Then I nearly incurred a +lawsuit on the sale of an estate; but that is now arranged: next—but +why should I go on with a series of selfish and silly details? I merely +wish to assure you that it was not the frivolous forgetfulness of a +mind, occupied by what is called pleasure (<i>not</i> in the true sense +of Epicurus), that kept me away; but a perception of my, then, unfitness +to share the society of those whom I value and wish not to displease. I +hate being <i>larmoyant</i>, and making a serious face among those who +are cheerful.<br> +<br> +It is my wish that our acquaintance, or, if you please to accept it, +friendship, may be permanent. I have been lucky enough to preserve some +friends from a very early period, and I hope, as I do not (at least now) +select them lightly, I shall not lose them capriciously. I <a name="frt71">have</a> a +thorough esteem for that independence of spirit<a href="#ft71"><sup>1</sup></a> which you have +maintained with sterling talent, and at the expense of some suffering. +You have not, I trust, abandoned the poem you were composing, when Moore +and I partook of your hospitality in the summer. I hope a time will come +when he and I may be able to repay you in kind for the +<i>latter</i>—for the rhyme, at least in <i>quantity</i>, you are in +arrear to both.<br> +<br> +Believe me, very truly and affectionately yours,<br> +<br> +Byron.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="ft71"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> The following is Leigh Hunt's answer: + + <blockquote>"My dear Lord,—I need not tell you how much your second letter has + gratified me, for I am apt to speak as sincerely as I think (you must + suffer me to talk in this way after what you have been kind enough to + say of my independence), and it always rejoices me to find that those + whom I wish to regard will take me at my word. But I shall grow + egotistical upon the strength of your Lordship's good opinion. I shall + be heartily glad to see you on Saturday morning, and perhaps shall + prevail upon you to take a luncheon with us at our dinner-time (3). The + nature of your letter would have brought upon you a long answer, + filled perhaps with an enthusiasm that might have made you smile; but + I am keeping your servant in the cold, and so, among other good + offices, you see what he has done for you. However, I would not make a + light thing of so good a matter as I mean my enthusiasm to be, and + intend, before I have done, that you shall have as sound a regard for + it, as I have for the feelings on your Lordship's part that have + called it forth.<br> +<br> + Yours, my dear Lord, most sincerely and cordially,<br> +<br> + Leigh Hunt.<br> +<br> + Surrey Jail, 2'd Dec'r., 1813."</blockquote> +<a href="#frt71">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp13">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L368"></a><h3>368—to John Murray</h3> +<br> +Dec. 3, 1813.<br><br> + +<br> +I send you a <i>scratch</i> or <i>two</i>, the which <i>heal</i>. <a name="frt81">The</a> +<i>Christian Observer</i><a href="#ft81"><sup>1</sup></a> is very savage, but certainly uncommonly +well written—and quite uncomfortable at the naughtiness of book and +author. I rather suspect you won't much like the <i>present</i> to be +more moral, if it is to share also the usual fate of your virtuous +volumes.<br> +<br> +Let me see a proof of the <i>six</i> before <i>incorporation</i>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="ft81"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> The <i>Christian Observer</i> for November, 1813 (pp. +731-737) felt compelled to review <i>The Giaour</i>, because of its +extraordinary popularity; but it found that some of the passages +savoured "too much of Newgate and Bedlam for our expurgated pages." It +acknowledged one obligation to Byron. + + <blockquote>"He never attempts to deceive the world by representing the profligate + as happy.... And his testimony is of the more value, as his situation + in life must have permitted him to see the experiment tried under the + most favourable circumstances. He has probably seen more than one + example of young men of high birth, talents, and expectancies, ... + sink under the burden of unsubdued tempers, licentious alliances, and + ennervating indulgence.... He has <i>seen</i> all this; nay, + perhaps—But we check our pen," etc., etc.</blockquote> +<a href="#frt81">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp13">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L369"></a><h3>369—to John Murray</h3> +<br> +Dec. 3, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +My dear Sir,—Look out the Encyclopedia article <i>Mecca</i> whether it +is there or at <i>Medina</i> the Prophet is entombed, if at Medina the +first lines of my alteration must run: + +<blockquote>Blest as the call which from Medina's dome<br> + Invites Devotion to her Prophet's tomb, etc.</blockquote> + +If at "Mecca" the lines may stand as before. Page 45, C°. 2nd, <i>Bride +of Abydos</i>. Yours, B.<br> +<br> +You will find this out either by Article <i>Mecca, Medina</i> or +<i>Mahommed</i>. I have no book of reference by me.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp13">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L370"></a><h3>370—to John Murray</h3> +<br> +[No date.]<br><br> + +<br> +Did you look out? is it <i>Medina</i> or <i>Mecca</i> that contains the +<i>holy</i> Sepulchre? don't make me blaspheme by your negligence. I +have no books of reference or I would save you the trouble. I +<i>blush</i> as a good Mussulman to have confused the point. Yours, B.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp13">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L371"></a><h3>371—to John Murray</h3> +<br> +Dec. 4, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Dear Sir,—I <a name="frt91">have</a> redde through your Persian Tales<a href="#ft91"><sup>1</sup></a>, and have taken +the liberty of making some remarks on the <i>blank</i> pages. There are +many beautiful passages, and an interesting story; and I cannot give you +a stronger proof that such is my opinion, than by the <i>date</i> of the +<i>hour—two o'clock</i>,—till which it has kept me awake <i>without a +yawn</i>.<br> +<br> +The conclusion is not quite correct in <i>costume</i>: there is no +<i>Mussulman suicide</i> on record—at least for <i>love</i>. But this +matters not. The tale must have been written by some one who has been on +the spot, and I wish him, and he deserves, success. Will you apologise +to the author for the liberties I have taken with his MS.? Had I been +less awake to, and interested in, his theme, I had been less obtrusive; +but you know <i>I</i> always take this in good part, and I hope he will. +It is difficult to say what <i>will</i> succeed, and still more to +pronounce what <i>will not</i>. <i>I</i> am at this moment in <i>that +uncertainty</i> (on your <i>own</i> score); and it is no small proof of +the author's powers to be able to <i>charm</i> and <i>fix</i> a +<i>mind's</i> attention on similar subjects and climates in such a +predicament. That he may have the same effect upon all his readers is +very sincerely the wish, and hardly the <i>doubt</i>, of<br> +<br> +Yours truly, B.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="ft91"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Henry Gally Knight (1786-1846), who was with Byron at +Trinity, Cambridge, and afterwards distinguished himself by his +architectural writings (<i>e.g. The Normans in Sicily,</i> 1838), began +his literary career with <i>Ilderim, a Syrian Tale</i> (1816). +<i>Phrosyne, a Grecian Tale; Alashtar, an Arabian Tale</i> (1817), was +followed, after a considerable interval, by <i>Eastern Sketches</i> +(about 1829-30). If the manuscript of the first-mentioned volume is that +to which Byron refers, he seems to have changed his mind as to its +merits (March 25, 1817): + + <blockquote>"I tried at 'Ilderim;'<br> + Ahem!"</blockquote> +<a href="#frt91">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp13">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L372"></a><h3>372—to John Murray</h3> +<br> +Dear Sir,—It is all very well, except that the lines are not numbered +properly, and a diabolical mistake, page 67., which <i>must</i> be +corrected with the <i>pen</i>, if no other way remains; it is the +omission of "<i>not</i>" before "<i>disagreeable</i>" in the <i>note</i> +on the <i>amber</i> rosary. This is really horrible, and nearly as bad +as the stumble of mine at the Threshold—I mean the <i>misnomer</i> of +bride. Pray do not let a copy go without the "<i>not</i>;" it is +nonsense, and worse than nonsense, as it now stands. I wish the printer +was saddled with a vampire.<br> +<br> +Yours ever, B.<br> +<br> +P. S.—It is still <i>hath</i> instead of <i>have</i> in page 20; never +was any one so <i>misused</i> as I am by your Devils of printers.<br> +<br> +P. S.—I hope and trust the "<i>not</i>" was inserted in the first +Edition. We must have something—any thing—to set it right. It is +enough to answer for one's own bulls, without other people's.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp13">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L373"></a><h3>373—to Thomas Moore</h3> +<br> +December 8, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Your letter, like all the best, and even kindest things in this world, +is both painful and pleasing. But, first, to what sits nearest. Do you +know I was actually about to dedicate to you,—not in a formal +inscription, as to one's <i>elders</i>,—but through a short prefatory +letter, in which I boasted myself your intimate, and held forth the +prospect of <i>your</i> poem; when, lo! the recollection of your strict +injunctions of secrecy as to the said poem, more than <i>once</i> +repeated by word and letter, flashed upon me, and marred my intents. I +could have no motive for repressing my own desire of alluding to you +(and not a day passes that I do not think and talk of you), but an idea +that you might, yourself, dislike it. You cannot doubt my sincere +admiration, waving personal friendship for the present, which, by the +by, is not less sincere and deep rooted. I have you by rote and by +heart; of which <i>ecce signum!</i> When I was at Aston, on my first +visit, I have a habit, in passing my time a good deal alone, of—I won't +call it singing, for that I never attempt except to myself—but of +uttering, to what I think tunes, your "Oh breathe not," "When the last +glimpse," and "When he who adores thee," with others of the same +minstrel;—they are my matins and vespers. I assuredly did not intend +them to be overheard, but, one morning, in comes, not <i>La Donna</i>, +but <i>Il Marito</i>, with a very grave face, saying, "Byron, I must +request you won't sing any more, at least of those songs." I stared, and +said, "Certainly, but why?"—"To tell you the truth," quoth he, "they +make my wife <i>cry</i>, and so melancholy, that I wish her to hear no +more of them."<br> +<br> +Now, my dear M., the effect must have been from your words, and +certainly not my music. I merely mention this foolish story to show you +how much I am indebted to you for even your pastimes. A man may praise +and praise, but no one recollects but that which pleases—at least, in +composition. Though I think no one equal to you in that department, or +in satire,—and surely no one was ever so popular in both,—I certainly +am of opinion that you have not yet done all <i>you</i> can do, though +more than enough for any one else. I want, and the world expects, a +longer work from you; and I see in you what I never saw in poet before, +a strange diffidence of your own powers, which I cannot account for, and +which must be unaccountable, when a <i>Cossac</i> like me can appal a +<i>cuirassier</i>. Your story I did not, could not, know,—I thought +only of a Peri. I <a name="fru1">wish</a> you had confided in me, not for your sake, but +mine, and to prevent the world from losing a much better poem than my +own, but which, I yet hope, this <i>clashing</i> will not even now +deprive them of<a href="#fu1"><sup>1</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +Mine is the work of a week, written, <i>why</i> I have partly told you, +and partly I cannot tell you by letter—some day I will.<br> +<br> +Go on—I shall really be very unhappy if I at all interfere with you. +The success of mine is yet problematical; though the public will +probably purchase a certain quantity, on the presumption of their own +propensity for <i>The Giaour</i> and such "horrid mysteries." The only +advantage I have is being on the spot; and that merely amounts to saving +me the trouble of turning over books which I had better read again. If +<i>your chamber</i> was furnished in the same way, you have no need to +<i>go there</i> to describe—I mean only as to <i>accuracy</i>—because +I drew it from recollection.<br> +<br> +This last thing of mine <i>may</i> have the same fate, and I assure you +I have great doubts about it. But, even if not, its little day will be +over before you are ready and willing. <a name="fru2">Come</a> out—"screw your courage to +the sticking-place."<a href="#fu2"><sup>2</sup></a><br> +<br> +Except the <i>Post Bag</i> (and surely you cannot complain of a want of +success there), you have not been <i>regularly</i> out for some years. +No man stands higher,—whatever you may think on a rainy day, in your +provincial retreat. + +<blockquote> "Aucun homme, dans aucune langue, n'a été, peut-être, plus + complètement le poëte du coeur et le poëte des femmes. Les critiques + lui reprochent de n'avoir représenté le monde ní tel qu'il est, ni tel + qu'il doit être; <i>mais les femmes répondent qu'il l'a représenté tel + qu'elles le désirent.</i>"</blockquote> + +I <a name="fru3">should</a> have thought Sismondi<a href="#fu3"><sup>3</sup></a> had written this for you instead of +Metastasio.<br> +<br> +Write to me, and tell me of <i>yourself</i>. Do you remember what +Rousseau said to some one—"Have we quarrelled? you have talked to me +often, and never once mentioned yourself."<br> +<br> +P. S.—The last sentence is an indirect apology for my egotism,—but I +believe in letters it is allowed. I wish it was <i>mutual</i>. I <a name="fru4">have</a> +met with an odd reflection in Grimm; it shall not—at least the bad +part—be applied to you or me, though <i>one</i> of us has certainly an +indifferent name—but this it is:—"Many people have the reputation of +being wicked, with whom we should be too happy to pass our lives." I +need not add it is a woman's saying—a Mademoiselle de Sommery's<a href="#fu4"><sup>4</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fu1"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"Among the stories intended to be introduced into <i>Lalla Rookh</i>, + which I had begun, but, from various causes, never finished, there was + one which I had made some progress in, at the time of the appearance + of <i>The Bride</i>, and which, on reading that poem, I found to + contain such singular coincidences with it, not only in locality and + costume, but in plot and characters, that I immediately gave up my + story altogether, and began another on an entirely new subject—the + Fire-worshippers. To this circumstance, which I immediately + communicated to him, Lord Byron alludes in this letter. In my hero (to + whom I had even given the name of 'Zelim,' and who was a descendant of + Ali, outlawed, with all his followers, by the reigning Caliph) it was + my intention to shadow out, as I did afterwards in another form, the + national cause of Ireland. To quote the words of my letter to Lord + Byron on the subject: 'I chose this story because one writes best + about what one feels most, and I thought the parallel with Ireland + would enable me to infuse some vigour into my hero's character. But to + aim at vigour and strong feeling after <i>you</i> is hopeless;—that + region "was made for Cæsar."'" </blockquote> + +(Moore).<br> +<a href="#fru1">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu2"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> <i>Macbeth</i>, act i. sc. 7.<br> +<a href="#fru2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu3"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> <i>De la Littérature du Midi de l'Europe</i>, ed. 1813, +tom. ii. p. 436.<br> +<a href="#fru3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu4"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> Grimm (<i>Correspondance Littéraire</i>, ed. 1813, part +iii. tom ii. p. 126) says of Mlle. de Sommery, who died of apoplexy in +1790, + + <blockquote>"Que de gens ont la réputation d'être méchans, avec lesquels on serait + trop heureux de passer sa vie."</blockquote> + +The <i>Biographie Universelle</i> says of her, + + <blockquote>"Elle avait du talent pour écrire; mais elle ne l'exerça que fort tard + .... Le premier livre qu'elle publia, n'étant plus très jeune, fut un + recueil de pensées détachées, dédié aux mânes de Saurin, qu'elle + intitula <i>Doutes sur differentes Opinions reçues dans la + Societé</i>. Ce recueil eut un véritable succés."</blockquote> + +Mlle. de Sommery also published, besides the <i>Doutes</i> (1782), +<i>Lettres de Madame la Comtesse de L. à M. le Comte de R</i>. (1785); +<i>Lettres de Mlle. de Tourville à Madame la Comtesse de Lénoncourt</i> +(1788); <i>L'Oreille, conte Asiatique</i> (1789).<br> +<a href="#fru4">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp13">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L374"></a><h3>374—to John Galt<a href="#fu11"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>1</sup></span></a></h3> +<br> +Dec. 11, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +My dear Galt,—There was no offence—there <i>could</i> be none. I +thought it by no means impossible that we might have hit on something +similar, particularly as you are a dramatist, and was anxious to assure +you of the truth, viz., that I had not wittingly seized upon plot, +sentiment, or incident; and I am very glad that I have not in any +respect trenched upon your subjects. Something still more singular is, +that the <i>first</i> part, where you have found a coincidence in some +events within your observations on <i>life</i>, was <i>drawn</i> from +<i>observations</i> of mine also, and I meant to have gone on with the +story, but on <i>second</i> thoughts, I thought myself <i>two +centuries</i> at least too late for the subject; which, though admitting +of very powerful feeling and description, yet is not adapted for this +age, at least this country, though the finest works of the Greeks, one +of Schiller's and Alfieri's in modern times, besides several of our +<i>old</i> (and best) dramatists, have been grounded on incidents of a +similar cast. I therefore altered it as you perceive, and in so doing +have weakened the whole, by interrupting the train of thought: and in +composition I do not think <i>second</i> thoughts are the best, though +<i>second</i> expressions may improve the first ideas.<br> +<br> +I do not know how other men feel towards those they have met abroad, but +to me there seems a kind of tie established between all who have met +together in a foreign country, as if we had met in a state of +pre-existence, and were talking over a life that has ceased: but I +always look forward to renewing my travels; and though <i>you</i>, I +think, are now stationary, if I can at all forward your pursuits +<i>there</i> as well as here, I shall be truly glad in the opportunity.<br> +<br> +Ever yours very sincerely, B.<br> +<br> +P. S.—I leave town for a day or two on Monday, but after that I am +always at home, and happy to see you till half-past two.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fu11"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> For John Galt, see <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. 243 [Footnote +1 of Letter 130], and vol. ii. p. 101, <a href="#fd61"><i>note</i></a> 1. Galt wrote to Byron in 1813, pointing out that "there was +a remarkable coincidence in the story" (of <i>The Bride of Abydos</i>) +"with a matter in which I had been interested" (<i>Life of Byron</i>, p. +180, ed. 1830). Byron, imagining himself charged with plagiarism, wrote +a somewhat angry reply, to which Gait answered by stating that the +coincidence was not one of ideas, sentiment, or story, but of real fact. +He received the above answer (<i>Life of Byron</i>, pp. 181, 182).<br> +<br> +On this poem Byron seems to have been particularly sensitive. He is +accused of borrowing the opening lines from Mignon's song in Goethe's +<i>Wilhelm Meister</i>: + + <blockquote> "Kennst du das Land wo die Citronen blühn?"</blockquote> + +Cyrus Redding (<i>Yesterday and To-day</i>, vol. ii. pp. 14, 15) +suggests that Byron used the translation of the poem which he himself +had made and published in 1812 or 1813.<br> +<br> +Byron was also charged with pilfering them from Madame de Staël. + + <blockquote> "Do you know de Staël's lines?" he asked Lady Blessington + (<i>Conversations</i>, pp. 326, 327); "for if I am a thief, she must + be the plundered, as I don't read German and do French: yet I could + almost swear that I never saw her verses when I wrote mine, nor do I + even now remember them. I think the first began with 'Cette terre,' + etc., etc.; but the rest I forget. As you have a good memory, perhaps + you would repeat them."<br> +<br> + "I did so," says Lady Blessington, "and they are as follows: + + <blockquote>'Cette terre, où les myrtes fleurissent,<br> + Où les rayons des cieux tombent avec amour,<br> + Où des sons enchanteurs dans les airs retentissent,<br> + Où la plus douce nuit succéde au plus beau jour,' etc."</blockquote></blockquote> +<a href="#L374">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp13">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L375"></a><h3>375—to John Murray</h3> +<br> +Decr. y'r 14th, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Deare Sir,—Send y'e E'r of ye new R'w a copy as he hath had y'e trouble +of two walks on y't acct.<br> +<br> +As to the man of the <i>Satirist</i>—I hope you have too much spirit to +allow a single Sheet to be offered as a peace offering to him or any +one. If you <i>do</i>, expect <i>never</i> to be <i>forgiven</i> by +me—if he is not personal he is quite welcome to his opinion—and if he +is, I have my own remedy.<br> +<br> +Send a copy <i>double</i> to Dr. Clarke (y'e traveller) Cambrigge by y'e +first opportunitie—and let me see you in y'e morninge y't I may mention +certain thinges y'e which require sundrie though slight alterations.<br> +<br> +Sir, your Servitor, <br> +Biroñ<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp13">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L376"></a><h3>376—to Thomas Ashe<a href="#fu21"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>1</sup></span></a></h3> +<br> +4, Bennet Street, St. James's, Dec. 14, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Sir,—I leave town for a few days to-morrow. On my return, I will answer +your letter more at length.<br> +<br> +Whatever may be your situation, I cannot but commend your resolution to +abjure and abandon the publication and composition of works such as +those to which you have alluded. Depend upon it they amuse <i>few</i>, +disgrace both <i>reader</i> and <i>writer</i>, and benefit <i>none</i>. +It will be my wish to assist you, as far as my limited means will admit, +to break such a bondage. In your answer, inform me what sum you think +would enable you to extricate yourself from the hands of your employers, +and to regain, at least, temporary independence, and I shall be glad to +contribute my mite towards it. At present, I must conclude. Your name is +not unknown to me, and I regret, for your own sake, that you have ever +lent it to the works you mention. In saying this, I merely repeat your +<i>own words</i> in your letter to me, and have no wish whatever to say +a single syllable that may appear to insult your misfortunes. If I have, +excuse me; it is unintentional.<br> +<br> +Yours, etc.,<br> +<br> +<b>Byron</b>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fu21"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Thomas Ashe (1770-1835) had already written books of travel +in North and South America, and two novels—<i>The Spirit of "The +Book</i>"(1811), and <i>The Liberal Critic, or Henry Percy</i> (1812). He +was a man of more ability than character, but possessed little of +either. His <i>Memoirs</i> (1815) describe his literary undertakings, +one at least of which was of a blackmailing kind, and are interspersed +with protestations of his desire for independence, and of regrets for +the wretched stuff that dropped from his pen.<br> +<br> +His first novel, <i>The Spirit of "The Book,"</i> gained some success +from its subject. In 1806-7 Lady Douglas brought certain charges against +the Princess of Wales, which were answered on her behalf by Spencer +Perceval. The extraordinary secrecy with which this defence, called "The +Book," was printed, and its complete suppression, excited curiosity, +which was increased by the following advertisement in the <i>Times</i> +for March 27, 1809: + + <blockquote> "'A Book'—Any Person having in their possession a COPY of a CERTAIN + BOOK, printed by Mr. Edwards, in 1807, but <i>never published</i>, + with W. Lindsell's Name as the Seller of the same on the title page, + and will bring it to W. Lindsell, Bookseller, Wimpole-Street, will + receive a handsome gratuity."</blockquote> + +The subject-matter of this book, then unknown to the public, Ashe +professes to embody in <i>The Spirit of "The Book;" or, Memoirs of +Caroline, Princess of Hasburgh, a Political and Amatory Romance</i> (3 +vols., 1811). The letters, which purport to be written from Caroline to +Charlotte, and contain (vol. ii. pp. 152-181) an attack on the Lady +Jersey, who attended the princess, are absolutely dull, and scarcely +even indecent.<br> +<br> +Ashe's <i>Memoirs and Confessions</i> (3 vols., 1815) are dedicated to +the Duke of Northumberland and to Byron, to whom, in a preface written +at Havre, he acknowledges his "transcendent obligations."<br> +<a href="#L376">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp13">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L377"></a><h3>377—to Professor Clarke<a href="#fu31"><span style="font-size: 70%;"><sup>1</sup></span></a></h3> +<br> +Dec. 15, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Your very kind letter is the more agreeable, because, setting aside +talents, judgment, and the <i>laudari a laudato</i>, etc., you have been +on the spot; you have seen and described more of the East than any of +your predecessors—I need not say how ably and successfully; and (excuse +the bathos) you are one of the very few men who can pronounce how far my +costume (to use an affected but expressive word) is correct. As to +poesy, that is, as "men, gods, and columns," please to decide upon it; +but I am sure that I am anxious to have an observer's, particularly a +famous observer's, testimony on the fidelity of my manners and dresses; +and, as far as memory and an oriental twist in my imagination have +permitted, it has been my endeavour to present to the Franks, a sketch +of that of which you have and will present them a complete picture. It +was with this notion, that I felt compelled to make my hero and heroine +relatives, as you well know that none else could there obtain that +degree of intercourse leading to genuine affection; I had nearly made +them rather too much akin to each other; and though the wild passions of +the East, and some great examples in Alfieri, Ford, and Schiller (to +stop short of antiquity), might have pleaded in favour of a copyist, yet +the time and the north (not Frederic, but our climate) induced me to +alter their consanguinity and confine them to cousinship. I also wished +to try my hand on a female character in Zuleika, and have endeavoured, +as far as the grossness of our masculine ideas will allow, to preserve +her purity without impairing the ardour of her attachment.<br> +<br> +As to criticism, I have been reviewed about a hundred and fifty +times—praised and abused. I will not say that I am become indifferent +to either eulogy or condemnation, but for some years at least I have +felt grateful for the former, and have never attempted to answer the +latter. For success equal to the first efforts, I had and have no hope; +the novelty was over, and the "Bride," like all other brides, must +suffer or rejoice for and with her husband. By the bye, I have used +"bride" Turkishly, as affianced, not married; and so far it is an +English bull, which, I trust, will be at least a comfort to all +Hibernians not bigotted to monopoly. You are good enough to mention your +quotations in your third volume. I shall not only be indebted to it for +a renewal of the high gratification received from the two first, but for +preserving my relics embalmed in your own spices, and ensuring me +readers to whom I could not otherwise have aspired.<br> +<br> +I called on you, as bounden by duty and inclination, when last in your +neighbourhood; but I shall always take my chance; you surely would not +have me inflict upon you a formal annunciation; I am proud of your +friendship, but not so fond of myself as to break in upon your better +avocations. I trust that Mrs. Clarke is well; I have never had the +honour of presentation, but I have heard so much of her in many +quarters, that any notice she is pleased to take of my productions is +not less gratifying than my thanks are sincere, both to her and you; by +all accounts I may safely congratulate you on the possession of "a +bride" whose mental and personal accomplishments are more than poetical.<br> +<br> +P. S.—Murray has sent, or will send, a double copy of the <i>Bride</i> +and <i>Giaour</i>; in the last one, some lengthy additions; pray accept +them, according to old custom, "from the author" to one of his better +brethren. Your Persian, or any memorial, will be a most agreeable, and +it is my fault if not an useful present. I trust your third will be out +before I sail next month; can I say or do anything for you in the +Levant? I <a name="fru32">am</a> now in all the agonies of equipment, and full of schemes, +some impracticable, and most of them improbable; but I mean to fly +"freely to the green earth's end,"<a href="#fu32"><sup>2</sup></a> though not quite so fast as +Milton´s sprite.<br> +<br> +P. S. 2nd.—I have so many things to say.—I want to show you Lord +Sligo's letter to me detailing, as he heard them on the spot, the +Athenian account of our adventure (a personal one), which certainly +first suggested to me the story of <i>The Giaour</i>. It was a strange +and not a very long story, and his report of the reports (he arrived +just after my departure, and I did not know till last summer that he +knew anything of the matter) is not very far from the truth. Don't be +alarmed. There was nothing that led further than to the water's edge; +but one part (as is often the case in life) was more singular than any +of the <i>Giaour's</i> adventures. I never have, and never should have, +alluded to it on my own authority, from respect to the ancient proverb +on Travellers.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fu31"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Dr. Clark, in October, 1814, was a candidate for the +Professorship of Anatomy, and Byron went to Cambridge to vote for his +friend. Writing to Miss Tayler, Hodgson (<i>Memoir</i>, vol. i. p. 292) +adds a postscript: + + <blockquote>"I open my letter to say that when Lord Byron went to give his vote + just now in the Senate House, the young men burst out into the most + rapturous applause."</blockquote> + +The next day he writes again: + + <blockquote> "I should add that as I was going to vote I met him coming away, and + presently saw that something had happened, by his extreme paleness and + agitation. Dr. Clark, who was with him, told me the cause, and I + returned with B. to my room. There I begged him to sit down and write + a letter and communicate this event, which he did not feel up to, but + wished <i>I</i> would. So down I sate, and commenced my acquaintance + with Miss Milbanke by writing her an account of this most pleasing + event, which, although nothing at Oxford, is here very unusual indeed."</blockquote> + +The following was Miss Milbanke's answer (<i>ibid</i>., pp. 296, 297), +dated, "Seaham, November 25, 1814:" + + <blockquote>"Dear Sir,—It will be easier for you to imagine than for me to + express the pleasure which your very kind letter has given me. Not + only on account of its gratifying intelligence, but also as + introductory to an acquaintance which I have been taught to value, and + have sincerely desired. Allow me to consider Lord Byron's friend as + not 'a stranger,' and accept, with my sincerest thanks, my best wishes + for your own happiness.<br> +<br> + I am, dear sir, your faithful servant,<br> +<br> + A. I. MlLBANKE."</blockquote> +<a href="#L377">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu32"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> The Spirit in Milton´s <i>Comus, a Mask</i> (lines 1012, +1013), says: + + <blockquote> "I can fly, or I can run<br> + Quickly to the green earth´s end."</blockquote> +<a href="#fru32">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp14">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L378"></a><h3>378—to Leigh Hunt</h3> +<br> +Dec. 22, 1813.<br><br> + +<br> +My Dear Sir,—I am indeed "in your debt,"—and, what is still worse, am +obliged to follow <i>royal</i> example (he has just apprised <i>his</i> +creditors that they must wait till the next meeting), and intreat your +indulgence for, I hope, a very short time. The nearest relation and +almost the only friend I possess, has been in London for a week, and +leaves it tomorrow with me for her own residence. I return immediately; +but we meet so seldom, and are so <i>minuted</i> when we meet at all, +that I give up all engagements till <i>now</i>, without reluctance. On +my return, I must see you to console myself for my past disappointment. +I should feel highly honoured in Mr. B.'s permission to make his +acquaintance, and <i>there</i> you are in <i>my</i> debt; for it is a +promise of last summer which I still hope to see performed. Yesterday I +had a letter from Moore; you have probably heard from him lately; but if +not, you will be glad to learn that he is the same in heart, head, and +health.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp14">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="L379"></a><h3>379—to John Murray</h3> +<br> +December 27, 1813.<br> +<br><br> + +Lord Holland is laid up with the gout, and would feel very much obliged +if you could obtain, and send as soon as possible, Madame D'Arblay's (or +even Miss Edgeworth's) new work. I know they are not out; but it is +perhaps possible for your <i>Majesty</i> to command what we cannot with +much suing purchase, as yet. I need not say that when you are able or +willing to confer the same favour on me, I shall be obliged. I would +almost fall sick myself to get at Madame D'Arblay's writings.<br> +<br> +P. S.—<a name="fru41">You</a> were talking to-day of the American E'n of a certain +unquenchable memorial of my younger days<a href="#fu41"><sup>1</sup></a>. As it can't be helped now, +I own I have some curiosity to see a copy of transatlantic typography. +This you will perhaps obtain, and one for yourself; but I must beg that +you will not <i>import more</i>, because, <i>seriously</i>, I <i>do +wish</i> to have that thing forgotten as much as it has been forgiven.<br> +<br> +If you send to the <i>Globe</i> E'r, say that I want neither excuse nor +contradiction, but merely a discontinuance of a most ill-grounded +charge. I never was consistent in any thing but my politics; and as my +redemption depends on that solitary virtue, it is murder to carry away +my last anchor.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fu41"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> <i>English Bards, and Scotch Reviewers</i>.<br> +<a href="#fru41">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#lp14">List of Letters</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="section5"></a><h2>Chapter VIII—Journal: November 14, 1813-April 19, 1814</h2> +<br> +If this had been begun ten years ago, and faithfully kept!!!—heigho! +there are too many things I wish never to have remembered, as it is. +Well,—I have had my share of what are called the pleasures of this +life, and have seen more of the European and Asiatic world than I have +made a good use of. They say "Virtue is its own reward,"—it certainly +should be paid well for its trouble. At five-and-twenty, when the better +part of life is over, one should be <i>something</i>;—and what am I? +nothing but five-and-twenty—and the odd months. What have I seen? the +same man all over the world,—ay, and woman too. Give <i>me</i> a +Mussulman who never asks questions, and a she of the same race who saves +one the trouble of putting them. But for this same plague—yellow +fever—and Newstead delay, I should have been by this time a second time +close to the Euxine. If I can overcome the last, I don't so much mind +your pestilence; and, at any rate, the spring shall see me +there,—provided I neither marry myself, nor unmarry any one else in the +interval. I wish one was—I don't know what I wish. It is odd I never +set myself seriously to wishing without attaining it—and repenting. I +begin to believe with the good old Magi, that one should only pray for +the nation, and not for the individual;—but, on my principle, this +would not be very patriotic.<br> +<br> +No more reflections.—Let me see—last night I finished "Zuleika," my +second Turkish Tale. I <a name="fru51">believe</a> the composition of it kept me alive—for +it was written to drive my thoughts from the recollection of: + +<blockquote>"Dear sacred name, rest ever unreveal'd."<a href="#fu51"><sup>1</sup></a></blockquote> + +At least, even here, my hand would tremble to write it. This afternoon I +have burnt the scenes of my commenced comedy. I have some idea of +expectorating a romance, or rather a tale in prose;—<a name="fru52">but</a> what romance +could equal the events: + +<blockquote>"quæque ipse......vidi,<br> +Et quorum pars magna fui."<a href="#fu52"><sup>2</sup></a></blockquote> + +<a name="fru53">To-day</a> Henry Byron<a href="#fu53"><sup>3</sup></a> called on me with my little cousin Eliza. She +will grow up a beauty and a plague; but, in the mean time, it is the +prettiest child! dark eyes and eyelashes, black and long as the wing of +a raven. I think she is prettier even than my niece, Georgina,—yet I +don't like to think so neither: and though older, she is not so clever.<br> +<br> +Dallas <a name="fru54">called</a> before I was up, so we did not meet. Lewis<a href="#fu54"><sup>4</sup></a>, too,—who +seems out of humour with every thing.<br> +<br> +What can be the matter? he is not married—has he lost his own mistress, +or any other person's wife? Hodgson, too, came. He is going to be +married, and he is the kind of man who will be the happier. He has +talent, cheerfulness, every thing that can make him a pleasing +companion; and his intended is handsome and young, and all that. But I +never see any one much improved by matrimony. All my coupled +contemporaries are bald and discontented. W[ordsworth] and S[outhey] +have both lost their hair and good humour; and the last of the two had a +good deal to lose. But it don't much signify what falls <i>off</i> a +man's temples in that state.<br> +<br> +Mem. I must get a toy to-morrow for Eliza, and send the device for the +seals of myself and ——<a name="fru55">Mem</a>. too, to call on the Stael and Lady Holland +to-morrow, and on ——, who has advised me (without seeing it, by the +by) not to publish "Zuleika;"<a href="#fu55"><sup>5</sup></a> I believe he is right, but experience +might have taught him that not to print is <i>physically</i> impossible. +No one has seen it but Hodgson and Mr. Gifford. I never in my life +<i>read</i> a composition, save to Hodgson, as he pays me in kind. It is +a horrible thing to do too frequently;—better print, and they who like +may read, and if they don't like, you have the satisfaction of knowing +that they have, at least, <i>purchased</i> the right of saying so.<br> +<br> +I <a name="fru56">have</a> declined presenting the Debtors' Petition<a href="#fu56"><sup>6</sup></a>, being sick of +parliamentary mummeries. I have spoken thrice; but I doubt my ever +becoming an orator. My first was liked; the second and third—I don't +know whether they succeeded or not. I have never yet set to it <i>con +amore</i>;—one must have some excuse to one's self for laziness, or +inability, or both, and this is mine. "<a name="fru57">Company</a>, villanous company, hath +been the spoil of me;"<a href="#fu57"><sup>7</sup></a>—and then, I "have drunk medicines," not to +make me love others, but certainly enough to hate myself.<br> +<br> +Two nights ago I saw the tigers sup at Exeter 'Change. Except Veli +Pacha's lion in the Morea,—who followed the Arab keeper like a +dog,—the fondness of the hyæna for her keeper amused me most. Such a +conversazione! —There was a "hippopotamus," like Lord Liverpool in the +face; and the "Ursine Sloth" had the very voice and manner of my +valet—but the tiger talked too much. The elephant took and gave me my +money again—took off my hat—opened a door—<i>trunked</i> a whip—and +behaved so well, that I wish he was my butler. The handsomest animal on +earth is one of the panthers; but the poor antelopes were dead. I should +hate to see one <i>here:</i>— the sight of the <i>camel</i> made me +pine again for Asia Minor. <i>"Oh quando te aspiciam?</i>"<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fu51"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"Dear fatal name! rest ever unrevealed,<br> + Nor pass these lips in holy silence sealed."</blockquote> + +Pope's <i>Eloisa to Abelard</i>, lines 9, 10.<br> +<a href="#fru51">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu52"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Virgil, <i>Æneid</i>, ii. 5: + + <blockquote> ". ... quœque ipse miserrima vidi<br> + Et quorum pars magna fui."</blockquote> +<a href="#fru52">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu53"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> The Rev. Henry Byron, second son of the Rev. and Hon. +Richard Byron, and nephew of William, fifth Lord Byron, died in 1821. +His daughter Eliza married, in 1830, George Rochford Clarke. Byron's +"niece Georgina" was the daughter of Mrs. Leigh.<br> +<a href="#fru53">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu54"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> Matthew Gregory Lewis (1775-1818), intended by his father +for the diplomatic service, was educated at Westminster and Christ +Church, Weimar, and Paris. He soon showed his taste for literature. At +the age of seventeen he had translated a play from the French, and +written a farce, a comedy called <i>The East Indian</i> (acted at Drury +Lane, April 22, 1799), "two volumes of a novel, two of a romance, +besides numerous poems" (<i>Life, etc., of M. G. Lewis</i>, vol. i. p. +70). In 1794 he was attached to the British Embassy at the Hague. There, +stimulated (<i>ibid</i>., vol. i. p. 123) by reading Mrs. Radcliffe's +<i>Mysteries of Udolpho</i>, he wrote <i>Ambrosio, or the Monk</i>. The +book, published in 1795, made him famous in fashionable society, and +decided his career. Though he sat in Parliament for Hindon from 1796 to +1802, he took no part in politics, but devoted himself to literature.<br> +<br> +The moral and outline of <i>The Monk</i> are taken, as Lewis says in a +letter to his father (<i>Life, etc.</i>, vol. i. pp. 154-158), and as +was pointed out in the <i>Monthly Review</i> for August, 1797, from +Addison's "Santon Barsisa" in the <i>Guardian</i> (No. 148). The book +was severely criticized on the score of immorality. Mathias (<i>Pursuits +of Literature</i>, Dialogue iv.) attacks Lewis, whom he compares to John +Cleland, whose <i>Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure</i> came under the +notice of the law courts: + + <blockquote>"Another Cleland see in Lewis rise.<br> + Why sleep the ministers of truth and law?"</blockquote> + +An injunction was, in fact, moved for against the book; but the +proceedings dropped.<br> +<br> +Lewis had a remarkable gift of catching the popular taste of the day, +both in his tales of horror and mystery, and in his ballads. In the +latter he was the precursor of Scott. Many of his songs were sung to +music of his own composition. His <i>Tales of Terror</i> (1799) were +dedicated to Lady Charlotte Campbell, afterwards Bury, with whom he was +in love. To his <i>Tales of Wonder</i> (1801) Scott, Southey, and others +contributed. His most successful plays were <i>The Castle Spectre</i> +(Drury Lane, December 14, 1797), and <i>Timour the Tartar</i> (Covent +Garden, April 29, 1811).<br> +<br> +In 1812, by the death of his father, "the Monk" became a rich man, and +the owner of plantations in the West Indies. He paid two visits to his +property, in 1815-16 and 1817-18. On the voyage home from the last visit +he died of yellow fever, and was buried at sea. His <i>Journal of a West +Indian Proprietor</i>, published in 1834, is written in sterling +English, with much quiet humour, and a graphic power of very high order.<br> +<br> +Among his <i>Detached Thoughts</i> Byron has the following notes on +Lewis: + + <blockquote>"Sheridan was one day offered a bet by M. G. Lewis: 'I will bet you, + Mr. Sheridan, a very large sum—I will bet you what you owe me as + Manager, for my <i>Castle Spectre</i>.'<br> +<br> + 'I never make <i>large bets</i>,' said Sheridan, 'but I will lay you a + <i>very small</i> one. I will bet you <i>what it is</i> <b>worth</b>!'"<br> +<br> + "Lewis, though a kind man, hated Sheridan, and we had some words upon + that score when in Switzerland, in 1816. Lewis afterwards sent me the + following epigram upon Sheridan from Saint Maurice: + + <blockquote> "'For worst abuse of finest parts<br> + Was Misophil begotten;<br> + There might indeed be <i>blacker</i> hearts,<br> + But none could be more <i>rotten</i>.'"</blockquote> + + Lewis at Oatlands was observed one morning to have his eyes red, and + his air sentimental; being asked why? he replied 'that when people + said anything <i>kind</i> to him, it affected him deeply, and just now + the Duchess had said something so kind to him' —here tears began to + flow again. 'Never mind, Lewis,' said Col. Armstrong to him, 'never + mind—don't cry, <i>she could not mean it</i>.'<br> +<br> + "Lewis was a good man—a clever man, but a bore—a damned bore, one + may say. My only revenge or consolation used to be setting him by the + ears with some vivacious person who hated bores especially—Me. de + Staël or Hobhouse, for example. But I liked Lewis; he was a Jewel of a + Man had he been better set, I don't mean <i>personally</i>, but less + <i>tiresome</i>, for he was tedious, as well as contradictory to + everything and everybody. Being short-sighted, when we used to ride + out together near the Brenta in the twilight in summer, he made me go + <i>before</i> to pilot him. I am absent at times, especially towards + evening, and the consequence of this pilotage was some narrow escapes + to the Monk on horseback. Once I led him into a ditch, over which I + had passed as usual, forgetting to warn my convoy; once I led him + nearly into the river instead of on the <i>moveable</i> bridge which + <i>in</i>commodes passengers; and twice did we both run against the + diligence, which, being heavy and slow, did communicate less damage + than it received in its leaders, who were <i>terrasséd</i> by the + charge. Thrice did I lose him in the gray of the gloaming and was + obliged to bring to, to his distant signals of distance and distress. + All the time he went on talking without intermission, for he was a man + of many words. Poor fellow, he died a martyr to his new riches— of a + second visit to Jamaica. + + <blockquote>'I'd give the lands of Deloraine<br> + Dark Musgrave were alive again!'<br> + <i>that is</i><br> + 'I would give many a Sugar Cane<br> + Monk Lewis were alive again!'</blockquote> + + "Lewis said to me, 'Why do you talk <i>Venetian</i> (such as I could + talk, not very fine to be sure) to the Venetians, and not the usual + Italian?' I answered, partly from habit and partly to be understood, + if possible. 'It may be so,' said Lewis, 'but it sounds to me like + talking with a <i>brogue</i> to an <i>Irishman</i>.'"</blockquote> + +In a MS. note by Sir Walter Scott on these passages from Byron's +<i>Detached Thoughts</i>, he says, + + <blockquote>"Mat had queerish eyes; they projected like those of some insect, and + were flattish in their orbit. His person was extremely small and + boyish; he was, indeed, the least man I ever saw to be strictly well + and neatly made. I remember a picture of him by Saunders being handed + round at Dalkeith House. The artist had ungenerously flung a dark + folding mantle round the form, under which was half hid a dagger, or + dark lanthorn, or some such cut-throat appurtenance. With all this the + features were preserved and ennobled. It passed from hand to hand into + that of Henry, Duke of Buccleuch, who, hearing the general voice + affirm that it was very like, said aloud, 'Like Mat Lewis? Why, that + picture is like a <i>man</i>.' He looked, and lo! Mat Lewis's head was + at his elbow. His boyishness went through life with him. He was a + child, and a spoiled child, but a child of high imagination, so that + he wasted himself in ghost stories and German nonsense. He had the + finest ear for the rhythm of verse I ever heard—finer than Byron's.<br> +<br> + Lewis was fonder of great people than he ought to have been, either as + a man of talent or a man of fortune. He had always dukes and duchesses + in his mouth, and was particularly fond of any one who had a title. + You would have sworn he had been a <i>parvenu</i> of yesterday, yet he + had been all his life in good society.<br> +<br> + He was one of the kindest and best creatures that ever lived. His + father and mother lived separately. Mr. Lewis allowed his son a + handsome income; but reduced it more than one half when he found that + he gave his mother half of it. He restricted himself in all his + expenses, and shared the diminished income with his mother as before. + He did much good by stealth, and was a most generous creature.<br> +<br> + I had a good picture drawn me, I think by Thos. Thomson, of Fox, in + his latter days, suffering the fatigue of an attack from Lewis. The + great statesman was become bulky and lethargic, and lay like a fat ox + which for sometime endures the persecution of a buzzing fly, rather + than rise to get rid of it; and then at last he got up, and heavily + plodded his way to the other side of the room."</blockquote> + +Referring to Byron's story of Lewis near the Brenta, Scott adds, + + <blockquote>"I had a worse adventure with Mat Lewis. I had been his guide from the + cottage I then had at Laswade to the Chapel of Roslin. We were to go + up one side of the river and come down the other. In the return he was + dead tired, and, like the Israelites, he murmured against his guide + for leading him into the wilderness. I was then as strong as a poney, + and took him on my back, dressed as he was in his shooting array of a + close sky-blue jacket, and the brightest <i>red</i> pantaloons I ever + saw on a human breech. He also had a kind of feather in his cap. At + last I could not help laughing at the ridiculous figure we must both + have made, at which my rider waxed wroth. It was an ill-chosen hour + and place, for I could have served him as Wallace did Fawden—thrown + him down and twisted his head off. We returned to the cottage weary + wights, and it cost more than one glass of Noyau, which he liked in a + decent way, to get Mat's temper on its legs again."</blockquote> +<a href="#fru54">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu55"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 5:</span></a> <i>The Bride of Abydos</i> was originally called +<i>Zuleika</i>. <br> +<a href="#fru55">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu56"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 6:</span></a> The petition, directed against Lord Redesdale's Insolvent +Debtors Act, was presented by Romilly in the House of Commons, November +11, 1813, and by Lord Holland in the House of Lords, November 15, 1813.<br> +<a href="#fru56">return</a><br> +<a href="#fv64">cross-reference: return to Footnote 4 of Journal entry for December 1st, 1813</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu57"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 7:</span></a> <i>Henry IV.</i>, Part I. act in. sc. 3.<br> +<a href="#fru57">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1a">List of Journal Entries</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="nov161813"></a><h3>November 16th, 1813</h3> +<br> +<a name="fru51">Went</a> last night with Lewis to see the first of <i>Antony and +Cleopatra</i><a href="#fu51"><sup>1</sup></a>. It was admirably got up, and well acted —a salad of +Shakspeare and Dryden. Cleopatra strikes me as the epitome of her +sex—fond, lively, sad, tender, teasing, humble, haughty, beautiful, the +devil!—coquettish to the last, as well with the "asp" as with Antony. +After doing all she can to persuade him that—but why do they abuse him +for cutting off that poltroon Cicero's head? <a name="fru52">Did</a> not Tully tell Brutus +it was a pity to have spared Antony? and did he not speak the +Philippics? and are not "<i>words things</i>?"<a href="#fu52"><sup>2</sup></a> and such +"<i>words</i>" very pestilent "<i>things</i>" too? If he had had a +hundred heads, they deserved (from Antony) a rostrum (his was stuck up +there) apiece—though, after all, he might as well have pardoned him, +for the credit of the thing. But to resume—Cleopatra, after securing +him, says, "yet go—it is your interest," etc.—how like the sex! and +the questions about Octavia—it is woman all over.<br> +<br> +To-day received Lord Jersey's invitation to Middleton —to travel sixty +miles to meet Madame De Stael! I once travelled three thousand to get +among silent people; and this same lady writes octavos, and <i>talks</i> +folios. I have read her books—like most of them, and delight in the +last; so I won't hear it, as well as read.<br> +<br> +Read Burns to-day. What would he have been, if a patrician? We should +have had more polish—less force—just as much verse, but no +immortality—a divorce and a duel or two, the which had he survived, as +his potations must have been less spirituous, he might have lived as +long as Sheridan, and outlived as much as poor Brinsley. What a wreck is +that man! and all from bad pilotage; for no one had ever better gales, +though now and then a little too squally. Poor dear Sherry! I shall +never forget the day he and Rogers and Moore and I passed together; when +<i>he</i> talked, and <i>we</i> listened, without one yawn, from six +till one in the morning.<br> +<br> +Got my seals ——. Have again forgot a play-thing for <i>ma petite +cousine</i> Eliza; but I must send for it to-morrow. I hope Harry will +bring her to me. I sent Lord Holland the proofs of the last +"<i>Giaour</i>" and "<i>The Bride of Abydos</i>" He won't like the +latter, and I don't think that I shall long. It was written in four +nights to distract my dreams from ——. Were it not thus, it had never +been composed; and had I not done something at that time, I must have +gone mad, by eating my own heart,—bitter diet;—Hodgson likes it better +than "<i>The Giaour</i>" but nobody else will,—and he never liked the +Fragment. I am sure, had it not been for Murray, <i>that</i> would never +have been published, though the circumstances which are the ground-work +make it —— heigh-ho!<br> +<br> +To-night I saw both the sisters of ——; my God! the youngest so like! I +thought I should have sprung across the house, and am so glad no one was +with me in Lady H.'s box. I <a name="fru53">hate</a> those likenesses—the mock-bird, but +not the nightingale—so like as to remind, so different as to be painful<a href="#fu53"><sup>3</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +One quarrels equally with the points of resemblance and of distinction.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fu51"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> <i>Antony and Cleopatra</i> was revived at Covent Garden, +November 15, 1813, with additions from Dryden's <i>All for Love, or the +World Well Lost</i>(1678). "Cleopatra" was acted by Mrs. Fawcit; "Marc +Antony" by Young. (See for the allusions, act v. se. 2, and act i. sc. +3.)<br> +<a href="#fru51">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu52"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"But words are things; and a small drop of ink,<br> + Falling, like dew, upon a thought, produces<br> + That which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think."</blockquote> + +<i>Don Juan</i>, Canto III. stanza lxxxviii.<br> +<a href="#fru52">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu53"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> + + <blockquote> "——-my weal, my woe,<br> + My hope on high—my all below;<br> + Earth holds no other like to thee,<br> + Or, if it doth, in vain for me:<br> + For worlds I dare not view the dame<br> + Resembling thee, yet not the same."</blockquote> + +<i>The Giaour</i>.<br> +<a href="#fru53">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1a">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="nov171813"></a><h3>November 17th, 1813</h3> +<br> +No letter from ——; but I must not complain. <a name="fru61">The</a> respectable Job says, +"Why should a <i>living man</i> complain?"<a href="#fu61"><sup>1</sup></a> I really don't know, +except it be that a <i>dead man</i> can't; and he, the said patriarch, +<i>did</i> complain, nevertheless, till his friends were tired and his +wife recommended that pious prologue,"Curse—and die;" the only time, I +suppose, when but little relief is to be found in swearing. I have had a +most kind letter from Lord Holland on "<i>The Bride of Abydos</i>," +which he likes, and so does Lady H. This is very good-natured in both, +from whom I don't deserve any quarter. Yet I <i>did</i> think, at the +time, that my cause of enmity proceeded from Holland House, and am glad +I was wrong, and wish I had not been in such a hurry with that +confounded satire, of which I would suppress even the memory;—but +people, now they can't get it, make a fuss, I verily believe, out of +contradiction.<br> +<br> +<a name="fru62">George</a> Ellis<a href="#fu62"><sup>2</sup></a> and Murray have been talking something about Scott and +me, George <i>pro Scoto</i>,—and very right too. If they want to depose +him, I only wish they would not set me up as a competitor. Even if I had +my choice, I would rather be the Earl of Warwick than all the +<i>kings</i> he ever made! Jeffrey and Gifford I take to be the +monarch-makers in poetry and prose. The <i>British Critic</i>, in their +Rokeby Review, have presupposed a comparison which I am sure my friends +never thought of, and W. Scott's subjects are injudicious in descending +to. I like the man—and admire his works to what Mr. Braham calls +<i>Entusymusy</i>. All such stuff can only vex him, and do me no good. +Many hate his politics—(I hate all politics); and, here, a man's +politics are like the Greek <i>soul</i>—an <img src="images/BG11.gif" width="88" height="30" border="1" alt="Greek: eidolon">, besides +God knows what <i>other soul</i>; but their estimate of the two +generally go together.<br> +<br> +Harry has not brought <i>ma petite cousine</i>. I want us to go to the +play together;—she has been but once. Another short note from Jersey, +inviting Rogers and me on the 23d. I must see my agent to-night. I +wonder when that Newstead business will be finished. It cost me more +than words to part with it—and to <i>have</i> parted with it! What +matters it what I do? or what becomes of me?—but let me remember Job's +saying, and console myself with being "a living man."<br> +<br> +I wish I could settle to reading again,—my life is monotonous, and yet +desultory. I take up books, and fling them down again. I began a comedy, +and burnt it because the scene ran into <i>reality</i>;—a novel, for +the same reason. In rhyme, I can keep more away from facts; but the +thought always runs through, through ... yes, yes, through. I have had a +letter from Lady Melbourne—the best friend I ever had in my life, and +the cleverest of women.<br> +<br> +Not a word from ——[Lady F. W. Webster], Have they set out from ——? +or has my last precious epistle fallen into the lion's jaws? <a name="fru63">If</a> so—and +this silence looks suspicious—I must clap on my "musty morion" and +"hold out my iron."<a href="#fu63"><sup>3</sup></a><br> +<br> +I am out of practice—but I won't begin again at Manton's now. Besides, +I would not return his shot. I was once a famous wafer-splitter; but +then the bullies of society made it necessary. Ever since I began to +feel that I had a bad cause to support, I have left off the exercise.<br> +<br> +<a name="fru64">What</a> strange tidings from that Anakim of anarchy—Buonaparte<a href="#fu64"><sup>4</sup></a>!<br> +<br> +Ever since I defended my bust of him at Harrow against the rascally +time-servers, when the war broke out in 1803, he has been a <i>Héros de +Roman</i> of mine—on the Continent; I don't want him here. But I don't +like those same flights—leaving of armies, etc., etc. I am sure when I +fought for his bust at school, I did not think he would run away from +himself. But I should not wonder if he banged them yet. To be beat by +men would be something; but by three stupid, legitimate-old-dynasty +boobies of regular-bred sovereigns—O-hone-a-rie!—O-hone-a-rie! It must +be, as Cobbett says, his marriage with the thick-lipped and thick-headed +<i>Autrichienne</i> brood. He had better have kept to her who was kept +by Barras. I <a name="fru65">never</a> knew any good come of your young wife, and legal +espousals, to any but your "sober-blooded boy" who "eats fish" and +drinketh "no sack."<a href="#fu65"><sup>5</sup></a> Had he not the whole opera? all Paris? all +France? But a mistress is just as perplexing—that is, <i>one</i>—two +or more are manageable by division.<br> +<br> +I have begun, or had begun, a song, and flung it into the fire. <a name="fru66">It</a> was +in remembrance of Mary Duff<a href="#fu66"><sup>6</sup></a>, my first of flames, before most people +begin to burn. I wonder what the devil is the matter with me! I can do +nothing, and—fortunately there is nothing to do. It <a name="fru67">has</a> lately been in +my power to make two persons (and their connections) comfortable, <i>pro +tempore</i>, and one happy, <i>ex tempore</i>,—I rejoice in the last +particularly, as it is an excellent man<a href="#fu67"><sup>7</sup></a>. I wish there had been more +convenience and less gratification to my self-love in it, for then there +had been more merit. We are all selfish—and I believe, ye gods of +Epicurus! I <a name="fru68">believe</a> in Rochefoucault about <i>men</i>, and in Lucretius +(not Busby's translation) about yourselves<a href="#fu68"><sup>8</sup></a>. Your bard has made you +very <i>nonchalant</i> and blest; but as he has excused <i>us</i> from +damnation, I don't envy you your blessedness much—a little, to be sure. +I remember, last year, —— [Lady Oxford] said to me, at —— [Eywood], +"Have we not passed our last month like the gods of Lucretius?" And so +we had. She is an adept in the text of the original (which I like too); +and when that booby Bus. sent his translating prospectus, she +subscribed. But, the devil prompting him to add a specimen, she +transmitted him a subsequent answer, saying, that "after perusing it, +her conscience would not permit her to allow her name to remain on the +list of subscribblers." <a name="fru69">Last</a> night, at Lord H.'s—Mackintosh, the +Ossulstones, Puységur<a href="#fu69"><sup>9</sup></a>, etc., there—I was trying to recollect a +quotation (as <i>I</i> think) of Stael's, from some Teutonic sophist +about architecture. "Architecture," says this Macoronico Tedescho, +"reminds me of frozen music." It is somewhere—but where?—the demon of +perplexity must know and won't tell. I asked M., and he said it was not +in her: but Puységur said it must be <i>hers</i>, it was so <i>like</i>. +H. laughed, as he does at all "<i>De l'Allemagne</i>"—in which, +however, I think he goes a little too far. B., I hear, contemns it too. +But there are fine passages;—and, after all, what is a work—any—or +every work—but a desert with fountains, and, perhaps, a grove or two, +every day's journey? To be sure, in Madame, what we often mistake, and +"pant for," as the "cooling stream," turns out to be the "<i>mirage</i>" +(criticè <i>verbiage</i>); but we do, at last, get to something like the +temple of Jove Ammon, and then the waste we have passed is only +remembered to gladden the contrast.<br> +<br> +Called on C—, to explain ——. She is very beautiful, to my taste, at +least; for on coming home from abroad, I recollect being unable to look +at any woman but her—they were so fair, and unmeaning, and +<i>blonde</i>. The darkness and regularity of her features reminded me +of my "Jannat al Aden." But this impression wore off; and now I can look +at a fair woman, without longing for a Houri. She was very +good-tempered, and every thing was explained.<br> +<br> +To-day, great news—"the Dutch have taken Holland,"—which, I suppose, +will be succeeded by the actual explosion of the Thames. Five provinces +have declared for young Stadt, and there will be inundation, +conflagration, constupration, consternation, and every sort of nation +and nations, fighting away, up to their knees, in the damnable quags of +this will-o'-the-wisp abode of Boors. It is said Bernadotte is amongst +them, too; and, as Orange will be there soon, they will have (Crown) +Prince Stork and King Log in their Loggery at the same time. Two to one +on the new dynasty!<br> +<br> +Mr. Murray has offered me one thousand guineas for <i>The Giaour</i> and +<i>The Bride of Abydos</i>. I won't—it is too much, though I am +strongly tempted, merely for the <i>say</i> of it. No bad price for a +fortnight's (a week each) what?—the gods know—it was intended to be +called poetry.<br> +<br> +I <a name="fru70">have</a> dined regularly to-day, for the first time since Sunday +last—this being Sabbath, too. All the rest, tea and dry biscuits—six +<i>per diem</i>. I wish to God I had not dined now!—It kills me with +heaviness, stupor, and horrible dreams; and yet it was but a pint of +Bucellas, and fish<a href="#fu70"><sup>10</sup></a>. Meat I never touch,—nor much vegetable diet. I +wish I were in the country, to take exercise,—instead of being obliged +to <i>cool</i> by abstinence, in lieu of it. I should not so much mind a +little accession of flesh,—my bones can well bear it. But the worst is, +the devil always came with it,—till I starved him out,—and I will +<i>not</i> be the slave of <i>any</i> appetite. If I do err, it shall be +my heart, at least, that heralds the way. Oh, my head—how it +aches?—the horrors of digestion! I wonder how Buonaparte's dinner +agrees with him?<br> +<br> +<a name="fru71">Mem</a>. I must write to-morrow to "Master Shallow, who owes me a thousand +pounds,"<a href="#fu71"><sup>11</sup></a> and seems, in his letter, afraid I should ask him for it<a href="#fu72"><sup>12</sup></a>;—as if I would!—I don't want it (just now, at least,) to begin +with; and though I have often wanted that sum, I never asked for the +repayment of £10 in my life—from a friend. His bond is not due this +year, and I told him when it was, I should not enforce it. How often +must he make me say the same thing?<br> +<br> +I <a name="fru73">am</a> wrong—I did once ask —— <a href="#fu73"><sup>13</sup></a> to repay me. But it was under +circumstances that excused me <i>to him</i>, and would to any one. I +took no interest, nor required security. He paid me soon,—at least, his +<i>padre</i>. My head! I believe it was given me to ache with. Good even.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fu61"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> <blockquote>"Wherefore doth a living man complain?"</blockquote> (<i>Lam</i>. iii. 39).<br> +<a href="#fru61">return to footnote mark</a> <br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu62"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> George Ellis (1753-1815), a contributor to the +<i>Rolliad</i> and the <i>Anti-Jacobin</i>, and "the first converser" +Walter Scott "ever knew."<br> +<a href="#fru62">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu63"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> + + <blockquote> "I dare not fight; but I will wink, and hold out mine iron."</blockquote> + +<i>Henry V</i>., act ii. sc. I.<br> +<a href="#fru63">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu64"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> Byron was not always, even at Harrow, attached to +Buonaparte, for, if we may trust Harness, he "roared out" at a +Buonapartist schoolfellow: + + <blockquote>"Bold Robert Speer was Bony's bad precursor.<br> + Bob was a bloody dog, but Bonaparte a worser."</blockquote> + +His feeling for him was probably that which is expressed in the +following passage from an undated letter, written to him by Moore: + + <blockquote>"We owe great gratitude to this thunderstorm of a fellow for clearing + the air of all the old legitimate fogs that have settled upon us, and + I sincerely trust his task is not yet over." </blockquote> + +Ticknor (<i>Life</i>, vol. i. p. 60) describes Byron's reception of the +news of the battle of Waterloo: + + <blockquote> "After an instant's pause, Lord Byron replied, 'I am damned sorry for + it;' and then, after another slight pause, he added, 'I didn't know + but I might live to see Lord Castlereagh's head on a pole. But I + suppose I shan't now.'"</blockquote> + +Byron's liking for Buonaparte was probably increased by his dislike of +Wellington and Blucher. The following passages are taken from the +<i>Detached Thoughts</i>(1821): + + <blockquote>"The vanity of Victories is considerable. Of all who fell at Waterloo + or Trafalgar, ask any man in company to <i>name you ten off hand</i>. + They will stick at Nelson: the other will survive himself. <i>Nelson + was</i> a hero, the other is a mere Corporal, dividing with Prussians + and Spaniards the luck which he never deserved. He even—but I hate + the fool, and will be silent."<br> +<br> + "The Miscreant Wellington is the Cub of Fortune, but she will never + lick him into shape. If he lives, he will be beaten; that's certain. + Victory was never before wasted upon such an unprofitable soil as this + dunghill of Tyranny, whence nothing springs but Viper's eggs."<br> +<br> + "I remember seeing Blucher in the London Assemblies, and never saw + anything of his age less venerable. With the voice and manners of a + recruiting Sergeant, he pretended to the honours of a hero; just as if + a stone could be worshipped because a man stumbled over it."</blockquote> +<a href="#fru64">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu65"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 5:</span></a> <i>Henry IV</i>., Part II. act iv. se. 3.<br> +<a href="#fru65">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu66"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 6:</span></a> Mary Duff, his distant cousin, who lived not far from the +"Plain-Stanes" of Aberdeen, in Byron's childhood. She married Mr. Robert +Cockburn, a wine-merchant in Edinburgh and London.<br> +<a href="#fru66">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu67"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 7:</span></a> The first is, perhaps, Dallas; the second probably is +Francis Hodgson, to whom he gave, from first to last, £1500.<br> +<a href="#fru67">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu68"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 8:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"L'intérêt est l'ame de l'amour-propre, de sorte que comme le corps, + privé de son ame, est sans vue, sans ouïe, sans connoissance, sans + sentiment, et sans mouvement; de même l'amour-propre, séparé, s'il le + faut dire ainsi, de son intérêt, ne voit, n'entend, ne sent, et ne se + remue plus," etc., etc. </blockquote> + +(Rochefoucault, Lettre à Madame Sablé). The passage in Lucretius +probably is <i>De Rerum Naturâ</i>, i. 57-62.<br> +<a href="#fru68">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu69"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 9:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"Monsieur de Puységur," says Lady H. Leveson Gower (<i>Letters of + Harriet, Countess of Granville</i>, vol. i. p. 23), "is really + <i>concentré</i> into one wrinkle. It is the oldest, gayest, thinnest, + most withered, and most brilliant thing one can meet with. When there + are so many young, fat fools going about the world, I wish for the + transmigration of souls. Puységur might animate a whole family."</blockquote> + +The phrase, of which Byron was in search, is Goethe's, <i>eine erstarrte +Musik</i> (Stevens's <i>Life of Madame de Staël</i>, vol. ii. p. 195).<br> +<a href="#fru69">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu70"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 10:</span></a> That the poet sometimes dined seems evident from the +annexed bill:<br><br> +<br> + + +<table summary="dinner bill" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><b>Lord Byron</b></td> + <td></td> + <td><b>To M. Richold</b</td> + <td></td> + <td>></td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>1813</td> + <td></td> + <td>£</td> + <td>s.</td> + <td>d.</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>Balance of last bill</td> + <td></td> + <td>0</td> + <td>13</td> + <td>10</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>Aug. 9</td> + <td>To dinner bill</td> + <td>1</td> + <td>6</td> + <td>0</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>10</td> + <td>To do. do.</td> + <td>4</td> + <td>13</td> + <td>6</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>11</td> + <td>To do. do.</td> + <td>1</td> + <td>4</td> + <td>0</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>14</td> + <td>To do. do.</td> + <td>1</td> + <td>6</td> + <td>0</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>15</td> + <td>To share of do.</td> + <td>4</td> + <td>4</td> + <td>6</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>16</td> + <td>To dinner bill</td> + <td>1</td> + <td>6</td> + <td>0</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>17</td> + <td>To do. do. </td> + <td>1</td> + <td>6</td> + <td>6</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>19</td> + <td>To do. do. </td> + <td>1</td> + <td>2</td> + <td>6</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>20</td> + <td>To share of do.</td> + <td>4</td> + <td>19</td> + <td>0</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>21</td> + <td>To dinner bill</td> + <td>1</td> + <td>1</td> + <td>6</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>22</td> + <td>To do. do.</td> + <td>1</td> + <td>2</td> + <td>0</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>23</td> + <td>To do. do.</td> + <td>1</td> + <td>2</td> + <td>0</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>25</td> + <td>To do. do.</td> + <td>1</td> + <td>9</td> + <td>0</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>26</td> + <td>To dinner bill</td> + <td>1</td> + <td>1</td> + <td>6</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>27</td> + <td>To do. do.</td> + <td>1</td> + <td>8</td> + <td>6</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>Sept. 2</td> + <td>To do. do.</td> + <td>1</td> + <td>4</td> + <td>0</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>3</td> + <td>To do. do.</td> + <td>1</td> + <td>2</td> + <td>0</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>4</td> + <td>To do. do.</td> + <td>1</td> + <td>11</td> + <td>0</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>5</td> + <td>To do. do.</td> + <td>1</td> + <td>6</td> + <td>6</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>7</td> + <td>To do. do.</td> + <td>5</td> + <td>7</td> + <td>0</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>9</td> + <td>To do. do.</td> + <td>1</td> + <td>6</td> + <td>6</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>26</td> + <td>To do. do.</td> + <td>1</td> + <td>9</td> + <td>0</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>Nov. 14</td> + <td>To do. do.</td> + <td>1</td> + <td>0</td> + <td>6</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td>21</td> + <td>To do. do.</td> + <td>0</td> + <td>19</td> + <td>0</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><b>Total</b></td> + <td></td> + <td>44</td> + <td>11</td> + <td>10</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#fru70">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu71"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 11:</span></a> <i>Henry IV.</i>, Part II. act v. sc. 5.<br> +<a href="#fru71">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu72"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 12:</span></a> James Wedderburn Webster (see p. 2, <a href="#f21"><i>note</i></a> 1).<br> +<a href="#fru71">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu73"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 13:</span></a> Probably John Cam Hobhouse, whose expenses on the tour of +1809-10 were paid by Byron, and repaid by Sir Benjamin Hobhouse.<br> +<a href="#fru73">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1a">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="nov221813"></a><h3>November 22nd, 1813</h3> +<br> +"<a name="fru81">Orange</a> Boven!"<a href="#fu81"><sup>1</sup></a> So the bees have expelled the bear that broke open +their hive. Well,—if we are to have new De Witts and De Ruyters, God +speed the little republic! I should like to see the Hague and the +village of Brock, where they have such primitive habits. <a name="fru82">Yet</a>, I don't +know,—their canals would cut a poor figure by the memory of the +Bosphorus; and the Zuyder Zee look awkwardly after "Ak-Denizi"<a href="#fu82"><sup>2</sup></a>. No +matter,—the bluff burghers, puffing freedom out of their short +tobacco-pipes, might be worth seeing; though I prefer a cigar or a +hooka, with the rose-leaf mixed with the milder herb of the Levant. I +don't know what liberty means,—never having seen it,—but wealth is +power all over the world; and as a shilling performs the duty of a pound +(besides sun and sky and beauty for nothing) in the East,—<i>that</i> +is the country. <a name="fru83">How</a> I envy Herodes Atticus<a href="#fu83"><sup>3</sup></a>!—more than Pomponius. +And yet a little <i>tumult</i>, now and then, is an agreeable quickener +of sensation; such as a revolution, a battle, or an <i>aventure</i> of +any lively description. I <a name="fru84">think</a> I rather would have been Bonneval, +Ripperda, Alberoni, Hayreddin, or Horuc Barbarossa, or even Wortley +Montague, than Mahomet himself<a href="#fu84"><sup>4</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +Rogers will be in town soon?—the 23d is fixed for our Middleton visit. +Shall I go? umph!—In this island, where one can't ride out without +overtaking the sea, it don't much matter where one goes.<br> +<br> +I remember the effect of the <i>first Edinburgh Review</i> on me. I +heard of it six weeks before,—read it the day of its +denunciation,—dined and drank three bottles of claret, (with S. B. +Davies, I think,) neither ate nor slept the less, but, nevertheless, was +not easy till I had vented my wrath and my rhyme, in the same pages, +against every thing and every body. <a name="fru85">Like</a> George, in the <i>Vicar of +Wakefield</i>, -"the fate of my paradoxes"<a href="#fu85"><sup>5</sup></a> would allow me to +perceive no merit in another. I remembered only the maxim of my +boxing-master, which, in my youth, was found useful in all general +riots,—"Whoever is not for you is against you—<i>mill</i> away right +and left," and so I did;—like Ishmael, my hand was against all men, and +all men's anent me. I <a name="fru86">did</a> wonder, to be sure, at my own success: + +<blockquote>"And marvels so much wit is all his own,"<a href="#fu86"><sup>6</sup></a></blockquote> + +as Hobhouse sarcastically says of somebody (not unlikely myself, as we +are old friends);—but were it to come over again, I would <i>not</i>. I +have since redde the cause of my couplets, and it is not adequate to the +effect. C—— told me that it was believed I alluded to poor Lord +Carlisle's nervous disorder in one of the lines. I thank Heaven I did +not know it—and would not, could not, if I had. I must naturally be the +last person to be pointed on defects or maladies.<br> +<br> +Rogers is silent,—and, it is said, severe. When he does talk, he talks +well; and, on all subjects of taste, his delicacy of expression is pure +as his poetry. If you enter his house—his drawing-room—his +library—you of yourself say, this is not the dwelling of a common mind. +There is not a gem, a coin, a book thrown aside on his chimney-piece, +his sofa, his table, that does not bespeak an almost fastidious elegance +in the possessor. But this very delicacy must be the misery of his +existence. Oh the jarrings his disposition must have encountered through +life!<br> +<br> +<a name="Cx2">Southey</a>, I have not seen much of. His appearance is <i>Epic</i>; and he +is the only existing entire man of letters. All the others have some +pursuit annexed to their authorship. His manners are mild, but not those +of a man of the world, and his talents of the first order. His prose is +perfect. Of his poetry there are various opinions: there is, perhaps, +too much of it for the present generation; posterity will probably +select. He has <i>passages</i> equal to any thing. At present, he has +<i>a party</i>, but no <i>public</i>—except for his prose writings. The +life of Nelson is beautiful.<br> +<a href="#fc32">cross-reference: return to Footnote 2 of Letter 210</a><br> +<br> +Sotheby<a href="#fu87"><sup>7</sup></a> is <a name="fru87">a</a> <i>Littérateur</i>, the Oracle of the Coteries, of the +——s<a href="#fu88"><sup>8</sup></a>, Lydia White (Sydney Smith's "Tory Virgin")<a href="#fu89"><sup>9</sup></a>, Mrs. Wilmot<a href="#fu90"><sup>10</sup></a> +(she, at least, is a swan, and might frequent a purer stream,) Lady +Beaumont<a href="#fu91"><sup>11</sup></a>, and all the Blues, with Lady Charlemont<a href="#fu92"><sup>12</sup></a> at their +head—but I say nothing of <i>her</i>—"look in her face and you forget +them all," and every thing else. Oh that face!—by <i>te, Diva potens +Cypri</i>, I would, to be beloved by that woman, build and burn another +Troy.<br> +<br> +Moore has a peculiarity of talent, or rather talents,—poetry, music, +voice, all his own; and an expression in each, which never was, nor will +be, possessed by another. But he is capable of still higher flights in +poetry. By the by, what humour, what—every thing, in the +"<i>Post-Bag!</i>" There is nothing Moore may not do, if he will but +seriously set about it. In society, he is gentlemanly, gentle, and, +altogether, more pleasing than any individual with whom I am acquainted. +For his honour, principle, and independence, his conduct to —— speaks +"trumpet-tongued." He has but one fault—and that one I daily regret—he +is not <i>here</i>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fu81"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Holland, constituted a kingdom for Louis Napoleon (1806), +was (1810) incorporated with the French Empire. On November 15, 1813, +the people of Amsterdam raised the cry of "Orange Boven!", donned the +Orange colours, and expelled the French from the city. Their example was +followed in other provinces, and on November 21, deputies arrived in +London, asking the Prince of Orange to place himself at the head of the +movement. He landed in Holland, November 30, and entered Amsterdam the +next day in state.<br> +<br> +A play was announced at Drury Lane, December 8, 1813, under the title of +<i>Orange Boven</i>, but it was suppressed because no licence had been +obtained for its performance. It was produced December 10, 1813, and ran +about ten nights.<br> +<a href="#fru81">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu82"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> The Lake of Ak-Deniz, north-east of Antioch, into and out +of which flows the Nahr-Ifrin to join the Nahr-el-Asy or Orontes.<br> +<a href="#fru82">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu83"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> A typically wealthy Greek, as Pomponius Atticus was a +typically wealthy Roman.<br> +<a href="#fru83">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu84"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> Bonneval (1675-1747) was a French soldier of fortune, who +served successively in the Austrian, Russian, and Turkish armies. +Ripperda (died 1737) a Dutch adventurer, became Prime Minister of Spain +under Philip V., and after his fall turned Mohammedan. Alberoni +(1664-1752) was an Italian adventurer, who became Prime Minister of +Spain in 1714. Hayreddin (died 1547) and Horuc Barbarossa (died 1518) +were Algerine pirates. Edward Wortley Montague (1713-1776), son of Lady +Mary, saw the inside of several prisons, served at Fontenoy, sat in the +British Parliament, was received into the Roman Catholic Church at +Jerusalem (1764), lived at Rosetta as a Mohammedan with his mistress, +Caroline Dormer, till 1772, and died at Padua, from swallowing a +fish-bone.<br> +<a href="#fru84">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu85"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 5:</span></a> <i>Vicar of Wakefield</i> (chap. xx.). The Vicar's eldest +son, George, + + <blockquote> "resolved to write a book that should be wholly new. I therefore + dressed up three paradoxes with some ingenuity.... 'Well,' asks the + Vicar, 'and what did the learned world say to your paradoxes?' 'Sir,' + replied my son, 'the learned world said nothing to my paradoxes, + nothing at all.... I found that no genius in another could please me. + My unfortunate paradoxes had entirely dried up that source of comfort. + I could neither read nor write with satisfaction; for excellence in + another was my aversion, and writing was my trade.'"</blockquote> +<a href="#fru85">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu86"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 6:</span></a> From Boileau (<i>Imitations, etc.</i>, by J.C. Hobhouse): + + <blockquote>"With what delight rhymes on the scribbling dunce.<br> + He's ne'er perplex'd to choose, but right at once;<br> + With rapture hails each work as soon as done,<br> + And wonders so much wit was all his own."</blockquote> +<a href="#fru86">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu87"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 7:</span></a> At Sotheby's house, Miss Jane Porter, author of <i>The +Scottish Chiefs</i>, etc., etc., met Byron. She made the following note +of his appearance, and after his death sent it to his sister: + + <blockquote> "I once had the gratification of Seeing Lord Byron. He was at Evening + party at the Poet Sotheby's. I was not aware of his being in the room, + or even that he had been invited, when I was arrested from listening + to the person conversing with me by the Sounds of the most melodious + Speaking Voice I had ever heard. It was gentle and beautifully + modulated. I turned round to look for the Speaker, and then saw a + Gentleman in black of an Elegant form (for nothing of his lameness + could be discovered), and with a face I never shall forget. The + features of the finest proportions. The Eye deep set, but mildly + lustrous; and the Complexion what I at the time described to my + Sister as a Sort of moonlight paleness. It was so pale, yet with all + so Softly brilliant.<br><br> + + I instantly asked my Companion who that Gentleman was. He replied, + 'Lord Byron.' I was astonished, for there was no Scorn, no disdain, + nothing in that noble Countenance <i>then</i> of the proud Spirit + which has since soared to Heaven, illuminating the Horizon far and + wide."</blockquote> +<a href="#fru87">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu88"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 8:</span></a> Probably the Berrys.<br> +<a href="#fru87">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu89"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 9:</span></a> Miss Lydia White, the "Miss Diddle" of Byron's +<i>Blues</i>, of whom Ticknor speaks (<i>Life</i>, vol. i. p. 176) as +"the fashionable blue-stocking," was a wealthy Irishwoman, well known +for her dinners and conversaziones + + <blockquote> "in all the capitals of Europe. At one of her dinners in Park Street + (all the company except herself being Whigs), the desperate prospects + of the Whig party were discussed. Yes,' said Sydney Smith, who was + present, 'we are in a most deplorable condition; we must do something + to help ourselves. I think,' said he, looking at Lydia White, 'we had + better sacrifice a Tory Virgin'" </blockquote> + +(Lady Morgan's <i>Memoirs</i>, vol. ii. p. 236). Miss Berry, in her +<i>Journal</i> (vol. iii. p. 49, May 8, 1815), says, + +<blockquote>"Lord and Lady Byron persuaded me to go with them to Miss White. Never +have I seen a more imposing convocation of ladies arranged in a circle +than when we entered, taking William Spencer with us. Lord Byron brought +me home. He stayed to supper." </blockquote> + +Miss White's last years were passed in bad health. Moore called upon +Rogers, May 7, 1826: + + <blockquote>"Found him in high good humour. In talking of Miss White, he said, + 'How wonderfully she does hold out! They may say what they will, but + Miss White and <i>Miss</i>olongi are the most remarkable things going"</blockquote> + +(<i>Memoirs, etc.</i>, vol. v. p. 62). Lydia White died in February, +1827.<br> +<a href="#fru87">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu90"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 10:</span></a> Barberina Ogle (1768-1854), daughter of Sir Chaloner Ogle, +widow of Valentia Wilmot, married, in 1819, Lord Dacre. Her tragedy, +<i>Ina</i>, was produced at Drury Lane, April 22, 1815. Her literary +work was, for the most part, privately printed: <i>Dramas, Translations, +and Occasional Poems</i> (1821); <i>Translations from the Italian</i> +(1836). She also edited her daughter's <i>Recollections of a +Chaperon</i> (1831), and <i>Tales of the Peerage and Peasantry</i> +(1835).<br> +<a href="#fru87">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu91"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 11:</span></a> Margaret Willes, granddaughter of Chief Justice Willes, +married, in 1778, Sir George Beaumont, Bart. (1753-1827), the +landscape-painter, art critic, and picture-collector, who founded the +National Gallery, was a friend of Sir Joshua Reynolds, of Dr. Johnson, +and of Wordsworth, and is mentioned by Byron in the <i>Blues</i>: + + <blockquote>"Sir George thinks exactly with Lady Bluebottle."</blockquote> +<a href="#fru87">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fu92"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 12:</span></a> Francis William Caulfield, who succeeded his father, in +1799, as second Earl of Charlemont, married, in 1802, Anne, daughter of +William Bermingham, of Ross Hill, co. Galway. She died in 1876. Of Lady +Charlemont's beauty Byron was an enthusiastic admirer. In his <i>Letter +on the Rev. W.L. Bowles's Strictures on Pope</i> (February 7, 1821) he +says, <blockquote>"The head of Lady Charlemont (when I first saw her, nine years +ago) seemed to possess all that sculpture could require for its ideal."</blockquote> +Moore (<i>Journals, etc.</i>, vol. iii. p. 78) has the following entry +in his Diary for November 21, 1819:<blockquote> "Called upon Lady Charlemont, and +sat with her some time. Lady Mansfield told me that the effect she +produces here with her beauty is wonderful; last night, at the Comtesse +d'Albany's, the Italians were ready to fall down and worship her."</blockquote> + +For the two quotations, see Horace, <i>Odes</i>, I. iii. 1, and <i>The +Rape of the Lock</i>, ii. 18.<br> +<a href="#fru87">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1a">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="nov231813"></a><h3>November 23rd, 1813</h3> +<br> +Ward—I like Ward. By Mahomet! I begin to think I like every body;—a +disposition not to be encouraged;— a sort of social gluttony that +swallows every thing set before it. But I like Ward. He is +<i>piquant</i>; and, in my opinion, will stand very <i>high</i> in the +House, and every where else, if he applies <i>regularly</i>. By the by, +I dine with him to-morrow, which may have some influence on my opinion. +It is as well not to trust one's gratitude <i>after</i> dinner. I have +heard many a host libelled by his guests, with his burgundy yet reeking +on their rascally lips.<br> +<br> +I have taken Lord Salisbury's box at Covent Garden for the season; and +now I must go and prepare to join Lady Holland and party, in theirs, at +Drury Lane, <i>questa sera</i>.<br> +<br> +Holland doesn't think the man is <i>Junius</i>; but that the yet +unpublished journal throws great light on the obscurities of that part +of George the Second's reign.—What is this to George the Third's? I +don't know what to think. Why should Junius be yet dead? If suddenly +apoplexed, would he rest in his grave without sending his <img src="images/BG11.gif" width="88" height="30" border="1" alt="Greek: eidolon"> to shout in the ears of posterity, "Junius was X.Y.Z., Esq., +buried in the parish of ——. Repair his monument, ye churchwardens! +Print a new edition of his Letters, ye booksellers!" Impossible,—the +man must be alive, and will never die without the disclosure. I like +him;— he was a good hater.<br> +<br> +Came home unwell and went to bed,—not so sleepy as might be desirable.<br> +<br> +Tuesday morning. I awoke from a dream!—well! and have not others +dreamed?—Such a dream!—but she did not overtake me. I wish the dead +would rest, however. Ugh! how my blood chilled,—and I could not +wake—and—and— heigho! + +<blockquote>"<a name="frv1">Shadows</a> to-night<br> + Have struck more terror to the soul of Richard,<br> + Than could the substance of ten thousand —— s,<br> + Arm'd all in proof, and led by shallow ——."<a href="#fv1"><sup>1</sup></a></blockquote> + +I do not like this dream,—I hate its "foregone conclusion." And am I to +be shaken by shadows? Ay, when they remind us of—no matter—but, if I +dream thus again, I will try whether <i>all</i> sleep has the like +visions. <a name="frv2">Since</a> I rose, I've been in considerable bodily pain also; but +it is gone, and now, like Lord Ogleby<a href="#fv2"><sup>2</sup></a>, I am wound up for the day.<br> +<br> +A <a name="frv3">note</a> from Mountnorris<a href="#fv3"><sup>3</sup></a>—I dine with Ward;—Canning is to be there, +Frere<a href="#fv4"><sup>4</sup></a> and Sharpe<a href="#fv5"><sup>5</sup></a>, perhaps Gifford. I am to be one of "the five" +(or rather six), as Lady —— said a little sneeringly yesterday. They +are all good to meet, particularly Canning, and—Ward, when he likes. I +wish I may be well enough to listen to these intellectuals.<br> +<br> +No letters to-day;—so much the better,—there are no answers. I must +not dream again;—it spoils even reality. I will go out of doors, and +see what the fog will do for me. <a name="frv6">Jackson</a> has been here: the boxing world +much as usual;—but the club increases. I shall dine at Crib's<a href="#fv6"><sup>6</sup></a> +to-morrow. I like energy—even animal energy—of all kinds; and I have +need of both mental and corporeal. I have not dined out, nor, indeed, +<i>at all</i>, lately: have heard no music—have seen nobody. Now for a +<i>plunge</i>—high life and low life. <i><a name="frv7">Amant</a></i> alterna +<i>Camoenæ!</i><a href="#fv7"><sup>7</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +I have burnt my <i>Roman</i>—as I did the first scenes and sketch of my +comedy—and, for aught I see, the pleasure of burning is quite as great +as that of printing. These two last would not have done. I ran into +<i>realities</i> more than ever; and some would have been recognised and +others guessed at.<br> +<br> +<a name="frv8">Redde</a> the <i>Ruminator</i>—a collection of Essays, by a strange, but +able, old man [Sir Egerton Brydges]<a href="#fv8"><sup>8</sup></a>, and a half-wild young one, +author of a poem on the Highlands, called <i>Childe Alarique</i><a href="#fv9"><sup>9</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +The word "sensibility" (always my aversion) occurs a thousand times in +these Essays; and, it seems, is to be an excuse for all kinds of +discontent. This young man can know nothing of life; and, if he +cherishes the disposition which runs through his papers, will become +useless, and, perhaps, not even a poet, after all, which he seems +determined to be. God help him! no one should be a rhymer who could be +any thing better. And this is what annoys one, to see Scott and Moore, +and Campbell and Rogers, who might have all been agents and leaders, now +mere spectators. For, though they may have other ostensible avocations, +these last are reduced to a secondary consideration. ——, too, +frittering away his time among dowagers and unmarried girls. If it +advanced any <i>serious</i> affair, it were some excuse; but, with the +unmarried, that is a hazardous speculation, and tiresome enough, too; +and, with the veterans, it is not much worth trying, unless, perhaps, +one in a thousand.<br> +<br> +If I <a name="frv10">had</a> any views in this country, they would probably be parliamentary<a href="#fv10"><sup>10</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +But I have no ambition; at least, if any, it would be <i>aut Cæsar aut +nihil</i>. My hopes are limited to the arrangement of my affairs, and +settling either in Italy or the East (rather the last), and drinking +deep of the languages and literature of both. Past events have unnerved +me; and all I can now do is to make life an amusement, and look on while +others play. After all, even the highest game of crowns and sceptres, +what is it? <i>Vide</i> Napoleon's last twelvemonth. It has completely +upset my system of fatalism. I <a name="frv11">thought</a>, if crushed, he would have +fallen, when <i>fractus illabitur orbis</i><a href="#fv11"><sup>11</sup></a>, and not have been +pared away to gradual insignificance; that all this was not a mere +<i>jeu</i> of the gods, but a prelude to greater changes and mightier +events. But men never advance beyond a certain point; and here we are, +retrograding, to the dull, stupid old system,—balance of +Europe—poising straws upon kings' noses, instead of wringing them off! +Give me a republic, or a despotism of one, rather than the mixed +government of one, two, three. A republic!—look in the history of the +Earth—Rome, Greece, Venice, France, Holland, America, our short +(<i>eheu!</i>) Commonwealth, and compare it with what they did under +masters. The Asiatics are not qualified to be republicans, but they have +the liberty of demolishing despots, which is the next thing to it. To be +the first man—not the Dictator—not the Sylla, but the Washington or +the Aristides—the leader in talent and truth—is next to the Divinity! +Franklin, Penn, and, next to these, either Brutus or Cassius—even +Mirabeau—or St. Just. I shall never be any thing, or rather always be +nothing. The most I can hope is, that some will say, "He might, perhaps, +if he would."<br> +<br> +<br> +12, midnight.<br> +<br> +Here are two confounded proofs from the printer. I have looked at the +one, but for the soul of me, I can't look over that <i>Giaour</i> +again,—at least, just now, and at this hour—and yet there is no moon.<br> +<br> +Ward talks of going to Holland, and we have partly discussed an +<i>ensemble</i> expedition. It must be in ten days, if at all, if we +wish to be in at the Revolution. And why not? —— is distant, and will +be at ——, still more distant, till spring. No one else, except +Augusta, cares for me; no ties—no trammels—<i>andiamo dunque—se +torniamo, bene—se non, ch' importa?</i> Old William of Orange talked of +dying in "the last ditch" of his dingy country. It is lucky I can swim, +or I suppose I should not well weather the first. But let us see. I have +heard hyeenas and jackalls in the ruins of Asia; and bull-frogs in the +marshes; besides wolves and angry Mussulmans. Now, I should like to +listen to the shout of a free Dutchman.<br> +<br> +Alla! Viva! For ever! Hourra! Huzza!—which is the most rational or +musical of these cries? "Orange Boven," according to the <i>Morning +Post</i>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fv1"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"By the apostle Paul, shadows to-night<br> + Have struck more terror to the soul of Richard<br> + Than can the substance of ten thousand soldiers,<br> + Armed in proof, and led by shallow Richmond."</blockquote> + +<i>Richard III</i>., act v. sc. 3.<br> +<a href="#frv1">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv2"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> "Lord Ogleby" is a character in <i>The Clandestine +Marriage</i> (by Colman and Garrick, first acted at Drury Lane, February +20, 1766). "Brush," his valet, says (act ii.) of his master, + + <blockquote>"What with qualms, age, rheumatism, and a few surfeits in his youth, + he must have a great deal of brushing, oyling, screwing, and winding + up, to set him a-going for the day."</blockquote> +<a href="#frv2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv3"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> Viscount Valentia, created in 1793 Earl of Mountnorris, was +the father of Byron's friend, Viscount Valentia (afterwards second and +last Earl of Mountnorris, died in 1844); of Lady Frances Wedderburn +Webster; of Lady Catherine Annesley, who married Lord John Somerset, and +died in 1865; and of Lady Juliana Annesley, who married Robert Bayly, of +Ballyduff.<br> +<a href="#frv3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv4"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> John Hookham Frere (1769-1846), educated at Eton, and +Caius College, Cambridge (Fellow, 1792), M.P. for West Loe (1796-1802), +was a clerk in the Foreign Office. A school-friend of Canning, he joined +with him in the <i>Anti-Jacobin</i> (November 20, 1797—July 9, 1798). +Among the pieces which he contributed, in whole or part, are "The Loves +of the Triangles," "The Friend of Humanity and the Knife-grinder,""The +Rovers, or the Double Arrangement," "<i>La Sainte Guillotine</i>" "New +Morality," and the "Meeting of the Friends of Freedom." He was British +Envoy at Lisbon (1800-1804) and to the Spanish Junta (October, +1808-April, 1809). From this post he was recalled, owing to the fatal +effects of his advice to Sir John Moore, and he never again held any +public appointment. From 1818 to 1846 he lived at Malta, where he died.<br> +<br> +His translations of "The Frogs" of Aristophanes (1839), and of "The +Acharnians, the Knights, and the Birds" (1840), are masterpieces of +spirit and fidelity. His <i>Prospectus and Specimen of an intended +National Work, by William and Robert Whistlecraft</i> (cantos i., ii., +1817; cantos iii., iv., 1818), inspired Byron with <i>Beppo</i>.<br> +<br> +Ticknor describes him in 1819 (<i>Life</i>, vol. i. p. 267): + + <blockquote> "Frere is a slovenly fellow. His remarks on Homer, in the <i>Classical + Journal</i>, prove how fine a Greek scholar he is; his <i>Quarterly + Reviews</i>, how well he writes; his 'Rovers, or the Double + Arrangement,' what humour he possesses; and the reputation he has left + in Spain and Portugal, how much better he understood their literatures + than they do themselves; while, at the same time, his books left in + France, in Gallicia, at Lisbon, and two or three places in England; + his manuscripts, neglected and lost to himself; his manners, lazy and + careless; and his conversation, equally rich and negligent, show how + little he cares about all that distinguishes him in the eyes of the + world. He studies as a luxury, he writes as an amusement, and + conversation is a kind of sensual enjoyment to him. If he had been + born in Asia, he would have been the laziest man that ever lived."</blockquote> +<a href="#frv3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv5"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 5:</span></a> For "Conversation" Sharp, see p. 341, <a href="#fv22"><i>note</i></a> 2.<br> +<a href="#frv3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv6"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 6:</span></a> Thomas Cribb (1781-1848), born at Bitton, near Bristol, +began life as a bell-hanger, became first a coal-porter, then a sailor, +and finally found his vocation as a pugilist. In his profession he was +known, from one of his previous callings, as the "Black Diamond." His +first big fight was against George Maddox (January 7, 1805), whom he +defeated after seventy-six rounds. He twice beat the ex-champion, the +one-eyed Jem Belcher (April 8, 1807, and February 1, 1809), and with his +victory over Bob Gregson (October 25, 1808; see <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. +p. 207, <i>note</i> 1 [Footnote 2 of Letter 108]) became champion of England. His two defeats of +Molineaux, the black pugilist (December 18, 1810, and September 28, +1811), established his title, which was never again seriously +challenged, and in 1821 it was conferred upon him for life. Cribb was +one of the prize-fighters, who, dressed as pages, kept order at the +Coronation of George IV. In 1813 he was landlord of the King's Arms, +Duke Street, St. James's, and universally respected as the honest head +of the pugilistic profession. He died in 1848 at Woolwich; three years +later a monument was erected to his memory by public subscription in +Woolwich Churchyard. It represents "a British lion grieving over the +ashes of a British hero," and on the plinth is the inscription, "Respect +the ashes of the brave."<br> +<a href="#frv6">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv7"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 7:</span></a> Virgil, <i>Eclogues</i>, iii. 59.<br> +<a href="#frv7">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv8"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 8:</span></a> Sir Samuel Egerton Brydges (1762-1837), poet, novelist, +genealogist, and bibliographer, published, in 1813, <i>The Ruminator: +containing a series of moral, critical, and sentimental Essays</i>. Of +the 104 Essays, 72 appeared in the <i>Censura Literaria</i> between +January, 1807, and June, 1809. The remainder were by Gillies, except two +by the Rev. Francis Wrangham and two by the Rev. Montagu Pennington. No. +50 is a review of some original poems by Capell Lofft, including a Greek +ode on Eton College.<br> +<br> +Gillies, in his <i>Memoirs of a Literary Veteran</i> (vol. ii. p. 4), +says that in 1809 he addressed an anonymous letter to Brydges, +containing some thoughts on the advantages of retirement (the subject of +<i>Childe Alarique</i>). The letter, printed in <i>The Ruminator</i>, +began his literary career and introduced him to Brydges. <i>The +Ruminator</i>, 2 vols. (1813), and <i>Childe Alarique</i> (1813), are +among the books included in the sale catalogue of Byron's books, April +5, 1816.<br> +<a href="#frv8">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv9"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 9:</span></a> Robert Pearse Gillies (1788-1858) wrote <i>Wallace, a +Fragment</i> (1813); <i>Childe Alarique, a Poet's Reverie, with other +Poems</i> (1813); <i>Confessions of Sir Henry Longueville, a Novel</i> +(1814); and numerous other works and translations. His <i>Memoirs of a +Literary Veteran</i> was published in 1851. He was the founder and first +editor of the <i>Foreign Quarterly Review</i> (1827).<br> +<a href="#frv8">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv10"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 10:</span></a> The following additional notes on Byron's Parliamentary +career are taken from his <i>Detached Thoughts</i>: + + <blockquote>"At the Opposition meeting of the peers, in 1812, at Lord Grenville's, + when Lord Grey and he read to us the correspondence upon Moira's + negociation, I sate next to the present Duke of Grafton. When it was + over, I turned to him and said, 'What is to be done next?' 'Wake the + Duke of Norfolk' (who was snoring away near us), replied he. 'I don't + think the Negociators have left anything else for us to do this + turn.'"<br> +<br> + "In the debate, or rather discussion, afterwards, in the House of + Lords, upon that very question, I sate immediately behind Lord Moira, + who was extremely annoyed at G.'s speech upon the subject, and while + G. was speaking, turned round to me repeatedly and asked me whether I + agreed with him? It was an awkward question to me, who had not heard + both sides. Moira kept repeating to me, 'It was <i>not so</i>, it was + so and so,' etc. I did not know very well what to think, but I + sympathized with the acuteness of his feelings upon the subject."<br> +<br> + "Lord Eldon affects an Imitation of two very different + Chancellors—Thurlow and Loughborough—and can indulge in an oath now + and then. On one of the debates on the Catholic question, when we were + either equal or within one (I forget which), I had been sent for in + great haste from a Ball, which I quitted, I confess somewhat + reluctantly, to emancipate five Millions of people. I came in late, + and did not go immediately into the body of the house, but stood just + behind the Woolsack. Eldon turned round, and, catching my eye, + immediately said to a peer (who had come to him for a few minutes on + the Woolsack, as is the custom of his friends), 'Damn them! they'll + have it now, by God!—the vote that is just come in will give it + them.'"</blockquote> +<a href="#frv10">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv11"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 11:</span></a> Horace, <i>Odes</i>, III. iii. 7.<br> +<a href="#frv11">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1a">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="nov241813"></a><h3>24th November, 1813</h3> +<br> +No <a name="frv21">dreams</a> last night of the dead, nor the living; so—I am "firm as the +marble, founded as the rock,"<a href="#fv21"><sup>1</sup></a> till the next earthquake.<br> +<br> +Ward's dinner went off well. There was not a disagreeable person +there—unless <i>I</i> offended any body, which I am sure I could not by +contradiction, for I said little, and opposed nothing. Sharpe<a href="#fv22"><sup>2</sup></a> (a <a name="frv22">man</a> +of elegant mind, and who has lived much with the best—Fox, Horne Tooke, +Windham, Fitzpatrick, and all the agitators of other times and tongues,) +told us the particulars of his last interview with Windham<a href="#fv23"><sup>3</sup></a>, a few +days before the fatal operation which sent "that gallant spirit to +aspire the skies."<a href="#fv24"><sup>4</sup></a> Windham,—the first in one department of oratory +and talent, whose only fault was his refinement beyond the intellect of +half his hearers,—Windham, half his life an active participator in the +events of the earth, and one of those who governed nations,—<i>he</i> +regretted,—and dwelt much on that regret, that "he had not entirely +devoted himself to literature and science!!!" His mind certainly would +have carried him to eminence there, as elsewhere;—but I cannot +comprehend what debility of that mind could suggest such a wish. I, who +have heard him, cannot regret any thing but that I shall never hear him +again. What! would he have been a plodder? a metaphysician?—perhaps a +rhymer? a scribbler? Such an exchange must have been suggested by +illness. But <a name="frv25">he</a> is gone, and Time "shall not look upon his like again."<a href="#fv25"><sup>5</sup></a><br> +<br> +I am tremendously in arrear with my letters,—except to ——, and to her +my thoughts overpower me:—my words never compass them. To Lady +Melbourne I write with most pleasure—and her answers, so sensible, so +<i>tactique</i>—I never met with half her talent. If she had been a few +years younger, what a fool she would have made of me, had she thought it +worth her while,—and I should have lost a valuable and most agreeable +<i>friend</i>. Mem. a mistress never is nor can be a friend. While you +agree, you are lovers; and, when it is over, any thing but friends.<br> +<br> +I have not answered W. Scott's last letter,—but I will. I regret to +hear from others, that he has lately been unfortunate in pecuniary +involvements. He is undoubtedly the Monarch of Parnassus, and the most +<i>English</i> of bards. I should place Rogers next in the living list +(I value him more as the last of the best school) —Moore and Campbell +both <i>third</i>—Southey and Wordsworth and Coleridge—the rest, +<img src="images/BG12.gif" width="92" height="30" border="1" alt="Greek: hoi polloi">—thus:<br> +<br> + + +<img src="images/BI1.gif" width="501" height="408" border="1" alt="pyramid of writers"><br> +<br> + + +There is a triangular <i>Gradus ad Parnassum</i>!—the names are too +numerous for the base of the triangle. Poor Thurlow has gone wild about +the poetry of Queen Bess's reign—<i>c'est dommage</i>. I have ranked +the names upon my triangle more upon what I believe popular opinion, +than any decided opinion of my own. For, to me, some of Moore's last +<i>Erin</i> sparks—"As a beam o'er the face of the waters"—"When he +who adores thee"—"Oh blame not"—and "Oh breathe not his name"—are +worth all the Epics that ever were composed.<br> +<br> +Rogers thinks the <i>Quarterly</i> will attack me next. Let them. I have +been "peppered so highly" in my time, <i>both</i> ways, that it must be +cayenne or aloes to make me taste. I can sincerely say, that I am not +very much alive <i>now</i> to criticism. But—in tracing this—I rather +believe that it proceeds from my not attaching that importance to +authorship which many do, and which, when young, I did also. "<a name="frv26">One</a> gets +tired of every thing, my angel," says Valmont<a href="#fv26"><sup>6</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +The "angels" are the only things of which I am not a little sick—but I +do think the preference of <i>writers</i> to <i>agents</i>—the mighty +stir made about scribbling and scribes, by themselves and others—a sign +of effeminacy, degeneracy, and weakness. Who would write, who had any +thing better to do? "Action—action—action"—said Demosthenes: +"Actions—actions," I say, and not writing,—least of all, rhyme. Look at +the querulous and monotonous lives of the "genus;"—except Cervantes, +Tasso, Dante, Ariosto, Kleist (who were brave and active citizens), +Æschylus, Sophocles, and some other of the antiques also—what a +worthless, idle brood it is!<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fv21"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Macbeth, act iii. sc. 4— + + <blockquote>"Whole as the marble, founded as the rock."</blockquote> +<a href="#frv21">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv22"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Richard Sharp (1759-1835), a wealthy hat-manufacturer, was +a prominent figure in political and literary life. A consistent Whig, he +was one of the "Friends of the People," and in the House of Commons +(1806-12) was a recognized authority on questions of finance. +Essentially a "club-able man," he was a member of many clubs, both +literary and political. In Park Lane and at Mickleham he gathered round +him many friends—Rogers, Moore, Mackintosh, Macaulay, Coleridge, +Horner, Grattan, Horne Tooke, and Sydney Smith, who was so frequently +his guest in the country that he was called the "Bishop of Mickleham." +Horner (May 20, 1816) speaks of a visit paid to Sharp in Surrey, in +company with Grattan (<i>Memoirs</i>, vol. ii. p. 355). Ticknor, who, in +1815, breakfasted with Sharp in Park Lane (<i>Life</i>, vol. i. pp. 55, +56), says of a party of "men of letters:" + + <blockquote>"I saw little of them, excepting Mr. Sharp, formerly a Member of + Parliament, and who, from his talents in society, has been called + 'Conversation Sharp.' He has been made an associate of most of the + literary clubs in London, from the days of Burke down to the present + time. He told me a great many amusing anecdotes of them, and + particularly of Burke, Porson, and Grattan, with whom he had been + intimate; and occupied the dinner-time as pleasantly as the same + number of hours have passed with me in England.... <br> +<br> +<i>June + 7</i>.—This morning I breakfasted with Mr. Sharp, and had a + continuation of yesterday,—more pleasant accounts of the great men of + the present day, and more amusing anecdotes of the generation that has + passed away." </blockquote> + +Miss Berry, who met Sharp often, writes, in her Journal for March 26, +1808 (<i>Journal</i>, vol. ii. p. 344), + + <blockquote> "He is clever, but I should suspect of little real depth of intellect."</blockquote> + +Sharp published anonymously a volume of <i>Epistles in Verse</i> (1828). +These were reproduced, with additions, in his <i>Letters and Essays</i>, +published with his name in 1834. His "Epistle to an Eminent Poet" is +evidently addressed to his lifelong friend, Samuel Rogers: + + <blockquote>"Yes! thou hast chosen well 'the better part,'<br> + And, for the triumphs of the noblest art,<br> + Hast wisely scorn'd the sordid cares of life."</blockquote> +<a href="#frv22">return</a><br> +<a href="#fv5">cross-reference: return to Footnote 5 of Journal entry for November 23, 1813</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv23"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> William Windham, of Felbrigg Hall (1750-1810), educated at +Eton, Glasgow, and University College, Oxford, became M.P. for Norwich +in 1784. In the following year he was made chief secretary to Lord +Northington, Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland. Expressing some doubts to Dr. +Johnson whether he possessed the arts necessary for Parliamentary +success, the Doctor said, "You will become an able negotiator; a very +pretty rascal." He resigned the secretaryship within the year, according +to Gibbon, on the plea of ill health. He was one of the managers of the +impeachment of Warren Hastings in 1788, Secretary at War from 1794 to +1801, and War and Colonial Secretary, 1806-7.<br> +<br> +Windham, a shrewd critic of other speakers, called Pitt's style a +"State-paper style," because of its combined dignity and poverty, and +"verily believed Mr. Pitt could speak a king's speech off-hand." As a +speaker he was himself remarkably effective, a master of illustration +and allusion, delighting in "homely Saxon," and affecting provincial +words and pronunciation. Lord Sheffield, writing to Gibbon, February 5, +1793, says, "As to Windham, I should think he is become the best, at +least the most sensible, speaker of the whole." His love of paradox, +combined with his political independence and irresolution, gained him +the name of "Weathercock Windham;" but he was respected by both sides as +an honest politician. Outside the house it was his ambition to be known +as a thorough Englishman—a patron of horse-racing, cock-fighting, +bull-baiting, pugilism, and football. He was also a scholar, a man of +wide reading, an admirable talker, and a friend of Miss Berry and of +Madame d'Arblay, in whose Diaries he is a prominent figure. His own +<i>Diary</i> (1784-1810) was published in 1866.<br> +<br> +On the 8th of July, 1809, he saw a fire in Conduit Street, which threatened to spread to the house of his friend North, who possessed a +valuable library. In his efforts to save the books, he fell and bruised +his hip. A tumour formed, which was removed; but he sank under the +operation, and died June 4, 1810.<br> +<a href="#frv22">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv24"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"O Romeo, Romeo, brave Mercutio's dead;<br> + That gallant spirit hath aspired the clouds."</blockquote> + +<i>Romeo and Juliet</i>, act iii. sc. 1.<br> +<a href="#frv23">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv25"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 5:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"He was a man, take him for all in all,<br> + I shall not look upon his like again."</blockquote> + +<i>Hamlet</i>, act i. sc. 2.<br> +<a href="#frv25">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv26"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 6:</span></a> The allusion probably is to <i>The Foundling of the +Forest</i> (1809), by William Dimond the Younger. But no passage exactly +corresponds to the quotation.<br> +<a href="#frv26">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1a">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="12mn"></a><h3>12, Mezza Notte</h3> +<br> +Just returned from dinner with Jackson (the Emperor of Pugilism) and +another of the select, at Crib's, the champion's. I drank more than I +like, and have brought away some three bottles of very fair claret—for +I have no headach. We had Tom Crib up after dinner;—very facetious, +though somewhat prolix. He don't like his situation—wants to fight +again—pray Pollux (or Castor, if he was the <i>miller</i>) he may! Tom +has been a sailor—a coal-heaver—and some other genteel profession, +before he took to the cestus. Tom has been in action at sea, and is now +only three-and-thirty. A great man! has a wife and a mistress, and +conversations well—bating some sad omissions and misapplications of the +aspirate. Tom is an old friend of mine; I have seen some of his best +battles in my nonage. He is now a publican, and, I fear, a sinner;—for +Mrs. Crib is on alimony, and Tom's daughter lives with the champion. +<i>This</i> Tom told me,—Tom, having an opinion of my morals, passed +her off as a legal spouse. Talking of her, he said, "she was the truest +of women"—from which I immediately inferred she could <i>not</i> be his +wife, and so it turned out.<br> +<br> +These panegyrics don't belong to matrimony;—for, if "true," a man don't +think it necessary to say so; and if not, the less he says the better. +Crib is the only man except ——, I ever heard harangue upon his wife's +virtue; and I listened to both with great credence and patience, and +stuffed my handkerchief into my mouth, when I found yawning +irresistible—<a name="frv31">By</a> the by, I am yawning now—so, good night to +thee.—<a href="#fv31"><img src="images/BG13.gif" width="106" height="30" border="1" alt="Greek: Noáiron"></a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fv31"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> It is doubtful whether this is not a mistake for <img src="images/BG14.gif" width="96" height="27" border="1" alt="Greek: Noáiron">, a variant of <img src="images/BG7.gif" width="96" height="30" border="1" alt="Greek: Mpairon">, which is the correct +transliteration into modern Greek of <i>Byron</i>, but the MS. is +destroyed.<br> +<a href="#frv31">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1a">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="nov261813"></a><h3>Thursday, November 26th [1813]</h3> +<br> +Awoke a little feverish, but no headach—no dreams neither, thanks to +stupor! Two letters; one from ——, the other from Lady Melbourne—both +excellent in their respective styles. ——'s contained also a very +pretty lyric on "concealed griefs;" if not her own, yet very like her. +Why did she not say that the stanzas were, or were not, of her own +composition? I do not know whether to wish them <i>hers</i> or not. I +have no great esteem for poetical persons, particularly women; they have +so much of the "ideal" in <i>practics</i>, as well as <i>ethics</i>.<br> +<br> +I have been thinking lately a good deal of Mary Duff. How very odd that +I should have been so utterly, devotedly fond of that girl, at an age +when I could neither feel passion, nor know the meaning of the word. And +the effect! My mother used always to rally me about this childish amour; +and, at last, many years after, when I was sixteen, she told me one day, +"Oh, Byron, I have had a letter from Edinburgh, from Miss Abercromby, +and your old sweetheart Mary Duff is married to a Mr. Co'e." And what +was my answer? I really cannot explain or account for my feelings at +that moment; but they nearly threw me into convulsions, and alarmed my +mother so much, that after I grew better, she generally avoided the +subject—to <i>me</i>—and contented herself with telling it to all her +acquaintance. Now, what could this be? I had never seen her since her +mother's <i>faux pas</i> at Aberdeen had been the cause of her removal +to her grandmother's at Banff; we were both the merest children. I had +and have been attached fifty times since that period; yet I recollect +all we said to each other, all our caresses, her features, my +restlessness, sleeplessness, my tormenting my mother's maid to write for +me to her, which she at last did, to quiet me. Poor Nancy thought I was +wild, and, as I could not write for myself, became my secretary. I +remember, too, our walks, and the happiness of sitting by Mary, in the +children's apartment, at their house not far from the Plain-stanes at +Aberdeen, while her lesser sister Helen played with the doll, and we sat +gravely making love, in our way.<br> +<br> +How the deuce did all this occur so early? where could it originate? I +certainly had no sexual ideas for years afterwards; and yet my misery, +my love for that girl were so violent, that I sometimes doubt if I have +ever been really attached since. Be that as it may, hearing of her +marriage several years after was like a thunder-stroke—it nearly choked +me—to the horror of my mother and the astonishment and almost +incredulity of every body. And it is a phenomenon in my existence (for I +was not eight years old) which has puzzled, and will puzzle me to the +latest hour of it; and lately, I know not why, the <i>recollection</i> +(<i>not</i> the attachment) has recurred as forcibly as ever. I wonder +if she can have the least remembrance of it or me? or remember her +pitying sister Helen for not having an admirer too? How very pretty is +the perfect image of her in my memory—her brown, dark hair, and hazel +eyes; her very dress! I should be quite grieved to see <i>her now</i>; +the reality, however beautiful, would destroy, or at least confuse, the +features of the lovely Peri which then existed in her, and still lives +in my imagination, at the distance of more than sixteen years. I am now +twenty-five and odd months....<br> +<br> +I think my mother told the circumstances (on my hearing of her marriage) +to the Parkynses, and certainly to the Pigot family, and probably +mentioned it in her answer to Miss A., who was well acquainted with my +childish <i>penchant</i>, and had sent the news on purpose for +<i>me</i>,—and thanks to her!<br> +<br> +Next to the beginning, the conclusion has often occupied my reflections, +in the way of investigation. That the facts are thus, others know as +well as I, and my memory yet tells me so, in more than a whisper. But, +the more I reflect, the more I am bewildered to assign any cause for +this precocity of affection.<br> +<br> +Lord Holland invited me to dinner to-day; but three days' dining would +destroy me. So, without eating at all since yesterday, I went to my box +at Covent Garden.<br> +<br> +Saw —— looking very pretty, though quite a different style of beauty +from the other two. She has the finest eyes in the world, out of which +she pretends <i>not</i> to see, and the longest eyelashes I ever saw, +since Leila's and Phannio's Moslem curtains of the light. She has much +beauty,—just enough,—but is, I think, <i>méchante</i>.<br> +<br> +I have been pondering on the miseries of separation, that—oh how seldom +we see those we love! yet we live ages in moments, <i>when met</i>. The +only thing that consoles me during absence is the reflection that no +mental or personal estrangement, from ennui or disagreement, can take +place; and when people meet hereafter, even though many changes may have +taken place in the mean time, still, unless they are <i>tired</i> of +each other, they are ready to reunite, and do not blame each other for +the circumstances that severed them.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1a">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="nov271813"></a><h3>Saturday 27th [November 1813]</h3> +<br> +(I believe or rather am in <i>doubt</i>, which is the <i>ne plus +ultra</i> of mortal faith.)<br> +<br> +I have missed a day; and, as the Irishman said, or Joe Miller says for +him, "have gained a loss," or <i>by</i> the loss. Every thing is settled +for Holland, and nothing but a cough, or a caprice of my +fellow-traveller's, can stop us. Carriage ordered, funds prepared, and, +probably, a gale of wind into the bargain. <i>N'importe</i>—I believe, +with Clym o' the Clow, or Robin Hood, "By our <a name="frv41">Mary</a>, (dear name!) thou +art both Mother and May, I think it never was a man's lot to die before +his day."<a href="#fv41"><sup>1</sup></a><br> +<br> +Heigh for Helvoetsluys, and so forth!<br> +<br> +To-night I went with young Henry Fox to see <i>Nourjahad</i>, a drama, +which the <i>Morning Post</i> hath laid to my charge, but of which I +cannot even guess the author. I wonder what they will next inflict upon +me. They cannot well sink below a melodrama; but that is better than a +satire, (at least, a personal one,) with which I stand truly arraigned, +and in atonement of which I am resolved to bear silently all criticisms, +abuses, and even praises, for bad pantomimes never composed by me, +without even a contradictory aspect. I suppose the root of this report +is my loan to the manager of my Turkish drawings for his dresses, to +which he was more welcome than to my name. I suppose the real author +will soon own it, as it has succeeded; if not, Job be my model, and +Lethe my beverage!<br> +<br> +—— has received the portrait safe; and, in answer, the only remark she +makes upon it is, "indeed it is like"—and again, "indeed it is like." +With her the likeness "covered a multitude of sins;" for I happen to +know that this portrait was not a flatterer, but dark and stern,—even +black as the mood in which my mind was scorching last July, when I sat +for it. All the others of me, like most portraits whatsoever, are, of +course, more agreeable than nature.<br> +<br> +Redde the <i>Edinburgh Review</i> of Rogers. He is ranked highly; but +where he should be. <a name="frv42">There</a> is a summary view of us all—<i>Moore</i> and +<i>me</i> among the rest<a href="#fv42"><sup>2</sup></a>; and both (the <i>first</i> justly) +praised—though, by implication (justly again) placed beneath our +memorable friend. Mackintosh is the writer, and also of the critique on +the Stael<a href="#fv43"><sup>3</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +His grand essay on Burke, I hear, is for the next number. But I know +nothing of the <i>Edinburgh</i>, or of any other <i>Review</i>, but from +rumour; and I have long ceased; indeed, I could not, in justice, +complain of any, even though I were to rate poetry, in general, and my +rhymes in particular, more highly than I really do. To withdraw +<i>myself</i> from <i>myself</i> (oh that cursed selfishness!) has ever +been my sole, my entire, my sincere motive in scribbling at all; and +publishing is also the continuance of the same object, by the action it +affords to the mind, which else recoils upon itself. If I valued fame, I +should flatter received opinions, which have gathered strength by time, +and will yet wear longer than any living works to the contrary. But, for +the soul of me, I cannot and will not give the lie to my own thoughts +and doubts, come what may. If I am a fool, it is, at least, a doubting +one; and I envy no one the certainty of his self-approved wisdom.<br> +<br> +All are inclined to believe what they covet, from a lottery-ticket up to +a passport to Paradise,—in which, from the description, I see nothing +very tempting. <a name="frv44">My</a> restlessness tells me I have something "within that +passeth show."<a href="#fv44"><sup>4</sup></a><br> +<br> +It is for Him, who made it, to prolong that spark of celestial fire +which illuminates, yet burns, this frail tenement; but I see no such +horror in a "dreamless sleep," and I have no conception of any existence +which duration would not render tiresome. How else "fell the angels," +even according to your creed? <a name="frv45">They</a> were immortal, heavenly, and happy, +as their <I>apostate Abdiel</I><a href="#fv45"><sup>5</sup></a> is now by his treachery. Time must +decide; and eternity won't be the less agreeable or more horrible +because one did not expect it. In the mean time, I am grateful for some +good, and tolerably patient under certain evils—<I>grace à Dieu et mon +bon tempérament</I>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fv41"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"Ah, deere ladye, said Robin Hood, thou<br> + That art both Mother and May,<br> + I think it was never man's destinye<br> + To die before his day."</blockquote> + +<i>Ballad of Robin Hood</i><br> +<a href="#frv41">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv42"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> The following is the passage to which Byron alludes: + + <blockquote> "Greece, the mother of freedom and of poetry in the West, which had + long employed only the antiquary, the artist, and the philologist, was + at length destined, after an interval of many silent and inglorious + ages, to awaken the genius of a poet. Full of enthusiasm for those + perfect forms of heroism and liberty which his imagination had placed + in the recesses of antiquity, he gave vent to his impatience of the + imperfections of living men and real institutions, in an original + strain of sublime satire, which clothes moral anger in imagery of an + almost horrible grandeur; and which, though it cannot coincide with + the estimate of reason, yet could only flow from that worship of + perfection which is the soul of all true poetry."</blockquote> + +<i>Edin. Rev</i>., vol. xxii. p. 37.<br> +<a href="#frv42">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv43"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"In the last <i>Edinburgh Review</i> you will find two articles of + mine, one on Rogers, and the other on Madame de Staël: they are both, + especially the first, thought too panegyrical. I like the praises + which I have bestowed on Lord Byron and Thomas Moore. I am convinced + of the justness of the praises given to Madame de + Staël."</blockquote> + +<i>Mackintosh's Life</i>, vol. ii. p. 271.<br> +<a href="#frv42">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv44"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"I have that within which passeth show." </blockquote> + +<i>Hamlet</i>, act i. sc. 2.<br> +<a href="#frv44">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv45"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 5:</span></a> + + <blockquote> " ... the seraph Abdiel, faithful found<br> + Among the faithless."</blockquote> + +Milton, <I>Paradise Lost</I>, v. 896.<br> +<a href="#frv45">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1a">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="nov301813"></a><h3>Tuesday 30th [November 1813]</h3> +<br> +Two days missed in my log-book;—<I>hiatus</I> haud <I>deflendus</I>. +They were as little worth recollection as the rest; and, luckily, +laziness or society prevented me from <I>notching</I> them.<br> +<br> +<a name="frv51">Sunday</a>, I dined with the Lord Holland in St. James's Square. Large +party—among them Sir S. Romilly<a href="#fv51"><sup>1</sup></a> and Lady R'y.—General Sir Somebody +Bentham<a href="#fv52"><sup>2</sup></a>, a man of science and talent, I am told—Horner<a href="#fv53"><sup>3</sup></a>—<i>the</i> Horner, an Edinburgh Reviewer, an excellent speaker in +the "Honourable House," very pleasing, too, and gentlemanly in company, +as far as I have seen—Sharpe— Philips of Lancashire<a href="#fv54"><sup>4</sup></a>—Lord John +Russell, and others, "good men and true." Holland's society is very +good; you always see some one or other in it worth knowing. Stuffed +myself with sturgeon, and exceeded in champagne and wine in general, but +not to confusion of head. When I <i>do</i> dine, I gorge like an Arab or +a Boa snake, on fish and vegetables, but no meat. I am always better, +however, on my tea and biscuit than any other regimen, and even +<i>that</i> sparingly.<br> +<br> +Why does Lady H. always have that damned screen between the whole room +and the fire? I, who bear cold no better than an antelope, and never yet +found a sun quite <i>done</i> to my taste, was absolutely petrified, and +could not even shiver. All the rest, too, looked as if they were just +unpacked, like salmon from an ice-basket, and set down to table for that +day only. When she retired, I watched their looks as I dismissed the +screen, and every cheek thawed, and every nose reddened with the +anticipated glow.<br> +<br> +Saturday, I went with Harry Fox to <i>Nourjahad</i>; and, I believe, +convinced him, by incessant yawning, that it was not mine. I wish the +precious author would own it, and release me from his fame. The dresses +are pretty, but not in costume;—Mrs. Horn's, all but the turban, and +the want of a small dagger (if she is a sultana), <i>perfect</i>. I +never saw a Turkish woman with a turban in my life—nor did any one +else. The sultanas have a small poniard at the waist. The dialogue is +drowsy—the action heavy—the scenery fine—the actors tolerable. I +can't say much for their seraglio—Teresa, Phannio, or ——, were worth +them all.<br> +<br> +Sunday, a very handsome note from Mackintosh, who is a rare instance of +the union of very transcendent talent and great good nature. <a name="frv55">To-day</a> +(Tuesday) a very pretty billet from M. la Baronne de Stael Holstein<a href="#fv55"><sup>5</sup></a>. + She is pleased to be much pleased with my mention of her and her last +work in my notes. I spoke as I thought. Her works are my delight, and so +is she herself, for—half an hour. I don't like her politics—at least, +her <I>having changed</I> them; had she been <I>qualis ab incepto</I>, +it were nothing. But she is a woman by herself, and has done more than +all the rest of them together, intellectually;—she ought to have been a +man. She <I>flatters</I> me very prettily in her note;—but I +<I>know</I> it. The reason that adulation is not displeasing is, that, +though untrue, it shows one to be of consequence enough, in one way or +other, to induce people to lie, to make us their friend:—that is their +concern.<br> +<br> +—— <a name="frv56">is</a>, I hear, thriving on the repute of a <I>pun</I> which was +<I>mine</I> (at Mackintosh's dinner some time back), on Ward, who was +asking, "how much it would take to <I>re-whig</I> him?" I answered that, +probably, "he must first, before he was <I>re-whigged</I>, be +re-<I>warded</I>."<a href="#fv56"><sup>6</sup></a> This foolish quibble, before the Stael and +Mackintosh, and a number of conversationers, has been mouthed about, and +at last settled on the head of ——, where long may it remain!<br> +<br> +George<a href="#fv57"><sup>7</sup></a> is <a name="frv57">returned</a> from afloat to get a new ship. He looks thin, but +better than I expected. I like George much more than most people like +their heirs. He is a fine fellow, and every inch a sailor. I would do +any thing, <i>but apostatise</i>, to get him on in his profession.<br> +<br> +Lewis called. It is a <a name="frv58">good</a> and good-humoured man, but pestilently prolix +and paradoxical and <i>personal</i><a href="#fv58"><sup>8</sup></a>. If he would but talk half, and +reduce his visits to an hour, he would add to his popularity. As an +author he is very good, and his vanity is <I>ouverte</I>, like +Erskine's, and yet not offending.<br> +<br> +<a name="frv59">Yesterday</a>, a very pretty letter from Annabella<a href="#fv59"><sup>9</sup></a>, which I answered. +What an odd situation and friendship is ours!—without one spark of love +on either side, and produced by circumstances which in general lead to +coldness on one side, and aversion on the other. She is a very superior +woman, and very little spoiled, which is strange in an heiress—a girl +of twenty—a peeress that is to be, in her own right—an only child, and +a <I>savante</I>, who has always had her own way. She is a poetess—a +mathematician—a metaphysician, and yet, withal, very kind, generous, +and gentle, with very little pretension. Any other head would be turned +with half her acquisitions, and a tenth of her advantages.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fv51"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Sir Samuel Romilly (1757-1818), Solicitor-General (1806-7), +distinguished himself in Parliament by his consistent advocacy of +Catholic Emancipation, the abolition of the slave-trade, Parliamentary +reform, and the mitigation of the harshness of the criminal law. Writing +of Romilly's <I>Observations on the Criminal Law of</I> <I>England</I> +(1810), Sir James Mackintosh says, + + <blockquote>"It does the very highest honour to his moral character, which, I + think, stands higher than that of any other conspicuous Englishman now + alive. Probity, independence, humanity, and liberality breathe through + every word; considered merely as a composition, accuracy, perspicuity, + discretion, and good taste are its chief merits; great originality and + comprehension of thought, or remarkable vigour of expression, it does + not possess."</blockquote> + +The death of his wife, October 29, 1818, so affected Romilly's mind that +he committed suicide four days later. + + <blockquote> "Romilly," said Lord Lansdowne to Moore (<i>Memoirs, etc</i>., vol. + ii. p. 211), "was a stern, reserved sort of man, and she was the only + person in the world to whom he wholly unbent and unbosomed himself; + when he lost her, therefore, the very vent of his heart was stopped + up."</blockquote> +<a href="#frv51">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv52"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Sir Samuel Bentham (1757-1831), naval architect and +engineer, like his brother Jeremy, was a strong reformer. He was a +Knight of the Russian Order of St. George, and, like Sir Samuel Egerton +Brydges, who was a Knight of the Swedish Order of St. Joachim before he +was created a baronet (1814), assumed the title in England.<br> +<a href="#frv51">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv53"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> Francis Horner (1778-1817), called to the Scottish Bar in +1800, and to the English Bar in 1807, was one of the founders of the +<i>Edinburgh Review</i>, and acted as second to Jeffrey in his duel with +Moore. In the House of Commons (M.P. for St. Ives, 1806-7; Wendover, +1807-12; St. Mawes, 1812-17) he was one of the most impressive speakers +of the day, especially on financial questions. When Lord Morpeth moved +(March 3, 1817) for a new writ for the borough of St. Mawes, striking +tributes were paid to his character from both sides of the House +(<i>Memoirs and Correspondence of Francis Horner</i>, vol. ii. pp. +416-426), and further proof was given of public esteem by the statue +erected to his memory in Westminster Abbey. The speeches delivered in +the Lower House on March 3, 1817, were translated by Ugo Foscolo, and +published with a dedication <i>al nobile giovinetto, Enrico Fox, figlio +di Lord Holland</i>.<br> +<a href="#frv51">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv54"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> George Philips, only son of Thomas Philips of Sedgley, +Lancashire (born March 24, 1766), was created a baronet in February, +1828. He sat for South Warwickshire in the first reformed House of +Commons.<br> +<a href="#frv51">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv55"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 5:</span></a> In a note to <i>The Bride of Abydos</i> (Canto I. st. vi.), +Byron had written, + + <blockquote> "For an eloquent passage in the latest work of the first female writer + of this, perhaps of any, age, on the analogy (and the immediate + comparison excited by that analogy) between 'painting and music,' see + vol. iii. cap. 10, <i>De l'Allemagne</i>." </blockquote> + +The passage is as follows (Part III. chap, x.): + + <blockquote> "Sans cesse nous comparons la peinture à la musique, et la musique à + la peinture, parceque les émotions que nous eprouvons nous révèlent + des analogies où l'observation froide ne verroit que des différences," + etc., etc.</blockquote> + +The following is Madame de Staël's "very pretty billet:" + + <blockquote>"Argyll St., No. 31.<br> +<br> + "Je ne saurais vous exprímer, my lord, à quel point je me trouve + honorée d'être dans une note de votre poëme, et de quel poëme! il me + semble que pour la première fois je me crois certaine d'un nom + d'avenir et que vous avez disposé pour moi de cet empire de reputation + qui vous sera tous les jours plus soumis. Je voudrais vous parler de + ce poëme que tout le monde admire, mais j'avouerai que je suis trop + suspecte en le louant, et je ne cache pas qu' une louage de vous m'a + fait épreuver un sentiment de fierté et de réconaissance qui me + rendrait incapable de vous juger; mais heureusement vous êtes au + dessus du jugement.<br> +<br> + "Donnez moi quelquefois le plaisir de vous voir; il-y-a un proverbe + français qui dit qu'un bonheur ne va jamais sans d'autre.<br> +<br> + "<b>de Staël</b>."</blockquote> +<a href="#frv55">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv56"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 6:</span></a> + + <blockquote> "Byron," writes Sir Walter Scott, in a hitherto unpublished note, + "occasionally said what are called good things, but never studied for + them. They came naturally and easily, and mixed with the comic or + serious, as it happened. A professed wit is of all earthly companions + the most intolerable. He is like a schoolboy with his pockets stuffed + with crackers.<br> +<br> + "No first-rate author was ever what is understood by a <i>great + conversational wit</i>. Swift's wit in common society was either the + strong sense of a wonderful man unconsciously exerting his powers, or + that of the same being wilfully unbending, wilfully, in fact, + degrading himself. Who ever heard of any fame for conversational wit + lingering over the memory of a Shakespeare, a Milton, even of a Dryden + or a Pope?<br> +<br> + Johnson is, perhaps, a solitary exception. More shame to him. He was + the most indolent great man that ever lived, and threw away in his + talk more than he ever took pains to embalm in his writings.<br> +<br> + It is true that Boswell has in great measure counteracted all this. + But here is no defence. Few great men can expect to have a Boswell, + and none <i>ought</i> to wish to have one, far less to trust to having + one. A man should not keep fine clothes locked up in his chest only + that his valet may occasionally show off in them; no, nor yet strut + about in them in his chamber, only that his valet may puff him and his + finery abroad.<br> +<br> + What might not he have done, who wrote <i>Rasselas</i> in the evenings + of eight days to get money enough for his mother's funeral expenses? + As it is, what has Johnson done? Is it nothing to be the first + intellect of <i>an age</i>? and who seriously talks even of Burke as + having been more than a clever boy in the presence of old Samuel?"</blockquote> +<a href="#frv56">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv57"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 7:</span></a> George Anson Byron, R. N., afterwards Lord Byron.<br> +<a href="#frv57">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv58"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 8:</span></a> Scott has this additional note on Lewis: + + <blockquote>"Nothing was more tiresome than Lewis when he began to harp upon any + extravagant proposition. He would tinker at it for hours without + mercy, and repeat the same thing in four hundred different ways. If + you assented in despair, he resumed his reasoning in triumph, and you + had only for your pains the disgrace of giving in. If you disputed, + daylight and candle-light could not bring the discussion to an end, + and Mat's arguments were always <i>ditto repeated</i>."</blockquote> +<a href="#frv58">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv59"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 9:</span></a> Miss Milbanke, afterwards Lady Byron.<br> +<a href="#frv59">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1a">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="dec11813"></a><h3>Wednesday, December 1st, 1813</h3> +<br> +To-day responded to La Baronne de Stael Holstein, and sent to Leigh Hunt +(an acquisition to my acquaintance—through Moore—of last summer) a +copy of the two Turkish tales. Hunt is an extraordinary character, and +not exactly of the present age. He reminds me more of the Pym and +Hampden times—much talent, great independence of spirit, and an +austere, yet not repulsive, aspect. If he goes on <I>qualis ab +incepto</I>, I know few men who will deserve more praise or obtain it. I +must go and see him again;—the rapid succession of adventure, since +last summer, added to some serious uneasiness and business, have +interrupted our acquaintance; but he is a man worth knowing; and though, +for his own sake, I wish him out of prison, I like to study character in +such situations. He has been unshaken, and will continue so. I don't +think him deeply versed in life;—he <a name="frv61">is</a> the bigot of virtue (not +religion), and enamoured of the beauty of that "empty name," as the last +breath of Brutus pronounced<a href="#fv61"><sup>1</sup></a>, and every day proves it. He is, +perhaps, a little opinionated, as all men who are the <i>centre</i> of +<i>circles</i>, wide or narrow—the Sir Oracles, in whose name two or +three are gathered together—must be, and as even Johnson was; but, +withal, a valuable man, and less vain than success and even the +consciousness of preferring "the right to the expedient" might excuse.<br> +<br> +To-morrow there is a party of <i>purple</i> at the "blue" Miss Berry's. +Shall I go? um!—I don't much affect your blue-bottles;—but one ought +to be civil. There will be, "I guess now" (as the Americans say), the +Staels and Mackintoshes—good—the —— s and —— s—not so good—the +—— s, etc., etc.—good for nothing. <a name="frv62">Perhaps</a> that blue-winged +Kashmirian butterfly of book-learning<a href="#fv62"><sup>2</sup></a>, Lady Charlemont, will be +there. I hope so; it is a pleasure to look upon that most beautiful of +faces.<br> +<br> +<a name="frv63">Wrote</a> to H.:—he has been telling that I———<a href="#fv63"><sup>3</sup></a> I am sure, at least, +<i>I</i> did not mention it, and I wish he had not. He is a good fellow, +and I obliged myself ten times more by being of use than I did him,—and +there's an end on't.<br> +<br> +Baldwin<a href="#fv64"><sup>4</sup></a> is <a name="frv64">boring</a> me to present their King's Bench petition. I +presented Cartwright's last year; and Stanhope and I stood against the +whole House, and mouthed it valiantly—and had some fun and a little +abuse for our opposition. But "I <a name="frv65">am</a> not i' th' vein"<a href="#fv65"><sup>5</sup></a> for this +business. Now, had —— been here, she would have <i>made</i> me do it. +<i>There</i> is a woman, who, amid all her fascination, always urged a +man to usefulness or glory. Had she remained, she had been my tutelar +genius.<br> +<br> +<a name="frv66">Baldwin</a> is very importunate—but, poor fellow, "I can't get out, I can't +get out—said the starling."<a href="#fv66"><sup>6</sup></a> Ah, I am as <a name="frv67">bad</a> as that dog Sterne, who +preferred whining over "a dead ass to relieving a living mother"<a href="#fv67"><sup>7</sup></a>—villain—hypocrite—slave—sycophant! but <i>I</i> am no better. +Here I cannot stimulate myself to a speech for the sake of these +unfortunates, and three words and half a smile of —— had she been here +to urge it (and urge it she infallibly would—at least she always +pressed me on senatorial duties, and particularly in the cause of +weakness) would have made me an advocate, if not an orator. Curse on +Rochefoucault for being always right! In him a lie were virtue,—or, at +least, a comfort to his readers.<br> +<br> +George Byron has not called to-day; I hope he will be an admiral, and, +perhaps, Lord Byron into the bargain. If he would but marry, I would +engage never to marry myself, or cut him out of the heirship. He would +be happier, and I should like nephews better than sons.<br> +<br> +I shall soon be six-and-twenty (January 22d., 1814). Is there any thing +in the future that can possibly console us for not being always +<I>twenty-five</I>? + +<blockquote> "Oh Gioventu!<br> +Oh Primavera! gioventu dell' anno.<br> +Oh Gioventu! primavera della vita."</blockquote><br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fv61"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> +<table summary="JC quotation" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>Strato</i></td> + <td> For Brutus only overcame himself, + And no man else hath honour by his death.</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td></td> + <td>...</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>Octavius</i></td> + <td> According to his virtue let us use him, + With all respect and rites of burial.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<i>Julius Cæsar</i>, act v. sc. 5.<br> +<a href="#frv61">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv62"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> In <i>The Giaour</i> (lines 388-392) occurs the following +passage: + + <blockquote>"As rising on its purple wing<br> + The insect-queen of Eastern spring<br> + O'er emerald meadows of Kashmeer<br> + Invites the young pursuer near," etc.</blockquote> + +To line 389 is appended this note: + + <blockquote> "The blue-winged butterfly of Kashmeer, the most rare and beautiful of + the species."</blockquote> +<a href="#frv62">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv63"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> See <a href="#L365">letter</a> to Francis Hodgson, p. 294.<br> +<a href="#frv63">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv64"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> The letters which W.J. Baldwin, a debtor in the King's +Bench prison, wrote to Byron are preserved. Byron seems to have refused +to present the petition from diffidence, but he interested himself in +the subject, and probably induced Lord Holland to take up the question. +(See p. 318, <a href="#fu56"><i>note</i></a> 2.) In the list of abuses enumerated by Baldwin +is mentioned a "strong room," in which prisoners were confined, without +fires or glass to the windows, in the depth of winter.<br> +<a href="#frv64">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv65"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 5:</span></a> <i>Richard III</i>., act iv, sc. 2.<br> +<a href="#frv65">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv66"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 6:</span></a> <i>Sentimental Journey</i> (ed. 1819), vol. ii. p. 379.<br> +<a href="#frv66">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv67"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 7:</span></a> <i>Ibid.</i>, vol. ii. p. 337.<br> +<a href="#frv67">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1a">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="dec51813"></a><h3>Sunday, December 5th [1813]</h3> +<br> +Dallas's nephew (son to the American Attorney-general) is arrived in +this country, and tells Dallas that my rhymes are very popular in the +United States. These are the first tidings that have ever sounded like +<I>Fame</I> to my ears—to be redde on the banks of the Ohio! The +<a name="frv71">greatest</a> pleasure I ever derived, of this kind was from an extract, in +Cooke the actor's life, from his journal<a href="#fv71"><sup>1</sup></a>, stating that in the +reading-room at Albany, near Washington, he perused <I>English Bards, +and Scotch Reviewers</I>. To be popular in a rising and far country has +a kind of <I>posthumous feel</I>, very different from the ephemeral +<I>éclat</I> and fête-ing, buzzing and party-ing compliments of the +well-dressed multitude. I can safely say that, during my <I>reign</I> in +the spring of 1812, I regretted nothing but its duration of six weeks +instead of a fortnight, and was heartily glad to resign.<br> +<br> +Last night I supped with Lewis; and, as usual, though I neither exceeded +in solids nor fluids, have been half dead ever since. My stomach is +entirely destroyed by long abstinence, and the rest will probably +follow. Let it—I only wish the <I>pain</I> over. The "leap in the dark" +is the least to be dreaded.<br> +<br> +The Duke of —— called. I have told them forty times that, except to +half-a-dozen old and specified acquaintances, I am invisible. His Grace +is a good, noble, ducal person; but I am content to think so at a +distance, and so—I was not at home.<br> +<br> +Galt called.—Mem.—to ask some one to speak to Raymond in favour of his +play. We are old fellow-travellers, and, with all his eccentricities, he +has much strong sense, experience of the world, and is, as far as I have +seen, a good-natured philosophical fellow. I showed him Sligo's letter +on the reports of the Turkish girl's <I>aventure</I> at Athens soon +after it happened. He and Lord Holland, Lewis, and Moore, and Rogers, +and Lady Melbourne have seen it. Murray has a copy. I thought it had +been <I>unknown</I>, and wish it were; but Sligo arrived only some days +after, and the <I>rumours</I> are the subject of his letter. That I +shall preserve,—<I>it is as well</I>. Lewis and Gait were both +<I>horrified</I>; and L. wondered I did not introduce the situation into +<I>The Giaour</I>. He <I>may</I> wonder;—he might wonder more at that +production's being written at all. But to describe the <I>feelings</I> +of <I>that situation</I> were impossible—it is <I>icy</I> even +to recollect them.<br> +<br> +The <I>Bride of Abydos</I> was published on Thursday the second of +December; but how it is liked or disliked, I know not. Whether it +succeeds or not is no fault of the public, against whom I can have no +complaint. But I am much more indebted to the tale than I can ever be to +the most partial reader; as it wrung my thoughts from reality to +imagination—from selfish regrets to vivid recollections—and recalled +me to a country replete with the <I>brightest</I> and <I>darkest</I>, +but always most <I>lively</I> colours of my memory. Sharpe called, but +was not let in, which I regret.<br> +<br> +Saw [Rogers] yesterday. I have not kept my appointment at Middleton, +which has not pleased him, perhaps; and my projected voyage with [Ward] +will, perhaps, please him less. But I wish to keep well with both. They +are instruments that don't do in concert; but, surely, their separate +tones are very musical, and I won't give up either.<br> +<br> +It is well if I don't jar between these great discords. At present I +stand tolerably well with all, but I cannot adopt their +<I>dislikes</I>;—so many <I>sets</I>. Holland's is the first;—every +thing <I>distingué</I> is welcome there, and certainly the <I>ton</I> of +his society is the best. Then there is Madame de Stael's—there I never +go, though I might, had I courted it. It is <a name="frv72">composed</a> of the ——s and +the —— family, with a strange sprinkling,—orators, dandies, and all +kinds of <I>Blue</I>, from the regular Grub Street uniform, down to the +azure jacket of the <I>Littérateur</I><a href="#fv72"><sup>2</sup></a>?<br> +<br> +To see —— and —— sitting together, at dinner, always reminds me of +the grave, where all distinctions of friend and foe are levelled; and +they—the Reviewer and the Reviewée—the Rhinoceros and Elephant—the +Mammoth and Megalonyx—all will lie quietly together. They now +<i>sit</i> together, as silent, but not so quiet, as if they were +already immured.<br> +<br> +I did not go to the Berrys' the other night. The elder is a woman of +much talent, and both are handsome, and must have been beautiful. +To-night asked to Lord H.'s—shall I go? um!—perhaps.<br> +<br> +<br> +<b>Morning, two o'clock.</b><br> +<br> +Went to Lord H.'s—party numerous—<I>mi</I>lady in perfect good humour, +and consequently <I>perfect</I>. No one more agreeable, or perhaps so +much so, when she will. Asked for Wednesday to dine and meet the +Stael—asked particularly, I believe, out of mischief to see the first +interview after the <I>note</I>, with which Corinne professes herself to +be so much taken. I don't much like it; she always talks of +<I>my</I>self or <I>her</I>self, and I am not (except in soliloquy, as +now,) much enamoured of either subject—especially one's works. What the +devil shall I say about <I>De l'Allemagne</I>? I like it prodigiously; +but unless I can twist my admiration into some fantastical expression, +she won't believe me; and I know, by experience, I shall be overwhelmed +with fine things about rhyme, etc., etc. The lover, Mr.—— [Rocca], was +there to-night, and C—— said "it was the only proof <I>he</I> had seen +of her good taste." Monsieur L'Amant is remarkably handsome; but +<I>I</I> don't think more so than her book.<br> +<br> +C—— [Campbell] looks well,—seems pleased, and dressed to +<I>sprucery</I>. A blue coat becomes him,—so does his new wig. He +really looked as if Apollo had sent him a birthday suit, or a +wedding-garment, and was witty and lively. He abused Corinne's book, +which I regret; because, firstly, he understands German, and is +consequently a fair judge; and, secondly, he is <I>first-rate</I>, and, +consequently, the best of judges. I reverence and admire him; but I +won't give up my opinion—why should I? I read <I>her</I> again and +again, and there can be no affectation in this. I cannot be mistaken +(except in taste) in a book I read and lay down, and take up again; and +no book can be totally bad which finds <I>one</I>, even <i>one</i> +reader, who can say as much sincerely.<br> +<br> +Campbell talks of lecturing next spring; his last lectures were +eminently successful. Moore thought of it, but gave it up,—I don't know +why. —— had been prating <I>dignity</I> to him, and such stuff; as if +a man disgraced himself by instructing and pleasing at the same time.<br> +<br> +<a name="frv73">Introduced</a> to Marquis Buckingham—saw Lord Gower<a href="#fv73"><sup>3</sup></a>—he is going to +Holland; Sir J. and Lady Mackintosh and Horner, G. Lamb<a href="#fv74"><sup>4</sup></a>, with I know +not how many (Richard Wellesley, one—a clever man), grouped about the +room. Little Henry Fox, a very fine boy, and very promising in mind and +manner,—he went away to bed, before I had time to talk to him. I am +sure I had rather hear him than all the <I>savans</I>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fv71"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> In Dunlap's <I>Memoirs of George Frederick Cooke</I> (vol. +ii. p. 313), the following passage is quoted from the actor's journal: + + <blockquote>"Read <i>English Bards, and Scotch Reviewers</i>, by Lord Byron. It is + well written. His Lordship is rather severe, perhaps justly so, on + Walter Scott, and most assuredly justly severe upon Monk Lewis."</blockquote> +<a href="#frv71">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv72"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> In Byron's <I>Detached Thoughts</I> (1821) occurs this +passage: + + <blockquote>"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 always been men of the world, such as Scott and Moore, etc., + or visionaries out of it, such as Shelley, etc. 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 do not 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 + Tower of Babel as universal Interpreter. He is, indeed, a + Marvel,—unassuming also. I tried him in all the tongues of which I + have a single oath (or adjuration to the Gods against Postboys, + Savages, Tartars, boatmen, sailors, pilots, Gondoliers, Muleteers, + Cameldrivers, Vetturini, Postmasters, post-horses, post-houses, + post-everything) and Egad! he astounded me even to my English."</blockquote> + +On this passage Sir Walter Scott makes the following note: + + <blockquote> "I suspect Lord Byron of some self-deceit as to this matter. It + appears that he liked extremely the only <i>first-rate</i> men of + letters into whose society he happened to be thrown in England. They + happened to be men of the world, it is true; but how few men of very + great eminence in literature, how few intellectually Lord B.'s peers, + have <i>not</i> been men of the world? Does any one doubt that the + topics he had most pleasure in discussing with Scott or Moore were + literary ones, or had at least some relation to literature?<br> +<br> + "As for the foreign <i>literati</i>, pray what <i>literati</i> + anything like his own rank did he encounter abroad? I have no doubt he + would have been as much at home with an Alfieri, a Schiller, or a + Goethe, or a Voltaire, as he was with Scott or Moore, and yet two of + these were very little of men of the world in the sense in which he + uses that phrase.<br> +<br> + "As to 'every-day men of letters,' pray who does like their company? + Would a clever man like a prosing 'captain, or colonel, or + knight-in-arms' the <i>better</i> for happening to be himself the Duke + of Wellington?"</blockquote> +<a href="#frv72">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv73"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> George Granville Leveson Gower (1786-1861) succeeded his +father in 1833 as second Duke of Sutherland.<br> +<a href="#frv73">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv74"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> George Lamb (1784-1834), the fourth son of the first Lord +Melbourne, married, in 1809, Caroline Rosalie St. Jules. As one of the +early contributors to the <I>Edinburgh Review</I>, he was attacked by +Byron in <I>English Bards, and Scotch Reviewers</I>, lines 57 and 516 +(see <I>Poems</I>, ed. 1898, vol. i. p. 301, <I>note</I> I). A clever +amateur actor, his comic opera <I>Whistle for It</I> was produced at +Covent Garden, April 10, 1807, and he was afterwards on the Drury Lane +Committee of Management. His translation of the <I>Poems of Catullus</I> +was published in 1821. In 1819, as the representative of the official +Whigs, he was elected for Westminster against Hobhouse; but was defeated +at the next election (1820).<br> +<a href="#frv73">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1a">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<a name="dec61813"></a><h3>Monday, December 6th [1813]</h3> +<br> +Murray tells me that Croker asked him why the thing was called the +<I>Bride</I> of Abydos? It is a cursed awkward question, being +unanswerable. <I>She</I> is not a <I>bride</I>, only about to be one; +but for, etc., etc., etc.<br> +<br> +I don't wonder at his finding out the <I>Bull</I>; but the detection +—— is too late to do any good. I was a great fool to make it, and am +ashamed of not being an Irishman.<br> +<br> +Campbell last night seemed a little nettled at something or other—I +know not what. We were standing in the ante-saloon, when Lord H. brought +out of the other room a vessel of some composition similar to that which +is used in Catholic churches, and, seeing us, he exclaimed, "Here is +some <I>incense</I> for you." Campbell answered—"Carry it to Lord +Byron, <I>he is used to it</I>."<br> +<br> +<a name="frv81">Now</a>, this comes of "bearing no brother near the throne."<a href="#fv81"><sup>1</sup></a><br> +<br> +I, who have no throne, nor wish to have one <I>now</I>, whatever I may +have done, am at perfect peace with all the poetical fraternity; or, at +least, if I dislike any, it is not <I>poetically</I>, but +<I>personally</I>. Surely the field of thought is infinite; what does it +signify who is before or behind in a race where there is no <I>goal</I>? +The temple of fame is like that of the Persians, the universe; our +altar, the tops of mountains. I should be equally content with Mount +Caucasus, or Mount Anything; and those who like it, may have Mount Blanc +or Chimborazo, without my envy of their elevation.<br> +<br> +I think I may <I>now</I> speak thus; for I have just published a poem, +and am quite ignorant whether it is <I>likely</I> to be <I>liked</I> or +not. I have hitherto heard little in its commendation, and no one can +<I>downright</I> abuse it to one's face, except in print. It can't be +good, or I should not have stumbled over the threshold, and blundered in +my very title. But I began it with my heart full of ——, and my head of +oriental<I>ities</I> (I can't call them <I>isms</I>), and wrote on +rapidly.<br> +<br> +This journal is a relief. When I am tired—as I generally am—out comes +this, and down goes every thing. But I can't read it over; and God knows +what contradictions it may contain. If I am sincere with myself (but I +fear one lies more to one's self than to any one else), every page +should confute, refute, and utterly abjure its predecessor.<br> +<br> +Another scribble from Martin Baldwin the petitioner; I have neither head +nor nerves to present it. That confounded supper at Lewis's has spoiled +my digestion and my philanthropy. I have no more charity than a cruet of +vinegar. Would I were an ostrich, and dieted on fire-irons, —or any +thing that my gizzard could get the better of.<br> +<br> +<a name="frv82">To-day</a> saw Ward. His uncle<a href="#fv82"><sup>2</sup></a> is dying, and W. don't much affect our +Dutch determinations. I dine with him on Thursday, provided +<i>l'oncle</i> is not dined upon, or peremptorily bespoke by the +posthumous epicures before that day. I wish he may recover—not for +<i>our</i> dinner's sake, but to disappoint the undertaker, and the +rascally reptiles that may well wait, since they <i>will</i> dine at +last.<br> +<br> +Gell called—he of Troy—after I was out. Mem.— to return his visit. +But my Mems. are the very landmarks of forgetfulness;—something like a +light-house, with a ship wrecked under the nose of its lantern. I never +look at a Mem. without seeing that I have remembered to forget. Mem.—I +have forgotten to pay Pitt's taxes, and suppose I shall be surcharged. +"An I do not turn rebel when thou art king "—oons! I believe my very +biscuit is leavened with that impostor's imposts.<br> +<br> +Lady Melbourne returns from Jersey's to-morrow;— I must call. A Mr. +Thomson has sent a song, which I must applaud. I hate annoying them with +censure or silence;—and yet I hate <i>lettering</i>.<br> +<br> +<a name="frv83">Saw</a> Lord Glenbervie<a href="#fv83"><sup>3</sup></a> and this Prospectus, at Murray's, of a new +Treatise on Timber. Now here is a man more useful than all the +historians and rhymers ever planted. For, by preserving our woods and +forests, he furnishes materials for all the history of Britain worth +reading, and all the odes worth nothing.<br> +<br> +Redde a good deal, but desultorily. My head is crammed with the most +useless lumber. It is odd that when I do read, I can only bear the +chicken broth of— <i>any thing</i> but Novels. It is many a year since +I looked into one, (though they are sometimes ordered, by way of +experiment, but never taken,) till I looked yesterday at the worst parts +of the <i>Monk</i>. These descriptions ought to have been written by +Tiberius at Caprea—they are forced—the <i>philtered</i> ideas of a +jaded voluptuary. It is to me inconceivable how they could have been +composed by a man of only twenty—his age when he wrote them. They have +no nature—all the sour cream of cantharides. I should have suspected +Buffon of writing them on the death-bed of his detestable dotage. I had +never redde this edition, and merely looked at them from curiosity and +recollection of the noise they made, and the name they had left to +Lewis. But they could do no harm, except ——.<br> +<br> +Called this evening on my agent—my business as usual. Our strange +adventures are the only inheritances of our family that have not +diminished.<br> +<br> +I shall now smoke two cigars, and get me to bed. The cigars don't keep +well here. They get as old as a <i>donna di quaranti anni</i> in the sun +of Africa. The Havannah are the best;—but neither are so pleasant as a +hooka or chiboque. The Turkish tobacco is mild, and their horses +entire—two things as they should be. I am so far obliged to this +Journal, that it preserves me from verse,—at least from keeping it. I +have just thrown a poem into the fire (which it has relighted to my +great comfort), and have smoked out of my head the plan of another. I +wish I could as easily get rid of thinking, or, at least, the confusion +of thought.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fv81"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Pope's <I>Epistle to Dr. Arbuthnot</I>, line 197.<br> +<a href="#frv81">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv82"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> William Bosville (1745-1813), called colonel, but really +only lieutenant in the Coldstream Guards, was a noted <i>bon vivant</i>, +whose maxim for life was "Better never than late." He was famous for his +hospitality in Welbeck Street. A friend of Horne Tooke, he dined with +him at Wimbledon every Sunday in the spring and autumn. See +<i>Diversions of Purley</i>, ed. 1805, ii. 490: + + <blockquote> "Your friend Bosville and I have entered into a strict engagement to + belong for ever to the established government, to the Established + Church, and to the established language of our country, because they + are established."</blockquote> +<a href="#frv82">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv83"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> Sylvester Douglas (1743-1823), created in 1800 Baron +Glenbervie, married, in September, 1789, Catherine, eldest daughter of +Lord North, afterwards Earl of Guildford. He was educated at Leyden for +the medical profession, a circumstance to which Sheridan alludes in the +lines: + + <blockquote>"Glenbervie, Glenbervie,<br> + What's good for the scurvy?<br> + For ne'er be your old trade forgot."</blockquote> + +Gibbon writes of him, October 4, 1788 (<i>Letters</i>, vol. ii. p. 180), + + <blockquote> "He has been curious, attentive, agreeable; and in every place where + he has resided some days, he has left acquaintance who esteem and + regret him; I never knew so clear and general an impression."</blockquote> + +Glenbervie was Surveyor-General of Woods and Forests, 1803-1806, and +again from 1807 to 1810. In that year he became First Commissioner of +Land Revenue and Woods and Forests, and held the appointment till +August, 1814.<br> +<a href="#frv83">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1a">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="dec71813"></a><h3>Tuesday, December 7th [1813]</h3> +<br> +Went to bed, and slept dreamlessly, but not refreshingly. Awoke, and up +an hour before being called; but dawdled three hours in dressing. When +one subtracts from life infancy (which is vegetation),—sleep, eating, +and swilling—buttoning and unbuttoning—how much remains of downright +existence? The summer of a dormouse.<br> +<br> +Redde the papers and <i>tea</i>-ed and soda-watered, and found out that +the fire was badly lighted. Lord Glenbervie wants me to go to +Brighton—um!<br> +<br> +This morning, a very pretty billet from the Stael about meeting her at +Ld. H.'s to-morrow. She has written, I dare say, twenty such this +morning to different people, all equally flattering to each. So much the +better for her and those who believe all she wishes them, or they wish +to believe. She has been pleased to be pleased with my slight eulogy in +the note annexed to <i>The Bride</i>. This is to be accounted for in +several ways,—firstly, all women like all, or any, praise; secondly, +this was unexpected, because I have never courted her; and, <a name="frv91">thirdly</a>, as +Scrub<a href="#fv91"><sup>1</sup></a> says, those who have been all their lives regularly praised, +by regular critics, like a little variety, and are glad when any one +goes out of his way to say a civil thing; and, fourthly, she is a very +good-natured creature, which is the best reason, after all, and, +perhaps, the only one.<br> +<br> +A knock—knocks single and double. Bland called. He says Dutch society +(he has been in Holland) is second-hand French; but the women are like +women every where else. This is a bore: I should like to see them a +little <i>un</i>like; but that can't be expected.<br> +<br> +Went out—came home—this, that, and the other— and "all is vanity, +saith the preacher," and so say I, as part of his congregation. <a name="frv92">Talking</a> +of vanity, whose praise do I prefer? Why, Mrs. Inchbald's<a href="#fv92"><sup>2</sup></a>, and that +of the Americans. The first, because her <i>Simple Story</i> and +<i>Nature and Art</i> are, to me, <i>true</i> to their <i>titles</i>; +and, consequently, her short note to Rogers about <i>The Giaour</i> +delighted me more than any thing, except the <i>Edinburgh Review</i>. I +like the Americans, because <i>I</i> happened to be in <i>Asia</i>, while +the <i>English Bards, and Scotch Reviewers</i> were redde in +<i>America</i>. If I <a name="frv93">could</a> have had a speech against the <i>Slave Trade +in Africa</i>, and an epitaph on a dog in <i>Europe</i> (i.e. in the +<i>Morning Post</i>), my <i>vertex sublimis</i><a href="#fv93"><sup>3</sup></a> would certainly have +displaced stars enough to overthrow the Newtonian system.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fv91"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> The reference is only to the form of the sentence. "Scrub," + in <i>The Beaux' Stratagem</i> (act iv. se. 2), says, + + <blockquote>"First, it must +be a plot, because there's a woman in't; secondly, it must be a plot, +because there's a priest in't; thirdly, it must be a plot, because +there's French gold in't; and fourthly, it must be a plot, because I +don't know what to make on't."</blockquote> +<a href="#frv91">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv92"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Elizabeth Simpson (1753-1821), daughter of a Suffolk +farmer, married (1772) Joseph Inchbald, actor and portrait-painter. +Actress, dramatist, and novelist, she was one of the most attractive +women of the day. Winning in manner, quick in repartee, an admirable +teller of stories, she always gathered all the men round her chair. + + <blockquote> "It was vain," said Mrs. Shelley, "for any other woman to attempt to + gain attention." </blockquote> + +Miss Edgeworth wished to see her first among living celebrities; her +charm fascinated Sheridan, and overcame the prejudice of Lamb; even +Peter Pindar wrote verse in her praise. From the age of eighteen she was +wooed on and off the stage, where her slight stammer hindered her +complete success; but no breath of scandal tarnished her name. Had John +Kemble, the hero of <i>A Simple Story</i>, proposed to her, she probably would +have married him. Mrs. Butler records that her uncle John once asked the +actress, when matrimony was the subject of green-room conversation, +"Well, Mrs. Inchbald, would you have had me?" "Dear heart," said the +stammering beauty, turning her sunny face up at him," I'd have +j-j-j-jumped at you." Mrs. Inchbald's <i>Simple Story</i> (1791) wears a +more modern air than any previously written novel. Her dramatic +experience stood her in good stead. "Dorriforth," the priest, educated, +like Kemble, at Douay, impressed himself upon Macaulay's mind as the +true type of the Roman Catholic peer. <i>Nature and Art</i> (1796) was +written when Mrs. Inchbald was most under the influence of the French +Revolution. Of two boys who come to London to seek their fortunes, +Nature makes one a musician, and Art raises the other into a dean. The +trial and condemnation of "Agnes" perhaps suggested to Lytton the scene +in <i>Paul Clifford</i>, where "Brandon" condemns his own son.<br> +<a href="#frv92">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fv93"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> Horace, <i>Odes</i>, I. i. 36.<br> +<a href="#frv93">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1a">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="dec101813"></a><h3>Friday, December 10th, 1813</h3> +<br> +I am <i>ennuyé</i> beyond my usual tense of that yawning verb, which I +am always conjugating; and I don't find that society much mends the +matter. I am too lazy to shoot myself—and it would annoy Augusta, and +perhaps ——; but it would be a good thing for George, on the other +side, and no bad one for me; but I won't be tempted.<br> +<br> +I have had the kindest letter from Moore. I <i>do</i> think that man is +the best-hearted, the only <i>hearted</i> being I ever encountered; and, +then, his talents are equal to his feelings.<br> +<br> +<a name="frw1">Dined</a> on Wednesday at Lord H.'s—the Staffords, Staels, Cowpers, +Ossulstones, Melbournes, Mackintoshes, etc., etc.—and was introduced to +the Marquis and Marchioness of Stafford<a href="#fw1"><sup>1</sup></a>,—an unexpected event. My +quarrel with Lord Carlisle (their or his brother-in-law) having rendered +it improper, I suppose, brought it about. But, if it was to happen at +all, I wonder it did not occur before. She is handsome, and must have +been beautiful—and her manners are <i>princessly</i>.<br> +<br> +The Stael was at the other end of the table, and less loquacious than +heretofore. We are now very good friends; though she asked Lady +Melbourne whether I had really any <i>bonhommie</i>. She might as well +have asked that question before she told C. L. "<i>c'est un demon</i>." +True enough, but rather premature, for <i>she</i> could not have found +it out, and so—she wants me to dine there next Sunday.<br> +<br> +Murray prospers, as far as circulation. For my part, I adhere (in +liking) to my Fragment. It is no wonder that I wrote one—my mind is a +fragment.<br> +<br> +<a name="frw2">Saw</a> Lord Gower, Tierney<a href="#fw2"><sup>2</sup></a>, etc., in the square. Took leave of Lord +Gower, who is going to Holland and Germany. He tells me that he carries +with him a parcel of <i>Harolds</i> and <i>Giaours</i>, etc., for the +readers of Berlin, who, it seems, read English, and have taken a caprice +for mine. Um!—have I been <i>German</i> all this time, when I thought +myself <i>Oriental</i>?<br> +<br> +Lent Tierney my box for to-morrow; and received a new comedy sent by +Lady C. A.—but <i>not hers</i>. I must read it, and endeavour not to +displease the author. I hate annoying them with cavil; but a comedy I +take to be the most difficult of compositions, more so than tragedy.<br> +<br> +Galt says there is a coincidence between the first part of <I>The +Bride</I> and some story of his—whether published or not, I know not, +never having seen it. He is almost the last person on whom any one would +commit literary larceny, and I am not conscious of any <I>witting</I> +thefts on any of the genus. As to <a name="frw3">originality</a>, all pretensions are +ludicrous,—"there is nothing new under the sun."<a href="#fw3"><sup>3</sup></a><br> +<br> +Went last night to the play. Invited out to a party, but did not +go;—right. Refused to go to Lady ——'s on Monday;—right again. If I +must fritter away my life, I would rather do it alone. I was much +tempted;— C—— looked so Turkish with her red turban, and her regular, +dark, and clear features. Not that <I>she</I> and <I>I</I> ever were, or +could be, any thing; but I love any aspect that reminds me of the +"children of the sun."<br> +<br> +To dine to-day with Rogers and Sharpe, for which I have some appetite, +not having tasted food for the preceding forty-eight hours. I wish I +could leave off eating altogether.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fw1"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> George Granville Leveson Gower (1758-1833) succeeded his +father, in 1803, as second Marquis of Stafford. He married, in 1785, +Elizabeth, Countess of Sutherland, and was created, in 1833, first Duke +of Sutherland. Lord Carlisle had married, in 1770 Margaret Caroline, +sister of the second Marquis of Stafford.<br> +<a href="#frw1">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw2"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> George Tierney (1761-1830) entered Parliament as Member for +Colchester in 1789. In 1796 he was returned for Southwark. A useful +speaker and political writer, he was Treasurer of the Navy in the +Addington administration, and President of the Board of Control in that +of "All the Talents." His drafting of the petition of the "Society of +the Friends of the People," his duel with Pitt in 1798, and his +leadership of the Opposition after 1817, are almost forgotten; but he is +remembered as the "Friend of Humanity" in <i>The Needy +Knife-Grinder</i>.<br> +<a href="#frw2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw3"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> <I>Eccles</I>. i. 9.<br> +<a href="#frw3">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1a">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="dec121813"></a><h3>Sunday, December 12th, 1813</h3> +<br> +By Galt's answer, I find it is some story in <I>real life</I>, and not +any work with which my late composition coincides. It is still more +singular, for mine is drawn from <I>existence</I> also.<br> +<br> +I have sent an excuse to Madame de Stael. I do not feel sociable enough +for dinner to-day;—and I will not go to Sheridan's on Wednesday. Not +that I do not admire and prefer his unequalled conversation; but—that +"<I>but</I>" must only be intelligible to thoughts I cannot write. +Sheridan was in good talk at Rogers's the other night, but I only stayed +till <I>nine</I>. All the world are to be at the Stael's to-night, and I +am not sorry to escape any part of it. I only go out to get me a fresh +appetite for being alone. Went out—did not go to the Stael's but to Ld. +Holland's. Party numerous—conversation general. Stayed late—made a +blunder—got over it—came home and went to bed, not having eaten. +Rather empty, but <I>fresco</I>, which is the great point with me.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1a">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="dec131813"></a><h3>Monday, December 13th, 1813</h3> +<br> +Called at three places—read, and got ready to leave town to-morrow. +<a name="frw11">Murray</a> has had a letter from his brother bibliopole of Edinburgh, who +says, "he is lucky in having such a <I>poet</I>"—something as if one +was a packhorse, or "ass, or any thing that is his;" or, like Mrs. +Packwood<a href="#fw11"><sup>1</sup></a>, who replied to some inquiry after the Odes on +Razors,—"Laws, sir, we keeps a poet." The <a name="frw12">same</a> illustrious Edinburgh +bookseller once sent an order for books, poesy, and cookery, with this +agreeable postscript—"The <I>Harold and Cookery</I><a href="#fw12"><sup>2</sup></a> are much +wanted." Such is fame, and, after all, quite as good as any other "life +in others' breath." 'Tis much the same to divide purchasers with Hannah +Glasse or Hannah More.<br> +<br> +Some editor of some magazine has <I>announced</I> to Murray his +intention of abusing the thing "<I>without reading it</I>." So much the +better; if he redde it first, he would abuse it more.<br> +<br> +Allen<a href="#fw13"><sup>3</sup></a> (Lord <a name="frw13">Holland's</a> Allen—the best informed and one of the ablest +men I know—a perfect Magliabecchi<a href="#fw14"><sup>4</sup></a>—a devourer, a <I>Helluo</I> of +books, and an observer of men,) has lent me a quantity of Burns's<a href="#fw15"><sup>5</sup></a> +unpublished and never-to-be-published Letters. They are full of oaths +and obscene songs. What an antithetical mind!—tenderness, +roughness—delicacy, coarseness—sentiment, sensuality—soaring and +grovelling, dirt and deity—all mixed up in that one compound of +inspired clay!<br> +<br> +It seems strange; a true voluptuary will never abandon his mind to the +grossness of reality. It is by exalting the earthly, the material, the +<I>physique</I> of our pleasures, by veiling these ideas, by forgetting +them altogether, or, at least, never naming them hardly to one's self, +that we alone can prevent them from disgusting.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fw11"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Mrs. Packwood is the wife of George Packwood, "the +celebrated Razor Strop Maker and Author of <I>The Goldfinch's Nest</I>," +whose shop was at 16, Gracechurch Street. <I>Packwood's Whim; The +Goldfinch's Nest, or the Way to get Money and be Happy</I>, by George +Packwood, was published in 1796, and reached a second edition in 1807. +It is a collection of his advertisements in prose and verse. The poet, +whom Packwood kept, apparently lived in Soho (p. 21), from his verses +which appeared in the <I>True Briton</I> for November 9, 1795: + + <blockquote> "If you wish, Sir, to Shave—nay, pray look not grave,<br> + Since nothing on earth can be worse,<br> + To P—d repair, you're shaved to a hair,<br> + Which I mean to exhibit in verse.<br> + <br> + "When in moving the beard—I wish to be heard—<br> + The dull razor occasions a curse,<br> + The strop that I view will its merits renew;<br> + Behold I record it in verse.<br> + <br> + "Some in fashion's tontine disperse all their spleen,<br> + And others their destinies curse;<br> + But P—d's fine taste, with his Strops and his Paste,<br> + Which I'll show you in Prose and in Verse.<br> + <br> + "I have taken this plan to comment on a man,<br> + Whose merit I'm proud to rehearse;<br> + For a razor and knife he will sharpen for life,<br> + And deserves every praise in my verse.</blockquote> + +"Soho, Nov. 6, 1795."<br> +<a href="#frw11">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw12"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> <I>The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy</I>, "By a Lady," +was published anonymously in 1747. The 4th edition (1751) bears the name +of H. Glasse. The book was at one time supposed to be the work of Dr. +John Hill (1716-1775), and to contain the proverb, "First catch your +hare, then cook it." But Hill's claim is untenable, and the proverb is +not in the book.<br> +<br> +Mrs. Rundell's <I>Domestic Cookery</I> was one of Murray's most +successful publications. In Byron's lines, "To Mr. Murray" (March 25, +1818), occurs the following passage: + + <blockquote> "Along thy sprucest bookshelves shine<br> + The works thou deemest most divine—<br> + The 'Art of Cookery,' and mine,<br> + My Murray."</blockquote> +<a href="#frw12">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw13"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> John Allen, M.D. (1771-1843), accompanied Lord Holland to +Spain (1801-5 and 1808-9), and lived with him at Holland House. His +<I>Inquiry into the Rise and Growth of the Royal Prerogative in +England</I>, his numerous articles in the <I>Edinburgh Review</I>, and +his life of Fox in the <I>Encyclopedia Britannica</I>, and many other +works, justify Byron's praise. In the social life of Holland House he +was a prominent figure, and to it, perhaps, he sacrificed his literary +powers and acquirements. He was Warden of Dulwich College (1811-20), and +Master (1820-43). Allen was the author of the article in the +<I>Edinburgh Review</I> on Payne Knight's <I>Taste</I>, in which he +severely criticized Pindar's Greek, and which Byron, probably trusting +to Hodgson (see <I>Letters</I>, vol. i. p. 196, <I>note</I> 1), or +possibly misled by similarity of sound (H. Crabb Robinson's +<I>Diary</I>, vol. i. p. 277), attributed to "classic Hallam, much +renowned for Greek" (<I>English Bards, etc.</I>, line 513).<br> +<a href="#frw13">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw14"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> Antonio Magliabecchi (1633-1714) was appointed, in 1673, +Librarian to the Grand-Duke of Tuscany, to whom he bequeathed his +immense collection of 30,000 volumes. In Burton's <I>Book-hunter</I> (p. +229) it is said that Magliabecchi + + <blockquote>"could direct you to any book in any part of the world, with the + precision with which the metropolitan policeman directs you to St. + Paul's or Piccadilly. It is of him that the stories are told of + answers to inquiries after books, in these terms: 'There is but one + copy of that book in the world. It is in the Grand Seignior's library + at Constantinople, and is the seventh book in the second shelf on the + right hand as you go in.'"</blockquote> +<a href="#frw13">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw15"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 5:</span></a> Byron himself was "likened to Burns," and Sir Walter Scott, +commenting on the comparison in a manuscript note, says, + + <blockquote>"Burns, in depth of poetical feeling, in strong shrewd sense to + balance and regulate this, in the <i>tact</i> to make his poetry tell + by connecting it with the stream of public thought and the sentiment + of the age, in <i>commanded</i> wildness of fancy and profligacy or + recklessness as to moral and <i>occasionally</i> as to religious + matters, was much more like Lord Byron than any other person to whom + Lord B. says he had been compared.<br> +<br> + "A gross blunder of the English public has been talking of Burns as if + the character of his poetry ought to be estimated with an eternal + recollection that he was a <i>peasant</i>. It would be just as proper + to say that Lord Byron ought always to be thought of as a <i>Peer</i>. + Rank in life was nothing to either in his true moments. Then, they + were both great Poets. Some silly and sickly affectations connected + with the accidents of birth and breeding may be observed in both, when + they are not under the influence of 'the happier star.' Witness + Burns's prate about independence, when he was an exciseman, and + Byron's ridiculous pretence of Republicanism, when he never wrote + sincerely about the Multitude without expressing or insinuating the + very soul of scorn."</blockquote> +<a href="#frw13">return</a><br> +<a href="#fw50">cross-reference: return to Footnote 10 of Journal entry for February 18th, 1814</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1a">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="dec11415161813"></a><h3>December 14th, 15th, 16th, 1813</h3> +<br> +Much done, but nothing to record. It is quite enough to set down my +thoughts,—my actions will rarely bear retrospection.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1a">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="dec17181813"></a><h3>December 17th, 18th, 1813</h3> +<br> +Lord Holland told me a curious piece of sentimentality in Sheridan. The +other night we were all delivering our respective and various opinions +on him and other <I>hommes marquans</I>, and mine was this:—"Whatever +Sheridan has done or chosen to do has been, <I>par excellence</I>, +always the <I>best</I> of its kind. He has written the <I>best</I> +comedy (<I>School for Scandal</I>), the <I>best</I> drama (in my mind, +far before that St. Giles's lampoon, the <I>Beggar's Opera</I>), the +best farce (the <I>Critic</I>—it is only too good for a farce), and the +best Address (Monologue on Garrick), and, to crown all, delivered the +very best Oration (the famous Begum Speech) ever conceived or heard in +this country." Somebody told S. this the next day, and on hearing it he +burst into tears!<br> +<br> +Poor Brinsley! if they were tears of pleasure, I would rather have said +these few, but most sincere, words than have written the Iliad or made +his own celebrated Philippic. Nay, his own comedy never gratified me +more than to hear that he had derived a moment's gratification from any +praise of mine, humble as it must appear to "my elders and my betters."<br> +<br> +Went to my box at Covent Garden to-night; and my delicacy felt a little +shocked at seeing S——'s mistress (who, to my certain knowledge, was +actually educated, from her birth, for her profession) sitting with her +mother, "a three-piled b——d, b——d Major to the army," in a private +box opposite. I <a name="frw21">felt</a> rather indignant; but, casting my eyes round the +house, in the next box to me, and the next, and the next, were the most +distinguished old and young Babylonians of quality;—so I burst out a +laughing. It was really odd; Lady —— <I>divorced</I>—Lady —— and +her daughter, Lady ——, both <I>divorceable</I>—Mrs. ——, in the next +the <I>like</I>, and still nearer ———!<a href="#fw21"><sup>1</sup></a> What an assemblage to +<I>me</I>, who know all their histories. It was as if the house had been +divided between your public and your <I>understood</I> courtesans;—but +the intriguantes much outnumbered the regular mercenaries. On the other +side were only Pauline and <I>her</I> mother, and, next box to her, +three of inferior note. Now, where lay the difference between <I>her</I> +and <I>mamma</I>, and Lady —— and daughter? except that the two last +may enter Carleton and any <I>other house</I>, and the two first are +limited to the opera and b—— house. How I do delight in observing life +as it really is!—and myself, after all, the worst of any. But no +matter—I must avoid egotism, which, just now, would be no vanity.<br> +<br> +I <a name="frw22">have</a> lately written a wild, rambling, unfinished rhapsody, called +"<I>The Devil's Drive</I>" the notion of which I took from Person's +"<I>Devil's Walk</I>."<a href="#fw22"><sup>2</sup></a> + +Redde some Italian, and wrote two Sonnets on ——. I never wrote but one +sonnet before, and that was not in earnest, and many years ago, as an +exercise—and I will never write another. They are the most puling, +petrifying, stupidly platonic compositions. I detest the Petrarch so +much, that I would not be the man even to have obtained his Laura, which +the metaphysical, whining dotard never could.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fw21"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> "These names are all left blank in the original" (Moore).<br> +<a href="#frw21">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw22"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Richard Person did not write <I>The Devil's Walk</I>, which +was written by Coleridge and Southey, and published in the <I>Morning +Post</I> for September 6, 1799, under the title of <I>The Devil's +Thoughts</I>.<br> +<a href="#frw22">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1a">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="jan161814"></a><h3>January 16th, 1814</h3> +<br> +To-morrow I leave town for a few days. I saw Lewis to-day, who is just +returned from Oatlands, where he has been squabbling with Mad. de Stael +about himself, <i>Clarissa Harlowe</i>, Mackintosh, and me. My homage has never +been paid in that quarter, or we would have agreed still worse. I don't +talk—I can't flatter, and won't listen, except to a pretty or a foolish +woman. She bored Lewis with praises of himself till he sickened— found +out that <i>Clarissa</i> was perfection, and Mackintosh the first man in +England. There I agree, at least <I>one</I> of the first—but Lewis did +not. As to <i>Clarissa</i>, I leave to those who can read it to judge and +dispute. I could not do the one, and am, consequently, not qualified for +the other. She told Lewis wisely, he being my friend, that I was +affected, in the first place; and that, in the next place, I committed +the heinous offence of sitting at dinner with my <I>eyes</I> shut, or +half shut. I wonder if I really have this trick. I must cure myself of +it, if true. One insensibly acquires awkward habits, which should be +broken in time. If this is one, I wish I had been told of it before. It +would not so much signify if one was always to be checkmated by a plain +woman, but one may as well see some of one's neighbours, as well as the +plate upon the table.<br> +<br> +I should like, of all things, to have heard the Amabæan eclogue between +her and Lewis—both obstinate, clever, odd, garrulous, and shrill. In +fact, one could have heard nothing else. But they fell out, alas!—and +now they will never quarrel again. Could not one reconcile them for the +"nonce?" Poor Corinne—she will find that some of her fine sayings won't +suit our fine ladies and gentlemen.<br> +<br> +I am getting rather into admiration of [Lady C. Annesley] the youngest +sister of [Lady F. Webster]. A wife would be my salvation. I am sure the +wives of my acquaintances have hitherto done me little good. Catherine +is beautiful, but very young, and, I think, a fool. But I have not seen +enough to judge; besides, I hate an <i>esprit</i> in petticoats. That +she won't love me is very probable, nor shall I love her. But, on my +system, and the modern system in general, that don't signify. The +business (if it came to business) would probably be arranged between +papa and me. She would have her own way; I am good-humoured to women, +and docile; and, if I did not fall in love with her, which I should try +to prevent, we should be a very comfortable couple. As to conduct, +<i>that</i> she must look to. But <i>if</i> I love, I shall be +jealous;—and for that reason I will not be in love. Though, after all, +I doubt my temper, and fear I should not be so patient as becomes the +<i>bienséance</i> of a married man in my station. Divorce ruins the poor +<i>femme</i>, and damages are a paltry compensation. I do fear my temper +would lead me into some of our oriental tricks of vengeance, or, at any +rate, into a summary appeal to the court of twelve paces. So "I'll none +on't," but e'en remain single and solitary;—though I should like to +have somebody now and then to yawn with one.<br> +<br> +Ward, and, after him, ——, has stolen one of my buffooneries about Mde. +de Stael's Metaphysics and the Fog, and passed it, by speech and letter, +as their own. As <a name="frw31">Gibbet</a> says, "they are the most of a gentleman of any +on the road."<a href="#fw31"><sup>1</sup></a> W. is in <a name="frw32">sad</a> enmity with the Whigs about this Review +of Fox<a href="#fw32"><sup>2</sup></a> (if he <i>did</i> review him);—all the epigrammatists and +essayists are at him. I hate <i>odds</i>, and wish he may beat them. As +for me, by the blessing of indifference, I have simplified my politics +into an utter detestation of all existing governments; and, as it is the +shortest and most agreeable and summary feeling imaginable, the first +moment of an universal republic would convert me into an advocate for +single and uncontradicted despotism. The fact is, riches are power, and +poverty is slavery all over the earth, and one sort of establishment is +no better nor worse for a <i>people</i> than another. I shall adhere to +my party, because it would not be honourable to act otherwise; but, as +to <i>opinions</i>, I don't think politics <i>worth</i> an +<i>opinion</i>. <i>Conduct</i> is another thing:—if you begin with a +party, go on with them. I have no consistency, except in politics; and +<i>that</i> probably arises from my indifference on the subject +altogether.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fw31"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> The <i>Beaux' Stratagem</i>, by George Farquhar (act iv. +sc. 3): <br> +<br> + +<table summary="beaux/ stratagem" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>Gibbet</i></td> + <td>And I can assure you, friend, there's a great +deal of address and good manners in robbing a lady: I am most a +gentleman that way that ever travelled the road.</td> +</tr> +</table> +<a href="#frw31">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw32"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> An article by Ward on <i>The Correspondence of Gilbert +Wakefield with Mr. Fox</i>, in the <i>Quarterly Review</i> for July, +1813.<br> +<a href="#frw32">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1a">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="feb181814"></a><h3>February 18th [1814]</h3> +<br> +Better than a month since I last journalised:—most of it out of London +and at Notts., but a busy one and a pleasant, at least three weeks of +it. On my <a name="frw41">return</a>, I find all the newspapers in hysterics, and town in an +uproar, on the avowal and republication of two stanzas on Princess +Charlotte's weeping at Regency's speech to Lauderdale in 1812<a href="#fw41"><sup>1</sup></a>. They +are daily at it still;—some of the abuse good, all of it hearty. They +talk of a motion in our House upon it—be it so.<br> +<br> +Got up—<a name="frw42">redde</a> the <i>Morning Post</i> containing the battle of +Buonaparte<a href="#fw42"><sup>2</sup></a>, the destruction of the Customhouse<a href="#fw43"><sup>3</sup></a>, and a paragraph +on me as long as my pedigree, and vituperative, as usual<a href="#fw44"><sup>4</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +Hobhouse is returned to England. He is my best friend, the most lively, +and a man of the most sterling talents extant.<br> +<br> +<i>The Corsair</i> has been conceived, written, published, etc., since I +last took up this journal. They tell me it has great success;—it was +written <i>con amore</i>, and much from <i>existence</i>. Murray is +satisfied with its progress; and if the public are equally so with the +perusal, there's an end of the matter.<br> +<br> +<br> +<b>Nine o'clock.</b><br> +<br> +Been to Hanson's on business. Saw Rogers, and had a note from Lady +Melbourne, who says, it is said I am "much out of spirits." I wonder if +I really am or not? I <a name="frw45">have</a> certainly enough of "that perilous stuff +which weighs upon the heart,"<a href="#fw45"><sup>5</sup></a> and it is better they should believe +it to be the result of these attacks than of the real cause; but—ay, +ay, always <i>but</i>, to the end of the chapter.<br> +<br> +Hobhouse has told me ten thousand anecdotes of Napoleon, all good and +true. My friend H. is the most entertaining of companions, and a fine +fellow to boot.<br> +<br> +Redde a little—wrote notes and letters, and am alone, which Locke says +is bad company. "<a name="frw46">Be</a> not solitary, be not idle."<a href="#fw46"><sup>6</sup></a>—Um!—the idleness +is troublesome; but I can't see so much to regret in the solitude. The +more I see of men, the less I like them. If I could but say so of women +too, all would be well. Why can't I? I am now six-and-twenty; my +passions have had enough to cool them; my affections more than enough to +wither them,—and yet—and yet—always <i>yet</i> and +<i>but</i>—"<a name="frw47">Excellent</a> well, you are a fishmonger—get thee to a +nunnery."<a href="#fw47"><sup>7</sup></a>—"They fool me to the top of my bent."<a href="#fw48"><sup>8</sup></a><br> +<br> +<br> +<b>Midnight.</b><br> +<br> +Began a letter, which I threw into the fire. Redde—but to little +purpose. Did not visit Hobhouse, as I promised and ought. No matter, the +loss is mine. Smoked cigars.<br> +<br> +Napoleon!—this week will decide his fate. All seems against him; but I +believe and hope he will win—at least, beat back the invaders. What +right have we to prescribe sovereigns to France? Oh for a Republic! +"<a name="frw49">Brutus</a>, thou sleepest."<a href="#fw49"><sup>9</sup></a> Hobhouse abounds in continental anecdotes +of this extraordinary man; all in favour of his intellect and courage, +but against his <i>bonhommie</i>. No wonder;—how should he, who knows +mankind well, do other than despise and abhor them?<br> +<br> +<a name="frw50">The</a> greater the equality, the more impartially evil is distributed, and +becomes lighter by the division among so many—therefore, a Republic!<a href="#fw50"><sup>10</sup></a><br> +<br> +<a name="frw51">More</a> notes from Madame de Stael unanswered—and so they shall remain.<a href="#fw51"><sup>11</sup></a> I admire her abilities, but really her society is overwhelming—an +avalanche that buries one in glittering nonsense—all snow and +sophistry.<br> +<br> +Shall I go to Mackintosh's on Tuesday? um!—I did not go to Marquis +Lansdowne's nor to Miss Berry's, though both are pleasant. So is Sir +James's,—but I don't know—I believe one is not the better for parties; +at least, unless some <i>regnante</i> is there.<br> +<br> +I wonder how the deuce any body could make such a world; for what +purpose dandies, for instance, were ordained—and kings—and fellows of +colleges—and women of "a certain age"—and many men of any age—and +myself, most of all! + +<blockquote>"<a name="frw52">Divesne</a> prisco natus ab Inacho<br> + Nil interest, an pauper et infimâ<br> + De gente, sub dio (<i>sic</i>) moreris,<br> + Victima nil miserantis Orci.<br> + Omnes eodem cogimur," etc.<a href="#fw52"><sup>12</sup></a></blockquote> + +Is there any thing beyond?—<I>who</I> knows? <I>He</I> that can't tell. +Who tells that there <I>is</I>? He who don't know. And when shall he +know? perhaps, when he don't expect, and generally when he don't wish +it. In this last respect, however, all are not alike: it depends a good +deal upon education,—something upon nerves and habits—but most upon +digestion.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fw41"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> See p. 134, <a href="#fe93"><i>note</i></a> 2, and <a href="#app7">Appendix VII</a>.<br> +<a href="#frw41">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw42"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> The battle of Brienne was fought February 1, 1814.<br> +<a href="#frw42">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw43"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> By fire, on the 12th of February.<br> +<a href="#frw42">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw44"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"We are informed from very good authority, that as soon as the House + of Lords meet again, a Peer of very independent principles and + character intends to give notice of a motion occasioned by a late + spontaneous avowal of a copy of verses by Lord Byron, addressed to the + Princess Charlotte of Wales, in which he has taken the most + unwarrantable liberties with her august father's character and + conduct: this motion being of a personal nature, it will be necessary + to give the noble Satirist some days' notice, that he may prepare + himself for his defence against a charge of so aggravated a nature," + etc.</blockquote> + +<i>Morning Post</i>, February 18.<br> +<a href="#frw42">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw45"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 5:</span></a> <i>Macbeth</i>, act v. sc. 3.<br> +<a href="#frw45">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw46"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 6:</span></a> These words close the penultimate paragraph of Burton's +<i>Anatomy of Melancholy</i>.<br> +<a href="#frw46">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw47"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 7:</span></a> <i>Hamlet</i>, act ii. sc. 2, and act iii. sc. 1.<br> +<a href="#frw47">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw48"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 8:</span></a> <i>Ibid</i>., sc. 2.<br> +<a href="#frw47">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw49"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 9:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"Brutus, thou sleepest, awake."</blockquote> + +<i>Julius Cæsar</i>, act ii. sc. 1.<br> +<a href="#frw49">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw50"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 10:</span></a> The following extract from <i>Detached Thoughts</i> (1821) +implies that this expression of opinion was no passing thought (but see +Scott's <a href="#fw15">note</a>, p. 376): + + <blockquote>"There is nothing left for Mankind but a Republic, and I think that + there are hopes of such. The two Americas (South and North) have it; + Spain and Portugal approach it; all thirst for it. Oh Washington!"</blockquote> +<a href="#frw50">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw51"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 11:</span></a> Here is one of Madame de Staël's notes: + + <blockquote>"Je renonce à vos visites, pourvu que vous acceptiez mes diners, car + enfin à quoi servirait il de vivre dans le même tems que vous, si + l'on ne vous voyait pas? Dinez chez moi dimanche avec vos amis,—je ne + dirai pas vos admirateurs, car je n'ai rencontré que cela de touts + parts.<br> +<br> + "A dimanche, + + "<b>de Staël</b>.<br> +<br> + "Mardi.<br> +<br> + "Je prends le silence pour oui."</blockquote> +<a href="#frw51">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw52"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Horace, <I>Odes</I>, II. iii. 21, <I>et seqq.</I><br> +<a href="#frw52">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1a">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="feb191814"></a><h3>Saturday, February 19th [1814]</h3> +<br> +<a name="frw61">Just</a> returned from seeing Kean<a href="#fw61"><sup>1</sup></a> in Richard. By Jove, he is a soul! +Life—nature—truth without exaggeration or diminution. Kemble's Hamlet +is perfect;—but Hamlet is not Nature. Richard is a man; and Kean is +Richard. Now to my own concerns.<br> +<br> +Went to Waite's. Teeth are all right and white; but he says that I grind +them in my sleep and chip the edges. That same sleep is no friend of +mine, though I court him sometimes for half the twenty-four.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fw61"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Edmund Kean (1787-1833), after acting in provincial +theatres, appeared at the Haymarket in June, 1806, as "Ganem" in <I>The +Mountaineers</I>, but again returned to the country. His performance of +"Shylock" in the <I>Merchant of Venice</I>, at Drury Lane, on January +26, 1814, made him famous. He appeared in "Richard III" on February 12, +and still further increased his reputation.<br> +<br> +In the <I>Courier</I>, February 26, 1814, appears this paragraph: + + <blockquote>"Mr. Kean's attraction is unprecedented in the annals of + theatricals—even Cooke's performances are left at an immeasurable + distance; his first three nights of <i>Richard</i> produced upwards of + £1800, and on repeating that character on Thursday night for the + fourthth (<i>sic</i>) time, the receipts were upwards of £700."</blockquote> + +On March 1 the same paper says, + + <blockquote> "Drury Lane Theatre again overflowed last night, at an early hour. + Such is the continued and increasing attraction of that truly great + actor Mr. Kean."</blockquote> + +After the retirement of John Kemble (June 23, 1817), he had no rival on +the stage, especially in such parts as "Othello," "Lear," "Hamlet," "Sir +Giles Overreach," and the two already mentioned. His last appearance on +the stage was in "Othello" at Covent Garden, March 25, 1833. + + <blockquote>"To see Kean act," said Coleridge, "is like reading Shakespeare by + flashes of lightning." <br> +<br> + "Garrick's nature," writes Leigh Hunt, in the <i>Tatler</i>, July 25, + 1831, "displaced Quin's formalism; and in precisely the same way did + Kean displace Kemble. ... Everything with Kemble was literally a + <i>personation</i>—it was a mask and a sounding-pipe. It was all + external and artificial.... Kean's face is full of light and shade, + his tones vary, his voice trembles, his eye glistens, sometimes with a + withering scorn, sometimes with a tear." </blockquote> + +It was the realism and nature of Kean which so strongly appealed to +Byron, and enabled the actor, to the last, in spite of his drunken +habits, poor figure, and weak voice, to sway his audiences. The same +qualities at first repelled more timid critics, and perhaps justified +Hazlitt's saying that Kean was "not much relished in the upper circles." +Miss Berry, for example, who saw him in all his principal parts in +1814—in "Richard III," "Hamlet," "Othello," and "Sir Giles +Overreach"—remained cold. + + <blockquote>"His 'Richard III.' pleased me, but I was not enthusiastic. His + expression of the passions is natural and strong, but I do not like + his declamation; his voice, naturally not agreeable, becomes + monotonous" </blockquote> + +(<I>Diary</I>, vol. iii. p. 7). Of his "Hamlet" she says, + + <blockquote>"To my mind he is without grace and without elevation of mind, because + he never seems to rise with the poet in those sublime passages which + abound in <i>Hamlet</i>" </blockquote> + +(<I>ibid.</I>, p. 9). Miss Berry's criticism is supported by good +authority. Lewes (<I>On Actors and the Art of Acting</I>, pp. 6, 11), +while calling him "a consummate master of passionate expression," denies +his capacity for representing "the intellectual side of heroism."<br> +<br> +Kean preferred the Coal-Hole Tavern in the Strand, and the society of +the Wolf Club, to Lord Holland's dinner-parties. Though he never fell so +low as Cooke, his recklessness, irregularities, eccentricities, and +habits of drinking, in spite of the large sums of money that passed +through his hands, made his closing days neither prosperous nor +reputable.<br> +<br> +Such effect had the passionate energy of Kean's acting on Byron's mind, +that, once, in seeing him play "Sir Giles Overreach," he was so affected +as to be seized with a sort of convulsive fit. Some years later, in +Italy, when the representation of Alfieri's tragedy of <I>Mirra</I> had +agitated him in the same violent manner, he compared the two instances +as the only ones in his life when "any thing under reality" had been +able to move him so powerfully. + + <blockquote>"To such lengths," says Moore, "did he, at this time, carry his + enthusiasm for Kean, that when Miss O'Neil appeared, and, by her + matchless representation of feminine tenderness, attracted all eyes + and hearts, he was not only a little jealous of her reputation, as + interfering with that of his favourite, but, in order to guard himself + against the risk of becoming a convert, refused to go to see her act. + I endeavoured sometimes to persuade him into witnessing, at least, one + of her performances; but his answer was (punning upon Shakspeare's + word, 'unanealed'), 'No—I am resolved to continue <i>un-Oneiled</i>.'"</blockquote> + +In his <I>Detached Thoughts</I> (1821) Byron says, + + <blockquote>"Of actors Cooke was the most natural, Kemble the most supernatural, + Kean the medium between the two. But Mrs. Siddons was worth them all + put together."</blockquote> +<a href="#frw61">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1a">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="feb201814"></a><h3>February 20th [1814]</h3> +<br> +Got up and tore out two leaves of this Journal—I don't know why. +Hodgson just called and gone. He has much <I>bonhommie</I> with his +other good qualities, and more talent than he has yet had credit for +beyond his circle.<br> +<br> +An invitation to dine at Holland House to meet Kean. He is worth +meeting; and I hope, by getting into good society, he will be prevented +from falling like Cooke. He is greater now on the stage, and off he +should never be less. There is a stupid and underrating criticism upon +him in one of the newspapers. I thought that, last night, though great, +he rather under-acted more than the first time. This may be the effect +of these cavils; but I hope he has more sense than to mind them. He +cannot expect to maintain his present eminence, or to advance still +higher, without the envy of his green-room fellows, and the nibbling of +their admirers. But, <a name="frw71">if</a> he don't beat them all, why then—merit hath no +purchase in "these coster-monger days."<a href="#fw71"><sup>1</sup></a><br> +<br> +I wish that I had a talent for the drama; I would write a tragedy +<I>now</I>. But no,—it is gone. Hodgson talks of one,—he will do it +well;—and I think M—-e [Moore] should try. He has wonderful powers, +and much variety; besides, he has lived and felt. To write so as to +bring home to the heart, the heart must have been tried,—but, perhaps, +ceased to be so. While you are under the influence of passions, you only +feel, but cannot describe them,—any more than, when in action, you +could turn round and tell the story to your next neighbour! When all is +over,—all, all, and irrevocable,—trust to memory—she is then but too +faithful.<br> +<br> +Went out, and answered some letters, yawned now and then, and redde the +<I>Robbers</I>. <a name="frw72">Fine</a>,—but <I>Fiesco</I> is better<a href="#fw72"><sup>2</sup></a>; and Alfieri, and +Monti's <I>Aristodemo</I><a href="#fw73"><sup>3</sup></a> <I>best</I>. They are more equal than the +Tedeschi dramatists.<br> +<br> +<a name="frw74">Answered</a>—or rather acknowledged—the receipt of young Reynolds's<a href="#fw74"><sup>4</sup></a> +poem, <I>Safie</I>. The lad is clever, but much of his thoughts are +borrowed,—whence, the Reviewers may find out. I hate discouraging a +young one; and I think,—though wild and more oriental than he would be, +had he seen the scenes where he has placed his tale,—that he has much +talent, and, certainly fire enough.<br> +<br> +Received a very singular epistle; and the mode of its conveyance, +through Lord H.'s hands, as curious as the letter itself. But it was +gratifying and pretty.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fw71"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> <I>Henry IV.</I>, Part II. act i. sc. 2.<br> +<a href="#frw71">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw72"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Schiller's <I>Robbers</I> was first produced at Mannheim, +January 13, 1782; his <I>Fiesco</I> was published in 1783. The +<I>Robbers</I> is included in Benjamin Thompson's <I>German Theatre</I> +(1801). <I>Fiesco</I> was translated by G. H. Noehden and John Stoddart +in 1798.<br> +<a href="#frw72">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw73"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> Monti's three tragedies, <I>Caio Gracco</I>, +<I>Aristodemo</I>, and <I>Manfredi</I>, were written in rivalry of +Alfieri's tragedies between the years 1788 and 1799.<br> +<a href="#frw72">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw74"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> For John Hamilton Reynolds, see <I>Letters</I>, vol. iii. +(February 20, 1814, <I>note</I> 1).<br> +<a href="#frw74">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1a">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="feb271814"></a><h3>Sunday, February 27th [1814]</h3> +<br> +Here I am, alone, instead of dining at Lord H.'s, where I was +asked,—but not inclined to go any where. Hobhouse says I am growing a +<I>loup garou</I>,—a solitary hobgoblin. <a name="frw81">True</a>;—"I am myself alone."<a href="#fw81"><sup>1</sup></a><br> +<br> +The last week has been passed in reading—seeing plays—now and then +visitors—sometimes yawning and sometimes sighing, but no writing,—save +of letters. If I could always read, I should never feel the want of +society. Do I regret it?—um!—"<a name="frw82">Man</a> delights not me,"<a href="#fw82"><sup>2</sup></a> and only one +woman—at a time.<br> +<br> +There is something to me very softening in the presence of a +woman,—some strange influence, even if one is not in love with +them—which I cannot at all account for, having no very high opinion of +the sex. But yet,—I always feel in better humour with myself and every +thing else, if there is a woman within ken. <a name="frw83">Even</a> Mrs. Mule<a href="#fw83"><sup>3</sup></a>, my +firelighter,—the most ancient and withered of her kind,—and (except to +myself) not the best-tempered—always makes me laugh,—no difficult task +when I am "i' the vein."<br> +<br> +Heigho! I would I were in mine island!—I am not well; and yet I look in +good health. At <a name="frw84">times</a>, I fear, "I am not in my perfect mind;"<a href="#fw84"><sup>4</sup></a>—and +yet my heart and head have stood many a crash, and what should ail them +now? <a name="frw85">They</a> prey upon themselves, and I am sick—sick —"Prithee, undo +this button—why should a cat, a rat, a dog have life—and thou no life +at all?"<a href="#fw85"><sup>5</sup></a><br> +<br> +Six-and-twenty years, as they call them, why, I might and should have +been a Pasha by this time. "I '<a name="frw86">gin</a> to be a-weary of the sun."<a href="#fw86"><sup>6</sup></a><br> +<br> +<a name="frw87">Buonaparte</a> is not yet beaten; but has rebutted Blucher, and repiqued +Schwartzenburg<a href="#fw87"><sup>7</sup></a>. This it is to have a head. If he again wins, <I>Væ +victis!</I><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fw81"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"I am myself alone."</blockquote> + +<I>Henry VI.</I>, Part III. act v. sc. 6.<br> +<a href="#frw81">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw82"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> <I>Hamlet</I>, act ii. sc. 2.<br> +<a href="#frw82">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw83"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"This ancient housemaid, of whose gaunt and witch-like appearance it + would be impossible to convey any idea but by the pencil, furnished + one among the numerous instances of Lord Byron's proneness to attach + himself to any thing, however homely, that had once enlisted his good + nature in its behalf, and become associated with his thoughts. He + first found this old woman at his lodgings in Bennet Street, where, + for a whole season, she was the perpetual scarecrow of his visitors. + When, next year, he took chambers in Albany, one of the great + advantages which his friends looked to in the change was, that they + should get rid of this phantom. But, no,—there she was again—he had + actually brought her with him from Bennet Street. The following year + saw him married, and, with a regular establishment of servants, in + Piccadilly; and here,—as Mrs. Mule had not made her appearance to any + of the visitors,—it was concluded, rashly, that the witch had + vanished. One of those friends, however, who had most fondly indulged + in this persuasion, happening to call one day when all the male part + of the establishment were abroad, saw, to his dismay, the door opened + by the same grim personage, improved considerably in point of + babiliments since he last saw her, and keeping pace with the increased + scale of her master's household, as a new peruke, and other symptoms + of promotion, testified. When asked 'how he came to carry this old + woman about with him from place to place,' Lord Byron's only answer + was, 'The poor old devil was so kind to me' " (Moore).</blockquote> +<a href="#frw83">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw84"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> <I>King Lear</I>, act iv. sc. 7.<br> +<a href="#frw84">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw85"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 5:</span></a> + + <blockquote> "Why should a dog, a horse, a rat have life,<br> + And thou no breath at all?"</blockquote> + +<I>King Lear</I>, act v. sc. 3.<br> +<a href="#frw85">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw86"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 6:</span></a> + + <blockquote> "I 'gin to be a-weary of the sun,<br> + And wish the estate of the world were now undone."</blockquote> + +<I>Macbeth</I>, act v. sc. 5.<br> +<a href="#frw86">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw87"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 7:</span></a> Napoleon fought the battle of Nangis against Blucher on the +17th of February, 1814, and that of Montereau against Prince +Schwartzenberg on the following day.<br> +<a href="#frw87">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1a">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="mar61814"></a><h3>Sunday, March 6th [1814]</h3> +<br> +<a name="frw91">On</a> Tuesday last dined with Rogers,—Madame de Staël, Mackintosh, +Sheridan, Erskine<a href="#fw91"><sup>1</sup></a>, and Payne Knight, Lady Donegal, and Miss R. there. Sheridan told a very good story of +himself and Madame de Recamier's handkerchief; Erskine a few stories of +himself only. <I>She</I> is going to write a big book about England, she +says;—I believe her. <a name="frw92">Asked</a> by her how I liked Miss Edgeworth's thing, +called <I>Patronage</i><a href="#fw92"><sup>2</sup></a>, and answered (very sincerely) that I +thought it very bad for <i>her</i>, and worse than any of the others. +<a name="frw93">Afterwards</a> thought it possible Lady Donegal<a href="#fw93"><sup>3</sup></a>, being Irish, might be a +patroness of Miss Edgeworth, and was rather sorry for my opinion, as I +hate putting people into fusses, either with themselves or their +favourites; it looks as if one did it on purpose. The party went off +very well, and the fish was very much to my gusto. But we got up too +soon after the women; and Mrs. Corinne always lingers so long after +dinner that we wish her in—the drawing-room.<br> +<br> +<a name="frw94">To-day</a> Campbell called, and while sitting here in came Merivale<a href="#fw94"><sup>4</sup></a>. +During our colloquy, C. (ignorant that Merivale was the writer) abused +the "mawkishness of the <i>Quarterly Review</i> of Grimm's +<i>Correspondence</i>." I (knowing the secret) changed the conversation +as soon as I could; and C. went away, quite convinced of having made the +most favourable impression on his new acquaintance. Merivale is luckily +a very good-natured fellow, or God he knows what might have been +engendered from such a malaprop. I did not look at him while this was +going on, but I felt like a coal—for I like Merivale, as well as the +article in question.<br> +<br> +<a name="frw95">Asked</a> to Lady Keith's<a href="#fw95"><sup>5</sup></a> to-morrow evening—I think I will go; but it +is the first party invitation I have accepted this "season," as the +learned Fletcher called it, when that youngest brat of Lady ——'s cut +my eye and cheek open with a misdirected pebble—"Never mind, my Lord, +the scar will be gone before the <i>season</i>;" as if one's eye was of +no importance in the mean time.<br> +<br> +Lord Erskine called, and gave me his famous pamphlet, with a marginal +note and corrections in his handwriting. Sent it to be bound superbly, +and shall treasure it.<br> +<br> +<a name="frw96">Sent</a> my fine print of Napoleon<a href="#fw96"><sup>6</sup></a> to be framed. It <i>is</i> framed; +and the Emperor becomes his robes as if he had been hatched in them.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fw91"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Thomas, Lord Erskine (1750-1823), youngest son of the tenth +Earl of Buchan, a midshipman in the Royal Navy (1764-67), an ensign, and +subsequently a lieutenant in the First Foot (1767-75), was called to the +Bar in 1778, and became Lord Chancellor in 1806. As an advocate he was +unrivalled. + + <blockquote>"Even the great luminaries of the law," says Wraxall (<i>Posthumous + Memoirs</i>, vol. i. p. 86), "when arrayed in their ermine, bent under + his ascendancy, and seemed to be half subdued by his intelligence, or + awed by his vehemence, pertinacity, and undaunted character." </blockquote> + +With a jury he was particularly successful, though he lived to write the +lines quoted by Lord Campbell (<I>Lives of the Chancellors</I>, ed. +1868, vol. viii. p. 233): + + <blockquote>"The monarch's pale face was with blushes suffused,<br> + To observe right and wrong by twelve villains confused,<br> + And, kicking their ——s all round in a fury,<br> + Cried, '<i>Curs'd be the day I invented a jury!</i>'"</blockquote> + +A Whig in politics, and in sympathy with the doctrines of the French +Revolution, he defended Paine, Frost, Hardy, and other political +offenders, and did memorable service to the cause of constitutional +liberty. In the House of Commons, which he entered as M. P. for +Portsmouth in 1783, he was a failure; his maiden speech on Fox's India +Bill fell flat, and he was crushed by Pitt's contempt. As Lord +Chancellor (1806-7) he proved a better judge than was expected. At the +time when Byron made his acquaintance, he had practically retired from +public life, and devoted himself to literature, society, and farming, +writing on the services of rooks, and attending the Holkham +sheep-shearings. Lord Campbell has collected many of his verses and +jokes in vol. ix. chap. cxc. of his <I>Lives of the Chancellors</I>. His +famous pamphlet, <I>On the Causes and Consequences of the War with +France</I> (1797), was written, as he told Miss Berry (<I>Journal of +Miss Berry</I>, vol. ii. p. 340), + + <blockquote>"on slips of paper in the midst of all the business which I was + engaged in at the time—not at home, but in open court, whilst the + causes were trying. When it was not my turn to examine a witness, or + to speak to the Jury, I wrote a little bit; and so on by snatches."</blockquote> + +His <I>Armata</I> was published by Murray in 1817. In society Erskine +was widely known for his brilliancy, his puns, and his extraordinary +vanity. His egotism gained him such titles as Counsellor Ego, Baron Ego +of Eye, and supplied Mathias (<I>Pursuits of Literature</I>) with an +illustration: + + <blockquote>"A vain, pert prater, bred in Erskine's school."</blockquote> +<a href="#frw91">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw92"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Miss Edgeworth's <I>Patronage</I> was published in 1813-4. +In 1813 she had been in London with her father and stepmother. The +following entries respecting the family are taken from Byron's +<I>Detached Thoughts</I>: + + <blockquote> "Old Edgeworth, the fourth or fifth Mrs. Edgeworth, and <i>the</i> + Miss Edgeworth were in London, 1813. Miss Edgeworth liked, Mrs. + Edgeworth not disliked, old Edgeworth a bore, the worst of bores—a + boisterous Bore. I met them in Society—once at a breakfast of Sir + H. D.'s. Old Edgeworth came in late, boasting that he had given 'Dr. + Parr a dressing the night before' (no such easy matter by the way). I + thought her pleasant. They all abused Anna Seward's memory. When on + the road they heard of her brother's—and his son's—death. What was + to be done? Their <i>London</i> apparel was all ordered and made! so + they sunk his death for the six weeks of their sojourn, and went into + mourning on their way back to Ireland. <i>Fact!</i><br> +<br> + "While the Colony were in London, there was a book with a subscription + for the 'recall of Mrs. Siddons to the Stage' going about for + signatures. Moore moved for a similar subscription for the 'recall of + <i>Mr. Edgeworth to Ireland!</i>' + + "Sir Humphry Davy told me that the scene of the French Valet and Irish + postboy in <i>Ennui</i> was taken from his verbal description to the + Edgeworths in Edgeworthtown of a similar fact on the road occurring to + himself. So much the better—being <i>life</i>."</blockquote> +<a href="#frw92">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw93"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> The Marquis of Donegal married, in 1795, Anna, daughter of +Sir Edward May, Bart.<br> +<a href="#frw93">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw94"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> For J. H. Merivale, see <i>Letters</i>, vol. iii. (January, +1814. <i>note</i> 1).<br> +<a href="#frw94">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw95"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 5:</span></a> Hester Maria, eldest daughter and co-heir of Henry Thrale, +of Streatham, the friend of Dr. Johnson, married, in 1808, Viscount +Keith.<br> +<a href="#frw95">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fw96"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 6:</span></a> Byron's "Portrait of Bonaparte, engraved by Morghen, +<i>very fine impression, in a gilt frame</i>," was sold at his sale, +April 5, 1816.<br> +<a href="#frw96">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1a">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="mar71814"></a><h3>March 7th [1814]</h3> +<br> +<a name="frx1">Rose</a> at seven—ready by half-past eight—went to Mr. Hanson's, +Bloomsbury Square—went to church with his eldest daughter, Mary Anne (a +good girl), and gave her away to the Earl of Portsmouth<a href="#fx1"><sup>1</sup></a>. Saw her +fairly a countess—congratulated the family and groom (bride)—drank a +bumper of wine (wholesome sherris) to their felicity, and all that—and +came home. Asked to stay to dinner, but could not. At three sat to +Phillips for faces. Called on Lady M. [Melbourne]—I like her so well, +that I always stay too long. (Mem. to mend of that.)<br> +<br> +Passed the evening with Hobhouse, who has begun a poem, which promises +highly;—wish he would go on with it. <a name="frx2">Heard</a> some curious extracts from a +life of Morosini<a href="#fx2"><sup>2</sup></a>, the blundering Venetian, who blew up the Acropolis +at Athens with a bomb, and be damned to him! Waxed sleepy—just come +home—must go to bed, and am engaged to meet Sheridan to-morrow at +Rogers's.<br> +<br> +Queer ceremony that same of marriage—saw many abroad, Greek and +Catholic—one, at <i>home</i>, many years ago. There be some strange +phrases in the prologue (the exhortation), which made me turn away, not +to laugh in the face of the surpliceman. Made one blunder, when I joined +the hands of the happy—rammed their left hands, by mistake, into one +another. Corrected it—bustled back to the altar-rail, and said "Amen." +Portsmouth responded as if he had got the whole by heart; and, if any +thing, was rather before the priest. It is now midnight and ——.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fx1"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Lord Portsmouth (see <i>Letters</i>, vol. i. p. 9, +<i>note</i> 2 [Footnote 3 of Letter 3]), who had long known the Hansons, from whose house he +married his first wife, married, March 7, 1814, Mary Anne, eldest +daughter of John Hanson. A commission of lunacy was taken out by the +brother and next heir, the Hon. Newton Fellowes; but Lord Chancellor +Eldon decided that Lord Portsmouth was capable of entering into the +marriage contract and managing his own affairs. The commission was, +however, ultimately granted. Byron swore an affidavit on the first +occasion. + + <blockquote>"Denman mentioned Lord Byron's affidavit about Lord Portsmouth as a + proof of the influence of Hanson over him; Lord B. swearing that Lord + P. had 'rather a <i>superior</i> mind than otherwise'" </blockquote> + +(<i>Memoirs, etc., of Thomas Moore</i>, vol. vi. p. 47).<br> +<br> +The following is the note which Byron sent Hanson to embody in +his affidavit: + + <blockquote> "I have been acquainted with Mr. Hanson and his family for many years. + He is my solicitor. About the beginning of March last he sent to me to + ask my opinion on the subject of Lord Portsmouth, who, as I understood + from Mr. H., was paying great attention to his eldest daughter. He + stated to me that Mr. Newton Fellowes (with whom I have no personal + acquaintance) was particularly desirous that Lord Portsmouth should + marry some 'elderly woman' of his (Mr. Fellowes's) selection—that the + title and family estates might thereby devolve on Mr. F. or his + children; but that Lord P. had expressed a dislike to old women, and a + desire to choose for himself. I told Mr. Hanson that, if Miss Hanson's + affections were not pre-engaged, and Lord Portsmouth appeared attached + to her, there could be, in my opinion, no objection to the match. I + think, but cannot be positive, that I saw Lord Portsmouth at Mr. + Hanson's two or three times previous to the marriage; but I had no + conversation with him upon it.<br> +<br> + "The night before the ceremony, I received an invitation from Mr. + Hanson, requesting me, as a friend of the family, to be present at the + marriage, which was to take place next morning. I went next morning to + Bloomsbury Square, where I found the parties. Lady Portsmouth, with + her brother and sister and another gentleman, went in the carriage to + St. George's Church; Lord Portsmouth and myself walked, as the + carriage was full, and the distance short. On my way Lord Portsmouth + told me that he had been partial to Miss Hanson from her childhood, + and that, since she grew up, and more particularly subsequent to the + decease of the late Lady P., this partiality had become attachment, + and that he thought her calculated to make him an excellent wife. I + was present at the ceremony and gave away the bride. Lord Portsmouth's + behaviour seemed to me perfectly calm and rational on the occasion. He + seemed particularly attentive to the priest, and gave the responses + audibly and very distinctly. I remarked this because, in ordinary + conversation, his Lordship has a hesitation in his speech. After the + ceremony, we returned to Mr. Hanson's, whence, I believe, they went + into the country—where I did not accompany them. Since their return I + have occasionally seen Lord and Lady Portsmouth in Bloomsbury Square. + They appeared very happy. I have never been very intimate with his + Lordship, and am therefore unqualified to give a decided opinion of + his general conduct. But had I considered him insane, I should have + advised Mr. Hanson, when he consulted me on the subject, not to permit + the marriage. His preference of a young woman to an old one, and of + his own wishes to those of a younger brother, seemed to me neither + irrational nor extraordinary."</blockquote> + +There is nothing in the note itself, or in the draft affidavit, to bear +out Moore's report of Denman's statement.<br> +<br> +Byron, according to the account given by Newton Hanson, is wrong in +saying that Mrs. Hanson approved of the marriage. On the contrary, it +was the cause of her death, a fortnight later. In 1828 the marriage was +annulled, a jury having decided that Lord Portsmouth was <i>non compos +mentis</i> when he contracted it.<br> +<a href="#frx1">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fx2"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Francesco Morosini (1618-1694) occupied the Morea for +Venice (1687), besieged Athens, and bombarded the Parthenon, which had +been made a powder-magazine. He became Doge of Venice in 1688.<br> +<a href="#frx2">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1a">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="mar101814"></a><h3>March 10th [1814]</h3> +<br> +<b>Thor's Day</b><br> +<br> +On Tuesday dined with Rogers,—Mackintosh, Sheridan, Sharpe,—much talk, +and good,—all, except my own little prattlement. Much of old +times—Horne Tooke—the Trials—evidence of Sheridan, and anecdotes of +those times, when <i>I</i>, alas! was an infant. If I had been a man, I +would have made an English Lord Edward Fitzgerald.<br> +<br> +Set down Sheridan at Brookes's,—where, by the by, he could not have +well set down himself, as he and I were the only drinkers. <a name="frx11">Sherry</a> means +to stand for Westminster, as Cochrane<a href="#fx11"><sup>1</sup></a> (the stock-jobbing hoaxer) +must vacate. Brougham<a href="#fx12"><sup>2</sup></a> is a <a name="frx12">candidate</a>. I fear for poor dear Sherry. +Both have talents of the highest order, but the youngster has <i>yet</i> +a character. We shall see, if he lives to Sherry's age, how he will pass +over the redhot plough-shares of public life. I don't know why, but I +hate to see the <i>old</i> ones lose; particularly Sheridan, +notwithstanding all his <i>méchanceté</i>.<br> +<br> +Received many, and the kindest, thanks from Lady Portsmouth, <i>père</i> +and <i>mère</i>, for my match-making. I don't regret it, as she looks +the countess well, and is a very good girl. It is odd how well she +carries her new honours. She looks a different woman, and high-bred, +too. I had no idea that I could make so good a peeress.<br> +<br> +Went to the play with Hobhouse. <a name="frx13">Mrs</a>. Jordan superlative in Hoyden<a href="#fx13"><sup>3</sup></a>, +and Jones well enough in Foppington. <i>What plays</i>! what +wit!—<i>hélas</i>! Congreve and Vanbrugh are your only comedy. Our +society is too insipid now for the like copy. Would <i>not</i> go to +Lady Keith's. Hobhouse thought it odd. I wonder <i>he</i> should like +parties. If one is in love, and wants to break a commandment and covet +any thing that is there, they do very well. But to go out amongst the +mere herd, without a motive, pleasure, or pursuit—'sdeath! "I'll none +of it." He told me an odd report,—that <i>I</i> am the actual Conrad, +the veritable Corsair, and that part of my travels are supposed to have +passed in privacy. Um!—people sometimes hit near the truth; but never +the whole truth. H. <a name="frx14">don't</a> know what I was about the year after he left +the Levant; nor does any one—nor —— nor—nor—however, it is a +lie—but, "I doubt the equivocation of the fiend that lies like truth!"<a href="#fx14"><sup>4</sup></a><br> +<br> +I shall have letters of importance to-morrow. Which, ——, ——, or +——? heigho!— —— is in my heart, —— in my head, —— in my eye, +and the <i>single</i> one, Heaven knows where. All write, and will be +answered. "<a name="frx15">Since</a> I have crept in favour with myself, I must maintain +it;"<a href="#fx15"><sup>5</sup></a> but I never "mistook my person,"<a href="#fx16"><sup>6</sup></a> though I think others +have.<br> +<br> +—— called to-day in great despair about his mistress, who has taken a +freak of ——. He began a letter to her, but was obliged to stop +short—I finished it for him, and he copied and sent it. If <i>he</i> +holds out, and keeps to my instructions of affected indifference, she +will lower her colours. If she don't, he will, at least, get rid of her, +and she don't seem much worth keeping. But the poor lad is in love—if +that is the case, she will win. When they once discover their power, +<i>finita è la musica</i>.<br> +<br> +Sleepy, and must go to bed.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fx11"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Thomas, Lord Cochrane (1775-1860), eldest son of the ninth +Earl of Dundonald, a captain in the Royal Navy, and M. P. for +Westminster, had done brilliant service in his successive commands—the +<i>Speedy, Pallas, Impérieuse</i>, and the flotilla of fire-ships at +Basque Roads in 1809. In the House of Commons he had been a strong +opponent of the Government, an advocate of Parliamentary Reform, and a +vigorous critic of naval administration. In February, 1814, he had been +appointed to the <i>Tonnant</i> for the American Station, and it was +while he was on a week's leave of absence in London, before sailing, +that the stock-jobbing hoax occurred.<br> +<br> +During the days February 8-26, 1814, it seemed possible that Napoleon +might defeat the Allied Armies, and the Funds were sensitive to every +rumour. At midnight on Sunday, February 20, a man calling himself Du +Bourg brought news to Admiral Foley, at Dover, that Napoleon had been +killed by a party of Cossacks. Hurrying towards London, Du Bourg, whose +real name was Berenger, spread the news as he went. Arrived in London +soon after daybreak, he went to Cochrane's house, and there changed his +uniform. When the Stock Exchange opened at ten on February 21, 1814, the +Funds rose rapidly, and among those who sold on the rise was Cochrane. +The next day, when the swindle had been discovered, the Stocks fell.<br> +<br> +A Stock Exchange Committee sat to investigate the case, and their report +(March 7) threw grave suspicion on Cochrane. He, his uncle, Cochrane +Johnstone, a Mr. Butt, and Berenger, were indicted for a conspiracy, +tried before Lord Ellenborough, June 8-9, and convicted. Cochrane was +sentenced to a year's imprisonment and a fine of £1000. On the back of +the note for £1000 (still kept in the Bank of England) with which he +paid his fine on July 3, 1815, he wrote: + + <blockquote> "My health having suffered by long and close confinement, and my + oppressors being resolved to deprive me of property or life, I submit + to robbery to protect myself from murder, in the hope that I shall + live to bring the delinquents to justice."</blockquote> + +Cochrane was also expelled from the House of Commons and from the Order +of the Bath. There is little doubt that the circumstances were extremely +suspicious. Those who wish to form an opinion as to Cochrane's guilt or +innocence will find the subject of the trial exhaustively treated in Mr. +J.B. Atlay's <i>Lord Cochrane's Trial before Lord Ellenborough</i> +(1897).<br> +<a href="#frx11">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fx12"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Henry, Lord Brougham (1778-1868) acknowledged that he wrote +the famous article on Byron's <i>Hours of Idleness</i> in the +<i>Edinburgh Review</i> (Sir M.E. Grant-Duff's <i>Notes from a +Diary</i>, vol. ii. p. 189). He lost his seat for Camelford in +September, 1812, and did not re-enter the House till July, 1815, when he +sat for Winchelsea. In the postscript of a letter written by him to +Douglas Kinnaird, December 9, 1814, he speaks of Byron thus: + + <blockquote>"Your friend, Lord B., is, in my opinion, a singularly agreeable + person, which is very rarely the case with eminent men. His + independent principles give him a great additional charm."</blockquote> + +But the part which Brougham played in the separation, both as counsel +and in society, infuriated Byron, who wrote of him in his letters with +the utmost bitterness. (See also the passage, now for the first time +published, from Byron's <i>Detached Thoughts</i>, on his Parliamentary +experiences, p. 198, <a href="#Cx1">first paragraph</a> of <i>note</i>.)<br> +<a href="#frx12">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fx13"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> Dorothy Jordan (1762-1816) first appeared as "Phoebe" in +<i>As You Like It</i> at the Crow Street Theatre, Dublin, in 1777. After +acting in provincial theatres, she made her <i>début</i> on the London +stage at Drury Lane (October 18, 1785) as "Peggy" in Garrick's +<i>Country Girl</i>, an expurgated version of Wycherley's <i>Country +Wife</i>. During the season she appeared also in six of her best parts: +"Miss Hoyden" in <i>The Trip to Scarborough</i>, "Priscilla Tomboy" in +<i>The Romp</i>, "Hypolita" in <i>She would and she would not</i>, "Mrs. +Brady" in <i>The Irish Widow</i>, "Viola" in <i>Twelfth Night</i>, and +"Rosalind" in <i>As You Like It</i>. Her last appearance on the London +stage was as "Lady Teazle" in <i>The School for Scandal</i>, at Covent +Garden, June 1, 1814. A list of her principal characters is given by +Genest (<i>English Stage</i>, vol. viii. pp. 432-434). As a comic +actress, Mrs. Jordan was unrivalled; her voice was perfect; and her +natural gaiety irresistible. Sir Joshua Reynolds preferred her to all +other actresses as a being "who ran upon the stage as a playground, and +laughed from sincere wildness of delight." In genteel comedy, critics +like Genest (<i>English Stage</i>, vol. viii. p. 431) and Leigh Hunt +(<i>Dramatic Essays</i>, ed. 1894, p. 82) agree that she failed, +perhaps, as the latter suggests, because she was so "perpetually +employed" in "broad and romping characters."<br> +<br> +In private life Mrs. Jordan was chiefly known as the mistress of the +Duke of Clarence, to whom she bore ten children. She died at St. Cloud, +July 3, 1816.<br> +<br> +The play acted at Covent Garden, March 10, 1814, was Sheridan's <i>Trip +to Scarborough</i>, which is a close adaptation of Vanbrugh's +<i>Relapse</i>. The performance is thus described in the <i>Courier</i>, +March 11, 1814: + + <blockquote>"Mrs. Jordan, the only <i>Miss Hoyden</i> on the stage, supported that + character with unabated spirit. In every scene, from her soliloquy on + being locked up, which was delivered with extraordinary + <i>naïveté</i>, both with reference to her tones, her emphasis, and + her action, until the consummation of the piece, the house was shaken + by loud and quick-succeeding peals of laughter. The style in which she + expressed <i>Hoyden's</i> rustic arithmetic, 'Now, <i>Nursey</i>, if + he gives me <i>six hundred pounds</i> a-year to buy <i>pins</i>, what + will he give me to buy petticoats?' was uncommonly fine. The frock + waving in her hand, the backward bound of two or three steps, the + gravity of countenance, induced by a mental glance at the magnitude of + the sum, all spoke expectation, delight, and astonishment."</blockquote> +<a href="#frx13">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fx14"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> <i>Macbeth</i>, act v. sc. 5.<br> +<a href="#frx14">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fx15"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 5:</span></a> <i>Richard III</i>, act i. sc. 2, line 259.<br> +<a href="#frx15">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fx16"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 6:</span></a> <i>Ibid.</i>, line 253.<br> +<a href="#frx15">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#jp2">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="mar151814"></a><h3>Tuesday, March 15th [1814]</h3> +<br> +Dined yesterday with Rogers, Mackintosh, and Sharpe. Sheridan could not +come. <a name="frx21">Sharpe</a> told several very amusing anecdotes of Henderson, the +actor<a href="#fx21"><sup>1</sup></a>. Stayed till late, and came home, having drunk so much +<i>tea</i>, that I did not get to sleep till six this morning. R. <a name="frx22">says</a> I +am to be in <i>this Quarterly</i>—cut up, I presume, as they "hate us +youth."<a href="#fx22"><sup>2</sup></a> <i>N'importe</i>. As Sharpe was passing by the doors of some +debating society (the Westminster Forum), in his way to dinner, he saw +rubricked on the wall <i>Scott's</i> name and <i>mine</i>—"Which the +best poet?" being the question of the evening; and I suppose all the +Templars and <i>would-bes</i> took our rhymes in vain in the course of +the controversy. Which had the greater show of hands, I neither know nor +care; but I feel the coupling of the names as a compliment—though I +think Scott deserves better company.<br> +<br> +Wedderburn Webster called—Lord Erskine, Lord Holland, etc., etc. Wrote +to —— <i>The Corsair</i> report. She says she don't wonder, since +"Conrad is so <i>like</i>." It is odd that one, who knows me so +thoroughly, should tell me this to my face. However, if she don't know, +nobody can.<br> +<br> +Mackintosh is, it seems, the writer of the defensive letter in the +<i>Morning Chronicle</i>. If so, it is very kind, and more than I did +for myself.<br> +<br> +Told <a name="frx23">Murray</a> to secure for me Bandello's Italian Novels<a href="#fx23"><sup>3</sup></a> at the sale +to-morrow. To me they will be <i>nuts</i>. Redde a satire on myself, +called "Anti-Byron," and told Murray to publish it if he liked. The +object of the author is to prove me an atheist and a systematic +conspirator against law and government. Some of the verse is good; the +prose I don't quite understand. He asserts that my "deleterious works" +have had "an effect upon civil society, which requires," etc., etc., +etc., and his own poetry. It is a lengthy poem, and a long preface, with +an harmonious title-page. Like the fly in the fable, I seem to have got +upon a wheel which makes much dust; but, unlike the said fly, I do not +take it all for my own raising.<br> +<br> +A <a name="frx24">letter</a> from <i>Bella</i><a href="#fx24"><sup>4</sup></a>, which I answered. I shall be in love +with her again if I don't take care.<br> +<br> +I shall begin a more regular system of reading soon.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fx21"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> John Henderson, the Bath Roscius (1747-1785), without any +great personal advantages, was, according to Mrs. Siddons, "a fine actor +... the soul of intelligence." Rogers (<i>Table-Talk</i>, ed. 1887, p. +110) says, + + <blockquote> "Henderson was a truly great actor: his Hamlet and his Falstaff were + equally good. He was a very fine reader too: in his comic readings, + superior, of course, to Mrs. Siddons: his John Gilpin was marvellous." </blockquote> + +In Sharp's <i>Letters and Essays</i> (ed. 1834, pp. 16-18) will be found +an interesting letter to Henderson, written a few days before his death, +giving an account of John Kemble's first appearance on the London +boards, in the character of "Hamlet." + + <blockquote> "There has not," says Sharp, "been such a first appearance since + yours; yet Nature, though she has been bountiful to him in figure and + feature, has denied him a voice.... You have been so long without a + 'brother near the throne,' that it will perhaps be serviceable to you + to be obliged to bestir yourself in Hamlet, Macbeth, Lord Townley, and + Maskwell; but in Lear, Richard, Falstaff, and Benedict, you have + nothing to fear, not-withstanding the known fickleness of the public + and its love of novelty."</blockquote> +<a href="#frx21">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fx22"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> <i>Henry IV</i>, Part I. act ii. sc. 2.<br> +<a href="#frx22">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fx23"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> Matteo Bandello (1480-1562), a native of Piedmont, became +in 1550 Bishop of Agen. His 214 tales, in the manner of Boccaccio, were +published at Milan (1554-73). In the Catalogue of Byron's books, "sold +by auction by Mr. Evans, at his house, No. 26, Pall Mall, on Friday, +April 5, 1816, and following day," appears "Bandello, <i>Novelle</i>, 8 +vol., wanting vol. 9, <i>Livorn</i>, 1791."<br> +<a href="#frx23">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fx24"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> Miss Milbanke, afterwards Lady Byron.<br> +<a href="#frx24">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#jp2">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="mar171814"></a><h3>Thursday, March 17th [1814]</h3> +<br> +I have been sparring with Jackson for exercise this morning; and mean to +continue and renew my acquaintance with the muffles. My chest, and arms, +and wind are in very good plight, and I am not in flesh. I used to be a +hard hitter, and my arms are very long for my height (5 feet 8 1/2 +inches). At any rate, exercise is good, and this the severest of all; +fencing and the broad-sword never fatigued me half so much.<br> +<br> +<a name="frx31">Redde</a> the <i>Quarrels of Authors</i><a href="#fx31"><sup>1</sup></a> (another sort of +<i>sparring</i>)—a new work, by that most entertaining and researching +writer, Israeli. They seem to be an irritable set, and I wish myself +well out of it. "I'll <a name="frx32">not</a> march through Coventry with them, that's +flat."<a href="#fx32"><sup>2</sup></a> What the devil had I to do with scribbling? It is too late to +inquire, and all regret is useless. But, an it were to do again,—I +should write again, I suppose. Such is human nature, at least my share +of it;—though I shall think better of myself, if I have sense to stop +now. If I have a wife, and that wife has a son—by any body—I will +bring up mine heir in the most anti-poetical way—make him a lawyer, or +a pirate, or—any thing. But, if he writes too, I shall be sure he is +none of mine, and cut him off with a Bank token. Must write a +letter—three o'clock.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fx31"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Disraeli's <i>Curiosities of Literature</i>, 2 vols. +(1807); <i>Calamities of Authors</i>, 2 vols. (1812); and <i>Quarrels of +Authors</i>, 3 vols. (1814), appear in the Sale Catalogue.<br> +<a href="#frx31">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fx32"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> <i>Henry IV</i>., Part I. act iv. sc. 2.<br> +<a href="#frx32">return</a> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#jp2">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="mar201814"></a><h3>Sunday, March 20th [1814]</h3> +<br> +I <a name="frx41">intended</a> to go to Lady Hardwicke's<a href="#fx41"><sup>1</sup></a>, but won't. I always begin the +day with a bias towards going to parties; but, as the evening advances, +my stimulus fails, and I hardly ever go out—and, when I do, always +regret it. This might have been a pleasant one;—at least, the hostess +is a very superior woman. <a name="frx42">Lady</a> Lansdowne's<a href="#fx42"><sup>2</sup></a> to-morrow—Lady +Heathcote's<a href="#fx43"><sup>3</sup></a> Wednesday. Um!—I must spur myself into going to some of +them, or it will look like rudeness, and it is better to do as other +people do—confound them!<br> +<br> +<a name="frx44">Redde</a> Machiavel<a href="#fx44"><sup>4</sup></a>, parts of Chardin, and Sismondi, and Bandello—by +starts. Redde the <i>Edinburgh</i>, 44, just come out. <a name="frx45">In</a> the beginning +of the article on Edgeworth's <i>Patronage</i>, I have gotten a high +compliment, I perceive<a href="#fx45"><sup>5</sup></a>. Whether this is creditable to me, I know +not; but it does honour to the editor, because he once abused me. Many a +man will retract praise; none but a high-spirited mind will revoke its +censure, or <i>can</i> praise the man it has once attacked. I have +often, since my return to England, heard Jeffrey most highly commended +by those who know him for things independent of his talents. I admire +him for <i>this</i>—not because he has <i>praised me</i> (I have been +so praised elsewhere and abused, alternately, that mere habit has +rendered me as indifferent to both as a man at twenty-six can be to any +thing), but because he is, perhaps, the <i>only man</i> who, under the +relations in which he and I stand, or stood, with regard to each other, +would have had the liberality to act thus; none but a great soul dared +hazard it. The height on which he stands has not made him giddy;—a +little scribbler would have gone on cavilling to the end of the chapter. +As to the justice of his panegyric, that is matter of taste. There are +plenty to question it, and glad, too, of the opportunity.<br> +<br> +Lord Erskine called to-day. He means to carry down his reflections on +the war—or rather wars—to the present day. I trust that he will. Must +send to Mr. Murray to get the binding of my copy of his pamphlet +finished, as Lord E. has promised me to correct it, and add some +marginal notes to it. Any thing in his handwriting will be a treasure, +which will gather compound interest from years. <a name="frx46">Erskine</a> has high +expectations of Mackintosh's promised History. Undoubtedly it must be a +classic, when finished<a href="#fx46"><sup>6</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +Sparred with Jackson again yesterday morning, and shall to-morrow. I +feel all the better for it, in spirits, though my arms and shoulders are +very stiff from it. <a name="frx47">Mem</a>. to attend the pugilistic dinner:—Marquess +Huntley<a href="#fx47"><sup>7</sup></a> is in the chair.<br> +<br> +Lord Erskine thinks that ministers must be in peril of going out. So +much the better for him. To me it is the same who are in or out;—we +want something more than a change of ministers, and some day we will +have it.<br> +<br> +I remember, in riding from Chrisso to Castri (Delphos), along the sides +of Parnassus, I saw six eagles in the air. It is uncommon to see so many +together; and it was the number—not the species, which is common +enough—that excited my attention.<br> +<br> +The last bird I ever fired at was an <i>eaglet</i>, on the shore of the +Gulf of Lepanto, near Vostitza. It was only wounded, and I tried to save +it, the eye was so bright; but it pined, and died in a few days; and I +never did since, and never will, attempt the death of another bird. I +wonder what put these two things into my head just now? I have been +reading Sismondi, and there is nothing there that could induce the +recollection.<br> +<br> +I am mightily taken with Braccio di Montone, Giovanni Galeazzo, and +Eccelino. But the last is <i>not</i> Bracciaferro (of the same name), +Count of Ravenna, whose history I want to trace. There is a fine +engraving in Lavater, from a picture by Fuseli, of <i>that</i> Ezzelin, +over the body of Meduna, punished by him for a <i>hitch</i> in her +constancy during his absence in the Crusades. <a name="frx48">He</a> was right—but I want +to know the story<a href="#fx48"><sup>8</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fx41"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Philip Yorke, third Earl of Hardwicke, married, in 1782, +Elizabeth, daughter of the fifth Earl of Balcarres.<br> +<a href="#frx41">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fx42"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Louisa Emma, daughter of the second Earl of Ilchester, was +married, in 1808, to the Marquis of Lansdowne, at that time Lord Henry +Petty.<br> +<a href="#frx42">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fx43"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> Katherine Sophia, daughter of John Manners, of Grantham +Grange, co. Lincoln, was married, in 1793, to Sir Gilbert Heathcote.<br> +<a href="#frx42">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fx44"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> Machiavelli's <i>Opere</i>, 13 vols., <i>in russia, +Milan</i> (1804); Sismondi's <i>De la Littérature du Midi</i>, 4 vols., +<i>in russia</i>, Paris (1813); and Chardin's <i>Voyages en Perse</i>, +10 vols. and Atlas (1811), appear in the Catalogue of Sale.<br> +<a href="#frx44">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fx45"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 5:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"It is no slight consolation to us, while suffering under alternate + reproaches for ill-timed severity, and injudicious praise, to reflect + that no very mischievous effects have as yet resulted to the + literature of the country, from this imputed misbehaviour on our part. + Powerful genius, we are persuaded, will not be repressed even by + unjust castigation; nor will the most excessive praise that can be + lavished by sincere admiration ever abate the efforts that are fitted + to attain to excellence. Our alleged severity upon a youthful + production has not prevented the noble author from becoming the first + poet of his time."</blockquote> + +<i>Edinburgh Review</i>, vol. xxii. p. 416.<br> +<a href="#frx45">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fx46"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 6:</span></a> Mackintosh wrote +<ol type="1"> +<li>a <i>History of England</i> for +Lardner's <i>Cabinet Cyclopaedia</i> (1830);</li> +<li>a <i>History of the +Revolution in England</i> (1834).</li> +</ol><br> +<a href="#frx46">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fx47"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 7:</span></a> Afterwards fifth, and last, Duke of Gordon. He died in May, +1836.<br> +<a href="#frx47">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fx48"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 8:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"Fuseli's picture of Ezzelin Bracciaferro musing over Meduna, slain by + him for disloyalty during his absence in the Holy Land, was exhibited + at the Royal Academy in 1780. Mr. Knowles, in his <i>Life</i> of the + painter, relates the following anecdote: 'Fuseli frequently invented + the subject of his pictures without the aid of the poet or historian, + as in his composition of Ezzelin, Belisaire, and some others: these he + denominated "philosophical ideas intuitive, or sentiment personified." + On one occasion he was much amused by the following inquiry of Lord + Byron: "I have been looking in vain, Mr. Fuseli, for some months, in + the poets and historians of Italy, for the subject of your picture of + Ezzelin: pray where is it to be found?" "Only in my brain, my Lord," + was the answer: "for I invented it"' (vol. i. p. 403)" (Moore).</blockquote> +<a href="#frx48">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#jp2">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="mar221814"></a><h3>Tuesday, March 22nd [1814]</h3> +<br> +Last night, <i>party</i> at Lansdowne House. <a name="frx51">To-night</a>, <i>party</i> at +Lady Charlotte Greville's<a href="#fx51"><sup>1</sup></a>—deplorable waste of time, and something +of temper. Nothing imparted— nothing acquired—talking without +ideas:—if any thing like <i>thought</i> in my mind, it was not on the +subjects on which we were gabbling. Heigho!—and in this way half London +pass what is called life. To-morrow there is Lady Heathcote's—shall I +go? yes—to punish myself for not having a pursuit.<br> +<br> +Let me see—what did I see? The <a name="frx52">only</a> person who much struck me was Lady +S—d's [Stafford's] eldest daughter, Lady C. L.<a href="#fx52"><sup>2</sup></a> [Charlotte Leveson]. +They say she is <i>not</i> pretty. I don't know—every thing is pretty +that pleases; but there is an air of <i>soul</i> about her—and her +colour changes—and there is that shyness of the antelope (which I +delight in) in her manner so much, that I observed her more than I did +any other woman in the rooms, and only looked at any thing else when I +thought she might perceive and feel embarrassed by my scrutiny. After +all, there may be something of association in this. She is a friend of +Augusta's, and whatever she loves I can't help liking.<br> +<br> +Her mother, the Marchioness, talked to me a little; and I was twenty +times on the point of asking her to introduce me to <i>sa fille</i>, but +I stopped short. This comes of that affray with the Carlisles.<br> +<br> +Earl <a name="frx53">Grey</a> told me laughingly of a paragraph in the last <i>Moniteur</i>, +which has stated, among other symptoms of rebellion, some particulars of +the <i>sensation</i> occasioned in all our government gazettes by the +"tear" lines,—<i>only</i> amplifying, in its re-statement, an epigram +(by the by, no epigram except in the <i>Greek</i> acceptation of the +word) into a <i>roman</i>. I wonder the <i>Couriers</i>, etc., etc., +have not translated that part of the <i>Moniteur</i>, with additional +comments<a href="#fx53"><sup>3</sup></a>.<br> +<br> +The Princess of Wales has requested Fuseli to paint from <i>The +Corsair</i>—leaving to him the choice of any passage for the subject: +so Mr. Locke tells me. Tired, jaded, selfish, and supine—must go to +bed.<br> +<br> +<i>Roman</i>, at least <i>Romance</i>, means a song sometimes, as in the +Spanish. I suppose this is the <i>Moniteur's</i> meaning, unless he has +confused it with <i>The Corsair</i>.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fx51"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Daughter of William Henry Cavendish, third Duke of +Portland, married, in 1793, to Charles Greville.<br> +<a href="#frx51">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fx52"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> Afterwards Countess of Surrey.<br> +<a href="#frx52">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fx53"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> + + <blockquote> "Londres le 9 Mars... On vient de publier une caricature insolente et + grossiere centre le mariage projeté (de la Princesse de Galles) et + centre le Prince d'Orange. En commentant cette gravure, le <i>Town + Talk</i> a osé avancer que la Princesse Charlotte détestait son époux + futur, et que ses véritables affections étaient sacrifices à des vues + politiques. Le Lord Byron a fait de ce bruit populaire le sujet d'une + romance."</blockquote> + +<i>Moniteur</i>, 17 Mars, 1814.<br> +<a href="#frx53">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#jp2">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="mar281814"></a><h3>March 28th [1814]</h3> +<br> +<b>Albany</b><br> +<br> +<a name="frx61">This</a> night got into my new apartments<a href="#fx61"><sup>1</sup></a>, rented of Lord Althorpe, on a +lease of seven years. Spacious, and room for my books and sabres. +<i>In</i> the <i>house</i>, too, another advantage. The last few days, +or whole week, have been very abstemious, regular in exercise, and yet +very <i>un</i>well.<br> +<br> +Yesterday, dined <i>tête-à-tête</i> at the Cocoa with Scrope Davies—sat +from six till midnight—drank between us one bottle of champagne and six +of claret, neither of which wines ever affect me. Offered to take Scrope +home in my carriage; but he was tipsy and pious, and I was obliged to +leave him on his knees praying to I know not what purpose or pagod. No +headach, nor sickness, that night nor to-day. Got up, if any thing, +earlier than usual—sparred with Jackson <i>ad sudorem</i>, and have +been much better in health than for many days. I have heard nothing more +from Scrope. Yesterday paid him four thousand eight hundred pounds, a +debt of some standing, and which I wished to have paid before. My mind +is much relieved by the removal of that <i>debit</i>.<br> +<br> +<a name="frx62">Augusta</a> wants me to make it up with Carlisle. I have refused +<i>every</i> body else, but I can't deny her any thing;—so I must e'en +do it, though I had as lief "drink up Eisel—eat a crocodile."<a href="#fx62"><sup>2</sup></a> Let +me see—Ward, the Hollands, the Lambs, Rogers, etc., etc.,—every body, +more or less, have been trying for the last two years to accommodate +this <i>couplet</i> quarrel, to no purpose. I shall laugh if Augusta +succeeds.<br> +<br> +Redde a little of many things—shall get in all my books to-morrow. +<a name="frx63">Luckily</a> this room will hold them— with "ample room and verge, etc., the +characters of hell to trace."<a href="#fx63"><sup>3</sup></a> I must set about some employment soon; +my heart begins to eat <i>itself</i> again.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fx61"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> In 1804 Albany House, in Piccadilly, long occupied by the +Duke of York and Albany, was converted into sets of bachelor chambers, +and the gardens behind were also built over with additional suites of +rooms. Byron's were in the original house on the ground floor, No. 2. +Moore, writing to Rogers, April 12, 1814 (<i>Memoirs, etc</i>., vol. +viii. p. 176), says, + + <blockquote>"Lord Byron, as you know, has removed into Albany, and lives in an + apartment, I should think thirty by forty feet."</blockquote> +<a href="#frx61">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fx62"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> <i>Hamlet</i>, act v. sc. 1, line 299.<br> +<a href="#frx62">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fx63"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"Give ample room, and verge enough<br> + The characters of hell to trace."</blockquote> + +Gray, <i>The Bard</i>, lines 51, 52.<br> +<a href="#frx63">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#jp2">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="apr81814"></a><h3>April 8th [1814]</h3> +<br> +Out of town six days. <a name="frx71">On</a> my return, found my poor little pagod, +Napoleon, pushed off his pedestal;—the thieves are in Paris. It is his +own fault. Like Milo, he would rend the oak<a href="#fx71"><sup>1</sup></a>; but it closed again, +wedged his hands, and now the beasts—lion, bear, down to the dirtiest +jackal—may all tear him. That Muscovite winter <i>wedged</i> his +arms;—ever since, he has fought with his feet and teeth. The last may +still leave their marks; and "I guess now" (as the Yankees say) that he +will yet play them a pass. He is in their rear—between them and their +homes. Query—will they ever reach them?<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fx71"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> He adopted this thought afterwards in his <i>Ode to +Napoleon</i>, as well as most of the historical examples in the +following paragraph: + + <blockquote>"He who of old would rend the oak,<br> + Dream'd not of the rebound;<br> + Chain'd by the trunk he vainly broke—<br> + Alone—how look'd he round?"</blockquote> +<a href="#frx71">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#jp2">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="apr91814"></a><h3>Saturday, April 9th, 1814</h3> +<br> +I mark this day!<br> +<br> +Napoleon Buonaparte has abdicated the throne of the world. "Excellent +well." Methinks Sylla did better; for he revenged and resigned in the +height of his sway, red with the slaughter of his foes—the finest +instance of glorious contempt of the rascals upon record. Dioclesian did +well too—Amurath not amiss, had he become aught except a +dervise—Charles the Fifth but so so—but Napoleon, worst of all. What! +wait till they were in his capital, and then talk of his readiness to +give up what is already gone!! "<a name="frx81">What</a> whining monk art thou— what holy +cheat?"<a href="#fx81"><sup>1</sup></a> 'Sdeath!—Dionysius at Corinth was yet a king to this. The +"Isle of Elba" to retire to!—Well—if it had been Caprea, I should have +marvelled less. "I <a name="frx82">see</a> men's minds are but a parcel of their fortunes."<a href="#fx82"><sup>2</sup></a> I am utterly bewildered and confounded.<br> +<br> +I don't know—but I think <i>I</i>, even <i>I</i> (an insect compared +with this creature), have set my life on casts not a millionth part of +this man's. But, after all, a crown may be not worth dying for. Yet, to +outlive <i>Lodi</i> for this!!!<br> +<br> +Oh <a name="frx83">that</a> Juvenal or Johnson could rise from the dead! <i>Expende—quot +libras in duce summo invenies</i>?<a href="#fx83"><sup>3</sup></a> I knew they were light in the +balance of mortality; but I thought their living dust weighed more +<i>carats</i><a href="#fx84"><sup>4</sup></a>. Alas! this imperial diamond hath a flaw in it, and is +now hardly fit to stick in a glazier's pencil:—the pen of the historian +won't rate it worth a ducat.<br> +<br> +<a name="frx85">Psha</a>! "something too much of this."<a href="#fx85"><sup>5</sup></a> But I won't give him up even +now; though all his admirers have, "like the thanes, fallen from him."<a href="#fx86"><sup>6</sup></a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fx81"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> In Otway's <i>Venice Preserved</i> (act iv. sc. 2), Pierre +says to Jaffier, who had betrayed him: + + <blockquote>"What whining monk art thou? What holy cheat?<br> + That would'st encroach upon my credulous ears,<br> + And cant'st thus vilely! Hence! I know thee not!"</blockquote> +<a href="#frx81">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fx82"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"I see, men's judgements are a parcel of their fortunes."</blockquote> + +<i>Antony and Cleopatra</i>, act iii. sc. II, line 32.<br> +<a href="#frx82">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fx83"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"Expende Hannibalem: quot libras in duce summo<br> + Invenies?"</blockquote> + +Juvenal, <i>Sat</i>. x. 147. + + + <blockquote>"Produce the urn that Hannibal contains,<br> + And weigh the mighty dust which yet remains:<br> + <i>And is this all?</i>"</blockquote> + +Gifford's <i>Juvenal</i> (ed. 1802), vol. ii. pp. 338, 339.<br> +<a href="#frx83">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fx84"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 4:</span></a> + + <blockquote>"In the Statistical Account of Scotland, I find that Sir John Paterson + had the curiosity to collect, and weigh, the ashes of a person + discovered a few years since in the parish of Eccles. Wonderful to + relate, he found the whole did not exceed in weight one ounce and a + half! <i>And is this all</i>!"</blockquote> + +Gifford's <i>Juvenal, ut supra</i>.<br> +<a href="#frx83">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fx85"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 5:</span></a> <i>Hamlet</i>, act iii. sc. 2.<br> +<a href="#frx85">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fx86"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 6:</span></a> <i>Macbeth</i>, act v. sc. 3, + + <blockquote>"Doctor, the thanes fly from me!"</blockquote> +<a href="#frx85">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#jp2">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="apr101814"></a><h3>April 10th [1814]</h3> +<br> +I do not know that I am happiest when alone; but this I am sure of, that +I never am long in the society even of <i>her</i> I love, (God knows too +well, and the devil probably too,) without a yearning for the company of +my lamp and my utterly confused and tumbled-over library. Even in the +day, I send away my carriage oftener than I use or abuse it. <i>Per +esempio</i>,—I have not stirred out of these rooms for these four days +past: but I have sparred for exercise (windows open) with Jackson an +hour daily, to attenuate and keep up the ethereal part of me. The more +violent the fatigue, the better my spirits for the rest of the day; and +then, my evenings have that calm nothingness of languor, which I most +delight in. <a name="frx91">To-day</a> I have boxed an hour—written an ode to Napoleon +Buonaparte—copied it—eaten six biscuits—drunk four bottles of soda +water<a href="#fx91"><sup>1</sup></a>—redde away the rest of my time— besides giving poor [? +Webster] a world of advice about this mistress of his, who is plaguing +him into a phthisic and intolerable tediousness. I am a pretty fellow +truly to lecture about "the sect." No matter, my counsels are all thrown +away.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fx91"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> The following is one of Byron's bills for soda water:<br> +<br> +<img src="images/BI2.gif" width="492" height="372" border="1" alt="sodawater bill"><br> +<br> +<a href="#frx91">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#jp2">List of Journal Entries</a><br><a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="apr191814"></a><h3>April 19th, 1814</h3> +<br> +There is ice at both poles, north and south—all extremes are the +same—misery belongs to the highest and the lowest only, to the emperor +and the beggar, when unsixpenced and unthroned. There is, to be sure, a +damned insipid medium—an equinoctial line—no one knows where, except +upon maps and measurement. + +<blockquote>"<a name="fry1">And</a> all our yesterdays have lighted fools<br> + The way to dusty death."<a href="#fy1"><sup>1</sup></a></blockquote> + +I <a name="fry2">will</a> keep no further journal of that same hesternal torch-light; and, +to prevent me from returning, like a dog, to the vomit of memory, I tear +out the remaining leaves of this volume, and write, in +<i>Ipecacuanha</i>,—"that the Bourbons are restored!!!"—"Hang up +philosophy."<a href="#fy2"><sup>2</sup></a> To be s<a name="fry3"></a>ure, I have long despised myself and man, but I +never spat in the face of my species before—"O fool! I shall go mad."<a href="#fy3"><sup>3</sup></a><br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fy1"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> <i>Macbeth</i>, act v. sc. 5, line 22.<br> +<a href="#fry1">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fy2"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> <i>Romeo and Juliet</i>, act iii. sc. 3.<br> +<a href="#fry2">return</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fy3"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 3:</span></a> <i>King Lear</i>, act ii. sc. 4.<br> +<a href="#fry3">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#jp2">List of Journal Entries</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + + +<h2><a name="app1">APPENDIX I —Articles from <i>The Monthly Review</i></a></h2> +<br> +<a name="app1a"></a><h3>1. <i>Poems</i>, by W. R. Spencer. (vol. 67, 1812, pp. 54-60.)</h3> + +<i>Art. VII. Poems by William Robert Spencer. 8vo. 10s. Boards. Cadell and +Davies. 1811.</i><br> +<br> +The author of this well-printed volume has more than once been +introduced to our readers, and is known to rank among that class of +poetical persons who have never been highly favoured by stern criticism. +The "mob of gentlemen who write with ease" has indeed of late years +(like other mobs) become so importunate, as to threaten an alarming +rivalry to the regular body of writers who are not fortunate enough to +be either easy or genteel. Hence the jaundiced eye with which the real +author regards the red Morocco binding of the presumptuous +"Littérateur;" we say, <i>the binding</i>, for into the book itself he +cannot condescend to look, at least not beyond the frontispiece.—Into +Mr. Spencer's volume, however, he may dip farther, and will find +sufficient to give him pleasure or pain, in proportion to his own +candour. It consists chiefly of "<i>Vers de Société</i>," calculated to +prove very delightful to a large circle of fashionable acquaintance, and +pleasing to a limited number of vulgar purchasers. These last, indeed, +may be rude enough to expect something more for their specie during the +present scarcity of change, than lines to "Young Poets and Poetesses," +"Epitaphs upon Years," Poems "to my Grammatical Niece," "Epistle from +Sister Dolly in Cascadia to Sister Tanny in Snowdonia," etc.: but we +doubt not that a long list of persons of quality, wit, and honour, "in +town and country," who are here addressed, will be highly pleased with +themselves and with the poet who has <i>shewn them off</i> in a very +handsome volume: as will doubtless the "Butterfly at the end of Winter," +provided that he is fortunate enough to survive the present +inclemencies. We are, however, by no means convinced that the Bellman +will relish Mr. S.'s usurpation of a "Christmas Carol;" which looks so +very like his own, that we advise him immediately to put in his claim, +and it will be universally allowed.<br> +<br> +With the exception of these and similar productions, the volume contains +poems eminently beautiful; some which have been already published, and +others that are well worthy of present publication. Of "Leonora," with +which it opens, we made our report many years ago (in vol. xx. N.S. p. +451): but our readers, perhaps, will not be sorry to see another short +extract. We presume that they are well acquainted with the story, and +therefore select one of the central passages: + +<blockquote>"See, where fresh blood-gouts mat the green,<br> + Yon wheel its reeking points advance;<br> +There, by the moon's wan light half seen,<br> + Grim ghosts of tombless murderers dance.<br> +'Come, spectres of the guilty dead,<br> + With us your goblin morris ply,<br> +Come all in festive dance to tread,<br> + Ere on the bridal couch we lie.'<br><br> + +"Forward th' obedient phantoms push,<br> + Their trackless footsteps rustle near,<br> +In sound like autumn winds that rush<br> + Through withering oak or beech-wood sere.<br> +With lightning's force the courser flies,<br> + Earth shakes his thund'ring hoofs beneath,<br> +Dust, stones, and sparks, in whirlwind rise,<br> + And horse and horseman heave for breath.<br><br> + +"Swift roll the moon-light scenes away,<br> + Hills chasing hills successive fly;<br> +E'en stars that pave th' eternal way,<br> + Seem shooting to a backward sky.<br> +'Fear'st thou, my love? the moon shines clear;<br> + Hurrah! how swiftly speed the dead!<br> +The dead does Leonora fear?<br> + Oh God! oh leave, oh leave the dead!'"</blockquote> + +Such a specimen of "the Terrible" will place the merit of the poem in a +proper point of view: but we do not think that some of the alterations +in this copy of <i>Leonora</i> are altogether so judicious as Mr. S.'s +well-known taste had led us to expect. "Reviving Friendship" (p. 5) is +perhaps less expressive than "Relenting," as it once stood; and the +phrase, "ten thousand <i>furlowed</i> heroes" (<i>ibid</i>.), throws a +new light on the heroic character. It is extremely proper that heroes +should have "furlows," since school-boys have holidays, and lawyers have +long vacations: but we very much question whether young gentlemen of the +scholastic, legal, or heroic calling, would be flattered by any epithet +derived from the relaxation of their respectable pursuits. We should +feel some hesitation in telling an interesting youth, of any given +battalion from Portugal, that he was a "furlowed hero," lest he should +prove to us that his "furlow" had by no means impaired his "heroism." +The old epithet, "war-worn," was more adapted to heroism and to poetry; +and, if we mistake not, it has very recently been superseded by an +epithet which precludes "otium cum dignitate" from the soldier, without +imparting either ease or dignity to the verse. Why is "horse and +horsemen <i>pant</i> for breath" changed to "<i>heave</i> for breath," +unless for the alliteration of the too tempting aspirate? "Heaving" is +appropriate enough to coals and to sighs, but "panting" <i>belongs</i> +to successful lovers and spirited horses; and why should Mr. S.'s horse +and horseman not have panted as heretofore?<br> +<br> +The next poem in arrangement as well as in merit is the "Year of +Sorrow;" to which we offered a tribute of praise in our 45th vol. N. S. +p. 288.—We are sorry to observe that the compliment paid to Mr. +Wedgewood by a "late traveller" (see note, p. 50), viz. that "an +Englishman in journeying from Calais to Ispahan may have his dinner +served every day on Wedgewood's ware," is no longer a matter of fact. It +has lately been the good or evil fortune of one of our travelling +department to pass near to Calais, and to have journeyed through divers +Paynim lands to no very remote distance from Ispahan; and neither in the +palace of the Pacha nor in the caravanserai of the traveller, nor in the +hut of the peasant, was he so favoured as to masticate his pilaff from +that fashionable service. Such is, in this and numerous other instances, +the altered state of the continent and of Europe, since the annotation +of the "late traveller;" and on the authority of a <i>later</i>, we must +report that the ware has been all broken since the former passed that +way. We wish that we could efficiently exhort Mr. Wedgewood to send out +a fresh supply, on all the <i>turnpike roads</i> by the route of Bagdad, +for the convenience of the "latest travellers."<br> +<br> +Passing over the "Chorus from Euripides," which might as well have slept +in quiet with the rest of the author's school-exercises, we come to "the +Visionary," which we gladly extract as a very elegant specimen of the +lighter poems: + +<blockquote>"When midnight o'er the moonless skies<br> + Her pall of transient death has spread,<br> +When mortals sleep, when spectres rise,<br> + And nought is wakeful but the dead!<br><br> + +"No bloodless shape my way pursues,<br> + No sheeted ghost my couch annoys.<br> +Visions more sad my fancy views,<br> + Visions of long departed joys!<br><br> + +"The shade of youthful hope is there,<br> + That linger'd long, and latest died;<br> +Ambition all dissolved to air,<br> + With phantom honours at her side.<br><br> + +"What empty shadows glimmer nigh!<br> + They once were friendship, truth, and love!<br> +Oh, die to thought, to mem'ry die,<br> + Since lifeless to my heart ye prove!"</blockquote> + +We cannot forbear adding the beautiful stanzas in pages 166, 167: + +<blockquote>"To <b>The Lady Anne Hamilton.</b><br><br> + +"Too late I staid, forgive the crime,<br> + Unheeded flew the hours;<br> +How noiseless falls the foot of Time,<br> + That only treads on flow'rs!<br><br> + +"What eye with clear account remarks<br> + The ebbing of his glass,<br> +When all its sands are di'mond sparks,<br> + That dazzle as they pass?<br><br> + +"Ah! who to sober measurement<br> + Time's happy swiftness brings,<br> +When birds of Paradise have lent<br> + Their plumage for his wings?"</blockquote> + +The far greater part of the volume, however, contains pieces which can +be little gratifying to the public:—some are pretty; and all are +besprinkled with "gems," and "roses," and "birds," and "diamonds," and +such like cheap poetical adornments, as are always to be obtained at no +great expense of thought or of metre.—It is happy for the author that +these <i>bijoux</i> are presented to persons of high degree; countesses, +foreign and domestic; "Maids of Honour to Louisa Landgravine of Hesse +D'Armstadt;" Lady Blank, and Lady Asterisk, besides—-, and—-, and +others anonymous; who are exactly the kind of people to be best pleased +with these sparkling, shining, fashionable trifles. We will solace our +readers with three stanzas of the soberest of these odes: + +<blockquote>"<b>Addressed to Lady Susan Fincastle, now Countess Of Dunmore</b>.<br><br> + +"What ails you, Fancy? you're become<br> + Colder than Truth, than Reason duller!<br> +Your wings are worn, your chirping's dumb,<br> + And ev'ry plume has lost its colour.<br><br> + +"You droop like geese, whose cacklings cease<br> + When dire St. Michael they remember,<br> +Or like some <i>bird</i> who just has heard<br> + That Fin's preparing for September?<br><br> + +"Can you refuse your sweetest spell<br> + When I for Susan's praise invoke you?<br> +What, sulkier still? you pout and swell<br> + As if that lovely name would choke you."</blockquote> + +We are to suppose that "Fin preparing for September" is the lady with +whose "lovely name" Fancy runs some risk of being "choked;" and, really, +if <i>killing partridges</i> formed a part of her Ladyship's +accomplishments, both "Fancy" and Feeling were in danger of a quinsey. +Indeed, the whole of these stanzas are couched in that most exquisite +irony, in which Mr. S. has more than once succeeded. All the songs to +"persons of quality" seem to be written on that purest model, "the song +by a person of quality;" whose stanzas have not been fabricated in vain. +This sedulous imitation extends even to the praise of things inanimate: + +<blockquote>"When an Eden zephyr hovers<br> + O'er a slumb'ring cherub's lyre,<br> +Or when sighs of seraph lovers<br> + Breathe upon th' unfinger'd wire."</blockquote> + +If namby-pamby still leads to distinction, Mr. S., like Ambrose +Phillips, will be "preferred for wit." + +<blockquote>"Heav'n must hear—a bloom more tender<br> + Seems to tint the wreath of May,<br> +Lovelier beams the noon-day splendour,<br> + Brighter dew-drops gem the spray!<br><br> + +"Is the breath of angels moving<br> + O'er each flow'ret's heighten'd hue?<br> +Are their smiles the day improving,<br> + Have their tears enrich'd the dew?"</blockquote> + +Here we have "angels' tears," and "breath," and "smiles," and "Eden +zephyrs," "sighs of seraph lovers," and "lyres of slumbering cherubs," +dancing away to "the Pedal Harp!" How strange it is that Thomson, in his +stanzas on the Æolian lyre (see the <i>Castle of Indolence</i>), never +dreamed of such things, but left all these prettinesses to the last of +the Cruscanti!<br> +<br> +One of the best pieces in the volume is an "Epistle to T. Moore, Esq.," +which though disfigured with "Fiends on sulphur nurst," and "<i>Hell's +chillest Winter</i>" ("poor Tom's a'-cold!"), and some other vagaries of +the same sort, forms a pleasant specimen of poetical friendship.—We +give the last ten lines: + +<blockquote>"The triflers think your varied powers<br> +Made only for life's gala bow'rs,<br> +To smooth Reflection's mentor-frown,<br> +Or Pillow joy on softer down.—<br> +Fools!—yon blest orb not only glows<br> +To chase the cloud, or paint the rose;<br> +<i>These</i> are the pastimes of his might,<br> +Earth's torpid bosom drinks his light;<br> +Find there his wondrous pow'r's true measure,<br> +Death turn'd to life, and dross to treasure!"</blockquote> + +We have now arrived at Mr. Spencer's French and Italian poesy; the +former of which is written sometimes in new and sometimes in old French, +and, occasionally, in a kind of tongue neither old nor new. We offer a +sample of the two former: + +<blockquote>"<b>'Qu'est ce que c'est que le Genie?</b>'<br><br> + +"Brillant est cet esprit privé de sentiment;<br> +Mais ce n'est qu'un soleil trop vif et trop constant,<br> +Tendre est ce sentiment qu' aucun esprit n'anime,<br> +Mais ce n'est qu'un jour doux, que trop de pluie abime!<br> +Quand un brillant esprit de ses rares couleurs,<br> +Orne du sentiment les aimables douleurs,<br> +Un <i>Phenomêne</i> en nait, le plus beau de la vie!<br> +C'est alors que les ris en se mélant aux pleurs,<br> +Font ces <i>Iris de l'ame</i>, appellê le Genie!"<br><br> + +"C'y gist un povre menestrel,<br> +Occis par maint enmiict cruel—<br> +Ne plains pas trop sa destinée—<br> +N'est icy que son corps mortel:<br> +Son ame est toujours à Gillwell,<br> +Et n'est ce pas là l'Elyséé?"</blockquote> + +We think that Mr. Spencer's Italian rhymes are better finished than his +French; and indeed the facility of composing in that most poetical of +all languages must be obvious: but, as a composer in Italian, he and all +other Englishmen are much inferior to Mr. Mathias. It is very +perceptible in many of Mr. S.'s smaller pieces that he has suffered his +English versification to be vitiated with Italian <i>concetti</i>; and +we should have been better pleased with his compositions in a foreign +language, had they not induced him to corrupt his mother-tongue. Still +we would by no means utterly proscribe these excursions into other +languages; though they remind us occasionally of that aspiring Frenchman +who placed in his grounds the following inscription in honour of +Shenstone and the Leasowes: + +<blockquote>"See this stone<br> +For William Shenstone—<br> +Who planted groves rural,<br> +And wrote verse natural!"</blockquote> + +The above lines were displayed by the worthy proprietor, in the pride of +his heart, to all English travellers, as a tribute of respect for the +resemblance of his paternal chateau to the Leasowes, and a striking +coincidence between Shenstone's versification and his own.—We do not +mean to insinuate that Mr. Spencer's French verses ("<i>Cy gist un povre +menestrel,"</i> with an Urn inscribed W. R. S. at the top) are +<i>precisely</i> a return in kind for the quatrain above quoted: but we +place it as a beacon to all young gentlemen of poetical propensities on +the French Parnassus. Few would proceed better on the Gallic Pegasus, +than the Anglo-troubadour on ours.<br> +<br> +We now take our leave of Mr. Spencer, without being blind to his errors +or insensible to his merits. As a poet, he may be placed rather below +Mr. Moore and somewhat above Lord Strangford; and if his volume meet +with half their number of purchasers, he will have no reason to complain +either of our judgment or of his own success.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1c">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="app1b"></a><h3>2. <i>Neglected Genius</i>, by W. H. Ireland.</h3> + +(Vol. 70, 1813, pp. 203-205.)<br> +<br> +Art. XV. <i>Neglected Genius:</i> a Poem. Illustrating the untimely and +unfortunate Fall of many British Poets; from the Period of Henry VIII. +to the Æra of the unfortunate Chatterton. Containing Imitations of their +different Styles, etc., etc. By W.H. Ireland, Author of the +<i>Fisher-Soy, Sailor-Boy, Cottage-Girl,</i> etc., etc., etc. 8vo. pp. +175. 8s. Boards. Sherwood & Co. 1812.<br> +<br> +This volume, professing in a moderately long title-page to be +"illustrative of the untimely and unfortunate fate of <i>many</i> +British Poets," might with great propriety include the author among the +number; for if his "imitations of their different styles" resemble the +originals, the consequent starvation of "many British poets" is a doom +which is calculated to excite pity rather than surprize. The book opens +with a dedication to the present, and a Monody on the late Duke of +Devonshire (one of the neglected bards, we presume, on whom the author +holds his inquest), in which it were difficult to say whether the +"enlightened understanding" of the living or the "intellect" of the +deceased nobleman is more justly appreciated or more elegantly +eulogized. Lest the Monody should be mistaken for anything but itself, +of which there was little danger, it is dressed in marginal mourning, +like a dying speech, or an American Gazette after a defeat. The +following is a specimen—the poet is addressing the Duchess: + +<blockquote>"Chaste widow'd Mourner, still with tears bedew<br> + That sacred Urn, which can imbue<br> +Thy worldly thoughts, thus kindling mem'ry's glow:<br> +Each retrospective virtue, fadeless beam,<br> + Embalms thy <i>Truth</i> in heavenly dream,<br> +To soothe the bosom's agonizing woe.<br><br> + +"Yet soft—more poignantly to wake the soul,<br> + And ev'ry pensive thought controul,<br> +Truth shall with energy his worth proclaim;<br> +Here I'll record his <i>philanthropic mind</i>,<br> + Eager to bless all human kind,<br> +Yet <i>modest shrinking</i> from the voice of <i>Fame</i>.<br><br> + +"As <i>Patriot</i> view him shun the courtly crew,<br> + And dauntless ever keep in view<br> +That bright palladium, England's dear renown.<br> +The people's Freedom and the Monarch's good,<br> + Purchas'd with Patriotic blood,<br> +The surest safeguard of the state and crown.<br><br> + +"Or now behold his glowing soul extend,<br> + To shine the polish'd social <i>friend</i>;<br> +His country's <i>matchless Prince</i> his worth rever'd;<br> +<i>Gigantic Fox</i>, true Freedom's darling child,<br> + By kindred excellence beguil'd,<br> +To lasting <i>amity</i> the temple rear'd.<br><br> + +"As <i>Critic</i> chaste, his judgment could explore<br> + The beauties of poetic lore,<br> +Or classic strains mellifluent infuse;<br> +Yet glowing genius and expanded sense<br> + Were crown'd with <i>innate diffidence</i>,<br> +The sure attendant of a genuine muse."</blockquote> + +Page 9 contains, forsooth, a very correct imitation of Milton: + +<blockquote>"To thee, gigantic genius, next I'll sound;<br> +The clarion string, and fill fame's vasty round;<br> +'Tis <i>Milton</i> beams upon the wond'ring sight,<br> +Rob'd in the splendour of Apollo's light;<br> +As when from ocean bursting on the view,<br> +His orb dispenses ev'ry brilliant hue,<br> +Crowns with resplendent gold th' horizon wide,<br> +And cloathes with countless gems the buoyant tide;<br> +While through the boundless realms of æther blaze,<br> +On spotless azure, streamy saffron rays:—<br> +So o'er the world of genius <i>Milton</i> shone,<br> +Profound in science—as the bard—alone."</blockquote> + +We must not pass over the imitative specimen of "Nahum Tate," because in +this the author approximates nearest to the style of his original: + +<blockquote>"Friend of great <i>Dryden</i>, though of humble fame,<br> +The Laureat Tate, shall here record his name;<br> +Whose sorrowing numbers breath'd a nation's pain,<br> +When death from mortal to immortal reign<br> +Translated royal <i>Anne</i>, our island's boast,<br> +Victorious sov'reign, dread of Gallia's host;<br> +Whose arms by land and sea with fame were crown'd,<br> +Whose statesmen grave for wisdom were renown'd,<br> +Whose reign with science dignifies the page;<br> +Bright noon of genius—<i>great Augustan age</i>.<br> +Such was thy Queen, and such th' illustrious time<br> +That nurs'd thy muse, and tun'd thy soul to rhyme;<br> +Yet wast thou fated sorrow's shaft to bear,<br> +Augmenting still this catalogue of care;<br> +The gripe of penury thy bosom knew,<br> +A gloomy jail obscur'd bright freedom's view;<br> +So life's gay visions faded to thy sight,<br> +Thy brilliant hopes enscarf'd in sorrow's night."</blockquote> + +Where did Mr. Ireland learn that <i>hold fast</i> and <i>ballâst</i>, +<i>stir</i> and <i>hungêr</i>, <i>please</i> and <i>kidnêys</i>, +<i>plane</i> and <i>capstâne</i>, <i>expose</i> and <i>windôws</i>, +<i>forgot</i> and <i>pilôt</i>, <i>sail on</i> <i>and Deucalôn!</i> +(Lemprière would have saved him a scourging at school by telling him +that there was an <i>i</i> in the word), were legitimate Hudibrastic +rhymes? (see pp. 116, etc.). Chatterton is a great favourite of this +imitative gentleman; and Bristol, where he appears to have been held in +no greater estimation than Mr. Ireland himself deserves, is much +vituperated in some sad couplets, seemingly for this reason, "All for +love, and a little for the bottle," as Bannister's song runs,—"All for +Chatterton, and a little for myself," thinks Mr. Ireland.<br> +<br> +The notes communicate, among other novelties, the new title of "Sir +Horace" to the Honourable H. Walpole: surely a perusal of the life of +the unfortunate boy, whose fate Mr. I. deplores, might have prevented +this piece of ignorance, twice repeated in the same page; and we wonder +at the malicious fun of the printer's devil in permitting it to stand, +for <i>he</i> certainly knew better. We must be excused from a more +detailed notice of Mr. Ireland for the present; and indeed we hope to +hear no more of his lamentations, very sure that none but reviewers ever +will peruse them: unless, perhaps, the unfortunate persons of quality +whom he may henceforth single out as proper victims of future +dedication. Though his dedications are enough to kill the living, his +anticipated monodies, on the other hand, must add considerably to the +natural dread of death in such of his patrons as may be liable to common +sense or to chronic diseases.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1c">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<h2><a name="app2">APPENDIX II —Parliamentary Speeches</a></h2> +<br> +<a name="app2a"></a><h3>1. Debate On The Frame-work Bill, In The House Of Lords, February 27, +1812.</h3><br> + +The order of the day for the second reading of this Bill being read,<br> +<br> +Lord <b>Byron</b> rose, and (for the first time) addressed their Lordships as +follows:<br> +<br> +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.<br> +<br> +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 evening, as usual, without +resistance and without detection.<br> +<br> +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. <br> +<br> +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, 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. <br> +<br> +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 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.<br> +<br> +It has been stated that the persons in the temporary possession of +frames connive at their destruction; if this be proved upon inquiry, it +were necessary that such material accessories to the crime should be +principals 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 inquiry, 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 +countermarchings!—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, 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. <br> +<br> +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 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. <br> +<br> +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 inquiry) 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 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?<br> +<br> +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 inquiry, 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 Bill under all the existing circumstances, +without inquiry, 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 law-giver whose edicts +were said to be written not in ink but in blood. But suppose it passed; +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 Jeffreys for a judge! +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1c">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="app2b"></a><h3>2. Debate on the Earl of Donoughmore's Motion for a Committee on the Roman Catholic Claims, April 21, 1812. </h3><br> + +[Byron's notes for a portion of his speech are in the possession of Mr. +Murray.]<br> +<br> +Lord <b>Byron</b> rose and said:<br> +<br> +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 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 past; 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: + +<blockquote>"Non tempore tali<br> +Cogere concilium cum muros obsidet hostis."</blockquote> + +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.<br> +<br> +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, 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."<br> +<br> +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 taskmasters 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 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.<br> +<br> +Every schoolboy, any footboy (such have held commissions in our +service), any footboy who can exchange his shoulder-knot for an +epaulette, may perform all this and more against the Catholic by virtue +of that 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.<br> +<br> +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 licence to kill Catholics.<br> +<br> +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!<br> +<br> +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?<br> +<br> +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 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.<br> +<br> +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: + +<blockquote>"To John I owe some obligation,<br> + But John unluckily thinks fit<br> +To publish it to all the nation,<br> + So John and I are more than quit."</blockquote> + +Some persons have compared the Catholics to the beggar in <i>Gil +Blas</i>: who made them beggars? Who 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: 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?" Answer: "In the Gospel." The remaining +forty-four pages and a half regard the damnable idolatry of Papists!<br> +<br> +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 dung-hills, 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? + +<blockquote> "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."</blockquote> + +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?<br> +<br> +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 percentage 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.<br> +<br> +Amongst many causes of irritation, too numerous for 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.<br> +<br> +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 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.<br> +<br> +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: + +<blockquote>"Would any of the tribe of Barabbas<br> + Should have it rather than a Christian!"</blockquote> + +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.<br> +<br> +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 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 + +<blockquote>"Caput insanabile tribus Anticyris."</blockquote> + +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.<br> +<br> +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.<br> +<br> +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 Disperser 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 an usurper, inasmuch as the fetters of the mind are +more galling than those of the body?<br> +<br> +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 called, as "<i>Lucus a non lucendo</i>" an 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 an 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.<br> +<br> +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.<br> +<br> +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 John o' +Groat's, every where will they receive similar marks of approbation. If +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."<br> +<br> +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 into +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 pre-eminently 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 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 Sevres 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 inquiries, +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 the conduct pursued by +ministers towards the Catholics.<br> +<br> +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.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1c">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="app2c"></a><h3>3. Debate on Major Cartwright's Petition. June 1,1813.</h3><br> + +Lord <b>Byron</b> rose and said:<br> +<br> +My Lords,—he petition which I now hold for the purpose of presenting to +the House is one which, I humbly conceive, requires the particular +attention of your Lordships, inasmuch as, though signed but by a single +individual, it contains statements which (if not disproved) demand most +serious investigation. The grievance of which the petitioner complains +is neither selfish nor imaginary. It is not his own only, for it has +been and is still felt by numbers. No one without these walls, nor +indeed 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 flectes</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 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.<br> +<br> +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.<br> +<br> +Several lords having spoken on the question,<br> +<br> +Lord <b>Byron</b> replied, that he had, from motives of duty, presented this +petition to their Lordships' consideration. 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.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1c">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<h2><a name="app3">APPENDIX III —Lady Caroline Lamb and Byron</a></h2> +<br> +<a name="app3a"></a><h4>1. The following letter is one of the first which Lady Caroline wrote to +Byron, in the spring of 1812:</h4><br> + +"The Rose Lord Byron gave Lady Caroline Lamb died in despight of every +effort made to save it; probably from regret at its fallen Fortunes. +Hume, at least, who is no great believer in most things, says that many +more die of broken hearts than is supposed. When Lady Caroline returns +from Brocket Hall, she will dispatch the <i>Cabinet Maker</i> to Lord +Biron, with the Flower she wishes most of all others to resemble, as, +however deficient its beauty and even use, it has a noble and aspiring +mind, and, having once beheld in its full lustre the bright and +unclouded sun that for one moment condescended to shine upon it, never +while it exists could it think any lower object worthy of its worship +and Admiration. Yet the sunflower was punished for its temerity; but its +fate is more to be envied than that of many less proud flowers. It is +still permitted to gaze, though at the humblest distance, on him who is +superior to every other, and, though in this cold foggy atmosphere it +meets no doubt with many disappointments, and though it never could, +never will, have reason to boast of any peculiar mark of condescension +or attention from the bright star to whom it pays constant homage, yet +to behold it sometimes, to see it gazed at, to hear it admired, will +repay all. She hopes, therefore, when brought by the little Page, it +will be graciously received without any more Taunts and cuts about 'Love +of what is New.'<br> +<br> +"Lady Caroline does not plead guilty to this most unkind charge, at +least no further than is laudable, for that which is rare and is +distinguished and singular ought to be more prized and sought after than +what is commonplace and disagreeable. How can the other accusation, of +being easily pleased, agree with this? The very circumstance of seeking +out that which is of high value shows at least a mind not readily +satisfied. But to attempt excuses for faults would be impossible with +Lady Caroline. They have so long been rooted in a soil suited to their +growth that a far less penetrating eye than Lord Byron's might perceive +them—even on the shortest acquaintance. There is not one, however, +though long indulged, that shall not be instantly got rid of, if L'd +Byron thinks it worth while to name them. The reproof and abuse of some, +however severe and just, may be valued more than the easily gained +encomiums of the rest of the world.<br> +<br> +"Miss Mercer, were she here, would join with Lady Caroline in a last +request during their absence, that, besides not forgetting his new +acquaintances, he would eat and drink like an English man till their +return. The lines upon the only dog ever loved by L'd Byron are +beautiful. What wrong then, that, having such proof of the faith and +friendship of this animal, L'd Byron should censure the whole race by +the following unjust remarks: + +<blockquote> "'Perchance my dog will whine in vain<br> + Till fed by stranger hands;<br> + But long e'er I come back again,<br> + He'd tear me where he stands.'</blockquote> + +"March 27th, 1812, <i>Good Friday</i>."<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1c">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr> +<br><br> + +<a name="app3b"></a><h4>2. The following are the lines written by Lady Caroline when she burned +Byron in effigy at Brocket Hall (endorsed, in Mrs. Leigh's handwriting, +"December, 1812"):</h4><br> + +<b>"Address Spoken by the Page at Brocket Hall, before the Bonfire. +</b><br> +<br> +<blockquote>"Is this Guy Faux you burn in effigy?<br> +Why bring the Traitor here? What is Guy Faux to me?<br> +Guy Faux betrayed his country, and his laws.<br> +England revenged the wrong; his was a public cause.<br> +But I have private cause to raise this flame.<br> +Burn also those, and be their fate the same.<br><br> + + [<i>Puts the Basket in the fire under the figure</i>.]<br><br> + +See here are locks and braids of coloured hair<br> +Worn oft by me, to make the people stare;<br> +Rouge, feathers, flowers, and all those tawdry things,<br> +Besides those Pictures, letters, chains, and rings—<br> +All made to lure the mind and please the eye,<br> +And fill the heart with pride and vanity—<br> +Burn, fire, burn; these glittering toys destroy.<br> +While thus we hail the blaze with throats of joy.<br> +Burn, fire, burn, while wondering Boys exclaim,<br> +And gold and trinkets glitter in the flame.<br> +Ah! look not thus on me, so grave, so sad;<br> +Shake not your heads, nor say the Lady's mad.<br> +Judge not of others, for there is but one<br> +To whom the heart and feelings can be known.<br> +Upon my youthful faults few censures cast.<br> +Look to the future—and forgive the past.<br> +London, farewell; vain world, vain life, adieu!<br> +Take the last tears I e'er shall shed for you.<br> +Young tho' I seem, I leave the world for ever,<br> +Never to enter it again—no, never—never!"</blockquote> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1c">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr> +<br><br> + +<a name="app3c"></a><h4>3. The following letter was apparently written in the summer of 1812: +</h4><br> + +"You have been very generous and kind if you have not betray'd me, and I +do <i>not think you have</i>. My remaining in Town and seeing you thus +is sacrificing the last chance I have left. I expose myself to every +eye, to every unkind observation. You think me weak, and selfish; you +think I do not struggle to withstand my own feelings, but indeed it is +exacting more than human nature can bear, and when I came out last +night, which was of itself an effort, and when I heard your name +announced, the moment after I saw nothing more, but seemed in a dream. +Miss Berry's very loud laugh and penetrating eyes did not restore me. +She, however, [was] good natur'd and remain'd near me, and Mr. Moor +(<i>sic</i>), though he really does not approve one feeling I have, had +kindness of heart to stay near me. Otherwise I felt so ill I could not +have struggled longer. Lady Cahir said, 'You are ill; shall we go away?' +which I [was] very glad to accept; but we could not get through, and so +I fear it caus'd you pain to see me intrude again. I sent a groom to +Holmes twice yesterday morning, to prevent his going to you, or giving +you a letter full of flippant jokes, written in one moment of gaiety, +which is quite gone since. I am so afraid he has been to you; if so, I +entreat you to forgive it, and to do just what you think right about the +Picture.<br> +<br> +"I have been drawing you Mad. de Staël, as the last I sent was not like. +If you do not approve this, give it Murray, and pray do not be angry +with me.<br> +<br> +"Do not marry yet, or, if you do, let me know it first. I shall not +suffer, if she you chuse be worth you, but she will never love you as I +did. I am going to the Chapple Royal at St. James. Do you ever go there? +It begins at 1/2 past 5, and lasts till six; it is the most beautiful +singing I ever heard; the choristers sing 'By the waters of Babylon.'<br> +<br> +"The Peers sit below; the Women quite apart. But for the evening service +very few go; I wonder that more do not,—it is really most beautiful, +for those who like that style of music. If you never heard it, go there +some day, but not when it is so cold as this. How very pale you are! +What a contrast with Moore! '<i>Mai io l'ho veduto piu bello che jeri, +ma e la belta della morte</i>,' or a statue of white marble so +colourless, and the dark brow and hair such a contrast. I never see you +without wishing to cry; if any painter could paint me that face as it +is, I would give them any thing I possess on earth,—not one has yet +given the countenance and complexion as it is. I only could, if I knew +how to draw and paint, because one must feel it to give it the real +expression." +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1c">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr> +<br><br> + +<a name="app3d"></a><h4>4. The following letter was evidently written at the time when the +separation of Lord and Lady Byron was first rumoured:</h4><br> + +"Melbourne House, Thursday.<br> +<br> +"When so many wiser and better surround you, it is not for me to presume +to hope that anything I can say will find favour in your sight; but yet +I must venture to intrude upon you, even though your displeasure against +me be all I gain for so doing. All others may have some object or +interest in their's; I have none, but the wish to save you. Will you +generously consent to what is for the peace of both parties? and will +you act in a manner worthy of yourself? I am sure in the end you will +consent. Even were everything now left to your own choice, you never +could bring yourself to live with a person who felt desirous of being +separated from you. I know you too well to believe this possible, and I +am sure that a separation nobly and generously arranged by you will at +once silence every report spread against either party. Believe me, Lord +Byron, you will feel happier when you act thus, and all the world will +approve your conduct, which I know is not a consideration with you, but +still should in some measure be thought of. They tell me that you have +accused me of having spread injurious reports against you. Had you the +heart to say this? I do not greatly believe it; but it is affirmed and +generally thought that you said so. You have often been unkind to me, +but never as unkind as this.<br> +<br> +"Those who are dear to you cannot feel more anxious for your happiness +than I do. They may fear to offend you more than I ever will, but they +cannot be more ready to serve you. I wish to God that I could see one so +superior in mind and talents and every grace and power that can +fascinate and delight, happier. You might still be so, Lord Byron, if +you would believe what some day you will find true. Have you ever +thought for one moment seriously? Do you wish to heap such misery upon +yourself that you will no longer be able to endure it? Return to virtue +and happiness, for God's sake, whilst it is yet time. Oh, Lord Byron, +let one who has loved you with a devotion almost profane find favour so +far as to incline you to hear her. Sometimes from the mouth of a sinner +advice may be received that a proud heart disdains to take from those +who are upon an equality with themselves. If this is so, may it now, +even now, have some little weight with you. Do not drive things to +desperate extremes. Do not, even though you may have the power, use it +to ill. God bless and sooth you, and preserve you. I cannot see all that +I once admired and loved so well ruining himself and others without +feeling it deeply. If what I have said is unwise, at least believe the +motive was a kind one; and would to God it might avail.<br> +<br> +"I cannot believe that you will not act generously in this instance.<br> +<br> +"Yours, unhappily as it has proved for me,<br> +<br> +"<b>Caroline</b>.<br> +<br> +"Those of my family who have seen Lady Byron have assured me that, +whatever her sorrow, she is the last in the world to reproach or speak +ill of you. She is most miserable. What regret will yours be evermore if +false friends or resentment impel you to act harshly on this occasion? +Whatever my feelings may be towards you or her, I have, with the most +scrupulous care for both your sakes, avoided either calling, or sending, +or interfering. To say that I have spread reports against either is, +therefore, as unjust as it is utterly false. I fear no enquiry." +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1c">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr> +<br><br> + +<a name="app3e"></a><h4>5. The following letter probably refers to the publication of the lines, "Fare thee Well," in April, 1816:</h4><br> + +"At a moment of such deep agony, and I may add shame—when utterly +disgraced, judge, Byron, what my feelings must be at Murray's shewing me +some beautiful verses of yours. I do implore you for God sake not to +publish them. Could I have seen you one moment, I would explain why. I +have only time to add that, however those who surround you may make you +disbelieve it, you will draw ruin on your own head and hers if at this +moment you shew these. I know not from what quarter the report +originates. You accused <i>me</i>, and falsely; but if you could hear +all that is said at this moment, you would believe one, who, though your +enemy, though for ever alienated from you, though resolved never more, +whilst she lives, to see or speak to or forgive you, yet would perhaps +die to save you.<br> +<br> +"Byron, hear me. My own misery I have scarce once thought of. What is +the loss of one like me to the world? But when I see such as you are +ruined for ever, and utterly insensible of it, I must [speak out]. Of +course, I cannot say to Murray what I think of those verses, but to you, +to you alone, I will say I think they will prove your ruin." +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1c">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr> +<br><br> + +<a name="app3f"></a><h4>6. In 1824, after the death of Byron, and after the publication of +Captain Medwin's <i>Recollections of Lord Byron</i>, Lady Caroline Lamb +sent a letter to Mr. Henry Colburn, the publisher, enclosing one to be +given to Medwin and published. Both are given here, and the latter +should be read in substantiation or correction of what is stated in the +notes. The letter is printed <i>verbatim et literatim</i>.</h4><br> + +<b>(1) Lady Caroline Lamb to Henry Colburn.</b><br> +<br> +"[November (?), 1824.]<br> +<br> +"<b>My Dear Sir</b>,—Walter who takes this will explain my wishes. Will you +enable him to deliver my letter to Captain Medwin, and will you publish +it? you are to give him ten pound for it; I will settle it with you. I +am on my death bed, do not fail to obey my wishes. I send you my +journals but do not publish them until I am dead.<br> +<br> +"Yours,<br> +<br> +"<b>Caroline Lamb</b>."<br> +<br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<b>(2) Lady Caroline Lamb to Captain Thomas Medwin.</b><br> +<br> +[Endorsed, "This copy to be carefully preserved." Hy. Cn. (Henry +Colburn?).]<br> +<br> +"[November (?), 1824.]<br> +<br> +"<b>Sir</b>,—I hope you will excuse my intruding upon your time, with the most +intense interest I have just finished your book which does you credit as +to the manner in which it is executed and after the momentary pain in +part which it excites in many a bosom, will live in despight of +censure—and be gratefully accepted by the Public as long as Lord +Byron's name is remembered—yet as you have left to one who adored him a +bitter legacy, and as I feel secure the lines 'remember thee—thou false +to him thou fiend to me'—were his—and as I have been very ill & am not +likely to trouble any one much longer—you will I am sure grant me one +favour—let me to you at least confide the truth of the past—you owe it +to me—you will not I know refuse me.<br> +<br> +"It was when the first Child Harold came out upon Lord Byron's return +from Greece that I first had the misfortune to be acquainted with +him—at that time I was the happiest and gayest of human beings I do +believe without exception—<i>I had married for love</i> and love the +most romantic and ardent—my husband and I were so fond of each other +that false as I too soon proved he never would part with me. Devonshire +House was at that time closed from my Uncle's death for one year—at +Melbourne House where I lived the Waltzes and Quadrilles were being +daily practised, Lady Jersey, Lady Cowper, the Duke of Devonshire, Miss +Milbanke and a number of foreigners coming there to learn—You may +imagine what forty or fifty people dancing from 12 in the morning until +near dinner time all young gay and noisy were—in the evenings we either +had opposition suppers or went out to Balls and routs—such was the life +I then led when Moore and Rogers introduced Lord Byron to me—What you +say of his falling upstairs and of Miss Milbanke is all true. Lord Byron +3 days after this brought me a Rose and Carnation and used the very +words I mentioned in Glenarvon—with a sort of half sarcastic +smile—saying, 'Your Ladyship I am told likes all that is new and rare +for a moment'—I have them still, and the woman who through many a trial +has kept these relics with the romance of former ages—deserves not that +you should speak of her as you do. Byron never never could say I had no +heart. He never could say, either, that I had not loved my husband. In +his letters to me he is perpetually telling me I love him the best of +the two; and my only charm, believe me, in his eyes was, that I was +innocent, affectionate, and enthusiastic.<br> +<br> +Recall those words, and let me not go down with your book as heartless. +Tell the truth; it is bad enough; but not what is worse. It makes me so +nervous to write that I must stop—will it tire you too much if I +continue? I was not a woman of the world. Had I been one of that sort, +why would he have devoted nine entire months almost entirely to my +society; have written perhaps ten times in a day; and lastly have +press'd me to leave all and go with him—and this at the very moment +when he was made an Idol of, and when, as he and you justly observe, I +had few personal attractions. Indeed, indeed I tell the truth. Byron did +not affect—but he loved me as never woman was loved. I have had one of +his letters copied in the stone press for you; one just before we +parted. See if it looks like a mere lesson. Besides, he was then very +good, to what he grew afterwards; &, his health being delicate, he liked +to read with me & stay with me out of the crowd. Not but what we went +about everywhere together, and were at last invited always as if we had +been married—It was a strange scene—but it was not vanity misled me. I +grew to love him better than virtue, Religion—all prospects here. He +broke my heart, & still I love him—witness the agony I experienced at +his death & the tears your book has cost me. Yet, sir, allow me to say, +although you have unintentionally given me pain, I had rather have +experienced it than not have read your book. Parts of it are beautiful; +and I can vouch for the truth of much, as I read his own Memoirs before +Murray burnt them. Keep Lord Byron's letter to me (I have the original) +& some day add a word or two to your work from his own words, not to let +every one think I am heartless. The cause of my leaving Lord Byron was +this; my dearest Mother, now dead, grew so terrified about us—that upon +hearing a false report that we were gone off together she was taken +dangerously ill & broke a blood vessel. Byron would not believe it, but +it was true. When he was convinced, we parted. I went to Ireland, & +remained there 3 months. He wrote, every day, long kind entertaining +letters; it is these he asked Murray to look out, and extract from, when +he published the journal; but I would not part with them—I have them +now—they would only burn them, & nothing of his should be burnt. At +Dublin, God knows why, he wrote me the cruel letter part of which he +acknowledges in Glenarvon (the 9th of November, 1812)—He knew it would +destroy my mind and all else—it did so—Lady Oxford was no doubt the +instigator. What will not a woman do to get rid of a rival? She knew +that he still loved me—I need not tire you with every particular. I was +brought to England a mere wreck; & in due time, Lady Melbourne & my +mother being seriously alarmed for me, brought me to town, and allowed +me to see Lord Byron. Our meeting was not what he insinuates—he asked +me to forgive him; he looked sorry for me; he cried. I adored him still, +but I felt as passionless as the dead may feel.—Would I had died +there!—I should have died pitied, & still loved by him, & with the +sympathy of all. I even should have pardoned myself—so deeply had I +suffered. But, unhappily, we continued occasionally to meet. Lord Byron +liked others, I only him—The scene at Lady Heathcote's is nearly +true—he had made me swear I was never to Waltz. Lady Heathcote said, +Come, Lady Caroline, you must begin, & I bitterly answered—oh yes! I am +in a merry humour. I did so—but whispered to Lord Byron 'I conclude I +may waltz <i>now</i>' and he answered sarcastically, 'with every body in +turn—you always did it better than any one. I shall have a pleasure in +seeing you."—I did so you may judge with what feelings. After this, +feeling ill, I went into a small inner room where supper was prepared; +Lord Byron & Lady Rancliffe entered after; seeing me, he said, 'I have +been admiring your dexterity.' I clasped a knife, not intending +anything. 'Do, my dear,' he said. 'But if you mean to act a Roman's +part, mind which way you strike with your knife—be it at your own +heart, not mine—you have struck there already.' 'Byron,' I said, and +ran away with the knife. I never stabbed myself. It is false. Lady +Rancliffe & Tankerville screamed and said I would; people pulled to get +it from me; I was terrified; my hand got cut, & the blood came over my +gown. I know not what happened after—but this is the very truth. After +this, long after, Ld. Byron abused by every one, made the theme of every +one's horror, yet pitied me enough to come & see me; and still, in +spight of every one, William Lamb had the generosity to retain me. I +never held my head up after—never could. It was in all the papers, and +put not truly. It is true I burnt Lord Byron in Effigy, & his book, ring +& chain. It is true I went to see him as a Carman, after all that! But +it is also true, that, the last time we parted for ever, as he pressed +his lips on mine (it was in the Albany) he said 'poor Caro, if every one +hates me, you, I see, will never change—No, not with ill usage!' & I +said, 'yes, I <i>am</i> changed, & shall come near you no more.'—For +then he showed me letters, & told me things I cannot repeat, & all my +attachment went. This was our last parting scene—well I remember it. It +had an effect upon me not to be conceived—3 years I had +<i>worshipped</i> him.<br> +<br> +"Shortly after he married, once, Lady Melbourne took me to see his Wife +in Piccadilly. It was a cruel request, but Lord Byron himself made it. +It is to this wedding visit he alludes. Mrs. Leigh, myself, Lady +Melbourne, Lady Noel, & Lady Byron, were in the room. I never looked up. +Annabella was very cold to me. Lord Byron came in & seemed agitated—his +hand was cold, but he seemed kind. This was the last time upon this +earth I ever met him. Soon after, the battle of Waterloo took place. My +Brother was wounded, & I went to Brussels. I had one letter while at +Paris from Ld. Byron; a jesting one; hoping I was as happy with the +regiment as he was with his 'Wife Bell.' When I returned, the parting +between them occurred—& my page affair—& Glenarvon. I wrote it in a +month under circumstances would surprise every body, but which I am not +at liberty to mention. Besides, it has nothing to do with your book and +would only tire you. Previous to this, I once met, & once only, Lady +Byron. It was just after the separation occurred. She was so altered I +could hardly know her—she appeared heart broken. What she then said to +me <i>I may not repeat</i>—she was however sent away, she did not go +willingly.<br> +<br> +She accused me of knowing every thing, & reproached me for not having +stopped the marriage. How could I! She had been shewn my letters, and +every one else. It is utterly false that she ever opened the desk—the +nurse had nothing to do with the separation—<br> +<br> +"From that hour, Lady Byron & I met no more, & it was after this, that, +indignant & miserable, I wrote Glenarvon. Lady B. was more angry at it +than he was—From that time, I put the whole as much as I could from my +mind. Ld. Byron never once wrote to me—and always spoke of me with +contempt. I was taken ill in March this year—Mrs. Russell Hunter & a +nurse sat up with me. In the middle of the night I fancied I saw Ld. +Byron—I screamed, jumped out of bed & desired them to save me from him. +He looked horrible, & ground his teeth at me; he did not speak; his hair +was straight; he was fatter than when I knew him, & not near so +handsome. I felt convinced I was to die. This dream took possession of +my mind. I had not dreamed of him since we had parted. It was, besides, +like no other dream except one of my Mother that I ever had. I am glad +to think it occurred before his death as I never did & hope I never +shall see a Ghost. I have even avoided enquiring about the exact day for +fear I should believe it—it made enough impression as it was. I told +William, and my Brother & Murray at the time. Judge what my horror was, +as well as grief, when, long after, the news came of his death, it was +conveyed to me in two or 3 words—'Caroline, behave properly, I know it +will shock you—Lord Byron is dead'—This letter I received when +laughing at Brockett Hall. Its effect or some other cause produced a +fever from which I never yet have recovered—It was also singular that +the first day I could go out in an open Carriage, as I was slowly +driving up the hill here,—Lord Byron's Hearse was at that moment +passing under these very walls, and rested at Welwyn. William Lamb, who +was riding on before me, met the procession at the Turnpike, & asked +whose funeral it was. He was very much affected and shocked—I of course +was not told; but, as I kept continually asking where & when he was to +be buried, & had read in the papers it was to be at Westminster Abbey, I +heard it too soon, & it made me very ill again." +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1c">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr> +<br><br> +<a name="app4"></a><h2>Appendix IV—Letters of Bernard Barton</h2><br> + +<i>The two following letters were written to Byron in 1814, by +Bernard Barton, the Quaker poet (see Letter 238, <a href="#fe61"><i>note</i></a> 1):—</i><br> +<br> +<a name="app4a"></a><h4>I</h4><br> + + +"Woodbridge, Suffolk, Apl. 14th, 1814.<br> +<br> +"<b>My Lord</b>,—I received this morning the reply with which your Lordship +honour'd my last, and now avail myself of the permission you have so +kindly granted to state as briefly as I can the circumstances which have +induced me to make this application, and the extent of my wishes +respecting your Lordship's interference.<br> +<br> +"Eight years since, I went into business in this place as a Merchant. I +was then just of age, and, shortly after, married. The business in which +I was engaged was of a very precarious Nature; and after vainly trying +for 4 Years to make the best of it, I was compell'd to relinquish it +altogether. Just then, to add to my distress, I lost my best, my +firmest, my tenderest friend—the only being for whose sake I ever +desir'd wealth, and the only one who could have cheer'd the gloom of +Poverty. My Capital being a borrow'd one, I returned it as far as I +could to the person who had lent it. Since that time, my Lord, I have +been struggling to make the best of a Clerkship of £80 per ann., out of +which I have to meet every expence, and still to maintain a respectable +appearance in a Place where I have resided under different +circumstances. Had I enter'd my present Situation free of all debts, I +should have made it an inviolable rule to have limited my expenditure to +my Income; but beginning in debt, compell'd by peculiar circumstances to +mix with those much superior to myself, I have gone on till I find it +quite impossible to go on any longer, and I am compelled to seek for +some asylum where, by rigid frugality and indefatigable exertion, I may +free myself from my present humiliating embarrassments; but while I am +here the thing seems impracticable. Your Lordship will naturally inquire +why I do not avail myself of the influence of those friends by whom I am +known. As you have, my Lord, done me the honour to encourage me to state +my position frankly, I will, without hesitation, inform you. I am, +nominally at least, a Quaker. The persons to whom I should, in my +present difficulties, naturally look for assistance are among the most +respectable of that body; but my attachments to literary and +metaphysical studies, and a line of conduct not compatible with the +strictness of Quaker discipline, have, I am afraid, brought me into +disrepute with those to whom I should otherwise have confided my +situation. Were I to disclose it, it would only be consider'd as a fit +judgment on me for my scepticism and infidelity.<br> +<br> +"This, my Lord, is a brief but faithful statement of my present +situation; it is, as I before told your Lordship, in every respect an +untenable one. I must relinquish it, and throw myself an outcast on +society. <i>Can you, will you</i>, my Lord, exert <i>your influence</i> +to save me from irretrievable ruin? Can you, my Lord, in any possible +way, afford employment to me? Can you take me into your service—a young +man, not totally destitute of talents, eager to exert them, and willing +to do anything or be anything in his power? If you can, my Lord, I will +promise to serve you not servilely, but faithfully in any manner you +shall point out. Do not, I beg of you, my Lord, refuse my application +the moment you peruse it. The mouse, you know, once was able to show its +gratitude to the lion; and it may be in my power, if your Lordship will +but give me the opportunity, to evince my deep gratitude for any +kindness you may show me, not by <i>words</i>, but <i>deeds</i>. Be +assur'd you will not have cause to repent any interest you have taken or +may take in my concerns. For the civility you shewed me on a former +occasion, my Lord, I felt, as I ought, much indebted; but infinitely +more for the generosity of feeling and soundness of judgment which +dictated the letter you then did me the honour to address to me. Ever +since then I have entertain'd the highest opinion both of your head and +your heart. Is it, then, strange, my Lord, that, surrounded by +difficulties, perplexed at every step I take, I should look up to your +Lordship for <i>advice</i>, and, if possible, for assistance? Be the +consequences what they may, I have ventur'd on the presumption of doing +so. If I have taken too great a liberty, I beg you, my Lord, to forgive +me, and let the tale of my perplexities and my misfortunes, my +impertinence and its punishment, be alike forgotten; it can, at any +rate, only give your Lordship the trouble of reading a letter. If, on +the other hand, your Lordship can in any way realize the hopes I have +long enthusiastically cherished, why, the 'blessing of him who is ready +to perish shall fall on you.' Be the event what it may, '<i>Crede +Byron</i>' is, your Lordship sees, my motto.<br> +<br> +"I am, my Lord,<br> +<br> +"Your Lordship's very obt. servt,<br> +<br> +"<b>B. Barton</b>.<br> +<br> +"P. S.—I shall wait with no common anxiety to see whether your Lordship +will so far forgive this intrusion as to answer it." + +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1c">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<a name="app4b"></a><h4>II</h4><br> + +"Woodbridge, April 15th, 1814.<br> +<br> +"My Lord,—I should be truly sorry if my importunity should defeat its +own purpose, and, instead of interesting your Lordship on my behalf, +should make you regret the indulgence you have already granted me; but I +really feel as if I had staked every remaining hope on the cast of the +die, and, therefore, before it is thrown, I wish, my Lord, to make one +or two more observations.<br> +<br> +"Although in my last, which, as I before observed, was hastily written, +I express'd my wish to be allow'd, <i>in some capacity or other</i>, to +serve your Lordship, yet I am not so foolish as to think of fastening +myself on you, my Lord, <i>bon gré ou malgré</i>. One reason for my +expressing that wish, was an idea that your Lordship might go abroad +before long; and, added to my own wish to see something of the world on +which fate has thrown me, it occurred to me at the moment, that on such +an occasion the services of one who is warmly attach'd to you, perhaps +<i>romantically</i>, for I know nothing of your Lordship but by your +writings, might be acceptable.<br> +<br> +But, my Lord, although I have thus alluded to what would most gratify my +own wishes, it was not intended to dictate to you the manner in which +you might promote my interest. If your Lordship's superior judgment and +greater knowledge of the world can suggest anything else for my +consideration, it shall receive every attention.<br> +<br> +"One more remark, my Lord, and I have done. I am very sensible that in +this application to your Lordship I have been guilty of what would be +term'd by some a piece of great impertinence, and by most an act of +consummate folly. Will you allow me, my Lord, frankly to state to you +the arguments on which my resolutions were founded?<br> +<br> +"I have not address'd you, my Lord, on the impulse of the moment, +dictated by desperation, and adopted without reflection. No, my Lord; I +had, or, at least, I thought I had, better reasons. I remembered that +you had once condescended to address me <i>'candidly, not +critically,'</i> that you had even kindly interested yourself on my +behalf. I thought that, amid all the keenness and poignancy of your +habitual feelings, as powerfully pourtrayed in your writings, I could +discern the workings of a heart <i>truly noble</i>. I imagin'd that what +to a superficial observer appear'd only the overflowings of misanthropy, +were, in reality, the effusions of deep sensibility. I convinc'd myself, +by repeated perusals of your different productions, that though +disappointments the most painful, and sensations the most acute, might +have stung your heart to its very core, it had yet many feelings of the +most exalted kind. From these I hoped everything. Those hopes may be +disappointed, but the opinions which gave rise to them have not been +hastily form'd, nor will any selfish feeling of mortification be able to +alter them.<br> +<br> +"I do not, my Lord, intend the above as any idle complimentary apology +for what I have done. I am not, God knows, just now in a complimentary +mood; and if I were, you, my Lord, are one of the last persons on earth +on whom I should be tempted to play off such trash as idle panegyrics. I +esteem you, my Lord, not merely for your rank, still less for your +personal qualities. The former I respect as I ought; of the latter I +know nothing. But I feel something more than mere respect for your +genius and your talents; and from your past conduct towards myself I +cannot be insensible to your kindness. For these reasons, my Lord, I +acted as I have done. I before told you that I consider'd you <i>no +common character</i>, and I think your Lordship will admit that I have +not treated you as such.<br> +<br> +"Permit me once more, my Lord, to take my leave by assuring you that I +am,<br> +<br> +"With the truest esteem, "Your very obt. and humble servt., <br> +"<b>Bernard Barton.</b><br> +<br> +"P. S.—I hope your Lordship will find no difficulty in making out this +scrawl; but really, not being able to mend my pen, I am forced to write +with it backwards. When I have the good luck to find my pen-knife, I +will endeavour to furnish myself with a better tool." +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1c">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="app4c"></a><h4><i>Part of the draft of Byron's answer to these two letters is in +existence, and runs as follows:</i></h4> +<br> +<br> +"Albany, April 16th, 1814.<br> +<br> +"Sir,—All offence is out of the question. My principal regret is that +it is not in my power to be of service. My own plans are very unsettled, +and at present, from a variety of circumstances, embarrassed, and, even +were it otherwise, I should be both to offer anything like dependence to +one, who, from education and acquirements, must doubly feel sensible of +such a situation, however I might be disposed to render it tolerable.<br> +<br> +"As an adviser I am rather qualified to point out what should be avoided +than what may be pursued, for my own life has been but a series of +imprudences and conflicts of all descriptions. From these I have only +acquired experience; if repentance were added, perhaps it might be all +the better, since I do not find the former of much avail without it." +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1c">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="app5"></a><h2>Appendix V—Correspondence with Walter Scott</h2><br> + +<a name="app5a"></a><h4><i>The following is Walter Scott's reply to Byron's <a href="#L241">letter</a> of July 6, 1812:</i></h4> +<br> + +"Abbotsford, near Melrose, 16th July, 1812.<br> +<br> +"<b>My Lord</b>,—I am much indebted to your Lordship for your kind and +friendly letter; and much gratified by the Prince Regent's good opinion +of my literary attempts. I know so little of courts or princes, that any +success I may have had in hitting off the Stuarts is, I am afraid, owing +to a little old Jacobite leaven which I sucked in with the numerous +traditionary tales that amused my infancy. It is a fortunate thing for +the Prince himself that he has a literary turn, since nothing can so +effectually relieve the ennui of state, and the anxieties of power.<br> +<br> +"I hope your Lordship intends to give us more of <i>Childe Harold</i>. I +was delighted that my friend Jeffrey—for such, in despite of many a +feud, literary and political, I always esteem him—has made so +handsomely the <i>amende honorable</i> for not having discovered in the +bud the merits of the flower; and I am happy to understand that the +retractation so handsomely made was received with equal liberality. +These circumstances may perhaps some day lead you to revisit Scotland, +which has a maternal claim upon you, and I need not say what pleasure I +should have in returning my personal thanks for the honour you have done +me. I am labouring here to contradict an old proverb, and make a silk +purse out of a sow's ear, namely, to convert a bare <i>haugh</i> and +<i>brae</i>, of about 100 acres, into a comfortable farm. Now, although +I am living in a gardener's hut, and although the adjacent ruins of +Melrose have little to tempt one who has seen those of Athens, yet, +should you take a tour which is so fashionable at this season, I should +be very happy to have an opportunity of introducing you to anything +remarkable in my fatherland. My neighbour, Lord Somerville, would, I am +sure, readily supply the accommodations which I want, unless you prefer +a couch in a closet, which is the utmost hospitality I have at present +to offer. The fair, or shall I say the sage, Apreece that was, Lady Davy +that is, is soon to show us how much science she leads captive in Sir +Humphrey; so your Lordship sees, as the citizen's wife says in the +farce, 'Thread-needle Street has some charms,' since they procure us +such celebrated visitants. As for me, I would rather cross-question your +Lordship about the outside of Parnassus, than learn the nature of the +contents of all the other mountains in the world. Pray, when under 'its +cloudy canopy' did you hear anything of the celebrated Pegasus? Some say +he has been brought off with other curiosities to Britain, and now +covers at Tattersal's. I would fain have a cross from him out of my +little moss-trooper's Galloway, and I think your Lordship can tell one +how to set about it, as I recognise his true paces in the high-mettled +description of Ali Pacha's military court.<br> +<br> +"A wise man said—or, if not, I, who am no wise man, now say—that there +is no surer mark of regard than when your correspondent ventures to +write nonsense to you. Having, therefore, like Dogberry, bestowed all my +tediousness upon your Lordship, you are to conclude that I have given +you a convincing proof that I am very much<br> +<br> +"Your Lordship's obliged and very faithful servant,<br> +<br> +"<b>Walter Scott</b>." +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#section1c">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="app6"></a><h2>Appendix VI—The Giant and the Dwarf</h2><br> + +<a name="app6a"></a><i>The reply of Leigh Hunt's friends to Moore's squib, "The 'Living Dog' +and the 'Dead Lion'" (see Letter 291, p. 205, <a href="#fn32"><i>note</i></a> 1), ran as +follows:</i><br> + +"<b>The Giant and the Dwarf</b>.<br> +<br> +"<i>Humbly inscribed to T. Pidcock, Esq., of Exeter 'Change</i>.<br> + +<blockquote>"A Giant that once of a Dwarf made a friend,<br> + (And their friendship the Dwarf took care shouldn't be hid),<br> +Would now and then, out of his glooms, condescend<br> + To laugh at his antics,—as every one did.<br><br> + +"This Dwarf-an extremely diminutive Dwarf,—<br> + In birth unlike G—y, though his pride was as big,<br> +Had been taken, when young, from the bogs of Clontarf,<br> + And though born quite a Helot, had grown up a Whig.<br><br> + +"He wrote little verses—and sung them withal,<br> + And the Giant's dark visions they sometimes could charm,<br> +Like the voice of the lute which had pow'r over Saul,<br> + And the song which could Hell and its legions disarm.<br><br> + +"The Giant was grateful, and offered him gold,<br> + But the Dwarf was indignant, and spurn'd at the offer:<br> +'No, never!' he cried, 'shall <i>my</i> friendship be sold<br> + For the sordid contents of another man's coffer!<br><br> + +"'What would Dwarfland, and Ireland, and every land say?<br> + To what would so shocking a thing be ascribed?<br> +<i>My Lady</i> would think that I was in your pay,<br> + And the <i>Quarterly</i> say that I must have been bribed.<br><br> + +"'You see how I'm puzzled; I don't say it wouldn't<br> + Be pleasant just now to have just that amount:<br> +But to take it in gold or in bank-notes!—I couldn't,<br> + I <i>wouldn't</i> accept it—on any account.<br><br> + +"'But couldn't you just write your Autobiography,<br> + All fearless and personal, bitter and stinging?<br> +Sure <i>that</i>, with a few famous heads in lithography,<br> + Would bring me far more than my Songs or my singing.<br><br> + +"'You know what I did for poor Sheridan's Life;<br> + <i>Your's</i> is sure of my very best superintendence;<br> +I'll expunge what might point at your sister or wife,—<br> + And I'll thus keep my priceless, unbought independence!'<br><br> + +"The Giant smiled grimly: he couldn't quite see<br> + What diff'rence there was on the face of the earth,<br> +Between the Dwarf's taking the money in fee,<br> + And his taking the same thing <i>in that money's worth</i>.<br><br> + +"But to please him he wrote; and the business was done:<br> + The Dwarf went immediately off to 'the Row;'<br> +And ere the next night had pass'd over the sun,<br> + The <b>Memoirs</b> were purchas'd by Longman and Co.</blockquote><br> + +"<b>W. Gyngell</b>, Showman, Bartholomew Fair." +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#ap2">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="app7"></a><h2>Appendix VII—Attacks on Lord Byron in the Newspapers for February and March, 1814</h2> +<br> +<a name="app7a"></a><h3>I: <i>The Courier</i></h3><br> + +<a name="app7a1"></a><h4>(1) Lord Byron (<i>The Courier</i>, February 1, 1814).</h4> +<br> +A new Poem has just been published by the above Nobleman, and the +<i>Morning Chronicle</i> of to-day has favoured its readers with his +Lordship's Dedication of it to <b>Thomas Moore</b>, Esq., in what that paper +calls "an elegant eulogium." If the elegance of an eulogium consist in +its extravagance, the <i>Chronicle's</i> epithet is well chosen. But our +purpose is not with the Dedication, nor the main Poem, <i>The +Corsair</i>, but with one of the pieces called Poems, published at the +end of the <i>Corsair</i>. Nearly two years ago (in March, 1812), when +the <b>Regent</b> was attacked with a bitterness and rancour that disgusted the +whole country; when attempts were made day after day to wound every +feeling of the heart; there appeared in the <i>Morning Chronicle</i> an +anonymous <i>Address to a Young Lady weeping</i>, upon which we remarked +at the time (<i>Courier of March</i> 7, 1812), considering it as tending +to make the Princess <b>Charlotte</b> of <b>Wales</b> view the <b>Prince Regent</b> her +father as an object of suspicion and disgrace. Few of our readers have +forgotten the disgust which this address excited. The author of it, +however, unwilling that it should sleep in the oblivion to which it had +been consigned with the other trash of that day, has republished it, +and, placed the first of what are called Poems at the end of this newly +published work the Corsair, we find this very address: + +<blockquote>"Weep daughter of a <i>royal</i> line,<br> +A Sire's disgrace, a realm's decay;"</blockquote> + +<i>Lord Byron thus avows himself to be the Author.</i><br> +<br> +To be sure the Prince has been extremely <i>disgraced</i> by the policy +he has adopted, and the events which that policy has produced; and the +realm has experienced <i>great decay</i>, no doubt, by the occurrences +in the Peninsula, the resistance of Russia, the rising in Germany, the +counter-revolution in Holland, and the defeat, disgrace, and shame of +<b>Buonaparte</b>. But, instead of continuing our observations, suppose we +parody his Lordship's Address, and apply it to February 1814:<br> +<br> +<b>To a Young Lady.</b><br> +<br> +February, 1814. + +<blockquote>"View! daughter of a royal line,<br> + A father's fame, a realm's renown:<br> + Ah! happy that that realm is thine,<br> + And that its father is thine own!<br><br> + +"View, and exulting view, thy fate,<br> + Which dooms thee o'er these blissful Isles<br> + To reign, (but distant be the date!)<br> + And, like thy Sire, deserve thy People's smiles."</blockquote><br> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#ap2">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="app7a2"></a><h4>(2) <i>The Courier</i>, February 2, 1814.</h4> +<br> +Lord <b>Byron</b>, as we stated yesterday, has discovered and promulgated to +the world, in eight lines of choice doggrel, that the realm of England +is in decay, that her Sovereign is disgraced, and that the situation of +the country is one which claims the tears of all good patriots. To this +very indubitable statement, the <i>Morning Chronicle</i> of this day +exhibits an admirable companion picture, a <i>genuine</i> letter from +<i>Paris</i>, of the 25th ult.<br> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#ap2">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="app7a3"></a><h4>(3) <i>The Courier</i>, February 3, 1814</h4> +.<br> +<br> +<blockquote> "<i>The Courier</i> is indignant," says the <i>Morning Chronicle</i>, + "at the discovery now made by Lord BYRON, that he was the author of + 'the Verses to a Young Lady weeping,' which were inserted about a + twelvemonth ago in the <i>Morning Chronicle</i>. The Editor thinks it + audacious in a hereditary Counsellor of the <b>King</b> to admonish the + <i>Heir Apparent</i>. It may not be <i>courtly</i> but it is certainly + <i>British</i>, and we wish the kingdom had more such honest advisers."</blockquote> + +The discovery of the author of the verses in question was not made by +Lord <b>Byron</b>. How could it be? When he sent them to the <i>Chronicle, +without</i> his name, he was just as well informed about the author as +he is now that he has published them in a pamphlet, <i>with</i> his +name. The discovery was made to the public. They did not know in March, +1812, what they know in February, 1814. They did not suspect then what +they now find avowed, that a Peer of the Realm was the Author of the +attack upon the <b>Prince</b>; of the attempt to induce the Princess <b>Charlotte</b> +of <b>Wales</b> to think that her father was an object not of reverence and +regard, but of disgrace.<br> +<br> +But we "think it audacious in an hereditary Counsellor of the <b>King</b> to +admonish the Heir Apparent." No! we do not think it audacious: it is +constitutional and proper. But are anonymous attacks the constitutional +duty of a Peer of the Realm? Is that the mode in which he should +admonish the Heir Apparent? If Lord <b>Byron</b> had desired to admonish the +<b>Prince</b>, his course was open, plain, and known—he could have demanded an +audience of the <b>Prince</b>; or, he could have given his admonition in +Parliament. But to level such an attack—What!—"Kill men i' the dark!" +This, however, is called by the <i>Chronicle</i> "certainly +<i>British</i>," though it might not be <i>courtly</i>, and a strong +wish is expressed that "the country had many more such honest advisers" +or admonishers.—Admonishers indeed! A pretty definition of admonition +this, which consists not in giving advice, but in imputing blame, not in +openly proffering counsel, but in secretly pointing censure.<br> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#ap2">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="app7a4"></a><h4>(4) Byroniana No. 1 (<i>The Courier</i>, February 5, 1814).</h4> +<br> +The Lord <b>Byron</b> has assumed such a poetico-political and such a +politico-poetical air and authority, that in our double capacity of men +of letters and politicians, he forces himself upon our recollection. We +say <i>recollection</i> for reasons which will bye and by, be obvious to +our readers, and will lead them to wonder why this young Lord, whose +greatest talent it is to forget, and whose best praise it would be to be +forgotten, should be such an enthusiastic admirer of Mr.<b> Sam Rogers's</b> +<i>Pleasures of Memory</i>.<br> +<br> +The most virulent satirists have ever been the most nauseous +panegyrists, and they are for the most part as offensive by the praise +as by the abuse which they scatter.<br> +<br> +His Lordship does not degenerate from the character of those worthy +persons, his poetical ancestors: + +<blockquote>"The mob of Gentlemen who wrote with ease"</blockquote> + +who of all authors dealt the most largely in the alternation of flattery +and filth. He is the severest satirical and the civilest dedicator of +our day; and what completes his reputation for candour, good feeling, +and honesty, is that the persons whom he most reviles, and to whom he +most fulsomely dedicates, are identically the same.<br> +<br> +We shall indulge our readers with a few instances:—the most obvious +case, because the most recent, is that of Mr. <b>Thomas Moore</b>, to whom he +has dedicated, as we have already stated, his last pamphlet; but as we +wish to proceed orderly, we shall postpone this and revert to some +instances prior in order of time; we shall afterwards show that his +Lordship strictly adheres to <b>Horace's</b> rule, in maintaining to the end +the ill character in which he appeared at the outset. His Lordship's +first dedication was to his guardian and relative, the Earl of <b>Carlisle</b>. +So late as the year 1808, we find that Lord <b>Byron</b> was that noble Lord's +"most affectionate kinsman, etc., etc."<br> +<br> +Hear how dutifully and affectionately this ingenuous young man +celebrates, in a few months after (1809), the praises of his friend: + +<blockquote>"No Muse will cheer with renovating smile,<br> +The <i>paralytic puling</i> of <b>Carlisle</b>;<br> +What heterogeneous honours deck the Peer,<br> +Lord, rhymester, petit-maitre, pamphleteer!<br> +So <i>dull</i> in youth, so <i>drivelling</i> in age,<br> +<i>His</i> scenes alone had damn'd our sinking stage.<br> +But Managers, for once, cried 'hold, enough,'<br> +Nor drugg'd their audience with the tragic stuff.<br> +Yet at their judgment let his Lordship laugh,<br> +And case his volumes in <i>congenial calf</i>:<br> +Yes! doff that covering where Morocco shines,<br> +And hang a calf-skin on those recreant lines."</blockquote> + + +And in explanation of this affectionate effusion, our lordly dedicator +subjoins a note to inform us that Lord <b>Carlisle's</b> works are splendidly +bound, but that "the rest is all but leather and prunella," and a little +after, in a very laborious note, in which he endeavours to defend his +consistency, he out-Herods Herod, or to speak more forcibly, out-Byrons +Byron, in the virulence of his invective against "his guardian and +relative, to whom he dedicated his volume of puerile poems." Lord +<b>Carlisle</b> has, it seems, if we are to believe his word, for a series of +years, beguiled "the public with reams of most orthodox, imperial +<i>nonsense</i>," and Lord <b>Byron</b> concludes by asking, + +<blockquote>"What can ennoble knaves, or <i>fools</i>, or cowards?<br> + Alas! not all the blood of all the Howards."</blockquote> + +"So says <b>Pope</b>," adds Lord <b>Byron</b>. But <b>Pope</b> does not say so; the words +"<i>knaves and fools</i>," are not in <b>Pope</b>, but interpolated by Lord +<b>Byron</b>, in favour of his "guardian and relative." Now, all this might +have slept in oblivion with Lord <b>Carlisle's</b> Dramas, and Lord <b>Byron's</b> +Poems; but if this young Gentleman chooses to erect himself into a +spokesman of the public opinion, it becomes worth while to consider to +what notice he is entitled; when he affects a tone of criticism and an +air of candour, he obliges us to enquire whether he has any just +pretensions to either, and when he arrogates the high functions of +public praise and public censure, we may fairly inquire what the praise +or censure of such a being is worth: + +<blockquote>"Thus bad begins, but worse remains behind."</blockquote><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#ap2">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="app7a5"></a><h4>(5) Byroniana No. 2 (<i>The Courier</i>, February 8, 1814)</h4> +.<br> +"<i>Crede Byron</i>" is Lord Byron's armorial motto; <i>Trust Byron</i> +is the translation in the Red-book. We cannot but admire the ingenuity +with which his Lordship has converted the good faith of his ancestors +into a sarcasm on his own duplicity. + +<blockquote>"Could nothing but your chief reproach,<br> +Serve for a motto on your coach?"</blockquote> + +Poor Lord Carlisle; he, no doubt, <i>trusted</i> in his affectionate +ward and kinsman, and we have seen how the affectionate ward and kinsman +acknowledged, like <i>Macbeth</i>, "<i>the double trust</i>" only to +abuse it. We shall now show how much another Noble Peer, Lord Holland, +has to trust to from his <i>ingenuous</i> dedicator.<br> +<br> +Some time last year Lord Byron published a Poem, called <i>The Bride of +Abydos</i>, which was inscribed to Lord Holland, "<i>with every +sentiment of regard and respect by his gratefully obliged and sincere +friend</i>, <b>Byron</b>." "<i>Grateful and sincere!</i>" Alas! alas; 'tis not +even so good as what Shakespeare, in contempt, calls "the sincerity of a +cold heart." "<i>Regard and respect!"</i> Hear with what regard, and how +much respect, he treats this identical Lord Holland. In a tirade against +literary assassins (a class of men which Lord Byron may well feel +entitled to describe), we have these lines addressed to the Chief of the +Critical Banditti: + +<blockquote>"Known be thy name, unbounded be thy sway,<br> + Thy <i>Holland's</i> banquets shall each toil repay,<br> + While grateful Britain yields the praise she owes,<br> + <i>To Hollands hirelings</i>, and to <i>learnings foes!</i>"</blockquote> + +By which it appears, that + +<blockquote>"—These wolves that still in darkness prowl;<br> + This coward brood, which mangle, as their prey,<br> + By hellish instinct, all that cross their way;"</blockquote> + +are hired by Lord Holland, and it follows, very naturally, that the +"<i>hirelings</i>" of Lord Holland must be the "<i>foes of +learning</i>."<br> +<br> +This seems sufficiently caustic; but hear, how our dedicator proceeds: + +<blockquote>"Illustrious Holland! hard would be his lot,<br> + His hirelings mention'd, and himself forgot!<br> + Blest be the banquets spread at Holland House,<br> + Where Scotchmen feed, and Critics may carouse!<br> + Long, long, beneath that hospitable roof<br> + Shall <i>Grub-street</i> dine, while duns are kept aloof,<br> + And <i>grateful</i> to the founder of the feast<br> + Declare the Landlord can <i>translate</i>, at least!"</blockquote> + +Lord Byron has, it seems, very accurate notions of <i>gratitude</i>, and +the word "<i>grateful</i>" in these lines, and in his dedication of +<i>The Bride of Abydos</i>, has a delightful similarity of meaning. His +Lordship is pleased to add, in an explanatory note to this passage, that +Lord Holland's life of Lopez de Vega, and his translated specimens of +that author, are much "<b>Bepraised</b> <i>by these disinterested guests</i>." +Lord Byron well knows that <i>bepraise</i> and <i>bespatter</i> are +almost synonimous. There was but one point on which he could have any +hope of touching Lord Holland more nearly; and of course he avails +himself, in the most gentlemanly and generous manner, of the golden +opportunity.<br> +<br> +When his club of literary assassins is assembled at Lord Holland's +table, Lord Byron informs us + +<blockquote>"That lest when heated with the unusual grape,<br> + Some <i>glowing</i> thoughts should to the press escape,<br> + And tinge with red the <i>female</i> reader's cheek,<br> + My <b>Lady</b> skims the <i>cream</i> of each critique;<br> + Breathes o'er each page <i>her purity</i> of soul,<br> + Reforms each error, and refines the whole."</blockquote> + +Our readers will, no doubt, duly appreciate the manliness and generosity +of these lines; but, to encrease their admiration, we beg to remind them +that the next time Lord Byron addresses Lord Holland, it is to dedicate +to him, in all friendship, <i>sincerity</i>, and gratitude, the story of +a young, a pure, an amiable, and an affectionate bride!<br> +<br> +The verses were bad enough, but what shall be said, after <i>such</i> +verses, of the insult of <i>such</i> a dedication!<br> +<br> +We forbear to extract any further specimens of this peculiar vein of +Lord Byron's satire; our "gorge rises at it," and we regret to have been +obliged to say so much. And yet Lord Byron is, "with all regard and +<i>respect</i>, Lord "Holland's sincere and grateful friend!" It reminds +us of the <i>respect</i> which Lear's daughters shewed their father, and +which the poor old king felt to be "worse than murder."<br> +<br> +Some of our readers may perhaps observe that, personally, Lord Holland +was not so ill-treated as Lord Carlisle; but let it be recollected, that +Lord Holland is only an acquaintance, while Lord Carlisle was "guardian +and relation," and had therefore <i>peculiar</i> claims to the +ingratitude of a mind like Lord Byron's.<br> +<br> +<i>Trust Byron</i>, indeed! "him," as Hamlet says + <blockquote>"<i>Him</i>, I would trust as I would <i>adders</i> fang'd."</blockquote><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#ap2">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="app7a6"></a><h4>(6) Byroniana No. 3 (<i>The Courier</i>, February 12, 1814). <i>Crede +Byron</i>—"Trust Byron."</h4> +<br> +We have seen Lord Byron's past and present opinions of two Noble Persons +whom he has honoured with his satire, and vilified by his dedications; +let us now compare the evidence which he has given at different and yet +not distant times, on the merits of his third <i>Dedicatee</i>, Mr. +Thomas Moore. To him Lord Byron has inscribed his last poem as a person +"of unshaken <i>public principle</i>, and the most undoubted and various +talents; as the firmest of Irish <i>patriots</i>, and the first of Irish +bards."<br> +<br> +Before we proceed to give Lord Byron's own judgment of this "firmest of +patriots," and this "best of poets," we must be allowed to say, that +though we consider Mr. Moore as a very good writer of songs, we should +very much complain of the poetical supremacy assigned to him, if Lord +Byron had not qualified it by calling him the first only of <i>Irish</i> +poets, and, as we suppose his Lordship must mean, of <i>Irish</i> poets +of the <i>present</i> day. The title may be, for aught we know to the +contrary, perfectly appropriate; but we cannot conceive how Mr. Moore +comes by the high-sounding name of "<i>patriot</i>;" what pretence there +is for such an appellation; by what effort of intellect or of courage he +has placed his name above those idols of Irish worship, Messrs. Scully, +Connell, and Dromgoole. Mr. Moore has written words to Irish tunes; so +did Burns for <i>his</i> national airs; but who ever called Burns the +"firmest of patriots" on the score of his contributions to the <i>Scots +Magazine</i>?<br> +<br> +Mr. Moore, we are aware, has been accused of tuning his harpsichord to +the key-note of a faction, and of substituting, wherever he could, a +party spirit for the spirit of poetry: this, in the opinion of most +persons, would derogate even from his <i>poetical</i> character, but we +hope that Lord Byron stands alone in considering that such a +prostitution of the muse entitles him to the name of patriot. Mr. Moore, +it seems, is an Irishman, and, we believe, a Roman Catholic; he appears +to be, at least in his poetry, no great friend to the connexion of +Ireland with England. One or two of his ditties are quoted in Ireland as +<i>laments</i> upon certain worthy persons whose lives were terminated +by the hand of the law, in some of the unfortunate disturbances which +have afflicted that country; and one of his most admired songs begins +with a stanza, which we hope the Attorney-General will pardon us for +quoting: + +<blockquote>"Let Erin remember the days of old,<br> + Ere her <i>faithless sons betrayed her</i>,<br> +When Malachy wore the collar of gold,<br> + Which he won from her proud Invader;<br> +When her Kings, with standard of green unfurl'd,<br> + Led the Red Branch Knights to danger,<br> +Ere, the emerald gem of the western world,<br> + <i>Was set in the crown of a Stranger</i>."</blockquote> + +This will pretty well satisfy an English reader, that, if it be any +ingredient of patriotism to promote the affectionate connexion of the +English isles under the constitutional settlement made at the revolution +and at the union; and if the foregoing verses speak Mr. Moore's +sentiments, he has the same claims to the name of "<i>patriot</i>" that +Lord Byron has to the title of "trustworthy;" but if these and similar +verses do not speak Mr. Moore's political sentiments, then undoubtedly +he has never written, or at least published any thing relating to public +affairs; and Lord Byron has no kind of pretence for talking of the +political character and public principles of an humble individual who is +only known as the translator of Anacreon, and the writer, composer, and +singer of certain songs, which songs do not (<i>ex-hypothesi</i>) speak +the sentiments even of the writer himself.<br> +<br> +But, hold—we had forgot one circumstance: Mr. Moore has been said to be +one of the authors of certain verses on the highest characters of the +State, which appeared from time to time in the <i>Morning Chronicle</i>, +and which were afterwards collected into a little volume; this may, +probably, be in Lord Byron's opinion, a clear title to the name of +<i>patriot</i>, in which case, his Lordship has also his claim to the +same honour; and, indeed that sagacious and loyal person, the Editor of +the <i>Morning Chronicle</i>, seems to be of this notion; for when some +one ventured to express some, we think not unnatural, indignation at +Lord Byron's having been the author of some impudent doggrels, of the +same vein, which appeared anonymously in that paper reflecting on his +Royal Highness the Prince Regent, and her Royal Highness his daughter, +the Editor before-mentioned exclaimed—"What! and is not a Peer, an +hereditary councillor of the Crown, to be permitted to give his +constitutional advice?!!!"<br> +<br> +If writing such vile and anonymous stuff as one sometimes reads in the +<i>Morning Chronicle</i> be the duty of a good subject, or the privilege +of a Peer of Parliament, then indeed we have nothing to object to Mr. +Moore's title of Patriot, or Lord Byron's open, honourable, manly, and +constitutional method of advising the Crown.<br> +<br> +To return, however, to our main object, Lord Byron's <i>consistency, +truth</i>, and trustworthiness.<br> +<br> +His Lordship is pleased to call Mr. Moore not only Patriot and Poet, but +he acquaints us also, that "he is the delight alike of his readers and +his friends; the poet of all circles, and the idol of his own."<br> +<br> +Let us now turn to Lord Byron's thrice-recorded opinion of "<i>this Poet +of all Circles</i>." We shall quote from a Poem which was republished, +improved, amended, and reconsidered, not more than <i>three</i> years +ago; since which time Mr. Moore has published no Poem whatsoever; +therefore, Lord Byron's former and his present opinions are founded upon +the same data, and if they do not agree, it really is no fault of Mr. +Moore's, who has published nothing to alter them. + +<blockquote>"Now look around and turn each <i>trifling</i> page,<br> +Survey the <i>precious</i> works that please the age,<br> +While Little's lyrics shine in hot-pressed twelves."</blockquote> + +Here, by no great length of induction, we find Little's, <i>i.e.</i> Mr. +Thomas Moore's lyrics, are <i>trifling, "precious</i> works," his +Lordship ironically adds, that "please times from which," as his +Lordship says, "taste and reason are passed away!"<br> +<br> +Bye and by his Lordship delivers a still more plain opinion on Mr. +Moore's fitness to be the "<i>Poet of <b>All</b> circles</i>." + +<blockquote>"Who in soft guise, surrounded by a quire<br> +Of virgins <i>melting</i>, not to <i>Vesta's</i> fire,<br> +With sparkling eyes, and cheek by <i>passion</i> flush'd,<br> +Strikes his wild lyre, while listening dames are hush'd?<br> +'Tis Little, young Catullus of his day,<br> +As sweet, but as immoral, in his lay;<br> +Griev'd to condemn, the Muse must yet be just,<br> +Nor spare melodious <i>advocates of lust!</i>"</blockquote> + +"<i>O calum et terra!</i>" as <i>Lingo</i> says. What! this purest of +Patriots is <i>immoral?</i> What! "the Poet of <i>all</i> circles" is +"the advocate of lust"? Monstrous! But who can doubt Byron? And his +Lordship, in a subsequent passage, does not hesitate to speak still more +plainly, and to declare, in plain round terms (we shudder while we copy) +that Moore, the Poet, the Patriot "Moore, is lewd"!!!<br> +<br> +After this, we humbly apprehend that if we were to "trust Byron," Mr. +Moore, however he may be the idol of his own circle, would find some +little difficulty in obtaining admittance into any other.<br> +<br> +Lord Byron having thus disposed, as far as depended upon him, of the +moral character of the first of Patriots and Poets, takes an early +opportunity of doing justice to the personal honour of this dear +"friend;" one, as his Lordship expresses it, of "the magnificent and +fiery spirited" sons of Erin.<br> +<br> +"In 1806," says Lord Byron, "Messrs. Jeffery and Moore met at Chalk +Farm—the duel was prevented by the interference of the Magistracy, and +on examination, the balls of the pistols, <i>like the courage of the +combatants</i>, were found to have <i>evaporated!</i>"<br> +<br> +"Magnificent and fiery spirit," with a vengeance!<br> +<br> +We are far from thinking of Mr. Moore as Lord Byron either did or does; +not so degradingly as his Lordship did in 1810; not so extravagantly as +he does in 1813. But we think that Mr. Moore has grave reason of +complaint, and almost just cause, to exert "his fiery spirit" against +Lord Byron, who has the effrontery to drag him twice before the public, +and overwhelm him, one day with odium, and another with ridicule.<br> +<br> +We regret that Lord Byron, by obliging us to examine the value of his +censures, has forced us to contrast his past with his present judgments, +and to bring again before the public the objects of his lampoons and his +flatteries. We have, however, much less remorse in quoting his satire +than his dedications; for, by this time, we believe, the whole world is +inclined to admit that his Lordship can pay no compliment so valuable as +his censure, nor offer any insult so intolerable as his praise.<br> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#ap2">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="app7a7"></a><h4>(7) Byroniana No. 4 (<i>The Courier</i>, February 17, 1814)</h4> +.<br> +<table summary="something" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="20"> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>Don Pedro.</i></td> + <td>What offence have these men done?</td> +</tr> +<tr align="left" valign="top"> + <td><i>Dogberry.</i></td> + <td>Many, Sir; they have committed false reports; +moreover they have spoken untruths; secondarily, they are slanders; +sixthly and lastly, they have belied a Lady; thirdly, they have +verified unjust things, and, to conclude, they are lying knaves."</td> +</tr> +</table> +<i>Much +Ado about Nothing.</i><br> +<br> +We have already seen how scurvily Lord Byron has treated <i>three</i> of +the four persons to whom he has successively dedicated his Poems; but +for the fourth he reserved a species of contumely, which we are +confident our readers will think more degrading than all the rest. <i>He +has uniformly praised him! and him alone!!!</i>—The exalted rank, the +gentle manners, the polished taste of his guardian and relation, Lord +Carlisle; the considerations due to Lord Holland, from his family, his +personal character, and his love of letters; the amiability of Mr. +Moore's society, the sweetness of his versification, and the vivacity of +his imagination;—all these could not save their possessors from the +<i>brutality</i> of Lord Byron's personal satire.<br> +<br> +It was, then, for a person only, who should have <i>none</i> of these +titles to his envy that his Lordship could be expected to reserve the +fullness and steadiness of his friendship; and if we had any respect or +regard for that small poet and very disagreeable person, Mr. Sam Rogers, +we should heartily pity him for being "<i>damned</i>" to such +"<i>fame</i>" as Lord Byron's uninterrupted praise can give.<br> +<br> +But Mr. Sam Rogers has another cause of complaint against Lord Byron, +and which he is of a taste to resent more. His Lordship has not deigned +to call <i>him</i> "the firmest of patriots," though we have heard that +his claims to that title are not much inferior to Mr. Moore's. Mr. Sam +Rogers is reported to have clubb'd with the Irish Anacreon in that +scurrilous collection of verses, which we have before mentioned, and +which were published under the title of the <i>Twopenny Post-bag</i>, +and the assumed name of "Thomas Brown." The rumour may be unfounded; if +it be, Messrs. Rogers and Moore will easily forgive us for saying that, +much as we are astonished at the effrontery with which Lord Byron has +acknowledged his lampoon, we infinitely prefer it to the cowardly +prudence of the author or authors of the <i>Twopenny Post-bag</i> +lurking behind a fictitious name, and "devising impossible slanders," +which he or they have not the spirit to avow.<br> +<br> +But, to return to the more immediate subject of our lucubrations: It +seems almost like a fatality, that Lord Byron has hardly ever praised +any thing that he has not at some other period censured, or censured any +thing that he has not, by and bye, praised or <i>practised</i>.<br> +<br> +It does not often happen that booksellers are assailed for their too +great liberality to authors; yet, in Lord Byron's satire, while Mr. +Scott is abused, his publisher, Mr. Murray, is sneered at, in the +following lines: + +<blockquote>"And think'st them, Scott, by vain conceit perchance,<br> +On public taste to foist thy stale romance;<br> +Though <i>Murray</i> with his Miller may combine,<br> +<i>To yield thy Muse just</i> <b>Half-a-crown a Line</b>?<br> +No! when the sons of song descend to trade,<br> +Their bays are sear, their former <i>laurels fade</i>.<br> +Let such forego the poet's sacred name,<br> +Who <i>rack</i> their <i>brains</i> for <i>lucre</i>, not for fame:<br> +Low may they sink to <i>merited contempt</i>,<br> +And <i>scorn</i> remunerate the <i>mean</i> attempt."</blockquote> + +Now, is it not almost incredible that this very Murray (the only +remaining one of the booksellers whom his Lordship had attacked; Miller +has left the trade)—is it not, we say, almost incredible that this very +Murray should have been soon after selected, by this very Lord Byron, to +be his own publisher? But what will our readers say, when we assure +them, that not only was Murray so selected, but that this magnanimous +young Lord has actually <i>sold</i> his works to this same Murray? and, +what is a yet more singular circumstance, has received and pocketted, +for one of his own "stale romances," a sum amounting, not to +"<i>half-a-crown</i>," but to <i>a whole crown, a line!!!</i><br> +<br> +This fact, monstrous as it seems in the author of the foregoing lines, +is, we have the fullest reason to believe, accurately true. And the +"<i>faded laurel</i>," "<i>the brains rac'd for lucre</i>," "<i>the +merited contempt</i>," "<i>the scorn</i>," and the "<i>meanness</i>," +which this impudent young man dared to attribute to Mr. Scott, appear to +have been a mere anticipation of his own future proceedings; and thus, + + <blockquote> "—Even-handed Justice<br> + Commends the ingredients of his <i>poison'd</i> chalice<br> + To his own lips."</blockquote> + +How he now likes the taste of it we do not know; about as much, we +suspect, as the "incestuous, murderous, damned Dane" did, when +<i>Hamlet</i> obliged him to "<i>drink off the potion</i>" which he had +treacherously drugged for the destruction of others.<br> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#ap2">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="app7a8"></a><h4>(8) Byroniana No. 5 (<i>The Courier</i>, February 19, 1814).</h4> + + +<blockquote> "He professes no keeping oaths; in breaking them he is stronger than + Hercules. He will lie, sir, with such volubility, that you would think + truth were a fool."</blockquote> + +<i>All's Well that ends Well</i>.<br> +<br> +We have, we should hope, sufficiently exposed the audacious levity and +waywardness of Lord Byron's mind, and yet there are a few touches which +we think will give a finish to the portrait, and add, if it be at all +wanting, to the strength of the resemblance.<br> +<br> +...<br> +<br> +It must be amusing to those who know anything of Lord Byron in the +circles of London, to find him magnanimously defying in very stout +heroics, + +<blockquote> "—all the din of <i>Melbourne</i> House<br> +And <i>Lambes'</i> resentment—"</blockquote> + +and adding that he is "<i>unscared</i>" even by "<i>Holland's +spouse</i>."<br> +<br> +...<br> +<br> +To those who may be in the habit of hearing his Lordship's political +descants, the following extract will appear equally curious: + +<blockquote> "Mr. Brougham, in No. 25 of the <i>Edinburgh Review</i>, throughout + the article concerning Don Pedro Cevallos, has displayed more politics + than policy; many of the worthy burgesses of Edinburgh being so + <i>incensed at the</i> <b>Infamous</b> <i>principles it evinces</i>, as to + have withdrawn their subscriptions;" and in the text of this poem, to + which the foregoing is a note, he advises the Editor of the Review to + +<blockquote>"Beware, lest <i>blundering Brougham</i> destroy the sale;<br> +Turn beef to bannacks, cauliflower to kail."</blockquote></blockquote> + + Those who have attended to his Lordship's progress as an author, and + observed that he has published <i>four</i> poems, in little more than + two years, will start at the following lines: + + <blockquote>"—Oh cease thy song!<br> +A bard may chaunt too often and too long;<br> +As thou art strong in verse, in mercy spare;<br> +A <b>Fourth</b>, alas, were more than we could bear."</blockquote> + + And as the scene of each of these <i>four</i> Poems is laid in the + Levant, it is curious to recollect, that when his Lordship informed + the world that he was about to visit "Afric's coast," and "Calpe's + height," and "Stamboul's minarets," and "Beauty's native clime," he + enters into a voluntary and solemn engagement with the public, + +<blockquote>"That should he back return, no letter'd rage<br> +Shall drag <i>his</i> common-place book on the stage;<br> +Of Dardan tours let Dilettanti tell,<br> +He'll leave topography to classic Cell,<br> +And, <i>quite content</i>, no more shall interpose,<br> +To <i>stun</i> mankind with <i>poetry or prose</i>."</blockquote> + +And yet we have already had, growing out of this "Tour," four volumes of +<i>poetry</i>, enriched with copious notes in <i>prose</i>, selected +from his "<i>common-place book</i>." The whole interspersed every here +and there with the most convincing proofs that instead of being +"<i>quite content</i>," his Lordship has returned, as he went out, the +most discontented and peevish thing that breathes.<br> +<br> +But the passage of all others which gives us the most delight is that in +which his Lordship attacks his critics, and declares that + +<blockquote>"Our men in buckram shall have blows enough,<br> +And feel they <i>too</i> are penetrable stuff."</blockquote> + +and adds, + + <blockquote>"—I have—<br> +Learn'd to deride the Critic's stern decree,<br> +And <i>break him on the wheel he meant for me</i>."</blockquote> + + We should now, with all humility, ask his Lordship whether <i>he</i> + yet feels that "he <i>too</i> is penetrable stuff;" and we should + further wish to know how he likes being "<i>broken on the wheel he + meant for others?</i>"<br> +<br> + When his Lordship shall have sufficiently pondered on those questions, + we may perhaps venture to propound one or two more.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#ap2">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="app7a9"></a><h4>(9) From <i>The Courier</i> (March 15, 1814).</h4> +<br> +The republication of some <i>Satires</i>, which the humour of the moment +now disposes the writer to recall, was strenuously censured, the other +day, in a Morning Paper. It was there said, amongst other things, that +such a republication "contributes to exasperate and perpetuate the +divisions of those whom <i>nature</i> and friendship have joined!" This +is within six weeks after the deliberate <i>republication</i> of "Weep, +daughter," etc., etc.; and thus we are informed of the exact moment at +which all retort is to cease; at which misrepresentation towards the +public and outrage towards the Personages much more than insulted in +those lines, is to be no longer remembered. What privileges does this +writer claim for his friends! They are to live in all "the swill'd +insolence" of attack upon those on whose character, union, and welfare, +the public prosperity mainly depends; they are to instruct the <b>Daughter</b> +to hold the <b>Father</b> disgraced, because he does not surrender the prime +Offices of the State to their ambition. And if, after this, public +disgust make the author feel, in the midst of the little circle of +flatterers that remains to him, what an insight he has given into the +guilt of satire <i>before</i> maturity, <i>before</i> experience, +<i>before</i> knowledge; if the original unprovoked intruder upon the +peace of others be thus taught a love of privacy and a facility of +retraction; if Turnus have found the time, + + <blockquote> "magno cum optaverit emptum<br> +Intactum Pallanta, et cum spolia ista, diemque<br> +Oderit;"</blockquote> + +if triumphing arrogance be changed into a sentimental humility, O! then +<i>Liberality</i> is to call out for him in the best of her hacknied +tones; the contest is to cease at the instant when his humour changes +from mischief to melancholy; <i>affetuoso</i> is to be the only word; +and he is to be allowed his season of sacred torpidity, till the venom, +new formed in the shade, make him glisten again in the sunshine he +envies! +<br> +<p><a href="#ap2">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="app7b"></a><h3>II: <i>The Morning Post</i></h3><br> + +<a name="app7b1"></a><h4>(1) Verses (<i>Morning Post</i>, February 5, 1814).</h4> +<br> +<br> +Suggested by reading some lines of Lord Byron's at the end of his newly +published work, entitled "<i>The Corsair</i>" which begin: + +<blockquote>"<i>Weep, Daughter of a Royal Line.</i>"<br> +<br> +"'<a name="fry11">Far</a> better be the thing that crawls,<a href="#fy11"><sup>1</sup></a><br> + Disgustful on a dungeon's walls;<br> + Far better be the worm that creeps,<br> + In icy rings o'er him who sleeps;'"</blockquote><br> +<hr width="25%" align="left"><br> + + +"Far better be the reptile scorn'd,<br> +Unseen, unheeded, unadorn'd,<br> +Than him, to whom indulgent heav'n,<br> +Has talents and has genius giv'n;<br> +If stung by envy, warp'd by pride,<br> +Such gifts, alas! are misapplied;<br> +Not all by nature's bounty blest<br> +In beauty's dazzling hues are drest;<br> +But who shall play the critic's part,<br> +If for the form atones the heart?<br> +But if the gloomiest thoughts prevail,<br> +And Atheist doctrines stain the tale;<br> +If calumny to pow'r addrest,<br> +Attempts to wound its Sovereign's breast;<br> +If impious it shall try to part,<br> +The Father from the Daughter's heart;<br> +If it shall aim to wield a brand,<br> +To fire our fair and native land;<br> +If hatred for the world and men,<br> +Shall dip in gall the ready pen:<br><br> + + "'Oh then far better 'tis to crawl,<br> + Harmless upon a dungeon's wall;<br> + And better far the worm that creeps,<br> + In icy rings o'er him who sleeps.'"<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fy11"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> <i>Vide</i> Lord Byron's works.<br> +<a href="#fry11">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#ap2">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="app7b2"></a><h4>(2) To Lord Byron (<i>Morning Post</i>, February 7, 1814).</h4> +<br> + +"Bard of ungentle wayward mood!<br> + 'Tis said of thee, when in the lap,<br> +Thy nurse to tempt thee to thy food,<br> + Would squeeze a <i>lemon</i> in thy pap.<br><br> + +At <i>vinegar</i> how danc'd thine eyes,<br> + Before thy tongue a want could utter,<br> +And oft the dame to stop thy cries,<br> + Strew'd <i>wormwood</i> on thy bread and butter.<br><br> + +And when in childhood's frolic hour,<br> + Thou'dst plait a garland for thy hair;<br> +The <i>nettle</i> bloom'd a chosen flow'r,<br> + And native thistles flourish'd there.<br><br> + +For <i>sugar-plum</i> thou ne'er did'st pine,<br> + Thy teeth no <i>sweet-meat</i> ever hurt—<br> +The <i>sloe's juice</i> was thy favourite wine,<br> + And <i>bitter almonds</i> thy desert.<br><br> + +Mustard, how strong so e'er the sort is,<br> + Can draw no moisture from thine eye;<br> +Not vinegar nor aqua-fortis<br> + Could ever set thy face awry.<br><br> + +Thus train'd a Satirist—thy mind<br> + Soon caught the bitter, sharp, and sour,<br> +And all their various pow'rs combin'd,<br> + Produc'd <i>Childe Harold</i>, and the <i>Giaour</i>." +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#ap2">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="app7b3"></a><h4>(3) Lord Byron (<i>Morning Post</i>, February 8, 1814)</h4> +.<br> +<br> +We are very much surprized, and we are not the only persons who feel +disgust as well as astonishment, at the uncalled for avowal Lord Byron +has made of being the Author of some insolent lines, by inserting them +at the end of his new Poem, entitled "<i>The Corsair</i>." The lines we +allude to begin "<i>Weep, Daughter of a Royal Line</i>." Nothing can be +more repugnant to every good heart, as well as to the moral and +religious feelings of a country, which we are proud to say still +cherishes every right sentiment, than an attempt to lower a father in +the eyes of his child. Lord Byron is a young man, and from the tenor of +his writings, has, we fear, adopted principles very contrary to those of +Christianity. But as a man of honour and of <i>feeling</i>, which latter +character he affects <i>outrageously</i>, he ought never to have been +guilty of so unamiable and so unprovoked an attack. Should so gross an +insult to her Royal Father ever meet the eyes of the illustrious young +Lady, for whose perusal it was intended, we trust her own good sense and +good heart will teach her to consider it with the contempt and +abhorrence it so well merits. Will she <i>weep for the disgrace of a +Father</i> who has saved Europe from bondage, and has accumulated, in +the short space of two years, more glory than can be found in any other +period of British history? Will she "<i>weep for a realm's decay</i>," +when that realm is hourly emerging under the Government of her father, +from the complicated embarrassments in which he found it involved? But +all this is too evident to need being particularised. What seems most +surprising is, that Lord Byron should chuse to avow Irish trash at a +moment when every thing conspires to give it the lie. It is for the +<i>organ of the Party</i> alone, or a few insane admirers of Bonaparte +and defamers of their own country and its rulers, to applaud him. We +know it is now the fashion for our young Gentlemen to become Poets, and +a very innocent amusement it is, while they confine themselves to +putting their travels into verse, like <i>Childe Harolde</i>, and Lord +Nugent's <i>Portugal</i>. Nor is there any harm in Turkish tales, nor +wonderful ditties, of ghosts and hobgoblins. We cannot say so much for +all Mr. Moore's productions, admired as he is by Lord Byron. In short, +the whole galaxy of minor poets, Lords Nugent and Byron, with Messrs. +Rogers, Lewis, and Moore, would do well to keep to rhyme, and not +presume to meddle with politics, for which they seem mighty little +qualified. We must repeat, that it is innocent to write tales and +travels in verse, but calumny can never be so, whether written by poets +in St. James's-street, Albany, or Grub-street.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#ap2">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="app7b4"></a><h4>(4) Lines (<i>Morning Post</i>, February 8, 1814).</h4> +<br> +Written on reading the insolent verses published by Lord Byron at the +end of his new poem, "<i>The Corsair</i>" beginning + +<blockquote>"<i>Weep, Daughter of a Royal Line</i>."</blockquote><br> + +"Unblest by nature in thy mien,<br> + Pity might still have play'd her part,<br> +For oft compassion has been seen,<br> + To soften into love the heart.<br><br> + +But when thy gloomy lines we read,<br> + And see display'd without controul,<br> +Th' ungentle thought, the Atheist creed,<br> + And all the rancour of the soul.<br><br> + +When bold and shameless ev'ry tie,<br> + That <b>God</b> has twin'd around the heart,<br> +Thy malice teaches to defy,<br> + And act on earth a Demon's part.<br><br> + +Oh! then from misanthropic pride<br> + We shrink—but pity too the fate<br> +Of youth and talents misapplied,<br> + <a name="fry12">Which</a>, <i>if admired</i><a href="#fy12"><sup>1</sup></a>, we still must hate."<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fy12"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> We say, <i>if admired</i>, as there is a great variety of +opinions respecting Lord Byron's Poems. Some certainly extol them much, +but most of the best judges place his Lordship rather low in the list of +our minor Poets.<br> +<a href="#fry12">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#ap2">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="app7b5"></a><h4>(5) Lines (<i>Morning Post</i>, February 11, 1814)</h4> +.<br> +<br> +Suggested by perusing Lord Byron's small Poem, at the end of his +"<i>Corsair</i>" addressed to a Lady weeping, beginning: + + +<blockquote>"<i>Weep, Daughter of a Royal Line</i>."</blockquote><br> + +"To <b>Lord Byron</b>.<br><br> + +"Were he the man thy verse would paint,<br> + '<i>A Sire's disgrace, a realm's decay</i>;'<br> +Art thou the meek, the pious saint,<br> + That <i>prates</i> of feeling night and day?<br><br> + +<a name="fry13">Stern</a> as the Pirate's<a href="#fy13"><sup>1</sup></a> heart is thine,<br> + Without one ray to cheer its gloom;<br> +And shall that Daughter once repine,<br> +Because thy rude, unhallow'd line,<br> + Would on her virtuous cause presume?<br><br> + +Hide, <b>Byron</b>! in the shades of night—<br> + Hide in thy own congenial cell<br> +The mind that would a fiend affright,<br> + <i>And shock the dunnest realms of hell!</i><br><br> + +No; she will never weep the tears<br> + Which thou would'st Virtue's deign to call;<br> +Nor will they, in remoter years,<br> + Molest her Father's heart at all.<br><br> + +Dark-vision'd man! thy moody vein<br> +Tends only to thy mental pain,<br> +And cloud the talents Heav'n had meant<br> +To prove the source of true content;<br> +Much better were it for thy soul,<br> + Both here and in the realms of bliss,<br> +To check the glooms that now controul<br> +Those talents, which might still repay<br> +The wrongs of many a luckless day,<br> + In <a name="fry14">such</a> a <i>cheerless</i><a href="#fy14"><sup>2</sup></a> clime as this.<br><br> + +But never strive to lure the heart<br> + From <i>one</i> to which 'tis ever nearest,<br> +Lest from its duty it depart,<br> + And shun the Pow'r which should be dearest:<br> +For heav'n may sting thy heart in turn,<br> + And rob thee of thy sweetest treasure<br> +But, <b>Byron</b>! thou hast yet to learn,<br> + <i>That Virtue is the source of pleasure!</i>"<br> +<br> +<b>Tyrtæus</b><br> +<br> +G—n-street, Feb. 9, 1814.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fy13"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> <i>The Corsair</i>.<br> +<a href="#fry13">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<br> +<a name="fy14"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 2:</span></a> In allusion to the general melancholy character of his +Lordship's poetical doctrines.<br> +<a href="#fry14">return</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#ap2">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="app7b6"></a><h4>(6) To Lord Byron (<i>Morning Post</i>, February 15, 1814)</h4> +.<br> + +Occasioned by reading his Poem, at the end of <i>The Corsair</i>, +beginning: + +<blockquote>"<i>Weep, Daughter of a Royal Line</i>."</blockquote><br> + +Shame on the verse that dares intrude<br> + On Virtue's uncorrupted way-<br> +That smiles upon Ingratitude,<br> + And charms us only to betray!<br><br> + +For this does <b>Byron's</b> muse employ<br> + The calm unbroken hours of night?<br> +And wou'd she basely thus destroy<br> + The source of all that's just-upright?<br><br> + +Traitor to every moral law!<br> + Think what thy own cold heart wou'd feel,<br> +If some insidious mind should draw<br> + <a name="fry15">Thy</a> daughter<a href="#fy15"><sup>1</sup></a> from her filial zeal.<br><br> + +"And dost thou bid the offspring shun<br> + Its father's fond, incessant care?<br> +Why, every sister, sire, and son,<br> + Must loathe thee as the poison'd air!<br><br> + +<b>Byron</b>! thy dark, unhallow'd mind,<br> + Stor'd as it is with Atheist writ,<br> +Will surely, never, never find,<br> + One convert to admire its wit!<br><br> + +Thou art a planet boding woe,<br> + Attractive for thy novel mien—<br> +A calm, but yet a deadly foe,<br> + Most baneful when thou'rt most serene!<br><br> + +Tho' fortune on thy course may shine,<br> + Strive not to lead the mind astray,<br> +Nor let one impious verse of thine,<br> + The unsuspecting heart betray!<br><br> + +But rather let thy talents aim<br> + To lead incautious youth aright;<br> +Thus shall thy works acquire that fame,<br> + Which ought to be thy chief delight.<br><br> + +"The verse, however smooth it flow, <br> + Must be abhorr'd, abjur'd, despis'd,<br> + When Virtue feels a secret blow,<br> + And order finds her course surpris'd."<br> +<br> +<b>Horatio</b><br> +<br> +Fitzroy-square, Feb. 13.<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr width="50%" align="left"><br> +<br> +<a name="fy15"><span style="color: #FF0000;">Footnote 1:</span></a> Supposing <b>Lord Byron</b> to have a daughter.<br> +<a href="#fry15">return to footnote mark</a><br> +<br> +<p><a href="#ap2">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="app7b7"></a><h4>(7) To Lord Byron (<i>Morning Post</i>, February 16, 1814)</h4> +.<br> + +"Bard of the pallid front, and curling hair,<br> + To London taste, and northern critics dear,<br> + Friend of the dog, companion of the bear,<br> + <b>Apollo</b> drest in trimmest Turkish gear.<br><br> + +"'Tis thine to eulogize the fell Corsair,<br> + Scorning all laws that God or man can frame;<br> + And yet so form'd to please the gentle fair,<br> + That reading misses wish their Loves the same.<br><br> + +"Thou prov'st that laws are made to aid the strong,<br> + That murderers and thieves alone are brave,<br> + That all religion is an idle song,<br> + Which troubles life, and leaves us at the grave.<br><br> + +"That men and dogs have equal claims on Heav'n,<br> + Though dogs but bark, and men more wisely prate,<br> + That to thyself one friend alone was giv'n,<br> + That Friend a Dog, now snatch'd away by Fate.<br><br> + +"And last can tell how daughters best may shew<br> + Their love and duty to their fathers dear,<br> + By reckoning up what stream of filial woe<br> + Will give to every crime a cleansing tear.<br><br> + +"Long may'st thou please this wonder-seeking age,<br> + By <b>Murray</b> purchas'd, and by <b>Moore</b> admir'd;<br> + May fashion never quit thy classic page,<br> + Nor e'er be with thy Turkomania tir'd."<br> +<br> +<b>Unus Multorum</b>.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#ap2">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="app7b8"></a><h4>(8) Verses Addressed To Lord Byron (<i>Morning Post</i>, February 16, +1814).</h4> +<br> +"Lord <i>Byron</i>! Lord <i>Byron</i>!<br> + Your heart's made of iron,<br> +As hard and unfeeling as cold.<br> + Half human, half bird,<br> + From <i>Virgil</i> we've heard,<br> +Were form'd the fam'd harpies of old.<br><br> + +"Like those monsters you chatter,<br> + Friends and foes you bespatter,<br> +And dirty, like them, what you eat:<br> + The <i>Hollands</i>, your muse<br> + Does most grossly abuse,<br> +Tho' you feed on their wine and their meat.<br><br> + +"Your friend, little <i>Moore</i>,<br> + You have dirtied before,<br> +But you know that in safety you write:<br> + You've declared in your lines,<br> + That revenge he declines,<br> +For the poor little man will not fight.<br><br> + +"At <i>Carlisle</i> you sneer,<br> + That worthy old Peer,<br> +Though united by every tie;<br> + But you act as you preach,<br> + And do what you teach,<br> +And your <i>God</i> and your duty defy.<br><br> + +"As long as your aim<br> + Was alone to defame,<br> +The nearest relation you own;<br> + At your malice he smil'd,<br> + But he won't see defil'd,<br> +By your harpy bespatt'rings, the Throne."<br> + +<br> +<p><a href="#ap2">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="app7b9"></a><h4>(9) Patronage Extraordinary (<i>Morning Post</i>, February 17, 1814)</h4> +.<br> + +<blockquote>"Procul este profani—!"</blockquote> + +"A friendship subsisted, no friendship was closer,<br> +'Twixt the heir of a Peer and the son of a Grocer;<br> +'Tis <i>true</i>, though so wide was their difference of station,<br> +For, we <i>always</i> find <i>truth</i> in a <i>long dedication</i>.<br> +Atheistical doctrines in verse we are told,<br> +The former sold <i>wholesale</i>, was daring and bold;<br> +While the latter (whatever <i>he</i> offer'd for sale)<br> +Like papa, he disposed of—of course by <i>retail!</i><br> +First—<i>scraps</i> of <i>indecency</i>, next <i>disaffection</i>,<br> +Disguised by the knave from his fear of detection;<br> +To court <i>party favour</i>, then, sonnets he wrote;<br> +Set political squibs to the harpsichord's note.<br> +One, as <i>patron</i> was chosen by his brother Poet,<br> +The Peer, to be sure, from his rank we may know it;<br> +Not the low and indecent composer of jigs—<br> +Yes! yes! 'twas the son of the seller of Figs!!<br> +Did the Peer then possess <i>no respectable friend</i><br> +To add weight to his name, and his works recommend?!<br> +Atheistical writings we well may believe,<br> +None of <i>worth</i> from the Author would deign to receive;<br> +So—to cover the faults of his friend he essays,<br> +By <i>daubing</i> him <i>thickly all over with praise</i>.<br> +But, <i>parents</i>, attend! if your <i>daughters</i> you <i>love</i>,<br> +The works of <i>these serpents</i> take <i>care</i> to remove:<br> +Their <i>infernal attacks</i> from your <i>mansions</i> repel,<br> +Where <i>filial affection</i> and <i>modesty</i> dwell."<br> +<br> +<b>Verax</b>.<br> + +<br> +<p><a href="#ap2">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="app7b10"></a><h4>(10) Lord Byron (<i>Morning Post</i>, February 18, 1814).</h4> +<br> + +If it was the object of Lord <b>Byron</b> to stamp his character, and to bring +his name forward by a single act of his life into general notoriety, it +must be confessed that he has completely succeeded. We do not recollect +any former instance in which a Peer has stood forth as the libeller of +his Sovereign. If he disapproves the measures of his Ministers, the +House of Parliament, in which he has an hereditary right to sit, is the +place where his opinions may with propriety be uttered. If he thinks he +can avert any danger to his country by a personal conference with his +Sovereign, he has a right to demand it. The Peers are the natural +advisers of the Crown, but the Constitution which has granted them such +extraordinary privileges, makes it doubly criminal in them to attack the +authority from which it is derived, and to insult the power which it is +their peculiar province to uphold and protect. What then must we think +of the foolish vanity, or the bad taste of a titled Poet, who is the +first to proclaim himself the Author of a Libel, because he is fearful +it will not be sufficiently read without his avowal. We perfectly +remember having read the verses in question a year ago; but we could not +then suppose them the offspring of patrician bile, nor should we now +believe it without the Author's special authority. It seems by some late +quotations from his Lordship's works, which have been rescued from that +oblivion to which they were hastening with a rapid step, by one of our +co-equals, that this peerless Peer has already gone through a complete +course of private ingratitude. The inimitable Hogarth has traced the +gradual workings of an unfeeling heart in his progress of cruelty. He +has shewn, that malevolence is progressive in its operation, and that a +man who begins life by impaling flies, will find a delight in torturing +his fellow creatures before he closes it. We have heard that even at +school these poetical propensities were strongly manifested in Lord +<b>Byron</b>, and that he began his satirical career against those persons to +whom the formation of his mind was entrusted. From his schoolmaster he +turned the œstrum of his opening genius to his guardian and uncle, the +Earl of <b>Carlisle</b>. We cannot believe that the Noble Person's conduct has +in this instance been a perfect contrast to the general tenor of his +life. We have heard, that during his guardianship he tripled the amount +of his nephew's fortune. If the Earl of <b>Carlisle</b> was satisfied with his +own <i>conscia mens recti</i>, if he wanted no thanks, he must at least +have been much surprised to find such attentions and services rewarded +with a libel, in which not only his literary accomplishments, but his +bodily infirmities, were made the subject of public ridicule. The Noble +Earl was certainly at liberty to treat such personal attacks with the +contempt which they deserve, but since his Sovereign is become the +object of a vile and unprovoked libel, he will no doubt draw the +attention of his Peers to a new case of outrage to good order and +government, which has been unfortunately furnished by his own nephew.<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#ap2">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="app7c"></a><h3>III: <i>The Sun</i></h3><br> + +<a name="app7c1"></a><h4>(1) <i>The Sun</i>, February 4, 1814.</h4> +<br> +<br> +That poetical Peer, Lord <b>Byron</b>, knowing full well that anything +insulting to his Prince or injurious to his country would be most +thankfully received and published by the <i>Morning Chronicle</i>, did +in March, 1812, send the following loyal and patriotic lines to that +loyal and patriotic Paper, in which of course they appeared: + +"To <b>a Lady Weeping.</b> + +<blockquote>"Weep, daughter of a Royal line,<br> + <i>A Sire's disgrace, a realm's decay:</i><br> +Ah! happy! if each tear of thine<br> + Could wash a father's <i>fault</i> away!<br><br> + +"Weep—for thy tears are Virtue's tears—<br> + Auspicious to these suffering isles:<br> +And be each drop, in future years,<br> + Repaid thee by thy people's smiles!"</blockquote> + +These lines the <i>Morning Chronicle</i>, in the following paragraph of +yesterday, informs us were aimed at the <b>Prince Regent</b>, and addressed to +the Princess <b>Charlotte</b>: + +<blockquote> "<i>The Courier</i> is indignant at the discovery now made by Lord + <b>Byron</b>, that he was the author of 'the Verses to a Young Lady weeping,' + which were inserted about a twelvemonth ago in <i>the Morning + Chronicle</i>. The Editor thinks it audacious in a hereditary + Counsellor of the King to admonish the <i>Heir Apparent</i>. It may + not be <i>courtly</i>, but it is certainly <i>British</i>, and we wish + the kingdom had more such honest advisers."</blockquote> + +No wonder the <i>Courier</i>, and every loyal man, should be indignant +at the discovery (made by the republication of these worthless lines, in +the Noble Lord's new Volume) that this gross insult came from the pen of +"a hereditary Counsellor of the <b>King</b>! "No wonder every good subject +should execrate this novel and disagreeable mode of "<i>admonishing</i> +the Heir Apparent," which is further from being British than it is from +being Courtly; for, from Courtier baseness may be expected, but from a +Briton no such infamous dereliction of his duty as is involved in a +malignant, <i>anonymous</i> attack by a Peer of the Realm upon the +person exercising the Sovereign Authority of his Country. But the +assertions of Lord <b>Byron</b> are as false as they are audacious. What was +the "Sire's Disgrace" to be thus bewept? He preferred the independence +of the Crown to the arrogant dictation of a haughty Aristocracy, who +desired to hold him in Leading-strings. It was then, amid a "Realm's +(fancied) decay," because this Faction were not admitted to supreme +power, that his Royal Highness's early friends drunk his health in +contemptuous silence, while their more vulgar partizans "at the lower +end of the Hall" hissed and hooted the royal name. But mark the reverse +since March, 1812, a reverse which it might have been thought would have +induced the Noble Lord, from prudent motives, to have withheld this +ill-timed publication! How is his Royal Highness's health toasted +<i>now</i>? With universal shouts and acclamations. Treason itself dare +not interpose a single discordant sound save in its own private orgies! +Where is <i>now</i> the realm's decay? oh short-sighted prognosticators +of the prophecies! look around, and dread the fate of the speakers of +falsehood among the Jews of old, who were stoned to death by the people! +The wide world furnishes the answer to your selfish croakings, and tells +Lord <b>Byron</b> that he is destitute of at least one of the qualities of an +inspired Bard.<br> +<br> +Perhaps we might add another, viz. honesty in acknowledging his +plagiarisms, one of which (as we have already said more than his silly +verse above quoted deserves, except from the rank of its author) we +shall take the liberty of stating to the Public.<br> +<br> +The <i>Bride of Abydos</i> begins, something in the stile of an old +ballad, thus: + +<blockquote>"Know ye the land where the cypress and myrtle<br> +Are emblems of deeds that are done in their clime,<br> +Where the rage of the vulture—the love of the turtle—<br> +Now melt into sorrow—now madden to crime?—<br> +Know ye the land of the cedar and vine?<br> +Where the flowers ever blossom, the beams ever shine,<br> +Where the light wings of Zephyr, oppress'd with perfume,<br> +Wax faint o'er the gardens of Gúl in her bloom;<br> +Where the citron and olive are fairest of fruit,<br> +And the voice of the nightingale never is mute;<br> +Where the tints of the earth, and the hues of the sky,<br> +In colour though varied, in beauty may vie,<br> +And the purple of Ocean is deepest in dye."</blockquote> + +The whole of which passage we take to be a paraphrase, and a bad +paraphrase too, of a song of the German of Göthe, of which the following +translation was published at Berlin in 1798: + +<blockquote>"Know'st thou the land, where citrons scent the gale,<br> +Where glows the orange in the golden vale,<br> +Where softer breezes fan the azure skies,<br> +Where myrtles spring and prouder laurels rise?<br> +"Know'st them the pile, the colonnade sustains,<br> +Its splendid chambers and its rich domains,<br> +Where breathing statues stand in bright array,<br> +And seem, 'What ails thee, hapless maid?' to say?<br><br> + +"Know'st thou the mount, where clouds obscure the day;<br> +Where scarce the mule can trace his misty way;<br> +Where lurks the dragon and her scaly brood;<br> +And broken rocks oppose the headlong flood?"</blockquote> + +<br> +<p><a href="#ap2">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="app7c2"></a><h4>(2) Epigram (<i>The Sun</i>, February 8, 1814)</h4> +.<br> + +On the Detection of Lord <b>Byron's</b> Plagiarism, in <i>The Sun</i> of Friday +last. + +<blockquote>"That <b>Byron</b> <i>borrows verses</i> is well known,<br> +But his <i>misanthropy</i> is all his own."</blockquote> + +<br> +<p><a href="#ap2">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="app7c3"></a><h4>(3) Lord Byron (<i>The Sun</i>, February 11, 1814).</h4> +<br> +<blockquote>We are informed from very good authority, that as soon as the House of +Lords meets again, a Peer of very independent principles and character +intends to give notice of a motion, occasioned by the late spontaneous +avowal of a copy of verses by Lord <b>Byron</b>, addressed to the Princess +<b>Charlotte</b> of <b>Wales</b>, in which he has taken the most unwarrantable +liberties with her august Father's character and conduct; this motion +being of a personal nature, it will be necessary to give the Noble +Satirist some days notice, that he may prepare himself for his defence +against a charge of so aggravated a nature, which may perhaps not be a +fit subject for a criminal prosecution, as the laws of the country, not +forseeing the probability of such a case ever occurring, under all the +present circumstances, have not made a provision against it; but we know +that each House of Parliament has a controul over its own members, and +that there are instances on the Journals of Parliament, where an +individual Peer has been suspended from all the privileges of the high +situation to which his birth entitled him, when by any flagrant offence +against good order and government, he has rendered himself unworthy of +exercising so important a trust.<br> +<br> +<i>Morning Post</i>.</blockquote> + +<br> +<p><a href="#ap2">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> + +<a name="app7c4"></a><h4>(4) Parody (<i>The Sun</i>, February 16, 1814)</h4> +.<br> +<br> +<blockquote>"'<b>Weep, Daughter of a Royal Line</b>!'<br><br> + +"<b>Mourn</b>, dabbler in dull party rhyme,<br> + Thy mind's disease, thy name's disgrace.<br> +Ah, lucky! if the hand of Time<br> + Should all thy Muse's crimes efface!<br> +"<b>Mourn</b>—for thy lays are Rancour's lays—<br> + Disgraceful to a Briton born;<br> +And hence each theme of factious praise<br> + Consigns thee to thy Country's scorn."</blockquote> + +<br> +<br> +<p><a href="#ap2">Detailed Contents of Appendices</a><br> +<a href="#toc">Contents</a></p> +<hr><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<b><i>end of text</i></b> +<br> +<br> +<hr><br><br> +<br> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Works of Lord Byron: Letters and +Journals, Volume 2., by Lord Byron + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BYRON: LETTERS AND JOURNALS, VOLUME 2 *** + +This file should be named 8blj210h.htm or 8blj210h.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, 8blj211h.htm +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, 8blj210ah.htm + +Produced by Clytie Siddall, Keren Vergon, +and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team! + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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