Chapter 1 — Childhood and School (continued 2)
Reading edition
And
to day, this very morning, I had a thundering Jobation from our Good Doctor
1
, which deranged my
nervous system
, for at least five minutes. But notwithstanding He and I now and then disagree, yet upon the whole we are very good friends, for there is so much of the Gentleman, so much mildness, and nothing of pedantry in his character, that I cannot help liking him, and will remember his instructions with gratitude as long as I live. He leaves Harrow soon,
apropos
, so do I. This quitting will be a considerable loss to the school. He is the best master we ever had, and at the same time respected and feared; greatly will he be regretted by all who know him. You tell me you don't know my friend L'd Delawarr; he is considerably younger than me, but the most good tempered, amiable, clever fellow in the universe. To all which he adds the quality (a good one in the eyes of women) of being remarkably handsome, almost too much so for a boy. He is at present very low in the school, not owing to his want of ability, but to his years. I am nearly at the top of it; by the rules of our Seminary he is under my power, but he is too goodnatured ever to offend me, and I like him too well ever to exert my authority over him. If ever you should meet, and chance to know him, take notice of him on my account.
You say that you shall write to the Dowager Soon; her address is at Southwell,
that
I need hardly inform you. Now, Augusta, I am going to tell you a secret, perhaps I shall appear undutiful to you, but, believe me, my affection for you is founded on a more firm basis. My mother has lately behaved to me in such an eccentric manner, that so far from feeling the affection of a Son, it is with difficulty I can restrain my dislike. Not that I can complain of want of liberality; no, She always supplies me with as much money as I can spend, and more than most boys hope for or desire. But with all this she is so hasty, so impatient, that I dread the approach of the holidays, more than most boys do their return from them. In former days she spoilt me; now she is altered to the contrary; for the most trifling thing, she upbraids me in a most outrageous manner, and all our disputes have been lately heightened by my one with that object of my cordial, deliberate detestation, Lord Grey de Ruthyn. She wishes me to explain my reasons for disliking him, which I will never do; would I do it to any one, be assured you, my dear Augusta, would be the first who would know them. She also insists on my being reconciled to him, and once she let drop such an odd expression that I was half inclined to believe the dowager was in love with him. But I hope not, for he is the most disagreeable person (in my opinion) that exists. He called once during my last vacation; she threatened, stormed, begged me to make it up, "he himself loved me, and wished it;" but my reason was so excellent — that neither had effect, nor would I speak or stay in the same room, till he took his departure. No doubt this appears odd; but was my reason known, which it never will be if I can help it, I should be justified in my conduct. Now if I am to be tormented with her and him in this style, I cannot submit to it. You, Augusta, are the only relation I have who treats me as a friend; if you too desert me, I have nobody I can love but Delawarr. If it was not for his sake, Harrow would be a desert, and I should dislike staying at it. You desire me to burn your epistles; indeed I cannot do that, but I will take care that They shall be invisible. If you burn any of mine, I shall be
monstrous angry
; take care of them till we meet.
Delawarr
2
and myself are in a manner connected, for one of our forefathers in Charles the 1st's time married into their family.
Hartington
3
, whom you enquire after, is on very good terms with me, nothing more, he is of a soft milky disposition, and of a happy apathy of temper which defies the softer emotions, and is insensible of ill treatment; so much for him. Don't betray me to the Dowager. I should like to know your Lady Gertrude, as you and her are so great Friends. Adieu, my Sister, write. From
[Signature, etc., cut out.]
Footnote 1:
The Rev. Joseph Drury, D.D. (1750-1834), educated at Westminster and Trinity College, Cambridge, was appointed an Assistant-master at Harrow before he was one and twenty. He was Head-master from 1784 to 1805. In that year he retired, and till his death in 1834 lived at Cockwood, in Devonshire, where he devoted himself to farming. The following statement by Dr. Drury illustrates Byron's respect for his Head-master (
Life
, p. 20):—
"After my retreat from Harrow, I received from him two very affectionate letters. In my occasional visits subsequently to London, when he had fascinated the public with his productions, I demanded of him, why, as in duty bound, he had sent none to me? 'Because,' said he, 'you are the only man I never wish to read them;' but in a few moments, he added, 'What do you think of the Corsair?'"
Dr. Drury married Louisa Heath, sister of the Rev. Benjamin Heath, his predecessor in the Head-mastership. They had four children, all of whom have some connection with Byron's life.
Henry Joseph Drury (1778-1841), educated at Eton and King's College, Cambridge (Fellow), Assistant-master at Harrow School, married (December 20, 1808) Ann Caroline Tayler, and had a numerous family. Mrs. Drury's sister married the Rev. F. Hodgson (see page 195, note 1).
Benjamin Heath Drury (1782-1835), educated at Eton and King's College, Cambridge (Fellow), Assistant-master at Eton.
Charles Drury (1788-1869), educated at Harrow and Queen's College, Oxford (Fellow).
Louisa Heath Drury (1787-1873) married John Herman Merivale.
Dr. Drury's brother, Mark Drury, the Lower Master at Harrow, was the candidate whom Byron supported for the Head-mastership.
return to footnote mark
cross-reference: return to Footnote 2 of Letter 4
cross-reference: return to Footnote 1 of Letter 85
cross-reference: return to Footnote 2 of Letter 102
cross-reference: return to Footnote 1 of Letter 108
Footnote 2:
Thomas, third Lord Delawarr, Captain-general of all the Colonies planted or to be planted in Virginia, died in 1618. His fourth daughter, Cecilie, widow of Sir Francis Bindlose, married Sir John Byron, created Lord Byron by Charles I. His fifth daughter, Lucy, married Sir Robert Byron, brother to Lord Byron. But the first Lord Byron left no heirs, and the title descended to his brother, Richard Byron, from whom the poet was descended.
return
Footnote 3:
William Spencer, Marquis of Hartington (1790-1858), succeeded his father as sixth Duke of Devonshire in 1811, and died unmarried. His sister, Georgiana Dorothy, married, in 1801, Lord Carlisle's eldest son.
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List of Letters
15 — To the Hon. Augusta Byron
Harrow, Saturday, 11th Novr, 1804.
I
thought, my dear Augusta
1
, that your opinion of my
meek mamma
would coincide with mine; Her temper is so variable, and, when inflamed, so furious, that I dread our meeting; not but I dare say, that I am troublesome enough, but I always endeavour to be as dutiful as possible.
She
is so very strenuous, and so tormenting in her entreaties and commands, with regard to my reconciliation, with that detestable Lord G.
2
that I suppose she has a penchant for his Lordship; but I am confident that he does not return it, for he rather dislikes her than otherwise, at least as far as I can judge. But she has an excellent opinion of her personal attractions, sinks her age a good six years, avers that when I was born she was only eighteen, when you, my dear Sister, know as well as I know that she was of age when she married my father, and that I was not born for three years afterwards. But vanity is the weakness of
your sex
, — and these are mere foibles that I have related to you, and, provided she never molested me, I should look upon them as follies very excusable in a woman.
But I am now coming to what must shock you, as much as it does me, when she has occasion to lecture me (not very seldom you will think no doubt) she does not do it in a manner that commands respect, and in an impressive style. No! did she do that, I should amend my faults with pleasure, and dread to offend a kind though just mother. But she flies into a fit of phrenzy, upbraids me as if I was the most undutiful wretch in existence, rakes up the ashes of my
father
, abuses him, says I shall be a true Byrrone, which is the worst epithet she can invent. Am I to call this woman mother? Because by nature's law she has authority over me, am I to be trampled upon in this manner? am I to be goaded with insult, loaded with obloquy, and suffer my feelings to be outraged on the most trivial occasions? I owe her respect as a Son, But I renounce her as a Friend. What an example does she shew me! I hope in God I shall never follow it. I have not told you all, nor can I; I respect you as a female, nor, although I ought to confide in you as a Sister, will I shock you with the repetition of Scenes, which you may judge of by the Sample I have given you, and which to all but you are buried in oblivion. Would they were so in my mind! I am afraid they never will. And can I, my dear Sister, look up to this mother, with that respect, that affection I ought? Am I to be eternally subjected to her caprice? I hope not — ; indeed a few short years will emancipate me from the Shackles I now wear, and then perhaps she will govern her passion better than at present.
You mistake me, if you think I dislike Lord Carlisle; I respect him, and might like him did I know him better. For him too my mother has an antipathy, why I know not. I am afraid he could be but of little use to me, in separating me from her, which she would oppose with all her might; but I dare say he would assist me if he could, so I take the will for the Deed, and am obliged to him in exactly the same manner as if he succeeded in his efforts.
I am in great hopes, that at Christmas I shall be with Mr. Hanson during the vacation, I shall do all I can to avoid a visit to my mother wherever she is. It is the first duty of a parent, to impress precepts of obedience in their children, but her method is so violent, so capricious, that the patience of Job, the versatility of a member of the House of Commons could not support it. I revere Dr. Drury much more than I do her, yet he is never violent, never outrageous: I dread offending him, not however through fear, but the respect I bear him makes me unhappy when I am under his displeasure. My mother's precepts, never convey instruction, never fix upon my mind; to be sure they are calculated, to inculcate obedience, so are chains, and tortures, but though they may restrain for a time, the mind revolts from such treatment. Not that Mrs. Byron ever injures my
sacred
person. I am rather too old for that, but her words are of that rough texture, which offend more than personal ill usage. "A talkative woman is like an Adder's tongue," so says one of the prophets, but which I can't tell, and very likely you don't wish to know, but he was a true one whoever he was.
The postage of your letters, My dear Augusta, don't fall upon me; but if they did, it would make no difference, for I am Generally in cash, and should think the trifle I paid for your epistles the best laid out I ever spent in my life. Write Soon. Remember me to Lord Carlisle, and, believe me, I ever am
Your affectionate Brother and Friend,
Byrone
.
Footnote 1:
In consequence of this letter, Augusta Byron wrote as follows to Hanson, and Byron spent the Christmas holidays of 1804 with his solicitor:—
"Castle Howard, Nov. 18, 1804. "My Dear Sir, — I am afraid you will think I presume almost too much upon the kind permission you have so often given me of applying to you about my Brother's concerns. The reason that induces me now to do so is his having lately written me several Letters containing the most extraordinary accounts of his Mother's conduct towards him and complaints of the uncomfortable Situation he is in during the Holidays when with her. All this you will easily imagine has more vexed than surprized me. I am quite unhappy about him, and wish I could in any way remedy the grievances he confides to me. I wished, as the most likely means of doing this, to mention the subject to Lord Carlisle, who has always expressed the greatest interest about Byron and also shewn me the greatest Kindness. Finding that he did not object to it, I yesterday had some conversation with Lord C. on the subject, and it is partly by his advice and wishes that I trouble you with this Letter. He authorized me to tell you that, if you would allow my Brother to spend the next vacation with you (which he seems strongly to wish), that it would put it into his power to see more of him and shew him more attention than he has hitherto, being withheld from doing so from the dread of having any concern whatever with Mrs. Byron. I need hardly add that it is almost my first wish that this should be accomplished. I am sure you are of my opinion that it is now of the greatest consequence to Byron to secure the friendship of Lord C., the only relation he has who possesses the Will and power to be of use to him. I think the Letters he writes me quite perfect and he does not express one sentiment or idea I should wish different; he tells me he is soon to leave Harrow, but does not say where he is to go. I conclude to Oxford or Cambridge. Pray be so good as to write me a few lines on this subject. I trust entirely to the interest and friendship you have ever so kindly expressed for my Brother, for my Forgiveness. Of course you will not mention to Mrs. B. having heard from me, as she would only accuse me of wishing to estrange her Son from her, which would be very far from being the case further than his Happiness and comfort are concerned in it. My opinion is that as they cannot agree, they had better be separated, for such eternal Scenes of wrangling are enough to spoil the very best temper and Disposition in the universe. I shall hope to hear from you soon, my dear sir, and remain, Most sincerely yours, Augusta Byron."
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cross-reference: return to Footnote 1 of Letter 7
Footnote 2:
Lord Grey de Ruthyn. (See p. 23,
note
1.)
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List of Letters
16 — To the Hon. Augusta Byron
[Castle Howard, Malton, Yorkshire.]
Harrow-on-the-Hill, Novr., Saturday, 17th, 1804.
I am glad to hear, My dear Sister, that you like Castle Howard so well, I have no doubt what you say is true and that Lord C. is much more amiable than he has been represented to me. Never having been much with him and always hearing him reviled, it was hardly possible I should have conceived a very
great friendship
for his L'dship. My mother, you inform me, commends my
amiable disposition
and
good understanding;
if she does this to you, it is a great deal more than I ever hear myself, for the one or the other is always found fault with, and I am told to copy the
excellent pattern
which I see before me in
herself.
You have got an invitation too, you may accept it if you please, but if you value your own comfort, and like a pleasant situation, I advise you to avoid Southwell. — I thank you, My dear Augusta, for your readiness to assist me, and will in some manner avail myself of it; I do not however wish to be separated from
her
entirely, but not to be so much with her as I hitherto have been, for I do believe she likes me; she manifests that in many instances, particularly with regard to money, which I never want, and have as much as I desire. But her conduct is so strange, her caprices so impossible to be complied with, her passions so outrageous, that the evil quite overbalances her
agreeable qualities.
Amongst other things I forgot to mention a most
ungovernable appetite
for Scandal, which she never can govern, and employs most of her time abroad, in displaying the faults, and censuring the foibles, of her acquaintance; therefore I do not wonder, that my precious Aunt, comes in for her share of encomiums; This however is nothing to what happens when my conduct admits of animadversion; "then comes the tug of war." My whole family from the conquest are upbraided! myself abused, and I am told that what little accomplishments I possess either in mind or body are derived from her and
her alone.
When I leave Harrow I know not; that depends on her nod; I like it very well. The master Dr. Drury, is the most amiable
clergyman
I ever knew; he unites the Gentleman with the Scholar, without affectation or pedantry, what little I have learnt I owe to him alone, nor is it his fault that it was not more. I shall always remember his instructions with Gratitude, and cherish a hope that it may one day be in my power to repay the numerous obligations, I am under; to him or some of his family.
Our holidays come on in about a fortnight. I however have not mentioned that to my mother, nor do I intend it; but if I can, I shall contrive to evade going to Southwell. Depend upon it I will not approach her for some time to come if It is in my power to avoid it, but she must not know, that it is my wish to be absent. I hope you will excuse my sending so short a letter, but the Bell has just rung to summon us together. Write Soon, and believe me, Ever your affectionate Brother,
Byron
.
I am afraid you will have some difficulty in decyphering my epistles, but
that
I know you will excuse. Adieu. Remember me to Lord Carlisle.
List of Letters
17 — To the Hon. Augusta Byron
[Castle Howard, Malton, Yorkshire.]
Harrow-on-the-Hill, Novr. 21st, 1804.
My Dearest Augusta
, — This morning I received your by no means unwelcome epistle, and thinking it demands an immediate answer, once more take up my pen to employ it in your service. There is no necessity for my mother to know anything of my intentions, till the time approaches; and when it does come, Mr. H. has only to write her a note saying, that, as I could not accept the invitation he gave me last holidays, he imagined I might do it now; to this she surely can make no objections; but, if she entertained the slightest idea of my making any complaint of her very
lenient
treatment, the scene that would ensue beggars all power of description. You may have some little idea of it, from what I have told you, and what you yourself know.
I wrote to you the other day; but you make no mention of receiving my letter in yours of the 18th inst. It is however of little importance, containing merely a recapitulation of circumstances which I have before detailed at full length.
To Lord Carlisle make my warmest acknowledgements. I feel more gratitude, than my feelings can well express; I am truly obliged to him for his endeavours, and am perfectly satisfied with your explanation of his reserve, though I was hitherto afraid it might proceed from personal dislike. I have some idea that I leave Harrow these holidays. The Dr., whose character I gave you in my last, leaves the mastership at Easter. Who his successor may be I know not, but he will not be a better I am confident. You inform me that you intend to visit my mother, then you will have an opportunity of seeing what I have described, and hearing a great
deal of Scandal.
She does not trouble me much with epistolary communications; when I do receive them, they are very concise, and much to the purpose. However I will do her the justice to say that she behaves, or rather means, well, and is in some respects very kind, though her manners are not the most conciliating. She likewise expresses a great deal of affection for you, but disapproves your marriage, wishes to know my opinion of it, and complains that you are negligent and do not write to her or care about her. How far her opinion of your love for her is well grounded, you best know. I again request you will return my sincere thanks to Lord Carlisle, and for the future I shall consider him as more my friend than I have hitherto been taught to think. I have more reasons than one, to wish to avoid going to Notts, for there I should be obliged to associate with Lord G. whom I detest, his manners being unlike those of a Gentleman, and the information to be derived from him but little except about shooting, which I do not intend to devote my life to. Besides, I have a particular reason for not liking him. Pray write to me soon. Adieu, my Dear Augusta.
I remain, your affectionate Brother,
Byron
.
List of Letters
18 — to John Hanson1
Saturday, Dec. 1st, 1804.
My Dear Sir
, — Our vacation commences on the 5th of this Month, when I propose to myself the pleasure of spending the Holidays at your House, if it is not too great an Inconvenience. I tell you fairly, that at Southwell I should have nothing in the World to do, but play at cards and listen to the edifying Conversation of old Maids, two things which do not at all suit my inclinations. In my Mother's last Letter I find that my poney and pointers are not yet procured, and that Lord Grey is still at Newstead. The former I should be very dull at such a place as Southwell without; the latter is still more disagreeable to be with. I presume he goes on in the old way, — quarrelling with the farmers, and stretching his judicial powers (he being now in the commission) to the utmost, becoming a torment to himself, and a pest to all around him. — I am glad you approve of my Gun, feeling myself happy, that it has been tried by so
distinguished
a
Sportsman
.
I hope your Campaigns against the Partridges and the rest of the feathered Tribe have been attended with no serious Consequences —
trifling accidents
such as the top of a few fingers and a Thumb, you
Gentlemen
of the
city
being used to, of course occasion no interruption to your field sports.
Your Accommodation I have no doubt I shall be perfectly satisfied with, only do exterminate that
vile Generation
of
Bugs
which nearly ate me up the last Time I
sojourned
at your House. After undergoing the Purgatory of Harrow
board
and
Lodging
for three Months I shall not be
particular
or exorbitant in my demands.
Pray
give my best Compliments to Mrs. Hanson and the now
quilldriving
Hargreaves
2
. Till I see you, I remain, Yours, etc.,
Byron
.
Footnote 1:
Byron spent the Christmas holidays of 1804-5 with the Hansons. He gave Hanson to understand that it was his wish to leave the school, and that Dr. Drury agreed with him in the decision. Hanson, after consulting Lord Carlisle, wrote to Drury, urging that Byron was too young to leave the school. Drury's reply, dated December 29, 1804, gave a different colour to the matter.
"Your letter," he writes, "supposes that Lord Byron was desirous to leave school, and that I acquiesced in his Wish: but I must do him the Justice to observe that the wish originated with me. During his last residence at Harrow his conduct gave me much trouble and uneasiness; and as two of his Associates were to leave me at Christmas, I certainly suggested to him my wish that he might be placed under the care of some private Tutor previously to his admission to either of the Universities. This I did no less with a view to the forming of his mind and manners, than to my own comfort; and I am fully convinced that if such a situation can be procured for his Lordship, it will be much more advantageous for him than a longer residence at school, where his animal spirits and want of judgment may induce him to do wrong, whilst his age and person must prevent his Instructors from treating him in some respects as a schoolboy. If we part now, we may entertain affectionate dispositions towards each other, and his Lordship will have left the school with credit; as my dissatisfactions were expressed to him only privately, and in such a manner as not to affect his public situation in the school."
Finally, however, Dr. Drury, yielding to the appeal of Lord Carlisle and Hanson, allowed the boy to return to Harrow, and Byron remained at the school till July, 1805, the last three months being passed under the rule of Dr. Butler.
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Footnote 2:
Hargreaves Hanson, second son of John Hanson, had just left Harrow, and was articled as a pupil in his father's business. He died in 1811, at the age of 23.
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cross-reference: return to Footnote 2 of Letter 161
List of Letters
19 — To the Hon. Augusta Byron
6, Chancery Lane, Wednesday, 30th Jany., 1805.
I have delayed writing to you so long, My dearest Augusta, from ignorance of your residence, not knowing whether you
graced
Castle Howard, or Kireton with your
presence.
The instant Mr. H[anson] informed me where you was, I prepared to address you, and you have but just forestalled my intention. And now, I scarcely know what to begin with; I have so many things, to tell you. I wish to God, that we were together, for It is impossible that I can confine all I have got to say in an epistle, without I was to follow your example, and fill eleven pages, as I was informed, by my
proficiency
in
the art of magic,
that you sometimes send that
number
to
Lady Gertrude.
To begin with an article of
grand importance;
I on Saturday dined with Lord Carlisle, and on further acquaintance I like them all very much. Amongst other circumstances, I heard of your
boldness
as a
Rider,
especially one anecdote about your horse carrying you into the stable
perforce.
I should have admired amazingly to have seen your progress, provided you met with no accident. I hope you recollect the circumstance, and know what I allude to; else, you may think that I am
soaring
into the
Regions of Romance.
I wish you to corroborate my account in your next, and inform me whether my information was correct.
I
think your friend Lady G. is a sweet girl. If your taste in
love
, is as good as it is in
friendship
, I shall think you a
very discerning little Gentlewoman
. His Lordship too improves upon further acquaintance, Her Ladyship I always liked, but of the Junior part of the family Frederick
1
is my favourite. I believe with regard to my future destination, that I return to Harrow until June, and then I'm off for the university. Could I have found Room there, I was to have gone immediately.
I have contrived to pass the holidays with Mr. and Mrs. Hanson, to whom I am greatly obliged for their hospitality. You are now within a days journey of my
amiable Mama
. If you wish your spirits
raised
, or rather
roused
, I would recommend you to pass a week or two with her. However I daresay she would behave very well to
you
, for you do not know her disposition so well as I do. I return you, my dear Girl, a thousand thanks for hinting to Mr. H. and Lord C. my uncomfortable situation, I shall always remember it with gratitude, as a most
essential service
. I rather think that, if you were any time with my mother, she would bore you about your marriage which she
disapproves
of, as much for the sake of finding fault as any thing, for that is her favourite amusement. At any rate she would be very inquisitive, for she was always tormenting me about it, and, if you told her any thing, she might very possibly divulge it; I therefore advise you,
when you see her
to say nothing, or as little, about it, as you can help. If you make haste, you can answer this
well written
epistle by return of post, for I wish again to hear from you immediately; you need not fill
eleven pages, nine
will be sufficient; but whether it contains nine pages or nine lines, it will always be most welcome, my beloved Sister, to Your affectionate Brother and Friend,
Byron
.
Footnote 1:
The Hon. Frederick Howard, third son of Lord Carlisle, the "young, gallant Howard" of
Childe Harold
(Canto III. stanzas xxix., xxx.; see Byron's note), was killed at Waterloo. "The best of his race," says Byron, in a letter to Moore, July 7, 1815.
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cross-reference: return to Footnote 2 of Letter 166
List of Letters
20 — To the Hon. Augusta Byron
[London], Thursday, 4th April, 1805.
My Dearest Augusta
, — You certainly have excellent reasons for complaint against my want of punctuality in our correspondence; but, as it does not proceed from want of affection, but an idle disposition, you will, I hope, accept my excuses. I am afraid, however, that when I shall take up my pen, you will not be greatly
edified
or
amused
, especially at present, since, I sit down in very bad spirits, out of humour with myself, and all the world, except
you
. I left Harrow yesterday, and am now at Mr. Hanson's till Sunday morning, when I depart for Nottinghamshire, to pay a visit to my
mother
, with whom I shall remain for a week or two, when I return to town, and from thence to Harrow, until July, when I take my departure for the university, but which I am as yet undecided. Mr. H. Recommends Cambridge; Ld. Carlisle allows me to chuse for myself, and I must own I prefer Oxford. But, I am not violently bent upon it, and whichever is determined upon will meet with my concurrence. — This is the outline of my plans for the next 6 months.
I am Glad that you are Going to pay his
Lordship
a visit, as I shall have an opportunity of seeing you on my return to town, a pleasure, which, as I have been long debarred of it, will be doubly felt after so long a separation. My visit to the Dowager does not promise me all the happiness I could wish; however, it must be gone through, as it is some time since I have seen her. It shall be as short as possible. I shall expect to find a letter from you, when I come down, as I wish to know when you go to town, and how long you remain there.
If
you stay till The middle of next month, you may have an opportunity of hearing me speak, as the first day of our
Harrow orations
occurs in May. My friend Delawarr
1
, (as you observed) danced with the little Princess, nor did I in the least
envy
him the honour. I presume you have heard That Dr. Drury leaves Harrow this Easter, and That, as a memorial of our Gratitude for his long services, The scholars presented him with plate to the amount of 330 Guineas.
I hope you will excuse this
Hypocondriac
epistle, as I never was in such low spirits in my life. Adieu, my Dearest Sister, and believe me,
Your ever affectionate though negligent Brother,
Byron
.
Footnote 1:
On February 25,1805, their Majesties gave a magnificent "house-warming" at Windsor Castle.
"The expenditure," says the Gentleman's Magazine for 1805 (part i. pp. 262-264), "cannot have cost less than £50,000. The floor of the ball-room, instead of being chalked, was painted with most fanciful and appropriate devices by an eminent artist." The "little Princess" Charlotte of Wales, we are told, left the Castle at half-past nine.
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List of Letters
21 — To Hargreaves Hanson.
Burgage Manor, Southwell, Notts, 15 April, 1805.
Dear Hargreaves
, — As I have been unable to return to Town with your father, I must request, that you will take care of my Books, and a parcel which I expect from my Taylor's, and, as I understand you are going to pay Farleigh a visit, I would be obliged to you to leave them under the care of one of the Clerks, or a Servant, who may inform me where to find them. I shall be in Town on Wednesday the 24th at furthest, when I shall not hope to see you, or wish it; not but what I should be glad of your
entertaining and loquacious Society
, but as I think you will be more amused at Farleigh, it would be selfish in me to wish that you should forego the pleasures of contemplating
pigs
,
poultry
,
pork
,
pease
, and
potatoes
together, with other Rural Delights, for my Company. Much pleasure may you find in your excursion and I dare say, when you have exchanged
pleadings
for
ploughshares
and
fleecing clients
for
feeding flocks
, you will be in no hurry to resume your Law Functions.
Remember me to your Father and Mother and the Juniors, and if you should find it convenient to dispatch a note in answer to this epistle, it will afford great pleasure to
Yours very sincerely and affectionately,
Byron
.
P.S. — It is hardly necessary to inform you that I am heartily tired of Southwell, for I am at this minute experiencing those delights which I have recapitulated to you and which are more entertaining to be
talked
of at a distance than enjoyed at Home. I allude to the Eloquence of a
near relation
of mine, which is as remarkable as your
taciturnity
.
List of Letters
22 — To Hargreaves Hanson
Burgage Manor, April 20, 1805.
Dear
Hargreaves, — Dr. Butler
1
, our new Master, has thought proper to postpone our Meeting till the 8th of May, which obliges me to delay my return to Town for one week, so that instead of Wednesday the 24th I shall not arrive in London till the 1st of May, on which Day (If I live) I shall certainly be in town, where I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you. I shall remain with you only a week, as we are all to return to the very day, on account of the prolongation of our Holidays. However, if you shall previous to that period take a
jaunt
into Hants, I beg you will leave my
valuables
, etc., etc., in the care of one of the
Gentlemen
of your office, as that
Razor faced Villain
, James, might perhaps take the Liberty of walking off with a suit.
I
have heard several times from Tattersall
2
and it is very probable we may see him on my return. I beg you will excuse this short epistle as my time is at present rather taken up, and Believe Me,
Yours very sincerely,
Byron
.
Footnote 1:
The Rev. George Butler (1774-1853), who was Senior Wrangler (1794), succeeded Dr. Drury as Head-master of Harrow School in April, 1805. He was then Fellow, tutor, and classical lecturer at Sydney Sussex College, Cambridge. From affection to Dr. Drury, Byron supported the candidature of his brother, Mark Drury, and avenged himself on Butler for the defeat of his candidate by the lines on "Pomposus" (see
Poems
, vol. i. pp. 16, 17, "On a Change of Masters," etc.; and pp. 84-106, "Childish Recollections"). At a later period he became reconciled to Butler, who knew the Continent well, was an excellent linguist, and gave him valuable advice for his foreign tour in 1809-11. Butler resigned the Head-mastership of Harrow in April, 1824, and retired to a country living. In 1842 he was appointed to the Deanery of Peterborough, where he died in 1853.]
return to footnote mark
cross-reference: return to Footnote 2 of Letter 67
cross-reference: return to Footnote 2 of Letter 85
Footnote 2:
John Cecil Tattersall entered Harrow in May, 1801. He was the "Davus" of "Childish Recollections" (
Poems
, vol. i. pp. 97, 98, and
notes
). He went from Harrow to Christ Church, Oxford, took orders, and died December 8, 1812.
return
cross-reference: return to Footnote 3 of Letter 85
List of Letters
23 — To the Hon. Augusta Byron
[The Earl of Carlisle's, Grosvenor Place, London.]
Burgage Manor, April 23d, 1805.
My Dearest Augusta
, — I presume by this time, that you are safely arrived at the Earl's, at least I
hope
so; nor shall I feel myself perfectly easy, till I have the pleasure of hearing from yourself of your safety. I myself shall set out for town this day (Tuesday) week, and intend waiting upon you on Thursday at farthest; in the mean time I must console myself as well as I can; and I am sure, no unhappy mortal ever required much more consolation than I do at present. You as well as myself know the
sweet
and
amiable
temper of a certain personage to whom I am nearly related; of
course
, the pleasure I have enjoyed during my vacation, (although it has been greater than I expected) yet has not been so
superabundant
as to make me wish to stay a day longer than I can avoid. However, notwithstanding the dullness of the place, and certain
unpleasant things
that occur In a family not a hundred miles distant from Southwell, I contrived to pass my time in peace, till to day, when unhappily, In a most inadvertent manner, I said that Southwell was not
peculiarly
to my taste; but however, I merely expressed this in common conversation, without speaking disrespectfully of the
sweet
town; (which, between you and I, I wish was swallowed up by an earthquake, provided my
Eloquent mother
was not in it).
No
sooner had the unlucky sentence, which I believe was prompted by my evil Genius, escaped my lips, than I was treated with an Oration in the
ancient style
, which I have often so
pathetically
described to you, unequalled by any thing of
modern
or
antique
date; nay the
Philippics
against Lord Melville
1
were nothing to it; one would really Imagine, to have heard the
Good Lady
, that I was a most
treasonable culprit
, but thank St. Peter, after undergoing this
Purgatory
for the last hour, it is at length blown over, and I have sat down under these
pleasing impressions
to address you, so that I am afraid my epistle will not be the most entertaining. I assure you upon my
honour
, jesting apart, I have never been so
scurrilously
, and
violently
abused by any person, as by that woman, whom I think I am to call mother, by that being who gave me birth, to whom I ought to look up with veneration and respect, but whom I am sorry I cannot love or admire. Within one little hour, I have not only heard myself, but have heard my
whole family
, by the father's side,
stigmatized
in terms that the
blackest malevolence
would perhaps shrink from, and that too in words you would be shocked to hear. Such, Augusta, such is my mother;
my mother!
I disclaim her from this time, and although I cannot help treating her with respect, I cannot reverence, as I ought to do, that parent who by her outrageous conduct forfeits all title to filial affection. To you, Augusta, I must look up, as my nearest relation, to you I must confide what I cannot mention to others, and I am sure you will pity me; but I entreat you to keep this a secret, nor expose that unhappy failing of this woman, which I must bear with patience. I would be very sorry to have it discovered, as I have only one week more, for the present. In the mean time you may write to me with the greatest safety, as she would not open any of my letters, even from you. I entreat then that you will favour me with an answer to this. I hope however to have the pleasure of seeing you on the day appointed, but If you could contrive any way that I may avoid being asked to dinner by L'd C. I would be obliged to you, as I hate strangers. Adieu, my Beloved Sister,
I remain ever yours,
Byron
.
Footnote 1:
Henry Dundas (1742-1811), created Viscount Melville in 1802, Lord Advocate (1775-83), made himself useful to Lord North's Government as a shrewd, hard-working man of business, a ready speaker — in broad Scotch, and a consummate election agent. For twenty years he was the right-hand man of Pitt —
"Too proud from pilfered greatness to descend, Too humble not to call Dundas his friend."
Not only was he Pitt's political colleague, but in private life his boon companion. A well-known epigram commemorates in a dialogue their convivial habits —
Pitt. "I cannot see the Speaker, Hal; can you?" Dundas. "Not see the Speaker, Billy? I see two."
Melville, for a long series of years, held important political posts. He was Treasurer of the Navy (1782-1800); member of the Board of Control for India (1784-1802) and President (1790-1802); Home Secretary (1791-94); Secretary of War (1794-1801); First Lord of the Admiralty (1804-5). In 1802 a Commission had been appointed to examine into the accounts of the naval department for the past twenty years, and, in consequence of their tenth report, a series of resolutions were moved in the House of Commons (April, 1805) against Melville. The voting was even — 216 for and 216 against; the resolutions were carried by the casting vote of Speaker Abbott.
"Pitt was overcome; his friend was ruined. At the sound of the Speaker's voice, the Prime Minister crushed his hat over his brows to hide the tears that poured over his cheeks: he pushed in haste out of the House. Some of his opponents, I am ashamed to say, thrust themselves near, 'to see how Billy took it.'"
(Mark Boyd's
Reminiscences of Fifty Years
, p. 404.) Melville, who was heard at the bar of the House of Commons in his own defence, was impeached before the House of Lords (June 26, 1805) of high crimes and misdemeanours. At the close of the proceedings, which began in Westminster Hall on April 29, 1806, Melville was acquitted on all the charges. Whitbread took the leading part in the impeachment. See
All the Talents: a Satirical Poem
, by Polypus (E. S. Barrett) —
"Rough as his porter, bitter as his barm, He sacrificed his fame to M — lv — lle's harm."
Dialogue ii.
return to footnote mark
List of Letters
24 — To the Hon. Augusta Byron
[The Earl of Carlisle's, Grosvenor Place, London.]
Burgage Manor, Southwell, Friday, April 25th, 1805.
My dearest Augusta, — Thank God, I believe I shall be in town on Wednesday next, and at last relieved from those
agreeable amusements
, I described to you in my last. I return you and Lady G. many thanks for your
benediction
, nor do I doubt its efficacy as it is bestowed by
two such Angelic beings
; but as I am afraid my
profane blessing
would but expedite your road to
Purgatory
, instead of
Salvation
, you must be content with my best wishes in return, since the
unhallowed adjurations
of a mere mortal would be of no effect.
You
say, you are sick of the Installation
1
; and that L'd C. was not present; I however saw his name in the
Morning Post
, as one of the Knights Companions. I indeed expected that
you
would have been present at the Ceremony.
I
have seen this young Roscius
2
several times at the hazard of my life, from the
affectionate squeezes
of the surrounding crowd. I think him tolerable in some characters, but by no means equal to the ridiculous praises showered upon him by
John Bull
.
I
am afraid that my stay in town ceases after the 10th. I should not continue it so long, as we meet on the 8th at Harrow, But, I remain on purpose to hear our
Sapient
and
noble Legislators
of Both Houses debate on the Catholic Question
3
, as I have no doubt there will be many
nonsensical
, and some
Clever
things said on the occasion. I am extremely glad that you
sport
an audience Chamber for the Benefit of your
modest
visitors, amongst whom I have the
honour
to reckon myself: I shall certainly be most happy again to see you, notwithstanding my
wise
and
Good
mother (who is at this minute thundering against Somebody or other below in the Dining Room), has interdicted my visiting at his
Lordship's
house, with the threat of her malediction, in case of disobedience, as she says he has behaved very ill to her; the truth of this I much doubt, nor should the orders of all the mothers (especially such mothers) in the world, prevent me from seeing my Beloved Sister after so long an Absence. I beg you will forgive this
well written epistle
, for I write in a great Hurry, and, believe me, with the greatest impatience again to behold you, your
Attached Brother and [Friend,
Byron
].
P.S. — By the bye Lady G. ought not to complain of your writing a
decent
long letter to me, since I remember your
11 Pages
to her, at which I did not make the least complaint, but submitted like a
meek Lamb
to the innovation of my privileges, for nobody
ought
to have had so long an epistle but my
most excellent Self
.
Footnote 1:
On St. George's Day, April 23, 1805, seven Knights were installed at Windsor as Knights of the Garter, each in turn being invested with the surcoat, girdle, and sword. The new Knights were the Dukes of Rutland and Beaufort; the Marquis of Abercorn; the Earls of Chesterfield, Pembroke, and Winchilsea; and, by proxy, the Earl of Hardwicke.
Lady Louisa Strangways, writing to her sister, Lady Harriet Frampton, on April 24, 1805 (
Journal of Mary Frampton
, p. 129), says,
"I was full dressed for seventeen hours yesterday, and sat in one spot for seven, which is enough to tire any one who enjoyed what was going on, which I did not. I saw them walk to St. George's Chapel, which was the best part, as it did not last long ... Their dresses were very magnificent. The Knights, before they were installed, were in white and silver, like the old pictures of Henry VIII., and afterwards they had a purple mantle put on. They had immense plumes of ostrich feathers, with a heron's feather in the middle."
return to footnote mark
Footnote 2:
William Henry West Betty (1791-1874), the "Young Roscius," made his first appearance on the stage at Belfast, in 1803, in the part of "Osman," in Hill's
Zara;
and on December 1, 1804, at Covent Garden, as "Selim" disguised as "Achmet," in Browne's
Barbarossa
. In the winter season of 1804-5, when he appeared at Covent Garden and Drury Lane, such crowds collected to see him, that the military were called out to preserve order. Leslie (
Autobiographical Recollections
, vol. i p. 218) speaks of him as a boy "of handsome features and graceful manners, with a charming voice." Fox, who saw him in
Hamlet
, said, "This is finer than Garrick" (
Table-Talk of Samuel Rogers
, p. 88). Northcote (
Conversations
, p. 23) spoke of his acting as "a beautiful effusion of natural sensibility; and then that graceful play of the limbs in youth gave such an advantage over every one about him."
"Young Roscius's premature powers," writes Mrs. Piozzi, February 21, 1805, "attract universal attention, and I suppose that if less than an angel had told his parents that a bulletin of that child's health should be necessary to quiet the anxiety of a metropolis for his safety, they would not have believed the prediction"
(
Life and Writings of Mrs. Piozzi
, vol. ii. p. 263). In society he was the universal topic of conversation, and he commanded a salary of £50 a night, at a time when John Kemble was paid £37 16
s
. a week (
Life of Frederick Reynolds
, vol. ii. p. 364).
"When," writes Mrs. Byron of her son to Hanson (December 8, 1804), "he goes to see the Young Roscius, I hope he will take care of himself in the crowd, and not go alone."
Betty lost his attractiveness with the growth of his beard. Byron's opinion of the merits of the youthful prodigy became that of the general public; but not till the actor had made a large fortune. He retired from the stage in 1824.
return
Footnote 3:
On March 25, 1805, petitions were presented by Lord Grenville in the House of Lords, and Fox in the House of Commons, calling the attention of the country to the claims of the Roman Catholics, and praying their relief from their disabilities, civil, naval, and military. On Friday, May 10, Lord Grenville moved, in the Upper House, for a committee of the whole House to consider the petition. At six o'clock on the morning of Tuesday, May 14, the motion was negatived by a division of 178 against 49. On Monday, May 13, Fox, in the Lower House, made a similar motion, which was negatived, at five o'clock on the morning of Wednesday, May 15, by a division of 336 against 126. Byron, on April 21, 1812, in the second of his three Parliamentary speeches, supported the relief of the Roman Catholics.
return
List of Letters
25 — To John Hanson
Harrow-on-the-Hill, 11 May, 1805.
Dear
Sir, — As you promised to cash my Draft on the Day that I left your house, and as you was only prevented by the Bankers being shut up, I will be very much obliged to you to
give the ready
to this old Girl, Mother Barnard
1
, who will either present herself or send a Messenger, as she demurs on its being not payable till the 25th of June. Believe me, Sir, by doing this you will greatly oblige
Yours very truly,
Byron
.
Footnote 1:
Mother Barnard was the keeper of the "tuck-shop" at Harrow.
return to footnote mark
List of Letters
26 — To the Hon. Augusta Byron
[The Earl of Carlisle's, Grosvenor Place, London.]
[Harrow, Wednesday, June 5, 1805.]
My Dearest Augusta, — At last you have a
decent
specimen of the dowager's talents for epistles in the
furioso
style. You are now freed from the
shackles
of her correspondence, and when I revisit her, I shall be bored with long stories of your
ingratitude
, etc., etc. She is as I have before declared certainly mad (to say she was in her senses, would be condemning her as a Criminal), her conduct is a
happy
compound of derangement and Folly. I had the other day an epistle from her; not a word was mentioned about you, but I had some of the usual
compliments
on my own account. I am now about to answer her letter, though I shall scarcely have patience, to treat her with civility, far less with affection, that was almost over before, and this has given the finishing stroke to
filial
, which now gives way to
fraternal
duty. Believe me, dearest Augusta, not ten thousand
such
mothers, or indeed any mothers, Could induce me to give you up. — No, No, as the dowager says in that rare epistle which now lies before me, "the time has been, but that is past
long since
," and nothing now can influence your
pretty sort of a brother
(bad as he is) to forget that he is your
Brother
. Our first Speech day will be over ere this reaches you, but against the 2d you shall have timely notice. — I am glad to hear your illness is not of a Serious nature;
young Ladies
ought not to throw themselves in to the fidgets about a trifling delay of 9 or 10 years; age brings experience and when you in the flower of youth, between 40 and 50, shall then marry, you will no doubt say that I am a
wise man
, and that the later one makes one's self miserable with the matrimonial clog, the better. Adieu, my dearest Augusta, I bestow my
patriarchal blessing
on you and Lady G. and remain,
[Signature cut out.]
List of Letters
27 — To John Hanson
Harrow-on-the-Hill, 27 June, 1805.
Dear Sir, — I will be in Town on Saturday Morning, but it is absolutely necessary for me to return to Harrow on Tuesday or Wednesday, as Thursday is our 2d Speechday and Butler says he cannot dispense with my Presence on that Day. I thank you for your Compliment in the Beginning of your Letter, and with the Hope of seeing you and Hargreaves well on Saturday,
I remain, yours, etc., etc.,
Byron
.
List of Letters
28 — To the Hon. Augusta Byron
[Address cut out], Tuesday, July 2d, 1805.
My
dearest Augusta, — I am just returned from Cambridge, where I have been to enter myself at Trinity College. — Thursday is our Speechday at Harrow, and as I forgot to remind you of its approach, previous to our first declamation
1
, I have given you
timely
notice this time. If you intend doing me the
honour
of attending, I would recommend you not to come without a Gentleman, as I shall be too much engaged all the morning to take care of you, and I should not imagine you would admire
stalking
about by yourself. You had better be there by 12 o'clock as we begin at 1, and I should like to procure you a good place; Harrow is 11 miles from town, it will just make a
comfortable
mornings drive for you. I don't know how you are to come, but for
Godsake
bring as few women with you as possible. I would wish you to Write me an answer immediately, that I may know on Thursday morning, whether you will drive over or not, and I will arrange my other engagements accordingly. I
beg
,
Madam
, you may make your appearance in one of his Lordships most
dashing
carriages, as our Harrow
etiquette
, admits of nothing but the most
superb
vehicles, on our Grand
Festivals
. In the mean time, believe me, dearest Augusta,
Your affectionate Brother,
Byron
.
Footnote 1:
Mrs. Byron, writing to Hanson (June 25, 1805), says, "The "fame of Byron's oratory has reached Southwell" (see page 27,
note
1).
return to footnote mark
List of Letters
29 — To John Hanson
Harrow, 8 July, 1805.
My dear Sir, — I have just received a Letter from my Mother, in which she talks of coming to Town about the
commencement
of our Holidays. If she does, it will be impossible for me to call on
my Sister
, previous to my leaving it, and at the same time I cannot conceive what the Deuce she can want at this season in London. I have written to tell her that my Holidays commence on the 6th of August, but however, July the 1st is the proper day. — I beg that if you cannot find some means to keep her in the Country that you at least will connive at this deception which I can palliate, and then I shall be down in the country before she knows where I am. My reasons for this are, that I do
not wish
to be detained in Town so uncomfortably as I know I shall be if I remain with her; that
I do wish
to see my Sister; and in the next place she can just as well come to Town after my return to Notts, as I don't desire to be dragged about according to her caprice, and there are some other causes I think unnecessary to be now mentioned. If you will only contrive by settling this business (if it is in your power), or if that is impossible, not mention anything about the day our Holidays commence, of which you can be easily supposed not to be informed. If, I repeat, you can by any means prevent this Mother from executing her purposes, believe me, you will greatly oblige
Yours truly,
Byron
.
List of Letters
30 — To Charles O. Gordon1
Burgage Manor, Southwell, Notts, August 4, 1805.
Although I am greatly afraid, my Dearest Gordon, that you will not receive this epistle till you return from Abergeldie, (as your letter stated that you would be at Ledbury on Thursday next) yet, that is not my fault, for I have not deferred answering yours a moment, and, as I have just now concluded my Journey, my first, and, I trust you will believe me when I say, most pleasing occupation will be to write to you.
We
have played the Eton and were most confoundedly beat
2
; however it was some comfort to me that I got 11 notches the 1st Innings and 7 the 2nd, which was more than any of our side except Brockman & Ipswich could contrive to hit. After the match we dined together, and were extremely friendly, not a single discordant word was uttered by either party. To be sure, we were most of us rather drunk and went together to the Haymarket Theatre, where we kicked up a row, As you may suppose, when so many Harrovians & Etonians met at one place; I was one of seven in a single hackney, 4 Eton and 3 Harrow, and then we all got into the same box, and the consequence was that such a devil of a noise arose that none of our neighbours could hear a word of the drama, at which, not being
highly delighted
, they began to quarrel with us, and we nearly came to a
battle royal
. How I got home after the play God knows. I hardly recollect, as my brain was so much confused by the heat, the row, and the wine I drank, that I could not remember in the morning how I found my way to bed.
The rain was so incessant in the evening that we could hardly get our Jarveys, which was the cause of so many being stowed into one. I saw young Twilt, your brother, with Malet, and saw also an old schoolfellow of mine whom I had not beheld for six years, but he was not the one whom you were so good as to enquire after for me, and for which I return you my sincere thanks. I set off last night at eight o'clock to my mother's, and am just arrived this afternoon, and have not delayed a second in thanking you for so soon fulfilling my request that you would correspond with me. My address at Cambridge will be Trinity College, but I shall not go there till the 20th of October. You may continue to direct your letters here, when I go to Hampshire which will not be till you have returned to Harrow. I will send my address previous to my departure from my mother's. I agree with you in the hope that we shall continue our correspondence for a long time. I trust, my dearest friend, that it will only be interrupted by our being some time or other in the same place or under the same roof, as, when I have finished my
Classical Labour
, and my minority is expired, I shall expect you to be a frequent visitor to Newstead Abbey, my seat in this county which is about 12 miles from my mother's house where I now am. There I can show you plenty of hunting, shooting and fishing, and be assured no one ever will be more welcome guest than yourself — nor is there any one whose correspondence can give me more pleasure, or whose friendship yield me greater delight than yours, sweet, dearest Charles, believe me, will always be the sentiments of
Yours most affectionately,
Byron
.
Footnote 1:
This and
Letter 33
are written to Byron's Harrow friend, Charles Gordon, one of his "juniors and favourites," whom he "spoilt by indulgence." Gordon, who was the son of David Gordon of Abergeldie, died in 1829.
return to footnote mark
Footnote 2:
Byron's reputation as a cricketer rests on this match between Eton and Harrow. It was played on the old cricket ground in Dorset Square, August 2, 1805, and ended in a victory for Eton by an innings and two runs. The score is thus given by Lillywhite, in his
Cricket Scores and Biographies of Celebrated Cricketers from 1745 to 1826
(vol. i. pp. 319, 320) —
HARROW
First Innings Second Innings
Lord Ipswich b. Carter 10 b. Heaton 21
T. Farrer, Esq. b. Carter 7 c. Bradley 3
T. Drury, Esq. b. Carter 0 st. Heaton 6
—— Bolton, Esq. run out 2 b. Heaton 0
C. Lloyd, Esq. b. Carter 0 b. Carter 0
A. Shakespeare, Esq. st. Heaton 8 run out 5
Lord Byron c Barnard 7 b. Carter 2
Hon. T. Erskine b. Carter 4 b. Heaton 8
W. Brockman, Esq. b. Heaton 9 b. Heaton 10
E. Stanley, Esq. not out 3 c. Canning 7
—— Asheton, Esq. b. Carter 3 not out 0
Byes 2 Byes 3
Totals 55 65
ETON
—— Heaton, Esq. b. Lloyd 0
—— Slingsby, Esq. b. Shakespeare 29
—— Carter, Esq. b. Shakespeare 3
—— Farhill, Esq. c. Lloyd 6
—— Canning, Esq. c. Farrer 12
—— Camplin, Esq. b. Ipswich 42
—— Bradley, Esq. b. Lloyd 16
—— Barnard, Esq. b. Shakespeare 0
—— Barnard, Esq. not out 3
—— Kaye, Esq. b. Byron 7
—— Dover, esq. c. Bolton 4
Byes 0
Total 122
At this match Lord Stratford de Redcliffe remembers seeing a "moody-looking boy" dismissed for a small score. The boy was Byron. But the moment is not favourable to expression of countenance.
return
List of Letters
31 — To the Hon. Augusta Byron
[Castle Howard, Malton, Yorkshire.]
Burgage Manor, August 6th, 1805.
Well, my dearest Augusta, here I am, once more situated at my mother's house, which together with its
inmate
is as
agreeable
as ever. I am at this moment
vis à vis
and Téte à téte with that amiable personage, who is, whilst I am writing, pouring forth complaints against your
ingratitude
, giving me many oblique hints that I ought not to correspond with you, and concluding with an interdiction that if you ever after the expiration of my minority are invited to my residence,
she
will no longer condescend to grace it with her
Imperial
presence. You may figure to yourself, for your amusement, my solemn countenance on the occasion, and the
meek Lamblike
demeanour of her Ladyship, which, contrasted with my
Saintlike visage
, forms a
striking family painting
, whilst in the back ground, the portraits of my Great Grandfather and Grandmother, suspended in their frames, seem to look with an eye of pity on their
unfortunate descendant
, whose
worth
and
accomplishments
deserve a milder fate.
I am to remain in this
Garden
of
Eden
one month, I do not indeed reside at Cambridge till October, but I set out for Hampshire in September where I shall be on a visit till the commencement of the term. In the mean time, Augusta, your
sympathetic
correspondence must be some alleviation to my sorrows, which however are too ludicrous for me to regard them very seriously; but they are
really
more
uncomfortable
than
amusing
.
I
presume you were rather surprised not to see my
consequential
name in the papers
1
amongst the orators of our 2nd speech day, but unfortunately some wit who had formerly been at Harrow, suppressed the merits of Long
2
, Farrer
3
and myself, who were always supposed to take the Lead in Harrow eloquence, and by way of a
hoax
thought proper to insert a panegyric on those speakers who were really and truly allowed to have rather disgraced than distinguished themselves, of course for the
wit
of the thing, the best were left out and the worst inserted, which accounts for the
Gothic omission
of my
superior talents.
Perhaps it was done with a view to weaken our vanity, which might be too much raised by the flattering paragraphs bestowed on our performance the 1st speechday; be that as it may, we were omitted in the account of the 2nd, to the astonishment of all Harrow. These are
disappointments
we
great men
are liable to, and we must learn to bear them with philosophy, especially when they arise from attempts at wit. I was indeed very ill at that time, and after I had finished my speech was so overcome by the exertion that I was obliged to quit the room. I had caught cold by sleeping in damp sheets which was the cause of my indisposition. However I am now perfectly recovered, and live in hopes of being emancipated from the slavery of Burgage manor. But Believe me, Dearest Augusta, whether well or ill,
I always am your affect. Brother,
Byron
.
Footnote 1:
See page 27,
note
1.
return to footnote mark
Footnote 2:
Edward Noel Long, son of E. B. Long of Hampton Lodge, Surrey, the "Cleon" of "Childish Recollections" (
Poems
, vol. i. pp. 101, 102), entered Harrow in April, 1801. He went with Byron to Trinity College, Cambridge, and till the end of the summer of 1806 was his most intimate friend.
"We were," says Byron, in his Diary (Life, p. 31), "rival swimmers, fond of riding, reading, and of conviviality. Our evenings we passed in music (he was musical, and played on more than one instrument — flute and violoncello), in which I was audience; and I think that our chief beverage was soda-water. In the day we rode, bathed, and lounged, reading occasionally. I remember our buying, with vast alacrity, Moore's new quarto (in 1806), and reading it together in the evenings. ... His friendship, and a violent though pure passion — which held me at the same period — were the then romance of the most romantic period of my life."
Long was Byron's companion at Littlehampton in August, 1806. In 1807 he entered the Guards, served with distinction in the expedition to Copenhagen, and was drowned early in 1809, "on his passage to Lisbon with his regiment in the
St. George
transport, which was run foul of in the night by another transport" (
Life
, p. 31. See also Byron's lines "To Edward Noel Long, Esq.,"
Poems
, vol. i. pp. 184-188).
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cross-reference: return to Footnote 4 of Letter 84
Footnote 3:
Thomas Farrer entered Harrow in April, 1801. He played in Byron's XI against Eton, on the ground in Dorset Square, on August 2, 1805.
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