Chapter II (1)

1805-1808.

CAMBRIDGE AND JUVENILE POEMS.

32.--To the Hon. Augusta Byron.

[Castle Howard, Malton, Yorkshire.] Burgage Manor, August 10th, 1805.

I have at last succeeded, my dearest Augusta, in pacifying the
dowager, and mollifying that _piece_ of _flint_ which the good Lady
denominates her heart. She now has condescended to send you her
_love_, although with many comments on the occasion, and many
compliments to herself. But to me she still continues to be a torment,
and I doubt not would continue so till the end of my life. However
this is the last time she ever will have an opportunity, as, when I go
to college, I shall employ my vacations either in town; or during the
summer I intend making a tour through the Highlands, and to Visit the
Hebrides with a party of my friends, whom I have engaged for the
purpose. This my old preceptor Drury recommended as the most improving
way of employing my Summer Vacation, and I have now an additional
reason for following his advice, as I by that means will avoid the
society of this woman, whose detestable temper destroys every Idea of
domestic comfort. It is a happy thing that she is my mother and not my
wife, so that I can rid myself of her when I please, and indeed, if
she goes on in the style that she has done for this last week that I
have been with her, I shall quit her before the month I was to drag
out in her company, is expired, and place myself any where, rather
than remain with such a vixen. As I am to have a very handsome
allowance,[1] which does not deprive her of a sixpence, since there is
an addition made from my fortune by the Chancellor for the purpose, I
shall be perfectly independent of her, and, as she has long since
trampled upon, and harrowed up every affectionate tie, It is my
serious determination never again to visit, or be upon any friendly
terms with her. This I owe to myself, and to my own comfort, as well
as Justice to the memory of my nearest relations, who have been most
shamefully libelled by this female 'Tisiphom', a name which your
'Ladyship' will recollect to have belonged to one of the Furies.
You need not take the precaution of writing in so enigmatical a style
in your next, as, bad as the woman is, she would not dare to open any
letter addressed to me from you. Whenever you can find time to write,
believe me, your epistles will be productive of the greatest pleasure,
to your

Affectionate Brother,

BYRON.

[Footnote 1: During Byron's schooldays, Mrs. Byron received £500 a year from the Court of Chancery for his education. When he went to Cambridge, she gave up this allowance to her son, and the expenditure of a certain sum was sanctioned by Chancery for furniture, clothes, plate, etc. At the same time, Mrs. Byron applied for an allowance of £200 a year, but in 1807 the allowance had not been granted. Her pension, it may be added, most irregularly paid at all times, was reduced to £200 a year. Writing to Hanson (September 23, 1805), she says, "I give up the five hundred a year to my son, and you will supply him with money accordingly. The two hundred a year addition I shall reserve for myself; nor can I do with less, as my house will always be a home for my son whenever he chooses to come to it."]

33.--To Charles O. Gordon.

Burgage Manor, August 14, 1805.

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

I suppose you will soon have a view of the eternal snows that summit
the top of Lachin y Gair, which towers so magnificently above the rest
of our _Northern Alps_. I still remember with pleasure the admiration
which filled my mind, when I first beheld it, and further on the dark
frowning mountains which rise near Invercauld, together with the
romantic rocks that overshadow Mar Lodge, a seat of Lord Fife's, and
the cataract of the Dee, which dashes down the declivity with
impetuous violence in the grounds adjoining to the House. All these I
presume you will soon see, so that it is unnecessary for me to
expatiate on the subject. I sincerely wish that every happiness may
attend you in your progress. I have given you an account of our match
in my epistle to Herefordshire. We unfortunately lost it. I got 11
notches the first innings and 7 the 2nd, making 18 in all, which was
more runs than any of our side (except Ipswich) could make. Brockman
also scored 18. We were very _convivial_ in the evening.[1]

[Footnote 1: Here the letter, which is printed from a copy made by the Rev. W. Harness (see page 177 [Letter 92], [Foot]note 1), comes to an end.]

34.--To Hargreaves Hanson.

Burgage Manor, August 19th, 1805.

My Dear Hargreaves,--You may depend upon my Observance of your
father's Invitation to Farleigh [1] in September, where I hope we
shall be the cause of much destruction to the feathered Tribe and
great Amusement to ourselves. The Lancashire Trial [2] comes on very
soon, and Mr. Hanson will come down by Nottingham; perhaps, I may then
have a chance of seeing him; at all events, I shall probably accompany
him on his way back; as I hope his Health is by this time perfectly
reestablished, and will not require a journey to Harrowgate. I shall
not as you justly conjecture have any occasion for my _Chapeau de
Bras_, as there is nobody in the Neighbourhood who would be worth the
trouble of wearing it, when I went to their parties. I am uncommonly
dull at this place, as you may easily imagine, nor do I think I shall
have much Amusement till the commencement of the shooting season. I
shall expect (when you next write) an account of your military
preparations, to repel the Invader of our Isle whenever he makes the
attempt.--_You_ will doubtless acquire _great Glory_ on the occasion,
and in expectation of hearing of your Warlike Exploits,

I remain, yours very truly,

BYRON.

[Footnote 1: Hanson had property at Farleigh, near Basingstoke.]

[Footnote 2: The Rochdale property of the Byron family had been illegally sold by William, fifth Lord Byron. Proceedings were taken to recover the property; but fresh points arose at every stage, and eventually Byron, unable to wait longer, sold Newstead.]

35.--To Hargreaves Hanson.

Burgage Manor.

My Dear Hargeaves,--I would be obliged to you, if you would write to your father, and enquire--what time it will be most convenient for him to receive my visit, and I will come to Town immediately to the time appointed and accompany you to the _Rural Shades_ and _Fertile Fields_ of Hants. You must excuse the laconic Style of my Epistle as this place is damned dull and I have nothing to relate, but believe me,

Yours truly,

BYRON.

36.--To Hargreaves Hanson.

Trinity Coll., October 25, 1805.

Dear Hargreaves,--I presume your father has by this time informed you
of our safe Arrival here. [1] I can as yet hardly form an Opinion in
favour, or against the College, but as soon as I am settled you shall
have an account. I wish you to pack up carefully--& send immediately
the remainder of my books, and also my _Stocks_ which were left in
Chancery Lane. _Mon Chapeau de Bras_ take care of till Winter extends
his Icy Reign and I shall visit the Metropolis. Tell your father that
I am getting in the furniture he spoke of, but shall defer papering
and painting till the Recess. The sooner you execute my _commands_ the
better. Beware of Mr. Terry,

And believe me, yours faithfully,

BYRON.

The Bills for Furniture I shall send to Mr. H., your worthy papa,
according to his _particular Desire_. The Cambridge Coach sets off
from the White Horse, Fetter Lane.

[Footnote 1: Byron entered Trinity on July 1, 1805; but he did not go into residence till the following October. His tutors were the Rev. Thomas Jones (1756-1807), who was Senior Tutor from 1787 till his death in 1807, and the Rev. George Frederick Tavell (B.A., 1792; M.A., 1795), to whom Byron alludes in 'Hints from Horace', lines 228-230:--

"Unlucky Tavell! doom'd to daily cares
By pugilistic pupils, and by bears!"]

37.--To John Hanson.

Trinity Coll., Oct. 26, 1805.

Dear Sir,--I will be obliged to you to order me down 4 Dozen of
Wine--Port, Sherry, Claret, and Madeira, one dozen of each. I have got
part of my furniture in, and begin to admire a College life. Yesterday
my appearance in the Hall in my State Robes was _Superb_, but
uncomfortable to my _Diffidence_. You may order the Saddle, etc., etc.,
for "Oateater" as soon as you please and I will pay for them.

I remain, Sir, yours truly,

BYRON.

P.S.--Give Hargreaves a hint to be expeditious in his sending my
_Valuables_ which I begin to want. Your Cook had the Impudence to charge
my Servant 15 Shillings for 5 Days provision which I think is
exorbitant; but I hear that in _Town_ it is but reasonable. Pray is it
the custom to allow your Servants 3/6 per Diem, in London? I will thank
you for Information on the Subject.

38.--To the Hon. Augusta Byron.

[Castle Howard, near Malton, Yorkshire.]

Trin. Coll. [Wednesday], Novr. 6th, 1805.

My dear Augusta,--As might be supposed I like a College Life
extremely, especially as I have escaped the Trammels or rather
_Fetters_ of my domestic Tyrant Mrs. Byron, who continued to plague me
during my visit in July and September. I am now most pleasantly
situated in _Super_excellent Rooms, flanked on one side by my Tutor,
on the other by an old Fellow, both of whom are rather checks upon my
_vivacity_. I am allowed 500 a year, a Servant and Horse, so Feel as
independent as a German Prince who coins his own Cash, or a Cherokee
Chief who coins no Cash at all, but enjoys what is more precious,
Liberty. I talk in raptures of that _Goddess_ because my amiable Mama
was so despotic. I am afraid the Specimens I have lately given her of
my Spirit, and determination to submit to no more unreasonable
demands, (or the insults which follow a refusal to obey her implicitly
whether right or wrong,) have given high offence, as I had a most
_fiery_ Letter from the _Court_ at _Southwell_ on Tuesday, because I
would not turn off my Servant, (whom I had not the least reason to
distrust, and who had an excellent Character from his last Master) at
her suggestion, from some caprice she had taken into her head. [1] I
sent back to the Epistle, which was couched in _elegant_ terms, a
severe answer, which so nettled her Ladyship, that after reading it,
she returned it in a Cover without deigning a Syllable in return.

The Letter and my answer you shall behold when you next see me, that
you may judge of the Comparative merits of Each. I shall let her go on
in the _Heroics_, till she cools, without taking the least notice. Her
Behaviour to me for the last two Years neither merits my respect, nor
deserves my affection. I am comfortable here, and having one of the
best allowances in College, go on Gaily, but not extravagantly. I need
scarcely inform you that I am not the least obliged to Mrs. B. for it,
as it comes off my property, and She refused to fit out a single thing
for me from her own pocket; [2] my Furniture is paid for, & she has
moreover a handsome addition made to her own income, which I do not in
the least regret, as I would wish her to be happy, but by _no means_
to live with me in _person_. The sweets of her society I have already
drunk to the last dregs, I hope we shall meet on more affectionate
Terms, or meet no more.

But why do I say _meet?_ her temper precludes every idea of happiness,
and therefore in future I shall avoid her _hospitable_ mansion, though
she has the folly to suppose She is to be mistress of my house when I
come of [age]. I must apologize to you for the [dullness?] of this
letter, but to tell you the [truth] [the effects] of last nights
Claret have no[t gone] out of my head, as I supped with a large party.
I suppose that Fool Hanson in his _vulgar_ Idiom, by the word Jolly
did not mean Fat, but High Spirits, for so far from increasing I have
lost one pound in a fortnight as I find by being regularly weighed.

Adieu, Dearest Augusta.

[Signature cut out.]

[NB: Words in square brackets were cut and torn out with the seal.]

[Footnote 1: The servant, Byron's valet Frank, was accused of obtaining money on false pretences from a Nottingham tradesman, and Mrs. Byron informed her son of the charge. Frank was afterwards transported. (See letter to Lord Clare, February 6, 1807; and letter to Hanson, April 19, 1807.)]

[Footnote 2: See page 76, note 1.]

39.--To Hargreaves Hanson.

Trinity Coll., Novr. 12th, 1805.

DEAR HARGREAVES,--Return my Thanks to your father for the _Expedition_
he has used in filling my _Cellar_.

He deserves commendation for the _Attention_ he paid to my Request.
The Time of "Oateater's" Journey approaches; I presume he means to
repair his Neglect by Punctuality in this Respect. However, no
_Trinity Ale_ will be forthcoming, till I have broached the promised
_Falernum._

College improves in every thing but Learning. Nobody here seems to
look into an Author, ancient or modern, if they can avoid it. The
Muses, poor Devils, are totally neglected, except by a few Musty old
_Sophs_ and _Fellows_, who, however agreeable they may be to
_Minerva_, are perfect Antidotes to the _Graces._ Even I (great as is
my _inclination_ for Knowledge) am carried away by the Tide, having
only supped at Home twice since I saw your father, and have more
engagements on my Hands for a week to come. Still my Tutor and I go on
extremely well and for the first three weeks of my life I have not
involved myself in any Scrape of Consequence.

I have News for you which I bear with _Christian_ Resignation and
without any _violent Transports_ of _Grief._ My Mother (whose
diabolical Temper you well know) has taken it into her _Sagacious_
Head to quarrel with me her _dutiful Son._ She has such a Devil of a
Disposition, that she cannot be quiet, though there are fourscore
miles between us, which I wish were lengthened to 400. The Cause too
frivolous to require taking up your time to read or mine to write. At
last in answer to a _Furious Epistle_ I returned a _Sarcastick_
Answer, which so incensed the _Amiable Dowager_ that my Letter was
sent back without her deigning a Line in the cover. When I next see
you, you shall behold her Letter and my Answer, which will amuse you
as they both contain fiery Philippics. I must request you will write
immediately, that I may be informed when my Servant shall convey
"Oateater" from London; the 20th was the appointed; but I wish to hear
further from your father. I hope all the family are in a convalescent
State. I shall see you at Christmas (if I live) as I propose passing
the Vacation, which is only a Month, in London.

Believe me, Mr. Terry, your's Truly,

BYRON.

40.--To John Hanson.

Trin. Coll. Cambridge, Novr. 23, 1805.

Dear Sir,--Your Advice was good but I have not determined whether I
shall follow it; this Place is the _Devil_ or at least his principal
residence. They call it the University, but any other Appellation
would have suited it much better, for Study is the last pursuit of the
Society; the Master [1] eats, drinks, and sleeps, the Fellows [2]
_Drink, dispute and pun_; the Employment of the Under graduates you
will probably conjecture without my description. I sit down to write
with a Head confused with Dissipation which, tho' I hate, I cannot
avoid.

I have only supped at Home 3 times since my Arrival, and my table is
constantly covered with invitations, after all I am the most _steady_
Man in College, nor have I got into many Scrapes, and none of
consequence. Whenever you appoint a day my Servant shall come up for
"Oateater," and as the Time of paying my Bills now approaches, the
remaining £50 will be very _agreeable_. You need not make any
deduction as I shall want most of it; I will settle with you for the
Saddle and Accoutrements _next_ quarter. The Upholsterer's Bill will
not be sent in yet as my rooms are to be papered and painted at Xmas
when I will procure them. No Furniture has been got except what was
absolutely necessary including some Decanters and Wine Glasses.

Your Cook certainly deceived you, as I know my Servant was in Town 5
days, and she stated 4. I have yet had no reason to distrust him, but
we will examine the affair when I come to Town when I intend lodging
at Mrs. Massingbird's. My Mother and I have quarrelled, which I bear
with the _patience_ of a Philosopher; custom reconciles me to
everything.

In the Hope that Mrs. H. and the _Battalion_ are in good Health.

I remain, Sir, etc., etc.,

BYRON.

[Footnote 1: William Lort Mansel (1753-1820), Master of Trinity (1798-1820), Bishop of Bristol (1808-1820), was the chief wit of Cambridge in his day, and the author of many neat epigrams. "I wish," said Rogers (_Table-Talk_, etc., p. 60), "somebody would collect all the Epigrams written by Dr. Mansel; they are remarkably neat and clever." Beloe, in _The Sexagenarian_ (vol. i. p. 98), speaks of Mansel as "a young man remarkable for his personal confidence, for his wit and humour, and, above all, for his gallantries." Apparently, on the same somewhat unreliable authority, he was, as Master, a severe disciplinarian, and extremely tenacious of his dignity (i. p. 99).]

[Footnote 2: Byron probably refers to Richard Porson (1759-1808), Professor of Greek (1792-1808). The son of the parish clerk of Bacton and Earl Ruston, in Norfolk, Porson was entered, by the kindness of friends, on the foundation of Eton College (1774-1778). At Trinity, Cambridge, he became a Scholar in 1780, and a Fellow (1782-1792). In 1792, as he could not conscientiously take orders, he vacated his Fellowship, but was elected Professor of Greek. When Byron was at Cambridge, Porson's health and powers were failing. Silent and reserved, except in the society of his friends, a sloven in his person, he had probably taken to drink as a cure for sleeplessness. In a note to the _Pursuits of Literature_ (Dialogue iv. lines 508-516),

"What," asks the author, J. T. Mathias, himself a Fellow of Trinity,
"is mere genius without a regulated life! To show the deformity of
vice to the rising hopes of the country, the policy of ancient Sparta
exhibited an inebriated slave."

Yet Porson's fine love of truth and genius for textual criticism make him one of the greatest, if not the greatest, name in British scholarship. Porson married, in 1795, Mrs. Lunan, sister of Mr. Perry, the editor of the 'Morning Chronicle', for which he frequently wrote. In the 'Shade of Alexander Pope', Mathias again attacks him as "Dogmatic Bardolph in his nuptial noose." Porson's wife died shortly after their marriage. His controversial method was merciless. Of his 'Letters to Archdeacon Travis', Green ('Lover of Literature', p. 213) says that

"he dandles Travis as a tyger would a fawn: and appears only to
reserve him alive, for a time, that he may gratify his appetite for
sport, before he consigns his feeble prey, by a rougher squeeze, to
destruction."]

41.--To John Hanson.

Trinity College, Cambridge, Novr. 30, 1805.

Sir,--After the contents of your Epistle, you will probably be less
surprized at my answer, than I have been at many points of yours; [1]
never was I more astonished than at the perusal, for I confess I
expected very different treatment. Your _indirect_ charge of
Dissipation does not affect me, nor do I fear the strictest inquiry
into my conduct; neither here nor at _Harrow_ have I disgraced myself,
the "Metropolis" and the "Cloisters" are alike unconscious of my
Debauchery, and on the plains of _merry Sherwood_ I have experienced
_Misery_ alone; in July I visited them for the last time.

Mrs. Byron and myself are now totally separated, injured by her, I
sought refuge with Strangers, too late I see my error, for how was
kindness to be expected from _others_, when denied by a _parent_? In
you, Sir, I imagined I had found an Instructor; for your advice I
thank you; the Hospitality of yourself and Mrs. H. on many occasions I
shall always gratefully remember, for I am not of opinion that even
present Injustice can cancel past obligations.

Before I proceed, it will be necessary to say a few words concerning
Mrs. Byron; you hinted a probability of her appearance at Trinity; the
instant I hear of her arrival I quit Cambridge, though _Rustication_
or _Expulsion_ be the consequence. Many a weary week of _torment_ have
I passed with her, nor have I forgot the insulting _Epithets_ with
which myself, my _Sister_, my _father_ and my _Family_ have been
repeatedly reviled.

To return to you, Sir, though I feel obliged by your Hospitality,
etc., etc., in the present instance I have been completely deceived.
When I came down to College, and even previous to that period I
stipulated that not only my Furniture, but even my Gowns and Books,
should be paid for that I might set out free from _Debt_. Now with all
the _Sang Froid_ of your profession you tell me, that not only I shall
not be permitted to repair my rooms (which was at first agreed to) but
that I shall not even be indemnified for my present expence. In one
word, hear my determination. I will _never_ pay for them out of my
allowance, and the Disgrace will not attach to me but to _those_ by
whom I have been deceived. Still, Sir, not even the Shadow of
dishonour shall reflect on _my_ Name, for I will see that the Bills
are discharged; whether by you or not is to me indifferent, so that
the men I employ are not the victims of my Imprudence or your
Duplicity. I have ordered nothing extravagant; every man in College is
allowed to fit up his rooms; mine are secured to me during my
residence which will probably be some time, and in rendering them
decent I am more praiseworthy than culpable. The Money I requested was
but a secondary consideration; as a _Lawyer_ you were not obliged to
advance it till due; as a _Friend_ the request might have been
complied with. When it is required at Xmas I shall expect the demand
will be answered. In the course of my letter I perhaps have expressed
more asperity than I intended, it is my nature to feel warmly, nor
shall any consideration of interest or Fear ever deter me from giving
vent to my Sentiments, when injured, whether by a Sovereign or a
Subject.

I remain, etc., etc.,

BYRON.

[Footnote 1: The quarrel arose from Byron misunderstanding a letter from Hanson on the subject of the allowance made by the Court of Chancery for his furniture.]

42.--To John Hanson.

Trin. Coll. Cambridge, Dec. 4, 1805.

Sir,--In charging you with downright _Duplicity_ I wronged you, nor do
I hesitate to atone for an Injury which I feel I have committed, or
add to my Fault by the Vindication of an expression dictated by
Resentment, an _expression_ which deserves Censure, and demands the
apology I now offer; for I think that Disposition indeed _mean_ which
adds Obstinacy to Insult, by attempting the Palliation of unmerited
Invective from the mistaken principle of disdaining the Avowal of even
_self convicted_ Error. In regard to the other _Declarations_ my
Sentiments remain _unaltered;_ the event will shew whether my
Prediction is false. I know Mrs. Byron too well to imagine that she
would part with a _Sous_, and if by some _Miracle_ she was prevailed
upon, the _Details_ of her _Generosity_ in allowing me part of my _own
property_ would be continually _thundered_ in my ears, or _launched_
in the _Lightening_ of her letters, so that I had rather encounter the
Evils of Embarrassment than lie under an obligation to one who would
continually reproach me with her Benevolence, as if her Charity had
been extended to a _Stranger_ to the Detriment of her own Fortune. My
opinion is perhaps harsh for a Son, but it is justified by experience,
it is confirmed by _Facts_, it was generated by oppression, it has
been nourished by Injury. To you, Sir, I attach no Blame. I am too
much indebted to your kindness to retain my anger for a length of
Time, that _Kindness_ which, by a forcible contrast, has taught me to
spurn the _Ties_ of _Blood_ unless strengthened by proper and gentle
Treatment. I declare upon my honor that the Horror of entering Mrs.
Byron's House has of late years been so implanted in my Soul, that I
dreaded the approach of the Vacations as the _Harbingers_ of _Misery_.
My letters to my Sister, written during my residence at Southwell,
would prove my Assertion. With my kind remembrances to Mrs. H. and
Hargreaves,

I remain, Sir, yours truly,

BYRON.

43.--To John Hanson.

Trin. Coll. Cambridge, Dec. 13, 1805.

DEAR SIR,--I return you my Thanks for the remaining £50 which came in
extremely _apropos_, and on my visit to Town about the 19th will give
you a regular receipt. In your Extenuation of Mrs. Byron's Conduct you
use as a _plea_, that, by her being my Mother, greater allowance ought
to be made for those _little_ Traits in her Disposition, so much more
_energetic_ than _elegant_. I am afraid, (however good your intention)
that you have added to rather than diminished my Dislike, for
independent of the moral Obligations she is under to _protect,
cherish_, and _instruct_ her _offspring_, what can be expected of that
Man's heart and understanding who has continually (from Childhood to
Maturity) beheld so pernicious an Example? His nearest relation is the
first person he is taught to revere as his Guide and Instructor; the
perversion of Temper before him leads to a corruption of his own, and
when that is depraved, vice quickly becomes habitual, and, though
timely Severity may sometimes be necessary & justifiable, surely a
peevish harassing System of Torment is by no means commendable, & when
that is interrupted by ridiculous Indulgence, the only purpose
answered is to soften the feelings for a moment which are soon after
to be doubly wounded by the recal of accustomed Harshness. I will now
give this disagreeable Subject to the _Winds_. I conclude by observing
that I am the more confirmed in my opinion of the Futility of Natural
Ties, unless supported not only by Attachment but _affectionate_ and
_prudent_ Behaviour.

Tell Mrs. H. that the predicted alteration in my Manners and Habits
has not taken place. I am still the Schoolboy and as great a _Rattle_
as ever, and between ourselves College is not the place to improve
either Morals or Income.

I am, Sir, yours truly,

BYRON.

44.--To the Hon. Augusta Byron.

[[Cas]tle Howard, [ne]ar Malton, Yorkshire.]

16, Piccadilly, [Thursday], Decr. 26th, 1805.

My dearest Augusta,--By the Date of my Letter you will perceive that I
have taken up my Residence in the metropolis, where I presume we shall
behold you in the latter end of January. I sincerely hope you will
make your appearance at that Time, as I have some subjects to discuss
with you, which I do not wish to communicate in my Epistle.

The Dowager has thought proper to solicit a reconciliation which in
some measure I have agreed to; still there is a coolness which I do
not feel inclined to _thaw_, as terms of Civility are the only
resource against her impertinent and unjust proceedings with which you
are already acquainted.

Town is not very full and the weather has been so unpropitious that I
have not been able to make use of my Horses above twice since my
arrival. I hope your everlasting negotiation with the Father of your
_Intended_ is near a conclusion in _some_ manner; if you do not hurry
a little, you will be verging into the "_Vale of Years_," and, though
you may be blest with Sons and daughters, you will never live to see
your _Grandchildren_.

When convenient, favour me with an Answer and believe me,

[Signature cut out.]

45.--To the Hon. Augusta Byron.

[Castle Howar[d], neat Malto[n], Yorkshire.] 16, Piccadilly, [Friday],
Decr. 27th, 1805.

My Dear Augusta,--You will doubtless be surprised to see a second
epistle so close upon the arrival of the first, (especially as it is
not my custom) but the Business I mentioned rather mysteriously in my
last compels me again to proceed. But before I disclose it, I must
require the most inviolable Secrecy, for if ever I find that it has
transpired, all confidence, all Friendship between us has concluded. I
do not mean this exordium as a threat to induce you to comply with my
request but merely (whether you accede or not) to keep it a Secret.
And although your compliance would essentially oblige me, yet, believe
me, my esteem will not be diminished by your Refusal; nor shall I
suffer a complaint to escape. The Affair is briefly thus; like all
other young men just let loose, and especially one as I am, freed from
the worse than bondage of my maternal home, I have been extravagant,
and consequently am in want of Money. You will probably now imagine
that I am going to apply to you for some. No, if you would offer me
thousands, I declare solemnly that I would without hesitation refuse,
nor would I accept them were I in danger of Starvation. All I expect
or wish is, that you will be joint Security with me for a few Hundreds
a person (one of the money lending tribe) has offered to advance in
case I can bring forward any collateral guarantee that he will not be
a loser, the reason of this requisition is my being a Minor, and might
refuse to discharge a debt contracted in my non-age. If I live till
the period of my minority expires, you cannot doubt my paying, as I
have property to the amount of 100 times the sum I am about to raise;
if, as I think rather probable, a pistol or a Fever cuts short the
thread of my existence, you will receive half the _Dross_ saved since
I was ten years old, and can be no great loser by discharging a debt
of 7 or £800 from as many thousands. It is far from my Breast to exact
any promise from you that would be detrimental, or tend to lower me in
your opinion. If you suppose this leads to either of those
consequences, forgive my impertinence and bury it in oblivion. I have
many Friends, most of them in the same predicament with myself; to
those who are not, I am too proud to apply, for I hate obligation; my
Relations you know I _detest_; who then is there that I can address on
the subject but yourself? to you therefore I appeal, and if I am
disappointed, at least let me not be tormented by the advice of
Guardians, and let silence rule your Resolution. I know you will think
me foolish, if not criminal; but tell me so yourself, and do not
rehearse my failings to others, no, not even to that proud Grandee the
Earl, who, whatever his qualities may be, is certainly not amiable,
and that Chattering puppy Hanson would make still less allowance for
the foibles of a Boy. I am now trying the experiment, whether a woman
can retain a secret; let me not be deceived. If you have the least
doubt of my integrity, or that you run too great a Risk, do not
hesitate in your refusal. Adieu. I expect an answer with impatience,
believe me, whether you accede or not,

[Signature cut out.]

P.S.--I apologize for the numerous errors probably enveloped in this
cover; the temper of my mind at present, and the hurry I have written
in, must plead for pardon. Adieu.

46.--To the Hon. Augusta Byron.

[Castle Howard, near Malton, Yorkshire.]

16, Piccadilly, [Tuesday], January 7th, 1805.

[In another hand]--6.

My dearest Augusta,--Your efforts to reanimate my sinking spirits
will, I am afraid, fail in their effect, for my melancholy proceeds
from a very different cause to that which you assign, as, my nerves
were always of the strongest texture.--I will not however pretend to
say I possess that _Gaieté de Coeur_ which formerly distinguished me,
but as the diminution of it arises from what you could not alleviate,
and might possibly be painful, you will excuse the Disclosure. Suffice
it to know, that it cannot spring from Indisposition, as my Health was
never more firmly established than now, nor from the subject on which
I lately wrote, as that is in a promising Train, and even were it
otherwise, the Failure would not lead to Despair. You know me too well
to think it is _Love_; & I have had no quarrel or dissention with
Friend or enemy, you may therefore be easy, since no unpleasant
consequence will be produced from the present Sombre cast of my
Temper. I fear the Business will not be concluded before your arrival
in Town, when we will settle it together, as by the 20th these _sordid
Bloodsuckers_ who have agreed to furnish the Sum, will have drawn up
the Bond. Believe me, my dearest Sister, it never entered in to my
head, that you either could or would propose to antic[ipate] my
application to others, by a P[resent from?] yourself; I and I only
will be [injured] by my own extravagance, nor would I have wished you
to take the least concern, had any other means been open for
extrication. As it is, I hope you will excuse my Impertinence, or if
you feel an inclination to retreat, do not let affection for me
counterbalance prudence.

[Signature cut out.]

[Footnote 1: Words in square brackets accidentally torn off the edge of the paper, and conjecturally supplied.]

47.--To his Mother.

16, Piccadilly, Febry. 26, 1806.

Dear Mother,--Notwithstanding your sage and economical advice I have
paid my _Harrow_ Debts, as I can better afford to wait for the Money
than the poor Devils who were my creditors. I have also discharged my
college Bills amounting to £231,--£75 of which I shall trouble Hanson
to repay, being for Furniture, and as my allowance is £500 per annum,
I do not chuse to lose the overplus as it makes only £125 per Quarter.
I happen to have a few hundreds in ready Cash by me, [1] so I have
paid the accounts; but I find it inconvenient to remain at College,
not for the expence, as I could live on my allowance (only I am
naturally extravagant); however the mode of going on does not suit my
constitution. Improvement at an English University to a Man of Rank
is, you know, impossible, and the very Idea _ridiculous_. Now I
sincerely desire to finish my Education and, having been sometime at
Cambridge, the Credit of the University is as much attached to my
Name, as if I had pursued my Studies _there_ for a Century; but,
believe me, it is nothing more than a Name, which is already acquired.
I can now leave it with Honour, as I have paid everything, & wish to
pass a couple of years abroad, where I am certain of employing my time
to far more advantage and at much less expence, than at our English
Seminaries. 'Tis true I cannot enter France; but Germany and the
Courts of Berlin, Vienna & Petersburg are still open, I shall lay the
Plan before Hanson & Lord C. I presume you will all agree, and if you
do not, I will, if possible, get away without your Consent, though I
should admire it more in the regular manner & with a Tutor of your
furnishing. This is my project, at present I wish _you_ to be silent
to Hanson about it. Let me have your Answer. I intend remaining in
Town a Month longer, when perhaps I shall bring my Horses and myself
down to your residence in that _execrable_ Kennel. I hope you have
engaged a Man Servant, else it will be impossible for me to visit you,
since my Servant must attend chiefly to his horses; at the same Time
you must cut an indifferent Figure with only maids in your habitation.

I remain, your's,

BYRON.

[Footnote 1:

"The Bills," writes Mrs. Byron to Hanson (January 11, 1806), "are
coming in thick upon me to double the amount I expected; he went and
ordered just what he pleased here, at Nottingham, and in London.
However, it is of no use to say anything about it, and I beg you will
take no notice. I am determined to have everything clear within the
year, if possible."

Again she writes (March 1, 1806):

"I beg you will not mention to my son, having heard from me, but try
to get out of him his reason for wishing to leave England, and where
he got the money. I much fear he has fallen into bad hands, not only
in regard to Money Matters, but in other respects. My idea is that he
has inveigled himself with some woman that he wishes to get rid of and
finds it difficult. But whatever it is, he must be got out of it."

Again (March 4, 1806):

"That Boy will be the death of me, and drive me mad! I never will
consent to his going Abroad. Where can he get Hundreds? Has he got
into the hands of Moneylenders? He has no feeling, no Heart. This I
have long known; he has behaved as ill as possible to me for years
back. This bitter Truth I can no longer conceal: it is wrung from me
by _heart-rending agony_. I am well rewarded. I came to
Nottinghamshire to please him, and now he hates it. He knows that I am
doing everything in my power to pay his Debts, and he writes to me
about hiring servants!"

Once more (April 24, 1806):

"Lord Byron has given £31 10s. to Pitt's statue. He has also bought a
Carriage, which he says was intended for me, which I _refused_ to
accept of, being in hopes it would stop his having one."]

48.--To John Hanson.

16, Piccadilly, March 3, 1806.

Sir,--I called at your House in Chancery Lane yesterday Evening, as I
expected you would have been in Town, but was disappointed. If
convenient, I should be glad to see you on Wednesday Morning about one
o'Clock, as I wish for your advice on some Business. On Saturday one
of my Horses threw me; I was stunned for a short time, but soon
recovered and suffered no material _Injury_; the accident happened on
the Harrow Road. I have paid Jones's Bill amounting to £231.4.5 of
which I expect to be reimbursed £75 for Furniture. I have got his
Bankers' receipt and the account ready for your Inspection. I now owe
nothing at Cambridge; but shall not return this Term, [1] as I have
been extremely _unwell_, and at the same time can stay where I am at
much less Expence and _equal Improvement_. I wish to consult you on
several Subjects and expect you will pay me a visit on Wednesday; in
the mean time,

I remain, yours, etc., BYRON.

[Footnote 1: Lectures began on February 5, 1806, as is stated on the College bills, sent in by Mr. Jones, the Senior Tutor of Trinity. But Byron preferred to remain in London. Augusta Byron writes to Hanson (March 7, 1806)----

"I trouble you again in consequence of some conversation I had last
night with Lord Carlisle about my Brother. He expressed himself to me
as kindly on that subject as on all others, and though he says it may
not be productive of any good, and that he may be only _able to join
his lamentations_ with yours, he should like to talk to you and try if
anything can be done. I was much surprized and vexed to see my Brother
a week ago at the Play, as I think he ought to be employing his time
more profitably at Cambridge."]

49.--To John Hanson.

16, Piccadilly, near Park Lane, 10th March, 1806.

SIR,--As in all probability you will not make your appearance tomorrow
I must disclose by Letter the Business I intended to have discussed at
our interview.--We know each other sufficiently to render Apology
unnecessary. I shall therefore without further Prelude proceed to the
Subject in Question. You are not ignorant, that I have lately lived at
considerable Expence, to support which my allotted Income by the
'sapient' Court of Chancery is inadequate.--I confess I have
borrowed a trifling sum and now wish to raise £500 to discharge some
Debts I have contracted; my approaching Quarter will bring me £200 due
from my Allowance, and if you can procure me the other £300 at a
moderate Interest, it will save 100 per cent I must pay my _Israelite_
for the same purpose.--You see by this I have an _excellent_ Idea of
Oeconomy even in my Extravagance by being willing to pay as little
Money as possible, for the Cash must be disbursed _somewhere_ or
_somehow_, and if you decline (as in prudence I tell you fairly you
ought), the _Tribe_ of _Levi_ will be my _dernier resort_. However I
thought proper to make this Experiment with very slender hopes of
success indeed, since Recourse to the _Law_ is at best a _desperate_
effort. I have now laid open my affairs to you without Disguise and
Stated the Facts as they appear, declining all Comments, or the use of
any Sophistry to palliate my application, or urge my request. All I
desire is a speedy Answer, whether successful or not.

Believe me, yours truly, BYRON.

50.--To John Hanson.

16, Piccadilly, 25th March, 1806.

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

The Court of Chancery may perhaps put in Force your Threat. I have
always understood it formed a Sanction for legal plunderers to
protract the Decision of Justice from year to year, till weary of
spoil it at length condescended to give Sentence, but I never yet
understood even its unhallowed Hands preyed upon the Orphan it was
bound to protect. Be it so, only let me have your answer.

I remain, etc., etc., BYRON.

51.--To Henry Angelo. [1]
Trinity College, Cambridge, May 16, 1806.

SIR,--You cannot be more indignant, at the insolent and unmerited
conduct of Mr. Mortlock, [2] than those who authorised you to request
his permission. However we do not yet despair of gaining our point,
and every effort shall be made to remove the obstacles, which at
present prevent the execution of our project. I yesterday waited on
the Master of this College, [3] who, having a personal dispute with the
Mayor, declined interfering, but recommended an application to the
Vice Chancellor, whose authority is paramount in the University. I
shall communicate this to Lord Altamount,[4] and we will endeavour to
bend the obstinacy of the _upstart_ magistrate, who seems to be
equally deficient in justice and common civility. On my arrival in
town, which will take place in a few days, you will see me at Albany
Buildings, when we will discuss the subject further. Present my
remembrance to the Messrs. Angelo, junior, and believe me, we will yet
_humble_ this _impertinent bourgeois_.

I remain, Sir, your obedient servant,

BYRON.

[Footnote 1: Henry Angelo, the famous fencing-master, was at the head of his profession for nearly forty years. His position was recognized at least as early as 1787, when he published _The School of Fencing_, and fenced, with the Chevalier de St. George and other celebrities, before the Prince of Wales at Carlton House. In 1806 he was travelling down every other week to Cambridge, as he states in his _Pic Nic_ (1837), to visit his pupils. He had made Byron's acquaintance at Harrow by teaching him to fence, and in later years had many bouts with him with the foils, single-sticks, and Highland broadsword. His _Reminiscences_ (1830), together with his _Pic Nic_, contain numerous anecdotes of Byron, to whom he seems to have been sincerely attached. In 1806 he had several rooms in London for the use of his pupils. One of these was at 13, Bond Street, which he shared with Gentleman Jackson, the pugilist and ex-champion. In Cruikshank's picture of the room (Pierce Egan's _Life in London_, p. 254), two fencers have unmasked and stopped their bout to see Jackson spar with Corinthian Tom. Angelo contributed an article on fencing to Sir John Sinclair's _Code of Health and Longevity_, vol. ii. p. 163.

Angelo, who retired from London in 1821, and lived near Bath, was in 1806 at the height of his reputation. An old Etonian (1767), he knew every one in London; had dined at the same table with the Prince of Wales, acted with Lord Barrymore, sung comic songs with Dibdin, punned with Bannister and Colman, fished at Benham on the invitation of the Margravine of Anspach, played the flute to Lady Melfort's accompaniment on the piano, and claimed his share of the table-talk at the Keep Line Club. Nearly every celebrity of the day, from Lord Sidmouth and Lord Liverpool to Kean and Macready, was his pupil.]

[Footnote 2: Mr. Mortlock, the Mayor of Cambridge, is thus mentioned in a letter from S. T. Coleridge to Southey, dated September 26, 1794: "All last night I was obliged to listen to the damned chatter of "Mortlock, our mayor, a fellow that would certainly be a pantisocrat "were his head and heart as highly illuminated as his face. In the tropical latitude of this fellow's nose was I obliged to fry" (_Letters of S. T. Coleridge_ (1895), vol. i. p. 87).]

[Footnote 3: William Lort Mansel, Master of Trinity, and Bishop of Bristol. (See page 84 [Letter 40], [Foot]note 1.)]

[Footnote 4: Howe Peter Browne, Lord Altamont (1788-1845), of Jesus College, succeeded his father in 1809 as second Marquis of Sligo. Byron spent some time with him at Athens in 1810. Lord Sligo's letter on the origin of the 'Giaour' is quoted by Moore ('Life', p. 178). (See also page 289 [Letter 144], [Foot]note 1 [3].)]

52.--To John M. B. Pigot. [1]

16, Piccadilly, August 9, 1806.

MY DEAR PIGOT,--Many thanks for your amusing narrative of the last
proceedings of my amiable Alecto, who now begins to feel the effects
of her folly. I have just received a penitential epistle, to which,
apprehensive of pursuit, I have despatched a moderate answer, with a
_kind_ of promise to return in a fortnight;--this, however (_entre
nous_), I never mean to fulfil. Her soft warblings must have delighted
her auditors, her higher notes being particularly musical, and on a
calm moonlight evening would be heard to great advantage. Had I been
present as a spectator, nothing would have pleased me more; but to
have come forward as one of the _dramatis personae_--St. Dominic
defend me from such a scene! Seriously, your mother has laid me under
great obligations, and you, with the rest of your family, merit my
warmest thanks for your kind connivance at my escape from "Mrs. Byron
_furiosa_."

Oh! for the pen of Ariosto to rehearse, in epic, the scolding of that
momentous eve,--or rather, let me invoke the shade of Dante to inspire
me, for none but the author of the Inferno could properly preside over
such an attempt. But, perhaps, where the pen might fail, the pencil
would succeed. What a group!--Mrs. B. the principal figure; you
cramming your ears with cotton, as the only antidote to total
deafness; Mrs.----in vain endeavouring to mitigate the wrath of the
lioness robbed of her whelp; and last, though not least, Elizabeth and
_Wousky_,--wonderful to relate!--both deprived of their parts of
speech, and bringing up the rear in mute astonishment. How did S. B.
receive the intelligence? How many _puns_ did he utter on so
_facetious_ an event? In your next inform me on this point, and what
excuse you made to A. You are probably, by this time, tired of
deciphering this hieroglyphical letter;--like Tony Lumpkin, you will
pronounce mine to be "a damned up and down hand." All Southwell,
without doubt, is involved in amazement. _Apropos_, how does my
blue-eyed nun, the fair----? Is she "_robed in sable garb of woe?_"

Here I remain at least a week or ten days; previous to my departure
you shall receive my address, but what it will be I have not
determined. My lodgings must be kept secret from Mrs. B. You may
present my compliments to her, and say any attempt to pursue me will
fail, as I have taken measures to retreat immediately to Portsmouth,
on the first intimation of her removal from Southwell. You may add, I
have proceeded to a friend's house in the country, there to remain a
fortnight.

I have now _blotted_ (I must not say written) a complete double
letter, and in return shall expect a _monstrous budget_. Without
doubt, the dames of Southwell reprobate the pernicious example I have
shown, and tremble lest their _babes_ should disobey their mandates,
and quit, in dudgeon, their mammas on any grievance. Adieu. When you
begin your next, drop the "lordship," and put "Byron" in its place.

Believe me yours, etc.,

BYRON.

[Footnote 1: J. M. B. Pigot, eldest brother of Miss E. B. Pigot (see Letter of August 29, 1804, page 32, note 1). To him Byron addressed his "Reply" ('Poems', vol. i. pp. 53-56) and verses "To the Sighing Strephon" ('Ibid'., pp. 63-66). In 1805-6 Pigot was studying medicine at Edinburgh, and in his vacations saw much of Byron. He died at Ruddington, Notts., November 26, 1871, aged 86. It would appear that Byron had, with the connivance of the Pigots, escaped to London, after a quarrel with his mother; but the caution to keep his lodgings secret gives a theatrical air to the letter, as the rooms, kept by Mrs. Massingberd, were originally taken by Mrs. Byron, and often occupied by her, and she was at the time corresponding with Hanson about her son's debt to Mrs. Massingberd, who seems to have been both landlady and money-lender to Byron.]

53.--To Elizabeth Bridget Pigot.

London, August 10, 1806.

MY DEAR BRIDGET,--As I have already troubled your brother with more
than he will find pleasure in deciphering, you are the next to whom I
shall assign the employment of perusing this second epistle. You will
perceive from my first, that no idea of Mrs. B.'s arrival had
disturbed me at the time it was written; _not_ so the present, since
the appearance of a note from the _illustrious cause_ of my _sudden
decampment_ has driven the "natural ruby from my cheeks," and
completely blanched my woebegone countenance. This gunpowder
intimation of her arrival (confound her activity!) breathes less of
terror and dismay than you will probably imagine, from the volcanic
temperament of her ladyship; and concludes with the comfortable
assurance of _present motion_ being prevented by the fatigue of her
journey, for which my _blessings_ are due to the rough roads and
restive quadrupeds of his Majesty's highways. As I have not the
smallest inclination to be chased round the country, I shall e'en make
a merit of necessity; and since, like Macbeth, "they've tied me to the
stake, I cannot fly," I shall imitate that valorous tyrant, and
bear-like fight the "course," all escape being precluded. I can now
engage with less disadvantage, having drawn the enemy from her
intrenchments, though, like the _prototype_ to whom I have compared
myself, with an excellent chance of being knocked on the head.
However, "lay on Macduff", and "damned be he who first cries, Hold,
enough."