by Lord Byron
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.]
[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 runout — 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
— —
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
—
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.
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 amongst the orators of our 2nd speech day, but unfortunately some wit who had formerly been at Harrow, suppressed the merits of Long , Farrer 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.]
[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).]
[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.]
CHAPTER II. 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, 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.
[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 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 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. 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 res
idence 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 Superexcellent 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. 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.