The Works Of Lord Byron, Letters and Journals, Vol. 1

L >> Lord Byron, Edited by Rowland E. Prothero >> The Works Of Lord Byron, Letters and Journals, Vol. 1

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"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 L50 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 L50 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 L800 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 _Gaiete 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.

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