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you shall have them all with you, if you like." tears, and exclaimed, "O, Mrs. By, I had but one He then took Childe Harold's Pilgrimage from a friend in the world, and she is gone!" small trunk, and handed it to Mr. Dallas, at the He was called at this time to mourn over the loss, same time expressing a desire to have the "Hints not only of his mother, but of six relatives and from Horace put to press immediately. He intimate friends.

undervalued Childe Harold, and overvalued the He returned to London in October, and resumed "Hints." He thought the former inferior to the the toils of literary labor, revising Childe Harold, latter. As time passed on, he altered his mind in and making many additions and alterations. He reference to this matter. "Had Lord Byron," had, also, at this time, two other works in press, says Moore, "persisted in his original purpose of "Hints from Horace," and "The Curse of Minergiving this poem to the press, instead of Childe va." In January, the two cantos of Childe Harold Harold, it is more than probable, that he would were printed, but not ready for sale until the month have been lost, as a great poet to the world." of March, when "the effect it produced on the

He finally consented to the publication of Childe public," says Moore, "was as instantaneous as it Harold, yet, to the last, he expressed doubts as to has proved deep and lasting. It was electric;-his its merit, and the reception it would meet with at fame had not to wait for any of the ordinary gradathe hands of the public. Doubts and difficulties tions, but seemed to spring up, like the palace of a arose as to a publisher. Messrs. Longman had re- fairy tale, in a night."Byron, himself, in a memfused to publish "English Bards and Scotch Re- oranda of the sudden and wholly unexpected effect, viewers;" and it was expressly stipulated with Mr. said, "I awoke one morning, and found myself Dallas, to whom Lord Byron had presented the famous."

copyright, that Childe Harold should not be offered /It was just previous to this period, that he to that house. An application was made to Mr. became acquainted with Moore, the poet. The Miller, but owing to the severity in which a per- circumstance which led to their acquaintance was sonal friend of that gentleman was mentioned, in a correspondence caused by a note appended to the poem, he declined publishing it. At length it" English Bards and Scotch Reviewers." The acpassed into the hands of Mr. Murray, then residing quaintance thus formed, was continued, with the in Fleet street, who was proud of the undertaking, utmost familiarity, through life. Lord Byron was and by whom it was immediately put to press ;- personally introduced to Moore at the house of and thus was laid the foundation of that friendly Rogers, the poet, where, on the same day, these and profitable connection, between that publisher three, together with Campbell, dined and the author, which continued, with but little interruption, during the poet's life.*

Among the many tributes to his genius, which Lord Byron received, was that of the Prince ReAbout this time, the fifth edition of his satire was gent. At an evening party he was presented to issued, and, soon after, every copy that could be that personage, at the request of the latter. The found was taken and destroyed. In America, how-Regent expressed his admiration of Childe Harold ever, and on the continent, where the law of Eng- and entered into a long and animated conversation, land had no power, it continued to meet with an which continued all the evening. unprohibited sale. In the month of August, 1811, the new theatre in While busily engaged in literary projects, he was Drury Lane was finished, and, after being urgently suddenly called to Newstead, by information of the requested, Byron wrote an opening address for the sickness of his mother. He immediately departed, occasion. (He now resided at Cheltenham, where, and travelled with all possible speed, yet death pre- in addition to the address, he wrote a poem on ceded him. When he arrived, he found her dead." Waltzing." In May, appeared "The Giaour," In a letter, the day after, he says, "I now feel which rapidly passed through several editions. The the truth of Mr. Gray's observation, we can only first contained but about four hundred lines, the have one mother.'" Mrs. Byron had, undoubtedly, last edition, about fourteen hundred. Many of its loved her son, and he her, with a depth of feeling choicest parts were not in the early copies, yet it hardly supposable by those who had seen them in was received with the greatest favor, and the admirtheir fits of ungovernable passion. An incident ers of Childe Harold equally admired this new prothat occurred at Newstead, at this time, proves the duct of the mind of its author. sincerity of his affection. On the night after his In December, 1813, he published "The Bride of arrival, the waiting woman of Mrs. Byron, in pass- Abydos." To this, while being printed, he added ing the door of the room, where the deceased body nearly two hundred lines. It met with a better relay, heard a sound as of some one sighing heavily from within; and, on entering the chamber, found, to her surprise, Lord Byron, sitting in the dark, beside the bed. On her representing to him the weakness of thus giving way to grief, he burst into

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ception, if possible, than either of his former works. Fourteen thousand copies were sold in one week; and it was with the greatest difficulty and labor that the demand for it could be supplied. In January following, appeared the "The Corsair." In April the "Ode to Napoleon," and, during the ensuing month, he published Hebrew Melodies."

In May, he adopted the strange and singular reso lution of calling in all he had written, buying up all his copyrights, and not writing any more. For two years, he had been the literary idol of the peo ple. They had bestowed upon him the highest words of praise, and shouted his genius and fame to the skies. His name had ever been on the lips, his writings in the head, and his sentiments in the heart of the great public. This strong popularity began to wane, as the excitement caused by the sudden appearance of any new thing, always will. The papers raised a hue and ery against a few of his minor poems. His moral and social character was brought into prominency; all that had occurred during his short, but eventful life, and much that had never an existence, except in the minds of his opponents, was related with minute particularity Not only this, but the slight opinion these journal ists expressed of his genius,-seconded, as it was by that inward dissatisfaction with his own powers

which they, whose standard of excellence is highest, | M. G. Lewis, Mr. Hobhouse and Mr. S. Davies are always surest to feel, mortified and disturbed with whom he made the excursions previously al him. In noticing these attacks, he remarks, "Iluded to. It was while here, that he began his prose am afraid what you call trash is plaguily to the pur- romance of "The Vampire" also another, founded pose; and, to tell the truth, for some time past, I upon the story of the Marriage of Belphegor, both have been myself much of the same opinion." In of which he left unfinished.

this state of mind, he resolved upon bidding fare- From the commencement of the year 1817, to that well to the muses, and betaking himself to some of 1820, Lord Byron's principal residence was at other pursuit. Mentioning this determination to Venice. Soon after reaching that city, he began Mr. Murray, that gentleman doubted his serious- the study of the Armenian language, in which he ness; but on the arrival of a letter, enclosing a made considerable progress. While there, he purdraft for the amount of the copyrights, and a re-sued his literary labors with much diligence and quest to withdraw all the advertisements, and de- success. He wrote "The Lament of Tasso," the stroy all copies of his poems, remaining in store, fourth canto of "Childe Harold," the dramas of except two of each for himself, all doubts vanished." Marino Faliero," and the "Two Foscari; " "BepMr. Murray wrote an answer, that such an act po," "Mazeppa," and the first cantos of "Don would be deeply injurious to both parties, and final- Juan."

ly induced him to continue publishing.

He formed an acquaintance with Madame Guicci

In connection with "Jacqueline," a poem, by Mr. oli, which soon grew to a passionate love, and was Rogers, "Lara" appeared in August. This was duly reciprocated by her. She was a Romagnese his last appearance as an author, until the spring lady. Her father was Count Gamba, a nobleman of of 1816. high rank and ancient name, at Ravenna. She had

On the 2d of January, 1815, Lord Byron pro-been married, when at the age of sixteen, without posed and was accepted in marriage, by an heiress, reference to her choice or affection, to the Count Miss Milbanke, daughter of Sir Ralph Milbanke, a Guiccioli, an old and wealthy widower. At the baronet, in the county of Durham. Her fortune time Byron was introduced to her, she was about was upwards of ten thousand pounds sterling, which twenty; with fair and delicate complexion, large, was considerably increased by the death of her pa- dark eyes, and a profusion of auburn hair. This rents, a few years subsequent to her union with the lady almost entirely governed the movements of poet. This union cast a shade on his hitherto Byron, while in Italy; and it was a government bright career. A twelve-months' extravagance, which he appeared to love, and from which he manembarrassments, and misunderstandings, dissolved ifested no desire to escape.

it, and the lady retired to the country-seat of her She proceeded with her husband to Ravenna, in parents, from the unpleasant scenes of her own April, 1819, and Lord Byron soon followed. He home. One child was the result of this marriage, shortly returned to Venice, where he received a visit Ada Augusta Byron. Previous to the separation, from Moore, in the course of which he presented to Byron's muse was stimulated to exertion by his him a large manuscript volume, entitled, "My Life fast-gathering misfortunes, and he produced the "Siege of Corinth" and "Parisina."

At the time of their separation, Lord Byron and Lady Byron resided in London. He entered into a giddy whirlpool of frolicking and unrestrained gaiety, which at length brought upon him great pecuniary embarrassments, which so increased, that in November, he was not only obliged to sell his library, but his furniture, and even his beds, were seized by the bailiffs.

and Adventures." As he handed it to him, he remarked, "It is not a thing that can be published during my lifetime; but you may have it, if you like,-there, do whatever you please with it; " and soon after added, "This will make a nice legacy for my little Tom, who shall astonish the latter days of the nineteenth century with it."

This manuscript was a collection of various journals, memorandas, etc. At Byron's request, Mr. Moore sold the copyright to Murray for two thouAs soon as the separation took place, the full tide sand pounds, with the stipulation that it was not to of public opinion set against him, and those who be published until after the author's decease. When had sought his acquaintance, coveted his friendship, that event occurred, Mr. Moore returned to Mr. and envied him his position, were among his dead- Murray the money advanced, and placed the manuliest foes and his most slanderous vilifiers. "In script at the disposal of Lord Byron's sister, Mrs. every form of paragraph, pamphlet and caricature, Leigh; at whose request, and, with the accordant both his person and character were held up to odi- opinion of Lord Byron's best friends, it was deum; hardly a voice was raised, or at least listened stroyed. The motive for its destruction is said to to, in his behalf; and though a few faithful friends have been an unwillingness to offend the feelings of remained unshaken by his side, the utter hopeless- many of the individuals mentioned in it. ness of stemming the torrent, was felt as well by Towards the close of the year 1819, Lord Byron them, as by himself; and after an effort or two to removed to Ravenna, where he wrote "The Proph gain a fair hearing, they submitted in silence." ecy of Dante," Sardanapalus," "Cain," "Heaven Thus miserable, yet conscious of his newly- and Earth," the third, fourth and fifth cantos of awakening strength, Byron determined to leave "Don Juan," and The Vision of Judgment." England. At leaving, the only person with whom He remained at Ravenna during the greater part he parted with regret, was his sister, and to her he of the two succeeding years. In the autumn of penned the touching tribute, Though the Day 1821 he removed to Pisa, in Tuscany, where he of my Destiny's over." To Mr. Moore he addressed, remained until the middle of May. His habits of "My Boat is on the Shore;' and to Lady Byron, life, while at Pisa, are thus described by Moore:"Fare thee well." "At two, he usually breakfasted, and at three, or,

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He sailed for Ostend on the 25th of April. His as the year advanced, four o'clock, those persons journey lay by the Rhine. He made a short stay at who were in the habit of accompanying him in his Brussels. At Geneva he spent the remainder of the rides, called upon him. After, occasionally, a game summer; living in a beautiful villa on the borders of billiards, he proceeded, and in order to avoid of the lake. While there, he made frequent excur- stares, in his carriage,-as far as the gates of the sions to Coppet, Chamouni, the Bernese Alps, and town, where his horses met him. At first, the route other places of interest. Mr. and Mrs. Shelley were he chose for these rides was in the direction of the also residing at Geneva at that time. It was in this Cascine, and of the pine forest that reaches towards villa, on the banks of the lake, that he finished the the sea; but having found a spot more convenient third canto of "Childe Harold." He also wrote for his pistol exercise, on the road leading from "The Prisoner of Chillon," stanzas "To Augusta," Portalla Spiaggia to the east of the city, he took "The Fragment," "Darkness," and "The Dream." daily this course during the remainder of his stay In the month of August he was visited by Mr. When arrived at the Podere, or farm, in the garden

of which they were allowed to erect their target, his hundred, brave and hardy mountaineers, but wholly friends and he dismounted, and, after devoting undisciplined and unmanageable. Of these, having about half an hour to a trial of skill at the pistol, obtained a commission, he, on the first of Febru returned, a little before sunset, into the city." ary, took the command. Leaving Pisa, he removed to Genoa, where he remained till his final departure for Greece, in July, 1823. During this time, he produced "Werner," "The Deformed Transformed," "The Island," Disease now began to prey upon him, and he "The Age of Bronze," and the last cantos of "Don was attacked with a fit of epilepsy on the 15th of Juan." February, which deprived him, for a short time, of He became interested in the struggle of the his senses. On the following morning, he appeared Greeks for freedom, and offered his services in their to be much better, but still quite ill. behalf. He obtained the advance of a large sum of On the 9th of April, after returning from a ride money, and chartered an English vessel, the Hercu- with Count Gamba, during which they had met a les, for the purpose of taking him to Greece. violent shower, he was again prostrated with disAll things being ready, on the 13th of July, he, jease. He was seized with shuddering, and comand those who were to accompany him, embarked. plained of rheumatic pains. The following day he His suite consisted of Count Pietro Gamba, brother arose at his accustomed hour, transacted business, of the Countess Guiccioli; Mr. Trelawny, an Eng- and rode into the olive woods, accompanied by his lishman; and Doctor Bruno, an Italian physician, long train of Suliotes.

An expedition against Lepanto was proposed; but, owing to some difficulty with the rude and riotous soldiery, it was suspended.

There were on board five horses, arms and ammunition for the use of his own party, and medicine enough for the supply of one thousand men for one

year.

who had just left the university, and was somewhat On the 11th his fever increased; and on the 12th acquainted with surgery. He had, also, at his ser- he kept his bed all day, complaining that he could vice, eight servants. not sleep, and taking no nourishment whatever. The two following days, he suffered much from pains in the head, though his fever had subsided. On the 14th, Dr. Bruno, finding sudorifics unavailing, urged the necessity of his being bled. But of On the morning of the 14th of July, the Hercules this Lord Byron would not hear. At length, howsailed; but, encountering a severe storm, was obliged ever, after repeated entreaties, he promised that, to put back. On the evening of the 15th, they should his fever increase, he would allow it to be again started, and after a passage of five days, done. He was bled; but the relief did not answer reached Leghorn, where they shipped a supply of the expectations of any one. The restlessness and gunpowder, and other English goods. Receiving agitation increased, and he spoke several times in these, they immediately sailed for Cephalonia, and an incoherent manner. On the 17th, it was repeated. reached Argolosti, the principal port of that island, on the 21st of July. He was warmly received by the Greeks and English, among whom his presence created a lively sensation.

His disease continued to increase; he had not, till now, thought himself dangerously ill; but now, the fearful truth was apparent, not only in his own feelings, but in the countenances and actions of his friends and attendants.

Soon

Wishing information, in order to determine upon the best course for him to pursue, he despatched A consultation of physicians was had. Mr. Trelawny and Mr. Hamilton Browne with a after, a fit of delirium ensued, and he began to talk letter to the Greek government, in order to obtain wildly, calling out, half in English, half in Italian, an account of the state of public affairs. Here, as "Forwards!-forwards!-courage!-follow my exin many other places, he displayed his generosity, ample!" &c., &c.

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by relieving the distressed, who had fled from Scio.] On Fletcher's asking him whether he should He was delayed at Argolosti about six weeks, by bring pen and paper to take down his words, he adverse winds. At length, the wind becoming fair, replied:-"Oh, no, there is no time-it is now nearly he embarked on board the Mistico, and Count over. Go to my sister-tell her-go to Lady Byron Gamba, with the horses and heavy baggage, in a-you will see her-and say-" Here his voice fallarge vessel. tered, and became gradually indistinct. He conThe latter was brought to by a Turkish frigate, tinued speaking in a low, whispering tone. "My and carried, with its valuable cargo, into Patras, Lord," replied Fletcher, "I have not understood where the commander of the Turkish fleet was sta- a word your Lordship has been saying." "Not tioned. Count Gamba had an interview with the understood me!" exclaimed Byron, with a look of Pacha, and was so fortunate as to obtain the release distress, "what a pity!-then it is too late;-all is of his vessel and freight; and sailing, reached Mis-over." "I hope not," answered Fletcher; but the solonghi on the 4th of January. He was surprised Lord's will be done!" "Yes, not mine," said to learn that Lord Byron had not arrived. Byron. He then attempted to say something; but On his Lordship's departure from Dragomestri, a nothing was intelligible, except "my sister-my violent gale came on, and the vessel was twice child."

driven into imminent danger on the rocks; and it About six o'clock in the evening of the 19th, he was owing to Lord Byron's firmness and nautical said, "Now I shall go to sleep;" and, turning skill, that the vessel, several lives, and twenty-five round, fell into that slumber from which he never thousand dollars, were saved. awoke.

It was while at Dragomestri, that an imprudent The sad intelligence was received by the people bath brought on a cold, which was the foundation of Missolonghi with feelings of sorrow, which we of that sickness which resulted in his death. are unable to describe; and all Europe was in

He reached Missolonghi on the 5th of January, mourning over the lamentable event, as its tidings and was received with enthusiastic demonstrations spread through its cities, towns, and villages. of joy. No mark of welcome or honor that theIt was but a short time previous, that the Greeks Greeks could devise, was omitted. were inspired by his presence, and inspirited by the One of the first acts of Lord Byron, was an at- touch of his ever-powerful genius. Now, all was tempt to mitigate the ferocity of war. He rescued over. The future triumphs which they had pictured & Turk from the hands of some sailors, kept him at forth for their country's freedom, vanished. Their his house a few days, until an opportunity occurred bright hopes departed, and lamentation filled hearts to send him to Patras. He sent four Turkish pris- lately buoyant with rejoicing.

oners to the Turkish Chief of Patras, and requested In various parts of Greece, honors were paid to that prisoners, on both sides, be henceforward his memory. treated with humanity. The funeral ceremony took place in the church of Forming a corps of Suliotes, he equipped them St. Nicholas. His remains were carried on the at his own expense. They numbered about six shoulders of the officers of his corps. On his coffin

were placed a helmet, a sword, and a crown of laurel. ble of all extremes of expression, from the most The church was crowded to its utmost extent, dur- joyous hilarity to the deepest sadness, from the very ing the service. sunshine of benevolence to the most concentrated

On the 2d of May the body was conveyed to Zante, scorn or rage. under a salute from the guns of the fortress. From But it was in the mouth and chin that the great thence, it was sent in the English brig Florida, in beauty of his countenance lay. Says a fair critic of charge of Col. Stanhope; and, being landed under his features, "Many pictures have been painted of the direction of his Lordship's executors, Mr. Hob- him, with various success; but the excessive beauty house and Mr. Hanson, it was removed to the house of his lips escaped every painter and sculptor. In of Sir Edward Knatchbull, where it lay in state dur- their ceaseless play they represented every emotion, ing the 9th and 10th of July. On the 16th of July, whether pale with anger, or curled in disdain, smil the last duties were paid to the remains of the great ing in triumph, or dimpled with archness and love. poet, by depositing them close to those of his mother, This extreme facility of expression was sometimes in the family vault in the small village church of painful, for I have seen him look absolutely ugly—I Hucknall, near Newstead. It is a somewhat singu- have seen him look so hard and cold that you must lar fact, that on the same day of the same month hate him, and then, in a moment, brighter than the in the preceding year, he said to Count Gamba, sun, with such playful softness in his look, such "Where shall we be in another year?" affectionate eagerness kindling in his eyes, and On a tablet of white marble, in the chancel of the dimpling his lips into something more sweet than a church of Hucknall, is the following inscription:- smile, that you forgot the man, the Lord Byron, in the picture of beauty presented to you, and gazed with intense curiosity-I had almost said-as if to

IN THE VAULT BENEATH,

WHERE MANY OF HIS ANCESTORS AND HIS MOTHER satisfy yourself, that thus looked the god of poetry, ARE BURIED,

LIE THE REMAINS OF

GEORGE GORDON NOEL BYRON,

LORD BYRON, OF ROCHDALE,
IN THE COUNTY OF LANCASTER;
THE AUTHOR OF

"CHILDE HAROLD'S PILGRIMAGE."
HE WAS BORN IN LONDON, ON THE
22D OF JANUARY, 1788.

HE DIED AT MISSOLONGHI, IN WESTERN GREECE,
ON THE 19TH OF APRIL, 1824,
ENGAGED IN THE GLORIOUS ATTEMPT TO
RESTORE THAT COUNTRY TO HER
ANCIENT FREEDOM AND
RENOWN.

HIS SISTER, THE HONORABLE
AUGUSTA MARIA LEIGH,

PLACED THIS TABLET TO HIS MEMORY.

the god of the Vatican, when he conversed with the sons and daughters of man."

His head was small; the forehead high, on which glossy, dark-brown curls clustered. His teeth were white and regular, and his countenance colorless.

He believed in the immortality of the soul. In one of his letters, he said that he once doubted it, but that reflection had taught him better. The publication of "Cain, a Mystery," brought down upon him the severest denunciations of many of the clergy, whose zeal took rapid flight and bore away their reason and judgment. They called it blasphemous. This, Lord Byron denied in the most positive terms. The misunderstanding was owing to the fact that Byron caused each of the characters to speak as it was supposed they would speak, judging from their actions, and that these fault-finders, who raised such an outcry, understood the language to be the belief of the author, than which nothing could be more unreasonable.

Thus lived and died the poet Byron. With a mind, blest with an active genius, which but few are At the time of Byron's death many tributes to his privileged to possess, he passed through this world, memory were paid by the most celebrated authors. like a comet, on its bright but erratic course, leaving Among them was one from Rogers, from which we a luminous trace behind to mark his passage, and take the following as best fitted, in closing this to keep his memory fresh in the hearts of many fu- sketch, to leave on the mind of our readers a just ture generations. It is not our purpose, in this view of the strange and eventful life of the poet, place, to speak of the general tone of his writings and at the same time to call forth that charity in or of their influence. That he had faults, we are judgment which it is our duty to bestow:ready to admit; and that he had an inward goodness of heart, we are as ready to assert. But few men, with like temperament and associations with his, would have pursued a different course.

In height he was five feet eight inches and a half. His hands were very white and small. Of his face, the beauty may be pronounced to have been of the highest order, as combining at once regularity of features with the most varied and interesting expression. His eyes were of a light gray, and capa

"Thou art goue;

And he who would assail thee in thy grave,
Oh, let him pause! for who among us all,
Tried as thou wert-even from thy earliest years,
When wandering, yet unspoilt, a Highland boy-
Tried as thou wert, and with thy love of fame;
Pleasure, while yet the down was on thy cheek,
Uplifting, pressing, and to lips like thine,
Her charmed cup-ah, who amongst us all
Could say he had not erred as much and more "

THE

WORKS OF LORD BYRON.

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