The Works of Lord Byron: Letters and Journals Volume II Part 57

June 2, 1813.

Dear Sir,--I presented a pet.i.tion to the house yesterday, [1] which gave rise to some debate, and I wish you to favour me for a few minutes with the 'Times' and 'Herald' to look on their hostile report.

You will find, if you like to look at my 'prose', my words nearly 'verbatim' in the 'M. Chronicle'.

B'N.

[Footnote 1: The pet.i.tion was from Major Cartwright, and was presented June 1, 1813. (For Byron's speech, see Appendix II. (3).) Returning from the House, he called on Moore, and, while the latter was dressing for dinner, walked up and down the next room,

"spouting in a sort of mock heroic voice, detached sentences of the speech he had just been delivering. 'I told them,' he said, 'that it was a most flagrant violation of the Const.i.tution--that, if such things were permitted, there was an end of English freedom, and that--'

"'But what was this dreadful grievance?' asked Moore.

"'The grievance?' he repeated, pausing as if to consider, 'oh, _that_ I forget.'"]

295.--To Thomas Moore.

My Dear Moore,--"When Rogers" [1] must not see the inclosed, which I send for your perusal. I am ready to fix any day you like for our visit.

Was not Sheridan good upon the whole? The "Poulterer" was the first and best. [2]

Ever yours, etc.

1.

When Thurlow this d.a.m.n'd nonsense sent, (I hope I am not violent), Nor men nor G.o.ds knew what he meant.

2.

And since not ev'n our Rogers' praise To common sense his thoughts could raise-- Why _would_ they let him print his lays?

3.

4.

5.

To me, divine Apollo, grant--O!

Hermilda's first and second canto, I'm fitting up a new portmanteau;

6.

And thus to furnish decent lining, My own and others' bays I'm twining-- So, gentle Thurlow, throw me thine in.

296.--To John Hanson.

June 3d, 1813.

Dear Sir,--When you receive this I shall have left town for a week, and, as it is perfectly right we should understand each other, I think you will not be surprised at my persisting in my intention of going abroad.

If the Suit can be carried on in my absence,--_well_; if not, it must be given up. One word, one letter, to Cn. would put an end to it; but this I shall not do, at all events without acquainting you before hand; nor at all, provided I am able to go abroad again. But at all hazards, at all losses, on this last point I am as determined as I have been for the last six months, and you have always told me that you would endeavour to a.s.sist me in that intention. Every thing is ordered and ready now. Do not trifle with me, for I am in very solid serious earnest, and if utter ruin _were_, or _is_ before me, on the one hand--and wealth at home on the other,--I have made my choice, and go I will.

If you wish to write, address a line before Sat.u.r.day to Salthill Post Office; Maidenhead, I believe, but am not sure, is the Post town; but I shall not be in town till Wednesday next.

Believe me, yours ever,

BN.

P.S.--Let all the books go to Mr. Murray's immediately, and let the plate, linen, etc., which I find _excepted_ by the _contract_, be sold, particularly a large silver vase--with the _contents_ not removed as they are curious, and a silver cup (not the skull) be sold also--both are of value.

The Pictures also, and every moveable that is mine, and can be converted into cash; all I want is a few thousand pounds, and then adieu. You shan't be troubled with me these ten years, if ever.