Chapter 10

"Dec. 4. 1813."I have redde through your Persian Tales[105], and have taken the liberty of making some remarks on theblankpages. There are many beautiful passages, and an interesting story; and I cannot give you a stronger proof that such is my opinion, than by thedateof thehour—two o'clock, till which it has kept me awakewithout a yawn. The conclusion is not quite correct incostume; there is noMussulman suicideon record—at least forlove. But this matters not. The tale must have been written by some one who has been on the spot, and I wish him, and he deserves, success. Will you apologise to the author for the liberties I have taken with his MS.? Had I been less awake to, and interested in, his theme, I had been less obtrusive; but you knowIalways take this in good part, and I hope he will. It is difficult to say whatwillsucceed, and still more to pronounce whatwill not.Iam at this moment inthat uncertainty(on ourownscore); and it is no small proof of the author's powers to be able tocharmandfixamind's attention on similar subjects and climates in such a predicament. That he may have the same effectupon all his readers is very sincerely the wish, and hardly thedoubt, of yours truly, B."

"Dec. 4. 1813.

"I have redde through your Persian Tales[105], and have taken the liberty of making some remarks on theblankpages. There are many beautiful passages, and an interesting story; and I cannot give you a stronger proof that such is my opinion, than by thedateof thehour—two o'clock, till which it has kept me awakewithout a yawn. The conclusion is not quite correct incostume; there is noMussulman suicideon record—at least forlove. But this matters not. The tale must have been written by some one who has been on the spot, and I wish him, and he deserves, success. Will you apologise to the author for the liberties I have taken with his MS.? Had I been less awake to, and interested in, his theme, I had been less obtrusive; but you knowIalways take this in good part, and I hope he will. It is difficult to say whatwillsucceed, and still more to pronounce whatwill not.Iam at this moment inthat uncertainty(on ourownscore); and it is no small proof of the author's powers to be able tocharmandfixamind's attention on similar subjects and climates in such a predicament. That he may have the same effectupon all his readers is very sincerely the wish, and hardly thedoubt, of yours truly, B."

To The Bride of Abydos he made additions, in the course of printing, amounting, altogether, to near two hundred lines; and, as usual, among the passages thus added, were some of the happiest and most brilliant in the whole poem. The opening lines,—"Know ye the land,' &c.—supposed to have been suggested to him by a song of Goëthe's[106]—were among the number of these new insertions, as were also those fine verses,—"Who hath not proved how feebly words essay," &c. Of one of the most popular lines in this latter passage, it is not only curious, but instructive, to trace the progress to its present state of finish. Having at first written—

"Mind on her lip and music in her face,"

he afterwards altered it to—

"The mind of music breathing in her face."

But, this not satisfying him, the next step of correction brought the line to what it is at present—

"The mind, the music breathing from her face."[107]

But the longest, as well as most splendid, of those passages, with which the perusal of his own strains, during revision, inspired him, was that rich flow of eloquent feeling which follows the couplet,—"Thou, my Zuleika, share and bless my bark," &c.—a strain of poetry, which, for energy and tenderness of thought, for music of versification, and selectness of diction, has, throughout the greater portion of it, but few rivals in either ancient or modern song. All this passage was sent, in successive scraps, to the printer,—correction following correction, and thought reinforced by thought. We have here, too, another example of that retouching process by which some of his most exquisite effects were attained. Every reader remembers the four beautiful lines—

"Or, since that hope denied in worlds of strife,Be thou the rainbow to the storms of life!The evening beam that smiles the clouds away,And tints to-morrow with prophetic ray!"

In the first copy of this passage sent to the publisher, the last line was written thus—

{an airy}"And tints to-morrow with a {fancied} ray"—

the following note being annexed:—"Mr. Murray,—Choose which of the two epithets, 'fancied,' or 'airy,' may be the best; or, if neither will do, tell me, and I will dream another." The poet's dream was, it must be owned, lucky,—"prophetic" being the word, of all others, for his purpose.[108]

I shall select but one more example, from the additions to this poem, as a proof that his eagerness and facility in producing, was sometimes almost equalled by his anxious care in correcting. In the long passage just referred to, the six lines beginning "Blest as the Muezzin's strain," &c., having been despatched to the printer too late for insertion, were, by his desire, added in an errata page; the first couplet, in its original form, being as follows:—

"Soft as the Mecca-Muezzin's strains inviteHim who hath journey'd far to join the rite."

In a few hours after, another scrap was sent off, containing the lines thus—

"Blest as the Muezzin's strain from Mecca's dome,Which welcomes Faith to view her Prophet's tomb"—

with the following note to Mr. Murray:—

"December 3. 1813."Look out in the Encyclopedia, articleMecca, whether it is there or atMedinathe Prophet is entombed. If at Medina, the first lines of my alterration must run—"Blest as the call which from Medina's domeInvites Devotion to her Prophet's tomb," &c.If at Mecca, the lines may stand as before. Page 45. canto 2d, Bride of Abydos. Yours, B."You will find this out either by articleMecca,Medina, orMohammed. I have no book of reference by me."

"December 3. 1813.

"Look out in the Encyclopedia, articleMecca, whether it is there or atMedinathe Prophet is entombed. If at Medina, the first lines of my alterration must run—

"Blest as the call which from Medina's domeInvites Devotion to her Prophet's tomb," &c.

If at Mecca, the lines may stand as before. Page 45. canto 2d, Bride of Abydos. Yours, B.

"You will find this out either by articleMecca,Medina, orMohammed. I have no book of reference by me."

Immediately after succeeded another note:—

"Did you look out? Is itMedinaorMeccathat contains theHolySepulchre? Don't make me blaspheme by your negligence. I have no book of reference, or I would save you the trouble. Iblush, as a good Mussulman, to have confused the point."Yours, B."

"Yours, B."

Notwithstanding all these various changes, the couplet in question stands at present thus:—

"Blest as the Muezzin's strain from Mecca's wallTo pilgrims pure and prostrate at his call."

In addition to his own watchfulness over the birth of his new poem, he also, as will be seen from the following letter, invoked the veteran taste of Mr. Gifford on the occasion:—

LETTER 144. TO MR. GIFFORD.

"November 12. 1813."My dear Sir,"I hope you will consider, when I venture on any request, that it is the reverse of a certain Dedication, and is addressed,notto 'The Editor of the Quarterly Review,' but to Mr. Gifford. You will understand this, and on that point I need trouble you no farther."You have been good enough to look at a thing of mine in MS.—a Turkish story, and I should feel gratified if you would do it the same favour in its probationary state of printing. It was written, I cannot say for amusement, nor 'obliged by hunger and request of friends,' but in a state of mind from circumstances which occasionally occur to 'us youth,' that rendered it necessary for me to apply my mind to something, any thing but reality; and under this not very brilliant inspiration it was composed. Being done, and having at least diverted me from myself, I thought you would not perhaps be offended if Mr. Murray forwarded it to you. He has done so, and to apologise for his doing so a second time is the object of my present letter."I beg you willnotsend me any answer. I assure you very sincerely I know your time to be occupied, and it is enough, more than enough, if you read; you are not to be bored with the fatigue of answers."A word to Mr. Murray will be sufficient, and send it either to the flames or"A hundred hawkers' load,On wings of wind to fly or fall abroad.It deserves no better than the first, as the work of a week, and scribbled 'stans pede in uno' (by the by, the only foot I have to stand on); and I promise never to trouble you again under forty Cantos, and a voyage between each. Believe me ever"Your obliged and affectionate servant,"BYRON."

"November 12. 1813.

"My dear Sir,

"I hope you will consider, when I venture on any request, that it is the reverse of a certain Dedication, and is addressed,notto 'The Editor of the Quarterly Review,' but to Mr. Gifford. You will understand this, and on that point I need trouble you no farther.

"You have been good enough to look at a thing of mine in MS.—a Turkish story, and I should feel gratified if you would do it the same favour in its probationary state of printing. It was written, I cannot say for amusement, nor 'obliged by hunger and request of friends,' but in a state of mind from circumstances which occasionally occur to 'us youth,' that rendered it necessary for me to apply my mind to something, any thing but reality; and under this not very brilliant inspiration it was composed. Being done, and having at least diverted me from myself, I thought you would not perhaps be offended if Mr. Murray forwarded it to you. He has done so, and to apologise for his doing so a second time is the object of my present letter.

"I beg you willnotsend me any answer. I assure you very sincerely I know your time to be occupied, and it is enough, more than enough, if you read; you are not to be bored with the fatigue of answers.

"A word to Mr. Murray will be sufficient, and send it either to the flames or

"A hundred hawkers' load,On wings of wind to fly or fall abroad.

It deserves no better than the first, as the work of a week, and scribbled 'stans pede in uno' (by the by, the only foot I have to stand on); and I promise never to trouble you again under forty Cantos, and a voyage between each. Believe me ever

"Your obliged and affectionate servant,

"BYRON."

The following letters and notes, addressed to Mr. Murray at this time, cannot fail, I think, to gratify all those to whom the history of the labours of genius is interesting:—

LETTER 145. TO MR. MURRAY.

"Nov. 12. 1813."Two friends of mine (Mr. Rogers and Mr. Sharpe) have advised me not to risk at present any single publication separately, for various reasons. As they have not seen the one in question, they can have no bias for or against the merits (if it has any) or the faults of the present subject of our conversation. You say all the last of 'The Giaour' aregone—at least out of your hands. Now, if you think of publishing any new edition with the last additions which have not yet been before the reader (I mean distinct from the two-volume publication), we can add 'The Bride of Abydos,' which will thus steal quietly into the world: if liked, we can then throw off some copies for the purchasers of former 'Giaours;' and, if not, I can omit it in any future publication. What think you? I really am no judge of those things, and with all my natural partiality for one's own productions, I would rather follow any one's judgment than my own."P.S. Pray let me have the proofs I sentallto-night. I have some alterations that I have thought of that I wish to make speedily. I hope the proof will be on separate pages, and not all huddled together on a mile-long ballad-singing sheet, as those of The Giaour sometimes are; for then I can't read them distinctly."

"Nov. 12. 1813.

"Two friends of mine (Mr. Rogers and Mr. Sharpe) have advised me not to risk at present any single publication separately, for various reasons. As they have not seen the one in question, they can have no bias for or against the merits (if it has any) or the faults of the present subject of our conversation. You say all the last of 'The Giaour' aregone—at least out of your hands. Now, if you think of publishing any new edition with the last additions which have not yet been before the reader (I mean distinct from the two-volume publication), we can add 'The Bride of Abydos,' which will thus steal quietly into the world: if liked, we can then throw off some copies for the purchasers of former 'Giaours;' and, if not, I can omit it in any future publication. What think you? I really am no judge of those things, and with all my natural partiality for one's own productions, I would rather follow any one's judgment than my own.

"P.S. Pray let me have the proofs I sentallto-night. I have some alterations that I have thought of that I wish to make speedily. I hope the proof will be on separate pages, and not all huddled together on a mile-long ballad-singing sheet, as those of The Giaour sometimes are; for then I can't read them distinctly."

TO MR. MURRAY.

"Nov. 13. 1813."Will you forward the letter to Mr. Gilford with the proof? There is an alteration I may make in Zuleika's speech, in second Canto (the only one of hers in that Canto). It is now thus:"And curse, if I could curse, the day.It must be—"And mourn—I dare not curse—the dayThat saw my solitary birth, &c. &c."Ever yours, B."In the last MS. lines sent, instead of 'living heart,' convert to 'quivering heart.' It is in line ninth of the MS. passage."Ever yours again, B."

"Nov. 13. 1813.

"Will you forward the letter to Mr. Gilford with the proof? There is an alteration I may make in Zuleika's speech, in second Canto (the only one of hers in that Canto). It is now thus:

"And curse, if I could curse, the day.

It must be—

"And mourn—I dare not curse—the dayThat saw my solitary birth, &c. &c.

"Ever yours, B.

"In the last MS. lines sent, instead of 'living heart,' convert to 'quivering heart.' It is in line ninth of the MS. passage.

"Ever yours again, B."

TO MR. MURRAY.

"Alteration of a line in Canto second."Instead of—"And tints to-morrow with afanciedray,Print—"And tints to-morrow withpropheticray."The evening beam that smiles the clouds awayAnd tints to-morrow with prophetic ray;Or,{gilds}"And {tints} the hope of morning with its ray;Or,"And gilds to-morrow's hope with heavenly ray."I wish you would ask Mr. Gifford which of them is best, or rathernot worst. Ever, &c."You can send the request contained in this at the same time with therevise,afterI have seen thesaid revise."

"Alteration of a line in Canto second.

"Instead of—

"And tints to-morrow with afanciedray,

Print—

"And tints to-morrow withpropheticray."The evening beam that smiles the clouds awayAnd tints to-morrow with prophetic ray;

"And tints to-morrow withpropheticray.

"The evening beam that smiles the clouds awayAnd tints to-morrow with prophetic ray;

Or,

{gilds}"And {tints} the hope of morning with its ray;

Or,

"And gilds to-morrow's hope with heavenly ray.

"I wish you would ask Mr. Gifford which of them is best, or rathernot worst. Ever, &c.

"You can send the request contained in this at the same time with therevise,afterI have seen thesaid revise."

TO MR. MURRAY.

"Nov. 13. 1813."Certainly. Do you suppose that no one but the Galileans are acquainted withAdam, andEve, andCain[109], andNoah?—Surely, I might have had Solomon, and Abraham, and David, and even Moses. When you know thatZuleikais thePersian poeticalname forPotiphar's wife, on whom and Joseph there is a long poem, in the Persian, this will not surprise you. If you want authority, look at Jones, D'Herbelot, Vathek, or the notes to the Arabian Nights; and, if you think it necessary, model this into a note."Alter, in the inscription, 'the most affectionate respect,' to 'with every sentiment of regard and respect.'"

"Nov. 13. 1813.

"Certainly. Do you suppose that no one but the Galileans are acquainted withAdam, andEve, andCain[109], andNoah?—Surely, I might have had Solomon, and Abraham, and David, and even Moses. When you know thatZuleikais thePersian poeticalname forPotiphar's wife, on whom and Joseph there is a long poem, in the Persian, this will not surprise you. If you want authority, look at Jones, D'Herbelot, Vathek, or the notes to the Arabian Nights; and, if you think it necessary, model this into a note.

"Alter, in the inscription, 'the most affectionate respect,' to 'with every sentiment of regard and respect.'"

TO MR. MURRAY.

"Nov. 14. 1813."I send you a note for theignorant, but I really wonder at findingyouamong them. I don't care one lump of sugar for mypoetry; but for mycostumeand mycorrectnesson those points (of which I think thefuneralwas a proof), I will combat lustily."Yours," &c.

"Nov. 14. 1813.

"I send you a note for theignorant, but I really wonder at findingyouamong them. I don't care one lump of sugar for mypoetry; but for mycostumeand mycorrectnesson those points (of which I think thefuneralwas a proof), I will combat lustily.

"Yours," &c.

"Nov. 14. 1813."Let the revise which I sent just now (andnotthe proof in Mr. Gifford's possession) be returned to the printer, as there are several additional corrections, and two new lines in it. Yours," &c.

"Nov. 14. 1813.

"Let the revise which I sent just now (andnotthe proof in Mr. Gifford's possession) be returned to the printer, as there are several additional corrections, and two new lines in it. Yours," &c.

LETTER 146. TO MR. MURRAY.

"November 15. 1813."Mr. Hodgson has looked over andstopped, or ratherpointed, this revise, which must be the one to print from. He has also made some suggestions, with most of which I have complied, as he has always, for these ten years, been a very sincere, and by no means (at times) flattering intimate of mine.Helikes it (you will thinkfatteringly, in this instance) better than The Giaour, but doubts (and so do I) its being so popular; but, contrary to some others, advises a separate publication. On this we can easily decide. I confess I like thedoubleform better. Hodgson says, it isbetter versifiedthan any of the others; which is odd, if true, as it has cost me less time (though more hours at a time) than any attempt I ever made."P.S. Do attend to the punctuation: I can't, for I don't know a comma—at least where to place one."That Tory of a printer has omitted two lines of the opening, andperhaps more, which were in the MS. Will you, pray, give him a hint of accuracy? I have reinserted thetwo, but they were in the manuscript, I can swear."

"November 15. 1813.

"Mr. Hodgson has looked over andstopped, or ratherpointed, this revise, which must be the one to print from. He has also made some suggestions, with most of which I have complied, as he has always, for these ten years, been a very sincere, and by no means (at times) flattering intimate of mine.Helikes it (you will thinkfatteringly, in this instance) better than The Giaour, but doubts (and so do I) its being so popular; but, contrary to some others, advises a separate publication. On this we can easily decide. I confess I like thedoubleform better. Hodgson says, it isbetter versifiedthan any of the others; which is odd, if true, as it has cost me less time (though more hours at a time) than any attempt I ever made.

"P.S. Do attend to the punctuation: I can't, for I don't know a comma—at least where to place one.

"That Tory of a printer has omitted two lines of the opening, andperhaps more, which were in the MS. Will you, pray, give him a hint of accuracy? I have reinserted thetwo, but they were in the manuscript, I can swear."

LETTER 147. TO MR. MURRAY.

"November 17. 1813."That you and I may distinctly understand each other on a subject, which, like 'the dreadful reckoning when men smile no more,' makes conversation not very pleasant, I think it as well towritea few lines on the topic.—Before I left town for Yorkshire, you said that you were ready and willing to give five hundred guineas for the copyright of 'The Giaour;' and my answer was—from which I do not mean to recede—that we would discuss the point at Christmas. The new story may or may not succeed; the probability, under present circumstances, seems to be, that it may at least pay its expenses—but even that remains to be proved, and till it is proved one way or another, we will say nothing about it. Thus then be it: I will postpone all arrangement about it, and The Giaour also, till Easter, 1814; and you shall then, according to your own notions of fairness, make your own offer for the two. At the same time, I do not rate the last in my own estimation at half The Giaour; and according to your own notions of its worth and its success within the time mentioned, be the addition or deduction to or from whatever sum may be your proposal for the first, which has already had its success."The pictures of Phillips I consider asmine, all three; and the one (not the Arnaout) of the two best is much atyour service, if you will accept it as a present."P.S. The expense of engraving from the miniature send me in my account, as it was destroyed by my desire; and have the goodness to burn that detestable print from it immediately."To make you some amends for eternally pestering you with alterations, I send you Cobbett to confirm your orthodoxy."One more alteration ofaintothein the MS.; it must be—'Theheart whose softness,' &c."Remember—and in the inscription, 'To the Right Honourable Lord Holland,'withoutthe previous names, Henry," &c.

"November 17. 1813.

"That you and I may distinctly understand each other on a subject, which, like 'the dreadful reckoning when men smile no more,' makes conversation not very pleasant, I think it as well towritea few lines on the topic.—Before I left town for Yorkshire, you said that you were ready and willing to give five hundred guineas for the copyright of 'The Giaour;' and my answer was—from which I do not mean to recede—that we would discuss the point at Christmas. The new story may or may not succeed; the probability, under present circumstances, seems to be, that it may at least pay its expenses—but even that remains to be proved, and till it is proved one way or another, we will say nothing about it. Thus then be it: I will postpone all arrangement about it, and The Giaour also, till Easter, 1814; and you shall then, according to your own notions of fairness, make your own offer for the two. At the same time, I do not rate the last in my own estimation at half The Giaour; and according to your own notions of its worth and its success within the time mentioned, be the addition or deduction to or from whatever sum may be your proposal for the first, which has already had its success.

"The pictures of Phillips I consider asmine, all three; and the one (not the Arnaout) of the two best is much atyour service, if you will accept it as a present.

"P.S. The expense of engraving from the miniature send me in my account, as it was destroyed by my desire; and have the goodness to burn that detestable print from it immediately.

"To make you some amends for eternally pestering you with alterations, I send you Cobbett to confirm your orthodoxy.

"One more alteration ofaintothein the MS.; it must be—'Theheart whose softness,' &c.

"Remember—and in the inscription, 'To the Right Honourable Lord Holland,'withoutthe previous names, Henry," &c.

TO MR. MURRAY.

"November 20. 1813."More work for theRow. I am doing my best to beat 'The Giaour'—nodifficult task for any one but the author."

"November 20. 1813.

"More work for theRow. I am doing my best to beat 'The Giaour'—nodifficult task for any one but the author."

TO MR. MURRAY.

"November 22. 1813."I have no time tocross-investigate, but I believe and hope all is right. I care less than you will believe about its success, but I can't survive a singlemisprint: itchokesme to see words misused by the printers. Pray look over, in case of some eyesore escaping me."P.S. Send the earliest copies to Mr. Frere, Mr. Canning, Mr. Heber, Mr. Gifford, Lord Holland, Lord Melbourne (Whitehall), Lady Caroline Lamb, (Brocket), Mr. Hodgson (Cambridge), Mr. Merivale, Mr. Ward, from the author."

"November 22. 1813.

"I have no time tocross-investigate, but I believe and hope all is right. I care less than you will believe about its success, but I can't survive a singlemisprint: itchokesme to see words misused by the printers. Pray look over, in case of some eyesore escaping me.

"P.S. Send the earliest copies to Mr. Frere, Mr. Canning, Mr. Heber, Mr. Gifford, Lord Holland, Lord Melbourne (Whitehall), Lady Caroline Lamb, (Brocket), Mr. Hodgson (Cambridge), Mr. Merivale, Mr. Ward, from the author."

TO MR. MURRAY.

"November 23. 1813."You wanted some reflections, and I send youper Selim(see his speech in Canto 2d, page 46.), eighteen lines in decent couplets, of a pensive, if not anethicaltendency. One more revise—positively the last, if decently done—at any rate thepenultimate. Mr. Canning's approbation (ifhe did approve) I need not say makes me proud.[110]As to printing, print as you will and how you will—by itself, if you like; but let me have a few copies insheets."November 24. 1813."You must pardon me once more, as it is all for your good: it must be thus—"He makes a solitude, and calls it peace.'Makes' is closer to the passage of Tacitus, from which the line is taken, and is, besides, a stronger word than 'leaves'"Mark where his carnage and his conquests cease—He makes a solitude, and calls it—peace."

"November 23. 1813.

"You wanted some reflections, and I send youper Selim(see his speech in Canto 2d, page 46.), eighteen lines in decent couplets, of a pensive, if not anethicaltendency. One more revise—positively the last, if decently done—at any rate thepenultimate. Mr. Canning's approbation (ifhe did approve) I need not say makes me proud.[110]As to printing, print as you will and how you will—by itself, if you like; but let me have a few copies insheets.

"November 24. 1813.

"You must pardon me once more, as it is all for your good: it must be thus—

"He makes a solitude, and calls it peace.

'Makes' is closer to the passage of Tacitus, from which the line is taken, and is, besides, a stronger word than 'leaves'

"Mark where his carnage and his conquests cease—He makes a solitude, and calls it—peace."

LETTER 148. TO MR. MURRAY.

"November 27. 1813."If you look over this carefully by thelast proofwith my corrections, it is probably right; thisyoucan do as well or better;—I have not now time. The copies I mentioned to be sent to different friends last night, I should wish to be made up with the new Giaours, if it also is ready. If not, send The Giaour afterwards."The Morning Post saysIam the author of Nourjahad!! This comes of lending the drawings for their dresses; but it is not worth aformal contradiction. Besides, the criticisms on thesuppositionwill, some of them, be quite amusing and furious. TheOrientalism—which I hear is very splendid—of the melodrame (whosever it is, and I am sure I don't know) is as good as an advertisement for your Eastern Stories, by filling their heads with glitter."P.S. You will of coursesaythe truth, that I amnotthe melodramist—if any one charges me in your presence with the performance."

"November 27. 1813.

"If you look over this carefully by thelast proofwith my corrections, it is probably right; thisyoucan do as well or better;—I have not now time. The copies I mentioned to be sent to different friends last night, I should wish to be made up with the new Giaours, if it also is ready. If not, send The Giaour afterwards.

"The Morning Post saysIam the author of Nourjahad!! This comes of lending the drawings for their dresses; but it is not worth aformal contradiction. Besides, the criticisms on thesuppositionwill, some of them, be quite amusing and furious. TheOrientalism—which I hear is very splendid—of the melodrame (whosever it is, and I am sure I don't know) is as good as an advertisement for your Eastern Stories, by filling their heads with glitter.

"P.S. You will of coursesaythe truth, that I amnotthe melodramist—if any one charges me in your presence with the performance."

LETTER 149. TO MR. MURRAY.

"November 28. 1813."Send another copy (if not too much of a request) to Lady Holland of theJournal[111], in my name, when you receive this; it is forEarl Grey—and I will relinquish myown. Also to Mr. Sharpe, and Lady Holland, and Lady Caroline Lamb, copies of 'The Bride' as soon as convenient."P.S. Mr. Ward and myself still continue our purpose; but I shall not trouble you on any arrangement on the score of The Giaour and The Bride tillour return,—or, at any rate, beforeMay, 1814,—that is, six months from hence: and before that time you will be able to ascertain how far your offer may be a losing one; if so, you can deduct proportionably; and if not, I shall not at any rate allow you to go higher than your present proposal, which is very handsome, and more than fair.[112]"I have had—but this must beentre nous—a very kind note, on the subject of 'The Bride,' from Sir James Mackintosh, and an invitation to go there this evening, which it is now too late to accept."

"November 28. 1813.

"Send another copy (if not too much of a request) to Lady Holland of theJournal[111], in my name, when you receive this; it is forEarl Grey—and I will relinquish myown. Also to Mr. Sharpe, and Lady Holland, and Lady Caroline Lamb, copies of 'The Bride' as soon as convenient.

"P.S. Mr. Ward and myself still continue our purpose; but I shall not trouble you on any arrangement on the score of The Giaour and The Bride tillour return,—or, at any rate, beforeMay, 1814,—that is, six months from hence: and before that time you will be able to ascertain how far your offer may be a losing one; if so, you can deduct proportionably; and if not, I shall not at any rate allow you to go higher than your present proposal, which is very handsome, and more than fair.[112]

"I have had—but this must beentre nous—a very kind note, on the subject of 'The Bride,' from Sir James Mackintosh, and an invitation to go there this evening, which it is now too late to accept."

TO MR. MURRAY.

"November 29. 1813. Sunday—Monday morning—three o'clock—in my doublet and hose,—swearing."I send you in time an errata page, containing an omission of mine, which must be thus added, as it is too late for insertion in the text. The passage is an imitation altogether from Medea in Ovid, and is incomplete without these two lines. Pray let this be done, and directly; it is necessary, will add one page to your book (making), and can do no harm, and is yet in time for thepublic. Answer me, thou oracle, in the affirmative. You can send the loose pages to those who have copies already, if they like; but certainly to all thecriticalcopyholders."P.S. I have got out of my bed, (in which, however, I could not sleep, whether I had amendedthis or not,) and so good morning. I am trying whether De l'Allemagne will act as an opiate, but I doubt it."

"November 29. 1813. Sunday—Monday morning—three o'clock—in my doublet and hose,—swearing.

"I send you in time an errata page, containing an omission of mine, which must be thus added, as it is too late for insertion in the text. The passage is an imitation altogether from Medea in Ovid, and is incomplete without these two lines. Pray let this be done, and directly; it is necessary, will add one page to your book (making), and can do no harm, and is yet in time for thepublic. Answer me, thou oracle, in the affirmative. You can send the loose pages to those who have copies already, if they like; but certainly to all thecriticalcopyholders.

"P.S. I have got out of my bed, (in which, however, I could not sleep, whether I had amendedthis or not,) and so good morning. I am trying whether De l'Allemagne will act as an opiate, but I doubt it."

TO MR. MURRAY.

"November 29. 1813."You have looked at it!' to much purpose, to allow so stupid a blunder to stand; it isnot'courage' but 'carnage;' and if you don't want me to cut my own throat, see it altered."I am very sorry to hear of the fall of Dresden."

"November 29. 1813.

"You have looked at it!' to much purpose, to allow so stupid a blunder to stand; it isnot'courage' but 'carnage;' and if you don't want me to cut my own throat, see it altered.

"I am very sorry to hear of the fall of Dresden."

LETTER 150. TO MR. MURRAY.

"Nov. 29. 1813. Monday."You will act as you please upon that point; but whether I go or stay, I shall not say another word on the subject till May—nor then, unless quite convenient to yourself. I have many things I wish to leave to your care, principally papers. Thevasesneed not be now sent, as Mr. Ward is gone to Scotland. You are right about the errata page; place it at the beginning. Mr. Perry is a little premature in his compliments: these may do harm by exciting expectation, and I think we ought to be above it—though I see the next paragraph is on theJournal[113], which makes me suspectyouas the author of both."Would it not have been as well to have said 'in two Cantos' in the advertisement? they will else think offragments, a species of composition verywell foronce, likeone ruinin aview; but one would not build a town of them. The Bride, such as it is, is my firstentirecomposition of any length (except the Satire, and be d——d to it), for The Giaour is but a string of passages, and Childe Harold is, and I rather think always will be, unconcluded. I return Mr. Hay's note, with thanks to him and you."There have been some epigrams on Mr. Ward: one I see to-day. The first I did not see, but heard yesterday. The second seems very bad. I only hope that Mr. Ward does not believe that I had any connection with either. I like and value him too well to allow my politics to contract into spleen, or to admire any thing intended to annoy him or his. You need not take the trouble to answer this, as I shall see you in the course of the afternoon."P.S. I have said this much about the epigrams, because I lived so much in theopposite camp, and, from my post as an engineer, might be suspected as the flinger of these hand-grenadoes; but with a worthy foe, I am all for open war, and not this bushfighting, and have not had, nor will have, any thing to do with it. I do not know the author."

"Nov. 29. 1813. Monday.

"You will act as you please upon that point; but whether I go or stay, I shall not say another word on the subject till May—nor then, unless quite convenient to yourself. I have many things I wish to leave to your care, principally papers. Thevasesneed not be now sent, as Mr. Ward is gone to Scotland. You are right about the errata page; place it at the beginning. Mr. Perry is a little premature in his compliments: these may do harm by exciting expectation, and I think we ought to be above it—though I see the next paragraph is on theJournal[113], which makes me suspectyouas the author of both.

"Would it not have been as well to have said 'in two Cantos' in the advertisement? they will else think offragments, a species of composition verywell foronce, likeone ruinin aview; but one would not build a town of them. The Bride, such as it is, is my firstentirecomposition of any length (except the Satire, and be d——d to it), for The Giaour is but a string of passages, and Childe Harold is, and I rather think always will be, unconcluded. I return Mr. Hay's note, with thanks to him and you.

"There have been some epigrams on Mr. Ward: one I see to-day. The first I did not see, but heard yesterday. The second seems very bad. I only hope that Mr. Ward does not believe that I had any connection with either. I like and value him too well to allow my politics to contract into spleen, or to admire any thing intended to annoy him or his. You need not take the trouble to answer this, as I shall see you in the course of the afternoon.

"P.S. I have said this much about the epigrams, because I lived so much in theopposite camp, and, from my post as an engineer, might be suspected as the flinger of these hand-grenadoes; but with a worthy foe, I am all for open war, and not this bushfighting, and have not had, nor will have, any thing to do with it. I do not know the author."

TO MR. MURRAY.

"Nov. 30. 1813."Print this at the end ofall that is of 'The Bride of Abydos,' as an errata page. BN."Omitted, Canto 2d, page 47., after line 449.,"So that those arms cling closer round my neck.Read,"Then if my lip once murmur, it must beNo sigh for safety, but a prayer for thee."

"Nov. 30. 1813.

"Print this at the end ofall that is of 'The Bride of Abydos,' as an errata page. BN.

"Omitted, Canto 2d, page 47., after line 449.,

"So that those arms cling closer round my neck.

Read,

"Then if my lip once murmur, it must beNo sigh for safety, but a prayer for thee."

TO MR. MURRAY.

"Tuesday evening, Nov. 30. 1813."For the sake of correctness, particularly in an errata page, the alteration of the couplet I have just sent (half an hour ago) must take place, in spite of delay or cancel; let me see theproofearly to-morrow. I found outmurmurto be a neuterverb, and have been obliged to alter the line so as to make it a substantive, thus—"The deepest murmur of this lip shall beNo sigh for safety, but a prayer for thee!Don't send the copies to thecountrytill this is all right."

"Tuesday evening, Nov. 30. 1813.

"For the sake of correctness, particularly in an errata page, the alteration of the couplet I have just sent (half an hour ago) must take place, in spite of delay or cancel; let me see theproofearly to-morrow. I found outmurmurto be a neuterverb, and have been obliged to alter the line so as to make it a substantive, thus—

"The deepest murmur of this lip shall beNo sigh for safety, but a prayer for thee!

Don't send the copies to thecountrytill this is all right."

TO MR. MURRAY.

"Dec. 2. 1813."When you can, let the couplet enclosed be inserted either in the page, or in the errata page. I trust it is in time for some of the copies. This alteration is in the same part—the pagebut onebefore the last correction sent."P.S. I am afraid, from all I hear, that people are rather inordinate in their expectations, which is very unlucky, but cannot now be helped. This comes of Mr. Perry and one's wise friends; but do notyouwindyourhopes of success to the same pitch, forfear of accidents, and I can assure you that my philosophy will stand the test very fairly; and I have done every thing to ensure you, at all events, from positive loss, which will be some satisfaction to both."

"Dec. 2. 1813.

"When you can, let the couplet enclosed be inserted either in the page, or in the errata page. I trust it is in time for some of the copies. This alteration is in the same part—the pagebut onebefore the last correction sent.

"P.S. I am afraid, from all I hear, that people are rather inordinate in their expectations, which is very unlucky, but cannot now be helped. This comes of Mr. Perry and one's wise friends; but do notyouwindyourhopes of success to the same pitch, forfear of accidents, and I can assure you that my philosophy will stand the test very fairly; and I have done every thing to ensure you, at all events, from positive loss, which will be some satisfaction to both."

TO MR. MURRAY.

"Dec. 3. 1813."I send you ascratchortwo, the whichheal. The Christian Observer is very savage, but certainly well written—and quite uncomfortable at the naughtiness of book and author. I rather suspect you won't much like thepresentto be more moral, if it is to share also the usual fate of your virtuous volumes."Let me see a proof of the six before incorporation."

"Dec. 3. 1813.

"I send you ascratchortwo, the whichheal. The Christian Observer is very savage, but certainly well written—and quite uncomfortable at the naughtiness of book and author. I rather suspect you won't much like thepresentto be more moral, if it is to share also the usual fate of your virtuous volumes.

"Let me see a proof of the six before incorporation."

TO MR. MURRAY.

"Monday evening, Dec. 6. 1813."It is all very well, except that the lines are not numbered properly, and a diabolical mistake, page 67., whichmustbe corrected with thepen, if no other way remains; it is the omission of 'not' before 'disagreeable,' in thenoteon theamberrosary. This is really horrible, and nearly as bad as the stumble of mine at the threshold—I mean themisnomerof Bride. Pray do not let a copy go without the 'not;' it is nonsense, and worse than nonsense as it now stands. I wish the printer was saddled with a vampire."P.S. It is stillhathinstead ofhavein page 20.; never was any one somisusedas I am by your devils of printers."P.S. I hope and trust the 'not' was inserted in the first edition. We must have something—any thing—to set it right. It is enough to answer for one's own bulls, without other people's."

"Monday evening, Dec. 6. 1813.

"It is all very well, except that the lines are not numbered properly, and a diabolical mistake, page 67., whichmustbe corrected with thepen, if no other way remains; it is the omission of 'not' before 'disagreeable,' in thenoteon theamberrosary. This is really horrible, and nearly as bad as the stumble of mine at the threshold—I mean themisnomerof Bride. Pray do not let a copy go without the 'not;' it is nonsense, and worse than nonsense as it now stands. I wish the printer was saddled with a vampire.

"P.S. It is stillhathinstead ofhavein page 20.; never was any one somisusedas I am by your devils of printers.

"P.S. I hope and trust the 'not' was inserted in the first edition. We must have something—any thing—to set it right. It is enough to answer for one's own bulls, without other people's."

LETTER 151. TO MR. MURRAY.

"December 27. 1813."Lord Holland is laid up with the gout, and would feel very much obliged if you could obtain, and send as soon as possible, Madame d'Arblay's (or even Miss Edgeworth's) new work. I know they are not out; but it is perhaps possible for yourMajestyto command what we cannot with much suing purchase, as yet. I need not say that when you are able or willing to confer the same favour on me, I shall be obliged. I would almost fall sick myself to get at Madame d'Arblay's writings."P.S. You were talking to-day of the American edition of a certain unquenchable memorial of my younger days. As it can't be helped now, I own I have some curiosity to see a copy of trans-Atlantic typography. This you will perhaps obtain, and one for yourself; but I must beg that you will notimport more, because,seriously, Ido wishto have that thing forgotten as much as it has been forgiven."If you send to the Globe editor, say that I want neither excuse nor contradiction, but merely a discontinuance of a most ill-grounded charge. I neverwas consistent in any thing but my politics; and as my redemption depends on that solitary virtue, it is murder to carry away my last anchor."

"December 27. 1813.

"Lord Holland is laid up with the gout, and would feel very much obliged if you could obtain, and send as soon as possible, Madame d'Arblay's (or even Miss Edgeworth's) new work. I know they are not out; but it is perhaps possible for yourMajestyto command what we cannot with much suing purchase, as yet. I need not say that when you are able or willing to confer the same favour on me, I shall be obliged. I would almost fall sick myself to get at Madame d'Arblay's writings.

"P.S. You were talking to-day of the American edition of a certain unquenchable memorial of my younger days. As it can't be helped now, I own I have some curiosity to see a copy of trans-Atlantic typography. This you will perhaps obtain, and one for yourself; but I must beg that you will notimport more, because,seriously, Ido wishto have that thing forgotten as much as it has been forgiven.

"If you send to the Globe editor, say that I want neither excuse nor contradiction, but merely a discontinuance of a most ill-grounded charge. I neverwas consistent in any thing but my politics; and as my redemption depends on that solitary virtue, it is murder to carry away my last anchor."

Of these hasty and characteristic missives with which he despatched off his "still-breeding thoughts," there yet remain a few more that might be presented to the reader; but enough has here been given to show the fastidiousness of his self-criticism, as well as the restless and unsatisfied ardour with which he pressed on in pursuit of perfection,—still seeing, according to the usual doom of genius, much farther than he could reach.

An appeal was, about this time, made to his generosity, which the reputation of the person from whom it proceeded would, in the minds of most people, have justified him in treating with disregard, but which a more enlarged feeling of humanity led him to view in a very different light; for, when expostulated with by Mr. Murray on his generous intentions towards one "whom nobody else would give a single farthing to," he answered, "it is for that very reasonIgive it, because nobody else will." The person in question was Mr. Thomas Ashe, author of a certain notorious publication called "The Book," which, from the delicate mysteries discussed in its pages, attracted far more notice than its talent, or even mischief, deserved. In a fit, it is to be hoped, of sincere penitence, this man wrote to Lord Byron, alleging poverty as his excuse for the vile uses to which he had hitherto prostituted his pen, andsoliciting his Lordship's aid towards enabling him to exist, in future, more reputably. To this application the following answer, marked, in the highest degree, by good sense, humanity, and honourable sentiment, was returned by Lord Byron:—

LETTER 152. TO MR. ASHE.

"4. Bennet Street, St. James's, Dec. 14. 1813."Sir,"I leave town for a few days to-morrow; on my return, I will answer your letter more at length. Whatever may be your situation, I cannot but commend your resolution to abjure and abandon the publication and composition of works such as those to which you have alluded. Depend upon it they amusefew, disgrace bothreaderandwriter, and benefitnone. It will be my wish to assist you, as far as my limited means will admit, to break such a bondage. In your answer, inform me what sum you think would enable you to extricate yourself from the hands of your employers, and to regain, at least, temporary independence, and I shall be glad to contribute my mite towards it. At present, I must conclude. Your name is not unknown to me, and I regret, for your own sake, that you have ever lent it to the works you mention. In saying this, I merely repeat yourown wordsin your letter to me, and have no wish whatever to say a single syllable that may appear to insult your misfortunes. If I have, excuse me; it is unintentional. Yours, &c."BYRON."

"4. Bennet Street, St. James's, Dec. 14. 1813.

"Sir,

"I leave town for a few days to-morrow; on my return, I will answer your letter more at length. Whatever may be your situation, I cannot but commend your resolution to abjure and abandon the publication and composition of works such as those to which you have alluded. Depend upon it they amusefew, disgrace bothreaderandwriter, and benefitnone. It will be my wish to assist you, as far as my limited means will admit, to break such a bondage. In your answer, inform me what sum you think would enable you to extricate yourself from the hands of your employers, and to regain, at least, temporary independence, and I shall be glad to contribute my mite towards it. At present, I must conclude. Your name is not unknown to me, and I regret, for your own sake, that you have ever lent it to the works you mention. In saying this, I merely repeat yourown wordsin your letter to me, and have no wish whatever to say a single syllable that may appear to insult your misfortunes. If I have, excuse me; it is unintentional. Yours, &c.

"BYRON."

In answer to this letter, Ashe mentioned, as the sum necessary to extricate him from his difficulties, 150l.—to be advanced at the rate of ten pounds per month; and, some short delay having occurred in the reply to this demand, the modest applicant, in renewing his suit, complained, it appears, of neglect: on which Lord Byron, with a good temper which few, in a similar case, could imitate, answered him as follows:—

LETTER 153. TO MR. ASHE.

"January 5. 1814."Sir,"When you accuse a stranger of neglect, you forget that it is possible business or absence from London may have interfered to delay his answer, as has actually occurred in the present instance. But to the point. I am willing to do what I can to extricate you from your situation. Your first scheme[114]I was considering; but your own impatience appears to have rendered it abortive, if not irretrievable. I will deposit in Mr. Murray's hands (with his consent) the sum you mentioned, to be advanced for the time at ten pounds per month."P.S.—I write in the greatest hurry, which may make my letter a little abrupt; but, as I said before, I have no wish to distress your feelings."

"January 5. 1814.

"Sir,

"When you accuse a stranger of neglect, you forget that it is possible business or absence from London may have interfered to delay his answer, as has actually occurred in the present instance. But to the point. I am willing to do what I can to extricate you from your situation. Your first scheme[114]I was considering; but your own impatience appears to have rendered it abortive, if not irretrievable. I will deposit in Mr. Murray's hands (with his consent) the sum you mentioned, to be advanced for the time at ten pounds per month.

"P.S.—I write in the greatest hurry, which may make my letter a little abrupt; but, as I said before, I have no wish to distress your feelings."

The service thus humanely proffered was no less punctually performed; and the following is one of the many acknowledgments of payment which I find in Ashe's letters to Mr. Murray:—"I have the honour to enclose you another memorandum for the sum of ten pounds, in compliance with the munificent instructions of Lord Byron."[115]

His friend, Mr. Merivale, one of the translators of those Selections from the Anthology which we have seen he regretted so much not having taken with him on his travels, published a poem about this time, which he thus honours with his praise.

LETTER 154. TO MR. MERIVALE.

"January, 1814."My dear Merivale,"I have redde Roncesvaux with very great pleasure, and (if I were so disposed) see very little room for criticism. There is a choice of two lines in one of the last Cantos,—I think 'Live and protect' better, because 'Oh who?' implies a doubt of Roland's power or inclination. I would allow the—but that point you yourself must determine on—I mean the doubt as to where to place a part of the Poem, whether between the actions or no. Only if you wish to have all the success you deserve,never listen to friends, and—as I am not the least troublesome of the number, least of all to me."I hope you will be out soon.March, sir,Marchis the month for thetrade, and they must be considered. You have written a very noble Poem, and nothing but the detestable taste of the day can do you harm,—but I think you will beat it. Your measure is uncommonly well chosen and wielded."[116]

"January, 1814.

"My dear Merivale,

"I have redde Roncesvaux with very great pleasure, and (if I were so disposed) see very little room for criticism. There is a choice of two lines in one of the last Cantos,—I think 'Live and protect' better, because 'Oh who?' implies a doubt of Roland's power or inclination. I would allow the—but that point you yourself must determine on—I mean the doubt as to where to place a part of the Poem, whether between the actions or no. Only if you wish to have all the success you deserve,never listen to friends, and—as I am not the least troublesome of the number, least of all to me.

"I hope you will be out soon.March, sir,Marchis the month for thetrade, and they must be considered. You have written a very noble Poem, and nothing but the detestable taste of the day can do you harm,—but I think you will beat it. Your measure is uncommonly well chosen and wielded."[116]

In the extracts from his Journal, just given, there is a passage that cannot fail to have been remarked, where, in speaking of his admiration of some lady, whose name he has himself left blank, the noble writer says—"a wife would be the salvation of me." It was under this conviction, which not only himself but some of his friends entertained, of the prudence of his taking timely refuge in matrimony from those perplexities which form the sequel of all less regular ties, that he had been induced, about a year before, to turn his thoughts seriously to marriage,—at least, as seriously as his thoughts were ever capable of being so turned,—and chiefly, I believe, by the advice and intervention of his friend Lady Melbourne, to become a suitor for the hand of a relative of that lady, Miss Milbanke. Though his proposal was not then accepted, every assurance of friendship and regard accompanied the refusal; a wish was even expressed that they should continue to write to each other, and a correspondence, in consequence,—somewhat singular between two young persons of different sexes, inasmuch as love was not the subject of it,—ensued between them. We have seen how highly Lord Byron estimated as well the virtues as the accomplishments of the young lady; but it is evident that on neither side, at this period, was love either felt or professed.[117]

In the mean time, new entanglements, in which his heart was the willing dupe of his fancy and vanity, came to engross the young poet: and still, as the usual penalties of such pursuits followed, he again found himself sighing for the sober yoke of wedlock, as some security against their recurrence. There were, indeed, in the interval between Miss Milbanke's refusal and acceptance of him, two or three other young women of rank who, at different times, formed the subject of his matrimonial dreams. In the society of one of these, whose family had long honoured me with their friendship, he and I passed much of our time, during this and the preceding spring; and it will be found that, in a subsequent part of his correspondence, he represents me as having entertained an anxious wish that he should so far cultivate my fair friend's favour as to give a chance, at least, of matrimony being the result.

That I, more than once, expressed some such feeling is undoubtedly true. Fully concurring with the opinion, not only of himself, but of others of hisfriends, that in marriage lay his only chance of salvation from the sort of perplexing attachments into which he was now constantly tempted, I saw in none of those whom he admired with more legitimate views so many requisites for the difficult task of winning him into fidelity and happiness as in the lady in question. Combining beauty of the highest order with a mind intelligent and ingenuous,—having just learning enough to give refinement to her taste, and far too much taste to make pretensions to learning,—with a patrician spirit proud as his own, but showing it only in a delicate generosity of spirit, a feminine high-mindedness, which would have led her to tolerate his defects in consideration of his noble qualities and his glory, and even to sacrifice silently some of her own happiness rather than violate the responsibility in which she stood pledged to the world for his;—such was, from long experience, my impression of the character of this lady; and perceiving Lord Byron to be attracted by her more obvious claims to admiration, I felt a pleasure no less in rendering justice to the still rarer qualities which she possessed, than in endeavouring to raise my noble friend's mind to the contemplation of a higher model of female character than he had, unluckily for himself, been much in the habit of studying.

To this extent do I confess myself to have been influenced by the sort of feeling which he attributes to me. But in taking for granted (as it will appear he did from one of his letters) that I entertained any very decided or definite wishes on the subject,he gave me more credit for seriousness in my suggestions than I deserved. If even the lady herself, the unconscious object of these speculations, by whom he was regarded in no other light than that of a distinguished acquaintance, could have consented to undertake the perilous,—but still possible and glorious,—achievement of attaching Byron to virtue, I own that, sanguinely as, in theory, I might have looked to the result, I should have seen, not without trembling, the happiness of one whom I had known and valued from her childhood risked in the experiment.

I shall now proceed to resume the thread of the Journal, which I had broken off, and of which, it will be perceived, the noble author himself had, for some weeks, at this time, interrupted the progress.

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