The Works of Lord Byron: Letters and Journals Volume II Part 9

[Footnote 3: Richard Brothers (1757-1824) believed that, in 1795, he was to be revealed as Prince of the Hebrews and ruler of the world. In that year he was arrested, and confined first as a criminal lunatic, afterwards in a private asylum, where he remained till 1806. A portrait of "Richard Brothers, Prince of the Hebrews," was engraved, April, 1795, by William Sharp, with the following inscription:

"Fully believing this to be the Man whom G.o.d has appointed, I engrave this likeness. William Sharp."]

[Footnote 4: See 'Breslaw's Last Legacy; or, the Magical Companion'.

Including the various exhibitions of those wonderful Artists, Breslaw, Sieur Comus, Jonas, etc. (1784).]

[Footnote 5: 'Candide, ou l'Optimisms' (chapitre x.x.x.):

"et Pangloss disait quelquefois a Candide; Tous les evenements sont enchaines dans le meilleur des mondes possibles," etc.

Hodgson replies (September 18, 1811):

"Your last letter has unfeignedly grieved me. Believing, as I do from my heart, that you would be better and happier by thoroughly examining the evidences for Christianity, how can I hear you say you will not read any book on the subject, without being pained? But G.o.d bless you under all circ.u.mstances. I will say no more. Only do not talk of 'shocking my prejudices,' or of 'rus.h.i.+ng to see me 'before' I am a Deacon.' I wish to see you at all times; and as to our different opinions, we can easily keep them to ourselves."

The next day he writes again:

"Let me make one other effort. You mentioned an opinion of Hume's about miracles. For G.o.d's sake,--hear me, Byron, for G.o.d's sake--examine Paley's answer to that opinion; examine the whole of Paley's 'Evidences'. The two volumes may be read carefully in less than a week. Let me for the last time by our friends.h.i.+p, implore you to read them."]

185.--To John Murray. [1]

Newstead Abbey, Notts., Sept. 14, 1811.

Sir,--Since your former letter, Mr. Dallas informs me that the MS. has been submitted to the perusal of Mr. Gifford, most contrary to my wishes, as Mr. D. could have explained, and as my own letter to you did, in fact, explain, with my motives for objecting to such a proceeding.

Some late domestic events, of which you are probably aware, prevented my letter from being sent before; indeed, I hardly conceived you would have so hastily thrust my productions into the hands of a Stranger, who could be as little pleased by receiving them, as their author is at their being offered, in such a manner, and to such a Man.

My address, when I leave Newstead, will be to "Rochdale, Lancas.h.i.+re;"

but I have not yet fixed the day of departure, and I will apprise you when ready to set off.

You have placed me in a very ridiculous situation, but it is past, and nothing more is to be said on the subject. You hinted to me that you wished some alterations to be made; if they have nothing to do with politics or religion, I will make them with great readiness.

I am, Sir, etc., etc., BYRON.

[Footnote 1: As soon as Byron came to town, he was a frequent visitor at 32, Fleet Street, while the sheets of 'Childe Harold' were pa.s.sing through the press.

"Fresh from the fencing rooms of Angelo and Jackson, he used to amuse himself by renewing his practice of 'Carte et Tierce', with his walking-cane directed against the bookshelves, while Murray was reading pa.s.sages from the poem with occasional e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.i.o.ns of admiration, on which Byron would say, 'You think that a good idea, do you, Murray?' Then he would fence and lunge with his walking-stick at some special book which he had picked out on the shelves before him.

As Murray afterwards said, 'I was often very glad to get rid of him!'"

(Smiles's 'Memoir of John Murray', vol. i. p. 207).]

186.--To R. C. Dallas.

Newstead Abbey, Sept. 15, 1811.

My dear Sir,--My agent will not he here for at least a week, and even afterwards my letters will be forwarded to Rochdale. I am sorry that Murray should _groan_ on my account, tho' _that_ is better than the antic.i.p.ation of applause, of which men and books are generally disappointed.

The notes I sent are _merely matter_ to be divided, arranged, and published for _notes_ hereafter, in proper places; at present I am too much occupied with earthly cares to waste time or trouble upon rhyme, or its modern indispensables, annotations.

Pray let me hear from you, when at leisure. I have written to abuse Murray for showing the MS. to Mr. G., who must certainly think it was done by my wish, though you know the contrary.--Believe me, Yours ever, B--

187.--To John Murray.

Newstead Abbey, Sept. 16, 1811.

DEAR SIR,--I return the proof, which I should wish to be shown to Mr.

Dallas, who understands typographical arrangements much better than I can pretend to do. The printer may place the notes in his _own way_, or any _way_, so that they are out of _my way_; I care nothing about types or margins.