by the genius of the author in transferring them; with the introduction to the animated group, of the startled and excited bloodhound. The generous side of the young lord's character is brought into play, by the good influences of Lady Annabel. From the accounts which Dr. Glennie gives of his pupil we see how easily he was governed and influenced, when placed under the care of judicious and suitable instructors. This all formed suggestions for the author to work out, which he has admirably succeeded in doing. Dr. Glennie had a bed put for him in his own study and found him always tractable and quiet enough with him, although he showed the same desire,,to excel in all exercises as the most robust youth of the school." The words of Dr. Busy, a man, so emenently connected with the names of Dryden and many famous men corroborate the statements of Dr. Glennie, for although he said,"*) I soon found that a wild mounttain colt had been committed to my management" he added,,,His manner and temper soon convinced me, that he might be led by a silken string to a point, rather than by a cable". All this is brought out by the entrance of Venetia so beautifully described in the words,,,she really looked like an angel of peace sent from haven on a mission of concord" and the wise mediation of Lady Annabel, who brought before him the respect due to his mother, because she bore this relationship, notwithstanding all her faults. It is remarkable in the letters of Byron that notwithstanding the curious productions which he addressed to his maternal relative, totally incompatible with the duties of a son towerds his mother, there is a frequent recurrence not only to a style of respect but even of affection. There is a great difference between his letter to Mrs. Byron from Newstead Abby of the 7th Oct. 1808 and that of Nov. 2 of the some jear, or what he wrote to his mother from Smyrna on of March 1810. We may be sure that there was no small amount of natural generosity and relenting in his composition or it would scarcely have been possible for a reconcilation to take place after the quarrel of the 9th August 1806, when he wrote to his friends. informing them of his shifting places of abode, and requesting them to conceal them from his mother. The very excusable pride which the poet manifested, on being elevated to the distinguished position of peer of the realm, shown among other things in his asking his mother if she discerned any *) Moore L. of B. (1860) P. 19. difference in his external appearance, is very feebly brought out at this part of the story. The great poet himself was not noted for any excessive haughtiness, or undue imperiousness of character. He was supposed by his mother and others to resemble Rousseau*), and what this French writer says may fairly be applied to Byron ,,S'il est un orgueil pardonable après celui qui ce tire du mérite personnel, c'est celui qui ce tire de la naissance." § VI. (Having special reference to Chapters VIII, X, XI, XII.) It would be affirming too much to maintain that the companionship of Venetia and the young Cadurcis, their affection and youthful pastimes were entirely derived from the history of Mary Duff or Miss Chaworth, which latter is in some respects more appropriate, but no doubt much is suggested from Byron's accounts of such early attachments. He wrote in his journal. How very odd that I should have been so utterly devotedly fond of that girl at an age when I could neither feel passion, nor know the meaning of the word**).“ For though the earlier chapters derive their chief interest from the young lord, the further development of the tale justifies the choice of its title. The character of Venetia, the secret chamber, the passionate refusal to marry any but a poet and man of renown, and the meeting of the father, afterwards form the most important side to the story. Yet there is much in the seventh and eighth chapters descriptive of Byron, and throughout the history of the poet is continued. His education having been neglected; the little grammar school at Morpeth where he had obtained some imperfect knowledge of Latin; yet being fond of reading had picked up, in an odd way, more knowledge than might have been supposed. His guardian he had never seen; agreeing with the connection which existed between Lord Carlisle and Byron. It was noticed by the companions of Byron at Harrow that he was prossessed of a great deal of general information, and it was for some time a problem whence all this was derived; till one day, one of the scholars of the school suggested that he gathered all this knowledge from the Reviews. The good Dr. Masham coming over once a week introduces an individual who is almost inseparable with the story and distinct form all the rest, who *) Moore's L. of B. (1860) P. 60. on various occassions makes his appearance as the confidant of Lady Annabel, the adviser of the young, and a general favourite in the society in whieh he moves. In reading the story for the first time we wonder if he is possibly the real father of Venetia, but separated from Lady Annabel, coming over only occasionally te see her. The, author has the great art of making his romance interesting and exciting to read, without filling it with improbable adventures; and bringing curious and extraordinary scenes of life before us, but in such a way that they are in the highest degree natural and reasonable, so that we are not able to guess what is to be the issue of the plot. In Dr. Masham we are reminded of the many youthful studies of Byron, and the masters to whose. care he was committed. To them he always behaved respectfully with two exceptions, the one being a young master named Huntley; and the other Dr. Butler, whose election to the school of Harrow he had violently opposed. On being invited by the latter with some of his companions to dine with him, he was the only one to refuse the invitation; and being asked his reason for so doing, replied,,If you should happen to come into my neighbourhood when I was staying at Newstead, I certainly should not ask you to dine with me, and therefore feel that I ought not to dine with you". The solitary walks and musings of the poet as a youth are interwoven into the thread of the story in these early chapters, sometimes being copied from the life, and almost the very words derived from the source from which, one side of the story is planned. We may justly compare the words in ,,Venetia" "He would lie awake for hours, indulging in sweet and unconscious reveries, and brooding over the future morn, that always brought happiness") and those in the Life of Byron". My passion had its usual effects upon me I could not sleep I could not rest: and although I had reason to know that she loved me, it was the texture of my life to think of the time which must elapse before we could meet again, being usually about twelve hours of separation!"**) And when Cadurcis tells Venetia of his secretly going out of his room and prowling about the landing we find the frame of mind of the poet displayed in the words***) „I often do so at the abbey. I like to walk up and down an old gallery alone at night. I do not know why; but I like Vol. I Chep VIII p. 52 Jauchniss Edition. **) Moore's L. of B. (1860) P. 18. ***) Moore L. of B. P. 18. it very much." Byron even at Harrow used sometimes to separate himself from his school-fellows and muse to himself. Before he lived at the abbey, when it was let to Lord Grey, he often went up to it and entered the grounds. The abbey as well as the scenes of his earlier life in Scotland were likely to develop his imagination, and kindle his poetic fire. His love of solitary rambles, and his taste for exploring in all directions led him not unfrequently so far, as to excite serious apprehensions for his safety. With all Byron's gaiety and readiness to mix in the sports of his playmates; unlike the latter, he would sometimes retire and thoughtfully consider a tomb in the neighbourhood of Windsor, which in consequence received the name of Byron's tomb".**) For hours he would recline upon the ground in this spot, no doubt having some undeveloped thoughts of the poetical effussions which should immortalise his name. This of course is worthy of notice in the life of the poet. However his biographers seem to have regarded it as an inseparable phase in his poetical career, and their remarks remind us of the words so often reiterated respecting an ancient philosopher ἤσκει δέ, φησὶν ὁ ̓Αντισθένης, καὶ ποικίλως δοκιμάζειν τάς φαντασίας, ἐρημάζων ἐνίοτε καὶ τοῖς τάφοις ἐνδιατρίβων (Antisth. ap. Diog. lib. IX, 38). It is however probably true as Moore suggests that this circumstance called forth from him at the age of fifteen the lines. ,,My epitaph shall be my name alone If this with honour fail to crown my clay In one paragraph the feelings of Byron respecting his position as English nobleman, and member of the House of Lords, in which he hoped one day with dignity and pride to take his seat, are set forth. The youug lord in the narrative is represented as having a full appreciation of his future position; as looking back upon the history of his ancestors with every emotion of satisfaction and pleasure. He was well acquainted with, and often reflected upon the deeds recorded of the valiant men who had preceeded him and although at present a mere child sharing his pastimes, and studies with his fair and loved companion his thoughts in his *) Moore L. of B. P. 8. **) Moore L, of B. P. 26. moments of solitude were diverted to the history of his ancient and glorious line. And to this is added, what gives effect to the whole, the way in which he received the remarks of others upon the subject. When what he considered his inferior companions at Morpeth perpetually reminded him,,,with chuckling self-complacency, of his future greatness"; his answer was disdainful and he affected the most haughty indifference about it, although in secret he ever brooded over his destiny as his only consolation".*) This brings to our recollection many passages in the life of Byron. In the year 1797, shortly before his succeeding to the title of his Uncle, Mrs. Byron read to him a speech delivered in the House of Commons. A friend remarked,,,We shall have the pleasure some time or other, of reading your speeches in the House of Commons". The youthful aspirant replied with almost prophetic appropriateness; I hope not: if you read any speeches of mine, it will be in the House of Lords."**) We are reminded also of his pain and sorrow on hearing that one of the monitors at Harrow was about to mention the name of a nobleman, as a subject for punishment; and the many little incidents, which are not unusual accompaniments of boys of rank. The Byron family was both ancient and distinguished. It was so ancient that the first lord came over with William the conqueror into England. Shortly afterwards the name of Ralph de Burun, a knight living in one of the castles in Nottinghamshire found a place in the Doomsday Book. Under the reign of Edward I. the Byrons were also an influential family, possessing large extent of lands. To these the lucrative Rochdale estate in Lancashire was annexed and from the division of the wealth thus augmented many of the first families in the county of Nottinghamshire arose. So that for a long time the ancient line was marked by the possession of riches and influence although at the time of the accession of the young Byron, this wealth was much reduced. The name of Byron was also connected with deeds of valour. For among the perpetual wars which so harassed France under Edward III., whose son Edward, the Black Prince, in that land acquired such fame, and carried his arms with such success, we find that the Byrons won for themselves honours for their achievements at Cressy, Bosworth, and Marston Moor. Many of this celebrated race were the favourites of the kings of England, and were honoured *) Vol. I p. 53 Tauchniss Ed. **) Moore L. of B. (Murray 1860) P. 10. |