borne through the air by two other figures, and cast into the crater of Stromboli. This raised a long discussion, with many arguments, in regard to superstition in general, and tales of spectres, to a belief in which Lord Byron either was, or affected to be thought prone.

We found the mighty Charybdis, so much dreaded by the ancients, dwindled to an inconsiderable whirling eddy, caused by the conflicting currents. The furious bellowing of the surge, which continually lashes the precipitous and cavernous promontory of Scylla, is, however, heard to a great distance.

Charybdis is reported to be still formidable in stormy weather. The strait, most probably, is now wider than it was in olden times; but I imagine that poetic license in former days greatly exaggerated its terrors. Lord Byron much regretted its state of almost tranquil repose, and sighed, but, in vain, for a stiff breeze.

Both from attentive observation, and many circumstances which subsequently occurred, I was inclined to consider Lord Byron as a man of extreme sensibility, but decidedly of first impulses; ready at once to assist distress with purse and person; but, if the feeling were permitted to subside, and not instantaneously acted upon, it evaporated. I cannot account for this, except in supposing that his first-I do not say always better feelings, because in the objects which kindled his sympathy he was sometimes too indiscriminate -became withered things, and were deadened by suspicion of the world, or fear of ridicule; but, at all events, his second determination in such cases rarely coincided with the seeming original dictates of his heart and expressed intentions. I assert this with no view to detract from Lord Byron's charity, or to depreciate his philanthropy; but those around him were occasionally compromised by it, and placed in unpleasant predicaments,-as, when a case of wretchedness was depicted to him, without stopping to institute any enquiry, he would entreat, nay, insist, that specific promises of relief should be made, which not being afterwards fulfilled, I have known one or two instances where friends of his, rather than occasion any misapprehension

to his prejudice, have themselves disbursed the money. It had the effect of rendering them more wary and cautious, and caused sometimes a doubt with regard to Lord Byron's sincerity. This failing, with respect to those who did not perfectly understand his ways, was an unfortunate one, as it became the cause of much misrepresentation.

The extreme apparent candour of his disposition engendered a propensity for divulging every thing. No one who knew him well would have liked to confide any matter of a secret nature to his discretion, or even speak disparagingly about, or turn any one into ridicule in his presence, as he was sure to disclose it, and very likely to the party so assailed. In regard to this inherent infirmity, I do not wish to cast any imputation on Lord Byron, although occasionally it might have been productive of serious mischief, as I sincerely and honestly believe that he could not control this defect, or error in judgment, call it which you please; besides, in some cases, I think that he adopted this course advisedly, as a sort of test to elicit the truth, by listening to both sides.

Lord Byron was exceedingly annoyed at Mr Blaquiere quitting Greece before his arrival, and I am persuaded, that had he been aware of that gentleman contemplating such a step, he would not have left Italy, as great responsibility thereby devolved on him alone, but most probably, from particular reasons, he would have visited England again in the first place, his thoughts appearing to lean much in that direction. As the Committee and Blaquiere had urgently pressed on him the advantage which would result to the Greek cause from his presence, and were the principal instigators to his embarking on this expedition, he thought, and with justice, that Mr Blaquiere ought at least to have waited to receive him, and to communicate his ideas on the posture of affairs in the Peloponnesus, from which he had recently returned. Lord Byron was informed by some one that Mr Blaquiere's precipitate departure proceeded from a mania for book-ma. king, and he was amusingly sarcastic on him accordingly.

He used frequently to narrate bis

adventures in Turkey during his youthful travels. He found himself at Constantinople in company with Captain Bathurst of the Solsette frigate, a most distinguished officer, who afterwards unfortunately fell at Navarino. As a proof of the extreme ignorance of the Turks, he mentioned that the Capitan Pacha enquired at Bathurst, who was a rough old tar, if he could box the compass. He was highly incensed at the interrogatory, and said to the interpreter, "Damn the stupid brute! does he ever pretend to be a sailor? Tell him the youngest boy in my ship knows that." Upon which his Excellency stroked his long beard in amazement, at the astonishing skill of the Ghiaour. In order to see the Sultan's court, Lord Byron attended the audience of leave granted to Mr Adair; his successor, Siz Stratford Canning, who had a very youthful appearance, also rode in the procession, and his Lordship said that an old Turk, not acquainted with the person of the new Envoy, but seeing him magnificently clad, with a very smooth chin, and rather an effeminate look, very gravely asked if he was not a " Musico," sent by the British monarch as a present to the Sublime Porte.

Whilst engaged in conversation, one day, with Lord Byron, about Mr Hobhouse, with whom I had not then the honour of being personally acquainted, I remember his remarking, that if I lived, I should at some period see him in office. I ventured to express my dissent; he rejoined, that place would obtrude itself on Mr Hobhouse, as he was convinced the time would arrive when a Ministry, coinciding in the general political tenets of that gentleman, must come into power. Every thing, he maintained, was gradually tending to such a consummation; and as Mr Hobhouse was a man of the highest endowments, and connected with the Radical or Liberal party, that, consequently, he would be obliged to join an Administration which should be constituted on his own principles.

I once used the liberty of asking Lord Byron why he appeared never to have thought of writing an Epic, or some grand and continuous work. He replied, that it was very difficult

to find an appropriate subject, and that, admitting he possessed the capacity to do so, he would not engage in such a composition. He remark ed, that even Milton was little read at the present day, and how very few in number were those who were familiar with the writings of that sublime author; adding, "I shall adapt my own poesy, please God! to the fashion of the time, and, in as far as I possess the power, to the taste of my readers of the present generation; if it survives me, tanto meglio, if not, I shall have ceased to care about it." I permitted myself to mention how generally Tasso and Ariosto were known to all Italians of any education; he answered, "Ah! but Italy is not like England, the two countries cannot stand in comparison; besides, I consider that almost every Italian inherits from nature, more or less, some poetical feeling." It is strange how little value he appeared to put on that fame which was already acquired by his immortal literary performances; he seemed to anticipate more lasting renown from some insignificant achievement in Greece, which could only derive any importance from his being an actor in it, than from any brilliant emanation of his genius.

His vivid and ardent imagination was wont to convert those every day occurrences that related to himself into extraordinary events, which were to exercise an influence on his future destinies; distorted conceptions arose to his morbid fancy, from which he extracted gloomy and desponding inferences, which no ordinary man would ever have contemplated in idea; when in a fitful mood, as he was a most ingenious self-tormentor, they furnished him with materials to vomit forth bitter imprecations against his own supposed unhappy fate, and the villany of mankind. This miserable feeling appeared to be with him quite a second nature, and, I venture to say, no greater calamity could have befallen him than suddenly to find himself without a grievance, real or ideal, of which he could complain.

Lord Byron set great store by his independence in mind and action, but he was, however, if I may use such a term, the slave of that liberty on which he piqued himself so highly,

as in support of it he was almost continually doing or saying something, that, on calm reflection, was the cause of sincere regret, and bitterly lamented, on discovering that be had been in error. He was also easily influenced and led by those who had the tact to use their sway mildly, and allow him to suppose that he governed them, whilst the reverse was the fact; but had any one suggested this to him, or even hinted it, he would have been frantic at the idea, and perhaps never after endured the presence of the party supposed to exercise the obnoxious dominion. He sometimes on the passage expressed his intention, should his services prove of no avail to Greece, of endeavouring to obtain by purchase, or otherwise, some small island in the South Sea, to which, after visiting England, he might retire for the remainder of his life, and very seriously asked Trelawny if he would accompany him, to which the latter, without hesitation, replied in the affirmative.

He frequently reverted to the extreme dissolute conduct and incontinence which reigned among the higher circles in his younger days, observing, that married ladies of that class of society in England were much more depraved than those of the Continent, but that the strict outward regard paid to the observances of morality in the former, led the fair sinners to be more dexterous and cunning in concealing their delinquencies.

He professed to entertain a very indifferent opinion in respect to habitual virtue and constancy in the fair sex, this unfair and severe judg ment may probably be ascribed to the tone of society in which his Lordship had so unfortunately in his younger days, and afterwards at Venice, indulged; and to having early abandoned himself to the mastery of his passions, without any one to act as his Mentor and protector.

The Greek Schilizzi, by way of flattery, used frequently to insinuate that his countrymen might possibly choose Lord Byron for their King, as a considerable party were in favour of a Monarchical Government; this idea did not displease his Lordship, who said he would perhaps not decline the offer, if made, adding,

"but we shall retain our own monies; and then if our appetite disagrees with the kingly authority, we shall, like Sancho, have the alternative of abdicating."

He often contended in favour of the Oriental custom of secluding females, and teaching them only a few pleasing accomplishments, affirming the learned education lavished so frequently in England on the sex, only served to turn their heads with conceit, and look with contempt ou domestic duties; that the Greeks were sensible people in not allowing their daughters to be instructed in writing, as it taught them to scribble billets-doux and practise deception. Had he to choose a second wife, he would select one born in the East, young and beautiful, whom he alone had been permitted to visit, and whom he had taught to love him exclusively, but of her he would be jealous as a tiger.

Lord Byron could scarcely be serious in such a strange idea, and perhaps was but mystifying some of our party. He used to indulge in many mirthful sallies about his increasing love of money; when he possessed little, he said that he was extremely profuse, but now that his fortune had been so much augmented, he felt an irresistible inclination to hoard, and contemplated with delight any accumulation. From this propensity he augured that a prediction once made in respect to him would be forthwith fulfilled, viz, that he would die a miser and a methodist, which he said he intended should also be the denouément of Don Juan.

With occasional liberality, Lord Byron certainly united a considerable degree of unnecessary parsimony, and those who had known him much longer than myself, stated that this habit was to be dated from the period of the increase to his fortune, arising from the large property which he had become entitled to at the demise of Lady Noel, his wife's mother.

Lord Byron sometimes spoke in terms of unqualified praise of the extremely careful and penurious character of old Lega, his Maestro di Casa. This man, he said, guarded his treasure like the Dragon watching the golden fruit in the garden of

the Hesperides, and viewed his monies with the same self-satisfaction, as if they were his own property, grumbling and murmuring at making the most trivial disbursement on, Lord Byron's own order, and sleeping on the boxes of specie, yet was strictly honest..

I should not have been able to appreciate so singular a character,, and would have feared to encounter in him (I do not mean, however, in saying so, to cast any imputation on Signor Lega) a second Ambrose de Lamela.”, I hope that I shall be excused mentioning a trait of the most marked kindness and condescension in Lord Byron towards myself. When at Cephalonia, I was engaged; to dine either at Colonel Napier's, or the mess of the 8th regiment, After having dressed in the cabin, L came on deck, and requested the favour of Captain Scott's directing one of his men to put me ashore. The skipper, however, who occasionally indulged in deep potations, and was at these times very surly and inso lent, refused the use of the boat... Lord Byron, who, the skylight being off his cabin, had overheard our con-, versation, instantly made his ap pearance, and going over the side, into a small punt, which belonged to the yacht he sold to Lord Bles, sington at Geneva, prepared it, and returning on deck, addressed, me, saying, "Now, Browne, allow me to conduct you."

I remonstrated; the day being excessively hot, and the boat too small for me to assist in rowing it. "Never mind," he rejoined; "I "I in-ist upon it, you shall accept my offer."

Scott, who stood by growling like a bear, amazed, then proffered his own boat.

Lord Byron exclaimed, "No! Captain Scott, Mr Browne is my guest, and I wish him and every other gentleman on board to be treated with the same respect as myself. We shall not accept it after your behaviour."

And the matter ended in his rowing me ashore in his own diminutive skiff; and after having done so, he instantly regained the ship.

Scott was a bluff English seaman, whose countenance showed that he had stood the brunt of many a north

VOL. XXXV. NO, CCXVII.

wester, and was not at bottom a bad fellow. Lord Byron's first question to him, on coming on deck in the morning, was, "Well, Captain, have you taken your meridian?" which meant a stiff tumbler of grog; if he had, he never objected to a second, and Lord Byron almost invariably joined him in it.

We had some diverting scenes with him during the passage. It was discovered that Vitali, one of the Greek passengers, had contrived to bring on board some cloth and other articles of merchandise, which he no doubt intended to smuggle into the Ionian Islands. The discovery arose from a ridiculous circumstance. A most abominable stench was observed by the captain to proceed from a large trunk amongst the luggage, but he did not know the owner of it; at last he ordered it to be brought upon deck, and said, if no one claimed it, he would throw it overboard. Vitali then rushed forward in defence of his property.

The captain insisted on its being opened; Vitali, after many wry faces, produced the key, and behold a most disgusting spectacle presented itself to our astonished optics, in the shape of a roasted pig, in a state of decomposition. The captain was so enraged at the sight, that, with great difliculty, Vitali prevented his cloth from following the pig, which was instantly thrown overboard.

Vitali had perhaps thought that he was to find his own provisions, calculating on a short passage, reserved the poor little grunter for a bonne bouche on landing. This sordid behaviour, so unexpectedly brought to light, alienated Lord Byron, who had become rather partial to the copper captain, as he called him; and Scott was instructed, on our arrival in Cephalonia, to make a declaration to the customhouse regarding the cloth, for which Vitali, much to his annoyance, had to pay duty. The captain after this could not endure Vitali. Lord Byron dearly loved a practical joke, and it was insinuated to Scott that the Greek was addicted to certain horrible propensities, too common in the Levant. The look of horror and aversion with which Scott then regarded the poor man was indescribable, swear

E ·

ing at the same time, and wondering how such a scoundrel could dare to look any honest man in the face. Scott could not speak a word of Italian, and the Greek seeing him in these passions, whenever he beheld him, could not comprehend the reason of it, but went about, addressing first one and then another, with "Mi dica, per amor di Dio, Signore, casa mi vuoli il Senior Capitano, che mi mira sempre cosi fieramenti ?" Lord Byron at these scenes absolutely convulsed with laughter. Scott also attacked his Lordship, expressing his surprise and concern that he could have thought of admitting so infamous a person into the ship; who replied, that it was Schilizzi who had mentioned the matter, otherwise it would have been unknown to us.

was

One morning the skylight being off, Vitali was perceived in his drawers, with his mouth wide open, asleep on the cabin table, whilst the boys were employed in washing the decks. Scott, who could not resist the temptation, discharged the contents of a bucket of dirty water over the poor Greek, who, in a state of frenzy, rushed upon deck, and Scott, paying no attention to him, he might have stabbed the captain, or done some mischief in his fury, had not Lord Byron come up and assured him the drenching he had undergone was purely accidental.

Lord Byron's original intention was

to go in the Hercules to Zante, but having represented to him that the Resident of that island was not considered so favourably disposed to wards the Greek cause as my friend Colonel Napier, who filled the same office at Cephalonia, his Lordship desired Captain Scott to steer thither. He had no reason to regret having done so, as Colonel Napier welcomed him with the most warmhearted hospitality; and, on farther acquaintance, he admired him as an officer possessing first-rate military talents, gifted with no ordinary acquire ments, the quintessence of chivalrous feeling, and imbued with that reasonable and tempered enthusiasm in the Greek cause, which was consequent on a long residence in the Ionian Islands, and a thorough knowledge of the people with whom Lord Byron was about to link his destiny.

Lord Byron, in adverting to his travels in Albania in early life, often spoke of the Arnouts and Suliots, whom he considered as old friends; in shipwreck and illness having been his kind though rough nurses. He said that his Albanian attendants had terrified his doctor, by threatening him with death should he not recover; and to this he ascribed his safety, placing great faith in surgery, but little in the skill of a physician.

He was, therefore, extremely rejoiced at the first sight of the Suliots at Cephalonia. On their coming on board in the harbour of Argostoli, he bounded on deck, evidently very much affected, his expressive countenance radiant with gladness to welcome them, and he immediately engaged a few of them to form a body-guard in Greece, with a promise to employ a great many more. It was, however, a very different af fair to have Albanians or other rude warriors assigned to him by Ali Paseia as an escort, to enlisting them in their new character as mercenary soldiers. Ali's stern rule compelled them to obey and pay every deference to Lord Byron as his guest, and their lives probably would have paid the forfeit of any ill-treatment. In the present instance, his pleasing illusion was speedily dispelled, when he witnessed their attempts to overreach him in the very hard bargain they drove for their services; insisting, too, on being paid in advance.

The Suliots are individually brave; and without complaint endure extreme privations, bearing them with resignation and patience. They are reckoned excellent light soldiers, but will submit to no regular discipline; and, like all the tribes of Epirus, are avaricious, and of predatory habits.

The hope of sharing in Lord Byron's supposed enormous wealth influenced them far beyond any affection which they pretended to entertain towards him personally, and that he very soon discovered. I do not question their devotion to leaders born amongst themselves, and accustomed to command them; or to the heads of their distinguished families or clans, who exercise a species of patriarchal sway over them. The Albanians and Suliots of the present day resemble much the Scot