he youthful peculiarities of his temper and
character showed all their original blemish. But, as usual, when
such was the case, he was often more interesting than when in his
discreeter moods. He gave me the copy of The Bride of Abydos, with a
very kind inscription on it, which I have already mentioned; but
still there was an impression on my mind that led me to believe he
could not have been very well pleased with some parts of my
counselling. This, however, appears not to have been the case; on
the contrary, the tone of his record breathes something of kindness;
and long after I received different reasons to believe his
recollection of me was warm and friendly.

When he had retired to Genoa, I gave a gentleman a letter to him,
partly that I might hear something of his real way of life, and
partly in the hope of gratifying my friend by the sight of one of
whom he had heard so much. The reception from his Lordship was
flattering to me; and, as the account of it contains what I think a
characteristic picture, the reader will, I doubt not, be pleased to
see so much of it as may be made public without violating the decorum
which should always be observed in describing the incidents of
private intercourse, when the consent of all parties cannot be
obtained to the publication.

Edinburgh, June 3, 1830.

"DEAR GALT,--Though I shall always retain a lively general
recollection of my agreeable interview with Lord Byron, at Genoa, in
May, 1823, so long a time has since elapsed that much of the aroma of
the pleasure has evaporated, and I can but recall generalities. At
that time there was an impression in Genoa that he was averse to
receive visits from Englishmen, and I was indeed advised not to think
of calling on him, as I might run the risk of meeting with a savage
reception. However, I resolved to send your note, and to the
surprise of every one the messenger brought a most polite answer, in
which, after expressing the satisfaction of hearing of his old friend
and fellow-traveller, he added that he would do himself the honour of
calling on me the next day, which he accordingly did; but owing to
the officious blundering of an Italian waiter, who mentioned I was at
dinner, his Lordship sent up his card with his compliments that he
would not deranger the party. I was determined, however, that he
should not escape me in this way, and drove out to his residence next
morning, when, upon his English valet taking up my na