It is unnecessary to say with what applause the book was received.  The impression it produced was as instantaneous as it proved to be lasting.  Byron himself briefly described the result of the publication in his memoranda:  “I awoke one morning and found myself famous.”  The publisher had already taken pains to spread abroad the merits of the poem.  Many of his friends had re-echoed its praises.  The attention of the public was fixed upon the work; and in three days after its appearance the whole edition was disposed of.  When Mr. Dallas went to see Lord Byron at his house in St. James’s Street, he found him loaded with letters from critics, poets, and authors, all lavish of their raptures.  A handsome new edition, in octavo, was proposed, to which his Lordship agreed.

Eventually Mr. Murray consented to give Mr. Dallas L600 for the copyright of the poem; although Mr. Gifford and others were of opinion that it might prove a bad bargain at that price.  There was, however, one exception, namely Mr. Rogers, who told Mr. Murray not to be disheartened, for he might rely upon its turning out the most fortunate purchase he had ever made; and so it proved.  Three thousand copies of the second and third editions of the poem in octavo were printed; and these went off in rapid succession.

On the appearance of “Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage” Lord Byron became an object of interest in the fashionable world of London.  His poem was the subject of conversation everywhere, and many literary, noble, and royal personages desired to make his acquaintance.  In the month of June he was invited to a party at Miss Johnson’s, at which His Royal Highness the Prince Regent was present.  As Lord Byron had not yet been to Court, it was not considered etiquette that he should appear before His Royal Highness.  He accordingly retired to another room.  But on the Prince being informed that Lord Byron was in the house, he expressed a desire to see him.  Lord Byron was sent for, and the following is Mr. Murray’s account of the conversation that took place.

John Murray to Mr. Scott.

June 27, 1812.

DEAR SIR,

I cannot refrain, notwithstanding my fears of intrusion, from mentioning to you a conversation which Lord Byron had with H.R.H. the Prince Regent, and of which you formed the leading subject.  He was at an evening party at Miss Johnson’s this week, when the Prince, hearing that Lord Byron was present, expressed a desire to be introduced to him; and for more than half an hour they conversed on poetry and poets, with which the Prince displayed an intimacy and critical taste which at once surprised and delighted Lord Byron.  But the Prince’s great delight was Walter Scott, whose name and writings he dwelt upon and recurred to incessantly.  He preferred him far beyond any other poet of the time, repeated several passages with fervour, and criticized them faithfully.  He spoke chiefly of the ‘Lay of the Last Minstrel,’