The father of this accomplished family was himself a man of considerable talent, and the author of several unavowed poetical pieces; one of which, a Parody of Pope’s Eloisa, written in early youth, has been erroneously ascribed to the late Professor Porson, who was in the habit of reciting it, and even printed an edition of the verses.]

[Footnote 21:  “One of the cleverest men I ever knew, in conversation, was Scrope Berdmore Davies.  Hobhouse is also very good in that line, though it is of less consequence to a man who has other ways of showing his talents than in company.  Scrope was always ready and often witty—­Hobhouse as witty, but not always so ready, being more diffident.”—­MS. Journal of Lord Byron.]

* * * * *

TO ——­ BOLTON, ESQ.

     “Newstead Abbey, August 12. 1811.

     “Sir,

“I enclose a rough draught of my intended will, which I beg to have drawn up as soon as possible, in the firmest manner.  The alterations are principally made in consequence of the death of Mrs. Byron.  I have only to request that it may be got ready in a short time, and have the honour, to be,

     “Your most obedient, humble servant,

     “BYRON.”

* * * * *

     “Newstead Abbey, August 12. 1811.

     “DIRECTIONS FOR, THE CONTENTS OF A WILL TO BE DRAWN UP IMMEDIATELY.

“The estate of Newstead to be entailed (subject to certain deductions) on George Anson Byron, heir-at-law, or whoever may be the heir-at-law on the death of Lord B. The Rochdale property to be sold in part or the whole, according to the debts and legacies of the present Lord B.

“To Nicolo Giraud of Athens, subject of France, but born in Greece, the sum of seven thousand pounds sterling, to be paid from the sale of such parts of Rochdale, Newstead, or elsewhere, as may enable the said Nicolo Giraud (resident at Athens and Malta in the year 1810) to receive the above sum on his attaining the age of twenty-one years.

“To William Fletcher, Joseph Murray, and Demetrius Zograffo[22] (native of Greece), servants, the sum of fifty pounds pr. ann. each, for their natural lives.  To Wm. Fletcher, the Mill at Newstead, on condition that he payeth rent, but not subject to the caprice of the landlord.  To Rt.  Rushton the sum of fifty pounds per ann. for life, and a further sum of one thousand pounds on attaining the age of twenty-five years.

     “To Jn.  Hanson, Esq. the sum of two thousand pounds sterling.

     “The claims of S.B.  Davies, Esq. to be satisfied on proving the
     amount of the same.