“I do hereby specifically order and direct that all the claims of the said S.B.  Davies upon me shall be fully paid and satisfied as soon as conveniently may be after my decease, on his proving [by vouchers, or otherwise, to the satisfaction of my executors hereinafter named][24] the amount thereof, and the correctness of the same.”

"If Mr. Davies has any unsettled claims upon Lord Byron, that circumstance is a reason for his not being appointed executor; each executor having an opportunity of paying himself his own debt without consulting his co-executors."

     “So much the better—­if possible, let him be an executor.  B.”

[Footnote 24:  Over the words which I have here placed between brackets, Lord Byron drew his pen.]

* * * * *

The two following letters contain further instructions on the same subject:—­

LETTER 57.  TO MR. BOLTON.

     “Newstead Abbey, August 16. 1811.

     “Sir,

“I have answered the queries on the margin.[25] I wish Mr. Davies’s claims to be most fully allowed, and, further, that he be one of my executors.  I wish the will to be made in a manner to prevent all discussion, if possible, after my decease; and this I leave to you as a professional gentleman.

“With regard to the few and simple directions for the disposal of my carcass, I must have them implicitly fulfilled, as they will, at least, prevent trouble and expense;—­and (what would be of little consequence to me, but may quiet the conscience of the survivors) the garden is consecrated ground.  These directions are copied verbatim from my former will; the alterations in other parts have arisen from the death of Mrs. B. I have the honour to be

     “Your most obedient, humble servant,

     “BYRON.”

[Footnote 25:  In the clause enumerating the names and places of abode of the executors, the solicitor had left blanks for the Christian names of these gentlemen, and Lord Byron, having filled up all but that of Dallas, writes in the margin—­“I forget the Christian name of Dallas—­cut him out.”]

* * * * *

LETTER 58 TO MR. BOLTON.

     “Newstead Abbey, August 20. 1811.

     “Sir,

“The witnesses shall be provided from amongst my tenants, and I shall be happy to see you on any day most convenient to yourself.  I forgot to mention, that it must be specified by codicil, or otherwise, that my body is on no account to be removed from the vault where I have directed it to be placed; and in case any of my successors within the entail (from bigotry, or otherwise) might think proper to remove the carcass, such proceeding shall be attended by forfeiture of the estate, which in such case shall go to my sister, the Honble Augusta Leigh and her heirs on similar conditions.  I have the honour to be, sir,

     “Your very obedient, humble servant,