allusions to the “circle of star-gazers” whom I had left around him at some party on the preceding night;—­and such, in fact, was the flattering ordeal he had to undergo wherever he went.  On these occasions,—­particularly before the range of his acquaintance had become sufficiently extended to set him wholly at his ease,—­his air and port were those of one whose better thoughts were elsewhere, and who looked with melancholy abstraction on the gay crowd around him.  This deportment, so rare in such scenes, and so accordant with the romantic notions entertained of him, was the result partly of shyness, and partly, perhaps, of that love of effect and impression to which the poetical character of his mind naturally led.  Nothing, indeed, could be more amusing and delightful than the contrast which his manners afterwards, when we were alone, presented to his proud reserve in the brilliant circle we had just left.  It was like the bursting gaiety of a boy let loose from school, and seemed as if there was no extent of fun or tricks of which he was not capable.  Finding him invariably thus lively when we were together, I often rallied him on the gloomy tone of his poetry, as assumed; but his constant answer was (and I soon ceased to doubt of its truth), that, though thus merry and full of laughter with those he liked, he was, at heart, one of the most melancholy wretches in existence.

Among the numerous notes which I received from him at this time,—­some of them relating to our joint engagements in society, and others to matters now better forgotten,—­I shall select a few that (as showing his haunts and habits) may not, perhaps, be uninteresting.

     “March 25. 1812.

“Know all men by these presents, that you, Thomas Moore, stand indicted—­no—­invited, by special and particular solicitation, to Lady C. L * ’s to-morrow evening, at half-past nine o’clock, where you will meet with a civil reception and decent entertainment.  Pray, come—­I was so examined after you this morning, that I entreat you to answer in person.

     “Believe me,” &c.

* * * * *

     “Friday noon.

“I should have answered your note yesterday, but I hoped to have seen you this morning.  I must consult with you about the day we dine with Sir Francis.  I suppose we shall meet at Lady Spencer’s to-night.  I did not know that you were at Miss Berry’s the other night, or I should have certainly gone there.

     “As usual, I am in all sorts of scrapes, though none, at present,
     of a martial description.

     “Believe me,” &c.

* * * * *

     “May 8. 1812.