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LETTER 494.  TO MR. MURRAY.

     “Montenero[80], May 26. 1822.

     “Near Leghorn.

“The body is embarked, in what ship I know not, neither could I enter into the details; but the Countess G.G. has had the goodness to give the necessary orders to Mr. Dunn, who superintends the embarkation, and will write to you.  I wish it to be buried in Harrow church.

“There is a spot in the church_yard_, near the footpath, on the brow of the hill looking towards Windsor, and a tomb under a large tree, (bearing the name of Peachie, or Peachey,) where I used to sit for hours and hours when a boy.  This was my favourite spot; but, as I wish to erect a tablet to her memory, the body had better be deposited in the church.  Near the door, on the left hand as you enter, there is a monument with a tablet containing these words:—­

        “’When Sorrow weeps o’er Virtue’s sacred dust,
        Our tears become us, and our grief is just: 
        Such were the tears she shed, who grateful pays
        This last sad tribute of her love and praise.’

I recollect them (after seventeen years), not from any thing remarkable in them, but because from my seat in the gallery I had generally my eyes turned towards that monument.  As near it as convenient I could wish Allegra to be buried, and on the wall a marble tablet placed, with these words:—­

In Memory of
Allegra,
Daughter of G.G.  Lord Byron,
who died at Bagna Cavallo,
in Italy, April 20th, 1822,
aged five years and three months.

‘I shall go to her, but she shall not return to me.’
2d Samuel, xii. 23.

“The funeral I wish to be as private as is consistent with decency; and I could hope that Henry Drury will, perhaps, read the service over her.  If he should decline it, it can be done by the usual minister for the time being.  I do not know that I need add more just now.

“Since I came here, I have been invited by the Americans on board their squadron, where I was received with all the kindness which I could wish, and with more ceremony than I am fond of.  I found them finer ships than your own of the same class, well manned and officered.  A number of American gentlemen also were on board at the time, and some ladies.  As I was taking leave, an American lady asked me for a rose which I wore, for the purpose, she said, of sending to America something which I had about me, as a memorial.  I need not add that I felt the compliment properly.  Captain Chauncey showed me an American and very pretty edition of my poems, and offered me a passage to the United States, if I would go there.  Commodore Jones was also not less kind and attentive.  I have since received the enclosed letter, desiring me to sit for my picture for some Americans.