in his hands, was made to go farther, if I may so express it, than a thousand in those of others.  An instance of this, that occurred about the time of which we are speaking, was, I am inclined to think, the sole foundation of the mysterious allusions just cited.  An amour (if it may be dignified with such a name) of that sort of casual description which less attachable natures would have forgotten, and more prudent ones at least concealed, was by him converted, at this period, and with circumstances of most unnecessary display, into a connection of some continuance,—­the object of it not only becoming domesticated with him in lodgings at Brompton, but accompanied him afterwards, disguised in boy’s clothes, to Brighton.  He introduced this young person, who used to ride about with him in her male attire, as his younger brother; and the late Lady P——­, who was at Brighton at the time, and had some suspicion of the real nature of the relationship, said one day to the poet’s companion, “What a pretty horse that is you are riding!”—­“Yes,” answered the pretended cavalier, “it was gave me by my brother!”

Beattie tells us, of his ideal poet,—­

    “The exploits of strength, dexterity, or speed,
     To him nor vanity nor joy could bring.”

But far different were the tastes of the real poet, Byron; and among the least romantic, perhaps, of the exercises in which he took delight was that of boxing or sparring.  This taste it was that, at a very early period, brought him acquainted with the distinguished professor of that art, Mr. Jackson, for whom he continued through life to entertain the sincerest regard, one of his latest works containing a most cordial tribute not only to the professional, but social qualities of this sole prop and ornament of pugilism.[92] During his stay at Brighton this year, Jackson was one of his most constant visiters,—­the expense of the professor’s chaise thither and back being always defrayed by his noble patron.  He also honoured with his notice, at this time, D’Egville, the ballet-master, and Grimaldi; to the latter of whom he sent, as I understand, on one of his benefit nights, a present of five guineas.

Having been favoured by Mr. Jackson with copies of the few notes and letters, which he has preserved out of the many addressed to him by Lord Byron, I shall here lay before the reader one or two, which bear the date of the present year, and which, though referring to matters of no interest in themselves, give, perhaps, a better notion of the actual life and habits of the young poet, at this time, than could be afforded by the most elaborate and, in other respects, important correspondence.  They will show, at least, how very little akin to romance were the early pursuits and associates of the author of Childe Harold, and, combined with what we know of the still less romantic youth of Shakspeare, prove how unhurt the vital principle of genius can preserve itself even in atmospheres apparently the most ungenial and noxious to it.