“Our party consisted of Lord Byron and four others, and was, now and then, increased by the presence of a neighbouring parson.  As for our way of living, the order of the day was generally this:—­for breakfast we had no set hour, but each suited his own convenience,—­every thing remaining on the table till the whole party had done; though had one wished to breakfast at the early hour of ten, one would have been rather lucky to find any of the servants up.  Our average hour of rising was one.  I, who generally got up between eleven and twelve, was always,—­even when an invalid,—­the first of the party, and was esteemed a prodigy of early rising.  It was frequently past two before the breakfast party broke up.  Then, for the amusements of the morning, there was reading, fencing, single-stick, or shuttle-cock, in the great room; practising with pistols in the hall; walking—­riding—­cricket—­sailing on the lake, playing with the bear, or teasing the wolf.  Between seven and eight we dined; and our evening lasted from that time till one, two, or three in the morning.  The evening diversions may be easily conceived.

“I must not omit the custom of handing round, after dinner, on the removal of the cloth, a human skull filled with burgundy.  After revelling on choice viands, and the finest wines of France, we adjourned to tea, where we amused ourselves with reading, or improving conversation,—­each, according to his fancy,—­and, after sandwiches, &c. retired to rest.  A set of monkish dresses, which had been provided, with all the proper apparatus of crosses, beads, tonsures, &c. often gave a variety to our appearance, and to our pursuits.

“You may easily imagine how chagrined I was at being ill nearly the first half of the time I was there.  But I was led into a very different reflection from that of Dr. Swift, who left Pope’s house without ceremony, and afterwards informed him, by letter, that it was impossible for two sick friends to live together; for I found my shivering and invalid frame so perpetually annoyed by the thoughtless and tumultuous health of every one about me, that I heartily wished every soul in the house to be as ill as myself.

“The journey back I performed on foot, together with another of the guests.  We walked about twenty-five miles a day; but were a week on the road, from being detained by the rain.

“So here I close my account of an expedition which has somewhat extended my knowledge of this country.  And where do you think I am going next?  To Constantinople!—­at least, such an excursion has been proposed to me.  Lord B. and another friend of mine are going thither next month, and have asked me to join the party; but it seems to be but a wild scheme, and requires twice thinking upon.

“Addio, my dear I., yours very affectionately,

“C.S.  MATTHEWS.”

Having put the finishing hand to his new edition, he, without waiting for the fresh honours that were in store for him, took leave of London (whither he had returned) on the 11th of June, and, in about a fortnight after, sailed for Lisbon.