early period) can derive much merit either from the subject or composition.  Many of them were written under great depression of spirits, and during severe indisposition:—­hence the gloomy turn of the ideas.  We coincide in opinion that the ’poesies erotiques’ are the most exceptionable; they were, however, grateful to the deities, on whose altars they were offered—­more I seek not.

“The portrait of Pomposus was drawn at Harrow, after a long sitting; this accounts for the resemblance, or rather the caricatura.  He is your friend, he never was mine—­for both our sakes I shall be silent on this head. The collegiate rhymes are not personal—­one of the notes may appear so, but could not be omitted.  I have little doubt they will be deservedly abused—­a just punishment for my unfilial treatment of so excellent an Alma Mater.  I sent you no copy, lest we should be placed in the situation of Gil Blas and the Archbishop of Grenada; though running some hazard from the experiment, I wished your verdict to be unbiassed.  Had my ‘Libellus’ been presented previous to your letter, it would have appeared a species of bribe to purchase compliment.  I feel no hesitation in saying, I was more anxious to hear your critique, however severe, than the praises of the million.  On the same day I was honoured with the encomiums of Mackenzie, the celebrated author of the ‘Man of Feeling.’  Whether his approbation or yours elated me most, I cannot decide.

“You will receive my Juvenilia,—­at least all yet published.  I have a large volume in manuscript, which may in part appear hereafter; at present I have neither time nor inclination to prepare it for the press.  In the spring I shall return to Trinity, to dismantle my rooms, and bid you a final adieu.  The Cam will not be much increased by my tears on the occasion.  Your further remarks, however caustic or bitter, to a palate vitiated with the sweets of adulation, will be of service.  Johnson has shown us that no poetry is perfect; but to correct mine would be an Herculean labour.  In fact I never looked beyond the moment of composition, and published merely at the request of my friends.  Notwithstanding so much has been said concerning the ‘Genus irritabile vatum,’ we shall never quarrel on the subject—­poetic fame is by no means the ‘acme’ of my wishes.  Adieu.

“Yours ever,

“BYRON.”

This letter was followed by another, on the same subject, to Mr.
Bankes, of which, unluckily, only the annexed fragment remains:—­

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