lf. Being in mourning for
his mother, the colour, as well of his dress, as of his glossy, curling,
and picturesque hair, gave more effect to the pure, spiritual paleness
of his features, in the expression of which, when he spoke, there was a
perpetual play of lively thought, though melancholy was their habitual
character when in repose.

As we had none of us been apprised of his peculiarities with respect to
food, the embarrassment of our host was not a little, on discovering
that there was nothing upon the table which his noble guest could eat or
drink. Neither meat, fish, nor wine, would Lord Byron touch; and of
biscuits and soda-water, which he asked for, there had been, unluckily,
no provision. He professed, however, to be equally well pleased with
potatoes and vinegar; and of these meagre materials contrived to make
rather a hearty dinner.

I shall now resume the series of his correspondence with other friends.

[Footnote 33: In speaking thus, I beg to disclaim all affected modesty,
Lord Byron had already made the same distinction himself in the opinions
which he expressed of the living poets; and I cannot but be aware that,
for the praises which he afterwards bestowed on my writings, I was, in a
great degree, indebted to his partiality to myself.]

* * * * *

LETTER 77. TO MR. HARNESS.

"8. St. James's Street, Dec. 6. 1811.

"My dear Harness,

"I write again, but don't suppose I mean to lay such a tax on your
pen and patience as to expect regular replies. When you are
inclined, write; when silent, I shall have the consolation of
knowing that you are much better employed. Yesterday, Bland and I
called on Mr. Miller, who, being then out, will call on Bland[34]
to-day or to-morrow. I shall certainly endeavour to bring them
together.--You are censorious, child; when you are a little older,
you will learn to dislike every body, but abuse nobody.

"With regard to the person of whom you speak, your own good sense
must direct you. I never pretend to advise, being an implicit
believer in the old proverb. This present frost is detestable. It
is the first I have felt for these three years, though I longed for
one in the oriental summer, when no such thing is to be had, unless
I had gone to the top of Hymettus for it.

"I thank you most truly for the concluding part of your letter. I
have been o