ve not been at home when you favoured me with a call, the loss
was more mine than yours. In the bustle of buzzing parties, there
is, there can be, no rational conversation; but when I can enjoy
it, there is nobody's I can prefer to your own. Believe me ever
faithfully and most affectionately yours,

"BYRON."

* * * * *

LETTER 93. TO MR. WILLIAM BANKES.

"My dear Bankes,

"My eagerness to come to an explanation has, I trust, convinced you
that whatever my unlucky manner might inadvertently be, the change
was as unintentional as (if intended) it would have been
ungrateful. I really was not aware that, while we were together, I
had evinced such caprices; that we were not so much in each other's
company as I could have wished, I well know, but I think so _acute_
an _observer_ as yourself must have perceived enough to _explain
this_, without supposing any slight to one in whose society I have
pride and pleasure. Recollect that I do not allude here to
'extended' or 'extending' acquaintances, but to circumstances you
will understand, I think, on a little reflection.

"And now, my dear Bankes, do not distress me by supposing that I
can think of you, or you of me, otherwise than I trust we have long
thought. You told me not long ago that my temper was improved, and
I should be sorry that opinion should be revoked. Believe me, your
friendship is of more account to me than all those absurd vanities
in which, I fear, you conceive me to take too much interest. I have
never disputed your superiority, or doubted (seriously) your good
will, and no one shall ever 'make mischief between us' without the
sincere regret on the part of your ever affectionate, &c.

"P.S. I shall see you, I hope, at Lady Jersey's. Hobhouse goes
also."

* * * * *

In the month of April he was again tempted to try his success in the
House of Lords; and, on the motion of Lord Donoughmore for taking into
consideration the claims of the Irish catholics, delivered his
sentiments strongly in favour of the proposition. His display, on this
occasion, seems to have been less promising than in his first essay. His
delivery was thought mouthing and theatrical, being infected, I take for
granted (having never heard him speak in Parliament), with the same
chanting