Microsoft Word Byron and Scott 1809-1824

40: Moore’s note: Mr. Murray had, at the time of giving the vase, suggested to Lord Byron, that it would increase 
the value of the gift to add some such inscription; but the feeling of the noble poet on this subject will be 
understood from the following answer which he returned:—
April 9. 1815.
Thanks for the books. I have great objection to your proposition about inscribing the vase,—which is, that it would 
appear ostentatious on my part; and of course I must send it as it is, without any alteration.
Yours, &c. 

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since, after what I have here said, no one will probably choose to boast of possessing this literary 
curiosity. 
We had a good deal of laughing, I remember, on what the public might be supposed to think, or 
say, concerning the gloomy and ominous nature of our mutual gifts. 
I think I can add little more to my recollections of Byron. He was often melancholy,—almost 
gloomy. When I observed him in this humour, I used either to wait till it went off of its own accord, or 
till some natural and easy mode occurred of leading him into conversation, when the shadows almost 
always left his countenance, like the mist rising from a landscape. In conversation he was very 
animated. 
I met with him very frequently in society; our mutual acquaintances doing me the honour to think 
that he liked to meet with me. Some very agreeable parties I can recollect,—particularly one at Sir 
George Beaumont’s, where the amiable landlord had assembled some persons distinguished for talent. 
Of these I need only mention the late Sir Humphry Davy, whose talents for literature were as 
remarkable as his empire over science. Mr. Richard Sharpe and Mr. Rogers were also present. 
I think I also remarked in Byron’s temper starts of suspicion, when he seemed to pause and 
consider whether there had not been a secret, and perhaps offensive, meaning in something casually 
said to him. In this case, I also judged it best to let his mind, like a troubled spring, work itself clear, 
which it did in a minute or two. I was considerably older, you will recollect, than my noble friend, and 
had no reason to fear his misconstruing my sentiments towards him, nor had I ever the slightest reason 
to doubt that they were kindly returned on his part. If I had occasion to be mortified by the display of 
genius which threw into the shade such pretensions as I was then supposed to possess, I might console 
myself that, in my own case, the materials of mental happiness had been mingled in a greater 
proportion. [p.619] 
I rummage my brains in vain for what often rushes into my head unbidden,—little traits and 
sayings which recall his looks, manner, tone, and gestures; and I have always continued to think that a 
crisis of life was arrived in which a new career of fame was opened to him, and that had he been 
permitted to start upon it, he would have obliterated the memory of such parts of his life as friends 
would wish to forget.”