Page:Journal of Conversations with Lord Byron.pdf/53

 those he particularly wished to see. "But," added he, smiling, "they avenge themselves, by attacking me in every sort of way, and there is no story too improbable for the craving appetites of our slander-loving countrymen."

Before taking leave, he proposed paying us a visit next day; and he handed me into the carriage with many flattering expressions of the pleasure our visit had procured him.

April 2. - We had scarcely finished our déjeuné à la fourchette this day when Lord Byron was announced; he sent up two printed cards in an envelop addressed to us, and soon followed them. He appeared still more gay and cheerful than the day before - made various inquiries about all our mutual friends in England - spoke of them with affectionate interest, mixed with a badinage in which none of their little defects were spared; indeed, candor obliges me to own that their defects seemed to have made a deeper impression on his mind than their good qualities, (though he allowed all the latter,) by the gusto with which he entered into them.

He talked of our mutual friend Moore, and of his "Lalla Rookh," which, he said, though very beautiful, had disappointed him; adding, that Moore would go down to posterity by his Melodies, which were all perfect. He said that he had