Page:Journal of Conversations with Lord Byron.pdf/56

 countenance so ingenuous, that it was impossible not to be prepossessed in his favor; added to which, one hoped that the son of such a father could never entirely degenerate: "he has, however, degenerated sadly," said Byron, "but as he is yet young, he may improve; though to see a person of his age and sex so devoted to gossip and scandal, is rather discouraging to those who are interested in his welfare."

He talked of Lord -; praised his urbanity, his talents, and acquirements; but above all, his sweetness of temper and good-nature. "Indeed I do love Lord -," said Byron, "though the pity I feel for his domestic thraldom has something in it akin to contempt. Poor dear man! he is sadly bullied by Milady; and, what is worst of all, half her tyranny is used on the plea of kindness and taking care of his health. Hang such kindness! say I. She is certainly the most imperious, dictatorial person I know - is always en reine; which, by the by, in her peculiar position, shows tact, for she suspects that were she to quit the throne she might be driven to the antechamber; however, with all her faults, she is not vindictive as a proof, she never extended her favor to me until after the little episode respecting her in ’English Bards;' nay more, I suspect I owe her friendship to it. Rogers persuaded me