“My first acquaintance with Byron began in a manner rather doubtful.  I was so far from having any thing to do with the offensive criticism in the Edinburgh, that I remember remonstrating against it with our friend, the editor, because I thought the ‘Hours of Idleness’ treated with undue severity.  They were written, like all juvenile poetry, rather from the recollection of what had pleased the author in others than what had been suggested by his own imagination; but, nevertheless, I thought they contained some passages of noble promise.  I was so much impressed with this, that I had thoughts of writing to the author; but some exaggerated reports concerning his peculiarities, and a natural unwillingness to intrude an opinion which was uncalled for, induced me to relinquish the idea.

“When Byron wrote his famous Satire, I had my share of flagellation among my betters.  My crime was having written a poem (Marmion, I think) for a thousand pounds; which was no otherwise true than that I sold the copy-right for that sum.  Now, not to mention that an author can hardly be censured for accepting such a sum as the booksellers are willing to give him, especially as the gentlemen of the trade made no complaints of their bargain, I thought the interference with my private affairs was rather beyond the limits of literary satire.  On the other hand, Lord Byron paid me, in several passages, so much more praise than I deserved, that I must have been more irritable than I have ever felt upon such subjects, not to sit down contented, and think no more about the matter.

“I was very much struck, with all the rest of the world, at the vigour and force of imagination displayed in the first Cantos of Childe Harold, and the other splendid productions which Lord Byron flung from him to the public with a promptitude that savoured of profusion.  My own popularity, as a poet, was then on the wane, and I was unaffectedly pleased to see an author of so much power and energy taking the field.  Mr. John Murray happened to be in Scotland that season, and as I mentioned to him the pleasure I should have in making Lord Byron’s acquaintance, he had the kindness to mention my wish to his Lordship, which led to some correspondence.

“It was in the spring of 1815 that, chancing to be in London, I had the advantage of a personal introduction to Lord Byron.  Report had prepared me to meet a man of peculiar habits and a quick temper, and I had some doubts whether we were likely to suit each other in society.  I was most agreeably disappointed in this respect.  I found Lord Byron in the highest degree courteous, and even kind.  We met, for an hour or two almost daily, in Mr. Murray’s drawing-room, and found a great deal to say to each other.  We also met frequently in parties and evening society, so that for about two months I had the advantage of a considerable intimacy with this distinguished individual.  Our sentiments agreed a good deal, except upon the