Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Right Honourable Lord Byron

was submitted to your examination previous to its publication. It is true, he has also acknowledged that you disapproved of the piece, so far at least as to advise its suppression. Notwithstanding this, the "Mystery of Cain" made its appearance, in spite of your opinion; whence the world may estimate the sincerity of the noble lord, in consulting the judgment of wise men and then abiding by his own. There is nothing surprising in his lordship's resolution; but it is matter of astonishment and regret, that any communion at all should have subsisted between the conductor of the first Periodical Journal in Europe, and the author of such a performance as "Cain ;" since the circumstance seems to account for the little notice that has been taken in the Quarterly Review of the literary delinquencies of the noble lord.

But as the fact has been divulged, it becomes incumbent upon you, Sir, to rouse from

your torpidity, and, setting aside all private considerations, to make it evident that the same principle actuates you now as when, in the BAVIAD and the MAVIAD, you put down the witlings and libellers of a former day. The objects against whom you directed those powerful weapons, were harmless ephemera, or at the most but troublesome insects, compared with the chartered Libertine who has gone forth defying heaven and earth. In your hands, Mr. Gifford, is placed the only effectual instrument that can bring this haughty spirit to a sense of shame and a course of propriety.

This, perhaps, will be called the language of intolerance, and an incitement to persecution. Be it so the world has not now to learn the meaning of those words when used by men who, while they are themselves the most fiery inquisitors and torturers of characters, cannot endure that their own evil deeds

and the consequences of their dangerous principles should be made manifest.

But, Sir, you are not to be told that strong argument is the reverse of intolerance, and that the detection of falsehood, instead of being persecution, is a benefit conferred upon society. Were the case otherwise, and were Vice and Error to have full liberty to walk up and down the earth without exposure and confutation, because that such an opposition tends to abridge the means of mischief, then is it high time that you should close your critical labours, and, by consigning all the volumes of your valuable journal to the flames, proclaim your recantation aloud to the world. But if you are not prepared for such a sacrifice, and if you still think it a duty to continue in the office which you have hitherto filled with general credit, let it be seen that neither the fear nor the love of man has

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any influence over your mind in the adminis

tration of justice.

I am,

With great respect for your virtue

and admiration of your talents,

London, May 1, 1822.

****

CONTENTS.

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER I.-Genealogical History.-Grant of New-

stead Abbey.-Sir John Byron created a Peer by