was talking to a Boy who was sitting next me; 'that' perhaps was not
right, but hear what followed. After Church he spoke not a word to me,
but he took this Boy to his pupil room, where he abused me in a most
violent manner, called me 'blackguard', said he 'would' and 'could'
have me expelled from the School, and bade me thank his 'Charity' that
'prevented' him; this was the Message he sent me, to which I shall
return no answer, but submit my case to 'you' and those you may think
'fit' to 'consult'. Is this fit usage for any body? had I 'stole' or
behaved in the most 'abominable' way to him, his language could not
have been more outrageous. What must the boys think of me to hear such
a Message ordered to be delivered to me by a 'Master'? Better let him
take away my life than ruin my 'Character'. My Conscience acquits me
of ever 'meriting' expulsion at this School; I have been 'idle' and I
certainly ought not to talk in church, but I have never done a mean
action at this School to him or 'any one'. If I had done anything so
'heinous', why should he allow me to stay at the School? Why should he
himself be so 'criminal' as to overlook faults which merit the
'appellation' of a 'blackguard'? If he had had it in his power to have
me expelled, he would long ago have 'done' it; as it is, he has done
'worse'. If I am treated in this Manner, I will not stay at this
School. I write you that I will not as yet appeal to Dr. Drury; his
Son's influence is more than mine and 'justice' would be 'refused' me.
Remember I told you, when I 'left' you at 'Bath', that he would seize
every means and opportunity of revenge, not for leaving him so much as
the mortification he suffered, because I begged you to let me leave
him. If I had been the Blackguard he talks of, why did he not of his
own accord refuse to keep me as his 'pupil'? You know Dr. Drury's
first letter, in it were these Words: "My son and Lord Byron have had
some Disagreements; but I hope that his future behaviour will render a
change of Tutors unnecessary." Last Term I was here but a short time,