and though he endeavoured, he could find nothing to abuse me in. Among
other things I forgot to tell you he said he had a great mind to expel
the Boy for speaking to me, and that if he ever again spoke to me he
would expel him. Let him explain his meaning; he abused me, but he
neither did nor can mention anything bad of me, further than what
every boy else in the School has done. I fear him not; but let him
explain his meaning; 'tis all I ask. I beg you will write to Dr. Drury
to let him know what I have said. He has behaved to me, as also Mr.
Evans, very kindly. If you do not take notice of this, I will leave
the School myself; but I am sure 'you' will not see me 'ill treated';
better that I should suffer anything than this. I believe you will be
tired by this time of reading my letter, but, if you love me, you will
now show it. Pray write me immediately. I shall ever remain, Your
affectionate Son, BYRON.

P.S.--Hargreaves Hanson desires his love to you and hopes you are very
well. I am not in want of any Money so will not ask you for any. God
bless, bless you.



[Footnote 1: Byron appears to have suffered from what would now be
described as infantile paralysis, which affected the inner muscles of
the right leg and foot, and rendered him permanently lame. Before
leaving London for Aberdeen, Mrs. Byron consulted John Hunter, who, in
correspondence with Dr. Livingstone of Aberdeen, advised her as to the
treatment of her son. Writing, May 31, 1791, to Mrs. Leigh, she says,
"George's foot turns inward, and it is the right foot; he walks quite on
the side of his foot." In 1798 the child was placed under the care of
Lavender (see p. 7, note 1) at Nottingham, doubtless on the