The Works of Lord Byron, Letters and Journals, Volume 1 by Baron George Gordon Byron Byron
page 40 of 528 (07%)
page 40 of 528 (07%)
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"As I wish to bury what is past in _oblivion_, I shall avoid all
reflections on a person now no more; my opinion of yourself I have suspended for some years; the time is now arrived when I shall form a very _decided_ one. I take up my pen now, however, to condole with you on the melancholy event that has happened, to offer you every consolation in my power, to assure you of the inalterable regard and friendship of myself and son. We will be extremely happy if ever we can be of any service to you, now or at any future period. I take it upon me to answer for him; although he knows so little of you, he often mentions you to me in the most affectionate manner, indeed the goodness of his heart and amiable disposition is such that your being his sister, had he never seen you, would be a sufficient claim upon him and ensure you every attention in his power to bestow. Ah, Augusta, need I assure you that you will ever be dear to me as the Daughter of the man I tenderly loved, as the sister of my beloved, my darling Boy, and I take God to witness you _once_ was dear to me on your own account, and may be so _again_. I still recollect with a degree of horror the many _sleepless_ nights, and days of _agony_, I have passed by your bedside drowned in tears, while you lay insensible and at the gates of death. Your recovery certainly was wonderful, and thank God I did my duty. These days you cannot remember, but I never will forget them ... Your brother is at Harrow School, and, if you wish to see him, I have now no desire to keep you asunder." From 1802 till Byron's death, Augusta took in him the interest of an elder sister. Writing to Hanson (June 17, 1804), she says-- "Pray write me a line and mention all you hear of my dear Brother: he was a most delightful correspondent while he remained in |
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