and might like him did I know him better. For him too my mother has an
antipathy, why I know not. I am afraid he could be but of little use
to me, in separating me from her, which she would oppose with all her
might; but I dare say he would assist me if he could, so I take the
will for the Deed, and am obliged to him in exactly the same manner as
if he succeeded in his efforts.

I am in great hopes, that at Christmas I shall be with Mr. Hanson
during the vacation, I shall do all I can to avoid a visit to my
mother wherever she is. It is the first duty of a parent, to impress
precepts of obedience in their children, but her method is so violent,
so capricious, that the patience of Job, the versatility of a member
of the House of Commons could not support it. I revere Dr. Drury much
more than I do her, yet he is never violent, never outrageous: I dread
offending him, not however through fear, but the respect I bear him
makes me unhappy when I am under his displeasure. My mother's
precepts, never convey instruction, never fix upon my mind; to be sure
they are calculated, to inculcate obedience, so are chains, and
tortures, but though they may restrain for a time, the mind revolts
from such treatment. Not that Mrs. Byron ever injures my _sacred_
person. I am rather too old for that, but her words are of that rough
texture, which offend more than personal ill usage. "A talkative woman
is like an Adder's tongue," so says one of the prophets, but which I
can't tell, and very likely you don't wish to know, but he was a true
one whoever he was.

The postage of your letters, My dear Augusta, don't fall upon me; but
if they did, it would make no difference, for I am Generally in cash,
and should think the trifle I paid for your epistles the best laid out
I ever spent in my life. Write Soon. Remember me to Lord Carlisle,