20.--To the Hon. Augusta Byron.


[London], Thursday, 4th April, 1805.

MY DEAREST AUGUSTA,--You certainly have excellent reasons for
complaint against my want of punctuality in our correspondence; but,
as it does not proceed from want of affection, but an idle
disposition, you will, I hope, accept my excuses. I am afraid,
however, that when I shall take up my pen, you will not be greatly
_edified_ or _amused_, especially at present, since, I sit down in
very bad spirits, out of humour with myself, and all the world, except
_you_. I left Harrow yesterday, and am now at Mr. Hanson's till Sunday
morning, when I depart for Nottinghamshire, to pay a visit to my
_mother_, with whom I shall remain for a week or two, when I return to
town, and from thence to Harrow, until July, when I take my departure
for the university, but which I am as yet undecided. Mr. H. Recommends
Cambridge; Ld. Carlisle allows me to chuse for myself, and I must own
I prefer Oxford. But, I am not violently bent upon it, and whichever
is determined upon will meet with my concurrence.--This is the outline
of my plans for the next 6 months.

I am Glad that you are Going to pay his _Lordship_ a visit, as I shall
have an opportunity of seeing you on my return to town, a pleasure,
which, as I have been long debarred of it, will be doubly felt after
so long a separation. My visit to the Dowager does not promise me all
the happiness I could wish; however, it must be gone through, as it is
some time since I have seen her. It shall be as short as possible. I