English 9- 14-45 53215 TO THE 3 vol. RIGHT HONOURABLE GEORGE CANNING, M.P. SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, &c. &c. &c. SIR: 66 The opinion, which the late Lord Byron publicly expressed, that you were a genius, almost an universal one—an orator, a wit, a poet, and a statesman;" and that, “if ever man saved his country, CANNING can;" will sufficiently explain why this Biography of one of the greatest men that this, or any other country, ever gave birth to, is dedicated to you; particularly as his Lordship's judgment has been sanctioned by your ministry, and the country has been for some time past looking up to, and still continues to look up to, your talents and rectitude, to heal the wounds of a contest, unexampled in the history of the world. France, Russia, Germany, Italy, Greece, and the United States of North America, have paid homage to the genius of one of the brightest ornaments of this country; and it is scarcely deemed probable that his own native land will withhold a due tribute of respect to his memory. No one can know better than yourself, Sir, how to appreciate his merits; and, therefore, I trust, that no apology is necessary for this humble offering from one who admires, in you, the profound Scholar, the eloquent Orator, the brilliant Wit, and the enlightened States man. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient, Humble servant, The AUTHOR. June 1825. INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. WHEN the melancholy tidings of the death of the late and lamented Lord Byron reached this country, every heart felt and acknowledged that the brightest star of the literary firmament had set, to rise no more. His country had lost an ornament,-and the world at large had been deprived of a friend. as well as for themselves, it was a mournful reflection that the Greek cause,-the cause of humanity,-had thus lost one of its most strenuous defenders and supporters ;one, who devoted his genius,—his arm,—his fortune,— and who finally sacrificed his life, by over-exertions in defence of a brave people, struggling against barbarian insolence and tyranny. Such conduct alone would have been sufficient to immortalize his fame, if his genius had not been, of itself, so pre-eminent as to secure him a grateful remembrance to the latest posterity. Combined together, they form a character, which leaves far in the background all others of the present day. To say that it had no faults, would be to say that it was more than human; the sun has its spots-but it is still the source of all light, heat, and the parent of vegetation: the telescopic eye of envy may derive pleasure To those who can feel for others, vi INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. from detecting the stains in the human character; but the naked one of candour will feel infinitely more gratification in overlooking them amidst the blaze of transcendant genius, and in paying the tribute of homage where it is justly due. Lord Byron had great talents,— great virtues;-he had also great failings; but if the latter ever were venial, they were excusable in him. Descended from an illustrious line of ancestors,-bereaved of his parents, his natural protectors and best advisers, and left with the means of indulging every gratification, placed within his reach at a very-very early period of life, when the passions are, of themselves, but too apt to run away with the judgment;-so situated, how few heads are steady enough to keep the seat, and to bring the courser under subjection of the rein!-Lord Byron erred, because he was mortal; but his errors were those of the judgment, not of the heart: he might be mistaken; but he was the friend of man ;— we cannot be mistaken in him. As a poet, he was unquestionably the most eminent of his day, for quickness of invention, command of language, and a graceful adaptation of it to his subject ; but this is too important an affair to be despatched in detail, and will be discussed at large in its proper place. Suffice it here to say, that he essayed almost every kind of poetry, and has shewn excellence in all that he attempted. Whatever he touched, he turned to gold. If there is any cause for lamentation, it is that the rapidity |