Life of Lord Byron, Vol. 6 (of 6) by Thomas Moore

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2 Two men have come to Corinth, Simon by name, and Cleobus[4], who
vehemently disturb the faith of some with deceitful and corrupt
words;

3 Of which words thou shouldst inform thyself:

4 For neither have we heard such words from thee, nor from the other
apostles:

5 But we know only that what we have heard from thee and from them,
that we have kept firmly.

6 But in this chiefly has our Lord had compassion, that, whilst thou
art yet with us in the flesh, we are again about to hear from thee.

7 Therefore do thou write to us, or come thyself amongst us quickly.

8 We believe in the Lord, that, as it was revealed to Theonas, he
hath delivered thee from the hands of the unrighteous.[5]

9 But these are the sinful words of these impure men, for thus do
they say and teach:

10 That it behoves not to admit the Prophets.[6]

11 Neither do they affirm the omnipotence of God:

12 Neither do they affirm the resurrection of the flesh:

13 Neither do they affirm that man was altogether created by God:

14 Neither do they affirm that Jesus Christ was born in the flesh
from the Virgin Mary:

15 Neither do they affirm that the world was the work of God, but of
some one of the angels.

16 Therefore do thou make haste[7] to come amongst us.

17 That this city of the Corinthians may remain without scandal.

18 And that the folly of these men may be made manifest by an open
refutation. Fare thee well.[8]

The deacons Thereptus and Tichus[9] received and conveyed this
Epistle to the city of the Philippians.[10]

When Paul received the Epistle, although he was then in chains on
account of Stratonice[11], the wife of Apofolanus[12], yet, as it
were forgetting his bonds, he mourned over these words, and said,
weeping: "It were better for me to be dead, and with the Lord. For
while I am in this body, and hear the wretched words of such false
doctrine, behold, grief arises upon grief, and my trouble adds a
weight to my chains; when I behold this calamity, and progress of the
machinations of Satan, who searcheth to do wrong."

And thus, with deep affliction, Paul composed his reply to the
Epistle.[13]

[Footnote 1: Some MSS. have the title thus: _Epistle of Stephen the
Elder to Paul the Apostle, from the Corinthians_.]

[Footnote 2: In the MSS. the marginal verses published by the
Whistons are wanting.]

[Footnote 3: In some MSS. we find, _The elders Numenus, Eubulus,
Theophilus, and Nomeson, to Paul their brother, health_!]

[Footnote 4: Others read, _There came certain men, ... and Clobeus,
who vehemently shake._]

[Footnote 5: Some MSS. have, _We believe in the Lord, that his
presence was made manifest; and by this hath the Lord delivered as
from the hands of the unrighteous._]

[Footnote 6: Others read, _To read the Prophets._]

[Footnote 7: Some MSS. have, _Therefore, brother, do thou make
haste._]

[Footnote 8: Others read, _Fare thee well in the Lord._]

[Footnote 9: Some MSS. have, _The deacons Therepus and Techus_]

[Footnote 10: The Whistons have, _To the city of Phoenicia_; but in
all the MSS. we find, _To the city of the Philippians._]

[Footnote 11: Others read, _On account of Onotice._]

[Footnote 12: The Whistons have, _Of Apollophanus_: but in all the
MSS. we read, _Apofolanus_.]

[Footnote 13: In the text of this Epistle there are some other
variations in the words, but the sense is the same.]

EPISTLE OF PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS, [1]

1 Paul, in bonds for Jesus Christ, disturbed by so many errors [2],
to his Corinthian brethren, health.

2 I nothing marvel that the preachers of evil have made this
progress.

3 For because the Lord Jesus is about to fulfil his coming, verily on
this account do certain men pervert and despise his words.

4 But I, verily, from the beginning, have taught you that only which
I myself received from the former apostles, who always remained with
the Lord Jesus Christ.

5 And I now say unto you, that the Lord Jesus Christ was born of the
Virgin Mary, who was of the seed of David,

6 According to the annunciation of the Holy Ghost, sent to her by our
Father from heaven;

7 That Jesus might be introduced into the world [3], and deliver our
flesh by his flesh, and that he might raise us up from the dead;

8 As in this also he himself became the example:

9 That it might be made manifest that man was created by the Father,

10 He has not remained in perdition unsought [4];

11 But he is sought for, that he might be revived by adoption.

12 For God, who is the Lord of all, the Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, who made heaven and earth, sent, firstly, the Prophets to the
Jews:

13 That he would absolve them from their sins, and bring them to his
judgment.

14 Because he wished to save, firstly, the house of Israel, he
bestowed and poured forth his Spirit upon the Prophets;

15 That they should, for a long time, preach the worship of God, and
the nativity of Christ.

16 But he who was the prince of evil, when he wished to make himself
God, laid his hand upon them,

17 And bound all men in sin,[5]

18 Because the judgment of the world was approaching.

19 But Almighty God, when he willed to justify, was unwilling to
abandon his creature;

20 But when he saw his affliction, he had compassion upon him:

21 And at the end of a time he sent the Holy Ghost into the Virgin
foretold by the Prophets.

22 Who, believing readily [6], was made worthy to conceive, and bring
forth our Lord Jesus Christ.

23 That from this perishable body, in which the evil spirit was
glorified, he should be cast out, and it should be made manifest

24 That he was not God: For Jesus Christ, in his flesh, had recalled
and saved this perishable flesh, and drawn it into eternal life by
faith.

25 Because in his body he would prepare a pure temple of justice for
all ages;

26 In whom we also, when we believe, are saved.

27 Therefore know ye that these men are not the children of justice,
but the children of wrath;

28 Who turn away from themselves the compassion of God;

29 Who say that neither the heavens nor the earth were altogether
works made by the hand of the Father of all things.[7]

30 But these cursed men[8] have the doctrine of the serpent.

31 But do ye, by the power of God, withdraw yourselves far from
these, and expel from amongst you the doctrine of the wicked.

32 Because you are not the children of rebellion [9]; but the sons of
the beloved church.

33 And on this account the time of the resurrection is preached to
all men.

34 Therefore they who affirm that there is no resurrection of the
flesh, they indeed shall not be raised up to eternal life;

35 But to judgment and condemnation shall the unbeliever arise in the
flesh:

36 For to that body which denies the resurrection of the body, shall
be denied the resurrection: because such are found to refuse the
resurrection.

37 But you also, Corinthians! have known, from the seeds of wheat,
and from other seeds,

38 That one grain falls [10] dry into the earth, and within it first
dies,

39 And afterwards rises again, by the will of the Lord, endued with
the same body:

40 Neither indeed does it arise with the same simple body, but
manifold, and filled with blessing.

41 But we produce the example not only from seeds, but from the
honourable bodies of men. [11]

42 Ye have also known Jonas, the son of Amittai.[12]

43 Because he delayed to preach to the Ninevites, he was swallowed up
in the belly of a fish for three days and three nights:

44 And after three days God heard his supplication, and brought him
out of the deep abyss;

45 Neither was any part of his body corrupted; neither was his
eyebrow bent down.[13]

46 And how much more for you, oh men of little faith;

47 If you believe in our Lord Jesus Christ, will he raise you up,
even as he himself hath arisen.

48 If the bones of Elisha the prophet, falling upon the dead, revived
the dead,

49 By how much more shall ye, who are supported by the flesh and the
blood and the Spirit of Christ, arise again on that day with a
perfect body?

50 Elias the prophet, embracing the widow's son, raised him from the
dead:

51 By how much more shall Jesus Christ revive you, on that day, with
a perfect body, even as he himself hath arisen?

52 But if ye receive other things vainly [14],

53 Henceforth no one shall cause me to travail; for I bear on my body
these fetters [15],

54 To obtain Christ; and I suffer with patience these afflictions to
become worthy of the resurrection of the dead.

55 And do each of you, having received the law from the hands of the
blessed Prophets and the holy gospel [16], firmly maintain it;

56 To the end that you may be rewarded in the resurrection of the
dead, and the possession of the life eternal.

57 But if any of ye, not believing, shall trespass, he shall be
judged with the misdoers, and punished with those who have false
belief.

58 Because such are the generation of vipers, and the children of
dragons and basilisks.

59 Drive far from amongst ye, and fly from such, with the aid of our
Lord Jesus Christ.

60 And the peace and grace of the beloved Son be upon you.[17] Amen.

_Done into English by me, January-February,_ 1817, _at the Convent of
San Lazaro, with the aid and exposition of the Armenian text by the
Father Paschal Aucher, Armenian Friar_.

BYRON.

Venice, April 10, 1817.

_I had also the Latin text, but it is in many places very corrupt,
and with great omissions_.

[Footnote 1: Some MSS. have, _Paul's Epistle from prison, for the
instruction of the Corinthians_.]

[Footnote 2: Others read, _Disturbed by various compunctions_.]

[Footnote 3: Some MSS. have. _That Jesus might comfort the world_.]

[Footnote 4: Others read, _He has not remained indifferent_.]

[Footnote 5: Some MSS have, _Laid his hand, and then and all body
bound in sin_.]

[Footnote 6: Others read, _Believing with a pure heart_.]

[Footnote 7: Some MSS. have, _Of God the Father of all things._]

[Footnote 8: Others read, _They curse themselves in this thing._]

[Footnote 9: Others read, _Children of the disobedient._]

[Footnote 10: Some MSS. have, _That one grain falls not dry into the
earth._]

[Footnote 11: Others read, _But we have not only produced from seeds,
but from the honourable body of man._]

[Footnote 12: Others read, _The son of Ematthius_.]

[Footnote 13: Others add, _Nor did a hair of his body fall
therefrom_.]

[Footnote 14: Some MSS. have, _Ye shall not receive other things in
vain_.]

[Footnote 15: Others finished here thus, _Henceforth no one can
trouble me further, for I bear in my body the sufferings of Christ.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, my brethren.
Amen_.]

[Footnote 16: Some MSS. have, _Of the holy evangelist_.]

[Footnote 17: Others add, _Our Lord be with ye all. Amen_.]

REMARKS ON MR. MOORE'S LIFE OF LORD BYRON, BY LADY BYRON.

"I have disregarded various publications in which facts within my own
knowledge have been grossly misrepresented; but I am called upon to
notice some of the erroneous statements proceeding from one who
claims to be considered as Lord Byron's confidential and authorised
friend. Domestic details ought not to be intruded on the public
attention: if, however, they _are_ so intruded, the persons affected
by them have a right to refute injurious charges. Mr. Moore has
promulgated his own impressions of private events in which I was most
nearly concerned, as if he possessed a competent knowledge of the
subject. Having survived Lord Byron, I feel increased reluctance to
advert to any circumstances connected with the period of my marriage;
nor is it now my intention to disclose them, further than may be
indispensably requisite for the end I have in view. Self-vindication
is not the motive which actuates me to make this appeal, and the
spirit of accusation is unmingled with it; but when the conduct of my
parents is brought forward in a disgraceful light, by the passages
selected from Lord Byron's letters, and by the remarks of his
biographer, I feel bound to justify their characters from imputations
which I _know_ to be false. The passages from Lord Byron's letters,
to which I refer, are the aspersion on my mother's character (vol.
iii. p. 206. last line):--'My child is very well, and flourishing, I
hear; but I must see also. I feel no disposition to resign it to the
_contagian of its grandmother's society_.' The assertion of her
dishonourable conduct in employing a spy (vol. iii. p. 202. l. 20,
&c.), 'A Mrs. C. (now a kind of housekeeper and _spy of Lady N_'s),
who, in her better days, was a washerwoman, is supposed to be--by the
learned--very much the occult cause of our domestic discrepancies.'
The seeming exculpation of myself, in the extract (vol. iii. p.
205.), with the words immediately following it,--'Her nearest
relatives are a ----;' where the blank clearly implies something too
offensive for publication. These passages tend to throw suspicion on
my parents, and give reason to ascribe the separation either to their
direct agency, or to that of 'officious spies' employed by them.[1]
From the following part of the narrative (vol. iii. p. 198.) it must
also be inferred that an undue influence was exercised by them for
the accomplishment of this purpose. 'It was in a few weeks after the
latter communication between us (Lord Byron and Mr. Moore), that Lady
Byron adopted the determination of parting from him. She had left
London at the latter end of January, on a visit to her father's
house, in Leicestershire, and Lord Byron was in a short time to
follow her. They had parted in the utmost kindness,--she wrote him a
letter full of playfulness and affection, on the road; and
immediately on her arrival at Kirkby Mallory, her father wrote to
acquaint Lord Byron that she would return to him no more.' In my
observations upon this statement, I shall, as far as possible, avoid
touching on any matters relating personally to Lord Byron and myself.
The facts are:--I left London for Kirkby Mallory, the residence of my
father and mother, on the 15th of January, 1816. Lord Byron had
signified to me in writing (Jan. 6th) his absolute desire that I
should leave London on the earliest day that I could conveniently
fix. It was not safe for me to undertake the fatigue of a journey
sooner than the 15th. Previously to my departure, it had been
strongly impressed on my mind, that Lord Byron was under the
influence of insanity. This opinion was derived in a great measure
from the communications made to me by his nearest relatives and
personal attendant, who had more opportunities than myself of
observing him during the latter part of my stay in town. It was even
represented to me that he was in danger of destroying himself. _With
the concurrence of his family_, I had consulted Dr. Baillie, as a
friend (Jan. 8th), respecting this supposed malady. On acquainting
him with the state of the case, and with Lord Byron's desire that I
should leave London, Dr. Baillie thought that my absence might be
advisable as an experiment, _assuming_ the fact of mental
derangement; for Dr. Baillie, not having had access to Lord Byron,
could not pronounce a positive opinion on that point. He enjoined,
that in correspondence with Lord Byron, I should avoid all but light
and soothing topics. Under these impressions, I left London,
determined to follow the advice given by Dr. Baillie. Whatever might
have been the nature of Lord Byron's conduct towards me from the time
of my marriage, yet, supposing him to be in a state of mental
alienation, it was not for _me_, nor for any person of common
humanity, to manifest, at that moment, a sense of injury. On the day
of my departure, and again on my arrival at Kirkby, Jan. 16th, I
wrote to Lord Byron in a kind and cheerful tone, according to those
medical directions. The last letter was circulated, and employed as a
pretext for the charge of my having been subsequently _influenced_ to
'desert[2]' my husband. It has been argued, that I parted from Lord
Byron in perfect harmony; that feelings, incompatible with any deep
sense of injury, had dictated the letter which I addressed to him;
and that my sentiments must have been changed by persuasion and
interference, when I was under the roof of my parents. These
assertions and inferences are wholly destitute of foundation. When I
arrived at Kirkby Mallory, my parents were unacquainted with the
existence of any causes likely to destroy my prospects of happiness;
and when I communicated to them the opinion which had been formed
concerning Lord Byron's state of mind, they were most anxious to
promote his restoration by every means in their power. They assured
those relations who were with him in London, that 'they would devote
their whole care and attention to the alleviation of his malady,' and
hoped to make the best arrangements for his comfort, if he could be
induced to visit them. With these intentions, my mother wrote on the
17th to Lord Byron, inviting him to Kirkby Mallory. She had always
treated him with an affectionate consideration and indulgence, which
extended to every little peculiarity of his feelings. Never did an
irritating word escape her lips in her whole intercourse with him.
The accounts given me after I left Lord Byron by the persons in
constant intercourse with him, added to those doubts which had before
transiently occurred to my mind, as to the reality of the alleged
disease, and the reports of his medical attendant, were far from
establishing the existence of any thing like lunacy. Under this
uncertainty, I deemed it right to communicate to my parents, that if
I were to consider Lord Byron's past conduct as that of a person of
sound mind, nothing could induce me to return to him. It therefore
appeared expedient, both to them and myself, to consult the ablest
advisers. For that object, and also to obtain still further
information respecting the appearances which seemed to indicate
mental derangement, my mother determined to go to London. She was
empowered by me to take legal opinions on a written statement of
mine, though I had then reasons for reserving a part of the case from
the knowledge even of my father and mother. Being convinced by the
result of these enquiries, and by the tenor of Lord Byron's
proceedings, that the notion of insanity was an illusion, I no longer
hesitated to authorise such measures as were necessary, in order to
secure me from being ever again placed in his power. Conformably with
this resolution, my father wrote to him on the 2d of February, to
propose an amicable separation. Lord Byron at first rejected this
proposal; but when it was distinctly notified to him, that if he
persisted in his refusal, recourse must be had to legal measures, he
agreed to sign a deed of separation. Upon applying to Dr. Lushington,
who was intimately acquainted with all the circumstances, to state in
writing what he recollected upon this subject, I received from him
the following letter, by which it will be manifest that my mother
cannot have been actuated by any hostile or ungenerous motives
towards Lord Byron.

[Footnote 1: "The officious spies of his privacy," vol. iii. p. 211.]

[Footnote 2: "The deserted husband," vol. iii. p. 212.]

"'My dear Lady Byron,

"'I can rely upon the accuracy of my memory for the following
statement. I was originally consulted by Lady Noel on your behalf,
whilst you were in the country; the circumstances detailed by her
were such as justified a separation, but they were not of that
aggravated description as to render such a measure indispensable. On
Lady Noel's representation, I deemed a reconciliation with Lord Byron
practicable, and felt most sincerely a wish to aid in effecting it.
There was not on Lady Noel's part any exaggeration of the facts; nor,
so far as I could perceive, any determination to prevent a return to
Lord Byron: certainly none was expressed when I spoke of a
reconciliation. When you came to town in about a fortnight, or
perhaps more, after my first interview with Lady Noel, I was, for the
first time, informed by you of facts utterly unknown, as I have no
doubt, to Sir Ralph and Lady Noel. On receiving this additional
information, my opinion was entirely changed: I considered a
reconciliation impossible. I declared my opinion, and added, that if
such an idea should be entertained, I could not, either
professionally or otherwise, take any part towards effecting it.
Believe me, very faithfully yours, STEPH. LUSHINGTON.

"'_Great George-street, Jan_. 31. 1830.'

"I have only to observe, that if the statements on which my legal
advisers (the late Sir Samuel Komilly and Dr. Lushington) formed
their opinions were false, the responsibility and the odium should
rest with _me only_. I trust that the facts which I have here briefly
recapitulated will absolve my father and mother from all accusations
with regard to the part they took in the separation between Lord
Byron and myself. They neither originated, instigated, nor advised,
that separation; and they cannot be condemned for having afforded to
their daughter the assistance and protection which she claimed. There
is no other near relative to vindicate their memory from insult. I am
therefore compelled to break the silence which I had hoped always to
observe, and to solicit from the readers of Lord Byron's life an
impartial consideration of the testimony extorted from me.

"A.I. NOEL BYRON.

"_Hanger Hill, Feb_. 19. 1830."

* * * * *

LETTER OF MR. TURNER.

_Referred to in_ vol. v. p. 129.

"Eight months after the publication of my 'Tour in the Levant,' there
appeared in the London Magazine, and subsequently in most of the
newspapers, a letter from the late Lord Byron to Mr. Murray.

"I naturally felt anxious at the time to meet a charge of error
brought against me in so direct a manner: but I thought, and friends
whom I consulted at the time thought with me, that I had better wait
for a more favourable opportunity than that afforded by the
newspapers of vindicating my opinion, which even so distinguished an
authority as the letter of Lord Byron left unshaken, and which, I
will venture to add, remains unshaken still.

"I must ever deplore that I resisted my first impulse to reply
immediately. The hand of Death has snatched Lord Byron from his
kingdom of literature and poetry, and I can only guard myself from
the illiberal imputation of attacking the mighty dead, whose living
talent I should have trembled to encounter, by scrupulously confining
myself to such facts and illustrations as are strictly necessary to
save me from the charges of error, misrepresentation, and
presumptuousness, of which every writer must wish to prove himself
undeserving.

"Lord Byron began by stating, 'The _tide_ was _not_ in our favour,'
and added, 'neither I nor any person on board the frigate had any
notion of a difference of the current on the Asiatic side; I never
heard of it till this moment.' His Lordship had probably forgotten
that Strabo distinctly describes the difference in the following
words;--

[Greek: 'Dio kai eupetesteron ek tes Sestou diairousi parallaxamenoi
mikron epi ton tes Herous purgon, kakeithen aphientes ta ploia
sumprattontos tou rhou pros ten peraiosin: Tois d' ex Abudou
peraioumenois parallakteon estin eis tanantia, okto pou stadious epi
purgon tina kat' antikru tes Sestou, epeita diairein plagion, kai me
teleos echousin enantion ton rhoun.'--] Ideoque _facilius a Sesto,
trajiciunt_ paululum deflexa navigatione ad Herus turrim, atque inde
_navigia dimittentes adjuvante etiam fluxu trajectum_. Qui ab Abydo
trajiciunt, in contrarium flectunt partem ad octo stadia ad turrim
quandam e regione Sesti: hinc _oblique_ trajiciunt, non _prorsus_
contrario fluxu.'[1]

[Footnote 1: "Strabo, book xiii. Oxford Edition."]

"Here it is clearly asserted, that the current assists the crossing
from Sestos, and the words [Greek: 'aphientes ta ploia']--'_navigia
dimittentes_,'--'_letting the vessels go of themselves_,' prove how
considerable the assistance of the current was; while the words
[Greek: 'plagion']--'_oblique_,' and '[Greek: teleos],'--'_prorsus_,'
show distinctly that those who crossed from Abydos were obliged to do
so in an _oblique_ direction, or they would have the current
_entirely_ against them.

"From this ancient authority, which, I own, appears to me
unanswerable, let us turn to the moderns. Baron de Tott, who, having
been for some time resident on the spot, employed as an engineer in
the construction of batteries, must be supposed well cognisant of the
subject, has expressed himself as follows:--

"'La surabondance des eaux que la Mer Noire recoit, et qu'elle ne
peut evaporer, versee dans la Mediterranee par le Bosphore de Thrace
et La Propontide, forme aux Dardanelles des courans si violens, que
souvent les batimens, toutes voiles dehors, out peine a les vaincre.
Les pilotes doivent encore observer, lorsque le vent suffit, de
diriger leur route de maniere a presenter le moins de resistance
possible a l'effort des eaux. On sent que cette etude a pour base la
direction des courans, qui, _renvoyes d'une points a l'autre,_
forment des obstacles a la navigation, et feroient courir les plus
grands risques si l'on negligeoit ces connoissances
hydrographiques.'--_Memoires de_ TOTT, 3^{_me_} _Partie_.

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