Byron, George Gordon Byron, Baron, 1788-1824 -- Last years; Poets, English -- 19th century -- Biography
'With Lion Lord Byron was accustomed, not only to associate, but to
commune very much. His most usual phrase was, "Lion, you are no rogue,
Lion"; or, "Lion, thou art an honest fellow, Lion." The dog's eyes
sparkled, and his tail swept the floor, as he sat with haunches on the
ground. "Thou art more faithful than men, Lion; I trust thee more."
Lion sprang up, and barked, and bounded round his master, as much as
to say, "You may trust me; I will watch actively on every side." Then
Byron would fondle the dog, and say, "Lion, I love thee; thou art my
faithful dog!" and Lion jumped and kissed his master's hand, by way of
acknowledgment. In this manner, when in the dog's company, Byron
passed a good deal of time, and seemed more contented and happy than
at any other hour during the day. This valuable and affectionate
animal was, after Byron's death, brought to England and placed under
the care of Mrs. Leigh, his lordship's sister.'
Parry gives a graphic description of the state of Missolonghi during this
period, which compelled Byron to take a circuitous route whenever the
state of the weather permitted him to ride. The pavements and condition of
the streets were so bad that it was impossible to ride through them
without the risk of breaking one's neck.
'Lord Byron's horses were therefore generally led to the gate of the
town, while his lordship, in a small punt, was rowed along the
harbour, and up what is called the Military Canal. This terminates not
far from the gate; here he would land, and mount his horse.'
The Suliote guard always attended Byron during his rides; and, though on
foot, it was surprising to see their swiftness, says Parry. With carbines
carried at the trail in their right hands, these agile mountaineers kept
pace with the horses, even when Byron went at a gallop. It was a matter of
honour with these Suliotes never to desert their chief; for they
considered themselves responsible both to Greece and to England for his
safety. Parry says:
'They were tall men, and remarkably well formed. Perhaps, taken all
together, no Sovereign in Europe could boast of having a finer set of
men for his bodyguard.'
Byron while in Greece abandoned his habit of spending the whole morning in
bed, as was his custom in Italy. He rose at nine o'clock, and breakfasted
at ten. This meal consisted of tea without either milk or sugar, dry
toast, and water-cresses.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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