Byron, George Gordon Byron, Baron, 1788-1824 -- Last years; Poets, English -- 19th century -- Biography
'Lord Byron's quarters were on the second-floor of the house, and
Colonel Stanhope lived on the first-floor. In the evening, about eight
o'clock, Lord Byron came downstairs into the Colonel's room where I
was. He seated himself on a cane settee, and began talking with me on
various subjects. Colonel Stanhope, who was employed in a neighbouring
apartment, fitting up printing-presses, and Count Gamba, both came
into the room for a short time, and some conversation ensued about the
newspaper, which was never to Lord Byron a pleasant topic, as he
disagreed with his friends about it. After a little time they went
their several ways, and more agreeable subjects were introduced. Lord
Byron began joking with me about Colonel Stanhope's occupations, and
said he thought the author would have his brigade of artillery ready
before the soldier got his printing-press fixed. There was then nobody
in the room but his lordship, Mr. Hesketh, and myself. There was
evidently a constrained manner about Lord Byron, and he complained of
thirst. He ordered his servant to bring him some cider, which I
entreated him not to drink in that state. There was a flush in his
countenance, which seemed to indicate great nervous agitation; and as
I thought Lord Byron had been much agitated and harassed for several
days past, I recommended him, at least, to qualify his cider with some
brandy. He said he had frequently drunk cider, and felt no bad
consequences from it, and he accordingly drank it off. He had scarcely
drunk the cider, when he complained of a very strange sensation, and I
noticed a great change in his countenance. He rose from his seat, but
could not walk, staggered a step or two, and fell into my arms.
'I had no other stimulant than brandy at hand, and having before seen
it administered in similar cases with considerable benefit, I
succeeded in making him swallow a small quantity. In another minute
his teeth were closed, his speech and senses gone, and he was in
strong convulsions. I laid him down on the settee, and with the
assistance of his servant kept him quiet.
'When he fell into my arms, his countenance was very much distorted,
his mouth being drawn on one side. After a short time his medical
attendant came, and he speedily recovered his senses and his speech.
He asked for Colonel Stanhope, as he had something particular to say
to him, should there be a probability of his not recovering. Colonel
Stanhope came from the next room. On recovering his senses, Lord
Byron's countenance assumed its ordinary appearance, except that it
was pale and haggard. No other effect remained visible except great
weakness.'
According to Gamba:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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