Seaham Hall (October 16 1814)
‘Ten or twelve days!
My thoughts are so concerned in that point – I must not feel it now, or I shall be unable to write.
I have never been covetous of praise, and except when uttered by some loved voice, I have scarcely heard it. Now I have a new pleasure in my good name – those dear words, for your sake.
So much more of true kindness has been proved towards me that I knew to exist, that – I can only think it is a very kind world.
You will find it so too, and then I may be in danger of growing too fond of it…
Rest every anxious thought on me – I could only not forgive you for keeping from me those cares which to soften, if not to remove, will be the work – never the task – of affection.
I must to silence – there are feelings which cannot flow in words.
With yours I received a letter from Mrs. Siddons, who since I was twelve years old has loved me with maternal anxiety.
She is perfectly sincere, and when her expressions exceed just bounds, it is from the spirit of poetry – in this case, also of partiality.
I will enclose the letter.
With all my perfections on my head, wishing very much to share the burden, let me be
Most affectionately yours…‘
Sources Used:
The Life and Letters of Anne Isabella Lady Noel Byron Ethel Colburn Mayne (London: Constable & Co Ltd 1929)
The Regency Recondite 