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in such a dilemma, would become cold and ungracious to the parties with whom he so stood, before he had mental courage sufficient to abandon them. I may be wrong; but the whole of his manner of talking of Mr. Hunt gives me this impression, though he has not said what might be called an unkind word of him.

Much as Byron has braved public opinion, it is evident he has a great deference for those who stand high in it, and that he is shy in attaching himself publicly to persons who have even, however undeservedly, fallen under its censure.His expressed contempt and defiance of the world reminds me of the bravadoes of children, who afraid of darkness, make a noise to give themselves courage to support what they dread. It is very evident that he is partial to aristocratic friends; he dwells with complacency on the advantages of rank and station; and has more than once boasted that people of family are always to be recognized by a certain air and the smallness and delicacy of their hands.

He talked in terms of high commendation of the talents and acquirements of Mr. Hobhouse; but a latent sentiment of pique was visible in his manner, from the idea he appeared to entertain that Mr. Hobhouse had undervalued him. Byron evidently likes praise; this is a weakness, if weak-