busts and inscriptions, painted near the stage, from a box so distant
and so _darkly_ lighted, that none of the company (composed of young
and very bright-eyed people, some of them in the same box,) could make
out a letter, and thought it was a trick, though I had never been in
that theatre before.

"Altogether, I think myself justified in thinking the comparison not
well founded. I don't say this out of pique, for Rousseau was a great
man; and the thing, if true, were flattering enough;--but I have no
idea of being pleased with the chimera."]


[Footnote 2: The Hon. Mrs. George Byron, 'nee' Frances Levett, Byron's
great-aunt, widow of the Hon. George Byron, fourth brother of William,
fifth Lord Byron.]





101.--To his Mother.


Newstead Abbey, November 2, 1808.


DEAR MOTHER,--If you please, we will forget the things you mention. I
have no desire to remember them. When my rooms are finished, I shall
be happy to see you; as I tell but the truth, you will not suspect me
of evasion. I am furnishing the house more for you than myself, and I