Part 21 (1/2)

But in regard to the important series of letters presented as Lady Byron's, this obviously proper course has not been pursued Though assumed to be of the most critical iiven in the first instance The want of such evidence being noticed by other papers, the 'Quarterly' appears hurt that the high character of the uarantee; and still deals in vague statements that the letters have been freely circulated, and that two noblehest character would vouch for them if necessary

In our view, it is necessary These nobleive a fair account of these letters, under their own names; and then, ould add, it is needful for complete satisfaction to have the letters entire, and not in fragave these letters with the evident implication that they are entirely destructive to Lady Byron's character as a witness Now, has that azine much reason to be hurt at even an insinuation on its own character whensuch deadly assaults on that of another? The individuals who bring forth documents that they suppose to be deadly to the character of a noble person, always in her generation held to be e called upon to substantiate these docuations

We have shown that these letters do not contradict, but that they perfectly confirree with the dates in Lady Byron's published state theard to thethe inquiry seem so obviously proper, that we cannot but believe that they will command a serious attention

CHAPTER V THE DIRECT ARGUMENT TO PROVE THE CRIME

We shall now proceed to state the arguainst Lord Byron

1st, There is direct evidence that Lord Byron was guilty of some unusual immorality

The evidence is not, as the 'Blackwood' says, that Lushi+ngton yielded assent to the ex parte statement of a client; nor, as the 'Quarterly'

intimates, that he was affected by the char woman

The first evidence of it is the fact that Lushi+ngton and Romilly offered to take the case into court, and make there a public exhibition of the proofs on which their convictions were founded

2nd, It is very strong evidence of this fact, that Lord Byron, while loudly declaring that he wished to knohat he was charged, declined this open investigation, and, rather than n

3rd, It is also strong evidence of this fact, that although secretly declaring to all his intiation in a court of justice, and affir ruined for want of it, he never afterwards took the ht have coland and entered a suit; and he did not do it

That Lord Byron was conscious of a great crime is further made probable by the peculiar al counsel

If there had been nothing to fear in that legal investigation ith they threatened hiard with a peculiar bitterness those who advised and proposed it? To an innocentand a refuge

Female charms cannot mislead in a court of justice; and the atrocities of rumour are there sifted, and deprived of power A trial is not a threat to an innocent man: it is an invitation, an opportunity Why, then, did he hate Sir Saical death? The letter in which he pours forth this eneral outcry of society, to suppress it Is this the language of an innocent man who has been offered a fair trial under his country's laws? or of a guilty man, to whom the very idea of public trial means public exposure?

4th, It is probable that the cried, because that was the ainst hi extract of a letter from Shelley, furnished by the 'Quarterly,' dated Bath, Sept 29, 1816:--

'I saw Kinnaird, and had a long talk with him He informed me that Lady Byron was now in perfect health; that she was living with your sister I felt ence I consider the latter part of it as affording a decisive contradiction to the only iround, at least, it will become the world hereafter to be silent'

It appears evident here that the charge of improper intimacy with his sister was, in the mind of Shelley, the only iainst Lord Byron

It is fairly inferable, from Lord Byron's own statee Lady Byron speaks, in her statenizant of Lord Byron's strange conduct at the time of the separation; and Lord Byron, in the letter to Bowles, before quoted, says that every one of his relations, except his sister, fell from him in this crisis like leaves from a tree in autumn There was, therefore, not only this report, but such appearances in support of it as convinced those nearest to the scene, and best apprised of the facts; so that they fell fro influence of faation as having arisen fro his sister:--

'This deep, fraternal affection assuenius, and under exceptional circumstances, an almost too passionate expression, which opened a fresh field to his enemies'

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It appears, then, that there was nothing in the character of Lord Byron and of his sister, as they appeared before their generation, that prevented such a report fro in their relations that made it seem probable And it appears that his own family friends were so affected by it, that they, with one accord, deserted him The 'Quarterly' presents the fact that Lady Byron went to visit Mrs Leigh at this time, as triumphant proof that she did not then believe it Can the 'Quarterly' show just what Lady Byron's state ofthat visit?

The 'Quarterly' seeross hypocrisy, can stand by a sister proven to have been guilty We can appeal on this subject to all wo your husband and sister were involved together in an infahter whose life would be tainted by a knowledge of that crime, ould be your wish? Would you wish to proclaim it forthwith? or would you wish quietly to separate from your husband, and to cover the crime from the eye of man?'

It has been proved that Lady Byron did not reveal this even to her nearest relatives It is proved that she sealed the mouths of her counsel, and even of servants, so effectually, that they remain sealed even to this day This is evidence that she did not wish the thing known It is proved also, that, in spite of her secrecy with her parents and friends, the ruot out, and was spoken of by Shelley as the only important one