1788-1824
[Sidenote: Moore’s _Life of Byron_.]
“Among the impressions which this meeting left upon me, what I chiefly
remember to have remarked was the nobleness of his air, his beauty,
the gentleness of his voice and manners, and--what was naturally not
the least attraction--his marked kindness to myself. Being in mourning
for his mother, the colour, as well of his dress as of his glossy,
curling, and picturesque hair, gave more effect to the pure, spiritual
paleness of his features, in the expression of which, when he spoke,
there was a perpetual play of lively thought, though melancholy was
their habitual character when in repose.”--1811.
[Sidenote: Geo. Ticknor’s _Life_.]
“I called on Lord Byron to-day, with an introduction from Mr. Gifford.
Here, again, my anticipations were mistaken. Instead of being deformed,
as I had heard, he is remarkably well-built, with the exception of
his feet. Instead of having a thin and rather sharp and anxious face,
as he has in his pictures, it is round, open, and smiling; his eyes
are light, and not black; his air easy and careless, not forward and
striking; and I found his manners affable and gentle, the tones of
his voice low and conciliating, his conversation gay, pleasant, and
interesting in an uncommon degree.”--1815.
[Sidenote: Moore’s _Life of Byron_.]
“It would be to little purpose to dwell upon the mere beauty of a
countenance in which the expression of an extraordinary mind was so
conspicuous. What serenity was seated on the forehead, adorned with
the finest chestnut hair, light, curling, and disposed with such art,
that the art was hidden in the imitation of most pleasing nature! What
varied expression in his eyes! They were of the azure colour of the
heavens, from which they seemed to derive their origin. His teeth, in
form, in colour, in transparency, resembled pearls; but his cheeks were
too delicately tinged with the hue of the pale rose. His neck, which he
was in the habit of keeping uncovered as much as the usages of society
permitted, seemed to have been formed in a mould, and was very white.
His hands were as beautiful as if they had been the works of art. His
figure left nothing to be desired, particularly by those who found
rather a grace than a defect in a certain light and gentle undulation
of the person when he entered a room, and of which you hardly felt
tempted to inquire the cause. Indeed it was hardly perceptible,--the
clothes he wore were so long.... His face appeared tranquil like the
ocean on a fine spring morning, but, like it, in an instant became
changed into the tempestuous and terrible, if a passion (a passion did
I say?), a thought, a word occurred to disturb his mind. His eyes then
lost all their sweetness, and sparkled so that it became difficult to
look on them.”--1819.