SIR JOHN BOWRING
“POOR George. . . . I wish he were making money. He works hard and
remains poor”—thus wrote John Borrow to his mother in 1830 from Mexico,
and it disposes in a measure of any suggestion of mystery with regard to
five of those years that he wished to veil. They were not spent, it is
clear, in rambling in the East, as he tried to persuade Colonel Napier
many years later. They were spent for the most part in diligent attempt
at the capture of words, in reading the poetry and the prose of many
lands, and in making translations of unequal merit from these diverse
tongues. This is indisputably brought home to me by the manuscripts in
my possession. These manuscripts represent years of work. Borrow has
been counted a considerable linguist, and he had assuredly a reading and
speaking acquaintance with a great many languages. But this knowledge
was acquired, as all knowledge is, with infinite trouble and patience. I
have before me hundreds of small sheets of paper upon which are written
English words and their equivalents in some twenty or thirty languages.
These serve to show that Borrow learnt a language as a small boy in an
old-fashioned system of education learns his Latin or French—by writing
down simple words—“father,” “mother,” “horse,” “dog,” and so on with the
same word in Latin or French in front of them. Of course Borrow had a
superb memory and abundant enthusiasm, and so was enabled to add one
language to another and to make his translations from such books as he
could obtain with varied success. I believe that nearly all the books
that he handled came from the Norwich library, and when Mrs. Borrow wrote
to her elder son to say that George was working hard, as we may fairly
assume, from the reply quoted, that she did, she was recalling this
laborious work at translation that must have gone on for years. We have
seen the first fruit in the translation from the German—or possibly from
the French—of Klinger’s _Faustus_; we have seen it in _Romantic Ballads_
from the Danish, the Irish, and the Swedish. Now there really seemed a
chance of a more prosperous utilisation of his gift, for Borrow had found
a zealous friend who was prepared to go forward with him in his work of
giving to the English public translations from the literatures of the
northern nations. This friend was Dr. John Bowring, who made a very
substantial reputation in his day.
Bowring has told his own story in a volume of _Autobiographical
Recollections_, a singularly dull book for a man whose career was at once
so varied and so full of interest. He was born at Exeter in 1792 of an
old Devonshire family, and entered a merchant’s office in his native city
on leaving school. He early acquired a taste for the study of languages,
and learnt French from a refugee priest precisely in the way in which
Borrow had done. He also acquired Italian, Spanish, German and Dutch,
continuing with a great variety of other languages. Indeed, only the
very year after Borrow had published _Faustus_, he published his _Ancient
Poetry and Romances of Spain_, and the year after Borrow’s _Romantic
Ballads_ came Bowring’s _Servian Popular Poetry_. With such interest in
common it was natural that the two men should be brought together, but
Bowring had the qualities which enabled him to make a career for himself,
and Borrow had not. In 1811, as a clerk in a London mercantile house, he
was sent to Spain, and after this his travels were varied. He was in
Russia in 1820, and in 1822 was arrested at Calais and thrown into
prison, being suspected by the Bourbon Government of abetting the French
Liberals. Canning as Foreign Minister took up his cause, and he was
speedily released. He assisted Jeremy Bentham in founding _The
Westminster Review_ in 1824. Meanwhile he was seeking official
employment, and in conjunction with Mr. Villiers, afterwards Earl of
Clarendon, and that ambassador to Spain who befriended Borrow when he was
in the Peninsula, became a commissioner to investigate the commercial
relations between England and France. After the Reform Bill of 1832
Bowring was frequently a candidate for Parliament, and was finally
elected for Bolton in 1841. In the meantime he assisted Cobden in the
formation of the Anti-Corn Law League in 1838. Having suffered great
monetary losses in the interval he applied for the appointment of Consul
at Canton, of which place he afterwards became Governor, being knighted
in 1854. At one period of his career at Hong Kong his conduct was made
the subject of a vote of censure in Parliament, Lord Palmerston, however,
warmly defending him. Finally returning to England in 1862, he continued
his literary work with unfailing zest. He died at Exeter, in a house
very near that in which he was born, in 1872. His extraordinary energies
cannot be too much praised, and there is no doubt but that in addition to
being the possessor of great learning he was a man of high character.
His literary efforts were surprisingly varied. There are at least
thirty-six volumes with his name on the title-page, most of them
unreadable to-day; even such works, for example, as his _Visit to the
Philippine Isles_ and _Siam and the Siamese_, which involved travel into
then little-known lands. Perhaps the only book by him that to-day
commands attention is his translation of Chamisso’s _Peter Schlemihl_.
The most readable of many books by him into which I have dipped is his
_Servian Popular Poetry_ of 1827, in which we find interesting stories in
verse that remind us of similar stories from the Danish in Borrow’s
_Romantic Ballads_ published only the year before. The extraordinary
thing, indeed, is the many points of likeness between Borrow and Bowring.
Both were remarkable linguists; both had spent some time in Spain and
Russia; both had found themselves in foreign prisons. They were alike
associated in some measure with Norwich—Bowring through friendship with
Taylor—and I might go on to many other points of likeness or of contrast.
It is natural, therefore, that the penniless Borrow should have welcomed
acquaintance with the more prosperous scholar. Thus it is that, some
thirty years later, Borrow described the introduction by Taylor:
The writer had just entered into his eighteenth year, when he met at
the table of a certain Anglo-Germanist an individual, apparently
somewhat under thirty, of middle stature, a thin and weaselly figure,
a sallow complexion, a certain obliquity of vision, and a large pair
of spectacles. This person, who had lately come from abroad, and had
published a volume of translations, had attracted some slight notice
in the literary world, and was looked upon as a kind of lion in a
small provincial capital. After dinner he argued a great deal, spoke
vehemently against the Church, and uttered the most desperate
Radicalism that was perhaps ever heard, saying, he hoped that in a
short time there would not be a king or queen in Europe, and
inveighing bitterly against the English aristocracy, and against the
Duke of Wellington in particular, whom he said, if he himself was
ever president of an English republic—an event which he seemed to
think by no means improbable—he would hang for certain infamous acts
of profligacy and bloodshed which he had perpetrated in Spain. Being
informed that the writer was something of a philologist, to which
character the individual in question laid great pretensions, he came
and sat down by him, and talked about languages and literature. The
writer, who was only a boy, was a little frightened at first.
The quarrels of authors are frequently amusing but rarely edifying, and
this hatred of Bowring that possessed the soul of poor Borrow in his
later years is of the same texture as the rest. We shall never know the
facts, but the position is comprehensible enough. Let us turn to the
extant correspondence which, as far as we know, opened when Borrow paid
what was probably his third visit to London in 1829:
TO DR. JOHN BOWRING
17 GREAT RUSSELL STREET, BLOOMSBURY. [_Dec._ 6, 1829.]
MY DEAR SIR,—Lest I should intrude upon you when you are busy, I
write to inquire when you will be unoccupied. I wish to shew you my
translation of _The Death of Balder_, Ewald’s most celebrated
production, which, if you approve of, you will perhaps render me some
assistance in bringing forth, for I don’t know many publishers. I
think this will be a proper time to introduce it to the British
public, as your account of Danish literature will doubtless cause a
sensation. My friend Mr. R. Taylor has my _Kæmpe Viser_, which he
has read and approves of; but he is so very deeply occupied, that I
am apprehensive he neglects them: but I am unwilling to take them out
of his hands, lest I offend him. Your letting me know when I may
call will greatly oblige,—Dear Sir, your most obedient servant,
GEORGE BORROW.
* * * * *
TO DR. JOHN BOWRING
17 GREAT RUSSELL STREET, BLOOMSBURY. [_Dec._ 28, 1829.]
MY DEAR SIR,—I trouble you with these lines for the purpose of
submitting a little project of mine for your approbation. When I had
last the pleasure of being at yours, you mentioned that we might at
some future period unite our strength in composing a kind of Danish
Anthology. You know, as well as I, that by far the most remarkable
portion of Danish poetry is comprised in those ancient popular
productions termed _Kæmpe __Viser_, which I have translated. Suppose
we bring forward at once the first volume of the Danish Anthology,
which should contain the heroic and supernatural songs of the _K.
V._, which are certainly the most interesting; they are quite ready
for the press with the necessary notes, and with an introduction
which I am not ashamed of. The second volume might consist of the
Historic songs and the ballads and Romances, this and the third
volume, which should consist of the modern Danish poetry, and should
commence with the celebrated “Ode to the Birds” by Morten Borup,
might appear in company at the beginning of next season. To
Ölenslager should be allotted the principal part of the fourth
volume; and it is my opinion that amongst his minor pieces should be
given a good translation of his Aladdin, by which alone he has
rendered his claim to the title of a great poet indubitable. A
proper Danish Anthology cannot be contained in less than 4 volumes,
the literature being so copious. The first volume, as I said before,
might appear instanter, with no further trouble to yourself than
writing, if you should think fit, a page or two of introductory
matter.—Yours most truly, my dear Sir,
GEORGE BORROW.
* * * * *
TO DR. JOHN BOWRING
17 GREAT RUSSELL STREET, _Decr._ 31, 1829.
MY DEAR SIR,—I received your note, and as it appears that you will
not be disengaged till next Friday evening (this day week) I will
call then. You think that no more than two volumes can be ventured
on. Well! be it so! The first volume can contain 70 choice _Kæmpe
Viser_; viz. all the heroic, all the supernatural ballads (which two
classes are by far the most interesting), and a few of the historic
and romantic songs. The sooner the work is advertised the better,
_for I am terribly afraid of being forestalled in the Kæmpe Viser by
some of those Scotch blackguards_ who affect to translate from all
languages, of which they are fully as ignorant as Lockhart is of
Spanish. I am quite ready with the first volume, which might appear
by the middle of February (the best time in the whole season), and if
we unite our strength in the second, I think we can produce something
worthy of fame, for we shall have plenty of matter to employ talent
upon.—Most truly yours,
GEORGE BORROW.
* * * * *
TO DR. JOHN BOWRING
17 GREAT RUSSELL STREET, BLOOMSBURY, _Jany._ 7, 1830.
MY DEAR SIR,—I send the prospectus for your inspection and for the
correction of your master hand. I have endeavoured to assume a
Danish style, I know not whether I have been successful. Alter, I
pray you, whatever false logic has crept into it, find a remedy for
its incoherencies, and render it fit for its intended purpose. I
have had for the two last days a rising headache which has almost
prevented me doing anything. I sat down this morning and translated
a hundred lines of the _May-day_; it is a fine piece.—Yours most
truly, my dear Sir,
GEORGE BORROW.
* * * * *
TO DR. JOHN BOWRING
17 GREAT RUSSELL STREET, BLOOMSBURY, _Jany._ 14, 1830.
MY DEAR SIR,—I approve of the prospectus in every respect; it is
business-like, and there is nothing flashy in it. I do not wish to
suggest one alteration. I am not idle: I translated yesterday from
your volume longish _Kæmpe Visers_, among which is the “Death of King
Hacon at Kirkwall in Orkney,” after his unsuccessful invasion of
Scotland. To-day I translated “The Duke’s Daughter of Skage,” a
noble ballad of 400 lines. When I call again I will, with your
permission, retake Tullin and attack _The Surveyor_. Allow me, my
dear Sir, to direct your attention to Ölenschlæger’s _St. Hems
Aftenspil_, which is the last in his Digte of 1803. It contains his
best lyrics, one or two of which I have translated. It might, I
think, be contained within 70 pages, and I could translate it in 3
weeks. Were we to give the whole of it we should gratify
Ölenschlæger’s wish expressed to you, that one of his larger pieces
should appear. But it is for you to decide entirely on what _is_ or
what is _not_ to be done. When you see the _foreign_ editor I should
feel much obliged if you would speak to him about my reviewing
Tegner, and enquire whether a _good_ article on Welsh poetry would be
received. I have the advantage of not being a Welsh-man. I would
speak the truth, and would give translations of some of the best
Welsh poetry; and I really believe that my translations would not be
the worst that have been made from the Welsh tongue.—Most truly
yours,
G. BORROW.
* * * * *
TO DR. JOHN BOWRING
7 MUSEUM STREET, _Jany._, 1830.
MY DEAR SIR,—I write this to inform you that I am at No. 7 Museum
St., Bloomsbury. I have been obliged to decamp from Russell St. for
the cogent reason of an execution having been sent into the house,
and I thought myself happy in escaping with my things. I have got
half of the Manuscript from Mr. Richard Taylor, but many of the pages
must be rewritten owing to their being torn, etc. He is printing the
prospectus, but a proof has not yet been struck off. Send me some as
soon as you get them. I will send one with a letter to _H. G._—Yours
eternally,
G. BORROW.
* * * * *
TO DR. JOHN BOWRING
7 MUSEUM STREET, _Jany._ 25, 1830.
MY DEAR SIR,—I find that you called at mine, I am sorry that I was
not at home. I have been to Richard Taylor, and you will have the
prospectuses this afternoon. I have translated Ferroe’s “Worthiness
of Virtue” for you, and the two other pieces I shall translate this
evening, and you shall have them all when I come on Wednesday
evening. If I can at all assist you in anything, pray let me know,
and I shall be proud to do it.—Yours most truly,
G. BORROW.
* * * * *
TO DR. JOHN BOWRING
7 MUSEUM STREET, _Feby._ 20, 1830.
MY DEAR SIR,—To my great pleasure I perceive that the books have all
arrived safe. But I find that, instead of an Icelandic Grammar, you
have lent me an _Essay on the origin of the Icelandic Language_,
which I here return. Thorlakson’s Grave-ode is superlatively fine,
and I translated it this morning, as I breakfasted. I have just
finished a translation of Baggesen’s beautiful poem, and I send it
for your inspection.—Most sincerely yours,
GEORGE BORROW.
_P.S._—When I come we will make the modifications of this piece, if
you think any are requisite, for I have various readings in my mind
for every stanza. I wish you a very pleasant journey to Cambridge,
and hope you will procure some names amongst the literati.
* * * * *
TO DR. JOHN BOWRING
7 MUSEUM STREET, _March_ 9, 1830.
MY DEAR SIR,—I have thought over the Museum matter which we were
talking about last night, and it appears to me that it would be the
very thing for me, provided that it could be accomplished. I should
feel obliged if you would deliberate upon the best mode of
proceeding, so that when I see you again I may have the benefit of
your advice.—Yours most sincerely,
GEORGE BORROW.
To this letter Bowring replied the same day. He promised to help in the
Museum project “by every sort of counsel and creation.” “I should
rejoice to see you _nicked_ in the British Museum,” he concludes.
TO DR. JOHN BOWRING
7 MUSEUM STREET, _Friday Evening_, _May_ 21, 1830.
MY DEAR SIR,—I shall be happy to accept your invitation to meet Mr.
Grundtvig to-morrow morning. As at present no doubt seems to be
entertained of Prince Leopold’s accepting the sovereignty of Greece,
would you have any objection to write to him concerning me? I should
be very happy to go to Greece in his service. I do not wish to go in
a civil or domestic capacity, and I have, moreover, no doubt that all
such situations have been long since filled up; I wish to go in a
military one, for which I am qualified by birth and early habits.
You might inform the Prince that I have been for years on the
Commander-in-Chief’s List for a commission, but that I have not had
sufficient interest to procure an appointment. One of my reasons for
wishing to reside in Greece is, that the mines of Eastern Literature
would be acceptable to me. I should soon become an adept in Turkish,
and would weave and transmit to you such an anthology as would
gladden your very heart. As for _The Songs of Scandinavia_, all the
ballads would be ready before departure, and as I should take books,
I would in a few months send you translations of the modern lyric
poetry. I hope this letter will not displease you. I do not write
it from _flightiness_, but from thoughtfulness. I am uneasy to find
myself at four and twenty drifting on the sea of the world, and
likely to continue so.—Yours most sincerely,
G. BORROW.
* * * * *
TO DR. JOHN BOWRING.
7 MUSEUM ST., _June_ 1, 1830.
MY DEAR SIR,—I send you _Hafbur and Signe_ to deposit in the
Scandinavian Treasury, and I should feel obliged by your doing the
following things.
1. Hunting up and lending me your Anglo-Saxon Dictionary as soon as
possible, for Grundtvig wishes me to assist him in the translation of
some Anglo-Saxon Proverbs.
2. When you write to Finn Magnussen to thank him for his attention,
pray request him to send the _Feeroiska Quida_, or popular songs of
Ferroe, and also _Broder Run’s Historie_, _or the History of Friar
Rush_, the book which Thiele mentions in his _Folkesagn_.—Yours most
sincerely,
G. BORROW.
* * * * *
TO DR. JOHN BOWRING
7 MUSEUM STREET, _June_ 7, 1830.
MY DEAR SIR,—I have looked over Mr. Grundtvig’s manuscripts. It is a
very long affair, and the language is Norman-Saxon. £40 would not be
an extravagant price for a transcript, and so they told him at the
museum. However, as I am doing nothing particular at present, and as
I might learn something from transcribing it, I would do it for £20.
He will call on you to-morrow morning, and then if you please you may
recommend me. The character closely resembles the ancient Irish, so
I think you can answer for my competency.—Yours most truly,
G. BORROW.
_P.S._—Do not lose the original copies of the Danish translations
which you sent to the _Foreign Quarterly_, for I have no duplicates.
I think _The Roses_ of Ingemann was sent; it is not printed; so if it
be not returned, we shall have to re-translate it.
* * * * *
TO DR. JOHN BOWRING
7 MUSEUM ST., _Sept._ 14, 1830.
MY DEAR SIR,—I return you the Bohemian books. I am going to Norwich
for some short time as I am very unwell, and hope that cold bathing
in October and November may prove of service to me. My complaints
are, I believe, the offspring of ennui and unsettled prospects. I
have thoughts of attempting to get into the French service, as I
should like prodigiously to serve under Clausel in the next Bedouin
campaign. I shall leave London next Sunday and will call some
evening to take my leave; I cannot come in the morning, as early
rising kills me.—Most sincerely yours,
G. BORROW.
Borrow’s next letter to Bowring that has been preserved is dated 1835 and
was written from Portugal. With that I will deal when we come to
Borrow’s travels in the Peninsula. Here it sufficeth to note that during
the years of Borrow’s most urgent need he seems to have found a kind
friend if not a very zealous helper in the “Old Radical” whom he came to
hate so cordially.