Letters and Journals of Lord Byron
Lord Byron to Lord Holland, 27 September 1812
“I believe this is the third scrawl since yesterday—all
about epithets. I think the epithet ‘intellectual’ won’t convey the
meaning I intend; and, though I hate compounds, for the present I will try
(col’ permesso) the word ‘genius-gifted patriarchs of our line*’ instead. Johnson has
‘many-coloured life,’ a compound—but they are always best avoided. However,
it is the only one in ninety lines, but will be happy to give way to a better. I am
ashamed to intrude any more remembrances on Lady H.,
or letters upon you; but you are, fortunately for me, gifted with patience already too
often tried by
“Your, &c. &c.”
Elizabeth Fox, Lady Holland [née Vassall] (1771 c.-1845)
In 1797 married Henry Richard Fox, Lord Holland, following her divorce from Sir Godfrey
Webster; as mistress of Holland House she became a pillar of Whig society.
Henry Richard Fox, third baron Holland (1773-1840)
Whig politician and literary patron; Holland House was for many years the meeting place
for reform-minded politicians and writers. He also published translations from the Spanish
and Italian;
Memoirs of the Whig Party was published in 1852.
