Page:Journal of Conversations with Lord Byron.pdf/93

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with Lord Byron.
81

second class. She, however, had not this opportunity, which I regret, as I think it would have justified her expectations. In England, the raw material is generally good; it is the overdressing that injures it; and as the class she wished to study, are well educated, and have all the refinement of civilization without its corruption, she would have carried away a favorable impression. Lord Grey and his family were the personification of her beau idéal of perfection, as I must say they are of mine," continued Byron, "and might serve as the finest specimens of the pure English patrician breed, of which so few remain. His uncompromising and uncompromised dignity, founded on self-respect, and accompanied by that certain proof of superiority - simplicity of manner and freedom from affectation, with her mild and matron graces, her whole life offering a model to wives and mothers - really they are people to be proud of, and a few such would reconcile one to one's species."

One of our first rides with Lord Byron was to Nervi, a village on the sea-coast, most romantically situated, and each turn of the road presenting various and beautiful prospects. They were all familiar to him, and he failed not to point them out, but in very sober terms, neverallowing any thing like enthusiasm in his ex-