to Henry Drury
Salsette Frigate, 3 May 1810

****This morning I swam from Sestos to Abydos.  The immediate distance is not above a mile, but the current renders it hazardous; - so much so that I doubt whether Leander's conjugal affection must not have been a little chilled in his passage to Paradise.  I attempted it a week ago, and failed, - owing to the north wind, and the wonderful rapidity of the tide, - though I have been from my childhood a strong swimmer.  But, this morning being calmer, I succeeded and crossed the 'broad Hellespont' in an hour and ten minutes.
    Well, my dear sir, I have left my home, and seen part of Africa and Asia, and a tolerable portion of Europe.  I have been with generals and admirals, princes and pashas, governors and ungovernables, - but I have not time or paper to expatiate....
    I like the Greeks, who are plausible rascals, - with all the Turkish vices, without their courage.  However, some are brave, and all are beautiful, very much resembling the busts of Alcibiades; - the women not quite so handsome.  I can swear in Turkish; but, except one horrible oath, and 'pimp' and 'bread', and 'water', I have got no great vocabulary in that language.  They are extremely polite to strangers of any rank, properly protected****
    I am like the Jolly Miller, caring for nobody, and not cared for.  All countries are much the same in my eyes.  I smoke, and stare at mountains, and twirl my mustachios very independently.  I miss no comforts, and the mosquitoes that rack the morbid frame of H. have, luckily for me, little effect on mine, because I live more temperately.****
    My paper is full, and my ink ebbing - good afternoon!  If you address to me at Malta, the letter will be forwarded wherever I may be.  H. greets you; he pines for his poetry, - at least, some tidings of it.  I almost forgot to tell you that I am dying for love of three Greek girls at Athens, sisters, I lived in the same house.  Teresa, Mariana, and Katinka, are the names of these divinities, - all of them under fifteen.

        Your 'Tapeinotatos doulous',

        BYRON

Byron wrote the lyric 'On Swimming from Sestos to Abydos' about this experience.

to Byron: Letters