Harrow-on-the-Hill, Sunday, May 1st, 1803
***I am sorry to say that Mr Henry Drury has behaved himself to me in a manner I neither can nor will bear. He has seized now an opportunity of showing his resentment towards me. To day in church I was talking to a Boy who sitting next me; that perhaps was not right, but hear what followed. After Church he spoke not a word to me, but he took this Boy to his pupil room, where he abused me in a most violent manner, called me blackguard, said he would and could have me expelled from the School, and bade me thank his Charity that prevented him; this was the Message he sent me, to which I shall return no answer, but submit my case to you and those you may think fit to consult. Is this fit
Portrait of Byron’s mother, Mrs Catherine Gordon Byron
usage for any body? had I stole or behaved in the most abominable way to him, his language could not have been more outrageous. What must the boys think of me to hear such a Message ordered to be delivered to me by a Master? Better let him take away my life than ruin my Character. My Conscience acquits me of ever meriting expulsion at this School; I have been idle and I certainly ought not to talk in church, but I have never done a mean action at this School to him or any one. If I had done anything so heinous, why should he allow me to stay at the school? Why should he himself be so criminal as to overlook faults which merit the appellation of a blackguard? If he had had it in his power to have me expelled, he would long ago have done it; as it is, he has done worse. If I am treated in this Manner, I will not stay at this School. I write you that I will not as yet appeal to Dr Drury; his son’s influence is more than mine and justice would be refused me. Remember I told you, when I left you at Bath, that he would seize every means and opportunity of revenge, not for leaving him so much as the mortification he suffered, because I begged you to let me leave him. *** If you do not take notice of this, I will leave the School myself; but I am sure you will not see me ill treated; better that I should suffer anything than this. I believe you will be tired by this time of reading my letter, but, if you love me, you will now show it. Pray write me immediately. I shall ever remain,
Your affectionate Son,
BYRON
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Link will appear as Hanson, Marilee. "Lord Byron Letter To His Mother Catherine Gordon Byron" https://englishhistory.net/byron/selected-letters/mother-catherine-gordon-byron/, March 6, 2015