I now believe that there is a great deal of unreality in
those sentiments to which the charm of his verses lent an
appearance of truth and depth; in fact, his poetical feelings will
sometimes stand the test of sober reflection quite as little as his
grammar will that of a severe application of the rules of syntax.
He has written immensely for mere effect, but all young people read
him, and young people are not apt to analyze closely what they feel
strongly, and, judging by my own experience, I should think Byron
had done more mischief than one would like to be answerable for.
When I said this the other day to my mother, she replied by
referring to his "Don Juan," supposing that I alluded to his
profligacy; but it is not "Don Juan" only or chiefly that I think
so mischievous, but "Manfred," "Cain," "Lucifer," "Childe Harold,"
and through them all Byron's own spirit--the despondent, defiant,
questioning, murmuring, bitter, proud spirit, that acts powerfully
and dangerously on young brains and throws poison into their
natural fermentation.
Since you say that my perpetual quotation of that stupid song, "Old
Wilson is Dead," worries you, I will renounce my delight in teasing
you with it.
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