And yet the same Shelley, who was as cool as it was possible to be in such circumstances, (of which I am no judge myself, as the chance of swimming naturally gives self-possession when near shore,) certainly had the fit of phantasy which Polidori describes, though not exactly as he describes it.—To Mr. Murray, Venice, 1819. THE BURNING OF SHELLEY'S BODY. We have been burning the bodies of Shelley and Williams on the sea-shore, to render them fit for removal and regular interment. You can have no idea what an extraordinary effect such a funeral pile has, on a desolate shore, with mountains in the background and the sea before, and the singular appearance the salt and frankincense gave to the flame. All of Shelley was consumed, except his heart, which would not take the flame, and is now preserved in spirits of wine. It was not a Bible that was found in Shelley's pocket, but John Keats's poems. However, it would not have been strange, for he was a great admirer of Scripture as a composition.-To Mr. Moore, Aug. 27, 1822. END OF VOL. I. BRADBURY AND EVANS, PRINTERS, WHITEFRIARS. SELECTIONS FROM THE WRITINGS OF LORD BYRON. POETRY. BY A CLERGYMAN. LONDON: JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET 1854. ADVERTISEMENT. THAT these Selections from Lord Byron's poetry might exhibit a more complete view of the genius of their author, examples have been given of all his various styles. There are particular passages which everybody allows to be the finest outpourings of his genius. Probably there would be less unanimity as to the parts which were entitled to the second place, but though, with the diversity of taste which exists in the world, many may think that some pieces in the present selection should have been omitted, and others inserted, it is hoped that on the whole the volume will be considered to comprise the best specimens in their several kinds. |