To Thomas Moore
Written The Evening Before His Visit To Mr. Leigh Hunt In Horsemonger Lane Gaol, May 19, 1813
To Thomas Moore - context Summary
Visit to Horsemonger Lane Gaol
Written on the eve of a planned visit to Leigh Hunt in Horsemonger Lane Gaol (May 19, 1813), Byron’s short piece is an amused, convivial invitation to Thomas Moore. It blends contemporary political reference and social satire, mocking literary personae and joking about shared danger and solidarity. The poem registers Byron’s social circle and the political atmosphere that produced imprisonments for dissent, while keeping a playful, mocking tone.
Read Complete AnalysesOh you, who in all names can tickle the town, Anacreon, Tom Little, Tom Moore, or Tom Brown, For hang me if I know of which you may most brag, Your Quarto two-pounds, or your Twopenny Post Bag; But now to my letter-to yours ’tis an answer– To-morrow be with me, as soon as you can, sir, All ready and dress’d for proceeding to spunge on (According to compact) the wit in the dungeon– Pray Phobus at length our political malice May not get us lodgings within the same palace! I suppose that to-night you’re engaged with some codgers, And for Sotheby’s Blues have deserted Sam Rogers; And I, though with cold I have nearly my death got, Must put on my breeches, and wait on the Heathcote; But to-morrow, at four, we will both play the Scurra, And you’ll be Catullus, the Regent Mamurra.
Feel free to be first to leave comment.