40 — To John Hanson

Trin. Coll. Cambridge, Novr. 23, 1805.

Dear Sir, — Your Advice was good but I have not determined whether I shall follow it; this Place is the Devil or at least his principal residence. They call it the University, but any other Appellation would have suited it much better, for Study is the last pursuit of the Society; the Master ⁷ eats, drinks, and sleeps, the Fellows ⁸ Drink, dispute and pun ; the Employment of the Under graduates you will probably conjecture without my description. I sit down to write with a Head confused with Dissipation which, tho' I hate, I cannot avoid.

I have only supped at Home 3 times since my Arrival, and my table is constantly covered with invitations, after all I am the most steady Man in College, nor have I got into many Scrapes, and none of consequence. Whenever you appoint a day my Servant shall come up for "Oateater," and as the Time of paying my Bills now approaches, the remaining £50 will be very agreeable. You need not make any deduction as I shall want most of it; I will settle with you for the Saddle and Accoutrements next quarter. The Upholsterer's Bill will not be sent in yet as my rooms are to be papered and painted at Xmas when I will procure them. No Furniture has been got except what was absolutely necessary including some Decanters and Wine Glasses.

Your Cook certainly deceived you, as I know my Servant was in Town 5 days, and she stated 4. I have yet had no reason to distrust him, but we will examine the affair when I come to Town when I intend lodging at Mrs. Massingbird's. My Mother and I have quarrelled, which I bear with the patience of a Philosopher; custom reconciles me to everything.

In the Hope that Mrs. H. and the Battalion are in good Health.

I remain, Sir, etc., etc.,

Byron.