Byron, George Gordon. Sixth lord, noted English poet. Was born in London, 1788. He spent his boyhood at Aberdeen, and was educated at Harrow and Cambridge. He wrote "Hours of Idleness," a poor first attempt, which called forth a severe criticism in the "Edinburgh Review," and which he satirized in "English Bards and Scotch Reviewers." Soon afterwards he left England, and spent two years in foreign travel. Wrote first part of "Childe Harold" ("awoke one morning and found himself famous"). Produced the "Giaour," "Bride of Abydos," "Hebrew Melodies," and other works. In 1815 he married Miss Millbank, an heiress, who in a year left him, never to return. A storm raised against him on account of his private life, drove him from England, and he never returned. On the Continent, he moved from place to place; finished "Childe Harold," completed several short poems, and wrote "Don Juan." Threw himself into revolutionary movements in Italy and Greece. His poems made a great impression on his age. Died in 1824.

---