Scott and Byron: The Generosity of Friendship

Summary of the Talk:

Allan Massie's talk explores the complex and evolving relationship between Sir Walter Scott and Lord Byron, two towering figures in literature, emphasizing their mutual respect and generosity despite their differences. Here’s a summary and key points worth noting:

1. Introduction to the Talk: Massie sets the stage by acknowledging both the Scottish Byron Society and the Sir Walter Scott Club. He highlights the importance of the talk, given the speaker’s deep knowledge of both writers.
2. Early Tension and Byron’s Defence of Scott: In 1823, Byron defended Scott in a letter to Stendhal, correcting a critical comment on Scott's character. Byron admired Scott's sincerity and open nature, an interesting gesture given their previous tensions, including Byron’s satirical attack on Scott in English Bards and Scotch Reviewers.
3. Byron's Admiration for Scott: Despite their early clash, Byron's admiration for Scott grew. He was influenced by Scott’s poetry, particularly The Lay of the Last Minstrel, and upon meeting Scott, found him “beautiful as an angel” and excellent company.
4. Generosity in Their Relationship: Massie notes Scott's remarkable generosity when he acknowledged Byron’s success, saying simply, “Byron beat me” and moving on to write novels. This was a rare display of humility, especially given the competitive nature of literary fame.
5. Their Shared Characteristics and Differences: Both men were prolific writers who preferred to live as men of the world rather than in the “Ivory Tower” of literature. They were both physically disabled—Scott limping from a war injury, and Byron’s clubfoot—but neither allowed it to define their lives. Politically, they were opposites: Scott was a Tory and Byron a liberal Whig, yet their friendship transcended these differences.
6. The Significance of the Friendship: Their friendship was marked by mutual respect, despite Scott’s more conservative nature and Byron’s rebelliousness. Massie emphasizes how Scott, despite public opinion, stood by Byron during his personal and public crises, demonstrating a generous and understanding spirit.
7. Their Literary Influence on Each Other: Byron was steeped in Scott’s Waverley novels, often quoting them. Byron admired Scott’s ability to evoke historical themes and figures, and their influence on each other’s works is evident.
8. Byron's Death: Massie concludes by quoting a poignant passage from his novel The Ragged Lion, in which Scott reflects on Byron’s maturity and the bravery he showed in his final years, especially in his fight for Greek independence.

Interesting Points:

• Byron’s Defense of Scott: The letter Byron wrote to Stendhal defending Scott's character is a striking example of literary generosity, particularly since it was unprovoked and unreciprocated.
• Scott’s Generosity After Byron’s Success: Despite Byron surpassing him in literary fame with Childe Harold, Scott showed remarkable generosity, admitting that Byron had bested him while gracefully shifting focus to his novels.
• Political and Religious Views: Despite their differing political leanings, Scott’s Toryism and Byron’s liberalism did not prevent them from respecting each other. Their conversations about religion also reflect the nuanced approach both took to faith.
• Byron’s Influence on Scott: Byron’s admiration for Scott’s Waverley novels was profound, and he even quoted from them in his personal letters, demonstrating the literary exchange between them.
• The Gifts They Exchanged: The exchange of meaningful gifts—a gold-mounted dagger from Scott and an urn of ancient bones from Byron—symbolized their deep mutual respect.

In sum, Massie's talk illuminates a deep and evolving friendship between two of literature’s giants, highlighting how respect, generosity, and understanding can transcend differences and rivalries.

Download the [Transcript]