Byron
.
Childe Harold
was published March 1, 1812. Another copy of
Childe Harold
was sent to Mrs. Leigh, with the following inscription:
"To Augusta, my dearest sister, and my best friend, who has ever loved me much better than I deserved, this volume is presented by her father's son, and most affectionate brother, B."
The effect which the poem instantly produced is best expressed in Byron's own memorandum: