Lord Byron

“

By way of divertisement, I am studying daily, at an Armenian monastery, the Armenian language. I found that my mind wanted something craggy to break upon: and this--as the most difficult thing I could discover here for amusement--I have chosen, to torture me into attention. It is a rich language, however, and would repay amply repay any one the trouble of learning it. I try, and shall go on; but I answer for nothing, least of all for my intentions or my success. It is to be sure, a Waterloo of an alphabet--that must be said for them.

”

Lord Byron to Thomas Moore, 5 December 1816, from the Mkhitarian Monastery in Venice.