This is an excerpt from Berlioz's memoirs, which I am you would find an absolutely ripping read:

A Venetian, a somewhat dubious-looking character who spoke atrocious French, claimed to have commanded Byron's corvetter during the poet's forays down the Adriatic coast and through the Greek archipeligo. He described in minute detail the glittering uniform which Byron had insisted on his wearing and the orgies they took part in together; he made a great point of the tribute which the celebrated traveller had paid to his daring. In the middle of a storm Byron had invited him to his cabin for a game of ecarte. The captain, rather than decline the invitation, left the bridge and went below. The game had begun when the ship gave a violent lurch, and cards and players were sent flying.

"Pick up the cards and go on", cried Byron.

"With pleasure, my lord."

"Captain, you're a brave fellow."

It is quite possible there was not a word of truth in it; but one must admit that the gold-lace uniform, and the game of ecarte are very much in character with the author of 'Laura'. Besides, the narrator did not have enough wit to invent such convincing local colour; and I was much too pleased at meeting someone who had been with Childe Harold on his pilgrimage not to believe it all implicitly.

Since this *is* Space Science .. well I'll bet Byron would have acquitted himself similarly had he been the commnader of Apollo 12 when it was hit by lightning shortly after launch!