Catherine Maria Fanshawe `` Catherine Fanshaw '' redirects here . For the Highwaywoman alleged to have been the `` Wicked Lady '' , see Lady Katherine Ferrers . Catherine Maria Fanshawe ( 1765 - 1834 ) was an English poet . The daughter of a Surrey squire , she wrote clever occasional verse . Her best known production is the famous Riddle on the Letter H , beginning `` 'Twas whispered in heaven , 'twas muttered in hell '' often attributed to Lord Byron . This article incorporates public domain text from : Cousin , John William ( 1910 ) . A Short Biographical Dictionary of English Literature . London , J.M. Dent & sons ; New York , E.P. Dutton . Categories : A Short Biographical Dictionary of English Literature | 1765 births | 1834 deaths Catherine Fanshaw the Highwaywoman alleged to have been the `` Wicked Lady '' Lady Katherine Ferrers 