1730-1797
[Sidenote: Burney’s _Diary and Letters_.]
“No expectation that I had formed of Mr. Burke, either from his works,
his speeches, his character, or his fame, had anticipated to me such a
man as I now met. He appeared, perhaps, at the moment, to the highest
possible advantage in health, vivacity, and spirits. Removed from
the impetuous aggravations of party contentions, that at times, by
inflaming his passions, seemed (momentarily, at least), to disorder
his character, he was lulled into gentleness by the grateful sense of
prosperity; exhilarated, but not intoxicated, by sudden success; and
just rising, after toiling years of failures, disappointments, fire and
fury, to place, affluence, and honours, which were brightly smiling on
the zenith of his powers. He looked, indeed, as if he had no wish but
to diffuse philanthropic pleasure and genial gaiety all around.
“His figure is noble, his air commanding, his address graceful; his
voice clear, penetrating, sonorous, and powerful; his language copious,
eloquent, and changefully impressive; his manners are attractive; his
conversation is past all praise.
“You may call me mad, I know; but if I wait till I see another Mr.
Burke for such another fit of ecstacy, I may be long enough in my sober
good senses.”--1782.
[Sidenote: Peter Burke’s _Life of Burke_. *]
“The personal description of Edmund Burke has been handed down. He was
about five feet ten inches high, well made and muscular; of that firm
and compact frame that denotes more strength than bulk. His countenance
had been in his youth handsome. The expression of his face was less
striking than might have been anticipated; at least it was so until lit
up by the animation of his conversation, or the fire of his eloquence.
In dress he usually wore a brown suit; and he was in his later days
easily recognisable in the House of Commons from his bob-wig and
spectacles.”
[Sidenote: Macknight’s _Life of Burke_. *]
“He deserved ... worship better than most idols. Gentle, affectionate,
unassuming towards the members of his own family, he was also
dignified, polished, and courteous in his manner to all the rest of
mankind. Nature had stamped the noblest impress of genius on his
wrinkled brow, and time had slowly conferred a grace on his address
which made him appear singularly pleasing and lovable. In the House of
Commons only the fiercer peculiarities of his character were now seen;
while at home he seemed the mildest and kindest, as well as one of the
best and greatest of human beings. He poured forth the rich treasures
of his mind with the most prodigal bounty. At breakfast and dinner
his gaiety, wit, and pleasantry enlivened the board, and diffused
cheerfulness and happiness all round.”