1788-1841
[Sidenote: Leigh Hunt’s _Autobiography_.]
“I remember, one day at Sydenham, Mr. Theodore Hook coming in
unexpectedly to dinner, and amusing us very much with his talent at
extempore verse. He was then a youth, tall, dark, and of a good person,
with small eyes, and features more round than weak; a face that had
character and humour, but no refinement.”--1809.
[Sidenote: S. C. Hall’s _Memories of Great Men_.]
“When I first saw him, he was above the middle height, robust of frame,
and broad of chest; well-proportioned, with evidence of great physical
capacity; his complexion dark, as were his eyes. There was nothing fine
or elevated in his expression; indeed, his features when in repose were
heavy; it was otherwise when animated; yet his manners were those of a
gentleman, less, perhaps, from inherent faculty than the polish which
refined society ever gives.”--1828.
[Sidenote: Barham’s _Life of Hook_.]
“In person Theodore Hook was above the middle height, his frame was
robust and well-proportioned, possessing a breadth and depth of chest
which, joined to a constitution naturally of the strongest order, would
have seemed, under ordinary care, to hold out promise of a long and
healthy life. His countenance was fine and commanding, his features
when in repose settling into a somewhat stern and heavy expression, but
all alive and alight with genius the instant his lips were opened. His
eyes were dark, large, and full--to the epithet [Greek: boôpis] he, not
less justly than the venerable goddess, was entitled. His voice was
rich, deep, and melodious.”