1700-1748
[Sidenote: Johnson’s _Life of Thomson_.]
“Thomson was of stature above the middle size, and ‘more fat than bard
beseems,’ of a dull countenance, and a gross, unanimated, uninviting
appearance; silent in mingled company, but cheerful among select
friends, and by his friends very tenderly and warmly beloved.”
[Sidenote: Murdoch’s _Thomson_.]
“Our author himself hints, somewhere in his works, that his exterior
was not the most promising--his make being rather robust than graceful,
though it is known that in his youth he had been thought handsome. His
worst appearance was when you saw him walking alone in a thoughtful
mood, but let a friend accost him and enter into conversation, he would
instantly brighten into a most amiable aspect, his features no longer
the same, and his eye darting a peculiar animating fire. The case was
much alike in company, where, if it was mixed or very numerous, he made
but an indifferent figure, but with a few select friends he was open,
sprightly, and entertaining. His wit flowed freely but pertinently, and
at due intervals leaving room for every one to contribute his share.
Such was his extreme sensibility, so perfect the harmony of his organs
with the sentiments of his mind, that his looks always announced and
half expressed what he was about to say, and his voice corresponded
exactly to the manner and degree in which he was affected.”
[Sidenote: Rossetti’s _Memoir of Thomson_. *]
“Thomson was above the middle size, of a fat and bulky form, with a
face that might almost be called dull, and an uninviting heavy look,
although in his early youth he had even been counted handsome, and his
eyes were expressive. He was mostly taciturn, save in the company of
his familiar friends; with them he was cheerful and pleasant, and he
secured their attachment in an eminent degree.”