It can hardly be a matter of astonishment, that from mixing a great
deal with the above individuals, and as well from family connection,
as from repeated assurances of independence, the mind of a young and
inexperienced man, should in some degree be warped. That he should in
some measure feel a favourable bias towards sentiments and prejudices,
which he heard perpetually avowed by many whom he esteemed, and
vindicated not only with no ordinary degree of subtlety, but with the
greatest powers of argument and intellect.
The delusion, however, did not last long. The fervour of political
association, and the dreams of anticipated affluence, were abruptly
but effectually dissolved. The golden image of independence was only
seen through a glass darkly, and at a prodigious distance. It became
necessary, steadily and diligently to exercise such abilities as were
possessed, to fulfil the sweetest of charities, and the most sacred of
obligations.
Whilst the mind was still in an unsettled state, and the imagination
bewildering itself in visions of fancied occupation, accident (of all
accidents surely the most fortunate) placed in the way an individual,
to delineate whose character with fidelity and truth, though a most
delightful task, yet it is one which requires no ordinary talents—no
slight attention.
This occurrence, and this individual, gave a decided bias to the future
pursuits, studies, views, connections, and prospects of the Sexagenarian.
The influence was like that of an ascendant star, nor ever did one dark
cloud interpose between this star and the object, which with complacency
and affection, contemplated its mild and benignant aspect. Two streams
united, which together formed a river, gentle but far from dull, and full
without overflowing. Quickness of conception on one side, was tempered
by judicious deliberation on the other; luxuriance of expression was
chastened by classical accuracy, and extreme facility of communicating
ideas, was moderated and reined in, by a salutary sobriety and reserve.
At first, indeed, there seemed something like an impassable gulf between
the parties, formed by the undisguised exhibition of the qualities of
mind by which they were severally distinguished. The first rencontre, for
so it may be called, happened at the period, when the popularity of Mrs.
Siddons, was at its height. The Sexagenarian, warm, impetuous, and living
in much intimacy with the family of Mr. and Mrs. Yates, of theatrical
memory, contended for the superiority of his friend and favourite, and
considered the excellence of Mrs. Siddons, as solely consisting in the
knowledge of her art, without exciting or displaying the great features
and impressive emotions of nature. On the other hand, it was argued
with equal pertinacity, that Mrs. Siddons had much higher and stronger
claims to admiration, and that her popularity was the result of feeling,
co-operating with judgment. As usual, neither party was convinced by the
argument of his opponent, and they parted not very well satisfied with
one another. But the reserve occasioned by this jarring of sentiments
soon wore off, and disappeared altogether. Similar studies, pursuits,
and objects, induced an intimacy, which was never interrupted but by the
cold hand of death.
Something more is to be said of this personage.
Born of highly respectable connections, he was educated at a public
school, where his talents soon inspired respect, and his facetiousness
and wit, rendered him exceedingly popular. This spirit never forsook
him through life, for he invariably continued to animate the society of
which he was a part, by incessant sallies of cheerfulness, good humour,
and the very best sort of conversation. His talents, however, were of a
still higher order, and perhaps, there was no situation within the scope
of his ambition, which he was not qualified to fill with dignity, and to
the public advantage. He was a sound and excellent scholar, as the term
is generally understood, but he was, moreover, distinguished by very
extensive general knowledge and acquirements.
He several times claimed the public attention as an author, and the
characteristic features of whatever he wrote, was strong sense, sound
judgment, and a perfect knowledge of his subject. These solid and sober
qualities proved an admirable check upon the too great quickness, extreme
vivacity, and rapidity of conception, which distinguished his friend,
who, for a term of no very short continuance, was also his coadjutor.
In the progress of a somewhat extended life, he filled different
stations, and he discharged the duties of them all, with the most
exemplary fidelity and honour. Why was he not appointed to the exercise
of functions still more elevated and more dignified? This is a question
not very easy to be answered. He might if he had thought proper. If he
had condescended to use the ordinary means, which individuals similarly
circumstanced, practise, and generally with success, there was nothing
in the line of his profession too lofty for his pretensions, and which
the connections and friendships he had formed, might not easily have
procured. But though not more proud than became a man so endowed, and
so distinguished, he had not the flexibility, which in the present
condition of society, they who have good things for barter, invariably
require of those who want them. He scorned to flatter and bow the knee
to those, with whom he had entered life on the level, and had continued
to associate with on the same terms of manly equality, but whom better
fortune, or greater address, not superior merit, or stronger claims, had
raised to the height of worldly honours. Though not without ambition, he
had a sort of proud and manly disregard of lucrative situations, merely
considered as such, and was not at all inclined to remit his ordinary
habits, or to deviate from his accustomed paths, in pursuit of them.
He did indeed attain, and by force of merit only, the means of passing
through life, with great respect and honour, in possession of all its
comforts, and with not a few of its best advantages. These he enjoyed to
the fullest extent, participating in them, with no very limited circle
of old and long-tried friends. What has been said of his claims to
worldly distinctions, is equally applicable to his mental endowments.
His learning and his talents were equal to any undertaking. He would
have been a good historian, if he had directed his mind to that branch
of learning. A poet he was, and in the epigrammatic part of poetry was
excelled by very few; he was well acquainted with the niceties and
subtleties of grammar, and of his own language more particularly. He
was by no means disputative, but, if occasion required, was an expert
controversial writer. To finish all, he was a critic of no ordinary
precision and acuteness.
That he had faults, it is not pretended to deny; but they inflicted
no wounds. A sort of coldness and reserve of manner was frequently
considered as the result of pride, and sometimes excited unfavourable
impressions; but it was not pride, and very soon melted into familiarity.
Among his intimate friends it was impossible to be more communicative,
facetious, and agreeable. But it is time to have done?
The above tribute is paid from a full and warm heart. It is the result
of long, very long attachment, esteem, and gratitude; of a friendship
never interrupted; of an intercourse which a continued series of years
cemented. Can it be necessary to say more?
Peering in maps, for ports, and piers, and roads.