In a far, far different spirit are written, in several portions of the
manuscript, certain notices of a very Reverend Dean, concerning whom
there appears to have been the intention of composing something more in
detail. How much and how greatly he was revered by the writer, appears
from the following quotation, with which the Recollections on this
subject are introduced.
Locum virtus habet inter astra,
Vere dum flores venient tepenti
Et comam sylvis hyemes recident,
Vel comam sylvis revocabit æstas,
Pomaque autumno fugiente cadent,
Nulla terris rapiet vetustas
Tu comes Phœbo, comes ibis astris.
This venerable personage ought, with propriety, to have been introduced
in an earlier period of the work; he has indeed been casually mentioned,
but his talents and accomplishments were of so high and superior a
character, that it looks a little inconsistent with the profound respect
which he evidently inspired, not to have solicited attention to him
before.
He was one of the soundest scholars in Europe, certainly to be classed
among the most skilful and accomplished geographers, an admirable critic,
and in every character, and every relation of life, entitled to the most
exalted encomium.
With all these claims to esteem and love, he was of the greatest
simplicity of manners, unaffected, unassuming, powerful in argument, but
not like Johnson, overbearing; an excellent divine, steady patriot, and
unalterable friend.
His works will endure with the language in which they were written, and
in other languages also; his geographical researches, having necessarily
attracted the attention of those engaged in similar pursuits, in all
parts of civilized Europe. He seems to have had one talent in common
with Herodotus, that with respect to places hitherto partially known,
and imperfectly explored, further investigation generally proved his
conjectures to have been founded on the most substantial grounds, and
his conclusions true. This is more particularly the fact, with respect
to the Periplus of the Erythræan Sea, and the examination of the strange
hypothesis of Bryant, relating to the plain of Troy.
By the way, the name of Jacob Bryant occurs occasionally in our
Sexagenarian’s Recollections. It is stated that he once or twice
encountered him in literary societies. But he represents Bryant, allowing
him at the same time all that his warmest advocates can require, as
being very tenacious of his opinions, and impatient of contradiction.
Any opposition to his affirmations, however candidly or temperately
expressed, he was apt to consider as a declaration of hostility; and
on one in which the amiable personage was concerned, who forms the
immediate subject of this article, he degraded himself so far as to use
the coarsest terms of invective; nay, he even called his learned opponent
ASSASSIN.
Mark, reader, the contrast of the two characters. The person thus vilely,
as well as falsely stigmatized, merely in reply expressed “surprize
to find that a man of letters, of integrity, of talents, of refined
manners, of an understanding cultivated by all the studies, classical
and religious, which tend to soften asperity of mind, and severity of
judgment, should so far transgress the law of controversy, as to style
his adversary an assassin, because upon a question of literature, he
dared to be of a different opinion, and to assign some reasons for that
difference.”
That Bryant was vindictive whenever his literary reputation was impugned,
appears also from the following circumstance. He knew the Sexagenarian to
be concerned in a publication, in which some of his assertions and dogmas
had been dispassionately discussed, and though he met him at the house of
a common friend, who equally respected both parties, he declined entering
into conversation.
But to return to our first subject, the venerable Dean. Various are the
branches of science which his pen illustrated and adorned; indeed all his
publications may be considered as truly valuable, and highly important.
The intricacies of the Greek verb, peculiarities relating to the military
tactics of the ancients, many arduous and obscure points, both in ancient
and modern geography, a most powerful and effective vindication of the
system of national education, with various other contingent appendages to
learning, have been elucidated by his learning, and embellished by his
taste.
The question may naturally be asked why, with such an accumulation of
claims, did he not ascend to the highest gradation of his profession? The
interrogatory is more easily proposed than answered. Perhaps it is true,
that with all his great attainments, and love of literature, the Prime
Minister of that day was so occupied with political perplexities and
difficulties, that he considered the pursuits of the Muses, as trifling
and subordinate, and conferred distinction and reward on those only and
their connections, and adherents, who were most useful and necessary to
him in the prosecution of his views.
However, the honours which were bestowed, were communicated in the
handsomest manner possible, and if inadequate to the merits of the
receiver, there is great reason to presume that they satisfied his utmost
ambition.
Bene navis agitatur—pulcre hæc confertur ratis
Sed conticiscam: nam audio operiri fores.