ing him. He was a bold rider and an admirable horseman, though he never claimed the merit of being an accomplished fox-hunter. In the height of the season, however, he would be out with the fox-hounds two or three 5 times a week, accompanied by his guests at Mount Vernon, and the gentlemen of the neighborhood, especially the Fairfaxes of Belvoir, of which estate his friend George William Fairfax was now the proprietor. On such occasions there would be a hunting dinner at one or other of 10 those establishments, at which convivial repasts Washington is said to have enjoyed himself with unwonted hilarity. Occasionally he and Mrs. Washington would pay a visit to Annapolis, at that time the seat of government of Mary15 land, and partake of the gayeties which prevailed during the session of the legislature. The society of these seats of provincial governments was always polite and fashionable, and more exclusive than in these republican days, being, in a manner, the outposts of the English aristoc20 racy, where all places of dignity or profit were secured for younger sons and poor but proud relatives. During the session of the legislature, dinners and balls abounded, and there were occasional attempts at theatricals. The latter was an amusement for which Washington always had a 25 relish, though he never had an opportunity of gratifying it effectually. Neither was he disinclined to mingle in the dance; and we remember to have heard venerable ladies, who had been belles in his day, pride themselves on having had him for a partner, though, they added, he was apt 30 to be a ceremonious and grave one. In this round of rural occupation, rural amusement, and social intercourse, Washington passed several tranquil years, the halcyon season of his life. His already established reputation drew many visitors to Mount Vernon; 35 some of his early companions in arms were his occasional guests, and his friendships and connections linked him with some of the most prominent and worthy people of the country, who were sure to be received with cordial but simple and unpretending hospitality. His marriage was not blessed with children; but those of Mrs. Washington 5 experienced from him parental care and affection, and the formation of their minds and manners was one of the dearest objects of his attention. His domestic concerns and social enjoyments, however, were not permitted to interfere with his public duties. He was active by na10 ture, and eminently a man of business by habit. As judge of the county court, and member of the House of Burgesses, he had numerous calls upon his time and thoughts, and was often drawn from home; for whatever trust he undertook he was sure to fulfil with scrupulous exactness. LXII. THE ALDERMAN'S FUNERAL. SOUTHEY. [ROBERT SOUTHEY was born in Bristol, England, August 12, 1774, and died March 21, 1843. For the last forty years of his life he resided at Keswick, in the county of Cumberland. He was a very voluminous writer in verse and prose, and his works would fill not less than a hundred volumes. His poetry is characterized by a rich and gorgeous fancy, great beauty in description, and an elevated moral tone, but not by high creative power. His "Thalaba" and "Curse of Kehama" are splendid Oriental visions, and his "Roderick" is an elaborate and well-sustained work. Many of his shorter poems are marked by a happy vein of humor. His prose style is admirable; pure, simple, perspicuous, and energetic; singularly well suited for narrative, and hardly less so for reasoning upon the usual topics of controversy among men. His best known prose works are "The Life of Nelson," "The Life of Wesley," "The History of the Peninsular War," ," "The History of Brazil," "Sir Thomas More, or Colloquies on the Progress and Prospects of Society," "The Life of Cowper," and "The Doctor." Southey was exclusively a man of letters, and few men have ever adorned that profession with higher qualities of character. He was admirable in all the relations of life, full of warm affections, and ever faithful to duty. He had strong prejudices, but they were honestly entertained. His literary industry was worthy of all praise. He was a passionate lover of books, and left behind him a large and valuable library. Overworn by excessive mental toil and domestic anxiety, the light of his mind faded away before death released him; and his last years were passed in ignorance alike of his books and his friends.] STRANGER. Whom are they ushering from the world, with all This pageantry and long parade of death? TOWNSMAN. A long parade, indeed, sir, and yet here You see but half; round yonder bend it reaches 5 A furlong farther, carriage behind carriage. STRAN. 'Tis but a mournful sight, and yet the pomp Tempts me to stand a gazer. Towns. Yonder schoolboy, Ay, what was worth, last week, a good half million, - STRAN. 20 Under a lucky planet, who to-day Then he was born Puts mourning on for his inheritance. TOWNS. When I first heard his death, that very Of the comedy hath wakened wiser thoughts; wish *This poem was written in 1803. The allusion in the text is to the peace of Amiens, between England, France, Spain, and Holland, which was concluded in May, 1802. In England, after a contested parliamentary election, the successful members are sometimes carried about in a chair on the shoulders of their partisans. In such elections, also, the voters on different sides are sometimes designated by ribbons and badges of a peculiar color. In England, a red gown is a common official dress of mayors and aldermen of cities, worn on important occasions. Is gospel wisdom. I would ride the camel, 5 Yea, leap him flying through the needle's eye, As easily as such a pampered soul Could pass the narrow gate. STRAN. Your pardon, sir, But sure this lack of Christian charity 10 Looks not like Christian truth. TOWNS. Your pardon, too, sir, If, with this text before me, I should feel In the preaching mood. But for these barren fig-trees, With all their flourish and their leafiness, 15 We have been told their destiny and use, When the axe is laid unto the root, and they STRAN. Was his wealth Stored fraudfully, the spoil of orphans wronged, 20 And widows who had none to plead their right? Towns. All honest, open, honorable gains, Fair legal interest, bonds and mortgages, Ships to the east and west. STRAN. 25 So hardly of the dead? TOWNS. Why judge you then For what he left Undone ; for sins, not one of which is mentioned In the Ten Commandments. He, I warrant him, Believed no other gods than those of the Creed; 30 Bowed to no idols. but his money-bags; Swore no false oaths Kept the Sabbath except at the custom-house; idle; built a monument To honor his dead father; did no murder; Never picked pockets; never bore false witness; 85 And never, with that all-commanding wealth Coveted his neighbor's house, nor ox, nor ass. 5 STRAN. You knew him, then, it seems? As all men know The virtues of your hundred-thousanders: Towns. We track the streamlet by the brighter green 10 This was a stagnant pool of waters foul; But slime and rank corruption. Yet even these STRAN. 15 Still keeps her channels full, Towns. Now, sir, you touch Who, all the summer long, stands, hat in hand, To that hard face. Yet he was always found Among your ten and twenty pound subscribers, 25 Your benefactors in the newspapers. His alms were money put to interest In the other world, donations to keep open A running charity account with Heaven ; — 30 When, for the trusted talents, strict account Shall be required from all, and the old arch-lawyer STRAN. I must needs Believe sir you, ; these are your witnesses, 35 These mourners here, who from their carriages Gape at the gaping crowd. A good March wind |