CHAPTER II.

THE CONCLUSION, TO BE HEREAFTER CONcluded.

As this curious history, though adhering inviolably to truth, has in many parts of it a romantic air, the writer is inclined to close it as the most agreeable romances are apt to terminate, with a wedding, and to add only a few intimations concerning the most striking literary circumstances, that followed the most important of all terrestrial transactions. Notwithstanding the disproportion of their respective ages, the adventurous couple seemed as happy for a considerable time as any mortals could expect to be. Yet the common troubles of mortality did not fail to throw occasional clouds over their brightest enjoyments. The grievously impaired health of their sister, Harriet, the decease of their affectionate and amiable father of the heath, in the autumn of 1811, and some family misfortunes, unveiled by that event, appeared to put to new proofs the philosophy of the poet. But that cheerful philosophy did not fail him, even in a series of unexpected trials, that he had to sustain as an author. He supported, with his usual vivacity of heart, the various disappointments that arose from the surprising ill success that

a

attended three of his publications, first his Life of Romney, that formed a quarto volume, with admirable engravings, chiefly from the hand of that exquisite female artist, Caroline Watson; a book that was published a few months after the marriage of its author, 1809. Secondly, his neat edition of Cowper's Milton, in four pocket volumes, which he printed in 1810, for the emolument of Cowper's favourite kinsmanliberal intention, though it failed of success. Thirdly, his dramatic octavo, in 1811, containing three tragedies, early productions of the poet, which, although they had been honoured with the most fervent and sincere applause from his literary friends Gibbon and General Burgoyne, have not hitherto interested the public in such a manner as those highly accomplished judges of composition had declared they ought to do. The poet, though partial to these ill-treated children of his tragic muse, only smiled at the neglect which they experienced, and said: “If I have lost my popularity, it

is the more incumbent on me to shew my friends that the "cheerfulness of my spirit is built on a much nobler founda"tion than the precarious breath of popular applause."

If the writer of this memorial could be disposed to delineate at full length all the personal and mental characteristics of Hayley, this would be the place to insert such a description: but he is rather inclined to leave so delicate a task to a future memorialist, who may be furnished with ampler materials, and more discriminating powers for its perfect accomplishment.

He resigns the pen, therefore, in a pleasing persuasion, that the person who devoted so much of his time and labour to render all the justice in his power to the talents and the virtues of several among the most deserving of his contemporaries, will, in due time, find another honest chronicler who may be more highly qualified to estimate the extent of all his merits, and of all his defects; and to form, from a judicious contemplation of them, useful literary, and moral lessons for the amusement and the instruction of such readers as peculiarly delight in the history of authors; a branch of literature perhaps inferior to none in its attractions, and also in its utility!

MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HAYLEY.

77

CHAPTER III.

CONTINUATION.-LETTERS

PRINCIPALLY

RELATING ΤΟ MR.

COWPER AND TO THE AUTHOR'S SON, FROM 1796 TO 1800.

THE Editor must now take the Author's place, in conducting the reader to the conclusion of this Memoir. Before he does this, however, he has to insert a series of letters, addressed by the author to himself, as illustrative of the preceding pages, and for reasons already assigned in the preface. He regrets exceedingly, that these letters are so numerous; and is aware that he hazards his character for modesty, in no small degree, by their quantity. But he trusts that for the sake of the motives alluded to, the indulgent reader will be induced to pardon him, and will, at the same time, believe, that so far as himself is concerned, he has not intruded any one of them on the public without unfeigned reluctance. At all events, the reader will derive this advantage from the letters in question, in addition to that of their illustrative tendency, that they will secure him the company of the author the longer, and will proportionably shorten his journey with the editor.

The first portion of letters with which the reader will be presented, is comprised within the four years immediately preceding the death of those two interesting objects of the

author's incessant solicitude and affection, his friend Cowper, and his beloved child. What has been said already, on the respective maladies of these pitiable sufferers, has developed much of the tender sympathy of the author's character; what follows will exhibit more.

My dear Johnny of Norfolk*,

EARTHAM, May 6, 1796.

Nothing can be more welcome to the Hermit of Eartham, than good tidings from you; and surely your last tidings are good in a very delightful degree. To the sanguine fancy of friendship, they promise the speedy and perfect restoration of our inestimable invalid. I consider so remarkable an alteration in his bodily habit, as a symptom of happiest omen, not only for the tranquillity, but even the splendor of his mind. God grant that he may soon smile upon us all, like the sun new risen! but I have a strong persuasion on that subject, and feel convinced myself, (I know not how) that the good old lady's flight to Heaven, will prove the precursor of his perfect mental recovery. I rejoice to hear that she has gratified her daughter with a kind interview, and I sympathize with you in the friendly pleasure you receive from your agreeable guests. I wish our dear Rose and I could take a social

* This name and that of "Johnny" were playfully given to the Editor by Cowper, and constantly used by Hayley, both in writing and speaking to him. + Mrs. Unwin.

Mrs. Powley, wife of the Rev. Matthew Powley, Rector of Dewsbury, Yorkshire.