2. Martyn's friend in London, expressed displeasure at his arrival; but the first interview removed all objection. I may here add, as at the same time showing Henry's aspirations after fame and the principles by which he had learnt to regulate his ambition, that on the cover of one of his commonplace books he had written these mottoes. ΑΛΛΑ ΓΑΡ ΕΣΤΙΝ ΜΟΥΣΑ ΚΑΙ ΗΜΙΝ EURIP: MEDEA. 1091. Fame is the spur that the clear spirit doth raise To scorn delight, and live laborious days. MILTON'S LYCidas, 70. Under these lines was placed a reference to the following extract, (in another page,) from Barrow. "The Holy Scripture does not teach us to slight honour; but rather, in its fit order and just measure, to love and prove it. It directs us not to make a regard thereto our chief principle; not to propound it as our main end of action. It charges us, to bear contentedly the want or loss thereof, as of other temporal goods. Yea, in some cases, for conscience sake, or for God's service, (that is, for a good incomparably better,) it obliges us willingly to prostitute and sacrifice it, choosing rather to be infamous than impious; in disgrace with man, rather than in disfavour with God. It, in fine, commands us to seek and embrace it only in subordination, and with final reference to God's honour." It is a mournful thing to consider how much 1 will receive, from him a right bias in the beginning of their course. Many are the youthful poets who will recognize their own feelings concerning Henry Kirke White, in this sweet Sonnet. Tho' as the dew of morning, short thy date, "be mine!" I burn - I burn to share thy glorious fate, This transient world can give! I would resign, For thou hast gain'd the prize of well-tried worth, Thine amaranthine wreaths, new-pluck'd in heaven! Could more be ask'd, to whom might more be given? CHAUNCY HARE TOWnsend. A tablet to Henry's memory, with a medallion by Chantrey, has been placed in All-Saint's Church, Cambridge, at the expense of a young American Gentleman, Mr. Francis Boott, of Boston. During his travels in this country, he visited the grave of one whom he had learnt to love and regret in America; and finding no other memorial of him than the initials of his name upon the plain stone which covers his perishable remains, ordered this monument to be erected. It bears the following inscription by Professor Smyth, who, while Henry was living, treated him with characteristic kindness, and has consigned to posterity this durable expression of his friendship. Warm with fond hope and learning's sacred flame, Oh! genius, taste, and piety sincere, He told the tale, and show'd what White had been; And raised this fond memorial to his fame. WILLIAM SMYTH. |