"Phiz" (Hablot Knight Browne), a Memoir.

The Lamp is out that lighted up the text Of Dickens, Lever—heroes of the pen. Pickwick and Lorrequer we love, but next We place the man who made us see such men. What should we know of Martin Chuzzlewit , Stern Mr. Dombey , or Uriah Heep ? Tom Burke of Ours? —Around our hearths they sit, Outliving their creators—all asleep!
No sweeter gift ere fell to man than his Who gave us troops of friends—delightful Phiz!
He is not dead! There in the picture-book He lives with men and women that he drew; We take him with us to the cozy nook Where old companions we can love anew. Dear boyhood's friend! We rode with him to hounds; Lived with dear Peggotty in after years; Missed in old Ireland where fun knew no bounds; At Dora's death we felt poor David's tears!
There is no death for such a man—he is The spirit of an unclosed book! immortal Phiz!

LONDON: W. SATCHELL & CO., 19, TAVISTOCK STREET COVENT GARDEN. MDCCCLXXXII. LONDON: G. NORMAN AND SON, PRINTERS, HART STREET, COVENT GARDEN.
Taking into consideration the ability of the Artist whose name has become identified with the works of Dickens, of Lever, and of Ainsworth; and who has contributed in the course of the present century more largely (perhaps with the single exception of Cruikshank) to the embellishment of popular books than any other known illustrator; it would seem an inexcusable omission, almost amounting to neglect, if the life and labours of the late Hablot Knight Browne met with no more worthy recognition than the fleeting comments of the daily press.
Such, at least, is my opinion; and as a humble tribute to the memory of an able and industrious draughtsman, and fertile designer, I place on record the more generally interesting particulars of an honourable and exemplary career.
To Mr. W. G. Browne and Dr. Edgar Browne, sons of the deceased artist, my best thanks are due for a kindly interest in my work, manifested more especially by the loan of many interesting letters dashed off on various occasions by Phiz in the wildest spirit of fun; and a willing consent to their appearance in print.