EDMUND BURKE,
Born 1728.—Died 1797.—George II.—George III.
Born in Dublin, was one of the most distinguished parliamentary orators ever known. He was in opposition during the Grafton Ministry (1769), but was afterwards drawn to Fox by the debates on the taxation of the American colonies, especially on tea, against which Burke made a famous speech (1771). He also supported Fox with all the splendour of his oratory under the Duke of Portland (1783). The grandest of all his speeches was said to be that against Warren Hastings, in whose impeachment he took a great part. He also spoke in the strongest way against the French Revolution, and by so doing separated himself from Fox (1791). Burke died in 1797. His writings are voluminous; the best known are his Reflections upon the French Revolution and his Discourse on the Sublime and Beautiful. He lived (when in the country), died, and was buried at Beaconsfield, in Buckinghamshire, where “Burke’s Grove” is well known.
WILLIAM COWPER.
Born 1731.—Died 1800.—George II.—George III.
A poet, born at Berkhampstead, whose writings are full of the best and highest teaching. He is best known by The Task, The Castaway, and Table Talk; but his smaller poems, On My Mother’s Picture, The Three Hares, John Gilpin, etc., more fully show his sensibility, general kindness, and playful wit. He also translated the Iliad. Cowper’s blameless and useful life was darkened by fits of despondency and depression, which in the end nearly destroyed his mind; but the light of religion never failed him.