John Walter.
Born 1818. Died November 3, 1894.
["The unique characteristic of Mr. Walter's life was his relation to The Times."—Obituary Notice in the Times Newspaper.]
Third of the name, and worthy heir
To the Great Journal's power—and care,
He, too, has passed, and left a void
None else can fill. A life employed
In arduous duty to that page
Which holds the history of an age,
Is sound State-service, and demands
Acclaim from British hearts and hands.
A sober, serious Englishman,
Steadfast of purpose, firm of plan,
He held his great inheritance
With strong clean hands, with cool clear glance.
Unmoved by the hot moment, blown
By no chance wind, he held his own
Determined course, despite disfame
From lips whose praise he held as shame,
Or right or wrong, his high intent,
Shaken by no weak sentiment,
To manly souls was manifest;
And now he passes to his rest
Punch lays his laurel on the bier
Of one whom sorrow shook, not fear;
Whose record o'er earth's realms and climes
Lives in those words "He was The Times!"