[213] Works, p. 234.
[214] Ibid. p. 243.
[215] The italics are ours.
[216] Works, p. 224. At one of Charles Lamb's Wednesday evenings in Mitre Court Building, Hazlitt tells us, "the name of the Admirable Crichton was suddenly started as a splendid example of waste talents, so different from the generality of his countrymen." A North Briton present declared himself descended from that prodigy of learning and accomplishment, and said he had family plate in his possession as vouchers for the fact, with the initials engraved upon them of A. C.—"Admirable Crichton!" A phrenological report upon this gentleman by Charles Lamb would have enlarged "the public stock of harmless pleasure."
[217] Works, p. 277. The charity which "believeth all things and hopeth all things," or the credulity which persuades itself of the truth of the things which it wishes to believe, is manifest in Sir Thomas Urquhart's estimate of the character of Charles II. Less charitable or more impartial critics are probably inclined to the opinion that the existence in that sovereign of a number of the above-mentioned virtues was as mythical as that of a good many of his "hundred and ten predecessors." So far as "comeliness" is concerned, Charles II. at a later period had a much humbler view of the matter than Sir Thomas here expresses. For he complained that when they wished to represent a villain on the stage they made up a figure somewhat like himself. See Cibber's Apology, p. 111.
[218] Works, p. 212.
[219] His unhappy prejudices against the Presbyterian clergy are irrepressible, for immediately after suggesting "a standing library in custody of the minister of the parish," he adds, "with this proviso, that none of the books should be embezeled by him or any of his successors" (Works, p. 282).
[220] We have reason to be thankful to Sir Thomas for his kindness in refraining from the style of composition which he here indicates, for we can scarcely credit his assurance that the results would have been less terrifying than the description of the processes by which they would have been reached. There is no need for an apology, for he has really done pretty well as it is. Mr Ruskin had once a vision of ten thousand school-inspectors assembled on Cader Idris. What horror would seize such a company, if they were treated as a class in elementary English, and the above passage were read out as an exercise in dictation! Nay, it is to be feared that even the more august assembly in Dover House, the Lords of Education themselves, would be panic-stricken at such a task. Only Macaulay's "schoolboy" would probably be found to enter upon it with unblenched countenance, and to accomplish it successfully.
[221] This reminds us of Bottom the weaver. "I will roar that I will do any man's heart good to hear me.... [Yet not to frighten the ladies.] I will aggravate my voice so that I will roar you as gently as any sucking dove: I will roar you an 'twere any nightingale" (Midsummer-Night's Dream, I. ii.).
[222] Works, pp. 292, 293.