James Boswell, a famous Scottish biographer, was born in Edinburgh, October 29, 1740, and died in London, May 19, 1795. He wrote: “An Account of Corsica and Memoirs of Pascal Paoli,” “Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides with Samuel Johnson,” etc. His “Life of Dr. Samuel Johnson” is considered the most interesting biography that has ever been written.
N’est-on jamais tyran qu’avec un diadème?[1]
“Caius Gracchus,”—Chénier.
André Marie de Chénier, a renowned French poet, was born at Constantinople, October 30, 1762, and died July 25, 1794. Among his writings were: “Liberty,” “Invention,” “Dithyrambic on the Tennis Play,” and a beautiful elegy, “The Girl Captive.”
Moan, O ye Autumn Winds!
Summer has fled,
The flowers have closed their tender leaves and die;
The lily’s gracious head
All low must lie,
Because the gentle Summer now is dead.
—Adelaide A. Procter.
Adelaide Anne Procter, an English poetess of great fame, was born at London, October 30, 1825, and died February 3, 1864. Her celebrated “Legends and Lyrics,” went through many editions.
A studious decliner of honours and titles.
“Diary,” Introduction,—John Evelyn.
John Evelyn, a renowned English diarist, was born at Wotton, in Surrey, October 31, 1620, and died February 27, 1706. His writings are: “A Parallel of Ancient and Modern Architecture,” “Sculptura, or the History and Art of Chalcography and Engraving on Copper,” “Sylva,” etc.; also his famous “Diary.”