Leighton's death touched, as did his life, all sorts and conditions of men; for he had been the true friend alike of the greatest and of the least. The soil in which true distinction is rooted is of a quality too rich, too fertile to be affected by class prejudice. Leighton's own life was made beautiful by the gratitude he felt for the joy nature's loveliness inspired in his soul, and by the passion to make known through his work the mysterious treasure, the never-failing fountain of delight, ever springing up in his heart. Lovingly human, he ardently desired not only to pass on his own joy in beauty to every fellow-creature who crossed his path, but, where he saw in any possible way help could be given, to give it.
Of the eager, great-hearted Leighton, not a few can echo Romola's tribute to Savonarola—the last words of the great book whose pages he vivified with his art: "Perhaps I should never have learned to love him if he had not helped me when I was in great need."
A light has passed that never shall pass away,
A sun has set whose rays are unequalled of might;
The loyal grace, the courtesy bright as day,
The strong, sweet, radiant spirit of life and light,
That shone and smiled and lightened in all men's sight,
The kindly life whose tune was the tune of May,
For us now dark, for love and for fame is bright.
Algernon Charles Swinburne.[88]
MONUMENT IN ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL, ERECTED AS A MEMORIAL TO LORD LEIGHTON BY HIS FRIENDS AND ADMIRERS
Sculptured by Thomas Brock, R.A.[ToList]
