But be it permitted to one of those who knew him in the recesses of private life, with no ordinary intimacy, for almost forty years, to add yet a few sentences more. If he had not been precisely the character he was, he would not have resembled those from whom he descended. He was of the same family as the celebrated Dr. Archibald Pitcairn, the wit, the scholar, and the poet. Perhaps he never wrote any thing with the view of publication; but he very easily might, for his knowledge was extensive, his discernment acute, his judgment profound. He employed every leisure hour in reading, and was more particularly fond of voyages and travels. He was familiarly acquainted with the modern languages, but these, with numerous other endowments, entitled him merely to respect and esteem; but all who knew him intimately, and enjoyed the benefit and happiness of his friendship, loved him with no common affection. More particularly did he merit the application of the motto applied to the picture of his uncle, Dr. William Pitcairn; for a more generous, affectionate, kind-hearted brother never existed: truly might he be said to be “notus in fratres et sorores animi paterni.” He was occasionally warm in his temper; but in domestic society, gentle, amiable, facetious, and very much enjoying conversations in which wit, humour, and vivacity predominated.
In the most disinterested manner, and with the greatest promptitude, he attended his more intimate friends, their children, and children’s children.
Nor was he always contented with thus benevolently giving them his valuable time; in matters of particular urgency and exigence, his purse was equally at their service. Indeed, his generosity and kindness to those whom he knew, or thought, to be in need of his assistance, rendered his fortune far less considerable, than his very extensive and successful practice, might be presumed to have accumulated.
Farewell, Pitcairn! May the turf lie lightly on your ashes. This tribute is not paid without great mental emotion in the writer, arising from the combined feelings of sorrow, affection, esteem and gratitude.
Και τουτο γουν σοι προσφερω πανυστατως
Ηδη προσεγγισασ’ αθταις ᾳδου πυλαις.
O Demea isthuc est sapere, non quod ante pedes modo est videre, sed etiam illa quæ futura sunt, prospicere.
CHAPTER XLVII.
The transition seems easy, and, indeed, in a manner natural, from Dr. David P⸺ to