And o’er her loved one died.
⸺aut equos
Alere, aut canes ad venandum aut ad philosophos.
CHAPTER XXX.
School-fellow with the above, and afterwards his intimate companion and friend at college, was an individual of almost similar endowments. They were certainly, in many instances, of kindred minds. When these notes were written, he was alive, and may he yet live, the delight of those who know him, and an ornament to society. Yet there are a few circumstances concerning him, which appear not unworthy of being recorded. There might, when a boy, be a certain waywardness of temper, or there might, which is more probable, have been something in the treatment he received from his Orbilius, at which his generous and manly mind revolted. Whatever it was, on some occasion, or some provocation or other, he suddenly disappeared from school.
In a few days, however, he was again seen in his proper place, and this is perhaps the only incident of his life, which he remembers with any thing like self-reproach. On his going to the university, he very soon distinguished himself by his love of literature, and in truth he was an admirable scholar. But a few years beyond twenty had passed over his head, when he superintended a periodical work, in which many illustrious personages were combined, which was exceedingly well received at the time of its publication, and even now, whenever it turns up in a catalogue, which is not often the case, is bought up with eagerness. He afterwards, to use a provincial phrase with which he is not unacquainted, published an original volume on his own account. This also was well received, and cannot now be obtained without difficulty. He took part also in some of the popular periodical works of the day, and was always considered as an enlightened and valuable correspondent.
One propensity he had, which is seldom, if ever, found connected with studious pursuits and literary attainments; and what is still more extraordinary, and still more unlikely to meet with a parallel, the ardent indulgence of this propensity, led to a situation of honourable independence. He had an extreme fondness for hunting, and for fox-hunting in particular. He would at any time be easily prevailed upon to forsake the bowers of the muses, the repose of study, the charms of classical allurements, to join in the clamours of the huntsman, and unite with the merciless hounds in the pursuit of poor Reynard. The indulgence of this passion, if it may be so called, finally introduced him to the notice and familiar acquaintance of a nobleman, who, beyond all doubt, on further knowledge and experience, could not fail to discover that he possessed other and better qualities, than were displayed and exercised in the sports of the field. This nobleman presented him to a valuable living, upon which he has ever since resided, conscientiously discharging the duties of his function and his station; and by superintending the private education of a few young men of fortune, contributing much to the benefit of society.
Of this person’s talents, specimens will also be found in the Appendix, but the following elegant morsel deserves a place here.