Non hic Centauros, non Gorgonas, Harpyiasque
Invenies: hominem pagina nostra sapit.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
Proceed we next to one whose house Porson for a long series of years frequented with more familiarity and regular intimacy, than that of almost any body else. The expression of regular intimacy is deliberately used; for, in this respect, the Professor was particularly wayward. After visiting at a friend’s house, for perhaps four or five days in succession, he would abruptly, and without any assignable reason, absent himself for as many weeks. The individual of whom we are about to speak, did not in this respect fare better than his neighbours. This individual was
⸺.
It appears from the scattered memoranda, from which what follows has been compiled and arranged, that our Sexagenarian’s acquaintance with him commenced in childhood, but different places of education, and a different period of residence at the university, occasioned a separation for many years; the connection was renewed, on again meeting in the metropolis.
His history in few words is this:
His father was a clergyman, and master of an endowed free-school in Yorkshire. He received a small number of private boarders into his house, which, with the addition of curacies, enabled him to live with respectability and comfort. The fortunes of men often turn upon slight hinges, and he who has the sagacity to avail himself of the favourable opportunities which present themselves, without any imputation on his integrity, is justly entitled to esteem and praise.
The elder Mr. ⸺ was a very good scholar, remarkably quick and intelligent, and, very differently from the general herd of masters of seed-shops and seminaries, by courtesy ycleped boarding schools, his plan of educating his pupils was admirable. He knew the right way, and pursued it: he was not satisfied with his boys having a sort of smattering of this book and the other—what they knew, they knew effectually; for their knowledge was grounded on the most familiar intimacy with grammar. He was also of a sociable and convivial temper, and exceedingly acceptable to the gentlemen of the neighbourhood.
Fortunately for him, and, indeed, for his family, he served the curacy of a village (the name is now forgotten by the writer), where Lord ⸺, who married the gay, alas! too gay, daughter of Lord ⸺ resided. Lord ⸺ was at that time a great favourite with the Queen; and, at the intercession of his daughter, his Lordship applied to her Majesty for a presentation to a great and popular seminary, for the subject of this article. The request was granted; and thus the foundation of his future good fortune was permanently laid. But this was not all the good derived to the family from this splendid connection.—In process of time, the old gentleman, who well deserved it, obtained from the kindness of the same noble family, very valuable preferment. Another son also was enabled from the same source to appear with great distinction in life, was confidentially and honourably employed in their affairs, and did at one time at least, if not now, represent in parliament one of the boroughs in this interest.