does, to follow more closely the development of the poet's mind and poetical theories; though it places him at no inconsiderable disadvantage with regard to the reviews accorded to the various volumes, to which we attach, in the case of Wordsworth, more than ordinary importance. Be this as it may, Professor Knight has well earned the gratitude of every lover of Wordsworth, and he will assuredly go down to posterity holding in his hand his edition of the works of the great poet-teacher.

In this year, Wordsworth also published his last volume, entitled 'Poems: chiefly of Early and Late Years, including the Borderers, a Tragedy.' This publication, amongst much other matter, included 'Guilt and Sorrow; or, Incidents on Salisbury Plain,' and numerous compositions suggested by his tour in Italy in 1837.

During the course of the year, he resigned the appointment he had held so long-that of Distributor of Stamps-in favour of his son William, who had acted for some time at Carlisle, as his deputy. His resignation of this office implied the sacrifice of above £500 per annum, and it is, therefore, all the more pleasing to learn, that, towards the close of the same year, he was awarded by the Crown an annual grant of £300, to be paid during his life. Sir Robert Peel, who was then Prime Minister, in the letter in which the proposal was announced, stated I need scarcely add, that the acceptance, by

:

you, of this mark of favour from the Crown, considering the grounds on which it is proposed, will impose no restraint upon your perfect independence, and involve no obligation of a personal nature.' As there has been some misconception with regard to the allowance thus bestowed upon Wordsworth, some asserting that he relinquished his appointment on a retiring pension, it remains to be positively added, that the grant in question was conferred upon him purely in consideration of his eminent literary merit, and had not the remotest reference to his retirement from official life.

CHAPTER XI.

'For blessings ever wait on virtuous deeds,
And though a late, a sure reward succeeds.'
Congreve.

Southey dies (21st March, 1843)-Wordsworth is appointed Poet Laureate-Jeffrey's Essays' republished-Is presented to the Queen (1845)-Reference to Dorothy, his invalid sister-His brother Christopher dies (1846)-His younger son marries (1847)-Dora Quillinan dies (9th July, 1847) Hartley Coleridge dies (1849)-Daily life at Rydal Mount-Anecdotes of Wordsworth.

ON the 21st of March, 1843, Wordsworth's attached friend Robert Southey, Poet Laureate, breathed his last, in the sixty-ninth year of his age. He had never fully recovered the loss he sustained in the death of his beloved wife, Edith, which occurred in 1837, after some years of mental and bodily affliction. His subsequent marriage with Caroline Bowles, which was, in a measure, rendered necessary, proved a trying and melancholy one for her, the mind of the indefatigable poet, biographer, historian, and miscellaneous writer, which had throughout his prolonged literary career been seriously overtaxed, soon afterwards becoming a complete wreck. The

three closing years of his life were passed in a most deplorable condition. 'His dearly- prized books,' says his son, 'were a pleasure to him almost to the end, and he would walk slowly round his library looking at them, and taking them down mechanically.' Three years before his death, he had failed to recognise Wordsworth till he was told who his visitor was. 'Then,' says Wordsworth, 'his eyes flashed for a moment with their former brightness, but he sank into the state in which I had found him, patting with both hands his books affectionately, like a child. Having attempted in vain to interest him by a few observations, I took my leave, after five minutes or so. It was, for me, a mournful visit, and for his poor wife also. His health is good, and he may live many years; though the body is much enfeebled.'

Alas, poor Southey! Well might those who saw him exclaim,

'O, what a noble mind is here o'erthrown !'

But, as the same immortal bard says,

'Men must endure their going hence,

Even as their coming hither.'

Death, however, at length arrived with friendly care,' and closed the painful scene; and the remains of this great and remarkable man-who had been

doing his duty for fifty noble years of labour; day by day storing up learning; day by day work

ing for scant wages; most charitable out of his small means; bravely faithful to the calling which he had chosen; refusing to turn from his path for popular praise or prince's favour'-were, on a stormy, wet morning, consigned to their last resting-place in the beautiful old churchyard of Crosthwaite. The aged Wordsworth and his son-in-law, Edward Quillinan, who had come all the way from Rydal, were, it is stated, the only strangers present. The tombstone bears the following record:

'HERE LIES THE BODY OF

ROBERT SOUTHEY, LL.D.,

POET LAUREATE;

BORN AUGUST 12, 1774;

DIED MARCH 21, 1843;

FOR FORTY YEARS A RESIDENT IN THIS PARISH.

ALSO, OF

EDITH, HIS WIFE;

BORN MAY 20, 1774;

DIED Nov. 16, 1837.'

An imposing full-length recumbent effigy of the poet, in white marble, by the sculptor Lough, is to be found within the church. This handsome memorial, which was erected by public subscription, is graced on the base by a fitting poetical inscription from the pen of Wordsworth. The epitaph is included in his poems.

On the death of Southey, the laurel was rightly bestowed upon Wordsworth. The stricken poet-he was