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Lord Byron and his Times: http://lordbyron.org
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[We are indebted to a correspondent, distinguished in literature, for
the following “Short Memoir of the Life and Literary Character of the late death we noticed, in No. 427 of the
Mr.
Bland’s
At Harrow he continued in his office several years, and on resigning that
situation, was engaged for a time as reader and preacher at some of the London chapels. He was
subsequently appointed minister to the English church at Amsterdam, whither he proceeded on
that occasion. The circumstances of the times not permitting him to fulfil the objects of his
appointment, he returned to England, and accepted the curacy of Prittlewell, in Essex, where he
settled on his marriage with
In consequence of this diligent and praiseworthy preparation, he was enabled to afford to several ardent and powerful young minds the most solid and useful assistance.
The general improvement in the examination at our Universities, and the
corresponding stimulus given to the studies at our public schools, acted naturally as an
incitement to his emulation in these respects; and his exertions and native ability fully kept
pace with the progress of learning around him. In proof of these assertions, living witnesses
might be adduced; whether with reference to his perspicuous and masterly exposition of the most
difficult speeches in
His MSS. notes, which he was in the habit of putting down on the margins of a few
favourite authors, prove the care with which he had studied
His command of the French, at one period of his life, was that of a native; and
he always preserved a just estimation of the merits of the prose authors (especially) of that
nation, with whom works he was extensively acquainted.
In the Italian, he was most partial to
Some of
With regard to his own compositions, there are many passages in his original
poems which might be selected as examples of beautiful versification, of clear and happy
description, and of tender appeals to the passions. Among them may be mentioned the Lay of Iolante, in the “
The same observation may be made upon his “
But what may he said of his later critical attainments, may also be affirmed with truth of his earlier poetical efforts. Had he concentrated his acquirements and his attentions upon some one celebrated classic, and given the world an edition of his works, it would have been seen and known as generally, as it is now evident to his friends alone, how great his powers of illustration were, how eloquent his language, and how clear the arrangement of his arguments. It would have been criticism on a new and nobler scale. In like manner, had he, instead of wasting his strength on comparatively brief and hasty performances, devoted his warm imagination and keen perception of the beauties of Nature, with all hie knowledge of men and their works, to the composition of some one extensive poem, then are (in his unlaboured performances) scattered elements of force enough to enable us to calculate, in some degree, how powerful the whole result would have been.
Before speaking of his translations, it would be unjust not to add, that several
of his shorter poem have been much and deservedly admired; such for instance, as the
“
The translated pieces, which, in the publication, entitled “
The work is well known, and it is unnecessary to refer to particular proofs of
the qualities here assigned to it; but the translations from the Greek tragedy may (several of
them) he cited as models of poetic version in this style and manner; and in one of the volumes
of poetry mentioned before, there should be noticed a translation of the Narcissus and Echo of
The short prose advertisement prefixed to this translation is a highly-polished
little composition, and naturally introduces the notice of another, and far more important
essay, the preface to the translations from the Greek Anthology; a work containing much learned
information, and many brilliant remarks and illustrations, in no very extended space. It
received the approbation of that great
At so recent a period after his loss, it is difficult for those who loved him to speak, with due regard to themselves and to the public, of his friendly and endearing qualities. He was most highly valued where hе was best known; and in the bosom of his family, it may be with truth affirmed, (in his hours of health and peace) that it was impossible even to imagine a more affectionate husband and father—a kinder or sincerer friend. His conversation was often richly amusing, and had a vein of peculiar pleasantry—a sort of overflowing hyperbolical irony—as original in its effect as harmless in its application. He was, in a word, in his social moments, playful and good-humoured in the extreme. As he grew older, he became fonder of the pleasures of the country; and a walk on a sun-shining day was to him a perfect enjoyment, when he could share it with a congenial friend.
The fertile fields and noble woods of his neighbourhood were a great addition to
this pleasure: and it might then be truly said of him, in the language of
But he is gone, and has left many an aching heart behind him. The memory of his many good qualities will long dwell in those hearts, and will often come over us like the sounds of his own touching voice, and bring with them, the music of the departed.
In this obviously imperfect sketch, it would still be wrong to omit one other amiable feature of his character, for it must be a different hand that records his faults: his charity to the poor extended always as far as his means, and not unfrequently farther; and his considerate kindness to his servants ha» caused a regret for his loss.
*
†
The same; with other Tales and Poems. 2nd edition 8vo. Longman, 1809.
‡ “
*