The Life of William Roscoe
Chapter XV. 1817-1818
William Roscoe to Archibald Constable, [24 July 1818]
“At an earlier period of life, and under
circumstances of greater leisure, there are few works which I should have
undertaken with more willingness than a history of the state of Europe, and
of the causes and effects of the revolution in France. Of these astonishing
events, I have been an anxious though remote observer; and am of opinion,
that if they were properly narrated, combined, and commented upon, they
* This anthem was, with much taste and feeling,
set to music by Mr. Webbe.
|
![]()
![]()
| LIFE OF WILLIAM ROSCOE. | 177 |
![]()
would afford lessons of greater interest and
importance to the world, than any subject that has ever employed the pen of
the historian. I cannot, however, but be sensible, that the utility and
success of such a work must depend entirely on the ability brought to the
undertaking; and although in the warmth of youth I might have overlooked
this consideration, it appears at present with too formidable an aspect to
allow me to contemplate a work of such magnitude and difficulty without
shrinking from the task. I confess it is not without reluctance that I
decline the proposition adverted to in your letter, and resign the work
into other hands. At the same time, if, upon further deliberation, I should
think there was a possibility of confining it within a moderate compass, so
as to bring it within the limits of my powers, and allow myself a
reasonable expectation of accomplishing it, I may, perhaps, reconsider my
present determination; but unless you hear from me again within a very few
weeks, you will be pleased to consider that determination as
decisive.”
Samuel Webbe the younger (1768-1843)
English composer, the son of Samuel Webbe (d. 1816); he was organist of the Unitarian
chapel, Paradise Street, Liverpool.
