Lives of the English Poets: From Johnson to Kirke White, Designed as a Continuation of Johnson's LivesCary, Henry Francis
General
Lives of the English Poets: From Johnson to Kirke White, Designed as a Continuation of Johnson's Lives
Cary, Henry Francis
Poets, English -- Biography
FOOTNOTES
[1] Nichols's Illustrations of Literature, vol. iv. p. 742.
[2] In a similar sketch from the pen of the Rev. Samuel Greatheed,
referring to an earlier period, it is stated that "he usually rose
and took a dish of coffee at four A.M.," and that "while dressing, he
most frequently composed a few stanzas of a devotional turn." This
practice of early rising he continued many years after the Editor
became acquainted with him, walking in his garden, even in winter,
and when the ground was covered with snow, with a lantern in his
hand, some hours before daylight; and repeatedly throwing up the
sash of his friend's sleeping room, on the ground floor, to give him
the benefit of the morning air. _Note by Doctor Johnson_.
[3] To the best of his recollection, the Editor never saw him abroad
without an umbrella; which in fine weather he used as a parasol, to
preserve his eyes. He even rode with it on horseback, a very awkward
operation, considering the high-spirited animals that composed his
stud, and the constitutional malady in his hip-joint, which, in
addition to his weight (for he was a remarkably strong-built man),
and his never riding without military spurs, reduced his danger of
falling almost to a certainty, when he opened his umbrella without
due precaution. But he was a stranger to fear in equestrian matters,
and always mounted his horse again, as soon as he could be caught.
The Editor was once riding gently by his side, on the stony beach of
Bognor, when the wind suddenly reversing his umbrella, as he
unfolded it, his horse, with a sudden but desperate plunge, pitched
him on his head in an instant. Providentially he received no hurt,
and some fishermen being at hand, the plunging steed was stopped at
a gate, and being once more subjected to his rider, took him home in
safety. On another occasion, in the same visit of the Editor, he was
tost into the air on the Downs, at the precise moment when an
interesting friend, whom they had just left, being apprehensive of
what would happen, was anxiously viewing him from her window through
a telescope.
These anecdotes may serve to illustrate that _determined_ feature of
his character, which has been already noticed, and which impelled
him, contrary to the advice of his friends, to persevere in a
favourite, though perilous exercise, even at the manifest hazard of
his life. At length, however, they prevailed; and for some years
before he died, he gave up riding on horseback altogether. _Note by
Dr. Johnson_.
[4] My friend Mr. Darley, _MS. addition_.--ED.
* * * * *
SIR WILLIAM JONES.
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