Chapman, in one of his dedicatory sonnets, prefixed to his version of the Iliad, not only applies to him the epithet "learned," but declares him to be the "choice of all our country's noblest spirits[17:A];" and Beaumont, in an Elegy on his death, tells us that his ambition was to draw "A picture fit for this my noble friend, That his dear name may not in silence die." In a beautiful strain of enthusiasm, he informs us, that his verses are calculated for posterity, and ——————————— "not for the present age; For what man lives, or breathes on England's stage, That knew not brave Southampton, in whose sight Most plac'd their day, and in his absence night?" He then proceeds to sketch his character at the different periods of his life:— "When he was young, no ornament of youth Was wanting in him;" and, in manhood, he shone "As best in martial deedes and courtly sports;" until riper age, and the cares of the world, having begun to shade his head with silver hairs, "His valiant fervour was not then decaide, But joyn'd with counsell, as a further aide." After this eulogium on the more ostensible features of his life, which terminates with the assertion, that "No pow'r, no strong persuasion could him draw From that, which he conceiv'd as right and law," he presents a most pleasing delineation of his domestic conduct and enjoyments:— "When shall we in this realme a father finde So truly sweet, or husband halfe so kinde? Thus he enjoyde the best contents of life, Obedient children, and a loving wife: These were his parts in peace:" and concludes with celebrating his love of letters and of literary men:— "I keepe that glory last, which is the best, The love of learning, which he oft exprest By conversation, and respect to those Who had a name in artes, in verse or prose."[19:A] Wither seems to have been equally impressed with the estimable character of Lord Southampton, and to have meditated a record of his life and virtues; for, in an epigram addressed to him, with a copy of his "Abuses Stript and Whipt," he exclaims, "I ought to be no stranger to thy worth, Nor let thy virtues in oblivion sleep: Nor will I, if my fortunes give me time."[19:B] In short, to adopt the language of an enthusiastic admirer of our dramatic bard, "Southampton died as he had lived, with a mind untainted: embalmed with the tears of every friend to virtue, and to splendid accomplishments: all who knew him, _wished to him long life, still lengthened with all happiness_."[19:C]