The writer who said that Lord Macaulay had no heart could not know him. Press writers should read a man well, and all over, and again; and hesitate, at least, before they speak of those αἰδοἴα. Those who knew Lord Macaulay knew how admirably tender, and generous,[4] and affectionate he was. It was not his business to bring his family before the theatre footlights, and call for bouquets from the gallery as he wept over them. If any young man of letters reads this little sermon--and to him, indeed, it is addressed--I would say to him, “Bear Scott’s words in your mind, and ‘_be good, my dear_.’” Here are two literary men gone to their account, and, _laus Deo_, as far as we know, it is fair, and open, and clean. Here is no need of apologies for shortcomings, or explanations of vices which would have been virtues but for unavoidable &c. Here are two examples of men most differently gifted: each pursuing his calling; each speaking his truth as God bade him; each honest in his life; just and irreproachable in his dealings; dear to his friends; honoured by his country; beloved at his fireside. It has been the fortunate lot of both to give uncountable happiness and delight to the world, which thanks them in return with an immense kindliness, respect, affection. It may not be our chance, brother scribe, to be endowed with such merit, or rewarded with such fame. But the rewards of these men are rewards paid to _our service_. We may not win the baton or epaulettes; but God give us strength to guard the honour of the flag! FOOTNOTES: [1] See his _Life_ in the most remarkable _Dictionary of Authors_, published lately at Philadelphia, by Mr. Alibone. [2] At Washington, Mr. Irving came to a lecture given by the writer, which Mr. Filmore and General Pierce, the president and president elect, were also kind enough to attend together. “Two Kings of Brentford smelling at one rose,” says Irving, looking up with his good-humoured smile. [3] Mr. Irving described to me, with that humour and good humour which he always kept, how, amongst other visitors, a member of the British press who had carried his distinguished pen to America (where he employed it in vilifying his own country) came to Sunnyside, introduced himself to Irving, partook of his wine and luncheon, and in two days described Mr. Irving, his house, his nieces, his meal, and his manner of dozing afterwards, in a New York paper. On another occasion, Irving said, laughing: “Two persons came to me, and one held me in conversation whilst the other miscreant took my portrait!” [4] Since the above was written, I have been informed that it has been found, on examining Lord Macaulay’s papers, that he was in the habit of giving away _more than a fourth part_ of his annual income. Invasion Panics.