The sexagenarian; or, the recollections of a literary life (Volume 1 of 2)Beloe, William
General
The sexagenarian; or, the recollections of a literary life (Volume 1 of 2)
Beloe, William
Authors, English; Beloe, William, 1756-1817; English literature -- Anecdotes
But be it permitted to one of those who knew him in the recesses of
private life, with no ordinary intimacy, for almost forty years, to add
yet a few sentences more. If he had not been precisely the character he
was, he would not have resembled those from whom he descended. He was of
the same family as the celebrated Dr. Archibald Pitcairn, the wit, the
scholar, and the poet. Perhaps he never wrote any thing with the view of
publication; but he very easily might, for his knowledge was extensive,
his discernment acute, his judgment profound. He employed every leisure
hour in reading, and was more particularly fond of voyages and travels.
He was familiarly acquainted with the modern languages, but these, with
numerous other endowments, entitled him merely to respect and esteem; but
all who knew him intimately, and enjoyed the benefit and happiness of his
friendship, loved him with no common affection. More particularly did he
merit the application of the motto applied to the picture of his uncle,
Dr. William Pitcairn; for a more generous, affectionate, kind-hearted
brother never existed: truly might he be said to be “notus in fratres
et sorores animi paterni.” He was occasionally warm in his temper; but
in domestic society, gentle, amiable, facetious, and very much enjoying
conversations in which wit, humour, and vivacity predominated.
In the most disinterested manner, and with the greatest promptitude,
he attended his more intimate friends, their children, and children’s
children.
Nor was he always contented with thus benevolently giving them his
valuable time; in matters of particular urgency and exigence, his purse
was equally at their service. Indeed, his generosity and kindness to
those whom he knew, or thought, to be in need of his assistance, rendered
his fortune far less considerable, than his very extensive and successful
practice, might be presumed to have accumulated.
Farewell, Pitcairn! May the turf lie lightly on your ashes. This tribute
is not paid without great mental emotion in the writer, arising from the
combined feelings of sorrow, affection, esteem and gratitude.
Και τουτο γουν σοι προσφερω πανυστατως
Ηδη προσεγγισασ’ αθταις ᾳδου πυλαις.
O Demea isthuc est sapere, non quod ante pedes modo est videre,
sed etiam illa quæ futura sunt, prospicere.
CHAPTER XLVII.
The transition seems easy, and, indeed, in a manner natural, from Dr.
David P⸺ to
DR. B⸺E.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account