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
School-fellow with the above, and afterwards his intimate companion and
friend at college, was an individual of almost similar endowments. They
were certainly, in many instances, of kindred minds. When these notes
were written, he was alive, and may he yet live, the delight of those who
know him, and an ornament to society. Yet there are a few circumstances
concerning him, which appear not unworthy of being recorded. There might,
when a boy, be a certain waywardness of temper, or there might, which is
more probable, have been something in the treatment he received from his
Orbilius, at which his generous and manly mind revolted. Whatever it was,
on some occasion, or some provocation or other, he suddenly disappeared
from school.
In a few days, however, he was again seen in his proper place, and this
is perhaps the only incident of his life, which he remembers with any
thing like self-reproach. On his going to the university, he very soon
distinguished himself by his love of literature, and in truth he was an
admirable scholar. But a few years beyond twenty had passed over his
head, when he superintended a periodical work, in which many illustrious
personages were combined, which was exceedingly well received at the time
of its publication, and even now, whenever it turns up in a catalogue,
which is not often the case, is bought up with eagerness. He afterwards,
to use a provincial phrase with which he is not unacquainted, published
an original volume _on his own account_. This also was well received, and
cannot now be obtained without difficulty. He took part also in some of
the popular periodical works of the day, and was always considered as an
enlightened and valuable correspondent.
One propensity he had, which is seldom, if ever, found connected with
studious pursuits and literary attainments; and what is still more
extraordinary, and still more unlikely to meet with a parallel, the
ardent indulgence of this propensity, led to a situation of honourable
independence. He had an extreme fondness for hunting, and for fox-hunting
in particular. He would at any time be easily prevailed upon to forsake
the bowers of the muses, the repose of study, the charms of classical
allurements, to join in the clamours of the huntsman, and unite with the
merciless hounds in the pursuit of poor Reynard. The indulgence of this
passion, if it may be so called, finally introduced him to the notice and
familiar acquaintance of a nobleman, who, beyond all doubt, on further
knowledge and experience, could not fail to discover that he possessed
other and better qualities, than were displayed and exercised in the
sports of the field. This nobleman presented him to a valuable living,
upon which he has ever since resided, conscientiously discharging the
duties of his function and his station; and by superintending the private
education of a few young men of fortune, contributing much to the benefit
of society.
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