“His figure was not merely tall, but more properly long and slender to
excess; his complexion, and particularly his hands, of a most unhealthy
paleness. His eyes were remarkably bright and penetrating, very dark
and lively: his voice was not strong, but his tones were exceedingly
pleasant, and if I may say so, highly gentlemanly. I do not remember
his common gait; he always entered a room in that style of affected
delicacy which fashion had then made almost natural--_chapeau bras_
between his hands, as if he wished to compress it, or under his arm,
knees bent, and feet on tiptoe, as if afraid of a wet floor. His
dress in visiting was most usually, in summer, when I most saw him,
a lavender suit, the waistcoat embroidered with a little silver, or
of white silk worked in the tambour, partridge silk stockings, and
gold buckles, ruffles and frill generally lace. I remember, when a
child, thinking him very much under-dressed, if at any time, except in
mourning, he wore hemmed cambric. In summer, no powder, but his wig
combed straight, and showing his very smooth, pale forehead, and queued
behind; in winter, powder.”
IZAAC WALTON
1593-1683
[Sidenote: Zouch’s _Memoir of Izaac Walton_. *]
“The features of the countenance often enable us to form a judgment,
not very fallible, of the disposition of the mind. In few portraits
can this discovery be more successfully pursued than in that of Izaac
Walton. Lavater, the acute master of physiognomy, would, I think,
instantly acknowledge in it the decisive traits of the original,--mild
complacency, forbearance, mature consideration, calm activity, peace,
sound understanding, power of thought, discerning attention, and
secretly active friendship. Happy in his unblemished integrity, happy
in the approbation and esteem of others, he inwraps himself in his own
virtue. The exaltation of a good conscience eminently shines forth in
this venerable person--
‘Candida semper
Gaudia, et in vultu curarum ignara voluptas.’”
JOHN WILSON
1785-1854
[Sidenote: de Quincey’s _Life and writings_.]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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