Of the merits of his more serious poetry others must speak. To the
Editor it seems that he is always at his best when he is inspired by
the Northern Sea, and the long sands and grey sea grasses. Then he
is most himself. He was improving in his art with every year: his
development, indeed, was somewhat late.

It is less of the writer than the man that we prefer to think. His
letters display, in passages which he would not have desired to see
quoted, the depth and tenderness and thoughtfulness of his
affections. He must have been a delightful friend: illness could
not make him peevish, and his correspondence with old college
companions could never be taken for that of a consciously dying man.
He had perfect courage, and resolution even in his seeming
irresoluteness. He was resolved to be, and continued to be,
himself. `He had kept the bird in his bosom.' We, who regret him,
may wish that he had been granted a longer life, and a secure
success. Happier fortunes might have mellowed him, no fortunes
could have altered for the worse his admirable nature. He lives in
the hearts of his friends, and in the pride and sympathy of those
who, after him, have worn and shall wear the scarlet gown.

The following examples of his poetry were selected by Murray's
biographer from a considerable mass, and have been seen through the
press by Professor Meiklejohn, who possesses the original
manuscript, beautifully written.



MOONLIGHT NORTH AND SOUTH