read Newman, and understood the Oxford controversy ... had read many of
the early English divines....

"Gregory," he cried, putting his hand on my knee, "what a power for God
you would be, if you would only give over your eccentricities and
become a Christian ... a chap with your magnetism--in spite of your
folly!--"

He impressed on me the fact, that, now I was a senior, more would be
expected of me ... that the younger boys would look up to me, as they
did to all seniors, and I must be more careful of my deportment before
them ... my general conduct....

He asked me what I intended making of myself.

"A poet!" I exclaimed.

He spread his hands outward with a gesture of despair.

"Of course, one can write poetry if necessary ... but what career are
you choosing?"

"The writing of poetry."

"But, my dear Gregory, one can't make a living by that ... and one must
live."

"Why must one live?" I replied fervently, "did Christ ever say 'One must
live'?"