were espoused by his able and judicious friend, Mr. Horner, was not likely, in such a cause, to grow either languid or cool and, in reply to his zealous coadjutor in Edinburgh, he gives the following report of what had been accomplished in London.

TO JOHN RICHARDSON, ESQ., W.S.

MY DEAR SIR,

HAMPSTEAD, December 31, 1805.

I am very much rejoiced to hear that at Edinburgh the subscription for CAMPBELL is going on so prosperously. It must still be pushed, however, as actively as possible; for told me to put no trust in Glasgow; and it would be very much to the disgrace of Scotland, if a large portion of the sum raised did not come from thence. I cannot tell what sum we have procured, for most of the lists are still out; but many persons have done themselves great credit by the activity they have excited for one whom they only knew by his writings. We are much indebted to some women of fashion, particularly Lady Elizabeth Foster, who first suggested this subscription, and has been at a great deal of trouble. It may do you good, among the slaves in Scotland, to let it be known that Mr. Pitt + put his name to the subscription, when he was at Bath, and we hope that most of the ministers will follow him. The great object is to raise such a sum as may form a permanent fund for Campbell's family. Even if it should be small, I would recommend this to be done, because there cannot be a surer motive to economy, than

* Many of the symptoms of debility-less scrupulously dwelt upon in this letter than in others of the same period-may perhaps be accounted for by his neglect of regimen, and having recourse to articles of diet which had a manifest tendency to increase the morbid sensibility under which he laboured.

This illustrious Statesman, as the reader may remember, died on the 23rd of January-only three weeks after the date of this letter.

ÆT. 28.]

PITT LADY E. FOSTER-NEW SALARY.

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to have the beginning of a fortune laid. You will be of great service to Campbell in this respect, when you come to London; for nobody here knows him domestically enough, to speak freely to him on these subjects. You must teach him to consider this subscription as an exertion which cannot with propriety, nor even, perhaps, with success, be tried another time and that from this time, he must look forward to a plan of income and expense wholly depending upon himself, and most strictly adjusted. He gets four guineas a week for translating foreign Gazettes at the "Star" office; it is not quite the best employment for a man of genius, but it occupies him only four hours of the morning; and the payment ought to go a great length in defraying his annual expenses. You will be able to convey to Campbell these views of his situation, and others that will easily occur to you; none of us are entitled to use so much freedom with him. Be sure to leave Campbell's affairs at Edinburgh in zealous hands. F. HORNER.

With this letter closed the year 1805- an eventful year to Campbell. It had dawned upon him with many evil omens, and found him involved in many difficulties, from which there was no visible means of escape; but it left him in improved health, with new friends, a settled income, and cheering prospects, as if to prove that—

"When Fortune means to men most good

She looks upon them with a threatening eye."

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*

CHAPTER IV.

SUBSCRIPTION EDITION.

AMONG the more active and zealous of the Poet's new acquaintance was the family of Wynell Mayow, Esq., of Montagu-street, by whose united exertions many distinguished names were now added to his list of friends and subscribers. At the head of the list stood that of the great Tory leader, which was followed by those of every shade in politics; who, in doing homage to the Poet, abandoned all party considerations, and vied with each other in expressing their sense of his merits, by acts of unaffected kindness and liberality. To this gratifying testimony of public estimation, Campbell often reverted in after-life with unmingled pleasure. It has been seen, from passages already quoted, how deeply rooted in his heart was the remembrance of kindness and generosity; and thinking, perhaps, that

"Fortune was merry,

And in that mood would give him anything

he indulged hopes of a political appointment, which would

Mr. Mayow's country house was at Sydenham; and to this family Campbell expressly alludes, when he says—" It so happened that the dearest friends I had at Sydenham were thorough Tories; but this acquaintance ripening into friendship, called forth a new liberalism in my mind, and possibly also in theirs." See page 27. Of this amiable and accomplished family, frequent mention will be found in the Poet's Letters; and in the mean time I need only add, that from Mr. Mayow, Campbell took the original of "Albert," in his "Gertrude of Wyoming."

ÆT. 28.] LETTER TO MISS MAYOW-LITERARY SUBJECTS.

79

have enabled him, in his turn, to serve those who had rendered important service to him. In this design Lord Grenville and other influential friends took a warm interest; but their success was ultimately defeated by the illness and death of the liberal and enlightened Premier, Charles Fox.

In the mean time, Campbell was fully employed in miscellaneous writing; and in the following letter to a fair, life-long correspondent, a few brief particulars are given of himself, his family, and occupations.

TO MISS MAYOW.

January 23, 1806.

DEAR MADAM,

The extreme similarity of the note which you had the goodness to send me last week, to your sister's hand-writing, is an apology to my own conscience for my mistake; so that I am sure it must be fairly so to your good nature. From so much kindness, in being interested in my publication—and I have reason to say in my whole good fortune-I should be inclined to pay the same compliment to the similarity of your hearts, as your hands; were it not too like the flattery and alliteration of a poet, although, God knows, I am sincere. The Proposals " will be sent to Montagu-street on Saturday; I hope that will be sufficiently soon. I am extremely obliged to Mr. Wolff for his hint respecting the Edda. I am, however, at present in no state to turn my attention to any avocation so important. The moment my mind is discharged of many anxieties and employments, which at present fill it up to the brim, I shall consider myself very fortunate if Mr. Wolff will continue his goodness, and let me ask him for pilotage and direction, in the choice of proper matter

for translation. Mrs. Campbell was obliged to return to Sydenham. She found the City air did not agree with the little ones; they were threatened with measles; she is a great alarmist, and retreated precipitately. Then came a dreadful disappointment of no servant arriving, and Sydenham is most unproductive in that useful article. Her over anxiety and efforts in the nursery, without proper assistance, have done her material injury. At last, by very strenuous efforts, we have got a sick-nurse; and I have persuaded her to confine herself to bed. As the spring is so near, I believe it will scarcely be advisable for us to make another movement to town. Mrs. Campbell, though unable to write, is yet anxious to send you her best remembrance; she hopes your summering in Sydenham will commence in spring, and that we shall soon see you. I shall with infinite pleasure avail myself of your kind invitation to pay you an unceremonious visit, and enjoy the usual happiness I have had in visiting your family. I have the honour to be, &c. T. CAMPBELL.

On his return to Sydenham, the happy change in his circumstances imparted a cheerful serenity to his fireside, which had seldom visited him in that sequestered retreat. Congratulations, "both personal and epistolary," on the recent act of royal favour, were daily offered to him; and, in answer to an old comrade, with whom he had spent many pleasant evenings in Edinburgh, he writes with all the characteristic warmth which endeared him to his early friends.

TO JOHN KEDDIE, ESQ.

SYDENHAM, February 12, 1806.

MY DEAR FRIEND,

Two days ago I opened with great pleasure

your welcome epistle, and recognised a signature, to which,