"
Gibbs. Some men are overtaken by the law, and some few overtake it
themselves. In this small, but happy number, may be placed the name
in question; and a name of better promise, whether of man or boy, can
scarcely be found any where.
At school he was on the foundation; and though amongst the Collegers,
where the views of future life, and hope of better days, arising from
their own industry, make learning a necessity, yet to that he added the
better qualities of genius and talent.
As a classical scholar, he was admirable in both languages. As a poet,
he was natural, ready, and yet distinguished. Amongst the best exercises
of the time, his were to be reckoned, and are yet remembered with
praise. For the medals given by Sir John Dalrymple for the best Latin
poem, he was a candidate; but though his production was publicly read
by doctor Forster, and well spoken of, he was obliged to give way to the
superiority of another on that occasion.
Describing the winding of the Thames through its banks, it had this
beautiful line:
"_Rodit arundineas facili sinuamine ripas------_"
Perfect as to the picture, and beautiful as to the flowing of the
poetry.
He had the good fortune and the good temper to be liked by every body of
his own age; and he was not enough found out of bounds, or trespassing
against "sacred order," to be disliked by those of greater age who were
set over him.
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