_Par negotiis, neque supra_, characterised his scholarship.
14 Died in 1803.
~80~~He had in every form sufficiency, and sometimes eminence. He
had more facility in Greek than most boys; his English exercises were
conspicuous for language and neatness of turn.
He was a very uncorrupt boy, and his manners were rather elevated; yet
it is not remembered that he lost popularity even with the worst boys in
the school; the whole secret of which was _specie minus quam vi_. He
was better than he seemed. There was no pride, no offending wish at
seclusion.
Though not so remarkable for book knowledge as his brother Sir James,
who thus, indeed, was nothing less than a prodigy, yet was M'Donald
extremely well and very variously read. In miscellaneous information,
far more accomplished than any boy of his time.
Markham, the master, had a high opinion of him; and once, in the midst
of strong and favourable prognostics, said, "There was nothing against
him but what was for him; rank and connections, and the too probable
event of thence advancing into life too forward and too early."
Markham spoke with much sagacity. The _rosa sera_ is the thing, for
safe and spreading efflorescence. Well as the wreath might be about
M'Donald's brow, it had probably been better, if gathered less eagerly,
if put on later.
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