Let it, putting
a girdle round the earth, comprehend both sides of the Atlantic at
once in this moment, and say, as Tiny Tim observes, "God bless us
every one."
SPEECH: BOSTON, APRIL 8, 1868.
[Mr. Dickens gave his last Reading at Boston, on the above date.
On his entrance a surprise awaited him. His reading-stand had been
decorated with flowers and palm-leaves by some of the ladies of the
city. He acknowledged this graceful tribute in the following
words:- "Before allowing Dr. Marigold to tell his story in his own
peculiar way, I kiss the kind, fair hands unknown, which have so
beautifully decorated my table this evening." After the Reading,
Mr. Dickens attempted in vain to retire. Persistent hands demanded
"one word more." Returning to his desk, pale, with a tear in his
eye, that found its way to his voice, he spoke as follows:-]
Ladies and gentlemen,--My gracious and generous welcome in America,
which can never be obliterated from my remembrance, began here. My
departure begins here, too; for I assure you that I have never
until this moment really felt that I am going away. In this brief
life of ours, it is sad to do almost anything for the last time,
and I cannot conceal from you, although my face will so soon be
turned towards my native land, and to all that makes it dear, that
it is a sad consideration with me that in a very few moments from
this time, this brilliant hall and all that it contains, will fade
from my view--for ever more.
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