Farewell, Brother of my Soul!
--O ever found the same
And trusted and beloved!
Never without an emotion of honest pride do I subscribe myself
Your grateful and affectionate friend, S. T. COLERIDGE.
[Bristol, December 26, 1796.]
[Footnote 1: From the Preface to the first Edition of Johnson's
_Dictionary of the English Language._]
CHAPTER IV
CONTEMPORARY PORTRAITS OF COLERIDGE
(From Mr. Wordsworth's Stanzas written in my Pocket-copy of
Thomson's 'Castle of Indolence'.)
With him there often walked in friendly guise,
Or lay upon the moss by brook or tree,
A noticeable Man with large grey eyes,
And a pale face that seemed undoubtedly
As if a blooming face it ought to be;
Heavy his low-hung lip did oft appear,
Deprest by weight of musing Phantasy;
Profound his forehead was, though not severe;
Yet some did think that he had little business here:
Sweet heaven forefend! his was a lawful right:
Noisy he was, and gamesome as a boy;
His limbs would toss about him with delight,
Like branches when strong winds the trees annoy.
Nor lacked his calmer hours device or toy
To banish listlessness and irksome care;
He would have taught you how you might employ
Yourself; and many did to him repair,--
And certes not in vain; he had inventions rare.
For Josiah Wade, the gentleman to whom the letters, placed at the
beginning of the last chapter, were written, the fine portrait of Mr.
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