ugh the bent of Arthur's mind by no means inclined him to
strict research into facts, he was full as much conversant with
the great features of ancient and modern history, as from the
course of his other studies and the habits of his life it was
possible to expect. He reckoned them, as great minds always do,
the groundworks of moral and political philosophy, and took no
pains to acquire any knowledge of this sort from which a
principle could not be derived or illustrated. To some parts of
English history, and to that of the French Revolution, he had
paid considerable attention. He had not read nearly so much of
the Greek and Latin historians as of the philosophers and poets.
In the history of literary, and especially of philosophical and
religious opinions, he was deeply versed, as much so as it is
possible to apply that term at his age. The following pages
exhibit proofs of an acquaintance, not crude or superficial,
with that important branch of literature.

"His political judgments were invariably prompted by his strong
sense of right and justice. These, in so young a person, were
naturally rather fluctuating, and subject to the correction of
advancing knowledge and experience. Ardent in the cause of those
he deemed to be oppressed, of which, in one instance, he was led
to give a proof with more of energy and enthusiasm than
discretion, he was deeply attached to the ancient institutions
of his country.

"He spoke French readily, though with less elegance than
Italian, till from disuse he lost much of his fluency in the
latter. In his last fatal tour in Germany, he was rapidly
acquiring a readiness in the language of that country. The whole
range of French literature was almost as familiar to him as that
of England.

"The society in which Arthur lived most intimately, at Eton and
at the University, was formed of young men, eminent for natural
ability, and for delight in what he sought above all things, the
knowledge of truth, and the perception of beauty. They who loved
and admired him living, and who now revere his sacred memory, as
of one to whom, in the fondness of regret, they admit of no
rival, know best what he was in the daily commerce of life; and
his eulogy should, on every account, better come from hearts,
which, if partial, have been rendered so by the ex