ement, and great skill and point in argument; though he
does not quite make one love him. He touches much ground trodden
by Dr. Doellinger; almost invariably agreeing with him.

II

July 25, 1889, was the fiftieth anniversary of his marriage. The Prince
and Princess of Wales sent him what he calls a beautiful and splendid
gift. The humblest were as ready as the highest with their tributes, and
comparative strangers as ready as the nearest. Among countless others who
wrote was Bishop Lightfoot, great master of so much learning:--

I hope you will receive this tribute from one who regards your
private friendship as one of the great privileges of his life.

And Doellinger:--

If I were fifteen years younger than I am, how happy I would be to
come over to my beloved England once more, and see you surrounded
by your sons and daughters, loved, admired, I would almost say
worshipped, by a whole grateful nation.

On the other side, a clever lady having suggested to Browning that he
should write an inscription for her to some gift for Mr. Gladstone,
received an answer that has interest, both by the genius and fame of its
writer, and as a sign of widespread feeling in certain circles in those
days:--

Surely your kindness, even your sympathy, will be extended to me
when I say, with sorrow indeed, that I am unable now
conscientiously to do what, but a few years ago, I would have at
least attempted with such pleasure and pride as might almost
promise success. I have received much kindness from that
extraordinary personage, and what my admiration for his
transcendent abilities was and ever will be, there is no need to
speak of. But I am forced to altogether deplore his present
attitude with respect to the liberal party, of which I, the
humblest unit, am still a member, and as such grieved to the heart
by every fresh utterance of his which comes to my knowledge. Were
I in a position to explain publicly how much the personal feeling
is independent of the political aversion, all would be easy; but I
am a mere man of letters, and by the simple inscription which
would truly testify to what is enduring, unalterable in my esteem,
I should lead people--as well those who know me as those who do
not--to believe my approbation extended far beyond the bounds which
unfortunately circumscribe it now. All this--even more-