is memory, which,
whilst he lived, it was no less my inclination, than my constant
study, to shew him.[3]

[Footnote 3: We shall not easily find a more excellent specimen of
biographical eulogium than what Captain King has now given us. It does
justice to his subject--and this, be it remembered, is a merit of
the highest kind; and it does justice to himself, to his own sense
of propriety and principle, which, in the warmth of their friendship,
professed admirers are too apt to sacrifice at the shrine of departed
worth. The style is suitable to the sentiments, possessing a dignified
simplicity, and an apparent rectitude of aim, which it is impossible
not to consider, as, in a great degree, resulting from intimacy
with the truly great character whom it so forcibly recommends to our
esteem, and which, therefore, may be held as no mean illustration of
the efficacy of those virtues which so eminently adorned him. In this
respect, then, Cook was peculiarly fortunate, were there no other
record to which posterity might appeal--more fortunate, by much,
indeed, than many, whose lives have been blazoned by vain-glorious
historians. We appeal, therefore, to the feelings of every reader,
whether this very circumstance, so providentially directed towards the
perpetuity of his fame, does not indicate the real superiority of such
a man as Cook over the mass of vulgar conquerors, whom, unfortunately
for the world, it has been so much and so long the fashion to admire?
Shall we ever witness the time, when the wanton destroyers of our
species, under whatever name or trappings they vaunt themselves, shall
inherit the abhorrence and the curses of humanity; and when the only
claim to applause that shall be sanctioned, must be founded, like
that of our navigator, on the ability and the disposition to confer
benefits on society? It has often been regretted, as is said in the
Biographia Britannica, that a monument has not yet been erected to
the memory of Captain Cook in Westminster Abbey. The uneasiness is not
superfluous, in so far as the honour of our country is concerned, to
which, perhaps, his exertions have really contributed as much as those
of almost any individual whose greatness is there embalmed; but to the
reputation of Cook, a monument in Westminster Abbey, we agree with
the work alluded to, would be of little or no consequence. "His fame
stands upon a wider base, and will survive the comparatively perishing
materials of brass, o