from my very early youth, I had cherished for the memory of that admirable Patriot of their line, to whom the British nation is so deeply indebted for the vindication, and perpetuity, of its inherent liberties and rights. This feeling alone, would not indeed have justified an undertaking like the present; but during the prosecution of long and very laborious researches, the various incidents and correspondence which I met with, particularly of the first two Earls of Bedford, presented so many features of interest, and were so intimately connected with the history of the times in which they flourished, as to furnish me, upon deliberation, with a sufficient warrant and inducement, for employing my best powers both of industry, and perseverance, in gathering together, and embodying in a systematic narrative, the most memorable actions of the Family, from the earliest known period, that could now be gathered, from the keep of time. I flattered myself, that the survey would, in some degree at least, give back an image of those past ages, manners, and achievements, which at all times, strongly excite our curiosity, and interest; and that there might be a value, and utility, which 'posterity would not willingly let die,' found couched in the records of a House, the members of which have borne an almost uninterrupted and conspicuous part in British story, from the time of the Norman Dukes to the Tudors, from the Tudors to the Stuarts, and from the domination of that intolerant, and repudiated dynasty, to the latest constitutional benefits effected

under the more congenial Sceptre, of the House of Hanover. The indulgence of this conviction, will perhaps appear to some, to savour too strongly, of partiality, as the hope of doing justice to the subject may wear to others, the appearance of presumption ; but it is certain, that little can be accomplished, that is worthy of enduring, which is not actuated by a love of the subject selected, and sustained in its execution, by the studious care, arising from the desire of success.

"It is unnecessary here, to recite, by what slow but certain steps, based always upon authentic Records, I was enabled to complete, in an unbroken line, the chain of family descent, and to ascertain the precise spot whence the House derived its surname.

"Little satisfied with the meagre account which even the great Dugdale, gives of the early history of the Russell family, I, for two years, applied solely to this portion of the work; and left no chartulary, roll, or record unexamined, that promised to add the least tittle of evidence, to that already gleaned from other sources. At the end of this period, after a close examination of the Fine and Close Rolls, in the Tower, the Pipe Rolls, at Somerset House, and chartularies in our public libraries, I communicated the object of my pursuit, to the Duke of Bedford, who, after opening a communication with the venerable Abbé de la Rue, charged me with a mission into Lower Normandy for the further discovery of family evidences; and it is to his liberality

in this particular, that I have been enabled, to throw so much certain light, on his first progenitors.

"In the muniment-room of the prefecture at Caen, and in the Tower of Matignon at St. Loo, I revelled in a perfect mer noire of abbey charters, those of the whole department of Calvados, having been safely deposited in the former, during the Revolution that swept away the abbeys and their riches, and those of all La Manche, being with equal convenience gathered in the latter receptacle. There, every bundle which I opened, disclosed some note, or memorial, of the surnames most renowned, in Norman, or in English story-Cliffords, Percies, Clintons, Byrons, Mortimers and Bruces, besides those of equal lustre, which are now only to be met with, in the extinct baronage of England.

"The pleasure which I derived from my researches amidst this most interesting mass of deeds, of the feudal, and chivalric ages, I shall not soon forget. I went upon a tour of four weeks; I stayed as many months!

"Dated, Froxfield, 4th month, 18th, 1833."

CHAPTER VII.

SUNSET AT NOONDAY. 1835, 1836.

But, above all, believe it, the sweetest canticle is 'Nunc Dimittis,' when a man hath obtained worthy ends and expectations. Death hath this also that it openeth the gate of fame, and extinguisheth envy."

THE

BACON.

HE Pale Messenger, bearing the banner inscribed 'Nunc dimittis," was nearing with rapid strides the peaceful home of the Poet. No foreshadowing cloud darkened the air. No spell of illness came as precursor of the event. To his brother, he had, at times, complained of difficulty of breathing; but considering it merely a temporary feeling, and not wishing to bring, even the shadow of anxiety, over his Wife, to her, he had not spoken.

But his thoughts were evidently much occupied with the life of the Hereafter, and his spirit liked to linger in contemplation of that Home, to which this earth life, is but the journey. Thus, to a spirit already attuned to celestial harmony, death could only appear in the guise of the loving Angel, who tenderly uncloses the portals, draws back the dark veiling curtains, and leads the soul gently in, to the realm of that Glory which is unrevealed to mortal eyesight.

In one of the last letters, to his friend, the Rev. C. Fletcher, occurs the following passage:

"Poor Jane T- still lingers out her life. But why should I call her poor? She is rich in consolation, and in the anticipation of the final change. She declares, that she has nothing now to do, but die; that she is so happy, that she would not change situations, with any living being. Her brothers, have both been, to take leave of her. She is, I understand, shrunk to a very small figure, and lies like one of wax in resemblance-beautiful already as one of the redeemed spirits-amongst whom, we trust, she will very shortly mingle.

"I think, the witnessing of these triumphs of the soul, over the weakness of mortality, through the infinite mercy, of our God, and our Redeemer, has a very strong tendency, both to wean us from the world, and to diminish our dread, of that change, which must before very long, come upon ourselves, also. It strengthens our weak faith; it realizes to our mind, the glories, and the peace, of Immortality; and serves, in some small degree, to stimulate us, to 'press forward to the mark of our (own) high calling, in Christ Jesus.' I hope to make a little progress, in this course-the only one, really worth living for; for here, we have no continuing city, and our years pass literally, 'like a tale that is told.'"

J. H. Wiffen, died suddenly, in the night of May 2nd, 1836, in his forty-third year.