as the effect of obstinacy; but to those who were acquainted with his character and principles of action, it is known to have proceeded from a deep-rooted conviction, that he was bound as a Christian to bear witness to the truth, without fearing what man could do unto him.' Of the conduct of administration in instituting such a prosecution upon such grounds, against such a man, impartial posterity will judge; and it requires but little sagacity to foresee that the result of that judgment will be a sentence of reprobation. [2]

"The length to which this article has al ready extended, prevents the writer of it from saying what justice requires him to say of Mr. Wakefield's domestic virtues. To those who know how much these virtues endeared him to his family, and how deeply he is lamented by all who saw him in the intercourses and enjoyments of domestic life, no other testimony is necessary. How much he possessed the power of attaching his private friends, was sufficiently seen in that almost unexampled anxiety which his illness excited; in that unfeigned sorrow which followed his death, and in that tribute of affectionate regard which many of them paid to his memory in attending his remains to the place of his interment. Were any other evidence wanting, we might

refer to those exertions, equally honourable to himself and to his friends, by which the severity of his sentence and imprisonment was so greatly mitigated. The regrets which they now feel, and long will feel, for his loss, will be a lasting tribute to his worth, and the veneration with which they regard his character, they will hand down to their posterity."

Dr. Aikin, his long known and long valued friend, who had so lately congratulated his return to society," now published a paper, of which we have already availed ourselves, entitled "A Tribute to the Memory of Mr. Wakefield," c It contains" a slight sketch of the leading events of his life," interspersed, as might naturally be expected from the writer, with many interesting observations.

A clergyman of the church of England also, whose name we are not at liberty to mention, drew up, and very obligingly communicated, some remarks on his character, derived from the association and correspondence of many years. These remarks will be found in the Appendix. Notwithstanding their different

See Monthly Mag. Vol. XI. 422 and 513.
c. Ibid. Vol. XII. 225.-

course of life and opposite views upon some points, the ingenious writer will appear to have retained a just and lively recollection of the virtues and accomplishments of his friend.

d

Two or three short copies of verses were inscribed to his memory, besides a Latin elegy by Dr. Geddes already mentioned. This event also called forth the elegant talents of another member of a family to whose writings the public taste and information have been so largely indebted.

With the verses to which we have alluded, written by Miss Aikin, almost immediately on receiving the account of our friend's death, we conclude this continuation of his Memoirs.

To the MEMORY of the Rev. GILBERT WAKEFIELD.

FRIEND of departed worth! whose pilgrim feet
Trace injur'd merit to its last retreat,

Oft will thy steps imprint the hallow'd shade,
Where Wakefield's dust, embalm'd in tears, is laid;
"Here" (wilt thou say) a high undaunted soul,
That spurn'd at palsied Caution's weak controul-
A mind by learning stor'd, by genius fir'd,
In Freedom's cause with generous warmth inspir'd—
Moulders in earth; the fabric of his fame
Rests on the pillar of a spotless name!"

See Month. Mag. XII. 222, 328, 518.

• "Ad umbram Gilberti Wakefield Elegia," Ibid. p. 326.

Tool of corruption-spaniel slave of power! Should thy rash steps in some unguarded hour Profane the shrine, deep on thy shrinking heart Engrave this awful moral, and depart!

That not the shafts of slander, envy, hate,

The dungeon's gloom, nor the cold hand of fate,
Can rob the good man of that peerless prize,
Which not pale Mammon's countless treasure buys-
The conscience clear whence secret pleasures flow,
And friendship kindled 'mid the gloom of woe,
Assiduous love that stays the parting breath,
And honest fame, triumphant over death.

For you, who o'er the sacred marble bend,
To weep the husband, father, brother, friend,
And, mutely eloquent, in anguish raise

Of keen regrets his monument of praise

May Faith, may Friendship, dry your streaming eyes, And Virtue mingle comfort with your sighs;

Till Resignation softly stealing on,

With pensive smile bid lingering Grief be gone,
And tardy Time veil o'er with gradual shade

All but the tender tints you would not wish to fade!