Page:Armatafragment00ersk.djvu/329

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us, when the solemn character of the place on a sudden seemed to change and to smile upon us with the warm light of hospitality and kindness.—I was charmed, on further acquaintance, to see in the same man an assemblage of qualities very rarely united—universal knowledge with the simplicity of an infant's mind; the proudest public spirit with the gentlest complacency; and a vehement Fox-like public eloquence with the most uninterrupted playfulness and gaiety in private life.—The table, which was the same throughout the year, abounded with a rich and equal repast for mind and body, being the constant resort of the most eminent and accomplished persons. I was struck with the contrast of finding myself, upon the very margin of such an immense city, amidst dark groves and gay flowering shrubberies resounding with the wild notes of the thrush and blackbird, and the song of the nightingale amongst the rest, who though he followed the fashion in keeping late hours, very wisely spent them in the woods.

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