Page:James Thomason (Temple).djvu/26

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JAMES THOMASON

his movements were unobtrusive and his progress tranquil, he was essentially a man of action.

His manner, in consonance with his general character, was uniformly suave and urbane. But it appeared reserved, or even cold, to those who were not intimately acquainted with him, and they necessarily formed the majority of the vast number with whom a Governor comes in contact. A natural quietude of temperament, and an unfaltering presence of mind, made some observers think him constrained, while in truth he was only noting carefully what there was to be seen or heard. Perhaps he had but a dim perception of popular arts, certainly he had no thought for what is commonly known as popularity. By habit as well as nature, he had self-command and an evenly-balanced mind. The annoyances incidental to a high station, the strain and stress of public affairs, never agitated his demeanour. Even the most tender anxieties for those nearest him, would not break the surface of his calm, nor betray him into any expression of his feelings.

But if his bearing did not arouse enthusiasm in those who never saw very much of him, yet it certainly did with all who enjoyed his friendship, and they were many. These knew the rich wealth of goodness and virtue that lay behind that impassive manner, and in such as they, no ruler in India ever excited more enthusiastic sentiments.

His disposition was homely, and he was tenderly affectionate in all domestic relations. Men regarded