212 Memoir of William Roscoe, Esq. 



without any acknowledgment, in his autobiograph, as the motto 

 to one of the chapters of thai conceited work*. 



Several of Mr Roscoe' s friends, anxious to preserve to him 

 various works, which they knew he highly prized, either for 

 their intrinsic worth, or as the gift of esteemed friends, bought 

 them up at the sale of his library, to the amount of L. 600, and 

 presented them to Mr Roscoe. The gift, however, was firmly 

 but gratefully declined ; and the subscribers resolved to present 

 the collection to the Athenaeum Library, to be kept together as 

 a testimony of their esteem for their respected friend ; and of that 

 library the collection now forms a distinct part. 



A selection from his pictures, comprizing specimens of art 

 highly illustrative of the progress of painting, was purchased by 

 several of the same gentlemen, at a liberal price fixed by Mr 

 Winstanley and myself, and presented to the Royal Institution 

 by those admirers of Roscoe. This collection cost L. 50, and 

 forms an interesting part of the objects which attract strangers 

 to our Institution. 



I may here remark, that the original plan of the Liverpool 

 Royal Institution originated, and was drawn up by me in 1813 ; 

 although it was carried into effect during my absence on the Con- 

 tinent in 1814. Mr Roscoe took an active part in this measure, 

 was long the Chairman of the Committees while it was strug- 

 gling into existence; and, as its first President, read an elo- 

 quent address on the opening of the Institution in the year 1817. 



From an early period, Mr Roscoe had been a warm advocate 

 for a reformation of the sanguinary penal code of this country. 



• SONKET. — 



" As one who destined from his friends to part, 

 Regrets their loss, yet hopes again erewhile 

 To share their converse, and enjoy their smile, 



And tempers as he may Affliction's dart, — 



Thus, lov'd associates ! chiefs of elder art ! 

 Teachers of wisdom, who could once beguile 

 My tedious hours, and brighten ev'ry toil, 



I now resign you— nor with fainting heart ; 

 For pass a few short years, or days, or hours, 



And happier seasons may their dawn unfold, 



And all your sacred fellowships restore ; 

 When, freed from earth, unlimited its powers. 



Mind flhall with mind direct communion hold, 



And kindred spirits meet to part no more." 



