EPES SARGENT DIXWELL. 627 



his ready skill in its use. A little volume of these verses called " Otia 

 Seuectutis," publislied iu 1885, is a proof that old age had not dulled 

 the critical keenness of his mind. English verse also flowed freely from 

 his pen, and the lines which for many years he was accustomed to write 

 for the annual family gatherings, in which he always took the greatest 

 interest and pleasure, will long be remembered by those who had the 

 privilege of listening to them, for their tender pathos, their wit and 

 their humor. 



But it is as a teacher that Mr. Dixwell is best known. As an assis- 

 tant instructor in the public schools of Boston, as the head-master of the 

 Boston Latin School, and as the master of his own private school for 

 many years, his influence over the education of young men was very 

 wide. His coming to the Latin School was welcomed as a sign that 

 accurate scholarship and a high moral tone would be combined with a 

 strict discipline in the management of that institution, and these expec- 

 tations were justified in both the great schools with which he was con- 

 nected. One of his early scholars at the Boston Latin School recalls 

 him as a stimulating and encouraging teacher, always insisting on 

 accuracy, but trying to make his pupils see the beauties of the author 

 whose work they were reading ; as a strict disciplinarian, possessed of a 

 dignified bearing, something of a martinet, and inspiring awe in those 

 who were not able to see beneath the somewhat cold exterior the real 

 kindliness of his nature. 



He was not only a good classical scholar but also was well versed in all 

 the branches which were taught in his school ; and the pupil must have 

 been dull indeed who, needing an explanation of a difficult point, left 

 Mr. Dixwell's presence without having the difficulties thoroughly cleared 

 away. 



Ready to excuse errors of judgment or of ignorance, he was unwilling 

 to condone moral faults, and his standard in the studies which were 

 taught under his care was high. Bright scholars were encouraged and 

 assisted in their work, and to dull scholars he extended sympathy and a 

 helping hand, but to wilfid idleness he was sternly severe. He was 

 anxious to deal justly with all, and if in any individual case he failed to 

 do so, it was not owing to any want of goodwill or kind-heartedness 

 towards the scholar. 



With a very high standard of honor in his daily life and in his com- 

 munion with his fellowmen, he was not always able to make due allow- 

 ance for the errors of others, and this led him at times to take a somewhat 

 narrow view of his duty; but all who have known him well, will recall 



