[COYNE] RICHARD MAURICE BUCKE— A SKETCH 181 



Grass " raged with more or less heat. Bucke rarely assumed the defen- 

 sive. He was best in attack. His skill as a writer shows itself in 

 exposition of his theme, in marshalling and massing his fact's. Oppos- 

 ing facts are often left to take care of themselves. The result, as 

 far as "WTiitman is concerned, seems to justify the strateg}', if such 

 it can be called. The last word has by no means been said, but, 

 notwithstanding passages regarded by many as offensive to taste or to 

 the critical ear, Whitman's place in the Pantheon is by this time 

 assured. Criticism accepts " Leaves of Grass " as a whole, with reserv- 

 ation of judgment as to details. 



In September, 18 79, Bucke lectured on Whitman before an Ottawa 

 audience. In ls\ay he wrote the Philadelphia Press a letter entitled, 

 '• The Good Gray Poet." This was an appellation first used by William 

 D. O'Connor, in his brilliant defense of Wliitman many vears before. 



The summer of 1880 was memorable for Whitman's visit to London 

 as the guest of Dr. and Mrs. Bucke. He remained four months. 

 During the summer, the two men made a voyage down the St. La^\Tence 

 as far as the Saguensy arid up the latter stream to Chicoutimi and 

 Ha Ha Bay. Whitman was greatly impressed with the AsAdum, its 

 " ample and charming garden;^ and lawns," the religious services, the 

 demeanour of " the motley, yet perfectly well-behaved and orderly con- 

 gregation," the " Eefractory Building," then under special charge of 

 Dr. Beemer. Eeferring to the whole institution, he wrote in his 

 diary : " As far as I could see, this is among the most advanced, 

 perfected, and kindly and rationally carried on, of all its kind in 

 America. It is a town in itself, with many buildings, and a thou- 

 sand inhabitants." 



The four months thus spent with Whitman were important in 

 results. Bucke was resolved to write a biography of the poet. The 

 latter demurred, objected, was at length overruled, gave consent, and, 

 indeed, actively co-operated. Bucke put himself in communication 

 with all whom he thought possessed of ini^ormation required by him, 

 including leading writers in Europe and America. The results were a 

 collection of correspondence unique and valuable, and friendly visits 

 received and returned. 



With Whitman he went to Long Island in 1881 to familiarize him- 

 self with the former's early home and its environment. In working 

 the book into shape valuable aid was rendered by William D. O'Connor, 

 Mrs. Ann Gilchrist and others, who contributed facts, illustrative 

 material and incidents. 



Although the book was ready in 1881, publication was delayed 

 owing to difficulty in securing a satisfactory publisher. After various 



