12 
This was the great work of the poet, the culmination of his 
genius, which, though a fragment, is the most important 
fragment one can well imagine. Every character is English to 
the core of being, and though the tales and characters bear 
foreign names in many cases, they are all, as it were, to the 
manner’born. Evil times came upon our poet, but the evil 
times gave him his opportunity to paint the truly realistic 
pictures through which we get glimpses of his day. Then better 
days came for him, he obtained position and emolument, but 
the work of his life is done, and the laurels are prepared for his 
honoured brows. 
Full of years and good reputation he died, and his writings 
make it possible for us to see as through his eyes, the very life 
and thought of his century. His remains found true resting- 
place in the poet’s corner of our ancient Abbey at Westminster. 
His monument starts a great line of poets, but he is not 
surpassed by any of them as a painter of his own day, and 
though he belonged so emphatically to his own time, his work is 
the heritage of ours. 
Yes, ‘‘old England’s fathers live in Chaucev’s lay,” and he is, 
indeed, 
‘‘Chaucer! our Helicon’s first fountain-stream, 
Our morning star of song, that led the way 
To welcome the long-after coming beam 
Of Spenser’s light and Shakespeare’s perfect day.” 
POISONS AND ANTIDOTES. 
By U. A. COATES. February 9th, 1892. 
The lecture was of a practical nature, and many useful hints 
were thrown out. 
Mr. Coates showed how first aid should be administered in 
poisoning cases, and recommended a list of substances for 
domestic use in cases of emergency. He then went seriatim 
through a long list of poisons, and explained the nature of the 
antidotes and the treatment by which their administration should 
be accompanied. A comprehensive chart with valuable infor- 
mation had been prepared by the essayist for distribution 
amongst members, 
