542 MEMOIR OF 
him at first to undertake. To the opinion of these eminent 
men, it may be supposed I very willingly subscribe; yet, I 
must add, that the work has always appeared to me as entitled 
even to a higher praise. In its plan, indeed, it appears to re- 
late only to the principles of translation ; but in its execution, 
it necessarily involves the principles of composition in gene- 
ral; and in the nature and variety of the examples he adduces, 
and the acuteness and delicacy of the criticism he employs, Mr 
Tyrer seems. to me to have made use of one of the happiest 
methods to lead the minds of his readers to a sense of those 
fine and evanescent beauties in composition, which abstract 
language can so imperfectly express, and which affords. the 
best preparation, not only for the task of translation, but for 
the higher purpose of original composition. 
The Essay on the Principles of Translation has now passed 
through five editions, in each of which the author has been 
anxious to repay the approbation of the public, by the addi- 
tions he has made; and after the experience of fifteen years, it 
may now be considered as one of the standard works of = 
lish criticism. 
While Mr Tyrrer was thus actively and usefully Sinjohayel, 
the Government of Scotland began to consider him as one who 
was fitted to share in its administration, and Lord Mezviixe 
thought himself now entitled, by the character which Mr Tyt- 
Ler had established, to testify to the public the sentiments of 
his private friendship. His practice at the Bar, though not 
extensive, had been respectable, and, in the conduct of it, he 
had shewn sufficiently the talents he possessed for business. 
His honour was high,—his integrity acknowledged,—and_his 
manners amiable and conciliating. His political opinions were 
those of hereditary loyalty ; and in the acceptance therefore of 
office, he had none of those sacrifices of principle to make, by 
which 
