CH A RAC 
From the embarrassment of pub- 
ic affairs at this period, the little 
villa of St. Ann’s Hill would be 
xpected to unfold its charms to 
ir. Fox with fresh delight, and 
thither he retired. He rose early, 
and though nearly approaching his 
fiftieth year, did not fail fre- 
quently to bathe in the Thames: 
under an old beech (uow for ever 
sonsecrated to the rights of man- 
tind) on a small elevation at. the 
western extremity of St. Ann’s 
Hill, he was to be seen inhaling the 
breeze of the morning. And here, 
in 1799, he erected the seat which 
‘surrounds the old tree; and gene- 
‘rally visited it before breakfast. 
_ This retreat was also sacred to 
‘letters, ‘the charm of sorrow. He 
“now read over agaifi the best au- 
thors, and added to that informa- 
“tion, already so great, whatever of 
advantageous novelty was to be ob- 
tained. In languages also, the key 
of science, he made new acquisitions. 
‘His method may be imitated by 
hose who can no otherwise imi-- 
tate him ; it is said that, ‘* after 
abouring a week at his grammar, in 
getting by heart the declinable parts 
he substantives, adjectives, and 
verbs, he immediately began, with 
‘the assistance of his diétionary, to 
‘read some classic author, learning 
the syntax by reference as the exam- 
ples occurred.” 
_ To describe the course of life 
prescribed to himself by Mr. Fox, 
may afford some gratification. The 
orenoon tilltwo o’clock he employ- 
ed in reading and study. He 
then visited some of the neigh- 
bouring villages; returning toa do- 
a dinner, always simple and 
} 
wnexpensive. Occasionally the duke 
of Bedford or lord Holland broke 
in upon his solitude. Sometimes, in- 
} 
ra 
= KS: 
907 
deed, the great, the learned, and the 
gay might be seen to visit the rural 
graces of polished life, hid in shrub- 
beries, or sporting on his parterre of 
roses ; and there were not wanting 
the sister muses of poetry and music. 
There was nothing, hewever, to 
interrupt the -infantine joy that 
arises out of health and innocence ; 
and the hour of tea was generally 
exhilarated by a good novel, which 
all present read aloud alternately. 
Thus happily passed his time, 
diverted by the pleasing care of 
Mr. Fox, whose only study. was 
his ease, and whom he repaid 
by the tenderest attention. Here 
he planned a final retirement from 
public life, for which purpose he is 
said to have penned a farewel 
address to the electors of Westmin- 
ster, and here he began the histori- 
cal work which is now in the press. 
He was, however, called with 
renovated vigour tc the discussion 
of overtures for peace made. by 
France on the appointment of her 
first consul. | He also attended with 
particular zeal to the motion for an 
inquiry into the state of the nation, 
made by Mr. Grey, in March, 
1801. 
In the year 1801, internal tumults 
had ceased, and an union with Ireland 
was suddenly brought about on ex- 
pectations never yet realised; to 
which Mr. Fox opposed his efforts. 
Mr. Pitt and his party soon after re- 
tired: Mr. Addington was pre- 
vailed upon to accept the vacant 
helm, and cong¢luded the peace of 
Amiehs, which seemed to have been 
made for. the purpose of being 
broken, 
‘No sooner, however, had Mr. 
Fox again emerged from retirement, 
than new wounds. were inflicted on 
his sensibility. His grace the duke 
of 
