312 JOHN DUNCAN, WEAVER AND BOTANIST. 



To John, truly 



" Better than such discourse, did silence long, 

 Long barren silence, square with his desire." 



To him also in his lonely life, as to the poet, with special 

 emphasis, books were 



" A substantial world, both pure and good : 

 Round these, with tendrils strong as flesh and blood, 

 His pastime and his happiness did grow. 

 There found he themes, a plenteous store, 

 Matter wherein right voluble he was." 



