^T. 83.] KNIGHTHOOD. 397 



tainments could see his deep humility, which, as Montgomery 

 so finely sings in the hymn that was my dear mother's greatest 

 favourite, is " nearest the Throne." 



A few days before this date it had been rumoured 

 that Joseph Prestwich's name was one of those in the 

 list designated for New Year's honours, and two of his 

 old kind friends, of whom Dr H. Woodward was one and 

 Sir Henry Howorth the other, thinking to give him 

 pleasure, wrote to inform him of the report. The news 

 gave him unfeigned pleasure though not on his own 

 account. From weakness which had been alarming he 

 again rallied, and there were even glad symptoms of 

 a little step upward. New Year's morning brought a 

 confirmation of the rumour that he was one of those 

 upon whom her Majesty bestowed the honour of 

 knighthood. One of the earliest telegrams received 

 was from Sir John Evans with hearty congratulations, 

 and " this will help Sir Joseph's convalescence," the 

 words bringing a bright smile to the invalid's face. 

 Throughout the day messages kept arriving from 

 attached friends, each one giving heartfelt pleasure. 



But after a few months it was plain that the im- 

 provement was not maintained, that on the contrary 

 there was the almost imperceptible decline, and that 

 the frail life hung upon a thread. Yet with that dis- 

 tressingly low pulse there was no actual pain a 

 mercy for which those who looked on could not be too 

 thankful. 



" But, my gentle sisters, my brothers, 

 These thick-sown snowflakes hint of toil's release ; 

 These feebler pulses bid me leave to others 

 The tasks once welcome: Evening asks for peace." 



All that the best and kindest medical skill could 

 devise was brought to bear upon his case. Dr Bury 



