244 MEMOIR OF GEORGE WILSON. CHAP. IX. 



expected hours of lassitude and seasons of depression in 

 one who had suffered so much, and was still suffering. 



" And when he came among us, there was nothing in his 

 external appearance to destroy the impression. An invalid, 

 physically speaking, he certainly was ; the marks of weak- 

 ness were on him, and the very texture of his small hand 

 betrayed unusual delicacy. I almost trembled at the thought 

 of such a man being exposed to the excitement and fatigue 

 of London at that busy time. I expected day after day to 

 see him return from the Great Exhibition thoroughly worn 

 out and exhausted in body and mind. But no ; the spring 

 and elasticity of his nature were such that he never seemed 

 tired. From morning to night, abroad or at home, the same 

 cheery spirit possessed him, the same wonderful readiness for 

 everything which presented itself. If he felt fatigue, he 

 never showed it in any other way than by keeping quietly in 

 an arm-chair after his return from the Exhibition ; but even 

 then he had not the attitude of one taking rest, but the 

 lively, playful, emotional manner of a man thoroughly re- 

 freshed and at ease. 



" The life that was in him seemed to triumph over all 

 bodily infirmities; it gushed out in kindly thoughts and 

 words, and happy turns of expression, which enlivened all 

 around him. There were those present during his visit who 

 had endured recent and severe affliction, yet they never 

 found anything discordant in his mirth ; it was so genial, so 

 tender of the infirmity of others ; so considerate and for- 

 bearing towards all mankind. And this life which was in 

 him manifested itself, not only to those who could appreciate 

 it fully, and who could admire the aptitude of his illustra- 

 tions, and the quaint humour of his retorts ; but it was 

 poured out freely and generously on others, who must have 

 been less sensible of its value ; on young persons and 



