AUTOBIOGRAPHY. 47 



poet of Philadelphia, entered the ring. This 

 seeming intrusion on the business of the even- 

 ing somewhat surprised me, while, as I turned 

 towards him, every eye in the vast assembly was 

 fixed on the well-known poet who, cane in hand, 

 advanced towards me. A brief moment of sus- 

 pense ensued, during which the question which 

 ran through every mind was " what does it 

 mean?" Then, amidst the profound silence 

 which prevailed, Mr. Coates held up to view the 

 magnificent, gold-headed cane he carried and, in 

 an eloquent address, presented the elaborately- 

 chased and beautiful testimonial as a memento 

 given by my Philadelphia class. 



The gratification which I experienced in this 

 unexpected compliment may be conceived by 

 my readers but can scarcely be described by 

 my pen. 



Mr. Coates began his address by saying that 



All nations, in all ages, have delighted to honor the meri- 

 torious. The analytic mind of Greece was promoted to 

 the Academy and Groves of that classic land while bright 



