2 1 6 E/SEN B V PERSE VE RANGE. 



as it was in other countries that literature was a dignified 

 profession, by which any man might stand or fall. I made 

 a compact with myself that in my person literature should 

 stand, and by itself, of itself, and for itself; and there is 

 no consideration on earth which would induce me to break 

 that bargain.' When on this course of readings, his health 

 broke down, and he was obliged to retire from the platform 

 for a time in order to recruit. He was able on the 27th 

 August to attend the dinner given by the London Rowing 

 Club to the crews of Oxford and Harvard Universities ; and 

 on the 27th of September following, he delivered the annual 

 address at the commencement of the winter session of the 

 Birmingham and Midland Institute. In order to avoid the 

 frequent journeys to and from Gad's Hill, for six months 

 he rented a house in Hyde Park Place, where a consider- 

 able portion of his unfinished novel Edwin Drood was written. 

 His last reading took place at St. James' Hall, London, on 

 the 15th of March 1870, and consisted of the 'Christmas 

 Carol,' and ' The Trial ' from Pickwick. The hall was 

 crowded in every part, having been filled as soon as the 

 doors were open, and thousands were unable to find admit- 

 tance. His reading was even more spirited and energetic 

 than ever, and his voice was clear to the last. When the 

 applause at the conclusion had subsided, Dickens spoke as 

 follows : — ' I>adies and gentlemen, — It would be worse than 

 idle, for it would be hypocritical and unfeeling, if I were to 

 disguise that I close this episode in my life with feelings 

 of very considerable pain. For some fifteen years, in this 

 hall and in many kindred places, I have had the honour of 

 presenting my own cherished ideas before you for your re- 

 cognition, and, in closely observing your reception of them. 



