BLACK. 351 



ample testimony even to his generous nature. While 

 he lived at Glasgow he lost three-fourths of his fortune 

 by the failure of a house in which it was invested ; and 

 though he had foreseen the catastrophe for two years, 

 he neither attempted to withdraw his funds, nor 

 altered in any respect his kind demeanour towards the 

 head of the firm, whom he knew. At Edinburgh he 

 more than once incurred great risks to help friends in 

 business. 



The gradual decay of his strength brought about the 

 extinction of life without pain and without any discom- 

 posure. Professor Robison told me that he was sure 

 nothing could be more agreeable to his illustrious 

 friend's wishes than this end, as nothing was more 

 likely to vex and annoy him than the unavoidable ac- 

 companiments of a protracted illness and a sick-bed. He 

 often indeed expressed a wish that he might be spared 

 this suffering, and that wish was fully gratified. It 

 seemed, said the Professor, as if he waited calmly until 

 the last stroke of his pulse should be given. It is cer- 

 tain that he passed from this life so quietly as not to 

 spill a cup of milk and water (a customary dinner with 

 him) which he at the moment was holding in his hand, 

 and which rested on his knee. His attendants saw him 

 in this posture, and left the room supposing him still 

 alive. On returning soon after they saw him exactly 

 sitting as before, and found that he had expired. 





