34 THE EULOGY OF RICHARD JEFFERIES. 



Too quick to take offence where none was 

 really intended, he fancied that many bore 

 him ill-will who had scarcely given him a 

 passing thought. He could not forgive the 

 coarse jokes uttered upon his personal appear- 

 ance by men of heavier build, who despised so 

 slender a stripling. 



" He would rather be alone than join their 

 company, and would not compete with them 

 in any of their sports, so that, when his 

 absence from the arena was noticed, ifc was 

 attributed to weakness or cowardice. These 

 imputations stung him deeply, driving him to 

 brood within himself." 



And this is Oliver : 



" Oliver's whole delight was in exercise and 

 sport. The boldest rider, the best swimmer, 

 the best at leaping, at hurling the dart or the 

 heavy hammer, ever ready for tilt or tourna- 

 ment, his whole life was spent with horse, 

 sword, and lance. A year younger than 

 Felix, he was at least ten years physically 

 older. He measured several inches more 

 round the chest ; his massive shoulders and 



