•M4 MEMOIE OF JOHN WELSON. 



we forced him to sit still, and never dream of lecturing that day or 

 for a time. He was very reluctant to consent. I remember too that 

 we spoke of calling a cab, but he said ' No,' it would shake him too 

 much. In about half-an-hour he walked home. We announced to 

 the class what had taken place, and very sore our hearts were. I 

 think the Professor remained away three weeks, and on his return 

 expressed glowingly and touchingly his gratitude to ' his dear 

 young friends.' " 



This was his last year of public labor. The whole session had 

 been one of toil to him, and the exertions he made to compass his 

 work could not be concealed. 



His last Medallist says :* — 



" The end -did not come till his work for that session was done. 

 On Friday he distributed prizes, and heard the students read their 

 essays ; taking particular interest in those of one gentleman who, 

 with great ability, attacked his whole system, and of another who 

 fancied that he had discovered a via media between the two great 

 factions. Then he dismissed us, and the cheers and plaudits of his 

 class rang in his ear for the last time. On Monday I called to get 

 his autograph on one of my books ; but the blow had already to 

 some extent fallen, for he was unable even to write his name. Twice 

 after this I saw him, at his own request, and always on the subject 

 of his lectures ; for he was bent on what he called a ' reconstruction' 

 of his theory for the ensuing session ; while it was but too plain to 

 those around him that he was not likely to see the College again. 

 The old lion sat in his arm-chair, yellow-maned and toothless, pre- 

 lecting with the old volubility and eloquence, and with occasionally 

 the former flash of the bright blue eye, soon drooping into dullness 

 again. I still remember his tremulous ' God bless you!' as the door 

 closed for the last time. How different from that fresh and vigorous 

 old age in which he had moved among us so royally the year before !" 



The relaxation of summer holidays brought no satisfactory im- 

 provement in his health. The truth lay heavy on his spirit — that 

 the usefulness of his life was drawing to its close. Day by day some 

 strength went out of him, and he must bid farewell to " his children," 

 as he was wont to call his students. The freshness of his glory was 

 no longer in him ; " the bow was not renewed in his hand." Long 

 and mournful meditation took possession of him ; days of silence re- 



* Mr. Taylor Innes. 



