CHAP. VI.] SCHOLAR OF TRINITY. 169 



metaphysical discussions, there were Shakespeare 

 readings, of which he was an auditor sometimes, if 

 not an actor in them. 



Whilst speaking of these side-sparks from his anvil, 

 it is right to keep in view the loyal and trustful spirit 

 in which he did his regularly-appointed work. His 

 words on this subject in one of the letters to Miss 

 Cay, which will be given presently, are well worthy 

 of separate quotation here : 



" Trin. Coll., 7th June 1853. 



" If any one asks how I am getting on in Mathematics, 

 say that I am busy arranging everything, so as to be able to 

 express all distinctly, so that examiners may be satisfied 

 now, and pupils edified hereafter. It is pleasant work, and 

 very strengthening, but not nearly finished." 



As became his kindliness, he was still mindful of the 

 freshmen. Amongst these, Alexander Eobertson, now 

 Sheriff of Forfarshire, the brother of Charles, and Frank 

 Mackenzie, were Scotsmen and compatriots. Another 

 junior with whom he became still more intimate was 

 "Freshman Tayler," 1 so called, though now a junior 

 Soph., in contradistinction to Isaac Taylor. Like 

 Frank Mackenzie and others who have been men- 

 tioned, Freshman Tayler was of pious evangelical 

 antecedents. Maxwell's own thoughts at this time, as 

 has been seen, were taking a more decidedly religious 

 colour, and this side also of his rich and deep nature 

 received a fresh impulse in this critical year. 



He had been persuaded to spend the short interval isss. 

 between the summer and vacation terms with the 



1 The Rev. G. W. H. Tayler, now Vicar of Trinity Church, Carlisle. 



