314 ROBERTSON. 



never the object of such narratives, there be a purpose 

 of obtaining relief. 



His conversation was cheerful, and it was varied. Vast 

 information, copious anecdote, perfect appositeness of 

 illustration, narration or description wholly free from 

 pedantry or stiffness, but as felicitous and as striking 

 as might be expected from such a master great liveli- 

 ness, and often wit and often humour, with a full dis- 

 position to enjoy the merriment of the hour, but the 

 most scrupulous absence of everything like coarseness 

 of any description these formed the staples of his 

 talk. One thing he never tolerated any more than he 

 did the least breach of decorum ; it was among the 

 few matters which seemed to try his temper he could 

 not bear evil speaking, or want of charity. No one was 

 likely ever to wrangle with another before him ; but he 

 always put down at once any attempt to assail the ab- 

 sent. His own nature was singularly charitable and 

 kindly ; he always viewed the conduct of others in the 

 least unfavourable light ; and when he heard any ob- 

 jections urged, he would suggest something that at 

 least left the blame mitigated when it could not be 

 warded off or made doubtful. Of course, this remark 

 applies to cases where the matter was ambiguous, and 

 the general character and conduct were good. No man 

 ever expressed a greater abhorrence of anything plainly 

 bad, or a nobler scorn of anything mean ; and his sen- 

 tence went forth in such cases with an awful and an 

 overpowering force. 



His very decided opinions on all subjects of public 

 interest, civil and religious, never interrupted his 

 friendly and familiar intercourse with those who held 



