XXII 



Life and writings of Count Mumford. 



The character of Count Rumford app 



have iinderg 



changes at differenf periods of his life, which are not unusual iu 

 men passing through the different grades of consideration iu so- 

 ciety. In youth, while his ambition was flattered, and the prospects 

 of honorable life were expanding before him; his deportment 

 was marked by affability and condescension, suavity of address, 



d conciliating 



I* 



manners. As his elevation in life advanced, and 

 his situation became more consequential ; his demeanor was au- 

 thoritative, and a regard for the feelings and interests of others 

 became a less prominent part of his character. Though never in- 

 different to fame, he disregarded the personal esteem of those with 



he was connected, and separated under unfavourabl 



cir- 



4.1 



cumstances from acquaintance of his earlier years, from institutions 

 he had found.ed, and from the nearest connexions of domestic life. 



f manner, and 



His last years were marked by an austerity < 

 inflexible pertinacity of opinion and conduct. He had b 

 counted on the gratitude of mankind, and believed that a 

 could not long be honoured in the place of his residence. It 



aa 



man 



perhaps fortunate for him that the 



of self-respect never 



\' 



deserted him with any change of popular or individual regard 



It is enough for hs that he has laboured with assiduity and 

 success for the noblest of temporary objects, the extension of sci- 



and the welfare of mankind 



When the blemishes of pri 



vate life are exceeded and eclipsed by important public 



does not become the recorders of posthumous character to intrud 



them upon the light, or by dwelling on them, to ej 



deformity. Few characters can bear the ordeal of 



ny. Few men have risen to the highest stations in society with 



their 



of policy a£d vigilant self-love 



; 



without some- 



/ 



