iS6 



whose name, talents, and character, would have been 

 honourable to any institution ; it is now our misfor- 

 tune to lament, that Sir William Jones exists 

 but in the affections of his friends, and in the esteem, 

 veneration, and regret of all. 



I cannot, I flatter myself, offer a more grateful 

 tribute to the Society, than by making his character 

 the subject of my first address to you ; and if in the 

 delineation of it, fondness or affection for the man 

 should appear blended with my reverence for his 

 genius and abilities, in the sympathy of your feelings 

 I shall find my apology. 



To define, with accuracy, the variety, value, and 

 extent of his literary attainments, requires more 

 -learning than I pretend to possess ; and I am there- 

 fore to solicit your indulgence for an imperfect sketch, 

 rather than expect your approbation for a complete 

 description, of the talents and knowledge of your late 

 and lamented President. 



I shall begin with mentioning his wonderful 

 capacity fcr the acquisition of languages., which has 

 never been excelled, fri Greek and Roman litera- 

 ture, his early proficiency was the subject of admi- 

 ration and applause, and knowledge of whatever 

 nature, once obtained by him, was ever afterwards 

 progressive. The more elegant dialects of modern 

 Europe, the French, the Spanish, and the Italian, 

 he spoke and wrote with the greatest fluency and pre- 

 cision ; and the German and Portuguese were familiar 

 to him. At an early period of life his application to 

 oriental literature commenced : he studied the He- 

 hew with ease and success; and many of the most 



learned 



