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His visits to Europe and his domestic bereavements were 
all reflected in his poems. If they could not claim him as 
the greatest of poets, his songs were of indescribable sweetness. 
There was not the imperial stateliness of Milton about him, 
nor the brilliant felicity of Shelley, nor the penetration and 
lucidity of Byron, nor yet the lyrical fire of Burns ; but the 
music of his poetry is like the melody of some crystal stream 
from the mountains making the valley smile with delight. 
He has spoken in musical speech of “ primeval forests,” the 
domestic affections, the charm of children, the loneliness of 
nature and of simple lowly faith. He may fairly be called 
the people’s poet. 
Among the poems cited as illustrations of his work and 
spirit were “ The Village Blacksmith ” (a chair from the 
“ spreading chestnut tree ” having been presented to him on 
his 72nd birthday by the school children of Cambridge), 
the “ Psalm of Life,” the “ Arrow in the Air,” “ My Lost 
Youth,” “ Voice of Lapland Song,” etc. Our poet was almost 
entirely destitute of humour, but in the “ Courtship of Miles 
Standish ” they had his nearest approach to the humorous. 
He worked up to the last, was never known to leave a 
letter unanswered, never too much occupied to see a visitor, 
and never, so long as he could write, to refuse an autograph. 
The Lecturer was assisted by the Brunswick Choir, who 
sang at intervals “ Oh, gladsome Light,” “ Good-night, 
Beloved.” “ The Reaper and the Flowers ” was given by 
Mrs. Herbert ; and “ The Village Blacksmith ” by Mr. Allison. 
The favourite “ Excelsior ” was given as a chorus by the 
choir, and Mr. Mosedale sang “ Onaway, awake, beloved.” 
Mr. Joseland presided and at the close a very hearty vote 
of thanks was accorded to the Lecturer and singers, the 
evening having been a most enjoyable one. 
