TESTIMONIAL TO PROFESSOR MORTON. 299 
been to him a stimulus to continued exertions ; and although 
he could not now say that this expression of their kindness 
should excite him to an increase of his efforts, yet this he would 
say, that the same course of conduct which had called forth this 
munificent expression of their feelings towards him, should 
be still persevered in. He accepted their present with grati- 
tude ; and cold and flinty must that heart be which is not 
warmed by a manifestation such as this. It has been well 
said by Buchanan, that “ the acts of young men are sincere 
and honest, for they are not yet contaminated by the ways of 
the world, nor have they learned to dissimulate and play the 
hypocrite.” From him they could expect but little in re- 
turn. His was, perhaps, the least esteemed, but it was not 
the least important division of their studies. There was much 
that remained as yet hidden in its benefits to them, for it 
was in their after life that they would appreciate the value 
of the principles now inculcated by him. 
“To you, Mr. Chairman,” Mr. Morton continued, “my 
best thanks are due for the courteous manner in which you 
have expressed the sentiments of your fellow-students towards 
me, and I would that I merited all that you have been 
pleased to say. I have also to thank you for your con- 
sideration in consulting my wishes respecting the nature of 
the testimonial. And this leads me to add a few words as to 
the character of the presents it has been my good fortune to 
witness made here, both to my colleagues and to myself, which 
have always been judiciously chosen and gratifying. They 
have consisted either of scientific and useful articles, or been 
connected with the refreshing beverages of tea and coffee. 
There have been no punch-bowls, nor drinking-cups, no claret- 
jugs, nor wine-coolers, no symbols of conviviality, but rather 
those of sociality. Now what influence the ladies have had 
here I cannot take upon myself to say — - 
Those dear delightful tyrants, to whose sway 
All must submit themselves in this our day, 
Altlio’ they said ‘ Love, honour, and obey .’ 
But my brother professors are all married men, and they, per- 
haps, will inform you ! Yet this I know, I labour under a 
great disadvantage here. I cannot tell you how your hand- 
some present will be handed down as an heirloom in my 
family ; how prized it will be by those I love ; how, when 
morn unbars the golden East, or day dies like a dolphin, its 
last fair colours, “ purest, brightest, best or should it be 
in winter time, when night has early curtained in the day, 
