195 
1821.] Some Account of the Poet Cunningham . 
important and interesting occasion, 
more especially having been one of only 
three; but perhaps if there had been 
mauy, the Emperor would not have 
felt the same unreserved freedom. For 
many days I seemed as though I had 
been exposed to a blaze of light, so 
powerfully was I impressed with the 
dignified, yet unaffected, humble, and 
pious countenance, manner, and ex¬ 
pression, of that truly great Prince, who 
seems indeed to have been walking on 
the light, and to be filled with the love 
of truth and goodness. In him the power 
and law of the Almighty are eminently 
displayed; for how can we see a frail 
mortal, who, in the midst of worldly 
glory, and almost adored by surround¬ 
ing multitudes, instead of being puffed 
up with it, is, with the spirit of ail 
humble Christian, triumphing over 
pride and vanity. How can one see a 
human creature who has been nursed 
up in the lap of despotism, and that 
in the midst of dark superstition, and 
y$t filled with light ? How can one 
see this, without being at the same 
time sensible of the beauty and truth 
of our Saviour's assurance ? 44 With 
God all things are possible”—it has 
indeed been a lesson which I earnestly 
desire may not be thrown away upon 
me, and which I hope may have a be¬ 
neficial effect upon many. 
I must not omit just mentioning, 
that being spoken to on the subject of 
the slave trade, the Emperor unequivo¬ 
cally declared his sense of the enormity 
of it, saying of the Africans, 44 they are 
our brethren, and are like ourselves.” 
He also expressed himself in a very 
satisfactory manner, as to the part he 
had taken to get it abolished. The 
following account was communicated 
to Ann Wacey, by Stephen Grissette, 
personally : 
Stephen Grissette, remarking to the 
Emperor the satisfaction of his having 
such a sister, the Emperor replied, 44 It 
is, indeed. She is the gift of Heaven, 
for she is sensible of the influence of the 
Divine principle on her own heart; it 
is no use to speak to those who have 
not felt it.” On hearing S. G, relate 
some particulars of his own life, he 
mentioned, 44 1 consider you as safely 
landed, whilst I have to combat with 
troubles and difficulties, and am sur¬ 
rounded with temptations. Why don’t 
some of your people visit my country ? 
If any do, don’t make applications to 
others, but come immediately to me ; 
1 promise you protection, and every as¬ 
sistance in my power.” 
He made many enquiries respecting 
the principles of Friends, and said, 44 I 
am one with you in sentiment respect¬ 
ing the spirituality of your worship.” 
Enquired how they passed their time— 
whether they were consistent and happy 
in domestic life ? On being told how 
they divided the day, he remarked, 
44 It is the most mature, and such as I 
should like—not as many who spend 
so much time in drinking wine, which 
is below the dignity of man.” Asked 
if Friends had any colleges for the edu¬ 
cation of their young men ?—thought 
it would be better if they had; and 
enquired if any went to Oxford or 
Cambridge without they would adopt 
the costume and speaking of prayer ? 
He said, 44 1 pray daily—not in any form, 
but as I am animated by the Divine 
principle in my own heart.” 
On taking leave of S. G.. he said, 
44 Take my hand as a friend and a bro¬ 
ther. I have had great satisfaction in 
this interview, and hope, when parted, 
we shall often think of each other.” 
In giving this account, S. G. said, no 
words could convey the fullness of his 
satisfaction in having paid this visit. I 
believe I may truly call him the 
Christian Prince. 
To the Editor of the Monthly Magazine . 
SIR, 
URING my residence at New¬ 
castle, I was induced to visit the 
tomb of the poet Cunningham, who 
lies buried in St. John’s Church-yard, 
close by the side of his friend and pa¬ 
tron, the late Mr. Slack. I was sorry 
to perceive his monument had suffered 
considerably, having two or three fis¬ 
sures in it, besides its having sunk 
considerably on one side. 1 had just 
been reading Carey’s harmonious tri¬ 
bute to his memory; it was compli¬ 
mentary, but his genius deserved it, 
for surely of all those who have at¬ 
tempted the liacknied lays of pastoral 
poetry, no one, for fidelity of sketch, 
easy flow of metre, and tasteful sim¬ 
plicity of language, can equal the en¬ 
chanting muse of our British Theocri¬ 
tus, Cunningham. As I stood by his 
modest Shrine, I could net help enthu¬ 
siastically exclaiming. 
And steepest thou here, sweet Bard, so 
mild, 
Whom gentlest themes did once inspire; 
Thou who wert Nature’s genuine child, 
Unmarr’d by Art’s false tones, thy lyre. 
His poem of 44 Day,” contains such 
a selection of happily expressed images, 
that like the paintings of the unfortu¬ 
nate 
