Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-11-19

employing himself I'M little Offices such as the |
deceased used to do, or which he thought would |
be agreeable to him if alive. Again he would |
attempt to console Mrs. Burke, whose destrac-
ton Of mind, not less deep, though less violent
than bis own, would admit of no alienation but
frequent and alarming burst of tears, regretting
in tho intervals that slight hurt she had re-
ceival few days previously had not terrnina-
ted in her own death, sooner than live to witness
the extinction of all her hopes.-Her husband
frequently wished her to quit the melancholy
scene, but she repeatedly refused:-"No, Ed
mund,' was the reply, ''as long as he remains
here, iii remain here" at length, however,
gvingw way to the persuasions of several friends,
she nhwillingly quilted the house previous to
the funeral.
The son thus deeply larnentcd had always
conducted himself with so much flial duty and
affection towards both parents, and more espe-
cially in soothing the unavoidable irritations to
which his father was subjected by incessant &C.
cupation in public affairs, to sharpen the ma
turai feelings of sorrow of the parent, by re-
lccting that he had also lost councillor and n
friend. Their confidence on all subjects was
even more unreserved than commonly prevails
between father and son, and their esteem for
each other higher. The son looked to the ia
theras of the first, if not the very first cha
racter in history; the father had formed the very
highest opinion of the talents of the son, and
among his friends rated them superior to his
own; he had enlarged the house at Beaconsfeld
for his particular pursuits and accommodation;
he consulted him for some years before his death
on almost every subject, whether of public or
private nature, that occurred, and very often
followed his Judgment in preference to his own
where they happened to differ; he possessed i've
~ parts, much knowledge, and irmness and de-
cision of mind.
The loss of such companion and Confdant,
the unexpected and irrencdiable destruction of
the hopes entertained of his advancement and
fame, and as the only remaining child, the con-
sequent extinction of the hopes of descendants
TO continue name, was naturally felt with ex-
cessIve pOIgnaucy. 1t shook his frame indeed
to its centre, although without the slightest eff
feet on his intellectual energies, his bodily pow
ers rapidly declined. He never afterwards
could bear 10 look towards Bcacons6eld church,
the place of his iuterment, nor was he perhaps
for any length of time ever absent from his mind
except svhcn engaged in literary composition,
wmch therefore became rather relief than a
labor. The late Bishop of Meath (O'Bierne)
used TO say that the m 1t time, he had an oppor-
tunfy of seeing him after the melancholy event,
he ga shocked to observe the change which it
hat NT'ducad IN his appearance and his coun-
t>ihhce displayed places of decay and of men,
| tal,nguish, his chest was obviously much sunk
and altogether exhibited the appearance of one
boFed down both 10 frame and i'll spirit with af-
i1ition.
"A report, under the guise of seeming precau-
tIon and secrecy, reached his friends in town.
tl.t he was afflicted with such total alienation of
mind, as to wander about his park, during the
diy, kissing his COWS and horses, circumstances
which II true, would be more than is daily done
BY many honest farmers and stable boys, with
Int any imputaion of wandering of the wits.
H. which, with MIR. Burke's warm affection
towards the deaf and dumb, as well as the speak
Ing members of his establishment, would have
been no great matter for wonder, he having in
hct, some favourite cows switch chiefly graZed
bear the house. A man of rank however, left
london instantly, 10 learn the particulars, and
vas received in the usual manner of an old friend
without observing anv perceptible change; not
quite satisfied with this, yetdeemingit indecorous
IN ask questions on the subject he adyerted in
conversation to public circumstances, and to the
probable train of any new studies of his host;
wien the latter. unsuspicous OF the drift of the
visitor, produced some of the most eloquent and
ably urged passages which he was then writing
from the letters on Regicide Peace. Convinc-
ed now of his information being erroneous, ifnot
malicious, he limited to Mrs. Burke the main
purport of his journey, when he received the
detail of the following singular and affecting in
cident, which probably formed the foundation for
the story, though it had tlrven marvelousy in
piC Journey lTOtil DcaCOnSHelu 10 LONDON.
A feeble old horse, which had been a great
favourite with the Junior Mr. Burke, and his
constant companion in all rural journeyings and
sports, when both were alike healtbful and vi
gorous, was now IN his age, and on the death OF
his master, turned out to take the run of the
park for the remainder of his life at case, with
strict mJunctions TO the servants that he should
neither be ridden nor molested by any one.
While walking one day in solitary nusing, MIR.
Burke perceived this worn out old servant
come close up to him, and at length, after some
moments spent In viewing him, followed by seem.
| ing recollection and confidence, deliberately
rested his head upon his bosom. The singrI.-;
ty OF the action itself, the remembrance Of his
dead son, ITS late master, who occupied much
! OF his thoughts at all times, and the apparent
attachment and almost intelligence of the poor
brute, as If it could sympathise with his inward
sorrows, rushing at once into mind totally over
powered his flrmness, and, throwing his arms
over its neck, he wept long and loudly.
pretty piece by Reinagle, delineating the hous,
aud grounds represents MIR. Burke i'm front of tn.
mansion patting favofite COW, and his lady and q
female friend walking at little distance.
A HIGHLAND INN.
From DR.. JM'Cuiieh's 'sIfiglilands and U-esfr, Is
lands Of Scotland, in Letters TO SIR Waltfr Scott
Bart.
VI wish could speak of the inns at Czlander, a,
! have spoken of that at Dollar; but It is a mixed
world inns and all, and we must taxi it as il comes
misook the golden head over tn, door for that Of
Gaen or HipPocfates; if it is nosyours, il ought tc
be, for the owner is certainly more indebted yot
than to either of these wo,thies, any merits o.