The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1847-10-02
George Dyer and Lamb.

"Thc late George Dyer, referred to by Mr.
Southcy, WAS an University man who cNcr-
cIscd his talents chiefly in writing for the pc
riodicals. Ills chiefWort. wa, The History
Of the Halls aud Colleges of Cambridge lie
published also several small works. The po-
en-, referred to above, was complimentary,
in which he noticed most of his literary
friends. The way in which lie brought in
the author of the pleasures of Memory,' was
very properly putting wit before wealth,
WAS born banker, and then rose a bard
George Dyer was sincere, and had great
simplicity of manners, so that he was favor
tic with all his friends. No man in London
encouraged so much as he did, Bloomfield,
the author ofthe Farmers Boy and lac was
equally prepared with kind offices for every
body. He had some old taucics,on of which
was, that men ough, 10 live more spariugly
and drink plenty ofwatcr cruel, BY carrying
tins wholesome prccCpt on one occasion rath-
CT too far, he uuhappily reduced himself to
deaths doOr-Churles Lamb told me, that
having once called OH him, at his room in
Cit!lords Inn, he found little girl with him,
cone of his niccCs,) whom lie was teaching to
sing hymns.
CoIeridgc related to me arather ludicrous
circumstance concerning George Dvcr.which
Charles Lamb had told him the Iass time he
passed through London. Charles Lamb had
heard that George Dyer was very, i'll, aud
fastened TO see him. He found him in an G.
maciated state, shivcring over a few cnhcrS.
'Aln said George, as Lamb entered, 4 am
glad to sec you. You wont have me here
long. | have just written this letter TO my
young nepheWS and nicccs 10 come imnGdi-
ately and take final leave of their uncle.
Lamb found on inquiry, that he had la,terly
been living on water cruel and i low starving
dlct,amd readily dlyiued the cause Of his NAL
aides. Come said Lamb, 4 shall take you
home immediately to my house, and and
my sister will nurse you.' 'Al' said George
Dyer it wont do The hackney coach was
soon at the door, and us the SICK man enter
ed ii, he said 10 Lamb, Alter The address,au
then send the letter with all speed TO the poor
children 4 WILL said Lamb, land at the
same time call the doctor
George Dyer was now seated by Charles
Lambs comfortable fire, while Lamb hasten
cd to his medical friend, and told him that a
worthy man was at his house who had al
most starved himself on water Cruel You
must come said lie, directly, and prescribe
some kitchen STUN, or the poor man will be
dead. lie won't take anything from me; lie
says It's all useless Away both the phun-
tlropists fastened, and Charles Lamb, antic-
ipatng what would be required, furnished
himself on the road with IL pound of beef
steaks. The doctor now entered the room,
pulse and asked him few questions; when
looking grave. he said, 'Siryou are in very
dangerous way i know it, sir, know it,
sir said George Dyer. The DR.. replied, Sir
yours is very peculiar case, and il you do
not implicitly follow my directions. you will
die of atrophy before tomorrow morning. 1t
is the only possible chance of saving your
life. You must directly make Il good meal
of beef steaks, aud drink the best part Of Il
pot of porter
'Tis too late,' said George, 'but I'll eat, III
eat The doctor now withdrew, aud so
nicely had Lamb calculated on results, that
the steaks were all this time broiing on the
fire! and, as though by magic, the doctor had
scarcely left the room, when the steaks aud
the porter were both on the table.
Just as George Dyer had begun voracious-
" TO feast on the steaks, his young ncphows
aud nieccs entered the room crying. Good
bye, my dears,' said George, taking IL deep
draughl at the porter. You won't see me
much longer Alter few mouthfuls OF sa-
worry steuk, he further said, BE good child
rem when am gone Taking another
draught of the porter he continued, mind
yonr books and don't forget your hymns,
we WON'T answered litIe shrill, siIvery
voice from among tho group, we won't dear
uncle He now gave them all parting kiss,
when the children retired in i state OF won
dcrmcnt that 'sici; uncle, should be able to