Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1858-09-24

had gone mad and the fact that was stated in
support of this rumor was that he went round
his park kissing his COWS and horses A friend,
q man Of rank and influence, hearing this story.
and deemiDg it of too much importance TO be-
left uncorrscted, hastened down to Beacon
fields, and sought an interview with the view
OF ascertaining the truth Of the rumor. Enter
ing into conversation with him, Mr. Burke
read to him some chapters from his " Letters
on the kegicide." His friend Immediately saw
that though the earthly tenement was verging
back to its native dust, the lamp of reason and
genius shone within with undimished lustre.
He was accordingly more than satisfied as to
the object Of his coming down, and in private
interview with Mrs. Burke told her whatbe had
come for, and received from her this pathetic
explanation Mr.. Burke's only child, beloved
son, had not long before died, leaving behind
MIN favorite old horse, the companion of his
excursions Of business and pleasure when both
were young and vigorous. I his favorite animal
was, OF course, turned out by Mr. Burke, the
father, INTO the park, with directions to all his
servants that he should in every respect be
treated as privileged favorite. Mr. Burke
himself, OF course, in his morning walks, would
often stop to caress the favorite animal. On
one occasion, as he was taking his morning
walk through the park he perceived the poor
old animal at a distance, and noticed that
he was recognised by him. The horse drew
nearer and nearer to Mr., Burke, stopped, eyed
him with the most pleading look of recognition,
which said, as plainly as words could have
said, - have lost him too" and then the
poor dumb beast deliberately laid his head
upon Mr.. Burke's bosom. Struck by the sim
gularity OF the occurrence, and by the recoI.
lection OF his son, whom he had never ceased
TO mourn with grief that would not be COM
forted, overwhelmed by the tenderness of the
snimal, expressed in the mute eloquence of
holy Natures universal language, the illus.
trisus statesman tor a moment lost his self
possession, and clasping his arms around the
neck OF his sons favorite animal lifted up that
voice which had caused the arches of West
minister Hall to echo the noblest strains that
ever sounded within them, and wept aloud
Sir, this was seen, this was heard by the
passers-by, and the enemies of Burke, unap-
Peased by his advancing years, by his failing
health, by his domestic sorrows. made it the
ground of a charge of insanity. Burke is
gone; but sir, so help me Heaven, if I were
called upon to designate the event or the pe
Rod IN Burke's life that would best sustain
charge of insanity, it would not be when, in
gush OF the holiest and purest feeling that ever
stirred the human heart, he wept aloud on the
neck of dead sons favorite horse. But, sir,
1t should be when, at the meridian of his fame,
when the orb of his imperial genius rode high
est In the heavens, amidst the SCOTS of crin2inp
courtiers, and the sneers of hireling patriots,
he debased his glorious powers to the scramb-
lings of the day, and,
Born for the universe, narrowed his mind,
And to party gave up what was meant for man.
kind.
cloud and prolonged cheering) Mr.. Presi-
dent, ladies, and gentlemen / have only to
renew my acknowledgements for the kindness
with which you have been pleased to receive
me, and to express my best wishes for the con-
tinued success Of your most useful and patri-
otic undertaking. Enthusiastic applause.)