New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1872-09-20
THE ALDINF.

The October AlGiRe, with its usual attractive
variety Of admirable illustrations including the Castle
OF Mlran" Blood Money" Preston Ponds" Temple
OF Canova" "The Hills Of Ncw-England," and Others
has more than its usual abundance OF Interesting read
ing matter, most Of it original. \ curious paper by
January Searle perhaps less historical than romantic,
gives an account ola last Visit TO Leigh Hunt" in
which the veteran poet made to talk good deal Of
nonsense in the most charming manner. 10 about
twenty years ago. at which time Mr. Hunt living IN q
modest but snguary picturesque cottage at Hammer
smith, There was the nest possible garden IN front,
which bossomcd with the usual English garden
flowers in great profuson. The windows were
ovcrhung with honcysuckles, and large red
clusters of beautiful monthly roses looked
lovingly through the pancs, and dropped in
festoons over the reiswor round the door, Upon the
wndow-edge inside were several noworpots tasoiully
arranged and delightful in their color and greenery"
The tenderh hearted bard about seventytwO years
old and as sat upright in his chair arrayed in long,
dark gown gaberdine, with a large cape over his
shoulders fastened by tasseed cord front his
gray hair parted in the middle, and with smile
upon his face which seemed 10 GOD bless you TO
everybody presented picture Of comey and venerable
age which could not but pleasngly impress the fancy
THE writer was accompanied on his visit by Of the
most beautiful women in London who cherished great
enthusiasm for Mr.. Hunt and wished TO shake hands
with the dear old man." she said, "before
be went over TO the immortals." The scene
which followed the introduction be de-
scrbed in no words but those OF the writer
"And as he had recovered his breath and self
possession, after she had magnetzed him with her
glorious black eyes, he SAID with his generosity
and kindly sympathy and strong desire 70 confer pleas
ure upon all with whom he in cOntact-'I 50
heartily wish you had been here half hour sooner Mr.
seare for should then have had the pleasure OF intro
ducng you OF the most charming, witty, genial,
and scholarly men Of letters, American born aud eu-
Gated that IL has been my good luck TO with. And
when tell you that aludo 10 less a person than
James Russell Lowell, the great American poet that is
going to be- your regret WILL have doubt be as great
mine. His volume Of poems, just reprinted in this
country Is the best introduction he could have for the
present cultivated English society," and he will become
Yankee classic, 1 Judge of the poetic
ichor.'" Mr. Hunt then took flying review OF " the
chiefs OF Fourth Estate in America" always plaster
ing mis- absurd criticisms with many gooduatured
saving clauses so that it almost good TO be
snubbed to be glorihed by him." Among his precious
oracular uterances the announcement that Ban
croft the embodiment Of Caryle's 'Dryasdust;'"
Emerson purloner OF other mems thoughts examining
his Unsuitable nav" with Plato and Plotinus, Bacon,
Montaigne and Goethe, Coerdge, and Carlyle, whose
chief originality consisted in the setting OF the
stolen jewels which is often surprise OF art" Prescott
ga drawingroom Apollo and Beau Brummci OF
historic composition" The visit was brought to IA
grand finale which Mr. January scarle describes with
tender junction. in keeping with the occasion. When
we leaving, 1 think 1t was the lady before
spoken Of with many bushes and excuses whispered
me that she should co like 10 kiss the uoefs
hand-that dear hand, she SAID, which con
nected with Byron aud Shelley Keats and Colrridse
Lamb and Sir Walter Scott, and all the great men aud
Of the first half Of the nineteenth century. 80
told Mr. Hunt in the most gentle and loving words
could find what the wish OF the lady And he with
high courty breeding OF the poet, and the smallest
possible confusion OF voice manner, eaid: Nay
Madam IL would indeed do me too much honor. But
allow the privilege Of old and poet By per
milling me TO kiss your hand instead Aud accoIupa-
nyDg the words with the action be took her snow white