The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-06-05
Ts,nvson in tho Prime OF Life.

Alta somewhat later date Tennyson stayed
for a while with the Cornish poet, ana hlucn
can Mr.. Stokes relate OF the laureate as ne
anneared in his prime Of MANHOOD, quiet ana
unassuming in manner ana llttle khoNh ~ l"V
great world of letters He was shortsighted
even then. though his affection would not APP
near 10 have seriously Increased WIN an ahO-
Ing years. Even then he could see hOtnlns
without glasses. His fine black eyes were
then brilliant as ever they were.
Tennvson was never one for devotlng much
time and attention 10 dress. AS an old man
of eigbfv.three be wears the most negiIge OF
sun-dved cloaks, with big wideawake nat
under which his black eyes still sparkle WIN
eubdued bril!iancy. lie Is now splehulu
man for his wears, as he was IN 1913. But MS
dress never rose above the slOHenly. Now
that he has grown old in years he has SIN tDe
love for walking that he had when ne fisIueu
Cornwall, and his pipe-a black duueeh-
his Great friend-eyer faithful and true, anu
seldom parted from his lips Tor any very ioh5
period. Once in Cornwall he lOst MS PIP.
but the lady who found 1t 50 treasurer neI
nrize that he would not restore II. Ills DaDlts
we're of The simplest, though strange hc
would be down TO dinner punciuah1 az
o,cock OF an afternoon, and he was visible
from that time until he went 10 bed carry VI
late theLeXt morning. MeanW ME, ne Nous"
be discussing all subjects that appealeo 70 ui9
active and imaginative brain. W hen ne Oaoe
farewell for the night he entered his room ana
was not seen again until dinner next day 20
his STAY In Cornwall was passed. lie dranA
sherry and he smoked continuously. lie was
never without the black dudeen, when MS
friends have come 10 recognize as part ana
parcel OF the man. 49,,
While thus quietly, lazily lying on the
stream Of life being gently CARED FORWARD, ~
was engaged in writing that grand euiogy 10
his dead friend, Arthur Hallam, the son OF me
historian. lie had just written some OF d ms
earlier published poems, among them Inc
Princess and In 1870 was published I'm
Nemoriam.D of which he must have written
some part in MIR. stokes house at Truro.
Meanwhile. though engaged on this master
piece. he was the best of company lie was
ALWAYS ready for discussion. Curlously
enough, he was some time III doubt as 70
Robert Browning's claims as a great poet; Oh
if he had made up his mind, his opinion was
not favorable On one occasion he asked Mr.
stokes, What DO you think OF Browning
10 which he got answer, II would rather
susDepd Judgment. What do you Think
Il would rather not say" answered the future
laureate. He was great admirer OF Burns
aud Gray. He once said The latters "Liegy
in a Churchyardn he would rather nave
written than any poem in The language.
lie had, indeed, strong liking for Gray,
and classed him and Burns as the two greatest
lyTic poets OF any age or country. lie much
loved some of Burns history. He would
linger afectonately over the recital Of I'VE
Banks and Braes OF Bonny Doom" and was
delighted with some Of the scotch poet songs
which the late Mrs. Stokes used 10 sing, But
before all Tennyson placed his Bible. lie mad
also a great liking Tor Dante's Inferno ana
knew ii line for line. lie would boast III his
pleasant way that if any one read one line ne
could give the next from memory. Ana nc
invariably did it.-Leeds Mercury.