Chapter I: Preface

Reviewing Beattie’s Life of Campbell in the _Quarterly_ in 1849, Lockhart expressed the hope that no one would ever tell Campbell’s story without making due acknowledgment to ‘the best stay of his declining period.’ He would be a bold man who would think of doing so. As well might one expect to write a life of Johnson without the aid of Boswell as expect to tell Campbell’s story without reference to Dr Beattie. In addition to my acknowledgments to him, I have to express my indebtedness to Mr Cyrus Redding’s ‘Reminiscences of Thomas Campbell,’ which, though badly put together, yet contain a mass of valuable information about the poet, especially in his more intimate relations. For the rest I have made considerable use of Campbell’s correspondence, and have, I trust, acquainted myself with all the more important references made to him in contemporary records, and in the writings of those who knew him. To several of my personal friends, particularly to Mr G. H. Ely, I am obliged for hints and helpful suggestions, which I gratefully acknowledge.

J. C. H.

EDINBURGH, _October 1899_.

CONTENTS

PAGE

CHAPTER I

ANCESTRY--BIRTH--SCHOOLDAYS 9

CHAPTER II

COLLEGE AND HIGHLAND TUTORSHIPS 20

CHAPTER III

‘THE PLEASURES OF HOPE’ 36

CHAPTER IV

CONTINENTAL TRAVELS 51

CHAPTER V

WANDERINGS--MARRIAGE--SETTLEMENT IN LONDON 66

CHAPTER VI

POETICAL WORK AND PROSE BOOKMAKING 85

CHAPTER VII

LECTURES AND TRAVELS 99

CHAPTER VIII

CLOSING YEARS 122

CHAPTER IX

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND PLACE AS A POET 141

THOMAS CAMPBELL