of a powerful pre-natal influence; the other, the law of heredity. They have been spoken of, much to the author's chagrin, as "medicated novels." The scenes are laid in New England, the manners of which are portrayed with graphic realism. These novels have been criticised as crude in form; but, in spite of defect in plot, they have been widely read. They will, no doubt, be less read as interest in their main theme declines; but "The Guardian Angel,' the better of the two books, will long be deservedly popular for its humor and wisdom.

537. Writer of Biographies. Holmes did not have much confidence in the biographer's art. "I should like to see," he says in "The Poet at the Breakfast Table," " any man's biography with corrections and emendations by his ghost." But, in spite of this distrust, he wrote two popular biographies, one of Motley, the other of Emerson. Motley was one of his most intimate friends; and it was not unnatural, therefore, that the biography, which was published in 1878, should bear somewhat the character of a tribute. His temperament hardly qualified him for writing the life of Emerson. He was not inclined toward transcendentalism ; and, as he acknowledged, he was a late comer as an admirer of the Concord poet and philosopher." But, as in all his writings, he gave himself conscientiously to the task. A keen analytical spirit took the place of a profound sympathy. The biography, which appeared in 1884, is more satisfactory to the general public than to the students of Emerson. It is interesting, and at times brilliant; but somehow one feels the absence of a perfectly sympathetic treatment.

66

538. Visit to England. - In 1882, after an incumbency of thirty-five years, he resigned his professorship. Four years later he made a visit abroad, spending nearly all his time in England. He was warmly received in London society. "He is enjoying himself immensely," wrote Lowell," and takes as keen interest in everything as he would have done at twenty. I almost envy him this freshness of genius. Everybody is charmed with him, as it is natural they should be." He was honored by the

universities of Edinburgh, Cambridge, and Oxford with degrees. The observations of his brief stay abroad he embodied in Our Hundred Days in Europe."

539. "Over the Teacups." Though now considerably beyond the allotted limit of human life, Holmes did not give up his literary work. In addition to the biography of Emerson, he wrote a third novel, "A Mortal Antipathy," which fell considerably below his previous efforts in that line. "Over the Teacups," a work after the manner of the Breakfast Table series, was written when he had passed his eightieth year. It possesses a pathetic interest. The exuberant wit and brilliancy of his earlier works are largely replaced by the reminiscent soberness of age. “Teacups," he said, " are not coffee-cups. They do not hold so much. Their pallid infusion is but a feeble stimulant compared with the black decoction served at the morning board." Yet it was a pleasure for him to write; it gave him occupation in the loneliness of age, and kept him in relation with his fellow-beings. The successive papers were kindly received, a fact that gave him great satisfaction. "Over the Teacups" contains "The Broomstick Train," a poem in which the old-time fancy and lightness are again apparent. It is not unworthy to be placed by the side of "How the Old Horse Won the Bet," "Grandmother's Story of Bunker Hill Battle," and other of his best pieces.

540. Last Years. But the end was now near, not unheralded by gently failing faculties. His last days were made as happy as possible by the affectionate remembrance and tender consideration of a large circle of friends. He was spared the trial of protracted illness. He was able to take his usual walks up to a few days before his death. He passed away painlessly in his chair, Oct. 7, 1894. Numberless loving tributes were paid to his memory on both sides of the Atlantic.

541. Personal Characteristics. Holmes was an interesting and lovable man, genial, brilliant, witty, and yet deeply earnest withal. His personality is reflected in his books in a rare degree. Whatever the presiding genius at the Breakfast Table may be

called, Autocrat, Professor, Poet, we know that it is Holmes

himself that is speaking.

"For though he changes dress and name,

The man beneath is still the same,
Laughing or sad, by fits and starts,
One actor in a dozen parts,
And whatsoe'er the mask may be,

The voice assures us, This is he."

He might be called the most human of our men of letters. He delighted in touching life at many points. He had the gift of mechanical ingenuity, and always liked to have something to tinker at. He invented the stereoscope, out of which, had he sought to do so, he might have made a fortune. He was fond of boating; and the description he gives of his fleet in the "Autocrat," was not all fiction. He was fond of a good horse; as he said,

542. Broad Sympathies. He felt a broad sympathy with his. fellow-men; and, as he felt kindly towards them, he took it for granted that they would be interested in what he wrote. “I do not know," he said, "what special gifts have been granted or denied me; but this I know, that I am like so many others of my fellow-creatures, that when I smile, I feel as if they must; when I cry, I think their eyes fill; and it always seems to me that when I am most truly myself, I come nearest to them, and am surest being listened to by the brothers and sisters of the larger family into which I was born so long ago." This broad and tender sympathy will long give him an uncommon hold on the hearts of men.

FOR FURTHER READING AND STUDY

The annotated selections, pages 594-608, include "Old Ironsides," "The Last Leaf," "The Height of the Ridiculous," "The Chambered Nautilus," "Contentment," and "The Deacon's Masterpiece."

In addition the student should read "My Aunt," "The September Gale," "Dorothy Q.," "Bill and Joe," "Latter Day Warnings," "Estivation," "Homesick in Heaven," "The Broomstick Train," "How the Old Horse Won the Bet," "Grandmother's Story of Bunker Hill Battle " from Holmes's poems. Of his prose works "The Autocrat of the Breakfast Table " and The Guardian Angel are recommended.

John T. Morse's "Life and Letters of Oliver Wendell Holmes (2 vols.); W. S. Kennedy's " Oliver Wendell Holmes."

For critical estimates consult the general bibliography and Poole's "Index." Edward Everett Hale's "Lowell and His Friends"; E. C. Stedman's "Poets of America."

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