MEMOIR OF JAMES GRAHAME. THE contemplation of superior excellence is, perhaps, one of the most impressive, as well as the most interesting subjects of meditation in which the human mind can be engaged. For it is impossible to reflect on exalted virtue, without feeling our own nature improved, or upon extensive acquirements, without being inspired with some degree of emulation; but when genius is added to those perfections of which our common nature is susceptible, the character of the individual is raised to a higher standard of excellence, and while our admiration is increased, we consider the mind so gifted as belonging to a superior species of beings, in whom are qualities quite beyond our powers of attainment; and, dazzled by the lustre by which they are surrounded, we look up to them as from a humbler sphere, with a sort of mysterious veneration. In the mind of which I am now about to attempt a delineation, these powers were so happily blended as to produce a result of the most endearing nature. It is not so much the life as the character of the bard of "The Sabbath," with which I would make my readers acquainted. In the first there was nothing remarkable; in the latter, there was every thing to engage the attention, and to amend the heart. JAMES GRAHAME was born in Glasgow, on the 22d of April 1765, and was there educated in the usual routine of public classes, in which he emiHe wrote some elenently distinguished himself. gant Latin verses when very young; and although averse to the appearance of being particularly studious, he was even then so ardently devoted to literary pursuits, that he always carried a volume of the ancient classics in his pocket, and kept a Greek Testament by his bed-side, with which he employed his wakeful hours. But it was in his domestic education that his mind was chiefly formed, and the seeds of that genuine piety and benevolence cultivated, which nature had so liberally planted in his breast. In his parents he was peculiarly happy. His father possessed an enlightened mind, and a heart glowing with unbounded love of his fellow-creatures. From his sentiments respecting American independence, James, at an early age, imbibed that ardent attachment to the cause of liberty, which afterwards formed one of the most In him it was striking features of his character. a liberal and humane sentiment, not an adherence to a particular political party. His mother was the counterpart of this excellent man, and the influence of their virtues spread through the whole family. It was like a well-tuned instrument, the chords of which vibrated in perfect unison, pro-ducing an effect the most harmonious: the exercise of every endearing domestic virtue was the delight of her life, and her lessons of piety were enforced by example more than by precept. Religious duties appeared in her a delightful enjoyment, and their effect upon her temper and conduct was an inducement for her children to participate in them. In such a family, it is needless to add, that James found companions in his brothers and sisters. To his youngest sister, who was very early married, he felt the most tender attachment; but betwixt him and the eldest, who was nearer his own age, there subsisted a peculiar affection, from a perfect similarity of taste and pursuits. She excelled in music, to the charms of which he was exquisitely susceptible; and she was not only skilled in the science, but possessed a voice of such touching harmony, that one of the first of our living poets, in the warmth of youthful enthusiasm, used to call her the Angel of Music. Her voice had a power over her brother's feelings, inconceivable to common minds. She lost it some time before her death, from indisposition. His regret is pathetically expressed in these tender lines, written on revisiting Melrose Abbey. "Alas! I heard that melting voice decay, The early death of this admirable woman is also feelingly lamented, in a beautiful elegy, by the author of "Home," an esteemed friend of the family. And it is said that Mr Campbell's elegant Stanzas to Painting, were suggested by seeing her portrait after her death. The early propensities of our poet's mind would have led him to the study of divinity, but he was dissuaded from this by his father, who was a writer* in Glasgow, and whose eminence and success entitled him to form sanguine expectations for his son in the same profession. James yielded this * A profession which corresponds with that of attorney in England. point with reluctance, for he was not ambitious of wealth, and loved the quiet of the country, the cultivation of literature, and the exercise of the pious and benevolent affections, more than the bustle of public life, and the " turmoils of the law." In pursuance, however, of his father's advice, whose slightest wish was always sacred to him, he came to Edinburgh,— -was entered an apprentice to his cousin, Mr Laurence Hill, and, after the usual period, commenced writer to the signet. He had the misfortune to lose this revered parent about the same time, an event with which his mind was deeply affected, and his desire for the clerical profession again revived; but he was persuaded by his friends once more to relinquish this favourite inclination, and he continued to practise as a writer for several years. Finding, however, the duties of this department of the law repugnant to his feelings, and the confinement it required hurtful to his health, he afterwards passed advocate, imagining that the studies which belonged to the bar would allow of a longer vacation, and be more congenial to his taste and favourite pursuits; for literature, particularly poetry, was still the object of his devoted attention. Soon after this he published in the Kelso Mail, under the signature of Matilda, a succession of beautiful pictures of nature, through several months of the year, beginning with April, which were afterwards extended, and printed in an edition of his works, with the title of "The Rural Calendar." About the year 1800, he wrote Mary Stuart, a tragedy. This latter piece was rather a favourite with the author, and, though not adapted to the stage, it contains many fine poetical passages, and must ever be considered an elegant dramatic tale. From a sense of duty, however, he paid all due attention to the labours of his profession, especially after his marriage, which took place in March 1802. He married Miss Grahame, eldest daughter of Richard Grahame, Esq. of Annan, a woman possessed of very superior powers of understanding, and much kindness of heart. On her judgment and affection he relied with unlimited confidence. In political and moral principles they were perfectly congenial; but his poetical propensity she was led to discourage, from an idea that it interfered with his professional duties. On discovering, however, that he was the author of the Sabbath, which his timidity induced him to keep a profound secret even from her, she became convinced, that to check his natural bias to poetry, would be like extinguishing the mental vision that was destined to explore the most interesting beauties of the natural, and the most refined modifications of the moral world; and from that period she was proud of his genius, and deeply interested in its success. The unfavourable review of the Sabbath she was much less willing to excuse than he was himself. He indeed never indulged any displeasure against its author; he loved the man so much, and felt such respect for his critical powers, that he bowed in acquiescence to the decision, and was rather offended with those friends who expressed themselves indignantly upon the occasion. The extreme delicacy and diffidence of Grahame's character, are strikingly exemplified in some circumstances which attended the first publication of this beautiful poem. None of his friends had the slightest previous intimation or suspicion of its existence. To avoid observation while it was printing, he and his respectable publisher, Mr Pillans, always held their necessary interviews at some |