Biographical Outlines Part 11

Born 1751.-Died 1816.-George II.-George III.

An Irishman, born in Dublin, whose wit, oratory, and parliamentary eloquence won him a dazzling reputation. He was the personal friend of Fox, and the companion of George IV. as Prince of Wales, but was always in debt and many difficulties. He was also celebrated as a dramatist, and wrote the comedies of _The Rivals_, _The School for Scandal_, the _Duenna_, and a play called _Pizarro_. But he is chiefly known by what are called his _bon mots_, or witty sayings, which are unrivalled. He died in London in extreme want.

WARREN HASTINGS.

Born 1732.-Died 1818.-George II.-George III.

This remarkable man, born in Worcestershire, went to India at seventeen, and after filling several important posts was made Governor General of India in 1773. His administration was famous for the submission of the formidable enemies of England, Hyder Ali and Tippoo Sahib; but his cruelties to the Begums (princesses) of Oude and in the Rohilla war were the subject of his impeachment and trial before the House of Lords in Westminster Hall. Sheridan pleaded the cause of the Begums in what has been reckoned the finest speech ever heard in modern times. Warren Hastings was acquitted, but he was a ruined man until the East India Company n.o.bly pensioned him for life with 4,000 a-year, paid his debts, arid lent him 50,000 without interest. He died in retirement at the age of eighty-six.

JAMES WATT.

Born 1736.-Died 1819.-George II.-George III.

This celebrated mechanic and natural philosopher began life as a mathematical instrument maker, but having his attention very early called to the nature and power of steam, he directed all his energies to improvements in steam engines, and made important experiments and discoveries. He was buried in Westminster Abbey.

JOHN KEATS.

Born 1796.-Died 1820.-George III.

A poet who, if he had lived a little later, would have been admired, praised, and had a school of imitators. As it was his sensibilities were so wounded by the severe criticisms made upon his poems that he fell into ill-health and died. His _Endymion_ is the poem by which he is best known, but his volume shows that he had the merit of being beforehand with the "Lake School" in freeing English poetry from artificial trammels and opening for it a wider and more natural spirit. He was a native of London.

SIR WILLIAM HERSCHEL.

Born 1738.-Died 1822.-George II.-George III.-George IV.

This great astronomer discovered a new planet, which he called _Georgium Sidus_, but which is now called _Herschel_. He erected an enormous telescope at Slough. His son, Sir John Herschel, continued his discoveries, and became one of the greatest astronomers yet known.

PERCY BYSSHE Sh.e.l.lEY,

Born 1792.-Died 1822.-George III.-George IV.

A poet of the most extraordinary genius and imagination, was born in Suss.e.x. Some of his writings are unfortunately tinged with infidelity and false beliefs. His translations from the Greek and longer poems are very beautiful, especially the _Prometheus Unbound_. Sh.e.l.ley was drowned in the Bay of Spezzia in Italy.

DR. JENNER.

Born 1749.-Died 1823.-George II.-George III.-George IV.

An English physician, celebrated as the discoverer of vaccination as a preventive of small-pox. Born at Berkeley, in Gloucestershire, he was educated at Cirencester school, and was for several years a pupil of the celebrated John Hunter. He was rewarded with several pensions as a recompense for his discoveries and disinterested labours.

JOHN KEMBLE.

Born 1757.-Died 1823.-George II.-George III.-George IV.

The greatest of a family of actors-John Philip, Stephen, Charles, and Mrs. Siddons,-whose father was proprietor of a provincial theatre.

Kemble's fine figure and splendid face were of great service in his personation of such characters as Coriola.n.u.s, Brutus, and Julius Caesar; Hamlet was one of his favourite parts, which particularly suited his somewhat sad and severe features. The Kemble family raised the English stage to a perfection and dignity it has never since attained.

GEORGE GORDON, LORD BYRON.

Born 1788.-Died 1824.-George III.-George IV.

A poet, whose magnificent and musical language and pa.s.sionate power conceal the want of principle and poverty of heart of most of his poems.

_Childe Harold_ is the most celebrated of his works, _The Prisoner of Chillon_ and _The Bride of Abydos_, the best in aim. Lord Byron's life was a bad one. He died at Missolonghi, in Greece.

MRS. BARBAULD.

B. 1743-D. 1825.-George II.-George III.-George IV.

Anna Let.i.tia Aikin, daughter of Dr. Aikin, a writer and literary man.

Mrs. Barbauld was the first writer of really appropriate stories for very young children, and her _Children's Hymns in Prose_ will probably be known as long as the English language lasts.