Life, Journal and Letters of Henry Alford, D.D. (Volume 15); Late Dean of Canterbury (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1873. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... Masque Of "the Seasons"--First Visit To Rome--Preaches Before The Queen--Cathedral Repairs--Autumn At The Lakes--Translation Of The Odyssey Published--Death Of The Prince Consort--Visit To Nice--Tour In Switzerland --Death Of Archbishop Sumner, And Enthronement Of Archbishop Longley. ON the first day of the new year 1861 our ordinary choristers' evening party was diversified by an entertainment which called into unusual exercise the versatile talents of the host. "THE Seasons: a Masque" ("Poems," pp. 355--361) was "presented" before as numerous a company as the Deanery could accommodate, a principal part in the performance (the character of Father Christmas) being undertaken by the Dean, who had written all the songs and choruses, and composed all the music. He says in his journal: -- "Jan. 1.--Our Masque went off well. Words and music both mine; 104 guests. We had a Christmas-tree and presents. All seemed pleased." The employments of the next few days are curiously contrasted with that bright scene: -- "Jan. 2.--Last proof of the Apocalypse. "Jan. 3.--Looking over papers for Cambridge Middle Class Examination. A regular stiff lot: 284 candidates. "Went with Robertson in the afternoon to see the old columns from the Reculvers Church, which have been given to the Dean and Chapter." On January 21st we went for two days to the Bishop of London's (Dr. Tait) at Fulham, and on the 30th he had the pleasure of receiving from Rivington the first copy of the last volume of his Greek Testament. No doubt this was before his mind on the next day, when he wrote, in a short letter from Folkestone to me: "It has pleased God to enable me to finish my work of many years. I hope and trust He may have more work for me to do for Him; if not, it would be with me nunc dimittis--life h...