The Revision.
Reading edition
Upon consulting his notes again, we venture to say that Mr. Julian Hawthorne will find that what the Hon. James Russell Lowell did really say was this:—
“The queen? Oh, yes! I have the highest admiration, respect, and veneration for her. Imagine, 105if you can, a woman in the prime of life, in full possession of those physical charms, those personal graces, and those intellectual accomplishments, which enthrall every beholder; a woman of commanding height, of willowy, lissome figure, panther-like in her movements, with a voice like the tones of an Æolian harp, and a laughter like the tinkling exuberance of a sylvan cascade—picture to yourself such a being, and you will have a fair idea of the gifted and beautiful lady who directs, and who for many years will continue to direct, the destinies of the august British Empire.
“Of her talented and amiable young son, I have formed the most pleasing impression. Though still a mere boy, he carries upon his slender shoulders the massive head and thoughtful brain of a ripened statesman. Naturally of a studious and contemplative turn, the prince has from childhood eschewed those temptations which beset royal youth; and, as he blossoms into manhood, his expanding character holds out to his loving country the sweetest and most flattering promises.
“Be sure, Julian, to send me six copies of the paper containing these observations.”
Since, according to Mr. Lowell’s card, the Hawthorne interview was substantially correct in other particulars, we think that Mr. Hawthorne should give the distinguished interviewee the benefit of this revised version of the interviewee’s remarks about the queen and her son.
106