xvi to his bed, yet he persisted to prepare the present edition of "Materials for Thinking" for the press. Continuing to grow worse, and no hope from the medical asşistance afforded in the country, he arose from his bed, emaciated and in agony, to perform a journey from Northumberland to London. The first surgeons of the capital were successively employed-all their remedies were ineffectual. The complaint being assuredly an ossification, amputation was determined on. Mr. Burdon hailed the decision. During the operation, which was skilfully performed, Mr. Burdon neither winced nor lamented-his pulse was unvaried. The thigh was amputated close to the trunk of the body. Though the wound healed slowly, and he was never free from pains, sanguine hopes were entertained of his recovery. In two months he came down stairs; he took air in the carriage, and even moved about the streets, in the neighbourhood of Welbeck-street, by the assistance of a servant. All hopes were soon ended. About the middle of May he gradually relapsed; he found great difficulty of breathing, attended with spasms. On the 24th of May, being in imminent danger, he expressed an ardent wish to see a gentleman of his acquaintance: he came to Mr. Burdon at midnight, who expressed the utmost affection for him, adding, "They say I may live-I say I must die." Mr. Burdon did not wish to see his wife and children"Oh, no," he answered, "it would be too distressing," so tender was his nature. He expired the 30th of May 1818, possessing his intelligence unimpaired to the close of his existence. Such was William Burdon; an attentive husband, a fond father, an absolute friend. Deeply versed in the Greek and Latin classics, he spoke French fluently, and was largely acquainted with German, Spanish, and Italian literature. A politician without the taint of party,—an instructor who practised what he inculcated,—a philosopher who sought truth, who employed his unadulterated reason in its pursuit, and fearlessly published the result of his inquiries. He was liberal, rational, resolute, and consistent,-for as he lived he died. G. E. b |