publish the slanderous defamer's name if he could discover what it was. But patient contempt has long since silenced all such scurrility.

He had been engaged for some months (under the sanction of the Queen) with Sir A. Panizza, K.C.B., and Dr. Sharpy, on a "Life of Leonardo da Vinci," which is preserved in the Royal Collection. He had also, only a few hours before his death, completed the MS. of a Monogram of Windsor Castle, illustrated by photographs, and designed as a gift-book for the Christmas season. This work has been since advertised, as published by Mr. Moxon of Dover Street, Piccadilly, at six guineas and ten guineas, and with it a volume entitled "Specimens of the Drawings of Ten Masters from the Royal Collection," illustrated by photographs by Mr. Ernest Edwards; and a translation of "La Torre," by M. E. Réclus. A

66

Cyclopædia of History and Chronology" was commenced by Mr. Woodward and the learned historiographer, Mr. W. L. R. Cates, who has just finished the work; and critical notices speak of it as a very useful book.

As a critic of the fine arts, Mr. Woodward

displayed

displayed candour and sincerity, which aimed only at the conveyance of correct information. He possessed an art, peculiar to himself, of fixing attention on the object which he criticised, and by this he benefitted all who came within the scope of his observations. He would dilate, in conversation, on the works of Raphael, as well as on those of Albert Durer. He repudiated the partially received opinion that, in unguarded moments, Raphael fell short of that superiority which has immortalised his genius and preserved his renown to this very day. For more than an hour one morning, a short time before his death, he amused and indeed instructed a small party in the library with a folio of the works of Albert Durer; and on exhibiting a very fine engraving from Durer's Crucifixion, two of the party could not restrain their feelings, but, in the exuberance of devotional delight, saluted the engraving, much to the amusement and admiration of Mr. Woodward, who observed that he could "hardly wonder "to see so much delight displayed; but if the mere copy could produce such ardour, what "would the original painting draw forth?" No

66

man

man living had studied the works of Raphael to greater advantage than Mr. Woodward. They were the theme of his panegyric at every opportunity; and although Albert Durer came next in his estimation, as one of the greatest artists ever born, yet, in comparison and argument, he would fall back on Raphael-and often, in ecstasies, while descanting on and extolling the great merits of the "Homer of Painting," would wind up by exclaiming that on many of Raphael's grand studies an air of inspiration was stamped, which made them appear somewhat more than mortal.

Whenever the surgeon to the Royal Household and Mr. Woodward met in the library, they engaged in some enlivening conversation; and, on one occasion, Mr. Brown gave an interesting account of an interview that he had had with the Prince of Wales and Earl Russell, which was answered by Woodward with a really hearty laugh. And laughter, when seasonable and good-natured, though frequently accompanied by tears, is universally allowed to be not only a sign of present enjoyment, but also a source of healthiness. The noisy, hollow laugh of the

senseless

66

66

senseless sensualist, or the boisterous noise of dissipated revellers, or "the loud laugh that speaks the vacant mind," is not to be confounded with the mellow, good-natured laugh of the innocent and pure, whether young or old, whether male or female. Every sound opinion, as Mr. Woodward observed, is now respected, and even "risibility is denied to be an exclusive property of man, unless it springs from thought, for even dogs are observed to laugh." His Royal Highness told Earl Russell on that occasion, alluding to the seeming weakness of the infant Prince, his eldest son, that he was occasionally apprehensive lest the delicacy of the babe should impede his growth, more particularly as he was a seven months' child, at the same moment appealing to Mr. Brown, who was just then in singularly good spirits, and who accordingly assured his Royal Highness that he had no cause for apprehension, and that he must feel convinced of this if he reflected on the robust health, ceaseless activity, and lengthened life of Earl Russell, who was also a seven months' child. To this the Prince, evidently delighted, said with a smile, Come, "Lord

66

"Lord Russell, when I look at you and call to "remembrance your long, laborious, and useful

66

life, and at the same time consider thoughtfully "what Mr. Brown has just now so very opportunely uttered, I ought never again to express "the slightest anxiety, or to feel the least uneasi"ness about my child's delicacy."

Although not engaged anywhere as a regular preacher, he was always ready to assist when properly called upon. One morning, in London, he met a brother minister who requested him to officiate at a Congregational Church in Regent's Park. Being at some distance from his home, he inquired whether his present costume would be suitable. Having on a dark great-coat, he was answered in the affirmative. In a few minutes he ascended to the pulpit, but finding the place somewhat warm, he took off his over-coat, and presented himself to the congregation in his morning dress, which was not black. Forgetting this, he delivered an impressive discourse on a very serious subject. When he retired into the vestry one of the wardens observed as delicately as he could that Mr. Woodward's appearance was scarcely