"that for our sake they would revive the old term of six or seven years. If we consider how much there is to learn, we shall allow that the longer period would still be far too short." These reflections would often weigh upon his heart.

CHAPTER X.

Close intimacy of Shelley and Hogg-Their mode of study Country rambles - Shelley's love of pistol practice-Aquatic amusements-Paper boat building.

THE young students commenced their intimacy by an exchange of visits, but as our poet, at this period of his life, was not satisfied unless at any moment he could start from his seat, seize the electric-machine, the air-pump, or other apparatus, to ascertain, on the instant, the value of any new idea that rushed into his brain, they soon agreed mutually that Shelley's rooms should be their place of meeting; and here they met, daily at the

hour of one, passing the afternoon and evening together.

That these were days and nights of rejoicing, passed not only in the letter but in the spirit of Epicurus's creed, made brilliant by the charms of intellect, and softened by the mellow light of "divine philosophy," cannot be doubted; for whenever we inquire into his character it is but to have our own hearts drawn the closer to him by the nobleness, the gentleness, or the innocence of his nature.

Their conversations were upon all subjects falling under the denomination of literary or scientific; but whether upon poetry or history, metaphysics or chemistry, whether to discuss the more abstruse questions of theology, or the abstract sciences, he was equally animated, loving disquisition for its own sake.

But their individual studies were in no way interrupted by these continual meetings; for when they came to know each other, they frequently read apart, at their separate vocations, for many hours; or when it so happened that their studies were similar, they read together, thus passing the time in delightful communion,

and the interchange of thought. Moreover, there was one remarkable peculiarity of our poet, which enabled his friend to pursue his private studies without interruption.

In the evening, Shelley's overwrought brain, wearied with intense application, desired repose, and gathering himself up, like a child, on the hearthrug, exposing his little round head to the heat of a large fire, he would sleep soundly, talking sometimes incoherently, for three or four hours, during which time Hogg took tea, and read or wrote, without interruption. He would, he says, interpose shelter to protect his head from the heat of the fire, but rarely with any permanent effect; for the sleeper usually contrived to turn himself, and roll again to the spot where the fire glowed the brightest.

Not less did he love disquisitions in the open air than by the fireside; for, sometimes, when they met at one, they would start out for a ramble across the country, when he would enter upon a most animated discussion, as though the bracing air imparted fresh vigour to his thoughts.

Of this an example will exhibit at once the

rich poetic vein, as well as the delicacy of his bright creations.

They came once unawares upon a beautiful trim garden, where, though in the depth of winter, a great variety of flowers were in bloom. Compared to the surrounding desolation of the country, this had a peculiar effect on his imagination.

He considered that such a delightful spot could only be the retreat of love, and desired to believe it watched over by two tutelary nymphs, and, pausing for a moment to reflect, he exclaimed, thoughtfully:

"No-the seclusion is too sweet, too holy, to be the theatre of ordinary love; the love of the sexes, however pure, still retains some taint of earthly grossness. We must not admit it within the sanctuary.”

He was silent.

"The love of a mother for her child is more refined, it is more disinterested, more spiritual;" but he added, after some reflection, "the very existence of the child still connects it with the passion we have discarded,” and he relapsed into his former musings.

"The love a sister bears towards a sister,"