Page:How to Get Strong (1899).pdf/375

 in everything but name, he was Prime Minister. Made an Earl 1821. Died worth $2,500,000.… No lawyer since Coke ever had the English law so totally a part of him."

Irving Browne says: "This great lawyer, sprung from a humble lineage, held the Seals of Great Britain under two kings; and his decisions, filling upwards of thirty volumes, extend over a period of almost a quarter of a century. During this long period he administered the intricate equity law of the wealthiest kingdom on earth so faithfully and intelligently that only two of his decisions were ever reversed. As a judge he was remarkable for his patience, courtesy, and candor; his integrity; and his profound learning. He was doubtless the most patient man who ever sat on the English bench.… Personally pure in the administration of equity, his decisions breathed and elevated morality.… He was by far the most learned of the English chancellors. He surpassed every other judge in his familiarity with equitable principles; and the proper method of applying them. He knew not only what ought to be done, but how to do it.… The decisions of Lord Eldon may be compared to a mine of legal lore; while those of Lord Hardwicke are a mint."

Mr. Eden, in dedicating I. Eden's Reports to him, says: "None of those who have themselves been witnesses of your sagacity, your patience, your energy; of your unwearied diligence, your equal temper, of your gentle and condescending manners; can form a complete idea of the transcendent merits of your judicial character. The union of many great and rare excellences present in your Lordship, the truly virtuous and exemplary magistrate; the consistent politician; and the most profoundly learned and accomplished Lawyer of ancient or modern times; one of the greatest, wisest, and best men of the age."

Lord Campbell says: "In his person Lord Eldon was about the middle size; his figure light and athletic; his features regular and handsome; his eyes bright and full; his smile remarkable, benevolent; and his whole appearance prepossessing.

"The advance of years rather increased than detracted from these personal advantages. As he sat on the judgment seat, the deep thought, betrayed in his