Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/241

Rh with him, adding, “God bless them all.” It was something to remember in eternity, The wonderful mingling of joy and sorrow on such an occasion is something that the world cannot comprehend. He was to drink no more of the fruit of the vine until for him the kingdom of God should come.

For a while after this he seemed to be a little stronger. He was not in the least nervous, and the going and coming of a large family about him seemed very pleasant to him. Grandpa’s room was the centre of everything to the large household. By and by he was able to be carried down to the sitting-room daily, and even to take his place at the table, to which he was wheeled in an invalid chair. Several times he was lifted into a carriage and took a short drive. The first time he went, he remarked, “I never expected to drive out again.” One day he happened in conversation to speak of Cowper’s “Negro’s Complaint,” and said, “That is a very fine poem. I wish my grandchildren would learn it. I will give a dollar to every one of them who will repeat it to me.” He seemed greatly gratified as one after another of the children visiting or living in the house came to him to recite the verses, until he had given his dollars to thirteen of them.

On October 15th he was taken back to the city. He was lifted into an easy carriage at his son’s door, lifted again, and laid on the sofa of the drawing-room car. where he said he was just as comfortable as in his bed at home. His skilful and kind physician accompanied and saw him safely in his bed in his own house, and then gave his case over into the hands of his New York doctor, who was equally skilful and kindly. As he was carried into the house, he exclaimed, “I never expected to see my home again.” He was frequently