Page:The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets, Volume 3.djvu/372

368 occasion. The Dean made a tour to the South of Ireland, for about two months, at this time, to dissipate his thoughts, and give place to obloquy. And Stella retired (upon the earnest invitation of the owner) to the house of a cheerful, generous, good-natured friend of the Dean's, whom she also much loved and honoured. There my informer often saw her; and, I have reason to believe, used his utmost endeavours to relieve, support, and amuse her, in this sad situation.

“One little incident he told me of, on that occasion, I think I shall never forget. As her friend was an hospitable, open-hearted man, well-beloved, and largely acquainted, it happened one day that some gentlemen dropt in to dinner, who were strangers to Stella's situation; and as the poem of Cadenus and Vanesa was then the general topic of conversation, one of them said, “Surely that Vanesia must be an extraodinary woman, that could inspire the Dean to write so finely upon her.” Mrs. Johnson smiled, and answered, “that she thought that point not quite so clear; for it was well known the Dean could write finely upon a broomstick.” The