The Hudson, from the Wilderness to the Sea
A large easy-chair, and two or three others, a writing-table with many drawers, shelves filled with books, three small pictures, and two neat bronze candelabra, completed the furniture of the room. It was warmed by an open grate of coals in a black variegated marble chimney-piece. Over this were the three small pictures. The larger represents "A literary party at Sir Joshua Reynolds's." The other two were spirited little pen-and-ink sketches, with a little colour -- illustrative of scenes in one of the earlier
THE HUDSON.
of Mr. Irving's works -- ''Knickerbocker's History of New York" -- which he picked up in London many years ago. One represented Stuyvesant confronting Eisingh, the Swedish governor; the other, Stuyvesant's wrath in council.)
Mr. Irving was in feeble health, but hopeful of speedy convalescence. He expressed his gratitude because his strength and life had been spared
IKVING'S STtTDY.
until he completed the greatest of all his works, his " Life of "Washington." "I have laid aside my pen for ever," he said; "my work is finished, and now I intend to rest." He was then seven years past the allotted age of man, yet his mental energy seemed unimpaired, and his genial good-humour was continually apparent. I took the first course of dinner with him, Avhcn I was compelled to leave to be in time
THE HUDSON. 345
for the next train of cars that would convey me home. He arose from the table, and passed into the little drawing-room with me. At the door he took my hand in both of his, and with a pleasant smile said, " I wish you success in all your undertakings. God bless you."