attempts to procure, by constitutional means, a reformation of parliament. It would have been surprising if Mr. Jones had remained an idle spectator on an occasion, which of all others was most interesting to his feelings. Led by his professional studies to an enthusiastic veneration for the principles of the constitution of his country, he was anxious that the form of it should in all respects correspond with them: "but, as the form in a "" course of years is apt to deviate widely from the spirit, it became (in his opinion) expedient almost "every century to restore its genuine purity and "loveliness." These sentiments he expressed in a speech to the inhabitants of the counties of Middlesex and Surry, the cities of London and Westminster, and the borough of Southwark, assembled at the London Tavern, on the 28th of May, 1782, to consider on the means of procuring a reformation of parliament. The first resolution adopted by the meeting, and in which he expressed his most sincere concurrence, was, that petitions ought to be prepared for a more complete representation of the people; and the position which he endeavoured to impress upon the minds of his audience was this, that the spirit of our constitution requires a representation of the people nearly equal, and nearly universal. This speech has long been before the public, and I shall therefore only notice his declaration in the advertisement prefixed to it, that, "what offence the publication might giye, either "in part, or in the whole, was the last and least of "his cares: his first and greatest was to speak on "all occasions what he conceived to be just and "true;" and the conclusion, in which he tells his audience, that "the people of England can only expect to be happy, and most glorious, while they are the freest; and can only become the freest, when they shall be the most virtuous and most enlightened of nations." It was about the same period that he composed a very spirited ode, in imitation of Callistratus, which has appeared in a variety of periodical publications, and is published in his works*. In the summer of this year, Mr. Jones again visited France, in the intention of proceeding thence to America. The object of this journey was professional, to procure the restitution of a very large estate of a client and friend, which had been attached by an order of the States, who had threatened the confiscation of the property, unless the owner appeared in person to claim it. This object is mentioned by Mr. Jones in his correspondence, and his own evidence will be conclusive against some surmises and insinuations, which were propagated respecting the motives of his intended journey. The irresolution of his friend, increased by indisposition, prevented the execution of the plan; and Mr. Jones, after having procured a passport from Franklin, the American minister at the court of France, returned to England through Normandy and Holland. For other details relating to his life, during the years 1781 and 1782, I refer to his correspondence. Mr. JONES to Mr. CARTWRIGHT. DEAR SIR, May 1, 1781. I take the liberty to send you (as my Arabian poets are not yet ready to wait upon you) a paraphrase of a Greek fragment, which came into my head this spring in my way to Wales. I make no *In his journey through life, Mr. Jones seldom overlooked the opportunities of gathering the flowers which chance presented, or of displaying for the entertainment of his friends, the stores which he had collected. A variety of poetical compositions was produced by him during his circuits, to enliven the intervals of legal labour. Of these a few have been preserved, and amongst them the following elegant song, the offspring of genius and innocent gaiety. It was written by Mr. Jones, some years before the period of his life at which I am now arrived, when he was a very young man, during one of his first circuits, for the express purpose of being sung at a kind of fête champêtre, which the barristers held on the banks of the Wye. Fair Tivy, how sweet are thy waves gently flowing, Love can alone make it blissful to live. How sweet is the odour of jasmine and roses, *The seat of W. Brigstocke, Esq. †The seat of Thos. Lloyd, Esq. Come, no doubt of your continuing to cultivate the Muses, by whom you are so highly favoured, and hope Come, smile, damsels of Cardigan, How sweet was the strain that enliven'd the spirit, Ah! may he in love be more happy than we! Love can alone make it blissful to live. How gay is the circle of friends round a table, Love can alone make it blissful to live. No longer then pore over dark Gothic pages, To cull a rude gibberish from Neatham or Brooke; Love can alone make it blissful to live Admit that our labours were crown'd with full measure, That India supplied us with long-hoarded treasure, * A ruin of a castle on the banks of the Tivey. Yet hope you will from time to time transmit the fruit of their favours to, &c. WILLIAM JONES. From the Bishop of St. ASAPH to Mr. JONES. DEAR SIR, May 28, 1781. You have my best and earliest thanks for your ode in the true Grecian taste and spirit. I remember to have seen a fragment of Alcæus, but I cannot find it in Aristides, of whom I have only Cantern's small edition. The seed you found there you have quickened by the warmth of true genius into a noble production. I cannot help observing that Alcæus, like other good poets and patriots, was condemned for life to be in the minority. I hope you will not forget, that when you have leisure, your friends at Twyford will be very happy to see you. Mr. BURKE to Mr. JONES. I do not know how I can justify myself in the liberty I take with you, but con Yet weak is our vaunt, while something we want, Love can alone make it blissful to live. Or say, that, preferring fair Thames to fair Tivy, Love can alone make it blissful to live. |