Born 1770.—Died 1850.—George III.—George IV.—William IV.—Victoria.
This eminent poet is the chief founder of what is called the “Lake School” of poetry. Throwing off the fetters of conventional and “fine” language, and clothing the reality of thought in the simplest words, Wordsworth, as a poet, is the greatest moral teacher of modern times, and no one can make a study of his works without finding himself the better for it. _The Excursion_, _the White Doe of Rylstone_, _The Brothers_, and a multitude of smaller poems, are well known. Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Southey were all strict and intimate friends; but the former outlived most of his early companions, dying at Rydal at eighty years of age. It is much to be regretted that his poems are not spread in cheap forms.
Born 1769.—Died 1852.—George III.—George IV.—William IV.—Victoria.
Arthur Wellesley, the third son of the Earl of Mornington, went into the army as an ensign in the 73rd Foot, and became a very great general and afterwards a statesman. He went to India in 1797, where his wonderful military career may be said to have begun. From India he passed to the command of the English armies in the Peninsular war against Buonaparte, where he steadily overcame the best French generals, and at Waterloo broke the whole strength of France, and obliged Buonaparte to surrender to the allies. The Duke of Wellington was a man of the loftiest character as a commander and statesman, with no thought of himself, or love of praise or gain. He lived in an unassuming way, with great simplicity, and died at Walmer Castle in 1852.
Born 1779.—Died 1852.—George III.—George IV.—William IV.—Victoria.
An Irish gentleman and poet who spent much of his time with Lord Byron and the literary men of his time. He wrote several satirical poems, but is best known by his _Lalla Rookh_, and the _Irish and National Melodies_.
Born 1763.—Died 1855.—George III.—George IV.—William IV.—Victoria.
A poet, whose reputation was perhaps greater than his works. His _Pleasures of Memory_ and _Italy_ are those chiefly known, but he wrote a variety of smaller poems of great beauty and finish. His knowledge of literature and conversational powers were extraordinary.