solemn, fixed in the earnest stillness of Eternity.
_There_ shall we also, and our little works, all shortly be."

In 1850 appeared the "Latter-Day Pamphlets," essays suggested by the
convulsions of 1848, in which, more than in any previous publication,
the author spoke out in the character of a social and political censor
of his own age. "He seemed to be the worshipper of mere brute force,
the advocate of all harsh, coercive measures. Model prisons and
schools for the reform of criminals, poor-laws, churches as at present
constituted, the aristocracy, parliament, and other institutions, were
assailed and ridiculed in unmeasured terms, and generally, the
English public was set down as composed of sham heroes, and a valet
or 'flunkey' world." From their very nature as stern denunciations
of what the author considered contemporary fallacies, wrongs, and
hypocrisies, these pamphlets produced a storm of critical indignation
against him.

The life of John Sterling was published in the following year; and
Carlyle then began that long spell of work--the "History of Frederick
the Great"--which extended over thirteen years, the last, and perhaps
the greatest, monument of his genius.

In 1856, when we may suppose his mind to be full of the details of
battles, and overflowing with military tactics, he received from Sir
W. Napier his "History of the Administration of Scinde," and wrote the
following letter to the author:--

"THOMAS CARLYLE TO SIR WILLIAM NAPIER.

"Chelsea, May 12, 1856.

"DEAR SIR,

"I have read with attention, and with many feelings and reflections,
your record of Sir C. Napier's Administration of Scinde. You must
permit me to thank you, in the name of Britain at large, for writing
such a book; and in my own poor name to acknowledge the great
compliment and kindness implied in sending me a copy for myself.

"It is a book which every living Englishman would be the better
for reading--for studying diligently till he saw into it, till he
recognised and believed the high and tragic phenomenon set forth
there! A book which may be called 'profitable' in the old Scripture
sense; profitable for reproof, for correction and admonition, for
great sorrow, yet for 'building up in righteousness' too--in heroic,
manful endeavour to do well, and not ill, in one's time and place.
One feels it a kind of possession to know that one has had such a
fellow-citizen and contemporary in these evil days.

"The fine and nobl