, with the accomplishments of a man of the
world. Eton and Oxford will ever remember him as one of their greatest
ornaments.[B] He was well known to the most distinguished in Europe, but
was carried off from all their expectations. He died at Frescati, near
Rome, in 1765. Had he lived a little longer, I believe I should have
prevailed with him to visit Corsica.]

[Footnote B: Horace Walpole thus describes him in a letter dated
September 30th, 1765:--"He is a very extraordinary young man for variety
of learning. He is rather too wise for his age, and too fond of showing
it; but when he has seen more of the world, he will choose to know
less." See also Boswell's "Johnson." Date of July 20th, 1763.--ED.]

The last day which I spent with Paoli appeared of inestimable value. I
thought him more than usually great and amiable, when I was upon the eve
of parting from him. The night before my departure, a little incident
happened which shewed him in a most agreeable light. When the servants
were bringing in the desert after supper, one of them chanced to let
fall a plate of walnuts. Instead of flying into a passion at what the
man could not help, Paoli said with a smile, "No matter;" and turning to
me, "It is a good sign for you, Sir, Tempus est spargere nuces, It is
time to scatter walnuts. It is a matrimonial omen: You must go home to
your own country, and marry some fine woman whom you really like. I
shall rejoice to hear of it."

This was a pretty allusion to the Roman ceremony at weddings, of
scattering walnuts. So Virgil's "Damon" says--

"Mopse novas incide faces: tibi ducitur uxor.
Sparge marite nuces: tibi deserit Hesperus Oetam."

--VIRG. "Eclog." viii, l. 30.

"Thy bride comes forth! begin the festal rites!
The walnuts strew! prepare the nuptial lights!
O envied husband, now thy bliss is nigh!
Behold for thee bright Hesper mounts the sky!"

--WARTON.

When I again asked Paoli if it was possible for me in any way to shew
him my great respect and attachment, he replied, "Ricordatevi che Io vi
sia amico, e scrivetemi. Remember that I am your friend, and write to
me." I said I hoped that when he honoured me with a letter, he would
write not only as a commander, but as a philosopher and a man of
letters. He took me by the hand, and said, "As a friend." I dare not
transcribe from my private notes the feelings which I had at this
interview. I should perhaps appear too enthusi