awn
of Marvell's imagination survives in my memory as the fitting
image to recall this beautiful youth; a soul glowing like
the rose of morning with enthusiasm, a character white as
the lilies in its purity."

The late Samuel May, who was in the class after Emerson's
at Harvard, told me that the impression his character and
person made upon the students of his time was so great that
when he passed through the college yard, everybody turned
to look after him, as in later days men looked after Webster
when he passed down State Street.

The Rev. Joseph H. Cross, now (1903) still living, the oldest
graduate of Harvard, was his classmate. I received this letter
from him a few years ago:

66 BRADFORD ST., LAWRENCE,
January 8, 1897.
HON. G. F. HOAR,

_Dear Sir:_

Yours of 5th inst. is before me; and I am glad to remember
my classmate Emerson and answer your inquiries. I knew that
he studied law in your Honored Father's office, and was betrothed
to your eldest sister.

Your first inquiry is "as to his looks." He was above medium
height, well proportioned and straight as an arrow, brown
hair and clear blue eyes, with fair complexion and handsome
features. "His scholarship and talents," both of the highest
order. The class regarded him as the first and best scholar,
dignified and refined in manners, courteous and amiable in
spirit. He had great influence in his own class, and was
much esteemed and beloved by all. I think the impression
he made upon all who knew him was that of a classical scholar
and a perfect gentleman.

Dr. Channing said when he died that all New England mourned
his loss.

Although Charles was seven years the younger, his brother
Waldo speaks of him as his own master and teacher. The following
letter was written by Waldo to his aunt Mary just after Charles's
death. A part of it is printed in Cabot's Biography. Waldo
and my sister, Elizabeth, heard of the extremity of his danger,
and were on their way to see him, but arrived too late to
find him alive.

"12 May.

"You have already heard that E. and I arrived too late to
see Charles. He died on Monday afternoon, immediately after
returning from a ride with Mother. He got out of the coach
alone, walked up the steps and into the house without assistance,
then sat down upon the stairs, fainted and never recovered.
Yesterday afternoon we attended his funeral, and that is the
end on this side Heaven, of his extraordinary promise,