e, both physical
and intellectual, which an enormous fortune, a vigorous
constitution, and literary habits placed in abundant variety
before him. But in the system of happiness which he marked out
for himself, the happiness of others formed a large and essential
ingredient; nor did old age, as it stole upon him with gradual
and insensible steps, dull the brightness of his intellect or
chill the warmth of his heart. His mind was always intent upon
providing for the pleasure or the benefit of those around him,
and there was nothing in which he so keenly delighted as the
rural festivals with which he celebrated his own birthday, when
thousands of the surrounding villagers were assembled in his park
to eat, drink and be merry. He was passionately fond of children,
and animals of every description found favour in his sight. Lord
Egremont was a distinguished patron of artists, and it was rarely
that Petworth was unvisited by some painter or sculptor, many of
whom he kept in almost continual employment, and by whom his loss
will be severely felt. He was extremely hospitable, and Petworth
was open to all his friends, and to all their friends if they
chose to bring them, provided they did not interfere with his
habits or require any personal attention at his hands: from any
such obligation he considered that his age and infirmities
released him. He received his guests with the utmost urbanity and
courtesy, did the honours of his table, and in every other
respect left them free to abide as long as they pleased, but to
amuse themselves as they could. Petworth was consequently like a
great inn. Everybody came when they thought fit, and departed
without notice or leave-taking. He liked to have people there who
he was certain would not put him out of his way, especially those
who, entering into his eccentric habits, were ready for the
snatches of talk which his perpetual locomotion alone admitted
of, and from whom he could gather information about passing
events; but it was necessary to conform to his peculiarities, and
these were utterly incompatible with conversation or any
prolonged discussion. He never remained for five minutes in the
same place, and was continually oscillating between the library
and his bedroom, or wandering about the enormous house in all
directions; sometimes he broke off in the middle of a
conversation on some subject which appeared to interest him and
disappeared, and an hour after, on a casual meeting, w