was an
enthusiastic Handelian. The pictures are annotated by E.F.G. and there
are also two drawings of Beethoven traced by Thackeray. This scrapbook
was compiled by FitzGerald when he and Thackeray were living together in
London, visiting the Cave of Harmony and revelling in the dear delights
of young intellectual companionship. Under a drawing of the famous
Braham, dated 1831, Fitz has written: "As I saw and heard him many
nights in the Pit of Covent Garden, in company with W.M. Thackeray,
whom I was staying with at the Bedford Coffee House."

[Footnote D: No lover of FitzGerald can afford not to own that exquisite
tributary volume "Edward FitzGerald: An Aftermath," by Francis Hindes
Groome, which Mr. Mosher published in 1902. It tells a great deal about
Woodbridge, and is annotated by John Loder. Mr. Mosher was eager to
include Loder's portrait in it, but the old man's modesty was always as
great as his generosity: he would not consent.]

When I tried, haltingly, to express my thanks for such a gift, the old
man said "That's nothing! That's nothing! It'll help to keep you out of
mischief. Much better to give 'em away before it's too late!" And he
followed it with Canon Ainger's two volumes of Lamb's letters, which
Ainger had given him.

Through his long life John Loder lived quietly in Woodbridge, eager and
merry in his shop, a great reader, always delighted when any one came in
who was qualified to discuss the literature which interested him. He and
FitzGerald had long cracks together and perhaps Loder may have
accompanied the Woodbridge Omar on some of those trips down the Deben on
the _Scandal_ or the _Meum and Tuum_ (the _Mum and Tum_ as Posh, Fitz's
sailing master, called her). He played a prominent part in the life of
the town, became a Justice of the Peace, and sat regularly on the bench
until he was nearly ninety. As he entered upon the years of old age,
came a delightful surprise. An old friend of his in the publishing
business, whom he had known long before in London, died and left him a
handsome legacy by will. Thus his last years were spared from anxiety
and he was able to continue his unobtrusive and quiet generosities
which had always been his secret delight.

Looking over the preceding paragraphs I am ashamed to see how pale and
mumbling a tribute they are to this fine spirit. Could I but put him
before you as he was in those last days! I used to go up to Burkitt
House to see him: in summer we would