The Life of Sir Rowland Hill and the

A LAST HONOUR, AND THEN DEATH. 429
permitted to become one of the greatest benefactors of
mankind." It was a touching sight how the old man
was moved by this, the last honour, that he was to
receive in his life-time from his fellow-countrymen.
The tears streamed down his venerable face, and he
was scarcely able to utter a word. I stood close by
him, and I heard him say, " I cannot listen to it as
I ought." When the address was finished he could
only say, " I wish it were in my power to thank you."
His son had to read his answer. More than once he
was distressed to see the members standing while
"
their Chamberlain was addressing him. It would
be a relief to me," he said, " if you would sit down.
I cannot bear to see you standing." This is a trifling
matter in itself, but it had its rise in that tender and
anxious thoughtfulness for others which I had so often
marked in him. Before leaving the house I went
once more up to his room, and through the open door
gazed at the man whom I had so honoured. I
not venture to break on his repose by going in.
did
He
had on his face a look of great peacefulness. That
which should accompany old age was indeed on that
day seen to accompany him. I never saw him again.
His strength failed daily, and it was soon seen that
the end was not far off. In the beginning of July
death seemed close at hand, but he rallied once more.
Happily his sufferings were at no time very severe.
His mind often wandered, and at last he sank into
a state of stupor. For hours he lay motionless, giving
no signs of life but by his quiet breathing.
wife sat holding his beloved hand in hers.
one last sign that he was still of this world.
His aged
He gave
He felt
for her wedding-ring that ring which he had put
round her finger more than fifty years before. Finding
it, he knew whose dear hand it was that he was