ΤΟ

OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES

It seems not only appropriate but almost obligatory to dedicate these Recollections to you, Lowell's life-long friend, associated with all memories of old Cambridge, and the last of an historic group of authors whose fame is the

pride of New England.

i

PREFATORY

THIS Memoir is wholly distinct from the author's Biographical Sketch, which was published about a dozen years ago, while Lowell was Minister to Spain.

The author's intention is to furnish in compact form the important facts in the poet's life, with a brief account of his works, and to record some personal impressions and reminiscences. For several years the author lived in Cambridge, and was one of a circle of half a dozen of Lowell's friends which met frequently at Elmwood and elsewhere. His opportunities for knowing the poet in his brightest days were exceptional. As most of the members of that circle are dead, it seems to be something like a duty for the author to recall and fix his impressions before they become dim. No faithful study, made at first hand, of the character and personal traits of such a remarkable and richly en