Everything was forgotten but
the one magnificent personality. When the din had subsided
somewhat, Mr. Everett, with his never-failing readiness and
grace, said: "I would I might anticipate a little the function
of my office, and saying--_Expectatur oratio in vernacula_--
call upon my illustrious friend who has just entered upon
the stage to speak for me. But I suppose that the proprieties
of the occasion require that I speak for myself."
It is to the credit of Mr. Everett and of that other Massachusetts
orator, Rufus Choate, that no tinge of jealousy or of envy
ever embittered in the smallest degree their hearty love and
support of their friend. They were his pupils, his companions,
his supporters, his lovers, while he lived, and were his best
eulogists when he died.
I heard another speech of his, which I think was never reported.
He appeared before a Committee of the Legislature as counsel
for the remonstrants against the scheme to fill up the Back
Bay lands.
I do not think the employment of a Senator of the United
States as counsel before the Legislature would be approved
by public opinion now.
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