The Life of Sir Richard Burton | Page 8

as possible, and have written in a way
that only scholars could understand. In short I have kept steadily in
view the fact that this work is one which will lie on drawing-room
tables and be within the reach of everyone. I have nowhere mentioned
the subject by name, but I do not see how I could possible have avoided
all allusion to it. I have dwelt on Burton's bravery, his tenderness, his
probity, his marvellous industry, his encyclopaedic learning--but the

picture would not have been a true one had I entirely over-passed the
monomania of his last days. Hamlet must be shown, if not at his
maddest, at any rate mad, or he would not be Hamlet at all.
As regards Burton's letters, I have ruthlessly struck out every sentence
that might give offence.[FN#19] While I have not hesitated to expose
Sir Richard's faults, I have endeavoured to avoid laying too much stress
upon them. I have tried, indeed, to get an idea of the mountain not only
by climbing its sides, but also by viewing it from a distance. I trust that
there will be found nothing in this book to hurt the feelings of any
living person or indeed of any body of persons. I have certainly tried
my utmost to avoid causing pain, and if the reader will kindly bear in
mind that it is as much a Christian duty to avoid taking offence as to
avoid giving offence, we shall amble along pleasantly together to the
very last page. Out of consideration for Catholics I have suppressed a
number of passages; and if I have allowed Sir Richard in one or two
instances to make a lunge at their church, I trust they will notice that I
have permitted him the same licence with regard to the Church of
England and Exeter Hall. Finally, my impartiality is proved by my
allowing him to gird at the poet Cowper.
Wherever possible, that is to say, when I could do it without ambiguity
I have also out of courtesy used the term Catholic instead of Roman
Catholic; and in order to meet what I believe to be the wishes of Lady
Burton's executors, I have omitted all mention of certain events that
occurred after Sir Richard's death.
The various works of Mr. W. H. Wilkins have been of great help to me,
and I cannot avoid paying a passing tribute to the excellent opening
passages[FN#20] of the Preface of his edition of Lady Burton's Life of
her husband.
The illustrations in this book are of exceptional interest. They include
the Burton family portraits, the originals of which are in the possession
of Mr. Mostyn Pryce and Mrs. Agg. During the lifetime of Sir Richard
and Lady Burton they were the property of Lady and Miss Stisted; but,
owing to her difference with these ladies, Lady Burton was not able to
use them in the life of her husband; and Miss Stisted's own scheme did

not include illustrations. So they are now reproduced for the first time.
The most noticeable are the quaint picture of Burton, his brother and
sister as children, and the oil painting of Burton and Lady Stisted made
by Jacquand about 1851. Of great interest, too, is the series of
photographs taken at Trieste by Dr. Grenfell Baker; while the portraits
of Burton's friends, Mr. F. F. Arbuthnot, Mr. John Payne, Major St.
George Burton, Dr. Baker, Mr. W. F. Kirby, Mr. A. G. Ellis, Professor
J. F. Blumhardt, and others, will no doubt be appreciated by the public.
The writing of this book has been a thorough pleasure to me, not only
on account of the infinite charm of the subject, but also because
everyone whom I have approached has treated me with studied
kindness. The representatives of Sir Richard Burton, of Lady Burton
(through Mr. W. H. Wilkins) and of Miss Stisted have not only helped
and permitted me to use the unpublished letters,[FN#21] but have
generously given me a free hand. I am deeply indebted to them, and I
can only trust that these pages will prove that their confidence in my
judgment has not been misplaced.
To everyone who has assisted me I tender my sincere thanks, and I
assure them that I shall never forget their abundant kindness.
Finally, in writing this work every possible care has been taken to
ensure accuracy[FN#22]; but that absolute perfection has been attained
is improbable. It is hoped, however,--to borrow the quaint expression
of the Persian poet Jami--"that the noble disposition of the readers will
induce them to pass over defects."[FN#23]
My grateful thanks are due to the following ladies and gentlemen for
various services.
Arbuthnot, Mrs. F. F., 43 South Street, Park Lane, London. Ashbee, Mr.
C. G., Woolstapler Hall, Chipping Cambden, Gloucestershire. Agg,