earnestly obey it. In most things these men differed widely. There was little in common between Sidney and William Penn, between Lord Bacon and Robert Blake. Our historians have bestowed but scant praise upon George Monk, and many critics will deny that his was a "noble life." But, at least, each of them, in his own sphere and his own time, emphatically did his duty, from Sidney, bleeding on the field of Zutphen, to Wills and O'Hara Burke, dying under the cold Australian sky.

"Stern Daughter of the voice of God,

We know not anything so fair

As is the smile upon thy face "-(WORDSWORTH).

I may be asked, on what principle of selection I have chosen the heroes of this volume. I reply that it has been my purpose to illustrate the various aspects of the English character: its chivalrousness, in Sir Philip Sidney; its sagacity and adherence to fact, in Lord Bacon; its Puritan rigour, in Robert Blake; its steadfast observance of law and order, in George Monk; its philanthropy and disdain of show, in William Penn; and its unresting enterprise, in Burke and Wills. In my notice of Lord Bacon, I have adopted those views of his genius, career, and virtues, which have been defended with such irresistible force by Mr. Hepworth Dixon. My estimate of Monk is higher than that put forward by most writers, but is fully borne out, I believe, by the facts of his biography. I am, however, little more than a gatherer

PREFACE.

and disposer of other men's facts, and can lay claim to no startling originality of views or paradoxical audacity.of hypothesis.

Need I add that it has been my care to substantiate my statements by copious references to the best accredited authorities? And to encourage and assist the reader to further research, I have appended to each memoir a list of the principal works which I have consulted.

In conclusion, I would express my earnest hope that by many a young student this volume of Biographies may be found of service in kindling his enthusiasm, in fostering his love of work, and in stimulating him to lead a true and noble life.

W. H. D. A.