By Sydney Dobell.
Originally published in The National Magazine (National Magazine Company) #1 (Nov 1856).
Died on the 20th of September 1856, at Morningside, near Edinburgh, Dr. Samuel Brown, well known and dear to the fit and few throughout England and Scotland.
He was struck with mortal illness when on the eve of comleting the scientific labours to which his splendid talents had been devoted; and after eight years of patient pain and unconquered hope, was obliged to leave the demonstration of his discoveries to the good fortune of future times.
He came with us to thy great gates, O Thou
Unopened Age. Our noise was like the wind
Chafing the wordy Deep: but broad and blind
They stood unmoved. Then He—we knew not how—
Laid forth his hand upon them. Lo, they grind
Revolving thunders! Lo, on his dark brow
The unknown light! Lo, Azrael came behind,
And touched him! They clanged back, and all was Now.
We wondered and forgot. But he, unbent,
With eye still strained to the forbidden day,
Towered in the likeness of his great intent,
As if his act should be his monument,
Till Azrael pitied such sublime dismay,
And led him onward by another way.