James Thomson the poet, when he first came to London, was in very narrow circumstances, and was many times put to shifts even for a dinner. Upon the publication of his Seasons one of his creditors arrested him, thinking that a proper opportunity to get his money. The report of this misfortune reached the ears of Quin, who had read the Seasons, but never seen their author; and he was told that Thompson was in a spunging-house in Holborn.
Thither Quin went, and being admitted into his chamber, “Sir,” said he, “you don’t know me, but my name is Quin.”
Thomson said, “That, though he could not boast of the honour of a personal acquaintance, he was no stranger either to his name or his merit;” and invited him to sit down.
Mr. Quin told him, “It was now time to enter upon business.” Thomson declared he was ready to serve him as far as his capacity would reach, in anything he should command, (thinking he was come about some affair relating to the drama).
“Sir,” says Quin, “you mistake me. I am in your debt. Iowe you a hundred pounds, and I am come to pay you.”
Thomson, with a disconsolate air, replied, that, as he was a gentleman whom he had
never offended, he wondered he should seek an opportunity to jest with his misfortunes.
“No,” said Quin, raising his voice, “I say I owe you a hundred pounds, and there it is,” (laying a bank note of that value before him).
Thomson, astonished, begged he would explain himself.
“Why,” says Quin, “I’ll tell you; soon after I had read your Seasons, I took it into my head, that as I had something to leave behind me when I died, I would make my will; and among the rest of my legatees I set down the author of the Seasons for a hundred pounds; and, this day hearing that you were in this house, I thought I might as well have the pleasure of paying the money myself, as order my executors to pay it, when, perhaps, you might have less need of it; and this, Mr. Thomson, is my business.” Of course Thomson left the house in company with his benefactor.
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
There is an old saying that goes, “give a person flowers when they’re living and not when they’re dead”. This story reminds me of that.
At funerals, the caskets are adorned with numerous wreaths that are carried to the burial site where they wither and die. I often wonder what good are the flowers to the dead when they don’t see them. Its just decoration for those who are mourning the loss of a loved one.
I really like this story and the notion of seizing the opportunity to bless someone you admire or who made an impact in your life while you’re still alive. This way they don’t get the gesture second-hand.
I prefer to receive my flowers living, and my loved ones can use the money they would purchase for wreaths and donate to a worthy cause or legacy.
Dear T.K. When my father was dying from mouth cancer and could not speak he was trying to tell us something .. with eyes full of love.
Later I went to the ‘Magus of Stovolos’- a real person whose life and teaching are described in Dr. Kyriako Markides books, ‘Magus of Strovolos’ and ‘Homage to the Sun’. I wanted to know what my father was trying to tell us.. Stylianos Atteslis -his real name – told me: what do you think that your father had wanted to tell you? Then he told me: ‘Take a vase ‘without water’ and put a FLOWER in it, next to your bed, before you go to sleep..’ Well I did it and at that night my father appeared in my dream …
What I wanted to point out is that as nothing happens by accident then the ‘Symbolism’ and tradition of offering flowers to the dead loved ones, must have a real meaning! The purity of flowers is so near to the Lighter, Psychic Worlds.
LOVE,
Thelma.
Very good Story Karen. Thank-you very much.
Life is HERE and NOW, as your story says.
Better for us to LOVE AND LIVE while we are alive, rather than wait until we die.
BLESSINGS KAREN,
Karen W.
I can vouch for that.
I like the idea of the story, that help is best if arrives in the moment we need it most.
Thelma,
WOW! Thank you for sharing this. Yes, symbolism must have a real meaning. The ‘signs’ we notice on the path …do lead us to somewhere or even to receive a message. Thanks again for enlightening.