Chapter 3:
- Departure for Europe. -- arrival in England. -- State of feeling there. -- Mr. Roscoe. -- Chirk Castle. -- Dr. Parr. -- arrival in London. -- Mr. Vaughan. -- Mr. Sharp. -- Sir Humphry Davy. -- Gifford. -- Lord Byron. -- anecdotes of Bonaparte. -- Mr. Murray. -- Mr. West. -- Mr. Campbell. -- Mrs. Siddons. -- leaves London. -- arrival in Gottingen.
Mr. Ticknor was now twenty-three years old, in full vigor of health and activity of mind, having faithfully used his powers and opportunities for the acquisition of knowledge, both of books and men. In person he was slight, of medium height, and well proportioned. He was light and active in his movements, and continued so through life. His complexion was dark and rich; his eyes, large, and so dark that they might almost be called black, were very bright and expressive. His hair, also dark, was thick, and inclined to curl. His memory was exact and retentive, enabling him to enrich conversation with fact, anecdote, and quotation. His vivacity of feeling, quick perceptions, and ready sympathy not only made him socially attractive, but secured him attached friends. He was cordially welcomed in the society of Boston, and was a favored guest in its best houses. Intercourse with cultivated minds, the affection of a few friends of his own age and similar tastes, and the happy influences of his home were necessities to him; while, with fresh, unworn spirits, he enjoyed, like others, the forms and amusements of general society. He had now completed, as far as was possible, his preparation for a residence and course of study abroad; and, on reaching home after his journey to Virginia, found, to his surprise, that his passage had been taken for the voyage. During his absence several of his friends had decided to go to Europe, some in
