Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 22.

[p. 9] occasionally Mr Webster and young May,¹ with whom I was very much pleased, and who discovered, I thought, true modest assurance, with very good sense.

The ascent of the Canal was altogether new to me, and very interesting. It was all the pleasanter for having so many children to. whom it was likewise a novelty—especially the locks through which we passed.

After landing, the children danced on the green under a tent or awning.

Later we enjoyed an excellent cold dinner, which we were quite hungry enough to relish. The day was the hottest of the season. After lunch, we dispersed for an hour as best pleased us.

We again re-entered the boat; tables were placed the whole length of it, on which were arranged fruit, wine, ice and glasses. It was the prevailing opinion that we had started for home too soon, so we landed at another delightful spot,² where we stopped an hour.

This was as pleasant an hour as any in the day, and here it was that I was particularly struck with May.

We were standing on the edge of the pond and observed some pond lilies a little distance in the water, but too far to be reached from the shore. Some lady expressed a wish to have one.

‘Is there no gentleman spirited enough to come forward and get them’ said Mr Webster. ‘Is no one gallant enough, strange, 'tis very strange.’

May stood it so far, and then darted forward, urged on by Mr W. who said he was glad the days of chivalry were not over. ‘Very glad to see you have so much courage, Mr May.’

‘It would have required more courage not to have done it, after the challenge I received,’ said May. ‘I claim no merit, Sir.’

‘A little farther Sir’ said Mr Webster, ‘there is another on your right, one on the other side’ &c

May went on until he was up to his middle. I besought Mr Webster not to urge him further. ‘Oh’ said he, ‘it does not hurt a young man to wet his feet. I would have gone myself, were it not for the ladies.’

May came up with his hands filled with lilies which he gave to Mr Webster, and he in turn gave one to each lady near.

Mr Sullivan came up just then, and asked May what induced him to do it.

‘Mr Webster's eloquence’ said he.

‘It never brought me a lily before,’ said the Orator. ‘Though it has many laurels’ replied May. Mr W. bowed, and thus ended the little episode.