" I have changed my location," he wrote to Cole-
ridge ; " I, also, am in classic halls with Doric columns
and stately fagade. I take my daily seat at my ac-
countant's desk in a lofty chamber, with statues and
pictures of moguls and begums around me, almost



CONTRASTING DESTINIES. 49

fancying myself Prime Minister to India. Around me
are fine specimens of Eastern elegance, carved Bombay
chairs and settees, delicately wrought elephant tusks
and ivory idols, quaint Hindoo gods, etc. I have but
to imagine myself the happy possessor, as I gaze upon
them from my daily tasks, and what could be better ?
You know the sense of happiness and possession lies
in the idea, according to your German theories ; and
since I daily have these treasures about me, I formu-
late the idea that they are tributes to my greatness ;
ergo, I become their owner, and a personage of conse-
quence ; ergo, all the Indies with their stores of wealth
do honor me. Below, are vast museums of these curi-
osities. I keep them under lock and key, lest some less
fortunate beings should be tempted to dispute my pos-
session."

So, with quaintest vein of humor, Charles Lamb
transformed his daily routine to a pretended diversion,
and, year by year, great folios of figures accumulated to
witness the patient daily drudgery.
Coleridge, at the University, was becoming daily
more of an enthusiast for liberty. Robespierre's all-
conquering power inspired wonder and enthusiasm.
