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at the shrine of Byron ' s genius . If we may suppose that the spirit of the immortal poet of Nottinghamshire still hovers around the disrupted , consecrated , and beautiful facade of the Abbey Church , or , thanks to our Prov . G . M ., the now no longer ruined halls which form the " vast and venerable pile" of Newstead , it surely must look down and smile with satisfaction upon the labours of the

companion of his youth , and rejoice that henceforth in the records of history and more especially in the annals of Nottinghamshire will continue entwined and interlaced for ever with the name of Byron that of Wildman . I now come to that third part of our friend ' s character , which to us as Masons must be dearest of all . It were unnecessary to dwell in this Province on the important services which have been rendered to the cause of Masonry by our Prov . G . M . Nearly every

gentleman present is deeply sensible of his merits in this capacity ; for most have experienced proofs of his considerate kindness and opportune assistance . Who that has ever heard him , can forget the deep feeling , the earnest tones of his Voice , and his impressive manner when the stranger is introduced to the mysteries of our Craft , or when permitted to plunge still deeper into them , —could fail to be deeply impressed with his honesty of purpose ? I cannot abstain from alluding

to what I regard as the peculiar idiosyncracy of Colonel Wildman ' s character , that wonderful amiability of disposition which positively compels him to make so far as may be in his power a friend of every individual who may approach him what ' ever may be his rank or station . Surely this is the attribute of a good man . How appropriate seem the beautiful words of Sheridan Knowles , applied to such a career ! It is Hero who speaks looking out of a

window" Whether mine eye with a new spirit sees , Or nature is grown lovelier , I know not ; But ne ' er , methinks , was sunset half so sweet ! He ' s down , and yet his glory still appears Like to the memory of a well spent life , That ' s golden to the last , and when 'tis o ' er Shines in the witnesses it leaves behind . "

But thank God the life of the sun of Newstead is not spent ; it shines upon us now , and is conscious of the " witnesses" of its worth and goodness . Having trespassed thus far upon you , I now propose my toast , " The Masonic Charities and Mrs . Wildman" ( loud cheers ) . Of Mrs . Wildman I can say this much that she is not well , otherwise she would be here , in Nottingham . It is impossible to speak as they deserve of the excellent qualities of Mrs . Wildman . I never can forget her kindness of disposition ; the graceful manner in which she dispenses the

hospitalities of Newstead ; and her affectionate attachment as a wife ; for I know that her greatest pleasure is occasioned by doing justice to the merits of her husband and being silent upon her own . With regard to The Charities of Masonry , she supports and promotes them in every way she can . I know therefore that you will join me in drinking " The Masonic Charities and Mrs . Wildman " ( applause ) .

Col . Wildman , in acknowledgment , said , —My kind brethren , I believe that if I were to rise fifty times this night you would kindly receive me ; but allow me to remark that there are various sorts of fortitude ; great fortitude there may be in bearing affliction , but there must be greater in bearing such kindness . I might almost say to my friend on the left , " et tu , Brute" and I might certainly say he has driven his dagger home to my heart by the manner , in which he has been

pleased to speak of that kind partner who is the blessing of my life , and who for so many years has made me happy . She is more connected with Masonry than most ladies , because she is a Life Governess of the Masonic Charities , both for boys and girls , and very few except her Majesty possess the same privilege , I shall report to Mrs . Wildman the manner in which you have accepted this toast , and I am sure that nothing will affect her more deeply than to know she is respected amongst my Masonic brethren ( applause ) .

Dr . Williams said , the Committee had done him the honour to request him to propose a toast—" the Magistrates of the County of Nottingham . " He felt quite gure he need , not eulogise them in reference to their private capacities . Whenever