Storeys of Old.

In appearance, Robert Story was of middle height and commanding presence. Long and curling locks of flaxen hair, slightly silvered with the frost of age, fell in abundance over his shoulders. In disposition, he was exceedingly forgiving. Meeting Mr. Wilson in London (between whom and himself a feud of a serious nature had long existed), a mutual reconciliation took place, honorable alike to both. In company, he was an acute debater, and a capital reciter of poetry. Possessing a tenacious memory and a silvery voice, he could, at one time, recite nearly the whole of Scott's poems, and his recitations were always well received. Rarely, indeed, did temper cloud his brow, and when he did fail to preserve his equanimity, politics were generally the cause; but even here age had sobered and modified his sentiments, which accorded with those of the Peelites.

Many of Story's Lyrics are destined to descend to posterity.

In the Athenæum for the year 1858, Volume I., p. 176 (February 6th, 1858), is a review of Robert Story's Poetical Works. The book represents the collected labours of his literary life at 62 years of age, and the poems cover a period of forty years, viz., from 1816 to 1857. Robert Story began life as a Northumberland herd-boy. The review compares his song style to that of Robert Burns, and states further, and in conclusion, that Robert Story's songs "are of a past age and for a period at least the bard cannot hope to contend with 'A Soul's Agonies!' After a time readers may be glad to return to rustic simplicity and clear their souls with verse fresh from the mountain and the moor. Mr. Story will then take his turn."

Robert Story was often in Lancaster. In the Lancaster Gazette of June 11th, 1836, there is a review of the book, "Songs and Lyric Poems," &c. In the Gazette of June 16th, 1838, there is a poem on the re-building of some cottages called "Conservative Cottages," purchased for the purpose of giving a conservative vote for the West Riding of Yorkshire. The following verse was deposited in the foundation stone:-

The will of Robert Story, copied at Somerset House, on the 15th March, 1911, is as follows:- "This is the last Will and Testament of me, Robert Story, of Battersea, in the County of Surrey, poet. I give, devise and bequeath to my dearly beloved wife, Ellen, ALL AND SINGULAR, my real and personal estate, of what nature and kind soever. To hold to her, my said wife, her heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, respectively, as according to the nature and tenure thereof absolutely, and I appoint my said wife executrix of this my Will. In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand this 23rd day of July, in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty nine. - ROBERT STORY."