GEORGE CRABBE
By the Rev. Canon A. C. DEANE,
M.A.
THERE was all the promise of romance in the life of George Crabbe (1754 to 1832). He was a poor boy, born at Aldeburgh, Suffolk, brought up anyhow, apprenticed to this doctor and that, sent on errands when he wanted to learn about making pills. He dared to love a girl above his station in life, and she to love him; but she didn't quite dare to marry him.
He set up as a doctor and failed.
Borrowed five pounds, sailed to London, spent his money on his appearance, and tried to impress editors.
When, thanks to Burke, he had taken holy orders as the most suitable career, and was presented to the chaplaincy of the Rutlands, Sarah at last consented to marry him.
But from now on, romance smiled on him no longer. Crabbe had no social side to consolidate the position he had gained at Belvoir ; five of their seven children died ; and, in 1813, Sarah died, too.
But Crabbe was given the living of Trowbridge in 1814. When he visited London in 1817 he was famous. Murray gave him £3,000 for ' Tales of the Halls ' in 1819. But one suspects it was all gall and wormwood. Cardinal Newman and [Scott jpraised his verse. ' Though nature's sternest painter, yet the best,' wrote Byron. An old man, kind, but disillusioned, Crabbe played with his grandchildren and died.