 | John Randolph |  |
MR. BENTON'S OPINION OF RANDOLPH.
It is impossible to conceive two men more diametrical in
their natures than Senator Benton, the methodical, statistical,
full-blooded statesman from Missouri, and the scintillating
human aberration, known as Randolph of Roanoke.
Upon one occasion Mr. Benton said that his opinion was
fixed that Mr. Randolph had occasional temporary aberrations
of mind; "and during such periods he would do and say
strange things, but always in his own way—not only method
but genius in his fantasies; nothing to bespeak a bad heart;
only exaltation and excitement."
"The most brilliant talks," continued he, "that I ever heard
from him came forth on such occasions—a flow for hours
(at one time seven hours) of copious wit and classic allusion
—a perfect scattering of the diamonds of the mind."
He tells us that he once sounded Mr. Randolph to discover
what he thought of his own case. He heard him repeating
those lines of Johnson on "Senility and Imbecility"—
Fears of the brave and follies of the wise;
From Marlborough's eyes the streams of dotage flow,
And Swift expires, a driveller and a show."
"Mr. Randolph," said Mr. Benton, "I have several times
heard you repeat those lines as if they could have an application
to yourself, while no person can have less reason to fear
the fate of Swift."
"I have lived in dread of insanity," replied Mr. Randolph.
| John Randolph | |