alter the form, or considerably increase the bulk, of a work
which, in its original shape, has had the good fortune not to
displease the public. I have, however, ventured, by a very
sparing selection from sufficiently abundant material, slightly
to enlarge, and, I trust, somewhat to enrich the book.

If this Second Edition is not rigidly correct in word and
substance, I have no valid excuse to offer. Nothing more
pleasantly indicates the wide-spread interest with which Lord
MACAULAY has inspired his readers, both at home and in foreign
countries, than the almost microscopic care with which these
volumes have been studied. It is not too much to say that, in
several instances, a misprint, or a verbal error, has been
brought to my notice by at least five-and-twenty different
persons; and there is hardly a page in the book which has not
afforded occasion for comment or suggestion from some friendly
correspondent. There is no statement of any importance throughout
the two volumes the accuracy of which has been circumstantially
impugned; but some expressions, which have given personal pain or
annoyance, have been softened or removed.

There is another class of criticism to which I have found myself
altogether unable to defer. I have frequently been told by
reviewers that I should "have better consulted MACAULAY'S
reputation," or "done more honour to MACAULAY'S memory," if I had
omitted passages in the letters or diaries which may be said to
bear the trace of intellectual narrowness, or political and
religious intolerance. I cannot but think that strictures, of
this nature imply a serious misconception of the biographer's
duty. It was my business to show my Uncle as he was, and not as