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50 CUNNINGHAM. where he sedulously cultivated the flame of learning, which in the midst of sordid society he had cherished, and aided by application the most industrious and diligent, in about two years and a half he had read the principal of the Greek and Latin classics. Being thus qualified to superintend the education of youth, which had been the object of his wishes, he was received, early in 1804, as an assistant teacher in Dr. Bruce's academy at Belfast, where he was distinguished for the diligence and skill with which he prepared the boys under his care, for their examination prior to the last summer vacation. But by this time such strong symp toms of that disease, “ for which medicine hath no cure,” had appeared in his slender frame, that he could not any more return to the praiseworthy pursuit in which he had been engaged. His health continued to decline, and he was confined to the house of his poor mother, near the turnpike-gate between Hillsborough and Dromore, where he continued to experience the kindness of his former patron; and he was most generously attended by Sir George Atkinson, an eminent physician in Hillsborough. Every attempt to afford him any effectual relief was be yond the reach of medicine. Consumption had laid her icy finger on him, and he sunk-into the arms of death beneath her withering touch; dying on the 27th of De cember, 1804, having nearly completed his twenty-fourth year. Thus died William Cunningham, a young man, who, had he lived, would in a l l probability have reflected honour o n his patrons, his country, and himself. Indefatigable i n the acquisition o f knowledge, amiable and grateful i n his disposition and temper, and scrupulously exact i n the performance o f every moral duty; h e presents t o posterity a pleasing, yet unfrequent picture o f genius without pride, humility without affectation, and talent without vice.