GREAT MEN'S BODIES
the contemplation of this almost inconceivable succession of intellectual labors of the highest order, and of the grandeur and glory to which it all tended, and unto which it finally attained; it can hardly do so in better terms, or under a better guide than that furnished in the language of one whom it is scarcely possible not to quote upon this subject. 'There presents itself,' says Mr. Choate, 'on the first, and to any observation of Mr. Webster's life and character, a twofold eminence—eminence of the very highest rank in a twofold field of intellectual and public display—the profession of the law, and the profession of statesmanship, of which it would not be easy to recall any parallel in the biography of illustrious men. Without seeking for parallels, and without asserting that they do not exist, consider that he was, by universal designation, the leader of the general American Bar; and that he was also, by an equally universal designation, foremost of her statesmen living at his death; inferior to not one who has lived and acted since the opening of his own public life. Look at these aspects of his greatness separately; and from opposite sides of the surpassing elevation. Consider that his single career at the Bar may have seemed to have been enough to employ the largest faculties without repose for a lifetime; and that, if then and thus the infinitus forensium rerum labor should have conducted him to a mere professional reward—a Bench of Chancery, or the law—the crown of the first of advocates—juris peritorium eloquentissimus—to the pure and mere honors of a great magistrate; that that would be as much as is allotted to the ablest in the distribution of fame. Even at heart, if I may say so—of his illustrious reputation—how long to win it—how worthy of all that labor!'"—Tefft's Webster and His Masterpieces.
United States Senator Lodge says: "His great success Mr. Webster owed solely to his intellectual power, supplemented by great physical gifts. No man ever was born into the world better formed by nature for the career of an orator and statesman. He had everything to compel the admiration and submission of his fellow-men. But the imposing presence was only the outward sign of the man. Within was a massive and powerful intellect, not creative or ingenious, but with a wonderful vigor of
343
