" At first sight it appears strange that there should be
formed a close friendship between a youth, a beginner, or student in
poetry (no more), and a professor of science at one of our great seats of
learning. But these men had, I suppose, an intuitive perception of each
other's excellences. And there sometimes lie behind the outer projections
of character a thousand concealed shades which readily intermingle with
those of other people. There were amongst Lamb's tender thoughts, and
Manning's mathematical tendencies, certain neutral qualities which
assimilated with each other, and which eventually served to cement that
union between them which continued unshaken during the lives of both.
Lamb's correspondence assumed more character, and showed more critical
quality, after the intimacy with Manning began. His acquaintance with
Southey, in the first instance, had the effect of increasing the activity
of his mind. Previously to that time, his letters had consisted chiefly of
witticisms (clever indeed, but not of surpassing quality), religious
thoughts, reminiscences, &c., for the most part unadorned and simple.
Afterwards, especially after the Manning era, they exhibit far greater
weight of meaning, more fecundity, original thoughts, and brilliant
allusions; as if the imagination had begun to awaken and enrich the
understanding.
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