like that divine creature’s."[167] Johnson was an enthusiastic admirer of Richardson.  Dr. Young looked upon him as an “instrument of Providence.”  Ladies at Ranelagh held up “Pamela,” to show that they had the famous book.[168] Nor was this interest confined to the last century.  “When I was in India,” said Macaulay to Thackeray, “I passed one hot season at the hills, and there were the governor-general, and the secretary of government, and the commander-in-chief, and their wives.  I had “Clarissa” with me, and as soon as they began to read, the whole station was in a passion of excitement about Miss Harlowe and her misfortunes, and her scoundrelly Lovelace.  The governor’s wife seized the book, and the secretary waited for it, and the chief justice could not read it for tears!” Macaulay “acted the whole scene,” adds Thackeray; “he paced up and down the Athenaeum library; I dare say he could have spoken pages of the book."[169] But admiration of Richardson was still greater among foreigners.  The novels were translated into French, Dutch, and German, and the enthusiasm they excited may be imagined from the warmth of Diderot’s eulogy:  “I yet remember with delight the first time (’Clarissa’) came into my hands.  I was in the country.  How deliciously was I affected!  At every moment I saw my happiness abridged by a page.  I then experienced the same sensations those feel who have long lived with one they love, and are on the point of separation.  At the close of the work I seemed to remain deserted. * * * Oh, Richardson! thou singular genius in my eyes! thou shalt form my reading at all times.  If, forced by sharp necessity, my friend falls into indigence; if the mediocrity of my fortune is not sufficient to bestow on my children the necessary cares for their education, I will sell my books,—­but thou shalt remain!  Yes, thou shalt rest in the same class with Moses, Homer, Euripides, and Sophocles, to be read alternately."[170]

What was the secret by which the stout little printer excited such enthusiasm and won such eulogy?  How did he appeal to natures so different as the worldly Lord Chesterfield, the country shopkeeper, and the impassioned Diderot?  Richardson was the first novelist to stir the heart and to move the passions, and his power was the more striking that it was new.  His study of human nature had begun early in life.  “I was not more than thirteen,” he says, “when three young women, unknown to each other, having an high opinion of my taciturnity, revealed to me their love secrets, in order to induce me to give them copies to write after, or correct, for answers to their lovers’ letters. * * * I have been directed to chide, and even repulse, when an offence was either taken or given, at the very time when the heart of the chider or repulser was open before me, overflowing with esteem and affection; and the fair repulser, dreading to be taken at her word, directed this word, or that expression, to be