Thomas Lawrence by Ronald Gower

[7th January 1830] On the Wednesday night a violent relapse took place, which was only relieved by the letting of sixteen ounces of blood, and the doctor did not leave the house until the next morning, when Miss Croft [aged 61], calling to make enquiries, found Sir Thomas in a sick room for the first time during their long friendship. He begged her not to be alarmed by the change in his appearance, and assured her that he was greatly belter. That evening the President [Thomas Lawrence [aged 60]] sent for Dr. Keightley, his executor, who came with Miss Croft, "Read that to me," he said to Dr. Keightley, meaning an article by the poet Campbell upon the genius of Flaxman; but as his friend began to read. Sir Thomas's countenance changed. He put his hand into Miss Croft's, pressed it in an agitated manner, desiring them both to leave the room and send his servant John to him. Shortly afterwards the servant called for help, and when Keightley rushed into the room he found the President lying upon the floor. "John, my good fellow, this is dying," said Sir Thomas. "Oh! no, sir," answered the servant, "it is only fainting." But Sir Thomas was right, and almost before the servant had finished speaking the President was dead.