Winthrop Mackworth Praed

1839  Today is the birthday of the English writer and politician Winthrop Mackworth Praed, who is remembered for his humorous verse.
He wrote,

"I remember, I remember how my childhood fleeted by. The mirth of its December, and the warmth of its July."

At his home, Winthrop had a fine grove with beautiful grounds that overlooked a harbor. At one point, he even built an orangery.
Sadly, Winthrop died at age 37 from tuberculosis.
Yet, for many years, his fans enjoyed this little story about him:

"A man went to a bookshop and asked, "Have you, Browning?"
And the clerk replied, "No, we can't sell him. People say they can't understand him."
Then the customer asked, "Have you Praed?"
And the clerk said, "Yes, we've prayed, and we can't understand him.