But he was in constant correspondence with Cowper, in whose heart as well as in that of Mrs.Unwin his death must have left a great void, and his support was withdrawn just at the moment when it was about to become most necessary.
Happily just at this juncture a new and a good friend appeared.

Hayley was a mediocre poet, who had for a time obtained distinction above his merits.

Afterwards his star had declined, but having an excellent heart, he had not been in the least soured by the downfall of his reputation.

He was addicted to a pompous rotundity of style, perhaps he was rather absurd; but he was thoroughly good-natured, very anxious to make himself useful, and devoted to Cowper, to whom, as a poet, he looked up with an admiration unalloyed by any other feeling.

Both of them, as it happened, were engaged on Milton, and an attempt had been made to set them by the ears; but Hayley took advantage of it to introduce himself to Cowper with an effusion of the warmest esteem.