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Journalist and poet, Born at Gravesend. In 1852 he obtained the Newdigate prize for his first poem, 'The Feast of Belshazzar' ('High on a throne of ivory and gold, From crown to footstool clad in purple fold…'). He went to India as principal of the Government Sanskrit College at Poona. On his return to Britain he joined the staff of the Daily Telegraph, eventually becoming editor in chief. He was responsible for arranging the journey of H.M. Stanley to discover the course of the Congo river. He later undertook lecture tours in the U.S.A. Knighted 1888. He died at his home, 31 Bolton Gardens, Kensington.