Abbildungen der Seite
PDF
EPUB

Shakespeare, have been presented with every object in Nature's landscape, with the added charms of philosophic and metaphysical lore. I have seen the springs of passion unlocked, the inmost recesses of the heart explored, and every thought, however deeply seated there, revealed and analysed. The veil that separates the material from the immaterial world has been drawn aside, and I have beheld the wonders of that mysterious region. I have been subdued by sorrow that I would not have exchanged for mirth, and exhilarated by merriment that might have unbent the dull brow of melancholy and softened it into a smile. I have seen morality and science in the many-coloured vesture of poetry; and philosophy, erect, not elated, cheerful, benevolent, and sublime. But envy hath no fancy to the rose of the garden, and what careth malice for the lily of the valley? Of Voltaire, and his host of infidels and buffoons, let me speak with temper. There are certain men to whom we cannot afford our anger; but charity demands something, and we throw them our contempt. This is the only feeling provoked by the French critics. Beautiful Spirit! what griefs hast thou not alleviated and charmed? what sympathies hast thou not awakened and sublimed? In health and in sickness, in joy and in sorrow, in the busy turmoil of every-day life, in the silent tranquillity of reflection and solitude, the infirmities of our nature have in thy brightness been glorified and transfigured.

Shakespeare did not wait for the sear and yellow leaf, ere he bade a final adieu to the theatre of his glory. If ever pride became a virtue, it was that which glowed in the poet's bosom at this auspicious moment. Of fame he possessed a greater share than ever fell to the lot of human being. A splendid retirement was before him ;—

"And that which should accompany old age,
As honour, love, obedience, troops of friends."

With what emotions must he have revisited that sacred pile, the last object where perchance he fondly lingered, when he went forth a wanderer!-Too soon it was to become his mausoleum-the shrine of adoring votaries, through distant ages; who, led thither by the divine spirit of his muse, account it no idolatry to bow before the dust of Shakespeare.

VIRGIL IN LONDON;

OR,

TOWN ECLOGUES.

TO WHICH ARE ADDED,

IMITATIONS OF HORACE.

FIRST PRINTED IN THE YEAR 1814.

THIRD EDITION.

« ZurückWeiter »