Signature of Theo. S. Fay
The author of “Norman Leslie” and “The Countess Ida”, has been more successful as an essayist about small matters, than as a novelist. “Norman Leslie” is more familiarly remembered as “The Great Used Up”, while “The Countess” made no definite impression whatever. Of course we are not to expect remarkable features in Mr. Fay’s MS. It has a wavering, finicky, and over-delicate air, without pretension to either grace or force; and the description of the chirography would answer, without alteration, for that of the literary character. Mr. F. frequently employs an amanuensis, who writes a very beautiful French hand. The one must not be confounded with the other.
Signature of J K Mitchell
Dr.Mitchellhas published several pretty songs which have been set to music, and become popular. He has also given to the world a volume of poems, of which the longest was remarkable for an old-fashioned polish and vigor of versification. His MS. is rather graceful than picturesque or forcible—and these words apply equally well to his poetry in general. The signature indicates the hand.
Signature of Geo.P.Morris
GeneralMorrishas composed many songs which have taken fast hold upon the popular taste, and which are deservedly celebrated. He has caught the truetonefor these things, and hence his popularity—a popularity which his enemies would fain make us believe is altogether attributable to his editorial influence. The charge is true only in a measure. The tone of which we speak is that kind of frank, free, heartysentiment(rather than philosophy) which distinguishes Béranger, and which the critics, for want of a better term, callnationality.
His MS. is a simple unornamented hand, rather rotund than angular, very legible, forcible, and altogether in keeping with his style.
Signature of George H Calvert
Mr.Calvertwas at one time principal editor of the “Baltimore American,” and wrote for that journal some good paragraphs on the common topics of the day. He has also published many translations from the German, and one or two original poems—among others an imitation of Don Juan called “Pelayo,” which did him no credit. He is essentially a feeble and common-place writer of poetry, although his prose compositions have a certain degree of merit.
His chirography indicates the “common-place” upon which we have commented. It is a very usual, scratchy, and tapering clerk’s hand—a hand which no man of talent ever did or could indite, unless compelled by circumstances of more than ordinary force. The signature is far better than the general manuscript of his epistles.
Signature of J Evans Snodgrass
Dr.Snodgrasswas at one time the associate of Mr. Brooks in the “Baltimore Museum”, a monthly journal published in the City of Monuments some years since. He wrote for that Magazine, and has occasionally written for others, articles which possessed the merit of precision of style, and a metaphysical cast of thought. We like his prose much better than his poetry.
His chirography is bad—stiff, sprawling and illegible, with frequent corrections and interlineations, evincing inactivity not less than fastidiousness. The signature betrays a meretricious love of effect.
Signature of J N McJilton
Mr.McJiltonis better known from his contributions to the journals of the day than from any book-publications. He has much talent, and it is not improbable that he will hereafter distinguish himself, although as yet he has not composed anything of length which, as a whole, can be styled good.
His MS. is not unlike that of Dr. Snodgrass, but it is somewhat clearer and better. We can predicate little respecting it, beyond a love of exaggeration andbizarrerie.
Signature of W. D. Gallagher
Mr.Gallagheris chiefly known as a poet. He is the author of some of our most popular songs, and has written many long pieces of high but unequal merit. He has the true spirit, and will rise into a just distinction hereafter. His manuscript tallies well with our opinion. It is a very fine one—clear, bold, decided and picturesque. The signature above does not convey, in full force, the general character of his chirography, which is more rotund, and more decidedly placed upon the paper.
Signature of Richard H Dana
Mr.Danaranks among our most eminent poets, and he has been the frequent subject of comment in our Reviews. He has high qualities, undoubtedly, but his defects are many and great.
His MS. resembles that of Mr. Gallagher very nearly, but is somewhat more rolling, and has less boldness and decision. The literary traits of the two gentlemen are very similar, although Mr. Dana is by far the more polished writer, and has a scholarship which Mr. Gallagher wants.
Signature of M McMichael
Mr.McMichaelis well known to the Philadelphia public by the number and force of his prose compositions, but he has seldom been tempted into book publication. As a poet, he has produced some remarkably vigorous things. We have seldom seen a finer composition than a certain celebrated “Monody.”
His MS., when not hurried, is graceful and flowing, without picturesqueness. At times it is totally illegible. His chirography is one of those which have been so strongly modified by circumstances that it is nearly impossible to predicate any thing with certainty respecting them.
Signature of N C Brooks
Mr.N. C. Brookshas acquired some reputation as a Magazine writer. His serious prose is often very good—is always well-worded—but in his comic attempts he fails, without appearing to be aware of his failure. As a poet he has succeeded far better. In a work which he entitled “Scriptural Anthology” among many inferior compositions of length, there were several shorter pieces of great merit:—for example “Shelley’s Obsequies” and “The Nicthanthes”. Of late days we have seen little from his pen.
His MS. has much resemblance to that of Mr. Bryant, although altogether it is a better hand, with much more freedom and grace. With care Mr. Brooks can write a fine MS. just as with care he can compose a fine poem.
Signature of Thos H. Stockton
The Rev.Thomas H. Stocktonhas written many pieces of fine poetry, and has lately distinguished himself as the editor of the “Christian World.”
His MS. is fairly represented by his signature, and bears much resemblance to that of Mr. N. C. Brooks, of Baltimore. Between these two gentlemen there exists also, a remarkable similarity, not only of thought, but of personal bearing and character. We have already spoken of the peculiarities of Mr. B’s chirography.
Signature of C.W. Thomson
Mr.Thompsonhas written many short poems, and some of them possess merit. They are characterized by tenderness and grace. His MS. has some resemblance to that of Professor Longfellow, and by many persons would be thought a finer hand. It is clear, legible and open—what is called a rolling hand. It has too much tapering, and too much variation between the weight of the hair strokes and the downward ones, to be forcible or picturesque. In all those qualities which we have pointed out as especially distinctive of Professor Longfellow’s MS. it is remarkably deficient; and, in fact, the literary character of no two individuals could be more radically different.
Signature of W. E. Channing
The ReverendW. E. Channingis at the head of our moral and didactic writers. His reputation both at home and abroad is deservedly high, and in regard to the matters of purity, polish and modulation of style, he may be said to have attained the dignity of a standard and a classic. He has, it is true, been severely criticised, even in respect to these very points, by the Edinburg Review. The critic, however, made out his case but lamely, and proved nothing beyond his own incompetence. To detect occasional, or even frequent inadvertences in the way of bad grammar, faulty construction, or mis-usage of language, is not to prove impurity ofstyle—a word which happily has a bolder signification than any dreamed of by the Zoilus of the Review in question. Style regards, more than anything else, thetoneof a composition. All the rest is not unimportant, to be sure, but appertains to the minor morals of literature, and can be learned by rote by the meanest simpletons in letters—can be carried to its highest excellence by dolts who, upon the whole, are despicable as stylists. Irving’s style is inimitable in its grace and delicacy; yet few of our practised writers are guilty of more frequent inadvertences of language. In what may be termed his mere English, he is surpassed by fifty whom we could name. Mr. Tuckerman’s English on the contrary is sufficiently pure, but a more lamentable style than that of his “Sicily” it would be difficult to point out.
Besides those peculiarities which we have already mentioned as belonging to Dr. Channing’s style, we must not fail to mention a certain calm, broad deliberateness which constitutesforcein its highest character, and approaches to majesty. All these traits will be found to exist plainly in his chirography, the character of which is exemplified by the signature, although this is somewhat larger than the general manuscript.
Signature of L. A. Wilmer.
Mr.Wilmerhas written and published much; but he has reaped the usual fruits of a spirit of independence, and has thus failed to make that impression on thepopularmind which his talents, under other circumstances, would have effected. But better days are in store for him, and for all who “hold to the right way,” despising the yelpings of the small dogs of our literature. His prose writings have all merit—always the merit of a chastened style. But he is more favorably known by his poetry, in which the student of the British classics will find much for warm admiration. We have few better versifiers than Mr. Wilmer.
His chirography plainly indicates the cautious polish and terseness of his style, but the signature does not convey the print-like appearance of the MS.
Signature of J.E.Dow
Mr.Dowis distinguished as the author of many fine sea-pieces, among which will be remembered a series of papers called “The Log of Old Ironsides.” His land sketches are not generally so good. He has a fine imagination, which as yet is undisciplined, and leads him into occasional bombast. As a poet he has done better things than as a writer of prose.
His MS., which has been strongly modified by circumstances, gives no indication of his true character, literary or moral.
Signature of H Hastings Weld
Mr.Weldis well known as the present working editor of the New York “Tattler” and “Brother Jonathan.” His attention was accidentally directed to literature about ten years ago, after a minority, to use his own words, “spent at sea, in a store, in a machine shop, and in a printing office.” He is now, we believe, about thirty-one years of age. His deficiency of what is termed regular education would scarcely be gleaned from his editorials, which, in general, are unusually well written. His “Corrected Proofs” is a work which does him high credit, and which has been extensively circulated, although “printed at odd times by himself, when he had nothing else to do.”
His MS. resembles that of Mr. Joseph C. Neal in many respects, but is less open and less legible. His signature is altogether much better than his general chirography.
Signature of Andrew McMakin
Mr.McMakinis one of the editors of the “Philadelphia Saturday Courier,” and has given to the world several excellent specimens of his poetical ability. His MS. is clear and graceful; the signature affording a very good idea of it. The general hand, in fact, is fully as good.
Signature of M. St. Leon Loud
Mrs.M. St. Leon Loudis one of the finest poets of this country; possessing, we think, more of the true divineafflatusthan any of her female contemporaries. She has, in especial,imaginationof no common order, and unlike many of her sex whom we could mention, is not
Content to dwell in decencies forever.
Content to dwell in decencies forever.
Content to dwell in decencies forever.
Content to dwell in decencies forever.
While shecan, upon occasion, compose the ordinary metrical sing-song with all the decorous proprieties which are in fashion, she yet ventures very frequently into a more ethereal region. We refer our readers to a truly beautiful little poem entitled the “Dream of the Lonely Isle,” and lately published in this Magazine.
Mrs. Loud’s MS. is exceedingly clear, neat and forcible, with just sufficient effeminacy and no more.
Signature of Pliny Earle.
Dr.Pliny Earle, of Frankford, Pa., has not only distinguished himself by several works of medical and general science, but has become well known to the literary world, of late, by a volume of very fine poems, the longest, but by no means the best, of which, was entitled “Marathon.” This latter is not greatly inferior to the “Marco Bozzaris” of Halleck; while some of the minor pieces equal any American poems.
His chirography is peculiarly neat and beautiful, giving indication of the elaborate finish which characterises his compositions. The signature conveys the general hand.
Signature of Jno C McCabe
Dr.John C. McCabe, of Richmond, Virginia, has written much and generally well, in prose and poetry, for the periodicals of the day—for the “Southern Literary Messenger” in especial, and other journals.
His MS. is in every respect a bad one—an ordinary clerk’s hand, meaning nothing. It has been strongly modified, however, by circumstances which would scarcely have permitted it to be otherwise than it is.
Signature of Jno Tomlin
John Tomlin, Esq., Postmaster at Jackson, Tennessee, has contributed many excellent articles to the periodicals of the day—among others to the “Gentleman’s” and to “Graham’s” Magazine, and to several of the Southern and Western journals.
His chirography resembles that of Mr. Paulding in being at the same time verypetite, very beautiful, and very illegible. His MSS., in being equally well written throughout, evince the indefatigability of his disposition.
Signature of David Hoffman
David Hoffman, Esq., of Baltimore, has not only contributed much and well to monthly Magazines and Reviews, but has given to the world several valuable publications in book form. His style is terse, pungent and otherwise excellent, although disfigured by a half comic half serious pedantry.
His MS. has about it nothing strongly indicative of character.
Signature of S. D. Langtree
S. D. Langtree, has been long and favorably known to the public as editor of the “Georgetown Metropolitan,” and, more lately, of the “Democratic Review,” both of which journals he has conducted with distinguished success. As a critic he has proved himself just, bold and acute, while his prose compositions generally, evince the man of talent and taste.
His MS. is not remarkably good, being somewhat too scratchy and tapering. We include him, of course, in the editorial category.
Signature of R.T. Conrad.
JudgeConradoccupies, perhaps, the first place among our Philadelphialiterati. He has distinguished himself both as a prose writer and a poet—not to speak of his high legal reputation. He has been a frequent contributor to the periodicals of this city, and, we believe, to one at least of the Eastern Reviews. His first production which attracted general notice was a tragedy entitled “Conrad, King of Naples.” It was performed at the Arch Street Theatre, and elicited applause from the more judicious. This play was succeeded by “Jack Cade,” performed at the Walnut Street Theatre, and lately modified and reproduced under the title of “Aylmere.” In its new dress, this drama has been one of the most successful ever written by an American, not only attracting crowded houses, but extorting the good word of our best critics. In occasional poetry Judge Conrad has also done well. His lines “On a Blind Boy Soliciting Charity” have been highly admired, and many of his other pieces evince ability of a high order. His political fame is scarcely a topic for these pages, and is, moreover, too much a matter of common observation to need comment from us.
His MS. is neat, legible, and forcible, evincing combined caution and spirit in a very remarkable degree.
Signature of J. Q. Adams.
The chirography of Ex-PresidentAdams(whose poem, “The Wants of Man,” has, of late, attracted so much attention,) is remarkable for a certain steadiness of purpose pervading the whole, and overcoming even the constitutional tremulousness of the writer’s hand. Wavering in every letter, the entire MS. has yet a firm, regular, and decisive appearance. It is also very legible.
Signature of P P Cooke
P. P. Cooke, Esq., of Winchester, Va., is well known, especially in the South, as the author of numerous excellent contributions to the “Southern Literary Messenger.” He has written some of the finest poetry of which America can boast. A little piece of his, entitled “Florence Vane,” and contributed to the “Gentleman’s Magazine” of this city, during our editorship of that journal, was remarkable for the high ideality it evinced, and for the great delicacy and melody of its rhythm. It was universally admired and copied, as well here as in England. We saw it not long ago,as original, in “Bentley’s Miscellany.” Mr. Cooke has, we believe, nearly ready for press, a novel called “Maurice Werterbern,” whose success we predict with confidence.
His MS. is clear, forcible, and legible, but disfigured by some little of that affectation which is scarcely a blemish in his literary style.
Signature of T R Dew.
Prof.Thomas R. Dew, of William and Mary College in Virginia, was one of the able contributors who aided to establish the “Southern Literary Messenger” in the days of itsdébût. His MS. is precisely in keeping with his literary character. Both are heavy, massive, unornamented anddiffusein the extreme. His epistles seemed to have been scrawled with the stump of a quill dipped in very thick ink, and one or two words extend sometimes throughout a line. The signature is more compact than the general MS.
Signature of J. Beauchamp Jones
Mr.J. Beauchamp Joneshas been, we believe, connected for many years past with the lighter literature of Baltimore, and at present edits the “Baltimore Saturday Visiter,” with much judgment and general ability. He is the author of a series of papers of high merit now in course of publication in the “Visiter,” and entitled “Wild Western Scenes.”
His MS. is distinct, and might be termed a fine one; but is somewhat too much in consonance with the ordinary clerk style to be either graceful or forcible.
Signature of Chas. J. Peterson
Mr.Charles J. Petersonhas for a long time been connected with the periodical literature of Philadelphia, as one of the editors of “Graham’s Magazine” and of “The Saturday Evening Post.”
His MS., when unhurried, is a very good one—clear, weighty, and picturesque; but when carelessly written is nearly illegible, on account of a too slight variation of form in the short letters.
Signature of W E Burton
Mr.Burtonis better known as a comedian than as a literary man; but he has written many short prose articles of merit, and his quondam editorship of the “Gentleman’s Magazine” would, at all events, entitle him to a place in this collection. He has, moreover, published one or two books. An annual issued by Carey and Hart in 1840, consisted entirely of prose contributions from himself, with poetical ones from Charles West Thompson, Esq. In this work many of the tales were good.
Mr. Burton’s MS. is scratchy and petite, betokening indecision and care or caution. The whole chirography resembles that of Mr. Tasistro very nearly.
Signature of Richard Henry Wilde
Richard Henry Wilde, Esq., of Georgia, has acquired much reputation as a poet, and especially as the author of a little piece entitled “My Life is like the Summer Rose,” whose claim to originality has been made the subject of repeated and reiterated attack and defence. Upon the whole it is hardly worth quarrelling about. Far better verses are to be found in every second newspaper we take up. Mr. Wilde has also lately published, or is about to publish, a “Life of Tasso,” for which he has been long collecting material.
His MS. has all the peculiar sprawling and elaborate tastelessness of Mr. Palfrey’s, to which altogether it bears a marked resemblance. The love of effect, however, is more perceptible in Mr. Wilde’s than even in Mr. Palfrey’s.
Signature of G.G. Foster
G. G. Foster, Esq., has acquired much reputation, especially in the South and West, by his poetical contributions to the literature of the day. All his articles breathe the true spirit. At one period he edited a weekly paper in Alabama; more lately the “Bulletin” at St. Louis; and, at present, he conducts the “Pennant,” in that city, with distinguished ability. Not long ago he issued the prospectus of a monthly magazine. Should he succeed in getting the journal under way, there can be no doubt of his success.
His MS. is remarkably clear and graceful; evincing a keen sense of the beautiful. It seems, however, to be somewhat deficient in force; and his letters are never so well written in their conclusion as in their commencement. We have before remarked that this peculiarity in MSS. is a sure indication offatigabilityof temper. Few men who write thus are free from a certain vacillation of purpose. The signature above is rather heavier than that from which it was copied.
Signature of Lew Cass
Lewis Cass, the Ex-Secretary of War, has distinguished himself as one of the finestbelles lettresscholars of America. At one period he was a very regular contributor to the “Southern Literary Messenger,” and, even lately, he has furnished that journal with one or two very excellent papers.
His MS. is clear, deliberate and statesmanlike; resembling that of Edward Everett very closely. It is not often that we see a letter written altogether by himself. He generally employs an amanuensis, whose chirography does not differ materially from his own, but is somewhat more regular.
Signature of James Brooks
James Brooks, Esq., enjoys rather a private than a public literary reputation; but his talents are unquestionably great, and his productions have been numerous and excellent. As the author of many of the celebrated Jack Downing letters, and as the reputed author of the whole of them, he would at all events be entitled to a place among ourliterati.
His chirography is simple, clear and legible, with little grace and less boldness. These traits are precisely those of his literary style.
Signature of Jack Downing
As the authorship of the Jack Downing letters is even still considered by many a moot point, (although in fact there should be no question about it,) and as we have already given the signature of Mr. Seba Smith, and (just above) of Mr. Brooks, we now present our readers with a fac-simile signature of the “veritable Jack” himself, written by him individually in our own bodily presence. Here, then, is an opportunity of comparison.
The chirography of “the veritable Jack” is a very good, honest, sensible hand, and not very dissimilar to that of Ex-President Adams.
Signature of J. R. Lowell.
Mr.J. R. Lowell, of Massachusetts, is entitled, in our opinion, to at least the second or third place among the poets of America. We say this on account of the vigor of hisimagination—a faculty to be first considered in all criticism upon poetry. In this respect he surpasses, we think, any of our writers (at least any of those who have put themselves prominently forth as poets) with the exception of Longfellow, and perhaps one other. His ear for rhythm, nevertheless, is imperfect, and he is very far from possessing the artistic ability of either Longfellow, Bryant, Halleck, Sprague or Pierpont. The reader desirous of properly estimating the powers of Mr. Lowell will find a very beautiful little poem from his pen in the October number of this Magazine. There is one also (not quite so fine) in the number for last month. He will contribute regularly.
His MS. is strongly indicative of the vigor and precision of his poetical thought. The man who writes thus, for example, will never be guilty of metaphorical extravagance, and there will be foundtersenessas well as strength in all that he does.
Signature of L. J. Cist.
Mr.L. J. Cist, of Cincinnati, has not written much prose, and is known especially by his poetical compositions, many of which have been very popular, although they are at times disfigured by false metaphor, and by a meretricious straining after effect. This latter foible makes itself clearly apparent in his chirography, which abounds in ornamental flourishes, not illy executed, to be sure, but in very bad taste.
Signature of T S Arthur
Mr.Arthuris not without a rich talent for description of scenes in low life, but is uneducated, and too fond of mere vulgarities to please a refined taste. He has published “The Subordinate”, and “Insubordination”, two tales distinguished by the peculiarities above mentioned. He has also written much for our weekly papers, and the “Lady’s Book.”
His hand is a common-place clerk’s hand, such as we might expect him to write. The signature is much better than the general MS.
Signature of Jms E. Heath
Mr.Heathis almost the only person of any literary distinction residing in the chief city of the Old Dominion. He edited the “Southern Literary Messenger” in the five or six first months of its existence; and, since the secession of the writer of this article, has frequently aided in its editorial conduct. He is the author of “Edge-Hill”, a well-written novel, which, owing to the circumstances of its publication, did not meet with the reception it deserved. His writings are rather polished and graceful, than forcible or original; and these peculiarities can be traced in his chirography.
Signature of Thos H. Chivers
Dr.Thomas Holley Chivers, of New York, is at the same time one of the best and one of the worst poets in America. His productions affect one as a wild dream—strange, incongruous, full of images of more than arabesque monstrosity, and snatches of sweet unsustained song. Even his worst nonsense (and some of it is horrible) has an indefinite charm of sentiment and melody. We can never be sure that there isanymeaning in his words—neither is there any meaning in many of our finest musical airs—but the effect is very similar in both. His figures of speech are metaphor run mad, and his grammar is often none at all. Yet there are as fine individual passages to be found in the poems of Dr. Chivers, as in those of any poet whatsoever.
His MS. resembles that of P. P. Cooke very nearly, and in poetical character the two gentlemen are closely akin. Mr. Cooke is, by much, the morecorrect; while Dr. Chivers is sometimes the more poetic. Mr. C. always sustains himself; Dr. C. never.
Signature of Joseph Story
JudgeStory, and his various literary and political labors, are too well know to require comment.
His chirography is a noble one—bold, clear, massive, and deliberate, betokening in the most unequivocal manner all the characteristics of his intellect. The plain unornamented style of his compositions is impressed with accuracy upon his hand-writing, the whole air of which is well conveyed in the signature.
Signature of J. Frost
John Frost, Esq., Professor of Belles Lettres in the High School of Philadelphia, and at present editor of “The Young People’s Book,” has distinguished himself by numerous literary compositions for the periodicals of the day, and by a great number of published works which come under the head of theutilerather than of thedulce—at least in the estimation of the young. He is a gentleman of fine taste, sound scholarship, and great general ability.
His chirography denotes his mental idiosyncrasy with great precision. Its careful neatness, legibility and finish, are but a part of that turn of mind which leads him so frequently into compilation. The signature here given is more diminutive than usual.
Signature of James F. Otis.
Mr.J. F. Otisis well known as a writer for the Magazines; and has, at various times, been connected with many of the leading newspapers of the day—especially with those in New York and Washington. His prose and poetry are equally good; but he writes too much and too hurriedly to write invariably well. His taste is fine, and his judgment in literary matters is to be depended upon at all times when not interfered with by his personal antipathies or predilections.
His chirography is exceedingly illegible and, like his style, has every possible fault except that of the common-place.
Signature of J. N. Reynolds
Mr.Reynoldsoccupied at one time a distinguished position in the eye of the public, on account of his great and laudable exertions to get up the American South Polar expedition, from a personal participation in which he was most shamefully excluded. He has written much and well. Among other works, the public are indebted to him for a graphic account of the noted voyage of the frigate Potomac to Madagascar.
His MS. is an ordinary clerk’s hand, giving no indication of character.
Signature of William Cutter
Mr.William Cutter, a young merchant of Portland, Maine, although not very generally known as a poet beyond his immediate neighborhood, (or at least out of the Eastern States) has given to the world numerous compositions which prove him to be possessed of the true fire. He is, moreover, a fine scholar, and a prose writer of distinguished merit.
His chirography is very similar to that of Count Tasistro, and the two gentlemen resemble each other very peculiarly in their literary character.
Signature of David Paul Brown
David Paul Brown, Esq., is scarcely more distinguished in his legal capacity than by his literary compositions. As a dramatic writer he has met with much success. His “Sertorius” has been particularly well received both upon the stage and in the closet. His fugitive productions, both in prose and verse, have also been numerous, diversified, and excellent.
His chirography has no doubt been strongly modified by the circumstances of his position. No one can expect a lawyer in full practice to give in his MS. any true indication of his intellect or character.
Signature of E. C. Stedman
Mrs. E. Clementine Stedmanhas lately attracted much attention by the delicacy and grace of her poetical compositions, as well as by the piquancy and spirit of her prose. For some months past we have been proud to rank her among the best of the contributors to “Graham’s Magazine.”
Her chirography differs as materially from that of her sex in general as does her literary manner from the usual namby-pamby of our blue-stockings. It is, indeed, a beautiful MS., very closely resembling that of Professor Longfellow, but somewhat more diminutive, and far more full of grace.
Signature of John G Whittier
J. Greenleaf Whittier, is placed by his particular admirers in the very front rank of American poets. We are not disposed, however, to agree with their decision in every respect. Mr. Whittier is a fine versifier, so far as strength is regarded independently of modulation. His subjects, too, are usually chosen with the view of affording scope to a certainvivida visof expression which seems to be his forte; but in taste, and especially inimagination, which Coleridge has justly styled thesoulof all poetry, he is even remarkably deficient. His themes areneverto our liking.
His chirography is an ordinary clerk’s hand, affording little indication of character.
Signature of Ann S Stephens
Mrs.Ann S. Stephenswas at one period the editor of the “Portland Magazine,” a periodical of which we have not heard for some time, and which, we presume, has been discontinued. More lately her name has been placed upon the title page of “The Lady’s Companion” of New York, as one of the conductors of that journal—to which she has contributed many articles of merit and popularity. She has also written much and well, for various other periodicals, and will, hereafter, enrich this magazine with her compositions, and act as one of its editors.
Her MS. is a very excellent one, and differs from that of her sex in general, by an air of more than usual force and freedom.
THE SWEET SOUTH WIND.
———
BY LYDIA JANE PIERSON.
———
Hark, ’tis the sweet south wind!How soft its dewy fingers touch the keysWhich thrill such melting music through the mind,Even the green leaves of the forest trees.There is a witcheryIn the soft music, like the voice of love;Now gushing o’er the soul deliciously,Then sighing a rich cadence through the grove.It seemeth to mine earThe rustling of some holy creature’s wing,Sent from some passionless and sinless sphere,Unction of peace unto the soul to bring.My temples feel its pow’r,Cooling and soothing every throbbing vein;My spirit lifts its weary wings once more,And bursts the strong clasps of care’s sordid chain,And floats all calm and free,Blent with the music of the bending wood,Fill’d with the light of immortality,Even the presence of the Living God.Nature is full of Him,And every willing spirit feels his pow’r;Even as this south wind fills the forest dim,And bends with its rich weight each lowly flow’r.Oh, may death come to meOn the soft breath of such a night as this;To lift the thin veil of mortality,And let me bathe at once in perfect bliss.
Hark, ’tis the sweet south wind!How soft its dewy fingers touch the keysWhich thrill such melting music through the mind,Even the green leaves of the forest trees.There is a witcheryIn the soft music, like the voice of love;Now gushing o’er the soul deliciously,Then sighing a rich cadence through the grove.It seemeth to mine earThe rustling of some holy creature’s wing,Sent from some passionless and sinless sphere,Unction of peace unto the soul to bring.My temples feel its pow’r,Cooling and soothing every throbbing vein;My spirit lifts its weary wings once more,And bursts the strong clasps of care’s sordid chain,And floats all calm and free,Blent with the music of the bending wood,Fill’d with the light of immortality,Even the presence of the Living God.Nature is full of Him,And every willing spirit feels his pow’r;Even as this south wind fills the forest dim,And bends with its rich weight each lowly flow’r.Oh, may death come to meOn the soft breath of such a night as this;To lift the thin veil of mortality,And let me bathe at once in perfect bliss.
Hark, ’tis the sweet south wind!How soft its dewy fingers touch the keysWhich thrill such melting music through the mind,Even the green leaves of the forest trees.
Hark, ’tis the sweet south wind!
How soft its dewy fingers touch the keys
Which thrill such melting music through the mind,
Even the green leaves of the forest trees.
There is a witcheryIn the soft music, like the voice of love;Now gushing o’er the soul deliciously,Then sighing a rich cadence through the grove.
There is a witchery
In the soft music, like the voice of love;
Now gushing o’er the soul deliciously,
Then sighing a rich cadence through the grove.
It seemeth to mine earThe rustling of some holy creature’s wing,Sent from some passionless and sinless sphere,Unction of peace unto the soul to bring.
It seemeth to mine ear
The rustling of some holy creature’s wing,
Sent from some passionless and sinless sphere,
Unction of peace unto the soul to bring.
My temples feel its pow’r,Cooling and soothing every throbbing vein;My spirit lifts its weary wings once more,And bursts the strong clasps of care’s sordid chain,
My temples feel its pow’r,
Cooling and soothing every throbbing vein;
My spirit lifts its weary wings once more,
And bursts the strong clasps of care’s sordid chain,
And floats all calm and free,Blent with the music of the bending wood,Fill’d with the light of immortality,Even the presence of the Living God.
And floats all calm and free,
Blent with the music of the bending wood,
Fill’d with the light of immortality,
Even the presence of the Living God.
Nature is full of Him,And every willing spirit feels his pow’r;Even as this south wind fills the forest dim,And bends with its rich weight each lowly flow’r.
Nature is full of Him,
And every willing spirit feels his pow’r;
Even as this south wind fills the forest dim,
And bends with its rich weight each lowly flow’r.
Oh, may death come to meOn the soft breath of such a night as this;To lift the thin veil of mortality,And let me bathe at once in perfect bliss.
Oh, may death come to me
On the soft breath of such a night as this;
To lift the thin veil of mortality,
And let me bathe at once in perfect bliss.
MISFORTUNES OF A TIMID GENTLEMAN.
———
BY J. ROSS BROWNE.
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[Continued from Page 123.[2]]
Beingnow somewhat advanced in life, I can look back on the past with that degree of calmness and self-complacency so delightful to age. I cannot think, with Miss Landon, that a person regards the follies of his youth with more severity himself than others regard them. Indeed I feel disposed to believe that those very follies form the chief charm of our early days; and, as for myself, I can hardly regret that I was not born a Nestor. So much by way of preface to my Second Book.
The reader who has been kind enough to follow me thus far in the history of my youth, will recollect that I introduced him to a social circle at Mrs. Melville’s, one evening in the early part of summer.
Mr. Martagon, the gentleman with the large shoulders, was seated in an arm-chair, admirably adapted to his proportions. Mr. Pratt was looking unutterable things at Miss Azile, who, on the present occasion, was exceedingly unmerciful on love-stricken swains. Miss Emily Melville was warbling a soft enchanting air, which she accompanied with the guitar; and Mr. Desmond was wrapt in pleasing thoughts, the consequence thereof. Mr. Martagon being an ancient admirer of Miss Virginia Melville, enlisted her attention by a very judicious discourse on the evils of matrimony; which, of course, induced me to be very busily engaged at nothing particular.
When the music had ceased, the conversation gradually became general. Poetry was discussed—fiction voted a great evil—superstition allowed to be a universal failing—and Sir Walter Scott pronounced the king of ghost-makers; which latter allusion led to a very edifying description of the person and character of a certain ghost seen by each individual present.
Mr. Martagon, who had seen an unusual and pleasing variety of ghosts, recollected an uncommonly peculiar one which appeared to him during a twilight ramble in the woods.
This reminded Mr. Pratt of an extraordinary vision which he had once witnessed in the form of a hog; which prompted Mr. Desmond to relate an amusing anecdote of his experience in things supernatural.
Various ghost-stories were related by the company, till, by one of those unaccountable changes which so frequently occur in a lively circle, the conversation turned to love and courtship. This was a subject upon which I was very sensitive.
Miss Azile, the satirical young lady, was of opinion that all such things are highly ridiculous, and much to be regretted; in which opinion the fair portion of the company generally coincided. The reader who has read the anecdote of the Persian over whose head a sword was suspended by a thread, can imagine my anxiety to ascertain the opinion of the person in whom I was most interested. I did not long remain in suspense—“She considered it unnatural and improper for a young lady to love;” which assertion was accompanied by a very significant look at myself. The philosophy of indifference had ever been my most difficult study. I could not persuade myself that I was prepared for disappointment; and, in fact, my hopes were too sanguine to allow for many thoughts of a gloomy character. All was over now, however; and as I hurried away as miserable as Jacques, I thought there was a very pretty end to my day-dreams and night-visions. Byron’s reproach occurred to me with all its bitterness—