THE PASSIONS.

143

When the mind goes in pursuit of visionary systems, it is not far from the regions of doubt; and the greater its capacity to think abstractedly, to reason and refine, the more it will be exposed to, and bewildered in, uncertainty.––From an enthusiastic warmth of temper, indeed, we may for a while be encouraged to persist in some favourite doctrine, or to adhere to some adopted system; but when that enthusiasm, which is founded on the vivacity of the passions, gradually cools and dies away with them, the opinions it supported drop from us, and we are thrown upon the inhospitable shore of doubt.––A striking proof of the necessity of some moral rule of wisdom and virtue, and some system of happiness established by unerring knowledge, and unlimited power.

In the poet’s address to Humour in this ode there is one image of singular beauty and propriety. The ornaments in the hair of Wit are of such a nature, and disposed in such a manner, as to be perfectly symbolical and characteristic:

“Me too amidst thy band admit,There where the young-eyed healthful Wit,(Whose jewels in his crisped hairAre placed each other’s beams to share,Whom no delights from thee divide)In laughter loosed, attends thy side.”

“Me too amidst thy band admit,

There where the young-eyed healthful Wit,

(Whose jewels in his crisped hair

Are placed each other’s beams to share,

Whom no delights from thee divide)

In laughter loosed, attends thy side.”

Nothing could be more expressive of wit, which consists in a happy collision of comparative and144relative images, than this reciprocal reflection of light from the disposition of the jewels.

“O Humour, thou whose name is knownTo Britain’s favour’d isle alone.”

“O Humour, thou whose name is known

To Britain’s favour’d isle alone.”

The author could only mean to apply this to the time when he wrote, since other nations had produced works of great humour, as he himself acknowledges afterwards.

“By old Miletus,” &c.“By all you taught the Tuscan maids,” &c.

“By old Miletus,” &c.

“By all you taught the Tuscan maids,” &c.

The Milesian and Tuscan romances were by no means distinguished for humour; but as they were the models of that species of writing in which humour was afterwards employed, they are, probably for that reason only, mentioned here.

145THE PASSIONS.AN ODE FOR MUSIC.

If the music which was composed for this ode had equal merit with the ode itself, it must have been the most excellent performance of the kind in which poetry and music have, in modern times, united. Other pieces of the same nature have derived their greatest reputation from the perfection of the music that accompanied them, having in themselves little more merit than that of an ordinary ballad: but in this we have the whole soul and power of poetry––expression that, even without the aid of music, strikes to the heart; and imagery of power enough to transport the attention, without the forceful alliance of corresponding sounds! what, then, must have been the effect of these united!

It is very observable, that though the measure is the same, in which the musical efforts of Fear, Anger, and Despair are described, yet, by the variation of the cadence, the character and operation146of each is strongly expressed: thus particularly of Despair:

“With woful measures wan Despair––Low, sullen sounds his grief beguiled,A solemn, strange, and mingled air,’Twas sad by fits, by starts ’twas wild.”

“With woful measures wan Despair––

Low, sullen sounds his grief beguiled,

A solemn, strange, and mingled air,

’Twas sad by fits, by starts ’twas wild.”

He must be a very unskilful composer who could not catch the power of imitative harmony from these lines!

The picture of Hope that follows this is beautiful almost beyond imitation. By the united powers of imagery and harmony, that delightful being is exhibited with all the charms and graces that pleasure and fancy have appropriated to her:

Relegat, qui semel percurrit;Qui nunquam legit, legat.

Relegat, qui semel percurrit;

Qui nunquam legit, legat.

“But thou, O Hope, with eyes so fair,What was thy delighted measure!Still it whisper’d promised pleasure,And bade the lovely scenes at distance hail!Still would her touch the strain prolong,And from the rocks, the woods, the vale,She call’d on Echo still through all the song;And where her sweetest theme she chose,A soft responsive voice was heard at every close,And Hope enchanted smiled, and waved her golden hair.”

“But thou, O Hope, with eyes so fair,

What was thy delighted measure!

Still it whisper’d promised pleasure,

And bade the lovely scenes at distance hail!

Still would her touch the strain prolong,

And from the rocks, the woods, the vale,

She call’d on Echo still through all the song;

And where her sweetest theme she chose,

A soft responsive voice was heard at every close,

And Hope enchanted smiled, and waved her golden hair.”

In what an exalted light does the above stanza147place this great master of poetical imagery and harmony! what varied sweetness of numbers! what delicacy of judgment and expression! how characteristically does Hope prolong her strain, repeat her soothing closes, call upon her associate Echo for the same purposes, and display every pleasing grace peculiar to her!

“And Hope enchanted smiled, and waved her golden hair.”

Legat, qui nunquam legit;Qui semel percurrit, relegat.

Legat, qui nunquam legit;

Qui semel percurrit, relegat.

The descriptions of Joy, Jealousy, and Revenge are excellent, though not equally so. Those of Melancholy and Cheerfulness are superior to every thing of the kind; and, upon the whole, there may be very little hazard in asserting, that this is the finest ode in the English language.

148AN EPISTLETO SIR THOMAS HANMER, ON HIS EDITION OF SHAKESPEARE’S WORKS.

This poem was written by our author at the university, about the time when Sir Thomas Hanmer’s pompous edition of Shakespeare was printed at Oxford. If it has not so much merit as the rest of his poems, it has still more than the subject deserves. The versification is easy and genteel, and the allusions always poetical. The character of the poet Fletcher in particular is very justly drawn in this epistle.

149DIRGE IN CYMBELINE.ODE ON THE DEATH OF THOMSON.

Mr. Collins had skill to complain. Of that mournful melody, and those tender images, which are the distinguishing excellencies of such pieces as bewail departed friendship, or beauty, he was an almost unequaled master. He knew perfectly to exhibit such circumstances, peculiar to the objects, as awaken the influences of pity; and while, from his own great sensibility, he felt what he wrote, he naturally addressed himself to the feelings of others.

To read such lines as the following, all-beautiful and tender as they are, without corresponding emotions of pity, is surely impossible:

“The tender thought on thee shall dwell;Each lonely scene shall thee restore,For thee the tear be duly shed;Beloved till life can charm no more,And mourn’d till Pity’s self be dead.”

“The tender thought on thee shall dwell;

Each lonely scene shall thee restore,

For thee the tear be duly shed;

Beloved till life can charm no more,

And mourn’d till Pity’s self be dead.”

The Ode on the Death of Thomson seems to have150been written in an excursion to Richmond by water. The rural scenery has a proper effect in an ode to the memory of a poet, much of whose merit lay in descriptions of the same kind; and the appellations of “Druid,” and “meek Nature’s child,” are happily characteristic. For the better understanding of this ode, it is necessary to remember, that Mr. Thomson lies buried in the church of Richmond.

THE END.

FOOTNOTES:

[1]21st March, 1740.

21st March, 1740.

[2]Afterwards republished with the title of “Oriental Eclogues.”

Afterwards republished with the title of “Oriental Eclogues.”

[3]D’Israeli, in his “Calamities of Authors,” vol. ii. p. 201.

D’Israeli, in his “Calamities of Authors,” vol. ii. p. 201.

[4]June 7th, 1746.

June 7th, 1746.

[5]Mr. Joseph Warton, now Dr. Warton, head master of Winton school, was at the same time second upon roll; and Mr. Mulso, now [1781] prebendary of the church of Winton, third upon roll.

Mr. Joseph Warton, now Dr. Warton, head master of Winton school, was at the same time second upon roll; and Mr. Mulso, now [1781] prebendary of the church of Winton, third upon roll.

[6]Hampton, the translator of Polybius.

Hampton, the translator of Polybius.

[7]Dallaway’s Sussex, vol. i. p. 185––The arms of the family of Collins are there said to have been, “Azure a griffin segreant or;” but in Sir William Burrell’s MS. Collections for a History of Sussex, in the British Museum, the field is described as being vert. From those manuscripts which are marked “Additional MSS.” Nos. 5697 to 5699, the following notices of the Poet’s family have been extracted.REGISTER OF ST. ANDREW’S, CHICHESTER.BAPTISM.Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. George Collins, 8th October, 1763.BURIALS.Mrs. Elizabeth Collins [the poet’s mother], 6th July, 1744.William Collins, Gent. [the Poet], 15th June, 1759.REGISTER OF ST. PETER THE GREAT, CHICHESTER.BAPTISMS.Charles, son of Roger Collins, 8th February, 1645.George, son of Mr. George Collins, 28th December, 1647.Humphrey, son of Mr. Richard Collins, 20th Dec. 1648.George, son of Mr. George Collins, 7th September, 1651.Christian, daughter of Mr. Richard Collins, 1st Sept. 1652.John, son of Mr. Richard Collins, senior, 13th Dec. 1652.Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. Richard Collins, sen. 16th May, 1656.Joan, daughter of Mr. Richard Collins, jun. 12th Dec. 1656.Judith, daughter of Mr. Collins, Vicar Choral, 17th April, 1667.Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. William Collins, 6th March, 1704.MARRIAGES.Mr. Charles Collins and Mrs. Elizabeth Cardiff, 14th April, 1696.BURIALS.––– wife of Mr. William Collins, 10th December, 1650.Susan, wife of Mr. Richard Collins, 3rd December, 1657.Mr. George Collins, 10th January, 1669.Mrs. Collins of St. Olave’s Parish, 19th July, 1696.There are monumental inscriptions in St. Andrew’s Church, Chichester, to the Poet’s father, mother, maternal uncle, Colonel Martyn, and sister, Mrs. Durnford.

Dallaway’s Sussex, vol. i. p. 185––The arms of the family of Collins are there said to have been, “Azure a griffin segreant or;” but in Sir William Burrell’s MS. Collections for a History of Sussex, in the British Museum, the field is described as being vert. From those manuscripts which are marked “Additional MSS.” Nos. 5697 to 5699, the following notices of the Poet’s family have been extracted.

REGISTER OF ST. ANDREW’S, CHICHESTER.BAPTISM.Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. George Collins, 8th October, 1763.BURIALS.Mrs. Elizabeth Collins [the poet’s mother], 6th July, 1744.William Collins, Gent. [the Poet], 15th June, 1759.REGISTER OF ST. PETER THE GREAT, CHICHESTER.BAPTISMS.Charles, son of Roger Collins, 8th February, 1645.George, son of Mr. George Collins, 28th December, 1647.Humphrey, son of Mr. Richard Collins, 20th Dec. 1648.George, son of Mr. George Collins, 7th September, 1651.Christian, daughter of Mr. Richard Collins, 1st Sept. 1652.John, son of Mr. Richard Collins, senior, 13th Dec. 1652.Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. Richard Collins, sen. 16th May, 1656.Joan, daughter of Mr. Richard Collins, jun. 12th Dec. 1656.Judith, daughter of Mr. Collins, Vicar Choral, 17th April, 1667.Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. William Collins, 6th March, 1704.MARRIAGES.Mr. Charles Collins and Mrs. Elizabeth Cardiff, 14th April, 1696.BURIALS.––– wife of Mr. William Collins, 10th December, 1650.Susan, wife of Mr. Richard Collins, 3rd December, 1657.Mr. George Collins, 10th January, 1669.Mrs. Collins of St. Olave’s Parish, 19th July, 1696.

BAPTISM.

Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. George Collins, 8th October, 1763.

BURIALS.

Mrs. Elizabeth Collins [the poet’s mother], 6th July, 1744.William Collins, Gent. [the Poet], 15th June, 1759.

BAPTISMS.

Charles, son of Roger Collins, 8th February, 1645.George, son of Mr. George Collins, 28th December, 1647.Humphrey, son of Mr. Richard Collins, 20th Dec. 1648.George, son of Mr. George Collins, 7th September, 1651.Christian, daughter of Mr. Richard Collins, 1st Sept. 1652.John, son of Mr. Richard Collins, senior, 13th Dec. 1652.Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. Richard Collins, sen. 16th May, 1656.Joan, daughter of Mr. Richard Collins, jun. 12th Dec. 1656.Judith, daughter of Mr. Collins, Vicar Choral, 17th April, 1667.Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. William Collins, 6th March, 1704.

MARRIAGES.

Mr. Charles Collins and Mrs. Elizabeth Cardiff, 14th April, 1696.

BURIALS.

––– wife of Mr. William Collins, 10th December, 1650.Susan, wife of Mr. Richard Collins, 3rd December, 1657.Mr. George Collins, 10th January, 1669.Mrs. Collins of St. Olave’s Parish, 19th July, 1696.

There are monumental inscriptions in St. Andrew’s Church, Chichester, to the Poet’s father, mother, maternal uncle, Colonel Martyn, and sister, Mrs. Durnford.

[8]So much of the will of Colonel Edmund Martyn as relates to the Poet and his sister has been already cited, but the testator’s situation in life and the respectability of his family are best shown by other parts of that document. He describes himself as a lieutenant-colonel in his Majesty’s service, lying sick in the city of Chichester. To his niece Elizabeth, the wife of Thomas Napper, of Itchenor in Sussex, he bequeathed 100l.His copyhold estates of the manors of Selsey, and Somerly, in that county, to his nephew, Abraham Martyn, the youngest son of his late only brother, Henry Martyn, and to his servant, John Hipp, he gave his wearing apparel and ten pounds.

So much of the will of Colonel Edmund Martyn as relates to the Poet and his sister has been already cited, but the testator’s situation in life and the respectability of his family are best shown by other parts of that document. He describes himself as a lieutenant-colonel in his Majesty’s service, lying sick in the city of Chichester. To his niece Elizabeth, the wife of Thomas Napper, of Itchenor in Sussex, he bequeathed 100l.His copyhold estates of the manors of Selsey, and Somerly, in that county, to his nephew, Abraham Martyn, the youngest son of his late only brother, Henry Martyn, and to his servant, John Hipp, he gave his wearing apparel and ten pounds.

[9]Dyce’s edition of Collins, 1827, p. 39.

Dyce’s edition of Collins, 1827, p. 39.

[10]In the Persian tongue, Abbas signifieth “the father of the people.”

In the Persian tongue, Abbas signifieth “the father of the people.”

[11]The gulf of that name, famous for the pearl fishery.

The gulf of that name, famous for the pearl fishery.

[12]That these flowers are found in very great abundance in some of the provinces of Persia, see the Modern History of the ingenious Mr. Salmon. C.

That these flowers are found in very great abundance in some of the provinces of Persia, see the Modern History of the ingenious Mr. Salmon. C.

[13]Euripides, of whom Aristotle pronounces, on a comparison of him with Sophocles, that he was the greater master of the tender passions,ην τραγικωτερος. C.

Euripides, of whom Aristotle pronounces, on a comparison of him with Sophocles, that he was the greater master of the tender passions,ην τραγικωτερος. C.

[14]The river Arun runs by the village of Trotton in Sussex, where Otway had his birth.

The river Arun runs by the village of Trotton in Sussex, where Otway had his birth.

[15]Alluding to theΚυνας αφυκτουςof Sophocles. See the Electra. C.

Alluding to theΚυνας αφυκτουςof Sophocles. See the Electra. C.

[16]Æschylus. C.

Æschylus. C.

[17]Jocasta. C.

Jocasta. C.

[18]ουδ’ ετ’ ωρωρει βοη,Ην μεν σιωπη; φθεγμα δ’ εξαιφνης τινοςΘωυξεν αυτον, ὡστε παντας ορθιαςΣτησαι φοβω δεισαντας εξαιφνης τριχας.See the Œdip. Colon. of Sophocles. C.

ουδ’ ετ’ ωρωρει βοη,Ην μεν σιωπη; φθεγμα δ’ εξαιφνης τινοςΘωυξεν αυτον, ὡστε παντας ορθιαςΣτησαι φοβω δεισαντας εξαιφνης τριχας.See the Œdip. Colon. of Sophocles. C.

ουδ’ ετ’ ωρωρει βοη,Ην μεν σιωπη; φθεγμα δ’ εξαιφνης τινοςΘωυξεν αυτον, ὡστε παντας ορθιαςΣτησαι φοβω δεισαντας εξαιφνης τριχας.

ουδ’ ετ’ ωρωρει βοη,

Ην μεν σιωπη; φθεγμα δ’ εξαιφνης τινος

Θωυξεν αυτον, ὡστε παντας ορθιας

Στησαι φοβω δεισαντας εξαιφνης τριχας.

See the Œdip. Colon. of Sophocles. C.

[19]Theαηδων, or nightingale, for which Sophocles seems to have entertained a peculiar fondness. C.

Theαηδων, or nightingale, for which Sophocles seems to have entertained a peculiar fondness. C.

[20]Florimel. See Spenser, Leg. 4th. C.

Florimel. See Spenser, Leg. 4th. C.

[21]Alluding to that beautiful fragment of Alcæus:Εν μυρτου κλαδι το ξιφος φορησω,Hωσπερ Ἁρμοδιος κ’ Αριστογειτων,Ὁτε τον τυραννον κτανετην.Ισονομους τ’ Αθηνας εποιησατην.Φιλταθ’ Ἁρμοδι’ ου τι που τεθνηκας,Νησοις δ’ εν μακαρων σε φασιν ειναι,Ἱνα περ ποδωκης Αχιλευς,Τυδειδην τε φασιν Διομηδεα.Εν μυρτου κλαδι το ξιφος φορησω,Ωσπερ Ἁρμοδιος κ’ Αριστογειτων,Ὁτ’ Αθηναιης εν ΘυσιαιςΑνδρα τυραννον Ἱππαρχον εκαινετην.Αει σφων κλεος εσσεται κατ’ αιαν,Φιλταθ’ Ἁρμοδιε, κ’ Αριστογειτων,Ὁτι τον τυραννον κτανετον,Ισονομους τ’ Αθηνας εποιησατον.

Alluding to that beautiful fragment of Alcæus:

Εν μυρτου κλαδι το ξιφος φορησω,Hωσπερ Ἁρμοδιος κ’ Αριστογειτων,Ὁτε τον τυραννον κτανετην.Ισονομους τ’ Αθηνας εποιησατην.Φιλταθ’ Ἁρμοδι’ ου τι που τεθνηκας,Νησοις δ’ εν μακαρων σε φασιν ειναι,Ἱνα περ ποδωκης Αχιλευς,Τυδειδην τε φασιν Διομηδεα.Εν μυρτου κλαδι το ξιφος φορησω,Ωσπερ Ἁρμοδιος κ’ Αριστογειτων,Ὁτ’ Αθηναιης εν ΘυσιαιςΑνδρα τυραννον Ἱππαρχον εκαινετην.Αει σφων κλεος εσσεται κατ’ αιαν,Φιλταθ’ Ἁρμοδιε, κ’ Αριστογειτων,Ὁτι τον τυραννον κτανετον,Ισονομους τ’ Αθηνας εποιησατον.

Εν μυρτου κλαδι το ξιφος φορησω,

Hωσπερ Ἁρμοδιος κ’ Αριστογειτων,

Ὁτε τον τυραννον κτανετην.

Ισονομους τ’ Αθηνας εποιησατην.

Φιλταθ’ Ἁρμοδι’ ου τι που τεθνηκας,

Νησοις δ’ εν μακαρων σε φασιν ειναι,

Ἱνα περ ποδωκης Αχιλευς,

Τυδειδην τε φασιν Διομηδεα.

Εν μυρτου κλαδι το ξιφος φορησω,

Ωσπερ Ἁρμοδιος κ’ Αριστογειτων,

Ὁτ’ Αθηναιης εν Θυσιαις

Ανδρα τυραννον Ἱππαρχον εκαινετην.

Αει σφων κλεος εσσεται κατ’ αιαν,

Φιλταθ’ Ἁρμοδιε, κ’ Αριστογειτων,

Ὁτι τον τυραννον κτανετον,

Ισονομους τ’ Αθηνας εποιησατον.

[22]Μη μη ταυτα λεγωμες, ἁ δακρυον ηγαγε Δηοι.Callimach.Ὑμνος εις Δημητρα. C.

Μη μη ταυτα λεγωμες, ἁ δακρυον ηγαγε Δηοι.Callimach.Ὑμνος εις Δημητρα. C.

Μη μη ταυτα λεγωμες, ἁ δακρυον ηγαγε Δηοι.

Callimach.Ὑμνος εις Δημητρα. C.

[23]The family of the Medici. C.

The family of the Medici. C.

[24]The little republic of San Marino. C.

The little republic of San Marino. C.

[25]The Venetians. C.

The Venetians. C.

[26]The Doge of Venice. C.

The Doge of Venice. C.

[27]Genoa. C.

Genoa. C.

[28]Switzerland. C.

Switzerland. C.

[29]The Dutch, amongst whom there are very severe penalties for those who are convicted of killing this bird. They are kept tame in almost all their towns, and particularly at the Hague, of the arms of which they make a part. The common people of Holland are said to entertain a superstitious sentiment, that if the whole species of them should become extinct, they should lose their liberties. C.

The Dutch, amongst whom there are very severe penalties for those who are convicted of killing this bird. They are kept tame in almost all their towns, and particularly at the Hague, of the arms of which they make a part. The common people of Holland are said to entertain a superstitious sentiment, that if the whole species of them should become extinct, they should lose their liberties. C.

[30]Queen Elizabeth. C.

Queen Elizabeth. C.

[31]This tradition is mentioned by several of our old historians. Some naturalists too have endeavoured to support the probability of the fact by arguments drawn from the correspondent disposition of the two opposite coasts. I do not remember that any poetical use has been hitherto made of it. C.

This tradition is mentioned by several of our old historians. Some naturalists too have endeavoured to support the probability of the fact by arguments drawn from the correspondent disposition of the two opposite coasts. I do not remember that any poetical use has been hitherto made of it. C.

[32]There is a tradition in the Isle of Man, that a mermaid becoming enamoured of a young man of extraordinary beauty took an opportunity of meeting him one day as he walked on the shore, and opened her passion to him, but was received with a coldness, occasioned by his horror and surprise at her appearance. This, however, was so misconstrued by the sea lady, that, in revenge for his treatment of her, she punished the whole island by covering it with a mist: so that all who attempted to carry on any commerce with it, either never arrived at it, but wandered up and down the sea, or were on a sudden wrecked upon its cliffs. C.

There is a tradition in the Isle of Man, that a mermaid becoming enamoured of a young man of extraordinary beauty took an opportunity of meeting him one day as he walked on the shore, and opened her passion to him, but was received with a coldness, occasioned by his horror and surprise at her appearance. This, however, was so misconstrued by the sea lady, that, in revenge for his treatment of her, she punished the whole island by covering it with a mist: so that all who attempted to carry on any commerce with it, either never arrived at it, but wandered up and down the sea, or were on a sudden wrecked upon its cliffs. C.

[33]Harting, a village adjoining the parish of Trotton, and about two miles distant from it.

Harting, a village adjoining the parish of Trotton, and about two miles distant from it.

[34]Alluding to the Milesian tales, some of the earliest romances. C.

Alluding to the Milesian tales, some of the earliest romances. C.

[35]Cervantes. C.

Cervantes. C.

[36]Monsieur Le Sage, author of the incomparable Adventures of Gil Blas de Santillane, who died in Paris in the year 1745. C.

Monsieur Le Sage, author of the incomparable Adventures of Gil Blas de Santillane, who died in Paris in the year 1745. C.

[37]The harp of Æolus, of which see a description in the Castle of Indolence. C.

The harp of Æolus, of which see a description in the Castle of Indolence. C.

[38]Richmond Church, in which Thomson was buried. C.

Richmond Church, in which Thomson was buried. C.

[39]Mr. Thomson resided in the neighbourhood of Richmond some time before his death.

Mr. Thomson resided in the neighbourhood of Richmond some time before his death.

[40]How truly did Collins predict Home’s tragic powers!

How truly did Collins predict Home’s tragic powers!

[41]A gentleman of the name of Barrow, who introduced Home to Collins. Ed. 1788.

A gentleman of the name of Barrow, who introduced Home to Collins. Ed. 1788.

[42]A summer hut, built in the high part of the mountains, to tend their flocks in the warm season, when the pasture is fine. Ed. 1788.

A summer hut, built in the high part of the mountains, to tend their flocks in the warm season, when the pasture is fine. Ed. 1788.

[43]By young Aurora, Collins undoubtedly meant the first appearance of the northern lights, which happened about the year 1715; at least it is most highly probable, from this peculiar circumstance, that no ancient writer whatever has taken any notice of them, nor even any modern one, previous to the above period. Ed. 1788.

By young Aurora, Collins undoubtedly meant the first appearance of the northern lights, which happened about the year 1715; at least it is most highly probable, from this peculiar circumstance, that no ancient writer whatever has taken any notice of them, nor even any modern one, previous to the above period. Ed. 1788.

[44]Second sight is the term that is used for the divination of the highlanders. Ed. 1788.

Second sight is the term that is used for the divination of the highlanders. Ed. 1788.

[45]The late Duke of Cumberland, who defeated the Pretender at the battle of Culloden. Ed. 1788.

The late Duke of Cumberland, who defeated the Pretender at the battle of Culloden. Ed. 1788.

[46]A fiery meteor, called by various names, such as Will with the Wisp, Jack with the Lantern, etc. It hovers in the air over marshy and fenny places. Ed. 1788.

A fiery meteor, called by various names, such as Will with the Wisp, Jack with the Lantern, etc. It hovers in the air over marshy and fenny places. Ed. 1788.

[47]The water fiend.

The water fiend.

[48]One of the Hebrides is called the Isle of Pigmies; where it is reported, that several miniature bones of the human species have been dug up in the ruins of a chapel there.

One of the Hebrides is called the Isle of Pigmies; where it is reported, that several miniature bones of the human species have been dug up in the ruins of a chapel there.

[49]Icolmkill, one of the Hebrides, where near sixty of the ancient Scottish, Irish, and Norwegian kings are interred.

Icolmkill, one of the Hebrides, where near sixty of the ancient Scottish, Irish, and Norwegian kings are interred.

[50]An aquatic bird like a goose, on the eggs of which the inhabitants of St. Kilda, another of the Hebrides, chiefly subsist. Ed. 1788.

An aquatic bird like a goose, on the eggs of which the inhabitants of St. Kilda, another of the Hebrides, chiefly subsist. Ed. 1788.

[51]Three rivers in Scotland. Ed. 1788.

Three rivers in Scotland. Ed. 1788.

[52]Ben Jonson paid a visit on foot, in 1619, to the Scotch poet Drummond, at his seat of Hawthornden, within four miles of Edinburgh.

Ben Jonson paid a visit on foot, in 1619, to the Scotch poet Drummond, at his seat of Hawthornden, within four miles of Edinburgh.

[53]Barrow, it seems, was at the Edinburgh University, which is in the county of Lothian. Ed. 1788.

Barrow, it seems, was at the Edinburgh University, which is in the county of Lothian. Ed. 1788.

[54]The Œdipus of Sophocles.

The Œdipus of Sophocles.

[55]Julius the Second, the immediate predecessor of Leo the Tenth.

Julius the Second, the immediate predecessor of Leo the Tenth.

[56]Their characters are thus distinguished by Mr. Dryden.

Their characters are thus distinguished by Mr. Dryden.

[57]About the time of Shakespeare, the poet Hardy was in great repute in France. He wrote, according to Fontenelle, six hundred plays. The French poets after him applied themselves in general to the correct improvement of the stage, which was almost totally disregarded by those of our own country, Jonson excepted.

About the time of Shakespeare, the poet Hardy was in great repute in France. He wrote, according to Fontenelle, six hundred plays. The French poets after him applied themselves in general to the correct improvement of the stage, which was almost totally disregarded by those of our own country, Jonson excepted.

[58]The favourite author of the elder Corneille.

The favourite author of the elder Corneille.

[59]Turno tempus erit, magno cum optaverit emptumIntactum Pallanta, etc.Virg.

Turno tempus erit, magno cum optaverit emptumIntactum Pallanta, etc.Virg.

Turno tempus erit, magno cum optaverit emptum

Intactum Pallanta, etc.

Virg.

[60]See the tragedy of Julius Cæsar.

See the tragedy of Julius Cæsar.

[61]Coriolanus. See Mr. Spence’s Dialogue on the Odyssey.

Coriolanus. See Mr. Spence’s Dialogue on the Odyssey.

[62]It is uncertain where this poem appeared. It was inserted in the Edinburgh edition of the Poets, 1794. A manuscript copy in the collection recently belonging to Mr. Upcott, and now in the British Museum, is headed, “Written by Collins when at Winchester School. From a Manuscript.”

It is uncertain where this poem appeared. It was inserted in the Edinburgh edition of the Poets, 1794. A manuscript copy in the collection recently belonging to Mr. Upcott, and now in the British Museum, is headed, “Written by Collins when at Winchester School. From a Manuscript.”

[63]See Memoir, p. xxxviii.

See Memoir, p. xxxviii.

[64]Now Countess-dowager of Peterborough.

Now Countess-dowager of Peterborough.

[65]Vauxhall.

Vauxhall.

[66]Vide the Spectator’s Letters from Camilla, vol. vi.

Vide the Spectator’s Letters from Camilla, vol. vi.

[67]Milton’s Comus lately revived.

Milton’s Comus lately revived.

[68]Senesino has built a palace near Sienna on an estate which carries the title of a Marquisate, but purchased with English gold.

Senesino has built a palace near Sienna on an estate which carries the title of a Marquisate, but purchased with English gold.

[69]The king-fisher.

The king-fisher.

[70]In the present edition the preface is restored.

In the present edition the preface is restored.

Transcriber NotesArchaic and variable spelling is preserved.Author’s punctuation style is preserved. Quotes in the poetry are sometimes repeated on every line.Poetry line numbers regularized.Footnote 4’s location is approximated.This book includes variations of some lines of poems. These are shown along the right side of the screen.Sections in Greek will yield a transliteration when the pointer is moved over each line, e.g.Πινδαρ. Ολυμπ. Θ.

Transcriber Notes

Archaic and variable spelling is preserved.

Author’s punctuation style is preserved. Quotes in the poetry are sometimes repeated on every line.

Poetry line numbers regularized.

Footnote 4’s location is approximated.

This book includes variations of some lines of poems. These are shown along the right side of the screen.

Sections in Greek will yield a transliteration when the pointer is moved over each line, e.g.Πινδαρ. Ολυμπ. Θ.

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