Chapter 94

[486]Tour to the Hebrides.

[487]Rev. John Newton.

[488]The distinguishing merit of Boswell's Life of Dr. Johnson is precisely what Cowper here states. In perusing it we become intimately acquainted with his manner, habits of life, and sentiments on every subject. We are introduced to the great wits of the age, and see a lively portraiture of the literary characters of those times. However minute and even frivolous some of the remarks may be, yet Boswell's Life will never fail to awaken interest, and no library can be considered to be complete without it."Homer," says a popular critic, "is not more decidedly the first of heroic poets—Shakspeare is not more decidedly the first of dramatists—Demosthenes is not more decidedly the first of orators, than Boswell is the first of biographers.""A book," observes Mr. Croker, "to which the world refers as a manual of amusement, a repository of wit, wisdom, and morals, and a lively and faithful history of the manners and literature of England, during a period hardly second in brilliancy, and superior in importance even to the Augustan age of Anne."

"Homer," says a popular critic, "is not more decidedly the first of heroic poets—Shakspeare is not more decidedly the first of dramatists—Demosthenes is not more decidedly the first of orators, than Boswell is the first of biographers."

"A book," observes Mr. Croker, "to which the world refers as a manual of amusement, a repository of wit, wisdom, and morals, and a lively and faithful history of the manners and literature of England, during a period hardly second in brilliancy, and superior in importance even to the Augustan age of Anne."

[489]This truly amiable and accomplished person afterwards became Sir George Throckmorton, Bart.

[490]Private correspondence.

[491]Formerly Mrs. Thrale, the well-known friend of Dr. Johnson, and resident at Streatham. Her second marriage was considered to be imprudent. She wrote Anecdotes of Dr. Johnson, and was also the authoress of the beautiful tale entitled, "The Three Warnings," beginning,"The tree of deepest root is foundUnwilling most to leave the ground," &c. &c.

"The tree of deepest root is foundUnwilling most to leave the ground," &c. &c.

[492]It cost Lord Lyttelton twenty years to write the Life and History of Henry II. The historian Gibbon was twelve years in completing his "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire," and Adam Smith occupied ten years in producing his "Wealth of Nations."A stronger instance can scarcely be quoted of the mental labour employed in the composition of a work, than what is recorded of Boileau, who occupied eleven months in writing his "Equivoque," consisting only of 346 lines, and afterwards spent three years in revising it.Cowper sometimes wrote only five or six lines in a day.

A stronger instance can scarcely be quoted of the mental labour employed in the composition of a work, than what is recorded of Boileau, who occupied eleven months in writing his "Equivoque," consisting only of 346 lines, and afterwards spent three years in revising it.

Cowper sometimes wrote only five or six lines in a day.

[493]Private correspondence.

[494]At Wargrave, near Henley-on-Thames.

[495]Olney.

[496]We subjoin an extract from this Sunday-school hymn, for the benefit of our younger readers."Hear, Lord, the song of praise and prayer,In heaven, thy dwelling-place,From infants, made the public care,And taught to seek thy face!Thanks for thy word, and for thy day;And grant us, we implore,Never to waste in sinful playThy holy Sabbaths more.Thanks that we hear—but, oh! impartTo each desires sincere,That we may listen with our heart,And learn, as well hear."

[496]We subjoin an extract from this Sunday-school hymn, for the benefit of our younger readers.

"Hear, Lord, the song of praise and prayer,In heaven, thy dwelling-place,From infants, made the public care,And taught to seek thy face!Thanks for thy word, and for thy day;And grant us, we implore,Never to waste in sinful playThy holy Sabbaths more.Thanks that we hear—but, oh! impartTo each desires sincere,That we may listen with our heart,And learn, as well hear."

[497]Private correspondence.

[498]The character of this work is given by Cowper himself in a subsequent letter to his friend Walter Bagot.

[499]The reveries of learned men are amusing, but injurious to true taste and sound literature. Bishop Warburton's laboured attempt to prove that the descent of Æneas into hell in the 6th book of the Æneid, is intended to convey a representation of the Eleusinian mysteries, is of this description; when it is obviously an imitation of a similar event, recorded of Ulysses. Genius should guard against a fondness for speculative discursion, which often leads from the simplicity of truth to the establishment of dangerous errors. We consider speculative inquiries to form one of the features of the present times, against which we have need to be vigilantly on our guard.

[500]Private correspondence.

[501]Revision is no small part of the literary labours of an author.

[502]The French revolution, that great event which exercised so powerful an influence not only on European governments but on the world at large, and the effects of which are experienced at the present moment, had just commenced. The Austrian Netherlands had also revolted, and Brussels and most of the principal towns and cities were in the hands of the insurgents.

[503]Hæc finis Priami fatorum; hic exitus illumSorte tulit, Trojam incensam et prolapsa videntemPergama; tot quondam populis, terrisque, superbumRegnatorem Asiæ. Jacet ingens littore truncus,Avulsumque humeris caput, et sine nomine corpus.

[503]

Hæc finis Priami fatorum; hic exitus illumSorte tulit, Trojam incensam et prolapsa videntemPergama; tot quondam populis, terrisque, superbumRegnatorem Asiæ. Jacet ingens littore truncus,Avulsumque humeris caput, et sine nomine corpus.

[504]Burke's Reflections on the Revolution in France.

[505]In his "Emilie." The memorable remark of Madame de Pompadour will not soon be forgotten; "Après nous le Déluge," "After us, the Deluge."

[506]Rousseau's prophecy of this great catastrophe has been already inserted; but the most remarkable prediction, specifying even the precise period of its fulfilment, is to be found in Fleming's "Apocalyptic Key," published so far back as the year 1701. In this work is the following passage. "Perhapsthe French monarchymay begin to be considerably humbled about that time: that whereas the present French King (Lewis XIV.) takes theSunfor hisemblem, and this for his motto, "nec pluribus impar," he may at length, or rather his successors, and the monarchy itself,at least before the year 1794, be forced to acknowledge that in respect to neighbouring potentates, he is evensingulis impar."*We add one more very curious prediction."Yes; that Versailles, which thou hast made for the glory of thy names, I will throw to the ground, and all your insolent inscriptions, figures, abominable pictures. And Paris; Paris, that imperial city, I will afflict it dreadfully. Yes, I will afflict the Royal Family. Yes, I will avenge the iniquity of the King upon his grand-children."—Lacy's Prophetic Warnings, Lond. 1707, p. 42.*By referring to Revelation xvi. 8, it will be seen that the fourth vial is poured out on theSun, which is interpreted as denoting the humiliation of some eminent potentates of the Romish communion, and therefore principally to be understood of the House of Bourbon, which takes precedence of them all.

We add one more very curious prediction.

"Yes; that Versailles, which thou hast made for the glory of thy names, I will throw to the ground, and all your insolent inscriptions, figures, abominable pictures. And Paris; Paris, that imperial city, I will afflict it dreadfully. Yes, I will afflict the Royal Family. Yes, I will avenge the iniquity of the King upon his grand-children."—Lacy's Prophetic Warnings, Lond. 1707, p. 42.

*By referring to Revelation xvi. 8, it will be seen that the fourth vial is poured out on theSun, which is interpreted as denoting the humiliation of some eminent potentates of the Romish communion, and therefore principally to be understood of the House of Bourbon, which takes precedence of them all.

[507]Psalm xlviii. 12-14.

[508]Private correspondence.

[509]Private correspondence.

[510]A German critic, distinguished by his classical erudition and profound learning.

[511]In this laborious undertaking, Cowper was assisted by the following editions of that great poet.1st. That of Clarke, 1729-1754. 4 vols. Gr. et Lat.This is the most popular edition of Homer, and the basis of many subsequent editions. The text is formed on that of Schrevelius and of Barnes. The notes are grammatical and philological, with numerous quotations from Virgil of parallel passages. The want of the ancient Greek Scholia is the principal defect.2ndly. That of Villoison. Venice 1788. Gr.This edition is distinguished by a fac-simile of the text and scholia of a MS. of Homer, in the tenth century, found in the library of St. Mark, Venice. The Preface abounds in learned and interesting matter, and is in high estimation among scholars. Wolf, Heyne, and the Oxford, or Grenville edition, have profited largely by Villoison's labours. His industrious search after valuable MSS. and care in collating them with received editions; his critical acumen, sound scholarship, and profound erudition, entitle him to the gratitude and praise of the classical student. He died in 1805.3rdly. That of Heyne. Leipsick. 1802, 8 vols. Gr. et Lat.The text is formed on that of Wolf. The editor was assisted in this undertaking by a copy of Bentley's Homer, in which that celebrated critic restores the long-lost digamma; and by an ancient and valuable MS. belonging to Mr. Towneley.Of this edition it has been observed that "the work of Professor Heyne will in a great measure preclude the necessity of farther collations, from which nothing of consequence can be expected. When the Greek language is better understood than it is at present, it will be resorted to as a rich repository of philological information."—Edinburgh Review, July 1803.

[511]In this laborious undertaking, Cowper was assisted by the following editions of that great poet.

1st. That of Clarke, 1729-1754. 4 vols. Gr. et Lat.

This is the most popular edition of Homer, and the basis of many subsequent editions. The text is formed on that of Schrevelius and of Barnes. The notes are grammatical and philological, with numerous quotations from Virgil of parallel passages. The want of the ancient Greek Scholia is the principal defect.

2ndly. That of Villoison. Venice 1788. Gr.

This edition is distinguished by a fac-simile of the text and scholia of a MS. of Homer, in the tenth century, found in the library of St. Mark, Venice. The Preface abounds in learned and interesting matter, and is in high estimation among scholars. Wolf, Heyne, and the Oxford, or Grenville edition, have profited largely by Villoison's labours. His industrious search after valuable MSS. and care in collating them with received editions; his critical acumen, sound scholarship, and profound erudition, entitle him to the gratitude and praise of the classical student. He died in 1805.

3rdly. That of Heyne. Leipsick. 1802, 8 vols. Gr. et Lat.

The text is formed on that of Wolf. The editor was assisted in this undertaking by a copy of Bentley's Homer, in which that celebrated critic restores the long-lost digamma; and by an ancient and valuable MS. belonging to Mr. Towneley.

Of this edition it has been observed that "the work of Professor Heyne will in a great measure preclude the necessity of farther collations, from which nothing of consequence can be expected. When the Greek language is better understood than it is at present, it will be resorted to as a rich repository of philological information."—Edinburgh Review, July 1803.

[512]Dr. Warton (Joseph) head master of Winchester School upwards of thirty years, where he presided with high reputation; author of "Essay on the Writings and Genius of Pope," and of an edition of the Works of Pope, in 9 vols. 8vo. He was brother to Thomas Warton, well known for his History of English Poetry. Died in 1800.

[513]Private correspondence.

[514]January was a season of the year, when the nervous depression under which Cowper laboured was generally the most severe.

[515]The poet's kinsman was made chaplain to Dr. Spencer Madan, the Bishop of Peterborough.

[516]These Odes proved to be forgeries. They were reported to have been found in the Palatine Library, and communicated to the public by Gasper Pallavicini, the sub-librarian. We have room only for the following:—AD SALIUM FLORUM.Discolor grandem gravat uva ramum;Instat Autumnus; glacialis annoMox hyems volvente adiret, capillisHorrida canis.Jam licet Nymphas trepidè fugacesInsequi, lento pede detinendas,Et labris captæ, simulantis iram,Oscula figi.Jam licit vino madidos vetustoDe die lætum recinare carmen;Flore, si te des hilarum, licebitSumere noctem.Jam vide curas Aquilone sparsasMens viri fortis sibi constat, utrumSerius lethi citiusve tristisAdvolat hora.There is a false quantity in the first stanza, which affords presumptive evidence of forgery.The title of the second Ode is, "Ad Librum Suum."

AD SALIUM FLORUM.Discolor grandem gravat uva ramum;Instat Autumnus; glacialis annoMox hyems volvente adiret, capillisHorrida canis.Jam licet Nymphas trepidè fugacesInsequi, lento pede detinendas,Et labris captæ, simulantis iram,Oscula figi.Jam licit vino madidos vetustoDe die lætum recinare carmen;Flore, si te des hilarum, licebitSumere noctem.Jam vide curas Aquilone sparsasMens viri fortis sibi constat, utrumSerius lethi citiusve tristisAdvolat hora.

There is a false quantity in the first stanza, which affords presumptive evidence of forgery.

The title of the second Ode is, "Ad Librum Suum."

[517]Mrs Bodham was a cousin of Cowper's, connected with him by his maternal family, the Donnes.

[518]The manner in which Cowper speaks of his kinsman is uniformly the same—kind, affectionate, endearing.

[519]Mrs. Bodham was always addressed by Cowper in this playful and complimentary style, though her Christian name was Ann.

[520]No present could possibly have been more acceptable to Cowper than the receipt of his mother's picture. He composed the beautiful verses, on this occasion, so tenderly descriptive of the impression made on his youthful imagination by the remembrance of her virtues. We extract the following passage:—My mother! when I learn'd that thou wast dead,Say, wast thou conscious of the tears I shed?Hover'd thy spirit o'er thy sorrowing son,Wretch even then, life's journey just begun?Perhaps thou gavest me, though unfelt, a kiss;Perhaps a tear, if souls can weep in bliss—Ah, that maternal smile! it answers—Yes.I heard the bell toll'd on thy burial day,I saw the hearse that bore thee slow away,And, turning from my nursery-window, drewA long, long sigh, and wept a last adieu!But was it such?—It was. Where thou art gone,Adieus and farewells are a sound unknown.May I but meet thee on that peaceful shore,The parting word shall pass my lips no more!Thy maidens, grieved themselves at my concern,Oft gave me promise of thy quick return.What ardently I wish'd, I long believed,And, disappointed still, was still deceived;By expectation every day beguiled,Dupe ofto-morrow, even from a child.Thus many a sad to-morrow came and went,Till, all my stock of infant sorrow spent,I learn'd at last submission to my lot,But, though I less deplored thee, ne'er forgot.

My mother! when I learn'd that thou wast dead,Say, wast thou conscious of the tears I shed?Hover'd thy spirit o'er thy sorrowing son,Wretch even then, life's journey just begun?Perhaps thou gavest me, though unfelt, a kiss;Perhaps a tear, if souls can weep in bliss—Ah, that maternal smile! it answers—Yes.I heard the bell toll'd on thy burial day,I saw the hearse that bore thee slow away,And, turning from my nursery-window, drewA long, long sigh, and wept a last adieu!But was it such?—It was. Where thou art gone,Adieus and farewells are a sound unknown.May I but meet thee on that peaceful shore,The parting word shall pass my lips no more!Thy maidens, grieved themselves at my concern,Oft gave me promise of thy quick return.What ardently I wish'd, I long believed,And, disappointed still, was still deceived;By expectation every day beguiled,Dupe ofto-morrow, even from a child.Thus many a sad to-morrow came and went,Till, all my stock of infant sorrow spent,I learn'd at last submission to my lot,But, though I less deplored thee, ne'er forgot.

[521]Dr John Donne, an eminent and learned divine, whose life is written by Izaak Walton. Born 1573, died 1631.

[522]The Rev. J. Johnson's sister.

[523]Mrs. Ann Bodham.

[524]This expression alludes to the situation of the rooms occupied by him at Caius College, Cambridge.

[525]The following is the passage alluded to.Hast thou by statute shoved from its designThe Saviour's feast, his own blest bread and wine,And made the symbols of atoning graceAn office-key, a picklock to a place?That infidels may prove their title good,By an oath dipp'd in sacramental blood?A blot that will be still a blot, in spiteOf all that grave apologists may write:And, though a bishop toil to cleanse the stain,He wipes and scours the silver cup in vain.And hast thou sworn on every slight pretence,Till perjuries are common as bad pence,While thousands, careless of the damning sin,Kiss the book's outside, who ne'er look'd within?Expostulation.The Test Act is now repealed.

[525]The following is the passage alluded to.

Hast thou by statute shoved from its designThe Saviour's feast, his own blest bread and wine,And made the symbols of atoning graceAn office-key, a picklock to a place?That infidels may prove their title good,By an oath dipp'd in sacramental blood?A blot that will be still a blot, in spiteOf all that grave apologists may write:And, though a bishop toil to cleanse the stain,He wipes and scours the silver cup in vain.And hast thou sworn on every slight pretence,Till perjuries are common as bad pence,While thousands, careless of the damning sin,Kiss the book's outside, who ne'er look'd within?

Expostulation.

The Test Act is now repealed.

[526]Private correspondence.

[527]A common provincialism in Buckinghamshire, probably a corruption ofuncouth.

[528]Mrs. Carter.

[529]Longinus compares the Odyssey to the setting sun, and the Iliad, as more characteristic of the loftiness of Homer's genius, to the splendour of the rising sun.

[530]No man ever possessed a happier exemption, throughout life, from such a title.

[531]The poem on Audley End, alluded to in a former letter to Lady Hesketh.

[532]Cowper is often very sarcastic upon the clergy. We trust that these censures are not so merited in these times of reviving piety.

[533]We subjoin the lines to which Cowper refers:—"To wear out time in numb'ring to and froThe studs, that thick emboss his iron door;Then downward and then upward, then aslantAnd then alternate; with a sickly hopeBy dint of change to give his tasteless taskSome relish; till the sum, exactly foundIn all directions, he begins again."Book v.—Winter Morning's Walk.

[533]We subjoin the lines to which Cowper refers:—

"To wear out time in numb'ring to and froThe studs, that thick emboss his iron door;Then downward and then upward, then aslantAnd then alternate; with a sickly hopeBy dint of change to give his tasteless taskSome relish; till the sum, exactly foundIn all directions, he begins again."

Book v.—Winter Morning's Walk.

[534]The Bishop of Peterborough.

[535]Private correspondence.

[536]The sportive title generally bestowed by Cowper on his amiable friends the Throckmortons.

[537]The residence of the Throckmorton family in Berkshire.

[538]Lady Hesketh suggested the appointment of the office of Poet Laureat to Cowper, which had become vacant by the death of Warton in 1790. The poet declined the offer of her services, and Henry James Pye, Esq. was nominated the successor.

[539]To Cowper's strictures on the University of Cambridge, and his remark that the fame there acquired is not worth having, we by no means subscribe. We think no youth ought to be insensible to the honourable ambition of obtaining its distinctions, and that they are not unfrequently the precursors of subsequent eminence in the Church, the Senate, and at the Bar. We have been informed that, out of fifteen judges recently on the bench, eleven had obtained honours at our two Universities. Whether the system of education is not susceptible of much improvement is a subject worthy of deep consideration. There seems to be a growing persuasion that, at the University of Cambridge, the mode of study is too exclusively mathematical; and that a more comprehensive plan, embracing the various departments of general knowledge and literature, would be an accession to the cause of learning. We admit that the University fully affords the means of acquiring this general information, but there is a penalty attached to the acquisition which operates as a prohibition, because the prospect of obtaining honours must, in that case, be renounced. By adopting a more comprehensive system, the stimulants to exertion would be multiplied, and the end of education apparently more fully attained.When we reflect on the singular character of the present times, the instability of governments, and the disorganized state of society, arising from conflicting principles and opinions, the question of education assumes a momentous interest. We are firmly persuaded that, unless the minds of youth be enlarged by useful knowledge, and fortified by right principles of religion, they will not be fitted to sustain the duties and responsibilities that must soon devolve upon them; nor will they be qualified to meet the storms that now threaten the political and moral horizon of Europe.Dr. Johnson, in enumerating the advantages resulting from a university education, specifies the following as calculated to operate powerfully on the mind of the student."There is at least one very powerful incentive to learning; I mean the Genius of the place. It is a sort of inspiring Deity, which every youth of quick sensibility and ingenuous disposition creates to himself, by reflecting that he is placed under those venerable walls, where a Hooker and a Hammond, a Bacon and a Newton, once pursued the same course of science, and from whence they soared to the most elevated heights of literary fame."—The Idler, No. 33.

When we reflect on the singular character of the present times, the instability of governments, and the disorganized state of society, arising from conflicting principles and opinions, the question of education assumes a momentous interest. We are firmly persuaded that, unless the minds of youth be enlarged by useful knowledge, and fortified by right principles of religion, they will not be fitted to sustain the duties and responsibilities that must soon devolve upon them; nor will they be qualified to meet the storms that now threaten the political and moral horizon of Europe.

Dr. Johnson, in enumerating the advantages resulting from a university education, specifies the following as calculated to operate powerfully on the mind of the student.

"There is at least one very powerful incentive to learning; I mean the Genius of the place. It is a sort of inspiring Deity, which every youth of quick sensibility and ingenuous disposition creates to himself, by reflecting that he is placed under those venerable walls, where a Hooker and a Hammond, a Bacon and a Newton, once pursued the same course of science, and from whence they soared to the most elevated heights of literary fame."—The Idler, No. 33.

[540]This enigma is explained in a subsequent letter.

[541]Private correspondence.

[542]The Dutch minister here mentioned, was Mr. Van Lier, who recorded the remarkable account of the great spiritual change produced in his mind, by reading the works of Mr. Newton. The letters were written in Latin, and translated by Cowper, at the request of his clerical friend.

[543]Professor Martyn lived to an advanced old age, endeared to his family, respected and esteemed by the public, and supported in his last momenta by the consolations and hopes of the gospel.

[544]At Chillington, Bucks.

[545]Dr. Lewis Bagot, previously Bishop of Norwich.

[546]The distinctions of rank were abolished during the French Revolution, and the title of citizen considered to be the only legal and honourable appellation.

[547]Private correspondence.

[548]This title was not long merited.

[549]Dr. Donne, Dean of St. Paul's, and Chaplain to King James the First, belonged to that class of writers, whom Johnson, in his Life of Cowley, describes as metaphysical poets. Their great object seemed to be to display their wit and learning, and to astonish by what was brilliant, rather than to please by what was natural and simple. Notwithstanding this defect, the poetry of Donne, though harsh and unmusical, abounds in powerful thoughts, and discovers a considerable share of learning. His divinity was drawn from the pure fountain of Revelation, of which he drank copiously and freely. Of his fervent zeal and piety, many instances are recorded in that inimitable piece of biography, Izaak Walton's Lives. We subjoin a specimen of his poetry, composed during a severe fit of sickness, and which, on his recovery, was set to music, and used to be often sung to the organ by the choristers of St. Paul's, in his own hearing.HYMN TO GOD THE FATHER.1.Wilt thou forgive that sin where I begun,Which was my sin, though it were done beforeWilt thou forgive that sin through which I run,And do run still, though still I do deplore?When thou hast done, thou hast not done,For I have more.2.Wilt thou forgive that sin which I have wonOthers to sin, and made my sin their door?Wilt thou forgive that sin which I did shunA year or two, but wallow'd in a score?When thou hast done, thou hast not done,For I have more.3.I have a sin of fear, that when I've spunMy last thread, I shall perish on the shore;But swear by thyself that, at my death, thy SonShall shine, as he shines now, and heretofore.And having done that thou hast done,I fear no more.Divine Poems.

HYMN TO GOD THE FATHER.

Wilt thou forgive that sin where I begun,Which was my sin, though it were done beforeWilt thou forgive that sin through which I run,And do run still, though still I do deplore?When thou hast done, thou hast not done,For I have more.

Wilt thou forgive that sin which I have wonOthers to sin, and made my sin their door?Wilt thou forgive that sin which I did shunA year or two, but wallow'd in a score?When thou hast done, thou hast not done,For I have more.

I have a sin of fear, that when I've spunMy last thread, I shall perish on the shore;But swear by thyself that, at my death, thy SonShall shine, as he shines now, and heretofore.And having done that thou hast done,I fear no more.

Divine Poems.

[550]Private correspondence.

[551]Dr. Benamer was a pious and excellent man, whose house was the resort of religious persons at that time, who went there for the purpose of edification. Mr. Newton was a regular attendant on these occasions.

[552]Newton had suggested the propriety of Cowper trying the effect of animal magnetism, in the hopes of mitigating his disorder, but he declined the offer.

[553]The Rev. J. Johnson's sister.

[554]What are they which stand at a distance from each other, and meet without ever moving?

[555]Private correspondence.

[556]Private correspondence.

[557]Mrs. King presented the poet with a counterpane, in patch-work, of her own making. In acknowledgement, he addressed to her the verses beginning,"The bard, if e'er he feel at all,Must sure be quicken'd by a call," &c. &c.

[557]Mrs. King presented the poet with a counterpane, in patch-work, of her own making. In acknowledgement, he addressed to her the verses beginning,

"The bard, if e'er he feel at all,Must sure be quicken'd by a call," &c. &c.

[558]Private correspondence.

[559]The wife of the Rev. Thomas Scott, the author of one of the best Commentaries on the Bible ever published. Mr. Scott was preacher at the Lock Hospital at this time.

[560]Private correspondence.

[561]We here subjoin the letter which Cowper addressed to Johnson, the bookseller, on this occasion.Weston, Oct. 3, 1790.Mr. Newton having again requested that the Preface which he wrote for my first volume may be prefixed to it, I am desirous to gratify him in a particular that so emphatically bespeaks his friendship for me; and, should my books see another edition, shall be obliged to you if you will add it accordingly.W. C.

[561]We here subjoin the letter which Cowper addressed to Johnson, the bookseller, on this occasion.

Weston, Oct. 3, 1790.

Mr. Newton having again requested that the Preface which he wrote for my first volume may be prefixed to it, I am desirous to gratify him in a particular that so emphatically bespeaks his friendship for me; and, should my books see another edition, shall be obliged to you if you will add it accordingly.

W. C.

[562]John i. 29.

[563]Isaiah xliii. 25.

[564]1 John ii. 1, 2.

[565]Rom. v. 1, 2.

[566]1 John i. 7. Isaiah lxi. 1-3. Luke ii. 9-13. John xiv. 16, 17.

[567]The mother of the late Earl Spencer, and of the Duchess of Devonshire, and the person to whom he dedicated his version of the Odyssey.

[568]Private correspondence.

[569]The office of Poet Laureat, mentioned in a former letter.

[570]Private correspondence.

[571]In Norfolk.

[572]Private correspondence.

[573]This counterpane is mentioned in a previous letter, dated Oct. 5th, in this year: so that, unless it was taken back and then returned in an improved state, there seems to be some error, that we do not profess to explain.

[574]Miss Stapleton, afterwards Lady Throckmorton, and the person to whom the present undertaking is dedicated.

[575]The wife of Sir John Throckmorton.

[576]See mortuary verses composed on this occasion.

[577]Private correspondence.

[578]These innocent peculiarities were in a less degree retained to the end of life by this truly amiable and interesting man.

[579]This letter contained the history of a servant's cruelty to a post-horse, which a reader of humanity could not wish to see in print. But the postscript describes so pleasantly the signal influence of a poet's reputation on the spirit of a liberal innkeeper, that it surely ought not to be suppressed.—Hayley.

[580]Private correspondence.

[581]"Sir Thomas More," a tragedy.

[582]See a similar instance, recorded in the Memoirs of Mrs. Hannah More, of the Bristol Milk-woman, Mrs. Yearsley.

[583]Private correspondence.

[584]Johnson's remark on Milton's Latin poems is as follows: "The Latin pieces are lusciously elegant; but the delight which they afford is rather by the exquisite imitation of the ancient writers, by the purity of the diction and the harmony of the numbers, than by any power of invention or vigour of sentiment. They are not all of equal value; the elegies excel the odes; and some of the exercises on gunpowder treason might have been spared."He, however, quotes with approbation the remark of Hampton, the translator of Polybius, that "Milton was the first Englishman who, after the revival of letters, wrote Latin verses with classic elegance."—See Johnson's Life of Milton.

He, however, quotes with approbation the remark of Hampton, the translator of Polybius, that "Milton was the first Englishman who, after the revival of letters, wrote Latin verses with classic elegance."—See Johnson's Life of Milton.

[585]We are indebted to Mr. Buchanan for having suggested to Cowper the outline of the poem called "The Four Ages," viz. infancy, youth, middle age, and old age. The writer was acquainted with this respectable clergyman in his declining years. He was considered to be a man of cultivated mind and taste.

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