emotions of indignation and of pity! But the charms of Lycidas are of a texture too firm to be annihilated by the breath of derifion; and though Doctor Johnson has declared the poem to be utterly deftitute both of nature and of art, it will affuredly continue to be admired as long as tenderness, imagination, and harmony, are regarded as genuine fources of poetical delight. The effect of this favourite compofition is exactly such as the poet intended to produce; it firft engages the heart with the fimplicity of just and natural forrow, and then proceeds to elevate the mind with magnificent images, ennobled by affectionate and devotional enthusiasm. The beauties of this pathetic and fublime monody are fufficiently obvious; but the reader, who compares it with a poem on the fame fubject by Cleveland, once the popular rival of Milton, may derive pleasure from perceiving how infinitely our favourite poet has excelled, on this occafion, an eminent antagonist. Though we find no circumstances, that may ascertain the date of the Allegro and Pensoroso, it seems probable, that those two enchanting pictures of rural life, and of the diverfified delights arifing from a contemplative mind, were composed at Horton. It was, perhaps, in the fame fituation, fo favourable to poetical exertions, that Milton wrote the incomparable Latin poem addreffed to his father. There are, indeed, some expreffions in this performance, which may favour an opinion that it ought to bear an earlier date; but it has fuch ftrength and manliness of fentiment, as incline me to suppose it written at this period; an idea that feems almost almost confirmed by the lines, that speak of his application to French and Italian, after the completion of his claffical ftudies. Whatever date may be affigned to it, the compofition deserves our particular regard, fince, of all his poems, it does the highest honour to his heart. With what energy and tenderness is his filial gratitude expreffed in the following graceful exordium : Nunc mea Pierios cupiam per pectora fontes Irriguas torquere vias, totumque per ora Surgat in officium venerandi mufa parentis. Effe O that Pieria's fpring would thro' my breaft All meaner themes renounc'd, my mufe, on wings She frames this flender work; nor know I aught That How elegant is the praise he bestows on the mufical talents of his father, and how pleafing the exulting and affectionate spirit with which he speaks of their social and kindred ftudies! Nec tu perge, precor, facras contemnere Mufas, Nor Nor thou perfift, I pray thee, ftill to flight And useless, powers, by whom inspir'd, thyself, Now fay! What wonder is it if a fon In focial arts, and kindred studies sweet: Such diftribution of himfelf to us Was Phoebus' choice; thou haft thy gift, and I The poet seems to have had a prophetic view of the fingular calumnies, that awaited his reputation, and to have anticipated his triumph, over all his adverfaries, in the following magnanimous exclamation : Efte procul vigiles curæ procul efte querele! Away then, fleepless care! complaint away! Her venom'd tongue at me! Detested foes! Ye all are impotent against my peace; For I am privileg'd, and bear my breaft Safe, and too high for your viperian wound. After this high ton'd burft of confidence and indignation, how sweetly the poet finks again into the tender notes of gratitude, in the close of this truly filial compofition! At tibi, chare pater, poftquam non æqua merenti Forfitan |