Most of the larger Poems in the Collection express in easy language, and at the same time with all the graces of genuine poetry, every sentiment fitted to the occasion on which they were written. Of this, among the lighter ones, the reader will have an agreeable specimen in the verses dedicated to Lady  which though on a trivial subject, may, perhaps, give as just and pleasing an idea of this Writer’s poetical talents, as any other single piece among the more trifling ones which we can collect.

The Translations of the first Chorus of Œdipus Tyrrannus, and two Odes of Horace, exhibit no small degree of classical attainment: and, however just or otherwise the remark may be, “that the failure of preceding translators has arisen, in a great measure, from a desire to copy the variations of Horace’s measures;” the present ones convey a correct and spirited explanation of the sense in general, and by observing circumstances and the little figures and turns on the words, (that curiosa felicitas verborum,) they have preserved the beauties, and kept alive that spirit and fire, which make the chief character of the original.

Book Details