143, 'the
neglected
author of the Persian eclogues, which,
however inaccurate, excel any in our language.
however inaccurate, excel any in our language.
Oliver Goldsmith
what, in your opinion, is the meaning of the
word 'sentimental', so much in vogue amongst the polite, both in town
and country? In letters and common conversation, I have asked several
who make use of it, and have generally received for answer, it is -- it
is -- 'sentimental'. Every thing clever and agreeable is comprehended in
that word; but [I] am convinced a wrong interpretation is given, because
it is impossible every thing clever and agreeable can be so common as
this word. I am frequently astonished to hear such a one is a
'sentimental' man; we were a 'sentimental' party; I have been taking a
'sentimental' walk. And that I might be reckoned a little in the
fashion, and, as I thought, show them the proper use of the word, about
six weeks ago, I declared I had just received a 'sentimental' letter.
Having often laughed at the word, and found fault with the application
of it, and this being the first time I ventured to make use of it, I was
loudly congratulated upon the occasion: but I should be glad to know
your interpretation of it' (Richardson's 'Correspondence', 1804, iv. pp.
282-3). The reply of the author of 'Clarissa', which would have been
interesting, is not given; but it is clear that by this date (1749)
'sentimental' must already have been rather overworked by 'the polite. '
Eleven years after this we meet with it in the Prologue to Colman's
'Dramatick Novel' of 'Polly Honeycombe'. 'And then,' he says, commenting
upon the fiction of the period, --
And then so 'sentimental' is the Stile,
So chaste, yet so bewitching all the while!
Plot, and elopement, passion, rape, and rapture,
The total sum of ev'ry dear -- dear -- Chapter.
With February, 1768, came Sterne's 'Sentimental Journey' upon which
Wesley has this comment:-- 'I casually took a volume of what is called,
"A Sentimental Journey through France and Italy. " 'Sentimental'! what is
that? It is not English: he might as well say, 'Continental' [! ]. It is
not sense. It conveys no determinate idea; yet one fool makes many. And
this nonsensical word (who would believe it? ) is become a fashionable
one! ' ('Journal', February 11, 1772). In 1773, Goldsmith puts it in the
'Dedication' to 'She Stoops':-- 'The undertaking a comedy, not merely
'sentimental', was very dangerous;' and Garrick (forgetting Kelly and
'False Delicacy') uses it more than once in his 'Prologue' to the same
play, e. g. -- 'Faces are blocks in 'sentimental' scenes. ' Further
examples might easily be multiplied, for the word, in spite of Johnson,
had now come to stay. Two years subsequently we find Sheridan referring
to
The goddess of the woful countenance,
The 'sentimental' Muse! --
in an occasional 'Prologue' to 'The Rivals'. It must already have
passed into the vocabulary of the learned. Todd gives examples from
Shenstone and Langhorne. Warton has it more than once in his 'History of
English Poetry'; and it figures in the 'Essays' of Vicesimus Knox. Thus
academically launched, we need no longer follow its fortunes.
APPENDIX D
FRAGMENTS OF TRANSLATIONS, ETC. , BY
GOLDSMITH.
To the Aldine edition of 1831, the Rev. John Mitford added several
fragments of translation from Goldsmith's 'Essays'. About a third of
these were traced by Bolton Corney in 1845 to the 'Horace' of Francis.
He therefore compiled a fresh collection, here given.
'From a French version of Homer'.
The shouting army cry'd with joy extreme,
He sure must conquer, who himself can tame!
'The Bee', 1759, p. 90.
The next is also from Homer, and is proposed as an
improvement of Pope:--
They knew and own'd the monarch of the main:
The sea subsiding spreads a level plain:
The curling waves before his coursers fly:
The parting surface leaves his brazen axle dry.
'Miscellaneous Works', 1801, iv. 410.
From the same source comes number three,
a quatrain from Vida's 'Eclogues':--
Say heavenly muse, their youthful frays rehearse;
Begin, ye daughters of immortal verse;
Exulting rocks have crown'd the power of song!
And rivers listen'd as they flow'd along.
'Miscellaneous Works', 1801, iv. 427.
Another is a couplet from Ovid, the fish
referred to being the 'scarus' or bream:--
Of all the fish that graze beneath the flood,
He, 'only', ruminates his former food.
'History of the Earth, etc. ', 1774, iii. 6.
Bolton Corney also prints the translation from the 'Spectator', already
given in this volume. His last fragment is from the posthumous
translation of Scarron's 'Roman Comique':--
Thus, when soft love subdues the heart
With smiling hopes and chilling fears,
The soul rejects the aid of art,
And speaks in moments more than years.
'The Comic Romance of Monsieur Scarron', 1775, ii. 161.
It is unnecessary to refer to any other of the poems attributed to
Goldsmith. Mitford included in his edition a couple of quatrains
inserted in the 'Morning Chronicle' for April 3, 1800, which were said
to be by the poet; but they do not resemble his manner. Another piece
with the title of 'The Fair Thief' was revived in July, 1893, by an
anonymous writer in the 'Daily Chronicle', as being possibly by
Goldsmith, to whom it was assigned in an eighteenth-century anthology
(1789-80). Its discoverer, however, subsequently found it given in
Walpole's 'Noble Authors' (Park's edition, 1806) to Charles Wyndham,
Earl of Egremont. It has no great merit; and may safely be neglected as
an important addition to Goldsmith's 'Works', already burdened with much
which that critical author would never have reprinted.
APPENDIX E
GOLDSMITH ON POETRY UNDER ANNE AND
GEORGE THE FIRST.
In Letter xvi, vol. ii. pp. 139-41, of 'An History of England in a Series
of Letters from a Nobleman to his Son', 1764, Goldsmith gives the
following short account of the state of poetry in the first quarter of
the Eighteenth Century.
'But, of all the other arts, poetry in this age was carried to the
greatest perfection. The language, for some ages, had been improving,
but now it seemed entirely divested of its roughness and barbarity.
Among the poets of this period we may place John Philips, author of
several poems, but of none more admired than that humourous one,
entitled, 'The Splendid Shilling'; he lived in obscurity, and died just
above want. William Congreve deserves also particular notice; his
comedies, some of which were but coolly received upon their first
appearance, seemed to mend upon repetition; and he is, at present,
justly allowed the foremost in that species of dramatic poesy. His wit
is ever just and brilliant; his sentiments new and lively; and his
elegance equal to his regularity. Next him Vanbrugh is placed, whose
humour seems more natural, and characters more new; but he owes too many
obligations to the French, entirely to pass for an original; and his
total disregard to decency, in a great measure, impairs his merit.
Farquhar is still more lively, and, perhaps more entertaining than
either; his pieces still continue the favourite performances of the
stage, and bear frequent repetition without satiety; but he often
mistakes pertness for wit, and seldom strikes his characters with proper
force or originality. However, he died very young; and it is remarkable,
that he continued to improve as he grew older; his last play, entitled
'The Beaux' Strategem', being the best of his productions. Addison, both
as a poet and prose writer, deserves the highest regard and imitation.
His 'Campaign', and 'Letter to Lord Halifax from Italy', are
masterpieces in the former, and his 'Essays' published in the
'Spectator' are inimitable specimens of the latter. Whatever he treated
of was handled with elegance and precision; and that virtue which was
taught in his writings, was enforced by his example. Steele was
Addison's friend and admirer; his comedies are perfectly polite, chaste,
and genteel; nor were his other works contemptible; he wrote on several
subjects, and yet it is amazing, in the multiplicity of his pursuits,
how he found leisure for the discussion of any. Ever persecuted by
creditors, whom his profuseness drew upon him, or pursuing impracticable
schemes, suggested by ill-grounded ambition. Dean Swift was the
professed antagonist both of Addison and him. He perceived that there
was a spirit of romance mixed with all the works of the poets who
preceded him; or, in other words, that they had drawn nature on the most
pleasing side. There still therefore was a place left for him, who,
careless of censure, should describe it just as it was, with all its
deformities; he therefore owes much of his fame, not so much to the
greatness of his genius, as to the boldness of it. He was dry,
sarcastic, and severe; and suited his style exactly to the turn of his
thought, being concise and nervous. In this period also flourished many
of subordinate fame. Prior was the first who adopted the French elegant
easy manner of telling a story; but if what he has borrowed from that
nation be taken from him, scarce anything will be left upon which he can
lay any claim to applause in poetry. Rowe was only outdone by
Shakespeare and Otway as a tragic writer; he has fewer absurdities than
either; and is, perhaps, as pathetic as they; but his flights are not so
bold, nor his characters so strongly marked. Perhaps his coming later
than the rest may have contributed to lessen the esteem he deserves.
Garth had success as a poet; and, for a time, his fame was even greater
than his desert. In his principal work, 'The Dispensary', his
versification is negligent; and his plot is now become tedious; but
whatever he may lose as a poet, it would be improper to rob him of the
merit he deserves for having written the prose dedication, and preface,
to the poem already mentioned; in which he has shown the truest wit,
with the most refined elegance. Parnell, though he has written but one
poem, namely, 'The Hermit', yet has found a place among the English
first rate poets. Gay, likewise, by his 'Fables' and 'Pastorals', has
acquired an equal reputation. But of all who have added to the stock of
English Poetry, Pope, perhaps, deserves the first place. On him,
foreigners look as one of the most successful writers of his time; his
versification is the most harmonious, and his correctness the most
remarkable of all our poets. A noted contemporary of his own calls the
English the finest writers on moral topics, and Pope the noblest moral
writer of all the English. Mr. Pope has somewhere named himself the last
English Muse; and, indeed, since his time, we have seen scarce any
production that can justly lay claim to immortality; he carried the
language to its highest perfection; and those who have attempted still
farther to improve it, instead of ornament, have only caught finery. '
APPENDIX F
CRITICISMS FROM GOLDSMITH'S 'BEAUTIES
OF ENGLISH POESY. '
To 'The Beauties of English Poesy', 2 vols. , 1767, Goldsmith
prefixed, in each case, 'short introductory criticisms. ' They
are, as he says, 'rather designed for boys than men'; and aim
only at being 'obvious and sincere'; but they carry his views on
the subject somewhat farther than the foregoing account from the
'History of England'.
THE RAPE OF THE LOCK.
This seems to be Mr. Pope's most finished production, and is,
perhaps, the most perfect in our language. It exhibits stronger
powers of imagination, more harmony of numbers, and a greater
knowledge of the world, than any other of this poet's works; and
it is probable, if our country were called upon to show a
specimen of their genius to foreigners, this would be the work
here fixed upon.
THE HERMIT.
This poem is held in just esteem, the versification being
chaste, and tolerably harmonious, and the story told with
perspicuity and conciseness. It seems to have cost great labour,
both to Mr. Pope and Parnell himself, to bring it to this
perfection. * It may not be amiss to observe that the fable is
taken from one of Dr. Henry More's Dialogues.
[footnote] *Parnell's 'Poems', 1770, xxiv.
IL PENSEROSO.
I have heard a very judicious critic say, that he had an higher
idea of Milton's style in poetry, from the two following poems
['Il Penseroso' and 'l'Allegro'], than from his 'Paradise Lost'.
It is certain the imagination shown in them is correct and
strong. The introduction to both in irregular measure is
borrowed from the Italian, and hurts an English ear.
AN ELEGY, WRITTEN IN A COUNTRY CHURCH YARD.
This is a very fine poem, but overloaded with epithet. * The
heroic measure with alternate rhyme is very properly adapted to
the solemnity of the subject, as it is the slowest movement that
our language admits of. The latter part of the poem is pathetic
and interesting.
[footnote] *This is a strange complaint to come from Goldsmith,
whose own 'Hermit', as was pointed out to the present Editor by
the late Mr. Kegan Paul, is certainly open to this impeachment.
LONDON. IN IMITATION OF THE THIRD SATIRE OF JUVENAL.
This poem of Mr. Johnson's is the best imitation of the original
that has appeared in our language, being possessed of all the
force and satirical resentment of Juvenal. Imitation gives us a
much truer idea of the ancients than even translation could do.
THE SCHOOL-MISTRESS. IN IMITATION OF SPENSER.
This poem is one of those happinesses in which a poet excels
himself, as there is nothing in all Shenstone which in any way
approaches it in merit; and, though I dislike the imitations of
our old English poets in general, yet, on this minute subject,
the antiquity of the style produces a very ludicrous solemnity.
COOPER'S HILL.
This poem, by Denham, though it may have been exceeded by later
attempts in description, yet deserves the highest applause, as
it far surpasses all that went before it: the concluding part,
though a little too much crowded, is very masterly.
ELOISA TO ABELARD.
The harmony of numbers in this poem is very fine. It is rather
drawn out to too tedious a length, although the passions vary
with great judgement. It may be considered as superior to
anything in the epistolary way; and the many translations which
have been made of it into the modern languages, are in some
measure a proof of this.
AN EPISTLE FROM MR. PHILIPS* TO THE EARL OF DORSET.
The opening of this poem is incomparably fine. The latter part
is tedious and trifling.
[footnote] *Ambrose Philips.
A LETTER FROM ITALY, TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE CHARLES LORD
HALIFAX.
In the Year MDCCI.
Few poems have done more honour to English genius than this.
There is in it a strain of political thinking that was, at that
time, new in our poetry. Had the harmony of this been equal to
that of Pope's versification, it would be incontestably the
finest poem in our language; but there is a dryness in the
numbers which greatly lessens the pleasure excited both by the
poet's judgement and imagination. *
[footnote] *See introductory note to 'The Traveller', p. 162.
ALEXANDER'S FEAST; OR, THE POWER OF MUSIC. AN ODE, IN HONOUR OF
ST. CECILIA'S DAY.
This ode [by Mr. Dryden] has been more applauded, perhaps, than
it has been felt, however, it is a very fine one, and gives its
beauties rather at a third, or fourth, than at a first perusal.
ODE FOR MUSIC ON ST. CECILIA'S DAY.
This ode [by Mr. Pope] has by many been thought equal to the
former. As it is a repetition of Dryden's manner, it is so far
inferior to him. The whole hint of Orpheus, and many of the
lines, have been taken from an obscure Ode upon Music, published
in Tate's Miscellanies. *
[footnote] *'A Pindaric Essay upon Musick' -- says Gibbs -- by
'Mr. Wilson',' which appears at p. 401 of Tate's Collection of
1685.
THE SHEPHERD'S WEEK. IN SIX PASTORALS.
These are Mr. Gay's principal performances. They were
originally intended, I suppose, as a burlesque on those of
[Ambrose] Philips; but, perhaps without designing it, he has hit
the true spirit of pastoral poetry. In fact, he more resembles
Theocritus than any other English pastoral writer whatsoever.
There runs through the whole a strain of rustic pleasantry which
should ever distinguish this species of composition; but how far
the antiquated expressions used here may contribute to the
humour, I will not determine; for my own part, I could wish the
simplicity were preserved, without recurring to such obsolete
antiquity for the manner of expressing it.
MAC FLECKNOE.
The severity of this satire, and the excellence of its
versification give it a distinguished rank in this species of
composition. At present, an ordinary reader would scarce suppose
that Shadwell, who is here meant by Mac Flecknoe, was worth
being chastised, and that Dryden's descending to such game was
like an eagle's stooping to catch flies. * The truth however is,
Shadwell, at one time, held divided reputation with this great
poet. Every age produces its fashionable dunces, who, by
following the transient topic, or humour, of the day, supply
talkative ignorance with materials for conversation.
[footnote] *'Aquila non capit muscas' (Apostolius).
ON POETRY. A RHAPSODY.
Here follows one of the best versified poems in our language,
and the most masterly production of its author. The severity
with which Walpole is here treated, was in consequence of that
minister having refused to provide for Swift in England, when
applied to for that purpose in the year 1725 (if I remember
right). The severity of a poet, however, gave Walpole very
little uneasiness. A man whose schemes, like this minister's,
seldom extended beyond the exigency of the year, but little
regarded the contempt of posterity.
OF THE USE OF RICHES.
This poem, as Mr. Pope tells us himself, cost much attention and
labour; and, from the easiness that appears in it, one would be
apt to think as much.
FROM THE DISPENSARY.
This sixth canto of the 'Dispensary', by Dr. Garth, has more
merit than the whole preceding part of the poem, and, as I am
told, in the first edition of this work it is more correct than
as here exhibited; but that edition I have not been able to
find. The praises bestowed on this poem are more than have been
given to any other; but our approbation, at present, is cooler,
for it owed part of its fame to party. *
[footnote] *Cf. Dedication of 'The Traveller', ll. 34-45.
ECLOGUE I. SELIM: OR, THE SHEPHERD'S MORAL.
The following eclogues*, written by Mr. Collins, are very
pretty: the images, it must be owned, are not very local; for
the pastoral subject could not well admit of it. The description
of Asiatic magnificence, and manners, is a subject as yet
unattempted amongst us, and I believe, capable of furnishing a
great variety of poetical imagery.
[footnote] *i. e. -- Selim, Hassan, Agib and Secander, and Abra.
Goldsmith admired Collins, whom he calls in the 'Enquiry', 1759,
p.
143, 'the neglected author of the Persian eclogues, which,
however inaccurate, excel any in our language. ' He borrowed
freely from him in the 'Threnodia Augustalis', q. v.
THE SPLENDID SHILLING. BY MR. J. PHILIPS.
This is reckoned the best parody of Milton in our language: it
has been an hundred times imitated, without success. The truth
is, the first thing in this way must preclude all future
attempts; for nothing is so easy as to burlesque any man's
manner, when we are once showed the way.
A PIPE OF TOBACCO: IN IMITATION OF SIX SEVERAL AUTHORS.
Mr. Hawkins Browne, the author of these, as I am told, had no
good original manner of his own, yet we see how well he
succeeded when he turns an imitator; for the following are
rather imitations than ridiculous parodies.
A NIGHT-PIECE ON DEATH.
The great fault of this piece, written by Dr. Parnell, is that
it is in eight-syllable lines, very improper for the solemnity
of the subject; otherwise, the poem is natural, and the
reflections just.
A FAIRY TALE. BY DR. PARNELL.
Never was the old manner of speaking more happily applied, or a
tale better told, than this.
PALEMON AND LAVINIA. *
Mr. Thomson, though, in general, a verbose and affected poet,
has told this story with unusual simplicity: it is rather given
here for being much esteemed by the public, than by the editor.
[footnote] *From 'The Seasons'.
THE BASTARD.
Almost all things written from the heart, as this certainly was,
have some merit. The poet here describes sorrows and misfortunes
which were by no means imaginary; and, thus, there runs a truth
of thinking through this poem, without which it would be of
little value, as Savage is, in other respects, but an
indifferent poet.
THE POET AND HIS PATRON.
Mr. Mo[o]re was a poet that never had justice done him while
living; there are few of the moderns have a more correct taste,
or a more pleasing manner of expressing their thoughts. It was
upon these fables [Nos. v, vi, and xvi of the 'Fables for the
Ladies'] he chiefly founded his reputation; yet they are, by no
means, his best production.
AN EPISTLE TO A LADY.
This little poem, by Mr. Nugent [afterwards Lord Clare] is very
pleasing. The easiness of the poetry, and the justice of the
thoughts, constitute its principal beauty.
HANS CARVEL.
This bagatelle, for which, by the by, Mr. Prior has got his
greatest reputation, was a tale told in all the old Italian
collections of jests, and borrowed from thence by Fontaine. It
had been translated once or twice before into English, yet was
never regarded till it fell into the hands of Mr. Prior. A
strong instance how everything is improved in the hands of a man
of genius.
BAUCIS AND PHILEMON.
This poem [by Swift] is very fine; and though in the same strain
with the preceding [Prior's 'Ladle'] is yet superior.
TO THE EARL OF WARWICK, ON THE DEATH OF MR. ADDISON.
This elegy (by Mr. Ticknell) is one of the finest in our
language; there is so little new that can be said upon the death
of a friend, after the complaints of Ovid and the Latin
Italians, in this way, that one is surprised to see so much
novelty in this to strike us, and so much interest to affect.
COLIN AND LUCY.
Through all Tickell's works there is a strain of
ballad-thinking, if I may so express it; and, in this professed
ballad, he seems to have surpassed himself. It is, perhaps, the
best in our language in this way.
THE TEARS OF SCOTLAND. WRITTEN IN THE YEAR MDCCXLVI.
This ode, by Dr. Smollett, does rather more honour to the
author's feelings than his taste. The mechanical part, with
regard to numbers and language, is not so perfect as so short a
work as this requires; but the pathetic it contains,
particularly in the last stanza but one, is exquisitely fine.
ON THE DEATH OF THE LORD PROTECTOR.
Our poetry was not quite harmonized in Waller's time; so that
this, which would be now looked upon as a slovenly sort of
versification, was, with respect to the times in which it was
written, almost a prodigy of harmony. A modern reader will
chiefly be struck with the strength of thinking, and the turn of
the compliments bestowed upon the usurper. Everybody has heard
the answer our poet made Charles II; who asked him how his poem
upon Cromwell came to be finer than his panegyric upon himself.
'Your majesty,' replies Waller, 'knows, that poets always
succeed best in fiction. '
THE STORY OF PHOEBUS AND DAPHNE APPLIED.
The French claim this [by Mr. Waller] as belonging to them. To
whomsoever it belongs the thought is finely turned.
NIGHT THOUGHTS. BY DR. YOUNG.
These seem to be the best of the collection; from whence only
the two first are taken. They are spoken of differently, either
with exaggerated applause or contempt, as the reader's
disposition is either turned to mirth or melancholy.
SATIRE I.
Young's Satires were in higher reputation when published, than
they stand in at present. He seems fonder of dazzling than
pleasing; of raising our admiration for his wit, than our
dislike of the follies he ridicules.
A PASTORAL BALLAD.
These ballads of Mr. Shenstone are chiefly commended for the
natural simplicity of the thoughts and the harmony of the
versification. However, they are not excellent in either.
PHOEBE. A PASTORAL.
This, by Dr. Byrom, is a better effort than the preceding [a
ballad by Shenstone].
A SONG.
This ['Despairing beside a clear stream'] by Mr. Rowe, is better
than anything of the kind in our language.
AN ESSAY ON POETRY.
This work, by the Duke of Buckingham, is enrolled among our
great English productions. The precepts are sensible, the poetry
not indifferent, but it has been praised more than it deserves.
CADENUS AND VANESSA.
This is thought one of Dr. Swift's correctest pieces; its chief
merit, indeed, is the elegant ease with which a story, but
ill-conceived in itself, is told.
ALMA: OR, THE PROGRESS OF THE MIND.
What Prior meant by this poem I can't understand; by the Greek
motto to it one would think it was either to laugh at the
subject or the reader. There are some parts of it very fine; and
let them save the badness of the rest.
word 'sentimental', so much in vogue amongst the polite, both in town
and country? In letters and common conversation, I have asked several
who make use of it, and have generally received for answer, it is -- it
is -- 'sentimental'. Every thing clever and agreeable is comprehended in
that word; but [I] am convinced a wrong interpretation is given, because
it is impossible every thing clever and agreeable can be so common as
this word. I am frequently astonished to hear such a one is a
'sentimental' man; we were a 'sentimental' party; I have been taking a
'sentimental' walk. And that I might be reckoned a little in the
fashion, and, as I thought, show them the proper use of the word, about
six weeks ago, I declared I had just received a 'sentimental' letter.
Having often laughed at the word, and found fault with the application
of it, and this being the first time I ventured to make use of it, I was
loudly congratulated upon the occasion: but I should be glad to know
your interpretation of it' (Richardson's 'Correspondence', 1804, iv. pp.
282-3). The reply of the author of 'Clarissa', which would have been
interesting, is not given; but it is clear that by this date (1749)
'sentimental' must already have been rather overworked by 'the polite. '
Eleven years after this we meet with it in the Prologue to Colman's
'Dramatick Novel' of 'Polly Honeycombe'. 'And then,' he says, commenting
upon the fiction of the period, --
And then so 'sentimental' is the Stile,
So chaste, yet so bewitching all the while!
Plot, and elopement, passion, rape, and rapture,
The total sum of ev'ry dear -- dear -- Chapter.
With February, 1768, came Sterne's 'Sentimental Journey' upon which
Wesley has this comment:-- 'I casually took a volume of what is called,
"A Sentimental Journey through France and Italy. " 'Sentimental'! what is
that? It is not English: he might as well say, 'Continental' [! ]. It is
not sense. It conveys no determinate idea; yet one fool makes many. And
this nonsensical word (who would believe it? ) is become a fashionable
one! ' ('Journal', February 11, 1772). In 1773, Goldsmith puts it in the
'Dedication' to 'She Stoops':-- 'The undertaking a comedy, not merely
'sentimental', was very dangerous;' and Garrick (forgetting Kelly and
'False Delicacy') uses it more than once in his 'Prologue' to the same
play, e. g. -- 'Faces are blocks in 'sentimental' scenes. ' Further
examples might easily be multiplied, for the word, in spite of Johnson,
had now come to stay. Two years subsequently we find Sheridan referring
to
The goddess of the woful countenance,
The 'sentimental' Muse! --
in an occasional 'Prologue' to 'The Rivals'. It must already have
passed into the vocabulary of the learned. Todd gives examples from
Shenstone and Langhorne. Warton has it more than once in his 'History of
English Poetry'; and it figures in the 'Essays' of Vicesimus Knox. Thus
academically launched, we need no longer follow its fortunes.
APPENDIX D
FRAGMENTS OF TRANSLATIONS, ETC. , BY
GOLDSMITH.
To the Aldine edition of 1831, the Rev. John Mitford added several
fragments of translation from Goldsmith's 'Essays'. About a third of
these were traced by Bolton Corney in 1845 to the 'Horace' of Francis.
He therefore compiled a fresh collection, here given.
'From a French version of Homer'.
The shouting army cry'd with joy extreme,
He sure must conquer, who himself can tame!
'The Bee', 1759, p. 90.
The next is also from Homer, and is proposed as an
improvement of Pope:--
They knew and own'd the monarch of the main:
The sea subsiding spreads a level plain:
The curling waves before his coursers fly:
The parting surface leaves his brazen axle dry.
'Miscellaneous Works', 1801, iv. 410.
From the same source comes number three,
a quatrain from Vida's 'Eclogues':--
Say heavenly muse, their youthful frays rehearse;
Begin, ye daughters of immortal verse;
Exulting rocks have crown'd the power of song!
And rivers listen'd as they flow'd along.
'Miscellaneous Works', 1801, iv. 427.
Another is a couplet from Ovid, the fish
referred to being the 'scarus' or bream:--
Of all the fish that graze beneath the flood,
He, 'only', ruminates his former food.
'History of the Earth, etc. ', 1774, iii. 6.
Bolton Corney also prints the translation from the 'Spectator', already
given in this volume. His last fragment is from the posthumous
translation of Scarron's 'Roman Comique':--
Thus, when soft love subdues the heart
With smiling hopes and chilling fears,
The soul rejects the aid of art,
And speaks in moments more than years.
'The Comic Romance of Monsieur Scarron', 1775, ii. 161.
It is unnecessary to refer to any other of the poems attributed to
Goldsmith. Mitford included in his edition a couple of quatrains
inserted in the 'Morning Chronicle' for April 3, 1800, which were said
to be by the poet; but they do not resemble his manner. Another piece
with the title of 'The Fair Thief' was revived in July, 1893, by an
anonymous writer in the 'Daily Chronicle', as being possibly by
Goldsmith, to whom it was assigned in an eighteenth-century anthology
(1789-80). Its discoverer, however, subsequently found it given in
Walpole's 'Noble Authors' (Park's edition, 1806) to Charles Wyndham,
Earl of Egremont. It has no great merit; and may safely be neglected as
an important addition to Goldsmith's 'Works', already burdened with much
which that critical author would never have reprinted.
APPENDIX E
GOLDSMITH ON POETRY UNDER ANNE AND
GEORGE THE FIRST.
In Letter xvi, vol. ii. pp. 139-41, of 'An History of England in a Series
of Letters from a Nobleman to his Son', 1764, Goldsmith gives the
following short account of the state of poetry in the first quarter of
the Eighteenth Century.
'But, of all the other arts, poetry in this age was carried to the
greatest perfection. The language, for some ages, had been improving,
but now it seemed entirely divested of its roughness and barbarity.
Among the poets of this period we may place John Philips, author of
several poems, but of none more admired than that humourous one,
entitled, 'The Splendid Shilling'; he lived in obscurity, and died just
above want. William Congreve deserves also particular notice; his
comedies, some of which were but coolly received upon their first
appearance, seemed to mend upon repetition; and he is, at present,
justly allowed the foremost in that species of dramatic poesy. His wit
is ever just and brilliant; his sentiments new and lively; and his
elegance equal to his regularity. Next him Vanbrugh is placed, whose
humour seems more natural, and characters more new; but he owes too many
obligations to the French, entirely to pass for an original; and his
total disregard to decency, in a great measure, impairs his merit.
Farquhar is still more lively, and, perhaps more entertaining than
either; his pieces still continue the favourite performances of the
stage, and bear frequent repetition without satiety; but he often
mistakes pertness for wit, and seldom strikes his characters with proper
force or originality. However, he died very young; and it is remarkable,
that he continued to improve as he grew older; his last play, entitled
'The Beaux' Strategem', being the best of his productions. Addison, both
as a poet and prose writer, deserves the highest regard and imitation.
His 'Campaign', and 'Letter to Lord Halifax from Italy', are
masterpieces in the former, and his 'Essays' published in the
'Spectator' are inimitable specimens of the latter. Whatever he treated
of was handled with elegance and precision; and that virtue which was
taught in his writings, was enforced by his example. Steele was
Addison's friend and admirer; his comedies are perfectly polite, chaste,
and genteel; nor were his other works contemptible; he wrote on several
subjects, and yet it is amazing, in the multiplicity of his pursuits,
how he found leisure for the discussion of any. Ever persecuted by
creditors, whom his profuseness drew upon him, or pursuing impracticable
schemes, suggested by ill-grounded ambition. Dean Swift was the
professed antagonist both of Addison and him. He perceived that there
was a spirit of romance mixed with all the works of the poets who
preceded him; or, in other words, that they had drawn nature on the most
pleasing side. There still therefore was a place left for him, who,
careless of censure, should describe it just as it was, with all its
deformities; he therefore owes much of his fame, not so much to the
greatness of his genius, as to the boldness of it. He was dry,
sarcastic, and severe; and suited his style exactly to the turn of his
thought, being concise and nervous. In this period also flourished many
of subordinate fame. Prior was the first who adopted the French elegant
easy manner of telling a story; but if what he has borrowed from that
nation be taken from him, scarce anything will be left upon which he can
lay any claim to applause in poetry. Rowe was only outdone by
Shakespeare and Otway as a tragic writer; he has fewer absurdities than
either; and is, perhaps, as pathetic as they; but his flights are not so
bold, nor his characters so strongly marked. Perhaps his coming later
than the rest may have contributed to lessen the esteem he deserves.
Garth had success as a poet; and, for a time, his fame was even greater
than his desert. In his principal work, 'The Dispensary', his
versification is negligent; and his plot is now become tedious; but
whatever he may lose as a poet, it would be improper to rob him of the
merit he deserves for having written the prose dedication, and preface,
to the poem already mentioned; in which he has shown the truest wit,
with the most refined elegance. Parnell, though he has written but one
poem, namely, 'The Hermit', yet has found a place among the English
first rate poets. Gay, likewise, by his 'Fables' and 'Pastorals', has
acquired an equal reputation. But of all who have added to the stock of
English Poetry, Pope, perhaps, deserves the first place. On him,
foreigners look as one of the most successful writers of his time; his
versification is the most harmonious, and his correctness the most
remarkable of all our poets. A noted contemporary of his own calls the
English the finest writers on moral topics, and Pope the noblest moral
writer of all the English. Mr. Pope has somewhere named himself the last
English Muse; and, indeed, since his time, we have seen scarce any
production that can justly lay claim to immortality; he carried the
language to its highest perfection; and those who have attempted still
farther to improve it, instead of ornament, have only caught finery. '
APPENDIX F
CRITICISMS FROM GOLDSMITH'S 'BEAUTIES
OF ENGLISH POESY. '
To 'The Beauties of English Poesy', 2 vols. , 1767, Goldsmith
prefixed, in each case, 'short introductory criticisms. ' They
are, as he says, 'rather designed for boys than men'; and aim
only at being 'obvious and sincere'; but they carry his views on
the subject somewhat farther than the foregoing account from the
'History of England'.
THE RAPE OF THE LOCK.
This seems to be Mr. Pope's most finished production, and is,
perhaps, the most perfect in our language. It exhibits stronger
powers of imagination, more harmony of numbers, and a greater
knowledge of the world, than any other of this poet's works; and
it is probable, if our country were called upon to show a
specimen of their genius to foreigners, this would be the work
here fixed upon.
THE HERMIT.
This poem is held in just esteem, the versification being
chaste, and tolerably harmonious, and the story told with
perspicuity and conciseness. It seems to have cost great labour,
both to Mr. Pope and Parnell himself, to bring it to this
perfection. * It may not be amiss to observe that the fable is
taken from one of Dr. Henry More's Dialogues.
[footnote] *Parnell's 'Poems', 1770, xxiv.
IL PENSEROSO.
I have heard a very judicious critic say, that he had an higher
idea of Milton's style in poetry, from the two following poems
['Il Penseroso' and 'l'Allegro'], than from his 'Paradise Lost'.
It is certain the imagination shown in them is correct and
strong. The introduction to both in irregular measure is
borrowed from the Italian, and hurts an English ear.
AN ELEGY, WRITTEN IN A COUNTRY CHURCH YARD.
This is a very fine poem, but overloaded with epithet. * The
heroic measure with alternate rhyme is very properly adapted to
the solemnity of the subject, as it is the slowest movement that
our language admits of. The latter part of the poem is pathetic
and interesting.
[footnote] *This is a strange complaint to come from Goldsmith,
whose own 'Hermit', as was pointed out to the present Editor by
the late Mr. Kegan Paul, is certainly open to this impeachment.
LONDON. IN IMITATION OF THE THIRD SATIRE OF JUVENAL.
This poem of Mr. Johnson's is the best imitation of the original
that has appeared in our language, being possessed of all the
force and satirical resentment of Juvenal. Imitation gives us a
much truer idea of the ancients than even translation could do.
THE SCHOOL-MISTRESS. IN IMITATION OF SPENSER.
This poem is one of those happinesses in which a poet excels
himself, as there is nothing in all Shenstone which in any way
approaches it in merit; and, though I dislike the imitations of
our old English poets in general, yet, on this minute subject,
the antiquity of the style produces a very ludicrous solemnity.
COOPER'S HILL.
This poem, by Denham, though it may have been exceeded by later
attempts in description, yet deserves the highest applause, as
it far surpasses all that went before it: the concluding part,
though a little too much crowded, is very masterly.
ELOISA TO ABELARD.
The harmony of numbers in this poem is very fine. It is rather
drawn out to too tedious a length, although the passions vary
with great judgement. It may be considered as superior to
anything in the epistolary way; and the many translations which
have been made of it into the modern languages, are in some
measure a proof of this.
AN EPISTLE FROM MR. PHILIPS* TO THE EARL OF DORSET.
The opening of this poem is incomparably fine. The latter part
is tedious and trifling.
[footnote] *Ambrose Philips.
A LETTER FROM ITALY, TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE CHARLES LORD
HALIFAX.
In the Year MDCCI.
Few poems have done more honour to English genius than this.
There is in it a strain of political thinking that was, at that
time, new in our poetry. Had the harmony of this been equal to
that of Pope's versification, it would be incontestably the
finest poem in our language; but there is a dryness in the
numbers which greatly lessens the pleasure excited both by the
poet's judgement and imagination. *
[footnote] *See introductory note to 'The Traveller', p. 162.
ALEXANDER'S FEAST; OR, THE POWER OF MUSIC. AN ODE, IN HONOUR OF
ST. CECILIA'S DAY.
This ode [by Mr. Dryden] has been more applauded, perhaps, than
it has been felt, however, it is a very fine one, and gives its
beauties rather at a third, or fourth, than at a first perusal.
ODE FOR MUSIC ON ST. CECILIA'S DAY.
This ode [by Mr. Pope] has by many been thought equal to the
former. As it is a repetition of Dryden's manner, it is so far
inferior to him. The whole hint of Orpheus, and many of the
lines, have been taken from an obscure Ode upon Music, published
in Tate's Miscellanies. *
[footnote] *'A Pindaric Essay upon Musick' -- says Gibbs -- by
'Mr. Wilson',' which appears at p. 401 of Tate's Collection of
1685.
THE SHEPHERD'S WEEK. IN SIX PASTORALS.
These are Mr. Gay's principal performances. They were
originally intended, I suppose, as a burlesque on those of
[Ambrose] Philips; but, perhaps without designing it, he has hit
the true spirit of pastoral poetry. In fact, he more resembles
Theocritus than any other English pastoral writer whatsoever.
There runs through the whole a strain of rustic pleasantry which
should ever distinguish this species of composition; but how far
the antiquated expressions used here may contribute to the
humour, I will not determine; for my own part, I could wish the
simplicity were preserved, without recurring to such obsolete
antiquity for the manner of expressing it.
MAC FLECKNOE.
The severity of this satire, and the excellence of its
versification give it a distinguished rank in this species of
composition. At present, an ordinary reader would scarce suppose
that Shadwell, who is here meant by Mac Flecknoe, was worth
being chastised, and that Dryden's descending to such game was
like an eagle's stooping to catch flies. * The truth however is,
Shadwell, at one time, held divided reputation with this great
poet. Every age produces its fashionable dunces, who, by
following the transient topic, or humour, of the day, supply
talkative ignorance with materials for conversation.
[footnote] *'Aquila non capit muscas' (Apostolius).
ON POETRY. A RHAPSODY.
Here follows one of the best versified poems in our language,
and the most masterly production of its author. The severity
with which Walpole is here treated, was in consequence of that
minister having refused to provide for Swift in England, when
applied to for that purpose in the year 1725 (if I remember
right). The severity of a poet, however, gave Walpole very
little uneasiness. A man whose schemes, like this minister's,
seldom extended beyond the exigency of the year, but little
regarded the contempt of posterity.
OF THE USE OF RICHES.
This poem, as Mr. Pope tells us himself, cost much attention and
labour; and, from the easiness that appears in it, one would be
apt to think as much.
FROM THE DISPENSARY.
This sixth canto of the 'Dispensary', by Dr. Garth, has more
merit than the whole preceding part of the poem, and, as I am
told, in the first edition of this work it is more correct than
as here exhibited; but that edition I have not been able to
find. The praises bestowed on this poem are more than have been
given to any other; but our approbation, at present, is cooler,
for it owed part of its fame to party. *
[footnote] *Cf. Dedication of 'The Traveller', ll. 34-45.
ECLOGUE I. SELIM: OR, THE SHEPHERD'S MORAL.
The following eclogues*, written by Mr. Collins, are very
pretty: the images, it must be owned, are not very local; for
the pastoral subject could not well admit of it. The description
of Asiatic magnificence, and manners, is a subject as yet
unattempted amongst us, and I believe, capable of furnishing a
great variety of poetical imagery.
[footnote] *i. e. -- Selim, Hassan, Agib and Secander, and Abra.
Goldsmith admired Collins, whom he calls in the 'Enquiry', 1759,
p.
143, 'the neglected author of the Persian eclogues, which,
however inaccurate, excel any in our language. ' He borrowed
freely from him in the 'Threnodia Augustalis', q. v.
THE SPLENDID SHILLING. BY MR. J. PHILIPS.
This is reckoned the best parody of Milton in our language: it
has been an hundred times imitated, without success. The truth
is, the first thing in this way must preclude all future
attempts; for nothing is so easy as to burlesque any man's
manner, when we are once showed the way.
A PIPE OF TOBACCO: IN IMITATION OF SIX SEVERAL AUTHORS.
Mr. Hawkins Browne, the author of these, as I am told, had no
good original manner of his own, yet we see how well he
succeeded when he turns an imitator; for the following are
rather imitations than ridiculous parodies.
A NIGHT-PIECE ON DEATH.
The great fault of this piece, written by Dr. Parnell, is that
it is in eight-syllable lines, very improper for the solemnity
of the subject; otherwise, the poem is natural, and the
reflections just.
A FAIRY TALE. BY DR. PARNELL.
Never was the old manner of speaking more happily applied, or a
tale better told, than this.
PALEMON AND LAVINIA. *
Mr. Thomson, though, in general, a verbose and affected poet,
has told this story with unusual simplicity: it is rather given
here for being much esteemed by the public, than by the editor.
[footnote] *From 'The Seasons'.
THE BASTARD.
Almost all things written from the heart, as this certainly was,
have some merit. The poet here describes sorrows and misfortunes
which were by no means imaginary; and, thus, there runs a truth
of thinking through this poem, without which it would be of
little value, as Savage is, in other respects, but an
indifferent poet.
THE POET AND HIS PATRON.
Mr. Mo[o]re was a poet that never had justice done him while
living; there are few of the moderns have a more correct taste,
or a more pleasing manner of expressing their thoughts. It was
upon these fables [Nos. v, vi, and xvi of the 'Fables for the
Ladies'] he chiefly founded his reputation; yet they are, by no
means, his best production.
AN EPISTLE TO A LADY.
This little poem, by Mr. Nugent [afterwards Lord Clare] is very
pleasing. The easiness of the poetry, and the justice of the
thoughts, constitute its principal beauty.
HANS CARVEL.
This bagatelle, for which, by the by, Mr. Prior has got his
greatest reputation, was a tale told in all the old Italian
collections of jests, and borrowed from thence by Fontaine. It
had been translated once or twice before into English, yet was
never regarded till it fell into the hands of Mr. Prior. A
strong instance how everything is improved in the hands of a man
of genius.
BAUCIS AND PHILEMON.
This poem [by Swift] is very fine; and though in the same strain
with the preceding [Prior's 'Ladle'] is yet superior.
TO THE EARL OF WARWICK, ON THE DEATH OF MR. ADDISON.
This elegy (by Mr. Ticknell) is one of the finest in our
language; there is so little new that can be said upon the death
of a friend, after the complaints of Ovid and the Latin
Italians, in this way, that one is surprised to see so much
novelty in this to strike us, and so much interest to affect.
COLIN AND LUCY.
Through all Tickell's works there is a strain of
ballad-thinking, if I may so express it; and, in this professed
ballad, he seems to have surpassed himself. It is, perhaps, the
best in our language in this way.
THE TEARS OF SCOTLAND. WRITTEN IN THE YEAR MDCCXLVI.
This ode, by Dr. Smollett, does rather more honour to the
author's feelings than his taste. The mechanical part, with
regard to numbers and language, is not so perfect as so short a
work as this requires; but the pathetic it contains,
particularly in the last stanza but one, is exquisitely fine.
ON THE DEATH OF THE LORD PROTECTOR.
Our poetry was not quite harmonized in Waller's time; so that
this, which would be now looked upon as a slovenly sort of
versification, was, with respect to the times in which it was
written, almost a prodigy of harmony. A modern reader will
chiefly be struck with the strength of thinking, and the turn of
the compliments bestowed upon the usurper. Everybody has heard
the answer our poet made Charles II; who asked him how his poem
upon Cromwell came to be finer than his panegyric upon himself.
'Your majesty,' replies Waller, 'knows, that poets always
succeed best in fiction. '
THE STORY OF PHOEBUS AND DAPHNE APPLIED.
The French claim this [by Mr. Waller] as belonging to them. To
whomsoever it belongs the thought is finely turned.
NIGHT THOUGHTS. BY DR. YOUNG.
These seem to be the best of the collection; from whence only
the two first are taken. They are spoken of differently, either
with exaggerated applause or contempt, as the reader's
disposition is either turned to mirth or melancholy.
SATIRE I.
Young's Satires were in higher reputation when published, than
they stand in at present. He seems fonder of dazzling than
pleasing; of raising our admiration for his wit, than our
dislike of the follies he ridicules.
A PASTORAL BALLAD.
These ballads of Mr. Shenstone are chiefly commended for the
natural simplicity of the thoughts and the harmony of the
versification. However, they are not excellent in either.
PHOEBE. A PASTORAL.
This, by Dr. Byrom, is a better effort than the preceding [a
ballad by Shenstone].
A SONG.
This ['Despairing beside a clear stream'] by Mr. Rowe, is better
than anything of the kind in our language.
AN ESSAY ON POETRY.
This work, by the Duke of Buckingham, is enrolled among our
great English productions. The precepts are sensible, the poetry
not indifferent, but it has been praised more than it deserves.
CADENUS AND VANESSA.
This is thought one of Dr. Swift's correctest pieces; its chief
merit, indeed, is the elegant ease with which a story, but
ill-conceived in itself, is told.
ALMA: OR, THE PROGRESS OF THE MIND.
What Prior meant by this poem I can't understand; by the Greek
motto to it one would think it was either to laugh at the
subject or the reader. There are some parts of it very fine; and
let them save the badness of the rest.
