Hours of Idleness: A Series of Poems, Original and Translated

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Benbow, 1822 - 183 pages

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Page 143 - THE poesy of this young Lord belongs to the class which neither gods nor men are said to permit. Indeed, we do not recollect to have seen a quantity of verse with so few deviations in either direction from that exact standard. His effusions are spread over a dead flat, and can no more get above or below the level, than if they were so much stagnant water.
Page 55 - ANIMULA ! vagula, blandula, Hospes, comesque, corporis, Quae nunc abibis in- loca — Pallidula, rigida, nudula, Nee, ut soles, dabis jocos...
Page 150 - But whatever judgment may be passed on the poems of this noble minor, it seems we must take them as we find them, and be content; for they are the last we shall ever have from him. He is, at best, he says, but an intruder into the groves of Parnassus ; he never lived in a garret, like thorough-bred poets; and "though he once roved a careless mountaineer in the Highlands of Scotland," he has not of late enjoyed this advantage.
Page 147 - And so of instances in which former poets had failed. Thus, we do not think Lord Byron was made for translating, during his nonage, 'Adrian's Address to his Soul", when Pope succeeded so indifferently in the attempt. If our readers, however, are of another opinion, they may look at it. Ah ! gentle, fleeting, wav'ring sprite, Friend and associate of this clay!
Page 144 - ... given against him, it is highly probable that an exception would be taken, were he to deliver for poetry the contents of this volume. To this he might plead minority ; but as he now makes voluntary tender of the article, he hath no right to sue, on that ground, for the price in good current praise, should the goods be unmarketable.
Page 144 - But, alas ! we all remember the poetry of Cowley at ten and Pope at twelve; and so far from hearing, with any degree of surprise, that very poor verses were written by a youth from his leaving school to his leaving college inclusive, we really believe this to be the most common of all occurrences ; that it happens in the life of nine men in ten who are educated in England; and that the tenth man writes better verse than Lord Byron.
Page 144 - Now, the law upon the point of minority, we hold to be perfectly clear. It is a plea available only to the defendant; no plaintiff can offer it as a supplementary ground of action. Thus, if any suit could be brought against Lord Byron, for the purpose of compelling him to put into court a certain quantity of poetry, and...
Page 150 - Scotland,' he has not of late enjoyed this advantage. Moreover, he expects no profit from his publication; and whether it succeeds or not, 'it is highly improbable, from his situation and pursuits hereafter,' that he should again condescend to become an author.
Page 107 - I strode through the pine-cover'd glade : I sought not my home till the day's dying glory Gave place to the rays of the bright polar star ; For fancy was cheer'd by traditional story, Disclosed by the natives of dark Loch na Garr.

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