in the Acis and Galatea of Ovid. The Roman poet understands the use of contrast better, and upon that figure, artfully managed, all strength in the pathetic depends.",,It is remarkable," cried Mr. Burchell, ,,that both the poets you mention have equally contributed to introduce a false taste into their respective countries, by loading all their lines with epithets. Men of little genius found them most easily imitated in their defects; and English poetry, like that in the latter empire of Rome, is nothing at present but a combination of luxuriant images, without plot or connexion; a string of epithets that improve the sound without carrying on the sense. But perhaps, Madam, while I thus reprehend others, you'll think it just that I should give them an opportunity to retaliate; and indeed I have made this.. remark only to have an opportunity of introducing to the company a ballad, which, whatever be its other defects, is, I think, at least free from those I have mentioned." gbo, Forchere forlorn and lost I tread, ,,With fainting steps and slow; Where wilds immeasurably spread and, Seem lengthening as I go." " And though my portion is but scant, Then turn to night, and freely share ,,My rushy couch, and frugal fare, ,,My blessing and repose." ,,No flocks that range the valley free, To slaughter I condemn; ,,Taught by that power that pities me, ,,I learn to pity them. ,,But from the mountain's grassy side, ,,A guiltless feast I bring; ,,A scrip with herbs and fruits supply'd,‹ ,,And water from the spring. ,,Then, pilgrim, turn, thy cares forego; Soft as the dew from heav'n descends, Far in a wilderness obscure The lonely mansion lay;/ No stores beneath its humble thatch And now when busy crowds retire, And spread his vegetable store, 2. And skill'd in legendary lore, Its tricks the kitten tries; But nothing could a charm impart - His rising cares the hermit spy'd, ,,And whence, unhappy youth," he cry'd, The sorrows of thy breast? From better habitations spurn'd, ,,Reluctant dost thou rove; Or grieve for friendship unreturn'd, „Or unregarded love? Alas! the joys that fortune brings „Are trifling, and decay; ,,And those who prize the paltry things, ,,And what is friendship but a name, ,,And love is still an emptier sound, ,,On earth unseen, or only found, To warm the turtle's nest. p? ,,For shame, fond youth, thy sorrows hush, Surpris'd, he sees new beauties rise, Like colours o'er the morning skies; The bashful look, the rising breast, The lovely stranger stands confest, A., „And all his wealth was mark'd as mine, „He had but only me. To win me from his tender arms,.. „Each hour a mercenary crowd, With richest proffers strove : ,,Among the rest young Edwin bow'd, ,,But never talk'd of love. ,,In humble, simplest habit clad, ,,Nor wealth nor power had he; ,Wisdom and worth were all he had, But these were all to me. وو. دو The blossom opening to the day, The dew, the blossom on the tree, ९ Their charms were his; but woe to me! ,,For still I try'd each fickle art, T ,,And while his passion touch'd my heart, Till quite dejected with ry scorn, tá ,,And sought a solitude forlorn, ,,In secret, where he died. „But mine the sorrow, mine the fault, ,,Forbid it, heav'n!" the hermit cry'd, ,,Turn, Angelina, ever dear, ,,My charmer, turn to see "Thy own, thy long-lost Edwin here, Thus let me hold thee to my heart, ,,And shall we never never part, ,,My life---my all that's mine! „No, never from this hour to part, The sigh that rends thy constant heart, ,,Shall break thy Edwin's too." While this ballad was reading, Sophia seemed to mix an air of tenderness with her approbation. But |