we know he means that their courage and patriotism are so truly Irish, that 'tis pity the Possessors do not crown all, by having derived their birth from a country, the characteristic qualities of whose population their sentiments so much resemble.

Nay, a Bull, so far from being destitute, may be brim-full of meaning; and snatch, if not a grace, a strength and significancy, beyond the reach of Art. Indeed this Taurine privilege-you, Sir, yourself have noticed, in your sixth Number; and in the following words. "These Catachreses (as, in Bæotia, Bulls "have usually been called,) were very apt to ram"ble; and puzzle and lead astray those who attempt"ed to apprehend them. Yet, in some of these ex

travagancies, they are reputed to have fallen upon "matters of INEXPRESSIBLE value; and to which "the ordinary and beaten path* would never have "conducted.- Some also were enveloped with "considerable brightness:" &cet.+

To return-when the true Hibernian talked of "letting his hands go barefoot," we knew that he merely intended to declare against the future use of gloves. But, nevertheless, we conceive him to have uttered-if not a roaring bull,-one calculated however to set others in a roar.

* Of Expression.

+ Perhaps arising from the wit which they contained.

When the late Sir Boyle Roche, of truly Irish memory, assured the House of Commons that "the "best mode of avoiding danger-was to meet it," he expressed, inaccurately, a brave, intelligible, and not unimportant truth; and one not widely different from Livy's observation, that vitando feré, in media fata ruimus.-But yet it will not, surely, be disputed that the worthy Baronet mounted his dashing Truth upon a Bull!

He was a worthy, and a witty Man. Perhaps, Sir, you will consider the following anecdote as sufficiently proving the latter part of my assertion. Some sharp words having arisen, in the course of a debate, between him and a gentleman who opposed the party which Sir Boyle supported, the Adversary took occasion to observe, with emphasis, that he was the guardian of his own honour. To this observation the old Baronet, with great sang-froid, replied,— by congratulating his opponent on the sinecure place which he had obtained.

One more Irish incident; and I have done.

Above twenty years ago, I happened to be present at the decision of a cause, in the Court of Admiralty of this Country. It had been a proceeding against one ship, for running down another. The judgment begun in nearly the following words. "Not

* In the Admiralty, all proceedings are in rem.

"withstanding the length of argument which has "been bestowed upon this case, it, in fact, involves "but this single question; which of the ships struck "first!?"

And in substance the learned Judge was very right. The question was--which vessel had occasioned the collision. But surely it may be admitted that in giving his sentence, this Marine Magistrate had, (very suitably) got astride on the animal, which (if my memory serves me,) was sacred to the fabulous Ruler of the Seas.

In short, Sir, in order to constitute a Blunder, it is not requisite that we should be unintelligible: it is enough, if we are incorrect. A Bull is but a labyrinth ;* -to be extricated from which, we want nothing but a Clew.

I have the honour to be, Sir,

Your obedient, and very humble Servant,

Martin Minotaur.

* This is a Metonymy, of the thing containing, for part of the thing contained. I say part;-for Minotaur, the Inhabitant of the Cretan Labyrinth, was but half a Bull.

M.

The Poem opens with the fable of Syrinx; or rather with illustrative allusions to it; the Author insinuating, that as from the melody of those reeds, into which the Naiad of Thessaly was transformed, originated that rudimental instrument, the Shepherd's Pipe; in like mauner, from those impressions made on him, by the artless musick of his own murmurs at his lot, sprung whatever harmony and arrangement may be found in the following lines.-Peculiar consolations, attending the mild dejections of Sensibility, when surrounded with Misfortune. These contrasted with the despair of a mutinous and gloomy spirit. The Poet bids such avaunt; whilst, on the other hand, he expresses an equal aversion to unfeeling, cold, ungenerous Dispositions. Describes the unsuspecting confidence of a young

* Written A. D. 1790.-Johnson defines Revery to mean loose musing irregular thought.

and liberal mind; and it's disappointment and consternation, when for the first time undeceived. Picture of the conduct of weak, insensible, and vulgar Minds, in their relations with the Generous and Feeling. This conduct contrasted with that of a Kindred Soul; of the tone and character of whose friendship the Author gives a sketch. Wishes his verses might procure him such a Friend. Confesses a weakness:—which leads to reflections on the foresight, and memory of MAN. The writer states the evils, that may be alleged to arise from these Faculties; which, however, he considers to be Blessings, on the whole.

Fearful and fleet as bright Ladonia flew,

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Tangling in earth, to reeds the Trembler grew: Reft of the prize which scarce his speed had gain'd, Earth-fixt alike the wondering Pan remain'd: When hark! a sigh,—and then a melting strain Rose on the breeze; and faltering, died again: Say, was it Zephyr-from the mazy reeds— That thus escaping--with a sigh-proceeds? Or the quell'd sobbings of th' ill-fated Maid, Dispersed in murmurs through the breathing shade?-On his astonish'd ear the sweetness stole ; (O! power of sound!) and trickled to his soul: Down his rough cheek the streaming sorrows shower'd; And late remorse his inward peace devour'd: "Loved, injured maid," he cries, "th' Assassin hears "Thy fond complaint; and bathes it in his tears: "Yet with that moan, on gales unconscious borne, "Will soothe the lot he cannot cease to mourn:

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