1679-1718. HIS CHARACTER. 93 are the productions of Nature, so excellent as not to want the help of Art, or of Art so refined as to resemble Nature.12 This criticism relates only to the pieces published by Pope. Of the large appendages which I find in the last edition, I can only say that I know not whence they came, nor have ever inquired whither they are going. They stand upon the faith of the compilers.13 12 I am free to confess that I can pass from the elder writers, and still find a charm in the correct and equable sweetness of Parnell. Conscious that his diction has not the freedom and volubility of the better strains of the elder time, I cannot but remark his exemption from the quaintness and false metaphor which so often disfigure the style of the preceding age; nor deny my respect to the select choice of his expression, the clearness and keeping of his imagery, and the pensive dignity of his moral feeling.-T. CAMPBELL: Essay on English Poetry. 13 They were first published in 1758. in the posthumous works of Parnell, and are genuine, though unworthy of his name. The following extracts are from Swift's 'Journal to Stella,' and have not been explained by his editors: 22nd Dec. 1712. I dined with Lord Treasurer to-day, who has engaged me to come again to-morrow. I gave Lord Bolingbroke a poem of Parnell's. I made Parnell insert some compliments in it to his Lordship. He is extremely pleased with it, and read some parts of it to-day to Lord Treasurer, who liked it as much. And indeed he outdoes all our poets here a bar's length. Lord Bolingbroke has ordered me to bring him to dinner on Christmas Day, &c. 25th Dec. I carried Parnell to dine at Lord Bolingbroke's, &c. 31st Dec. To-day Parnell and I dined with Lord Bolingbroke, to correct Parnell's poem. I made him show all the places he disliked; and when Parnell has corrected it fully, he shall print it. 17th Jan. 1712-13. This rogue Parnell has not yet corrected his poem, and I would fain have it out. 31st Jan. I value myself upon making the ministry desire to be acquainted with Parnell, and not Parnell with the ministry. His poem is almost fully corrected, and shall be soon out. 19th Feb. I was at Court to-day to speak to Lord Bolingbroke to look over Parnell's 's poem since it is corrected; and Parnell and I dined with him, and he has shown him three or four places to alter a little. His poem will be printed in a few days. 20th March. Parnell's poem will be published on Monday, and to-morrow I design he shall present it to Lord Treasurer and Lord Bolingbroke at Court. 27th March. Parnell's poem is mightily esteemed; but poetry sells ill. Now the London Gazette' tells us what the title of this poem was-the Gazette of 21-24 March, 1713, advertising as published this day, and by Ben Tooke (Swift's own favourite printer), An Essay on the different Styles of Poetry, inscribed to Lord Bolingbroke;' and two presentation copies of the poem (in 8vo. pp. 36), to Young and Gay, now before me, bear Parnell's name in MS., for the poem appeared anonymously. Of this poem, wholly unknown to every biographer of Parnell and annotator of Swift, here is what I consider the best passage : Then hosts embattled stretch their lines afar, The following verses by Parnell are not included in any edition of his poems that I have seen. They are printed in Steele's 'Miscellany' (12mo. 1714), p. 63, and in the second edition of the same 'Miscellany' (12mo. 1727), p. 51, with Parnell's name: TO A YOUNG LADY On her Translation of the Story of Phoebus and Daphne, from Ovid. In Phoebus, Wit (as Ovid said) But when you trace what Ovid writ, Beauty no longer flies from Wit, Since both are join'd in you. Your lines the wond'rous change impart, Methinks thy poet's gentle shade Its wreath presents to thee; The charming poem by the same author, beginning- My days have been so wond'rous free, has in Steele's Miscellany' an additional fourth stanza: Does ev'ry doubt control, GARTH. 1670?-1718-19. Of a Yorkshire Family - Educated at Cambridge Admitted a Fellow of the College of Physicians - Publishes The Dispensary,' a poem Sides with the Whigs His Popularity Knighted by George I. SAMUEL GARTH was of a good family in Yorkshire, and from some school in his own country became a student at PeterHouse, in Cambridge, where he resided till he became Doctor of Physic on July the 7th, 1691. He was examined before the College at London on March the 12th, 1691-2, and admitted Fellow June 26th, 1692. He was soon so much distinguished by his conversation and accomplishments as to obtain very extensive practice; and, if a pamphlet of those times may be credited, had the favour and confidence of one party, as Radcliffe had of the other. He is always mentioned as a man of benevolence; and it is just to suppose that his desire of helping the helpless disposed him to so much zeal for the 'Dispensary;' an undertaking of which some account, however short, is proper to be given. Whether what Temple says be true, that physicians have had more learning than the other faculties, I will not stay to inquire; but, I believe, every man has found in physicians great liberality and dignity of sentiment, very prompt effusion of beneficence, and willingness to exert a lucrative art where there is no hope of lucre. Agreeably to this character, the College of Physicians, in July, 1687, published an edict, requiring all the fellows, candidates, and licentiates to give gratuitous advice to the neighbouring poor. This edict was sent to the Court of Aldermen; and a VOL. II. H |