Author Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1810 Excerpt:... And for that cause alone, sublime. Our studies then should change their view To let in ev'ry author new: Literary votary. On one hand, shelves with Homers grac'd; On others, epic Indians plac'd: Or with the Latins let them mingle In social conversation single; 50 Here chats Mandarob with Catullus Or soft Holkargo with Tibullus, As kindred souls whose natures move Thro' difFrent pipes to chant of love. In vain good heav'n were hourly pressing Its gifts to men in shape of blessing, If it were negligent to send, Sometimes a literary friend; To whom is giv'n upon this earth The name of author at his birth: 60 A kind of wild abstracted creature Of most peculiar mental feature; Within whose narrow brain is stor'd CBy nature giv'n) a little hoard; With morsels gather'd up and down From meanest hovels to the crown;. And from the poor precarious gleaning He makes up something entertaining; As gipsy tribes, from scraps the least, Out-spread the simple woodland feast., 70 Some authors deal in solid facts While others range thro' fancy's tracks; Conniving still with curious art _, To teach the head, or please the heart. 157 Historians. Like birds they various ways possess Distinct emotions to express, Some, tho' on themes of wildest matter, Like pies prosaically chatter; While poets flutt'ring on the wing As larks are always found to sing: 80 Both these (however strong the will) Are ne'er effected by one bill, In diff'rent shape the organ grows That's made to sing, or speak in prose. Some authors are who upward climb Afar to days of earlytime; Just like some old and stubborn hack That feels delight in going back. With solemn air and footsteps slow Far as the Deluge many go; 90 But finding that the road is dark, They place it as their utmost mark: While some determin'd...