—­B.  BARTON.

We have alluded to the amiable character of our poet; that his modesty is equal to his merit, the following extract, from a letter to a friend, will afford a pleasing evidence.  Speaking of his literary career, he says, “it has been marked by an indulgence on the part of the public, and the dispensers of literary fame, which I never anticipated.  When I consider that only about three years have elapsed since I avowed myself an author, I am really surprised at the notice my trivial productions have received, and the numerous acquaintance to which they have, by correspondence, introduced me.  Much of this, I dare say, is owing to my quakerism; and to that, unquestionably, I was indebted for the article in the Edinburgh Review, and the more recent passing notice in the Quarterly.  Still, as I do not believe that any outre or adventitious source of attraction would have alone procured me the attention I have found, I would hope it may partly have arisen from their simple, unaffected appeal to those quiet, domestic, secluded feelings, which endear the still undercurrent of existence—­in short, to my being content to make the best I could of the homely and confined materials to which my situation has given me access, without affecting scholarship, or aiming at romantic embellishment.  There is nothing like simple truth and nature, after all; and he who is satisfied with simply and faithfully describing what he actually sees, feels, and, thinks, may always hope to appeal successfully to the unsophisticated heart."[4]

We here conclude our notice of the bard of Woodbridge; and should this brief account excite the interest of our readers to become better acquainted with this “living author,” we refer them to the whole-length portrait painted by himself, and held up to view in every page of his poems.

    [1] Poems, by B. Barton, p.190, 3rd edit.

    [2] One of these sisters is the present Mrs. Hack, favourably
        known as the authoress of several useful and highly interesting
        works for children.  See some introductory verses to her, prefixed
        to the third edition of Mr. Barton’s “Poems.”  His brother John
        has also distinguished himself by one or two judicious pamphlets
        on the situation and circumstances of the poor.

    [3] Poems, by B. Barton, p. 133, 3rd edit.

    [4] Time’s Telescope, p. 18, vol. xi.

* * * * *

RETROSPECTIVE GLEANINGS.

* * * * *

THE GREAT FIRE OF 1666.