her models, Pindaric Odes and French Fables.  But see p. 70, ‘The Blindness of Elymas,’ for proof that she could write with powers of a high order when her own individual character and personal feelings were not concerned.  For less striking proofs of this power, see p. 4, ‘All is Vanity,’ omitting verses 5 and 6, and reading ‘clouds that are lost and gone,’ &c.  There is merit in the two next stanzas; and the last stanza towards the close contains a fine reproof for the ostentation of Louis XIV., and one magnificent verse,

    ‘Spent the astonished hours, forgetful to adore.’

But my paper is nearly out.  As far as ‘For my garments,’ p. 36, the poem is charming; it then falls off; revives at p. 39, ‘Give me there;’ p. 41, &c., reminds me of Dyer’s ‘Grongar Hill;’ it revives p. 47, towards the bottom, and concludes with sentiments worthy of the writer, though not quite so happily expressed as other parts of the poem.  See pages 82, 92, ‘Whilst in the Muses’ paths I stray;’ p. 113.  ‘The Cautious Lovers,’ p. 118, has little poetic merit, but is worth reading as characteristic of the author.  P. 143, ‘Deep lines of honour,’ &c., to ‘maturer age.’  P. 151, if shortened, would be striking; p. 154, characteristic; p. 159, from ‘Meanwhile, ye living parents,’ to the close, omitting ’Nor could we hope,’ and the five following verses; p. 217, last paragraph; p. 259, that you have;[115] pp. 262, 263; p. 280, Was Lady W. a R. Catholic? p. 290, ‘And to the clouds proclaim thy fall;’ p. 291, omit ’When scatter’d glow-worms,’ and the next couplet.  I have no more room.  Pray, excuse this vile scrawl.

Ever faithfully yours, W.W.

P.S.  I have inconsiderately sent your letter to my daughter (now absent), without copying the address.  I knew the letter would interest her.  I shall direct to your publisher.[116]

Rydal Mount.

[115] Mr. W. means, that I have inserted that poem in my ‘Specimens.’ A.D.

[116] Memoirs, ii. 225-30.

70. French Revolution, 1830.

LETTERS TO G. HUNTLY GORDON, ESQ.

MY DEAR MR. GORDON,

* * * * *

I cannot but deeply regret that the late King of France and his ministers should have been so infatuated.  Their stupidity, not to say their crimes, has given an impulse to the revolutionary and democratic spirit throughout Europe which is premature, and from which much immediate evil may be apprehended, whatever things may settle into at last.  Whereas had the Government conformed to the increasing knowledge of the people, and not surrendered itself to the counsels of the priests and the bigoted Royalists, things might have been kept in an even course, to the mutual improvement and benefit of both governed and governors.