ページの画像
PDF
ePub

are inimitable; they present as striking a contrast as can well be conceived to the turgid verbosity which passes at present for fine writing, and which bears a great resemblance to the degeneracy which marks the style of Ammianus Marcellinus, as compared to that of Cicero or of Livy. In my humble opinion, the study of Cowper's prose may on this account be as useful in forming the taste of young people as his poetry. That the Letters will afford great delight to all persons of true taste, and that you will confer a most acceptable present on the reading world by publishing them, will not admit of a doubt."

All that now remains is for the Editor to say one word respecting himself. He has been called upon to engage in this undertaking both on public and private grounds. He is not insensible to the honour of such a commission, and yet feels that he is undertaking a delicate and responsible office. May he execute it in humble dependence on the Divine blessing, and in a spirit that accords with the venerated name of Cowper! Had the life of his endeared friend, Dr. Johnson, been prolonged, no man would have been better qualified for such an office. His ample sources of information, his name,

and his profound veneration for the memory of Cowper, (whom he tenderly watched while living, and whose eyes he closed in death,) would have awakened an interest to which no other writer could presume to lay claim. It is under the failure of this expectation, which is extinguished by the grave, that the Editor feels himself called upon to endeavour to supply the void: and thus to fulfil what is due to the character of Cowper, and to the known wishes of his departed friend. Peace be to his ashes! They now rest near those of his beloved Bard, while their happy spirits are reunited in a world, where no cloud obscures the mind, and no sorrow depresses the heart: and where the mysterious dispensations of Providence will be found to have been in accordance with his unerring wisdom and mercy.

*

*

* It is impossible for the Editor to specify the various instances of revision in the narrative of

Hayley, because they are sometimes minute or

verbal, at other times more enlarged. The object has been to retain the basis of his work, as far as possible. The introduction of new matter is principally where the interests of religion, or a regard to Cowper's character seemed to require it; and for such remarks the Editor is solely responsible.

[merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small]

His settlement at Huntingdon to be near his brother
The translation of Voltaire's Henriade by the two brothers ib.
The origin of Cowper's acquaintance with the Unwins
His adoption into the family

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

ib.

[ocr errors]

His early friendship with Lord Thurlow, and J. Hill, Esq. 29

To Joseph Hill, Esq. Account of his situation at Hunting-
don. June 24, 1765

To Lady Hesketh. On his illness and subsequent reco-
very. July 1, 1765

To Joseph Hill, Esq. Huntingdon and its amusements.

July 3, 1765

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

335

3333

[ocr errors][merged small]
[merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small]

tural Language. Aug. 1, 1765
To Joseph Hill, Esq. Expected excursion. Aug. 14, 1765 46
To Lady Hesketh. Pearsall's Meditations; definition of
faith. Aug. 17, 1765

[merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small]
[ocr errors]
[merged small][merged small][ocr errors][ocr errors][merged small][ocr errors]
[blocks in formation]
« 前へ次へ »