Sketches of the Poetical Literature of the Past Half-Century in Six Lectures (Paperback)

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. 1851 Excerpt: ...of the Field," of his " From Greenland's icy Mountains," and of his " Brightest and best of the Sons of the Morning," will doubtless touch the hearts of many future generations, as it has done the present. How calmly, sweetly solemn is the last-mentioned hymn --"Brightest and best of the sons of the morning Dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid; Star of the East the horizon adorning, Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid Cold on his cradle the dew-drops are shining; Low lies his head with the beasts of the stall; Angels adore him in slumber reclining--Maker and Monarch and Saviour of all Say, shall we yield him, in costly devotion, Odours of Edom, and offerings divine? Gems of the mountain, and pearls of the ocean? Myrrh from the forest, or gold from the mine? Vainly we offer each ample oblation--Vainly with gifts would his favour secure; Richer by far is the heart's adoration; Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor. Brightest and best of the sons of the morning Dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid; Star of the East the horizon adorning, Lead where the infant Redeemer is laid " In turning from Bishop Heber to Henry Hart Milman, Canon of Westminster, perhaps something of the same remarks regarding the chilling influence of scholastic training may be found to hold true. The muse of Milton HENRY HART M1LMAN. 179 soared aloft without being seemingly encumbered by its Atlantean burthen of learning--nay, turned, as occasion required, its various stores to present and happy account; but this was only a proof of its vast native energy and vigour--a roc amid the birds of air; for, when " knowledge was at one entrance quite shut out," all the aspects of nature seemed to keep ever revolving before hi...