Слике страница
PDF
ePub

[NOTE. The editor has ventured upon the publication of two little perform ances in this collection, as those of Mr. Richardson, without being altogether assured of their parent ge. They occur among his papers without those distinguishing marks of authowhip which were referred to in the compilations of the rest of the volume. They are mere trifles, however, and having the mnami manner of Mr. R. are permitted to annear as his.]

1

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

MEMOIR.

The compiler of this little volume, is conscious of no necessity which could call for, or prompt, an apologetic appeal to the reader, for his indulgence during its perusal. He feels confident, that, without referring particularly or even passingly to the extreme youth of its subject, and tḥs circumstances under which these 'remains' were written and now make their appearance, their own merits are sufficiently marked an' peculiar to render any such appeal unnecessary, Though the transcripts and impressions of a mind and life, scarcely yet active in their human career, and certainly, in great part, yet undeveloped, they carry with them, and upon their face, claims to the respectful consideration of all classes of readers, which may not go unregarded. They are of the true metal, and bear the stamp of a genius as beautiful and full of scent and promise as the first flower of the springtime; though, with sorrow we must add, one, which has proved more timelessly evanescent and fleeting. There may be some, however—some stern critic, too impregnable in rule, and too fettered by the exercise and dictate of an inflexible justice, to whom the germ which this volume discloses, wanting as it does in the fruition of its promise, and more than deficient in many of the essentials of a labored perfection, may seem vain and valueless. He may wonder that

F

the effusions of the boy, just free from college restraints, and tinctured deeply with its frequent pedantries and notorious truisms, should be thus sedulously preserved and set in sight. He may sneer at the revived discussion of opinions, now settled down into certainty by common consent, or repudiated and overthrown by a decision equally unanimous. For such an one we have little of remark. If, familiar with the highest attributes of intellect, only, and conscious of no humbler standard of comparative excellence, than that which distinguishes the Apollo Belvidere, he disdains the creations of all humbler artists-this little memento is not for his examination. We look to gentler spirits-to a more moderated measure of criticism-for its destiny. We place it in other hands-we refer to an authority, in affections more generously constituted, and a judgment higher even than his, for its sanction and support. Nor shall we look in vain. The intelligent sense will recognise in this little effort to embalm the memory of a mind of high promise stricken in the bud, an encouragement to effort in others similarly constituted. This trophy, like that of Kirke White and others, of our own as well as foreign countries, may stimulate the efforts of the boy, and direct and render effective his industry. It may be, however, that reasons such as these, may prove unequal to the task of apology. The unbending and conscientious Procrustes, who would lop off what is unequal in the literary measure with scrupulous exactitude, may still object, that we have already memorials enough, for the purposes of warning and example. If so, we have yet another reply. We, who honor the memory we have endeavored to preserve, have not studiously thrust our memorials upon his sight. We have built our temple, (if we may so speak,) in the secluded walks of the village church-yard,—in the silent places of the forest-and if he

« ПретходнаНастави »