mon people to be judges of poetry, because they do not single out his verses for their study or amusement, yet this is no reason why they may not, in some degree, be considered as such; nay, it argues most powerfully in their favour, and is the most striking proof that his muse is unworthy of their notice: for, as simplicity is the strongest expression of nature, and natural expressions are the strongest marks of a poetical genius, so the common people, by being more accustomed than the learned, to the genuine expressions of nature, select those poems for their amusement which are most strongly marked for their pathos and simplicity, and may, therefore, be allowed to be judges; for these are the highest qualities of the most sublime poetry.

allowed to possess knowledge in literature feel true delight in the perusal of genuine poetry, it is not to be considered as a matter of surprise, if those, possessed of taste and of the gifts of fortune, whose education and rank in life afford the most extensive means of mental gratification, should feel that delight in a degree proportioned to the difference of station; nor let it be considered as neglect, that whilst the exertion of benevolence, so amiably conspicuous amongst the noble families of this country, is frequently extended to distressed men of genius, some who are worthy and unknown should remain unprotected in the shade. For, though the lamentable tales of Boyse, of Otway, and of Chatterton, may be told in contradiction to this remark, yet the life of Savage, and the pages which contain the more extraordinary history of the un

fortunate author of these volumes, will satisfy the most scrupulous philanthropist, that patronage is not yet lost in England.

It may perhaps be asked, why a book, containing poetry, should bear the appellation of The Harp of Erin. To such a question the editor can only answer-Ireland gave birth to the poet and his works: he therefore conceives this title (as titles are the fashion of the day) to be an appropriate one; if this will not satisfy the dissatisfied, he must submit to censure; for were he to search for a title to accord with the eccentricity and genius of the unfortunate youth who was the author of these poems, he might waste the half of the longest life in the pursuit, and then say, "the toil is vain."

THE

HARP OF ERIN.

THE

EXTRAVAGANZA.

"OH for a journey to th' Antipodes : Or some lone region of remotest Ind; Where, sagely sad, in solitary ease

My weary sprite a safe retreat might find;
Where nothing might perturb my pensive mind,
But such delicious fantasies as please

The forming eye, when fiery flakes at eve
With wayward shapes the listless sense deceive!

Then wingy-heel'd Imagination's flight

Would bear me devious through the lamping sky:
Then haply should I feel no low delight
From earthly bonnibel's bewitching eye,
Voluptuous in her dainty arms to lie;

Ne stoop inglorious from so proud a height;
While my fond heart pour'd forth its vain distress,
Snar'd in the fetters of a golden tress."

VOL. I.

Such was my wish, romantic wish I ween,
When that soft necromancer, baulmy Sleep,
Laid me, entraunc'd, amid a pleasant scene,
Where many a welling spring did murmurous creep,
To lull me with its liquid lapses deep;

And, shaking their broad locks of glorious green,
Tall trees their thick lascivious leaves entwin'd,
To wooe with dalliaunce blithe the western wind.

The western wind did, scant-respiring, sigh,
Ne ruffled with rude wing th' attemp'red air;
But fuming from the fragrant flow'rs hard by,
Prankt in all hues, and delicately fair,
Did surging clouds of breathing incense bear:
All summer's bravery refresh'd the eye,

All musick's charms, above, beneath, around,
Raptur❜d the ear with fascinating sound.

Here cherries riper than thy leman's lip,
Th' ambrosial lip of love, thou might'st behold;
Here purple plums their unctuous amber weep,
And mellow pears their shapely size unfold;
Here pensile balls of vegetable gold,

With blushes blent, through the fresh foliage peep;
At once luxurious to the taste and sight,

Here loaded boughs with nodding head invite.