Critical Fragments, On Some Of The English Poets.

CRITICAL FRAGMENTS, ON SOME OF THE ENGLISH POETS.

Milton, in pond'rous verse, moves greatly on, Wielding his massy theme; with wond'rous strength He labours forward.

Shakespear gently glides, And, like a polish'd mirror, as he passes Reflects all nature.

Young, in thought profound, Muses, contemplates, sees, and feels the woes That clog the soul; yet with aspiring wing Behold him 'rise majestically slow, And like an eagle soar, and soar alost:

But Swift delights as much to rout I'th' dirt, and then to throw't about.

Pope sings a soft and sweet harmonious lay, So mellow flutes in pleasant concert play.

Matt. Prior, like an easy horse, Keeps ambling on, ne'er out of course:

But trotting Butler beats him hollow, He leads a way that none can follow; He dashes on through thick and thin, Nor for the criticks cares a pin; From censure he's receiv'd acquittal, And grammar, metre, rhyme submit all.