scriptions of Joy, Jealousy, and Revenge are excellent, though not
equally so. Those of Melancholy and Cheerfulness are superior to every
thing of the kind; and, upon the whole, there may be very little hazard
in asserting, that this is the finest ode in the English language.

AN EPISTLE

TO SIR THOMAS HANMER, ON HIS EDITION OF SHAKESPEARE'S WORKS.

This poem was written by our author at the university, about the time
when Sir Thomas Hanmer's pompous edition of Shakespeare was printed at
Oxford. If it has not so much merit as the rest of his poems, it has
still more than the subject deserves. The versification is easy and
genteel, and the allusions always poetical. The character of the poet
Fletcher in particular is very justly drawn in this epistle.

DIRGE IN CYMBELINE.

ODE ON THE DEATH OF THOMSON.

Mr. Collins had skill to complain. Of that mournful melody, and those
tender images, which are the distinguishing excellencies of such pieces
as bewail departed friendship, or beauty, he was an almost unequaled
master. He knew perfectly to exhibit such circumstances, peculiar to the
objects, as awaken the influences of pity; and while, from his own great
sensibility, he felt what he wrote, he naturally addressed himself to
the feelings of others.

To read such lines as the following, all-beautiful and tender as they
are, without corresponding emotions of pity, is surely impossible:

"The tender thought on thee shall dwell;
Each lonely scene shall thee restore,
For thee the tear be duly shed;
Beloved till life can charm no more,
And mourn'd till Pity's self be dead."

The Ode on the Death of Thomson seems to have been written in an
excursion to Richmond by water. The rural scenery has a proper effect in
an ode to the memory of a poet, much of whose merit lay in descriptions
of the same kind; and the appellations of "Druid," and "meek Nature's
child," are happily characteristic. For the better understanding of this
ode, it is necessary to remember, that Mr. Thomson lies buried in the
church of Richmond.

THE END.

* * * * *

Transcriber Notes

Archaic and variable spelling is preserved.

Author's punctuation style is preserved. Quotes in the poetry are
sometimes repeated on every line, as in the original.

Poetry line numbers regularized.

Footnote 4's location is approximated.

Passages in italics indicated by _underscores_.

Gre