Critical and miscellaneous essays, collected and republ

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Page 372 - There was a strong expression of sense and shrewdness in all his lineaments ; the eye alone, I think, indicated the poetical character and temperament. It was large, and of a dark cast, which glowed (I say literally glowed) when he spoke with feeling or interest. I never saw such another eye in a human head, though I have seen the most distinguished men of my time.
Page 410 - In Being's floods, in Action's storm, I walk and work, above, beneath, Work and weave in endless motion! Birth and Death, An infinite ocean; A seizing and giving The fire of Living: 'Tis thus at the roaring Loom of Time I ply, And weave for God the Garment thou seest Him by.
Page 371 - I saw him one day at the late venerable Professor Ferguson's, where there were several gentlemen of literary reputation, among whom I remember the celebrated Mr Dugald Stewart. Of course we youngsters sat silent, looked and listened. The only thing I remember which was remarkable in Burns...
Page 394 - The ancient prince of hell Hath risen with purpose fell ; Strong mail of craft and power He weareth in this hour, On earth is not his fellow.
Page 276 - To griefs congenial prone, More wounds than nature gave he knew, While misery's form his fancy drew In dark ideal hues, and horrors not its own.
Page 294 - ... bring much into the world along with them : Nature has given to each whatever he requires for time and duration ; to unfold this is our duty ; often it unfolds itself better of its own accord. One thing there is, however, which no child brings into the world with him ; and yet it is on this one thing that all depends for making man in every point a man. If you can discover it yourself, speak it out.
Page 99 - Khan, with his shaggy demons of the wilderness, "passed away like a whirlwind," to be forgotten forever ; and that German artisan has wrought a benefit, which is yet immeasurably expanding itself, and will continue to expand itself through all countries and through all times. What are the conquests and expeditions of the whole corporation of captains, from Walter the Penniless to Napoleon Bonaparte, compared with these
Page 334 - Si vis me fen, is applicable in a wider sense than the literal one. To every poet, to every writer, we might say : Be true, if you would be believed. Let a man but speak forth with genuine earnestness the thought, the emotion, the actual condition, of his own heart; and other men, so strangely are we all knit together by the tie of sympathy, must and will give heed to him.
Page 334 - ... amidst that he describes : those scenes, rude and humble as they are, have kindled beautiful emotions in his soul, noble thoughts, and definite resolves ; and he speaks forth what is in him, not from any outward call of vanity or interest, but because his heart is too full to be silent. He speaks it, too, with such melody and modulation as he can ; ' in homely rustic jingle ;' but it is his own, and genuine.
Page 394 - And were this world all devils o'er, And watching to devour us, We lay it not to heart so sore; Not they can overpower us. And let the prince of ill Look grim as e'er he will, He harms us not a whit; For why his doom is writ; A word shall quickly slay him.

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