ON THE USE OF NEW AND OLD WORDS IN POETRY.
While with false pride, and narrow jealousy,
Numbers reject each new expression, won,
Perchance, from language richer than our own,
O! with glad welcome may the Poet see
Extension's golden vantage! the decree
Each way exclusive, scorn, and re-enthrone
The obsolete, if strength, or grace of tone
Or imagery await it, with a free,
And liberal daring!—For the Critic Train,
Whose eyes severe our verbal stores review,
Let the firm Bard require that they explain
Their cause of censure; then in balance true
Weigh it; but smile at the objections vain
Of sickly Spirits, hating for they do[1]!
[1]: The particle for is used in the same sense with because, by Shakespear, and Beaumont and Fletcher.
“But she, and I, were Creatures innocent,
Lov'd for we did.” Bea. and Fle. Two Noble Kinsmen.
“——Nor must you think
I will your serious and great business scant
For she is with me.” Othello.
“They're jealous for they're jealous.” Othello.
SONNET L.
In every breast Affection fires, there dwells
A secret consciousness to what degree
They are themselves belov'd.—We hourly see
Th' involuntary proof, that either quells,
Or ought to quell false hopes,—or sets us free
From pain'd distrust;—but, O, the misery!
Weak Self-Delusion timidly repels
The lights obtrusive—shrinks from all that tells
Unwelcome truths, and vainly seeks repose
For startled Fondness, in the opiate balm,
Of kind profession, tho', perchance, it flows
To hush Complaint—O! in Belief's clear calm,
Or 'mid the lurid clouds of Doubt, we find
Love rise the Sun, or Comet of the Mind.
SONNET LI.
TO
SYLVIA
ON HER APPROACHING NUPTIALS.