The end of Il Penseroso.
An apology is due for this very facile criticism, but D’Israeli and The Connoisseur rendered it irresistible.
Grainger says:[174] “We are greatly surprised that a lady of her quality should have written so much, and are little less surprised that one who loved writing so well, has writ no better”. He considers, as well he may, that certain critics were far too lavish in their praises of the Duchess’s literary efforts. He says:—
“There is a very scarce folio volume of ‘Letters and Poems’ printed in 1678. It consists of 182 pages, filled with the grossest and most fulsome panegyric on the Duke and Dutchess of Newcastle, especially her Grace. I know no flattery, ancient or modern, that is, in any degree, comparable to it, except the deification of Augustus and the erection of altars to him in his lifetime. Incense and adoration seem to have been equally acceptable to the Roman god and English goddess.”
[174] Vol. IV, p. 60.
MARGARET, DUCHESS OF NEWCASTLE
From an engraving by G. P. Harding, after a painting by Diepenbeck
Before proceeding to the lighter works of the Duchess, it may be well to give a specimen of her philosophy. The reader shall be left to judge for himself whether the following extract contains great truths; if it contains great truths, whether it presents them in clear language, and whether it explains them in the fewest possible words.
The extract is taken from the first chapter of a work entitled:—