“Good and ill,
And joy and moan,
Melt into one.”
Perhaps this opinion is a necessary result of the principles of pantheism, but it makes as bad poetry as false philosophy. Indeed, Mr. Emerson’s poems expressive of opinions, are the harshest in metre, and least poetical in feeling, which the volume contains; and cannot be compared, in respect to artistical merit, with the prose statements of the same, or similar doctrines, in his “Essays.”
Chaucer and Spenser. Selections from the Writings of Geoffrey Chaucer, by Charles D. Deshler. Spenser and the Fairy Queen. By Mrs. C. M. Kirkland. New York: Wiley & Putnam. 2 Parts. 12mo.
Such a work as this deserves an extensive circulation, and we wish that any advice of ours could impel our readers to procure it. Here, in a compact and available form, are some of the finest passages in English poetry. The selections from Chaucer were evidently a labor of love to Mr. Deshler, and he has hit upon those portions most likely to entertain the reader, and awake an affection for the poet. The life of Chaucer, and the criticism of his mind and works, is exceedingly genial and truthful.
Mrs. Kirkland has done equal justice to Spenser. Taken together, these volumes cannot be praised too highly, and their circulation through the country would do much to raise the taste of the community. Although these poets occupy the first rank among English authors, they are known but imperfectly to the large majority of readers. The publishers deserve the thanks of the public for issuing them in a form, at once cheap and elegant, so that the treasures of thought and imagination they contain can be placed within the reach of the humblest lovers of poetry.
The Modern Standard Drama: A Collection of the most Popular Acting Plays, with Critical Remarks, &c. Edited by Epes Sargent. New York: Wm. Taylor & Co. 4 Vols. 12mo.