William J. Thoms.
CAMPBELL'S IMITATIONS.
(Vol. vi., p. 505.)
It is curious that two of the passages pointed out by Mr. Breen, as containing borrowed ideas, are those quoted by Alison in his recent volume (Hist. Eur., vol. i. pp. 429, 430.) to support his panegyric on Campbell, of whose "felicitous images" he speaks with some enthusiasm.
The propensity of Campbell to adapt or imitate the thoughts and expressions of others has often struck me. Let me then suggest the following (taken at random) as further, and I believe hitherto unnoticed, illustrations of that propensity:
1. "When front to front the banner'd hosts combine,
Halt ere they close, and form the dreadful line."
Pleasures of Hope.
"When front to front the marching armies shine,