—In the current (June) number of the Eclectic Review there is a critique on Gilfillan's Bards of the Bible, the writer of which indulges in the use of several most inelegant, extraordinary, and unpardonable expressions. He speaks of "spiritual monoptotes," &c., as if all his readers were as learned as he himself professes to be: but the climax of his sorry literary attempt is as follows:
"Over the whole literature of modern times there is a feeling of reduced inspiration, milder possession, relaxed orgasmus, tabescent vitality, spiritual collapse."—P. 725.
What would the author of the Spectator have thought of a writer who could unblushingly parade before the literary public such words as "relaxed orgasmus," "tabescent vitality," "monoptotes," &c.?
J. H. KERSHAW.
Burke's "mighty Boar of the Forest."
—It has been much canvassed, what induced Burke to call Junius the "mighty boar of the forest." In the thirteenth book of the Iliad I found that Idomeneus, when awaiting the attack of Æneas, is compared to the "boar of the mountains." I think it therefore probable that Burke applied the comparison (quoting, from memory) to Junius. Perhaps you will not think this trifle unworthy of a place among the "Notes."
KENNETH R. H. MACKENZIE.
Queries.
QUERIES ON TENNYSON.
I should be much obliged to any of your correspondents who would explain the following passages of Tennyson: