Lives of Scottish Poets, Volume 2

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T. Boys and sold, 1822 - Poets, Scottish - 378 pages

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Page 97 - THE dews of summer night did fall ; The moon, sweet regent of the sky, Silvered the walls of Cumnor Hall, And many an oak that grew thereby.
Page 100 - In Cumnor Hall, so lone and drear. Full many a piercing scream was heard, And many a cry of mortal fear.
Page 56 - On two unequal crutches propt he came, Milton's on this, on that one Johnston's name. The decent Knight retir'd with sober rage, Withdrew his hand, and clos'd the pompous page. But...
Page 131 - I believe, Sir, you have a great many. Norway, too, has noble wild prospects ; and Lapland is remarkable for prodigious noble wild prospects. But, Sir, let me tell you the noblest prospect which a Scotchman ever sees is the high road that leads him to England !" ' This unexpected and pointed sally produced a roar of applause.
Page 27 - Premonition to all most mighty Monarchs, Kings, Free Princes, and States of Christendom...
Page 100 - My spirits flag — my hopes decay — Still that dread death-bell smites my ear ; And many a boding seems to say, ' Countess, prepare, thy end is near...
Page 100 - And in that manor now no more Is cheerful feast and sprightly ball ; For ever since that dreary hour Have spirits haunted Cumnor Hall. The village maids, with fearful glance, Avoid the ancient moss-grown wall ; Nor ever lead the merry dance Among the groves of Cumnor Hall. Full many a traveller oft hath sigh'd, And pensive wept the countess...
Page 98 - I rose up with the cheerful morn, No lark more blithe, no flower more gay ; And, like the bird that haunts the thorn, So merrily sung the livelong day. "If that my beauty is but small, Among court ladies all despised, Why didst thou rend it from that hall, Where, scornful earl, it well was prized?
Page 142 - What would you have me retract? I thought your book an imposture; I think it an imposture still. For this opinion I have given my reasons to the public, which I here dare you to refute. Your rage I defy. Your abilities, since your Homer, are not so formidable, and what I hear of your morals inclines me to pay regard not to what you shall say, but to what you shall prove. You may print this if you will. SAM. JOHNSON.
Page 72 - Thro' every age with dauntless valour fought On every hostile ground? while o'er their breast, Companion to the silver star, blest type Of fame unsullied and superior deed, Distinguish'd ornament! their native plant Surrounds the sainted cross, with costly row Of gems, emblaz'd, and flame of radiant gold, A sacred mark, their glory and their pride. But wouldst thou know how first th...

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