196 LETTER FROM BRITTANY. 



Though, sometimes \ve could differ from the character of Burns 

 as a man, we could advance nothing to shew him in a different situa- 

 tion from what Mr. Cunningham has reasoned upon, and where the 

 point comes to a .matter of opinion it is perhaps better for parties to 

 be silent: In Mr. C.'s view of Burns, as a poet, we cordially agree ; 

 the station which he has given him next to Shakspeare for manliness 

 and ease, is what his writings merit ; the daring boldness of Burns' 

 genius would have fitted him to give laws to Parnassus, his want of 

 scholastic learning was what made him the great man. 



<f A set of dull conceited hashes, 



Confuse their brains in college classes ; 

 They gang in stirks, and come out asses 



Plain truth to speak ; 

 And syne they think to climb Parnassus 



By dint of Greek ! 



Gie me a spark o' Nature's fire, 



Thats a the learning I desire ; 



Then, tho' I drudge thro' dub an' mire 



At plough or cart, 

 My muse, tho' namely in attire, 

 May touch the heart. ' 



We have been entertained and instructed by the perusal of Mr. 

 Cunningham's book, and we are bold enough to say, that we need 

 never expect to see a biography of the great bard superior to the one 

 now before us. It is but justice to those concerned in the mechani- 

 cal portion of the work, to state that we have seldom seen a volume 

 better or more tastefully executed. 



LETTER FROM BRITTANY. 



WHILST the pencil and the pen have been continually exerted to 

 convey an adequate idea of the scenery of Switzerland and Italy, 

 there are many places as rich in natural beauties, and scarcely in- 

 ferior in historical associations, of which, comparatively speaking, 

 little notice has been taken. 



One of the most remarkable of these is the little town of Clisson, in 

 Brittany, on the vicinity of which nature has lavished her choicest 

 gifts, and which has been embellished by art with the most appro- 

 priate taste. It is not, however, mere picturesque scenery that gives 

 Clisson a claim to the traveller's attention : there are associations con- 

 nected with it, to the influence of which few can be insensible; for 

 who is there that will not view with intense interest groves through 

 which the beautiful, the faithful, the loving, and beloved Heloise has 

 wandered ; rocks which have echoed her sighs ; and a stream whose 

 glassy surface has reflected her lovely image ? 



It was during the summer of 1818 that I made a pilgrimage to this 

 enchanting spot ; and though ten years have since been passed in 

 pursuits but ill calculated to preserve romantic feelings, the remem- 

 brance of the delight I experienced there is still vividly impressed on 



