624. 
ANNUAL REGISTER, 1815. 
While Character displayed in every stage 
Of transient life, from infancy to age, 
Strong in each line asserts the mind’s control, 
And on the speaking feature stamps the soul. 
There Imitation scorning dry detail, 
Forbids that parts should o’er the whole prevail ; 
To Dow and Denner leaving all the fame, 
The painful polishers of taste can claim, 
Tho’ free yet faithful to her trust remains, 
And wastes no talent while she spares no pains. 
And e’en where sometimes pure correctness fails, 
A nobler character of form prevails— 
A fire-fraught indication of design, 
Beyond the mere, cold academic line ; 
Where Taste her seal affixes to excuse 
The faults of Genius in her favourite muse. 
Announcing study, yet concealing art, 
Here Execution plays her proper part ; 
Light, airy, free, the pencil flows at will, 
Yet seems to sport unconscious of its skill. - 
His hand impressed with painting’s nobler aim, 
Disdained the tribe who flourish into fame. 
A spirit pure—in happy mean that moves, 
Where practice prompts the sleight which truth approves, 
To all his labours lends an air of ease, 
And e’en in trifles teaches toil to please. 
But chief, endowed in right of Taste he reigns 
Supreme o’er all her undefined domains ; 
Thro’ Nature’s paths his ardent course she guides, 
And with simplicity her sway divides: 
Diffusing grace o’er Fashion’s awkward forms, 
In every touch her magic influence charms : 
_ While all the ruder airs of life refine, 
And vulgar shapes avoid her glance divine. 
But where to fix amidst the general blaze, 
This glowing sphere, this graphic heaven displays ! 
From star to star the eye delighted flies, 
As dazzling round, the beams of Beauty rise. 
Toned by one hand to harmony divine, 
According tints in coloured concert join ; 
And strong to truth as each chaste hue adheres, 
The mellow majesty of Art appears. 
While rapt Attention’s eager glance devours 
The pictured scene, and traces all its powers ; 
What mixed emotions rise as we survey, 
This bright assemblage of the Great and Gay! 
