20 Life and Writings 
been expected in a poet of his age and 
country. 
The descriptions of Ferdoosee are rich and 
varied, and it is in the descriptive parts of 
his poem that he will probably be thought by 
many to have displayed lis happiest talent. 
Born in the favoured country of fiction and 
romance; familiar from an early period of his 
life with the magnificence of the most powerful 
and splendid court of Asia; it is not to be 
doubted that his mind must have been early 
impressed wiih scenes and stories, and em- 
bued with associations, admirably calculated 
to make a deep impression on a naturally ar- 
dent and lively imagination. His battles 
are painted: in bold and lively colours; and 
when we read of pomps and processions, and 
royal banquets, and gardens and_ palaces, 
adorned with every thing which wealth and 
power united can command, we have no diffi- 
culty in following the poet in his wildest flights, 
and are scarcely disposed to criticise his de- 
scriptions as too warm, or the language in 
which they are conveyed as too luxuriant. 
His narratives are generally spirited and 
poetical His sentiments just and noble. His 
touches of real passion often appeal forcibly 
