Poetry. ]85 



of Karamsin are also entitled to respectful notice 

 among the valuable contributions to this branch of 

 literary improvement. 



After these preliminary remarks concerning the 

 refinements and riches which have been commu- 

 nicated to the poetic language of several countries 

 of Europe, it may be proper to take a brief review 

 of the principal productions to which the eigh- 

 teenth century gave birth, in the various depart- 

 ments of poetry; after which the way will be pre- 

 pared for some general reflections on the poetic 

 character of the age. 



EPIC POETRY. 



In Epic poetry the period of this Retrospect 

 produced few specimens above mediocrity. The 

 Henriade of Voltatre stands at the head of the 

 list. This performance, like most of the works of 

 its celebrated author/ discovers great genius, and 

 has been the subject of high applause, particularly 

 among French critics. For boldness of concep- 

 tion, general felicity of language, and just and 

 noble sentiments, it is entitled to honourable dis- 

 tinction. But from a real or supposed inaptitude 

 of the French language for the majestic character 

 of epic composition; from the indiscreet choice of 

 a modern hero, and a recent train of events in the 



k Few literary men in the eighteenth century rendered themselves more 

 conspicuous than Francis Arouet de Voltaire. He was born in 1694, 

 at Paris, where he died in 1778. Endowed with an uncommon share of wit, 

 humour, fancy, and taste, he was distinguished as an interesting and en- 

 tertaining writer for more than half a century. He enjoyed a high repu- 

 tation, not only as an epic poet, but also as a dramatist, an historian, a 

 novelist, an essayist, and a miscellaneous writer. His talents were so va- 

 rious, that there is scarcely any department of literary labour in which lu 

 has not left something, which, taken alone, would show him to have been 

 an eminent man. It is to be lamented that his talents were so much de- 

 voted to the cause of impiety and licentiousness ; and that he so often be- 

 trayed a willingness to set all principle, truth, and decorum at defiance for 

 the purpose of attacking the religion and the character of Christians. 

 VOL. II. iB 



