S Poetry. [ChaP. XX', 



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 di- 

 stinction. 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 

 author's own country, as the subject ; and from 

 some egregious faults in the incidents and ma- 

 chinery ; the best critics have denied to this poem 

 the praise of first-rate excellence. 



The Leonidas of Mr. Glover is one of the most 

 meritorious efforts in the department of epic poe- 

 try which English literature, presented during the 

 age under consideration*. This work has long 

 maintained a high character among English cri- 

 tics. The Calvary of Mr. Cumberland is entitled 

 to the next place ; a poem which has been pro- 

 nounced to be " imbued with the genuine spirit of 

 Milton, and destined, therefore, most probably, 

 to immortality." Though the author has not, 

 perhaps, given sufficient scope to his imagination, 

 but confined himself too closely to the sacred hi&^ 



velist, an essayist, and a miscellaneous writer. His talents were 

 90 various, that there is scacely any department of literary labour 

 in which he 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 devoted to the cause of impiety and 

 licentiousness ; and that he so often betrayed a willingness to set 

 all principle, truth, and decorum at defiance, for the purpose of 

 attacking the religion and the character of Christians. 



* Glover "wrote a second epic poem, entitled The Atheniad, 

 which has been praised, but is generally considered «^s infcricjf 

 to his Leonidas, 



