70 2Tt)e Barton's Sbtorj. 



the spring flower's fragrance clings, has been 

 noticed? I refer to Collins's ode "On Fidele 

 supposed to be Dead," and Oliver Wendell 

 Holmes's verses " Under the Violets." Both are 

 pervaded by a pathos equally tender, the meter 

 being alike, except the added fifth line of the 

 latter. Though a similarity will be observed, 

 consisting rather in meter, pathos, and sentiment 

 than in any direct expression, it is not difficult to 

 pronounce upon the comparative merits of the 

 two poems. Viewed by posterity, assuredly 

 Holmes's will be regarded as the richer, the 

 more finished ode : 



To fair Fidele's grassy tomb 



Soft maids and village hinds shall bring 



Each opening sweet of earliest bloom, 

 And rifle all the breathing spring. 



The redbreast oft at evening hours 



Shall kindly lend his little aid, 

 With hoary moss, and gathered flowers, 



To deck the ground where thou art laid. 

 COLLINS. 



For her the morning choir shall sing 

 Its matins from the branches high, 



And every minstrel-voice of spring 

 That trills beneath the April sky, 

 Shall greet her with its earliest cry. 



