years and an unprejudiced mind reflect on the tendency of some of Pope's poems, and say what it is which they must be supposed to teach those who for the first time peruse their contents.

Is it credible that any one was ever

made wiser or better by the corrupt and profane allusions contained in the "Epistle of Eloisa to Abelard;" by the vile precepts inculcated in the "Elegy on an unfortunate young Lady;" or by the false philosophy, the trite sentiments, and solemn nothings of the "Essay on Man?" The far-famed "Rape of the Lock" is by no means

free from taint; and much might be said to prove that many of his shorter pieces are exceedingly reprehensible.

Of some of the inspirations of Dean Swift's Muse it is not possible to speak in terms too severe; nor, indeed, to speak at all, without danger of impropriety: I shall, therefore, only observe that in one place or another of his poetical writings, and those of Pope, may be discovered instances the most flagitious of almost every indecorous and debasing thought that the heart of humanity can conceive.

This assertion, I am sorry to think,

cannot be contradicted; but the infe

rence it carries along with it is obvious, and needs no explanation: the poetical volumes of Swift and Pope should not be placed, as they perpetually are, in youthful and innocent hands!

Criminal as they are for having thus written, these renowned names are responsible for still greater offences; as they have been the means of encouraging innumerable copyists; who, incapable of melodious verse or poignant wit, could yet, like them, be abusive, filthy, and obscene; and have accordingly, for more than half a century, in

fested society with what they imagine, or pretend to imagine, imitations of Swift and Pope, but which are really satires on the patriotic Dean and the bard of Twickenham.

It is neither in my power nor suitable to my purpose to warn others against every poetaster or whining sonneteer of the present, or of a more remote period; nor does it come within my plan to enlarge on the merits of many poets of our own time, who have honourably acquired fame by their compositions. But I cannot refuse myself the pleasure of noticing some of them;

deservedly esteemed the supporters of virtue, and the ornaments of English li

terature.

Amongst the most celebrated of these may be mentioned Goldsmith, Cowper, and the too much neglected Langhorne, the author of "Owen of Carron;" a poem which perhaps bids as fair for immortality as any light production of ancient or modern genius. This delightful work, and the Task of Cowper, and the Traveller and Deserted Village of Goldsmith, do not, I admit, rank more properly under the denomination of LIGHT READING than hundreds which