1: Petra, and Fossilia, are Personifications of the first and last division of the Fossil Kingdom. The Author of this beautiful Poem supposes the Gnomes to be Spirits of the Mine, performing the behests of Petra and Fossilia, as the Sylphs, Gnomes, Salamanders, &c. appear as Handmaids of the Nymph of Botany in that exquisite sport of Imagination, THE BOTANIC GARDEN. SONNET XLVIII. Now young-ey'd Spring, on gentle breezes borne, 'Mid the deep woodlands, hills, and vales, and bowers, Unfolds her leaves, her blossoms, and her flowers, Pouring their soft luxuriance on the morn. O! how unlike the wither'd, wan, forlorn, And limping Winter, that o'er russet moors, Grey ridgy fields, and ice-incrusted shores, Strays!--and commands his rising Winds to mourn. Protracted Life, thou art ordain'd to wear A _form_ like his; and, shou'd thy gifts be mine, I tremble lest a kindred influence drear Steal on my mind;--but pious Hope benign, The Soul's bright day-spring, shall avert the fear, And gild Existence in her dim decline. SONNET XLIX. ON THE USE OF NEW AND OLD WORDS IN POETRY. While with false pride, and narrow jealousy, Numbers reject each new expression, won, Perchance, from language richer than our own, O! with glad welcome may the POET see Extension's golden vantage! the decree Each way exclusive, scorn, and re-enthrone The obsolete, if strength, or grace of tone Or imagery await it, with a free, And liberal daring!--For the Critic Train, Whose eyes severe our verbal stores review, Let the firm Bard require that they explain Their _cause_ of censure; then in balance true Weigh it; but smile at the objections vain Of sickly Spirits, hating _for they do_[1]! 1: The particle _for_ is used in the same sense with _because_, by Shakespear, and Beaumont and Fletcher. “But she, and I, were Creatures innocent, Lov'd _for_ we _did_.” BEA. and FLE. TWO NOBLE KINSMEN. “----Nor must you think I will your serious and great business scant _For_ she is with me.” OTHELLO. “They're jealous _for_ they're jealous.” OTHELLO. SONNET L. In every breast Affection fires, there dwells A secret consciousness to what degree They are themselves belov'd.--We hourly see Th' involuntary proof, that either quells, Or ought to quell false hopes,--or sets us free From pain'd distrust;--but, O, the misery! Weak Self-Delusion timidly repels The lights obtrusive--shrinks from all that tells Unwelcome truths, and vainly seeks repose For startled Fondness, in the opiate balm, Of kind profession, tho', perchance, it flows To hush Complaint--O! in Belief's clear calm, Or 'mid the lurid clouds of Doubt, we find LOVE rise the Sun, or Comet of the Mind. SONNET LI. TO SYLVIA ON HER APPROACHING NUPTIALS.