Sumarokov, whose productions are very voluminous, and were once considered models of grace, beauty, and harmony, has been much neglected of late years. His dramatic compositions are, for the most part, gross and indecent; his contemptuous jealousy of Lomonosov, though so greatly his superior, is often most ridiculously intruding itself; but in one point of view, at least, he is entitled to respect and gratitude. He is the eldest of the Russian fabulists; the introducer of a species of composition, in which Russian poetry possesses treasures more varied and more valuable than that of any other nation. It is no mean praise to say, and it may be said truly, that Russia can produce more than one rival of the delightful La Fontaine. Of the dramatic writings of Sumarokov, the best is the tragedy _Demitrĭj Samosvanelz_, or The False Demetrius[4], which has been translated into English. Von Visin, who seems to have made Moliere his model, improved greatly upon Sumarokov. His two most celebrated comedies are _Nedorosl_, The Spoilt Youth, and _Brigadir_, The Brigadier[5]. Kheraskov holds a high rank among the lyric poets of Russia. He died a few years ago. He was curator of the Moscow University. He published a collection of his poems, which he entitled _Bakhariana, ili Neisviëstnĭj_; Bachariana, or The Unknown; but his great work is _Rossiada, ili Rasrushchenie Kasanij_; The Russiad, or The Destruction of Kasan. But of all the poets of Russia, Derzhavin is in my conception entitled to the very first place. His compositions breathe a high and sublime spirit; they are full of inspiration. His versification is sonorous, original, characteristic; his subjects generally such as allowed him to give full scope to his ardent imagination and lofty conceptions. Of modern poets, he most resembles Klopstock: his _Oda Bog_, Ode on God, with the exception of some of the wonderful passages of the Old Testament, “written with a pen of fire,” and glowing with the brightness of heaven, passages of which Derzhavin has frequently availed himself, is one of the most impressive and sublime addresses I am acquainted with, on a subject so pre-eminently impressive and sublime. The first poem which excited the public attention to him was his _Felitza_. Bogdanovich has obtained the title of the Russian Anacreon. His _Dushenka_ (Psyche) is a graceful and lovely poem. I mean at some future time to give some extracts from this poem, with specimens of the Russian epics, and longer poetical compositions, which I hope to collect into one volume. He has also written several dramatic pieces. Bobrov was well acquainted with the literature of the South of Europe, and has transfused many of its beauties into his native tongue. Our English writers especially have given great assistance to his honest plagiarism. His _Khersonida_, an oriental epic poem, is not so good as _Lalla Rookh_, but it is very good notwithstanding.