If bulk were a sign of merit SIR RICHARD BLACKMORE (1650-1729) would not rank with the minor poets. He wrote several long and wearisome epics, his best work in Dr. Johnson's judgment being _The Creation_ (1712), which was praised by Addison in the _Spectator_ as 'one of the most useful and noble productions in our English verse,' a judgment the modern reader is not likely to endorse. HENRY BROOKE (1706-1783), an Irishman, was the author of a poem entitled _Universal Beauty_ (1735). Four years later he published _Gustavus Vasa_, a tragedy, which was not allowed to be acted, the sentiments being too liberal for the government. His _Fool of Quality_ (1766) a novel in five volumes, delighted John Wesley, and in our day, Charles Kingsley, who praises its 'broad and genial humanity.' Brooke was a follower of William Law, whose mysticism is to be seen in the story. WILLIAM BROOME (1689-1745) is chiefly known from his association with Pope in the translation of the _Odyssey_, of which enough has been said elsewhere (p. 38). His name suggested the following epigram to Henley: 'Pope came off clean with Homer; but they say _Broome_ went before and kindly swept the way.' He entered holy orders, had two livings in Suffolk and one in Norfolk, and married a wealthy widow. His verses are mechanically correct, but are empty of poetry. JOHN BYROM (1691-1763), the friend and disciple of William Law, the author of the _Serious Call_, is best remembered for his system of shorthand. In a characteristic, copious, and not very attractive journal, he describes, for the consolation of his fellow mortals, how he makes resolutions and breaks them. Byrom wrote rhyme with ease and on subjects with which poetry has nothing to do. His most successful achievement was a pastoral, _Colin and Phoebe_, which appeared in the _Spectator_ (Vol. viii., No. 603). It was written in honour of the daughter of Dr. Bentley, Master of Trinity, 'not,' it has been said, 'because he wished to win her affections, but because he desired to secure her father's interest for the Fellowship for which he was a candidate.' The plan was successful. The one verse of Byrom's that every one has read is the happy epigram: 'God bless the King!--I mean the faith's defender-- God bless (no harm in blessing!) the Pretender! But who Pretender is, or who is King-- God bless us all!--that's quite another thing.'