Of his skill and power as a writer, the reader who has followed us through this volume, has seen some evidence from the extracts from his writings. These, however, have been mainly from his discussions, editorials and newspaper articles in the defense of Zion and her interests; and from his theological works. Powerful as he was in his style of composition, he also had ability in other departments of literature. He wrote in part a drama founded on incidents recorded in the Book of Mormon. He never completed it, and the manuscript of it, unfortunately, is lost; but those who heard it read, speak of it as giving evidence of considerable dramatic skill in its construction, and applaud the speeches of the characters for vigor and elegance of diction. President Taylor was also a poet; and from the deep religious nature of the man, it could but be expected that the grand themes suggested by the gospel would inspire his muse. The restoration of the gospel, the going forth of messengers of glory with it to the sons of men, furnished him with inspiration for several hymns published in the Latter-day Saints' Hymn Book. The one on page 295, beginning-- "The glorious plan which God has given, To bring a ruined world to heaven," suggested by this passage of scripture--"For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one; and there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, the water and the blood; and these three are one" [1]--is not only a poem, but a discourse in which the harmony and beauty of the Triune witnesses in heaven and in earth are made to stand out in bold relief. Friendship also inspired his muse, and his "Response" to Parley P. Pratt's "Fiftieth Year;" [2] and "The Seer," [3] written in memory of the Prophet Joseph Smith, are two of his noblest pieces in verse. His friends speak of a number of his poems that were never published, written in different strains from those with which the public is familiar, especially of one written while crossing the Atlantic, highly humorous and exhibiting an extensive knowledge of mythology. This is not to be found among his papers. The following in blank verse is worthy of preservation for the grandeur and sublimity of the theme. It was written September 5th, 1846: LINES WRITTEN IN THE ALBUM OF MISS ABBY JANE HART, OF NEW YORK CITY. ABBY: knowest thou whence thou camest? Thine Origin? Who thou art? What? And whither thou Art bound? A crysolis of yesterday: Today a gaudy, fluttering butterfly-- A moth; tomorrow crushed, and then an end Of thee. Is this so? and must thou perish Thus, and die ingloriously without a hope?