[46] "The Honey Moon" was produced at Drury Lane, on Thursday, the 30th of January, 1805. No uniformity in life is found:-- In ev'ry scene varieties abound; And inconsistency still marks the plan Of that immortal noble being,--Man. As changeful as the April's morning skies, His feeling and his sentiments arise; And Nature to his wond'rous frame has given The mingled elements of Earth and Heaven. In diff'rent climes and ages, still we find The same events for different ends design'd: And the same passion diff'rent minds can move To thoughts of sadness or to acts of love. Hence Genius draws his novel copious store; And hence the new creations we adore: And hence the scenic art's undying skill Submits our feeling to its potent will; From common accidents and common themes Awakens rapture and poetic dreams; And, in the trodden path of life, pursues Some object clothed in Fancy's loveliest hues-- To strengthen nature, or to chasten art, To mend the manners or exalt the heart. So thought the man whom you must judge to-night; And as he thought, he boldly dared to write. Not new the subject of his first-born rhyme; But one adorn'd by bards of elder time;-- Bards with the grandest sentiments inspired-- Bards that in rapture he has still admired; And tried to imitate, with ardour warm, And catch the spirit of their pow'rful charm. With loftiest zeal and anxious hope, he sought To bring to modern times their strength of thought; And, in their glowing colours, to display The follies and the virtues of the day. Whether his talents have his wish belied, Your judgment and your candour must decide. He, though your loftiest plaudits you should raise-- He cannot thank you for the meed of praise. Rapture he cannot feel, nor fear, nor shame; Connected with his love of earthly fame, He is no more.--Yet may his memory live In all the bloom that early worth can give! Should you applaud, 'twould check the flowing tear Of those to whom his name and hopes are dear. But should you an unfinish'd structure find, As in its first and rudest forms design'd, As yet not perfect from the glowing mind, Then with a gentle voice your censure spread, And spare the living--spare the sacred DEAD! Davy would appear to have frequently amused himself with writing sonnets, and inclosing them in letters to his several friends: the following letter will also show that he was ambitious of being considered a poet. TO SAMUEL PURKIS, ESQ. MY DEAR PURKIS, I inclose the little poem,[47] on which your praise has stamped a higher value, I fear, than it deserves.