The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. I., No. 3, November, 1834Various
History
The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. I., No. 3, November, 1834
Various
American literature -- 19th century -- Periodicals
We design not to raise extravagant expectations respecting Mr. Speece's
poems--nor can we hazard the conjecture that the praise of future times
will compensate him for contemporary injustice. We do not hesitate
however, to recommend his work as incomparably superior to much of that
glittering trash which passes under the name of poetry. There is a vein
of good sense,--of just and honest feeling--of tender melancholy--and
sometimes of rich imagination--which runs through his volume, and which
cannot fail to delight such readers as have any soul for poetical
composition. His versification for the most part, is sweet and
melodious--though occasionally there is a little inattention to
syllabick quantity, which produces rather an unpleasant effect upon the
ear. There are other faults too--but they are inconsiderable when
compared with the many redeeming beauties which shine through the
volume. The poem of "My Native Land," in its general tone and harmony
of verse, brings to recollection Goldsmith's Deserted Village--and the
"Sketches," which are also descriptive of the pleasures of juvenile
life and the picturesque scenery of his native hills--contain many fine
passages. In the "Juvenalis Redivivus"--the author has pointed the
arrows of satire against men and manners with no little severity--so
much so, that he has found it necessary in his preface to acknowledge
that time had softened much of the harsh coloring which he had thrown
into his pictures. Many of his minor pieces abound in beautiful
thoughts, expressed in smooth and flowing numbers--and upon the whole
we think if Mr. Speece had been sufficiently encouraged in early life
to persevere in the delightful but unprofitable task of poetical
authorship--he might have reached a highly respectable rank. The
following passage from "My Native Land," will probably remind the
reader of Cowper's touching address to his mother's picture.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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