A poem, in my opinion, is opposed to a work of science by having, for its _immediate_ object, pleasure, not truth; to romance, by having for its object an _indefinite_ instead of a _definite_ pleasure, being a poem only so far as this object is attained; romance presenting perceptible images with definite, poetry with _in_definite sensations, to which end music is an _essential_, since the comprehension of sweet sound is our most indefinite conception. Music, when combined with a pleasurable idea, is poetry; music without the idea is simply music; the idea without the music is prose from its very definitiveness. What was meant by the invective against him who had no music in his soul? * * * * * To sum up this long rigmarole, I have, dear B——, what you no doubt perceive, for the metaphysical poets, _as_ poets, the most sovereign contempt. That they have followers proves nothing— No Indian prince has to his palace More followers than a thief to the gallows. THE SCIENCE OF LIFE. BY M. CAREY. 1. If you be so exceptious and pettish, as to question every word you hear said of you, you will have few friends, little sense, and much trouble. 2. Neglect not manners as if they were of little importance. They are frequently what the world judges us by, and by which it decides for or against us. A man may have virtue, capacity and good conduct, and yet by roughness be rendered insupportable. 3. Broach not odd opinions to such as are not fit to hear them. If you do, you will do them no good by it, perhaps hurt; and may very well expect discredit and mischief to yourself. An ill placed paradox, and an ill timed jest have ruined many. 4. To have a graceful behavior, it is necessary to have a proper degree of confidence; and a tolerably good opinion of yourself. Bashfulness is boyish. 5. Think how many times you have been mistaken in your opinions in times past, and let that teach you in future not to be positive or obstinate. ANTHOLOGIA. BY M. CAREY. 1. On a lady of sixty marrying a youth of seventeen. Hard is the fate of every childless wife, The thoughts of barrenness annoy her life. Troth, aged bride, by thee 'twas wisely done To choose a child and husband both in one. 2. Composition of an Epigram. What is an epigram? A dwarfish whole, Its body brevity and wit its soul. 3. Lurking Love. When lurking love in ambush lies, Under friendship's fair disguise: When he wears an angry mien, Imitating strife and spleen: When, like sorrow, he seduces, When, like pleasure, he amuses: Still, howe'er the parts are cast, It is but lurking love at last. 4. The Farmer's Creed. Let this be held the farmer's creed: For stock look out the choicest breed— In peace and plenty let them feed— Your land sow with the best of seed— Enclose and drain it with all speed, And you will soon be rich indeed. 5. On a Slanderous Coquette.