The Sun.
London, England, 1871-01-26 00:00:00

"As a poet their author must live. He has the sweetness of
Wordsworth, the vigour of Southey, and the elegant versatility
of Coleridge. it is, however, as a poet of the affections that
Mr. Kent chiefly excels. The longer and more ambitious poems
exhibit extraordinary genius."—The New Monthly Magazine.
"As many of these compositions are already old acquaintances.
we need only glance at the picturesque and appreciative de-
lineations of poets in their haunts, called 'Dreamland ;' at the
rich and finished transcript from nature, entitled Fructidor
at the chivalrous tone of the writer's mind and its sympathy
with modern ideas, as evidenced in such poems as Lamartine
in February ;' at his simple and genuine pathos, of which
' Amelia' is a type ; and at his sympathy with the animated
. .

pleasures of rural life, in evidence of which we may cite ' The

Nforris Dancers.' Aletheia 'is the longest, and, on the whole,
the noblest poem in the collection. It will be recurred to not
only for its beauty of description, but for its pure and elevated
philosophy. The reader will note not only the atmosphere in
which the chief figure moves, but also the full and appropriate
details which enrich the picture. The high and varied merits
of the book ought to insure its popularity."—Athenaeum.
" Mr. Charles Kent, the Editor of ' The Sun,' ranks very high
as a poet."—Publishers' Circular.
"The versatility of style, and the fresh and vigorous writing
in these poems, lend a charm which we seldom find in the poetry
of the day."—Examiner. •
"Poems .marked by grace, feeling, and strong love of
nature, and a cultivated and genial spirit."—Daily News.

" The poems which appear for the first time in this volume
are not unworthy of the author's earlier productions."—Daily
Telegraph.

" Mr. Kent may not aspire to be classed among the Dii
Majores ' of the poetic court, but assuredly he will take a very
respectable position among the lesser divinities."—Standard.
"There is much that is very beautiful in the poems before
us—a collection of the thoughts, the emotions, the feelings of a
whole lifetime."—Tablet.

The "Rock" expresses its "cordial admiration for the genius
and the taste of Mr. Kent as a poet of very considerable powers
and culture," adding, "The real vigour of Mr. Kent's poetical
spirit manifests itself chiefly in dealing with the feelings. Re is
equally at home in pathos and in terror, and in strains that go
right to the heart and stir the emotions to the lowest depths."
" Mr. Charles Kent has long been known to wield a facile pen
in writing poems of the class just indicated, and it is but fair to
add that he takes high rank among the minor poets."— Echo.
Thp "Westminster Review." while regretting it "cannot join
in the chorus of praise, nor share in the enthusiasm which has
been raised over Mr. Kent's poems," adds that it " cannot, how-
ever, part with the book without expressing a word of praise
for its generous tone and sympathies."

"Heis a true poet, and his works will live."—News of the
World.

"We have the pleasant task of welcoming, as a real addition
to the ranks of our true poets, Mr. Kent. He is something more
than a mere versifier ; he is a real poet, and has proved it.
Milton at Cripplegate '—an exquisite picture of the blind old
poet discoursing sweet sounds upon the organ in solitary but
resigned sadness—is a poem that ought to live. Such of our
readers as care for the roll of Milton's own blank verse, for
thoroughly poetic fancies, for delicate imagery, and fora high and
pure tone of moral feeling, we must leave to ponder over this
short poem for themselves."—London Figaro.
" That very graceful poem which appeared in the Times' as
a welcome to Longfellow, and which, from the initials, was
attributed to the author of Hypatia, was written by Mr. Charles
Kent, the Editor of The Sun,' and was worthy of a priest of
Phoebus Apollo."—Punch.
" We find in the volume a luxuriant imagery, the fruit of a
life-long study of nature. As for flowers !—Mr. Kent is as well
up in them as Shakspere himself. Lastly, it recommends itself
to us by its historical sympathies and views, and by the charm-
ing pictures of domestic life, with its affections and blessings,
which it frequently affords us." —The Month.