The critics upon this topic display an amusing ignoratio elenchi. Dismissing originality and tone, I pass to the general handling, than which nothing could be more pure, more natural, or more judicious. The perfect keeping of the various points is admirable and the result is entire unity of impression, or effect. The two concluding stanzas are remarkable examples of common fancies rejuvenated, and etherealized by grace of expression, and melody of rhythm. To drop is a neuter verb.
All contractions are awkward.
It is no paradox, that the more prosaic the construction of verse, the better. Inversions should be dismissed. The most forcible lines are the most direct. O'er is, however, too often used by her in place of over, and 'twas for it was. We see instances here.