Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-12-04
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED,
DAILY,
Erom the National Journal.

Yesterday, Tor the hrSt Tune, we nau an Up
portuniry to glance over the poetical produe-
ton Of Mr.. Bryan, composed, spoken ana pup,
lished, for the benefit of the Boston Bard. Had
this appeal been much mole barren OF mefil
than 1t really is, the excellence OF the motive
which vaye it existence, must have checked
criticism in the exercise o. its functions. IL is
bat Justice to Mr. Bryan, however, to admit
that there are-passages in his poem, which IN
dictate taste from which still better things
NAV be reasonably expected. We would sug-
ruestto him, no bard ever attained immortality
for his "improvisalory effusions. he road 10
the temple of fame is thorny and steep ard hard
of ascent. and must be won by much OF toll,
privation, and perseverance. The reply Of
Montgomery to friend who extolled The ease
and simplicity of couplet in his "Wanderer
Of Swi,zerland'-"Ah, if you knew the rest
less night and hours of pain which these lines
cost me'-well sustains the assertion, that II IS
only by'ncessant labor that the poet can achleVe
reputation which can smile at the menaces OF
death and time. We regard the appeal oil Mr,
BRYAN as an "improvisatory etfuson, prompt
ed by the best Of feelings, and prepared with a
view 10 relieve wants which claimed lmmeol-
ate relief. II was no. therefore to be expected
thar the bard could devote to his effort that time
and labor, which, under different circumstances,
ne WOuiu WiSSiy ha'S SohHio"NS" ~ -~"~- -
more excellent.
II is stern description Of morality, and
kind of which we are by no means covetous,
which, when called on to smooth the pillow OF
sickness, TO assuage the fever OF the mind, or
10 administer food To the frame, pauses, and
with stole calmness, weighs the iralities OF The
sufferer .gainst his merits, ano only throws I'D
so many scruples Of consolation as will balance
The scales. With such dispositions we claim
no kindred, and desire TO hold no communion
We consider the misery which the Boston Bard
has suffered sufficient TO for faults Infinite
Nv greater than any which have ever been I'M
puted 10 him; and il appears, from publlshed
certifcates,-(Oh! that such homage, al the
shrine of scandal, should ever be offered!)-
that much has been imputed against him OF
which he is innocent He is poor; from his pal
ct. he lifts his hectic countenance, and ieeoiy
ask. for bread. Let the Bard here SPEAK Tor
him.
Behold. We rich Lazarus at your gates;
He begs the crumbs that from your tables iaii,
Think think! while you In robes OF purple shihe,
And finest linens wrap your honored limbs;
While. daily you ON sumptuous fare reSae,
And. free from cares, on beds OF down repose
Beneath the shelter of magaihc domes;
o. think! what pangs this supplanrs bosom rend
While on his finty couch in PAIN he lies,
And sleeps in tears Of wo the scanty crust
His last remaining means OF sustenance-
On him by kindred poverty bestowed!
Let natures voice-let Heavens behest prevail
Yourfestal Joys suspend-and deign to turn
A moments Kindness on your brother man.
ssUnbar your portals"-hear his anxious prayer
And grant him more than he presunes to ask
Take counsel of the Gospel Rich Mans fate;
Behold, and Ay Perlition's awful pit,
Whence he to Lazarus lifts his hopeless cry!
We sincerely hope that the philanthropy and
talent Of Mr. Bryan, both of which entite him
10 large share Of the public respect, will not
be exerleu in vain: but that the public will, by
a splendid patronage of his "appeal, show
their regard for both bards.