Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-12-16
SATURDAY, DECEMBER l6, 1926.
From the Charleston City Gazette.
THE BOSTON BARD.

This wide and universal theatre
Presents more woful pageants than the scene
Wherein we play.-SHAKsPEARK.
Although the present era may In some wise
be termed the age of gold, II may IN an opPo-
site, and perhaps more correct medium, De con-
sidered the age of iron. The Roman talent Is
now. not only an universal passport, but kind
Of magic talisman that leaves no one at loss
for words, provided his accredited interpreter
be present. But the Roman or golden talent,
differs essentially from that talent which belongs
only to the mint of genius; that beautiful, that
SOLITARY coin, which is seldom current.
How sad is the perspective, how gloomy the
past and present scenes which belong TO, or in
deed which constitute what we term THIS ,oorid;
its homage encumbers the purlieas OF aspiring
pomp, its array is marshalied where numbers
are not in reuuisiiion, much is offered where
nothing is required, the rich ministers to the
rich, the prodigal 10 the prodigal, the voluptu
Gus 10 the voluptuous, and in the pageant cir
Gle Of fashionable heartessness, that being leads
the throne who either invents or supports some
novel claims upon the artificial or pampered
craving Of his co-mates in gold. Armouris given
10 the warrior, who is already secure In ponder
Gus safety, while the embarrassed bosom OF
misfortune is left to contend with fate single
handed, to turn aside her poisoned arrows, to
buffet her bitter waters, and to be abandonedt to
the mildews Of neglected poverty.
Yes-the picture ofthis world is gloomy and
obscure, for even the mute witnesses Of natures
changes are evidences Of that prevailing law TO
which we have alluded; law which covers the
man of ermine with more ermine, while il de-
MES AID to desolation and distress. Go TO the
forest-behoId the leaves and the blossoms, do
they not shelter their mother in the balmy
spring and genial summer? They almost shield
her from the dew, or they daily so gently with
that beautiful spirit, that the silent stars, like
an enchanted audience, seem gazing with de-
ligh, On the tremulous drama beneath them
But 10! when winter appears in his panopiy OF
storms, the blighted parent is deserted, and all
her ambrosial raiment is no more.
These reflections are ELECTED by the perusal
of "BRYAN's APPEAL" for the benefit Of the
Boston Bard;'' and did we require any evil
dence Of the poetry Of Mr.. Bryan's heart, it is
furnished not only by this charming Appeal, but
by his whole temperament, for II belongs to
minstrelsy and generosity, and--more.
If when we commenced these remarks the
picture of this ,oorid was defaced by gloom or
obscured by shadows, if JOY was lost in the
cold vista OF metaphysical analysis, if the scale
of selhshness preponderated, we are Obliged 10
make single exception, and 10 offer this Poet,
who assists his solitary brother, the evidence
Of our unqualified applause.
Having promised the above, we shall proceed
10 make few extracts from Mr. Bryan's pro-
duction, at the same time that we express the
opinion that he is destined (should he assidu-
ousIy court the muse and apply his leisure TO
the study Of our best writer's, ancient and mo-
dern) 10 become star Of the first magnitude,
in the poetical armament Of his country. There
is so much sympathy between his head and
heart, so much enthusiasm eyinced in his Ca
reer, that il must terminate in light-etherial
light.
The following quotation applies to US al--that
man lays a "flattering JUNCTION to his heart' who
conceives himself beyond the pale Of its gifted
interrogations:
s'Mark well thy heart-are there no hidden thoughts
Which would thy cheek with burning bushes stain
There proclaimed Thy secret actions scan
And, say--are none of these sosteepcd III crime,
So ncongenial with thy public walk
With that fair guise of purity thou wearest-
That they would make thee hide thy head with shame,
IF nthe open eye of day exposed,
And own thy brothers faults, compared with thine,
Were light as grains ofdust with mountains weighed"
p %.
Poor Coffin, (the Boston Bard) it appears
was under the dominion Of some luckless planet:
even from the very Threshold Of existence his
star has never been star of peace; for says the
Poet,
"While yet his childhood in its tender bud,
Beneath the shelter of parental care,
Was opening its sweet promise on the view,
And all around was happiness and love;
Misfortune rush'd upon the peaceful scene,
Tore down its strongholds ofdomestic bliss,
find DER the little Eden smiling there,
Remorseless, breathdh her desoLating blasts" p. go
His calamities were not confined TO the Pc
Rod of infancy: he was destined TO be scathed
by that superla,ive agony which directs the
tempest OF desoation. and roots out the last
foundations of the heart; tor
ga voice of syren sweetness charm'd his ear
form of beauty, innocent, and bright,
Before his Vision Pass'd, and touch'd his heart"
"The that late in darkness round him dash'd,
Were all dispersed; while calm and sunshine spread
Their happy influence DER the changing scene" pal
But mark his fate; the demon of misfortune
had not yet relented, she scowed upon his Gilt
Tie Eden," and all The flowers Of hope withered
beneath hsr Upas crown; for