Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-04-09

POETRY.
SUMNER LINCOLN FAIRFIELD.


packets, brought us a paeQuet, and on open
ing il we discovered II 10 be a volume Of poems
nv Mr.. Sumner Lincoln Fairfield, an individual
who has long filled quite Place in the poe''-
cal world, and WHO has written some excellent,
and somo very execrablc poetry. The book,
was sont TO us 10 be reviewed, but as we have
not at this moment, any time to spare, NC shall
decline complying with tho authors wishes,
though we will not say, that we will not, at
some other period, do Mr., Fairfield, the favor
he seems to solicit. We have given the book
a cursory pcrusal, and have found in il much 10
admire, and but little to ccnsurc, and that little
comprscs, so small p'"portIon of the ~ho'e'
that we shall not nov stop TO notice it.
As is customary, a preface is attached to tho
collection o. poems, which is remarkable for its
modssty, when the arrogance and concelt Of
the author is remembered, and is highly eredi-
table to the head and heart o! Mr. Sumner
Lincoln Fairfield. Thc principal poems-that
is to say, those that are most remarkable for
thar length and breadth, are The Cities of the
Plain, and The Sisters OF ST. Clara 1 the form
er Of which is inscribed 10 James c. "ercival,
and the latter to tho Hon. Edward Everett
They are both poems ofmcrt and il the name Of
the author Of them were not known, they would,
We believe, have very general circulation.
But unfortunately for Mr.. Fairfield, he has by
his alterations from duty and utter contempt
for the world, and the obligations of society,
rendered. himselfvery unpopular. if rot abso-
lutely odious to mankind, and has committed
sins against the ordinances Of the world and
the rights of society, which years of penlcnce
cannot dissipate. Whilst VIC are compelled to
admit, that Mr.. Fairfield possesses talents Of
a happier order, and splendid genius whilst
We concede, that he is one of the most bold
aud lofty poets the country has ever afforded,
we are sorry to say, that we do believe him to
no bad man -cons,itutionally bad-and we
have long since dcspaired OF his reformation.
Ingrati,udc, cold and base nsratitudc, is one
OF the distinguishing traits Of his cbaracie as
all too wei; know, who know anything Of the
man, and have been unfortunately duped by
his pathetic complaints and lamcntable stories
about his prosecutions. Ifyou extend to him
favor, he is sure to repay you with abuse, and
IL you loan him money, the only return you get
for your k;ndncsses is his attack upon your
good name.
Not long since, he wrote dolsful letter. to
q mos! amiable man, and fine poet, residing
in the District Of Columbia, reciting the many
ills that he endured, complaining Of the hard
heartedness Of the world, and asking for relief,
and little patronage Touched by bis pa
thetic appeals. md lamentations, the poet.
though he was unacquainted with Fairfield and
knew him only by reputation, set hmselfto
work 30 aid him, and finally succeeded in pro-
curing him lucrative situation as principal Of
a hourshing Academy, at Harper's Ferry, Vr-
ginia, and directed Fairfield TO proceed forth
with TO Alexandra. On Fairield's arrival in
Alexandria, the amiablc poet was informed tha,
the buildings Of the Academy were not ready
for his reception, and as he was disposed 10
make his situation as comfortable as possible,
he took him and his wife into his own family,
nnrsed and supported them for the period Of
six weeks, and until the Academy buildings
were ready fer his occupation. During this
time, Fairfield rendered himself as disagreea-
bic as possible; abused the hospitality Of his
benefactor; treated his family with contempt
and unkindncss, and in word, dcported him
self ia such a manner, that he was absolutely
intoierabe. But as the Poet was willing to
make great allowances for the "eccentricities
,ofgenius," he overlooked his conduct, and con-
tinued his kind attentions. Finding that Fair
field was totally destitute, the Poet advanced
him a considerable pum OF money, and al his
own expense. transported him and his wife to
Harper's Ferry.
Having arrived at his place Of destination,
Fairfield commenced the discharge Of tho du-
tics VIII CT had been assigned him, and was much
approved Of After continuing few weeks at
Harpor's Ferry, and having contracted debts
to the amount Of two or three hundred collars
and borrowed money from all who would loan
him, no suddenly disappeared in the night and
proceeded to Philadelphia. Immediately after
write for the 4" SOUVENIR" and the first art-
Gle that he wrote and published, was an nbu-
siye attack on hi. benefactor; = unprovoked by
offence. and totally uncalled for.
It would be tedious, however, to follow Fair
field through the whole range Of his extrava
qanciss. and as we pity that morbidness Of