The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-12-28

lOs0phy OF lie, even curious IN the specuia
tons struck out, though often erring in the
Judgment, and always setting mans WORST
foot foremost-these are triumphs Of her per
that few could have anticipated. Nor, vivid
as were the first streaks OF light, had at one
time reason to hope for that steady and clear
development Of power which some Of her
later annual volumes Of poetry evince. five
might be allowed we would instance as espe-
cial evidences OF an enlargement Of thought,
and higher and more refined apprehension
Of the poetic, several Of the Subjects for
Pictures" that have recently appeared in the
"New Monthly" The readers ear cannot
have failed to catch up those new notes OF
music. They are sirikingly beautiful, and I'M
deniably original.
With the consciousness that she has scat
tered the seeds Of many pleasures in the
world, with full sense Of what ought by all
to be enjoyed, and Of the human capacity 10
enjoy, il is not little annoying to see Miss
Landon persevere in maliciously contrasting
the actual with the ideal--in deprecating
what is, for the mere sake of clarifying what
is not. We wish we could see her cessing to
cultivate her want of faith in the worlds vir-
tue; since nobody has more charity for the
worlds vice. But good or evil, she must and
will have her sharp and brilliant jest at the
expense of the world sincerity and hypocri-
sy fare alike, if there be witty analogy in
the way. Why will she persist in showing
her love of the picturesque and her devotion
to poetry, by dressing up Apollo in mourn
ing cloak, as though he were attending the
remains Of human enthusiasm to the grave
1t is all mistake. Enthusiasm is yet alive,
and is likely to live, and wears SUMMER as
pect every year Did not l.. E. l.. look fond
~ and delightedly upon his eager and glowing
face the other day, when he was seen, early
and late, cordially gathering up welcome votes
in support Of her brother as candidate for
the literary Office which he is so worthy to
fill! The history Of the last few weeks
should convince Miss Landon that active
gratitude and generous enthusiasm are not
among the absentee virtues whom we are
Obligingly invited TO mourn for.
Having alluded to Mr.. Landon's recent
election, we may addnce two testimonies,
called forth by the occasion, Of the estimation
in which his sister is held. We have reason
to know that the expression of Sir Robert
Peel was" am happy to mark my sense
of Miss Landons character and talents by vot-
ing for her brother; ]" while Mr.. Hope, the son
of the author Of Anastasius, -" 1t is graft
tying to have the means occasionally of show
ing both the reverence we feel for genius, and
the gratitude we owe to those who exercise
it in our behalf" There is far more Of this
sentiment in the world than l.. E.. l.. ever ad-
mits Of in her writings and it becomes more,
the more we believe in it. We hope it may
induce her to feel that there is sunny side
of life. and that she can at any time cross
over to the dark one when she is tired Of the
light. 1t is never too late to despnnd, and
wise people ought not TO be in hurry.
We conclude by recording far more touch
ing and graceful compliment, which was paid
to our fair subject short time ago. 1t was a
tribute from America, sent from the far-off
banks of the Ohio--a curious species of the
hundred-leaf Michigan rose, accompanied
by prayer that L. E. L. would plant it on
the grave Of Mrs. Hemans.