Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-05-22
Samuel Rogers and Henry Kirte white.

II may be emphatically said OF Rogers,
that the distinguishing features Of his
mind are elegance and good taste No
criticism however astute can convict him
of anachronism or hyperbole. He is
strictly correct No stray roses hang
redundantly about his poetic wreaths.
The fault is, that art rather than nature
guides their arrangement. Aswe vainly
seek in the cultured pasture wild wood
graces of the forest, so shall we explore
with proftless care the writings Of
Samuel Rogers, if flights Of original
genius and bold, strong thoughts are the
rewards demanded by our zeal .o
If sorrow and song are usually associ-
ated--if poverty and the muse are fire.
quent companions, as is generally be-
lieved, then Mr. Rogers is a fortunate
exception to the-rule. An affluent banker,
with a comfortable aspect of ease and
good living, he yet woos the muse con
amore, and has won, in hours Of relaxa-
ton from less exalted pursuits, the poet 8
laurels as well as the scholar fame. The
friendship of Sheridan and Byron could
be shared by no common man, and the
dedication of one Of the most splendid
poems of the last named great poet is
sufficient evidence of his lordship's ad-
miration OF Rogers. Windham and Fox
were also his intimate associates.
The author of Italy never rises to
the hight of Byron or Campbell, not be-
ing endowed with their enthusiasm or
grasp of intellect, but his pictures are
nevertheless lte-like and beautiful,
High bred and debonsire in department,
his hospitality is unbounded, and he dis
covers warm interest in all that promotes
the good of his fellow-men. Reverse the
picture, and we see pale, thoughtful,
intellectual face, with an expression at
once ingenious, modest and subdued.
This is Henry Kirke White, whose early
years were dedicated to the stocking
loom, and of whom one of his teachers
declared that he could make nothing.
Sapient teacher well qualified, indeed,
for his calling. When reviewing the early
history, trials and irrepressible genius of
this remarkable and gifted bard, whose
brilliant career was shortened by misfor-
tune, but who has.left irrefragable proof
Of mental and moral greatness, we are
tempted to ask
f.. W by, stern misfortune, uOsI luOu SHeu
Thy chilling blight on early fame
When genius bows the dropping head
Yet can no kind compassion claim
The same sentiment is beautifully ex-
pressed by Mrs. Norton;
"Oh. there is need for permanent belief
In the l-equal world of life TO come.
Else would our erring fancy blindly roam.
And ask. with all heathen's discontent,
Why joys bright cup for some should spark
ling foam.
While Others, not les worthy, still lament.
AMI hnd the cup of tears their only portion
sent?'
There are deep melancholy and des-
pohdency blent with noble strains OF ell
discoverable in those records Of
heart and mind, bequeathed us by the
bard of Nottingham touching in their
application--so dreary in
their resistless influence This has been
esteemed fault by some-nay, we have
heard good judges of poetry, with hearts
responsive to all that is grand, pathetic
and beautiful, condemn sadness in verse
--why2 Because they have themselves
achieved success, and wailing notes are
not in accordance with the temper of
their minds.
Poor Henry, with all his great powers,
was obliged to seek patronage. The
name of great lady was preiiXed TO his
first published poems alas. they fell un-
needed from the press. The reviewers
that remorseless and autocratic clique
dismissed him with thrusts which ranked
in his sensitive heart, blasted his health,
sowed the seeds Of death in his corporeal
but could not dim the glo-
ries of a mind which rose superior to
poverty, oppression, the arrogance of
place, the false dogmas of professional
criticism. He died, and died young,
overborne by tide of adverse fortune,
and the almost superhuman efforts which
he made in the acquisition of knowledge
which he loved for its own. sake, and
pursued with death-defying energy. No
nobler or more effective illustration os
his genius can be offered by any COM
mentator than that which he himself has
left in the following lines, doubtless
already familiar to our readers
= When marshaled on the mighty plain
The glittering host bestud the sky,
One star alone of all the train.
Can fix the sinners wand'ring eye.
Hark bark to God the chorus break.
From every host, from every gem
But one alone, the Saviour, speaks,
1t Is the star Of Bethlehem.
Once on the raging seas rode.
The storm was loud-the night was dark,
The ocean yawned-and rudely hlOwed,
The wind that toss d my laundering bark.
Deep horror then my vtals froze,
Death-struck, ceased the tide 10 stem;
When suddenly a star arose
Ii was the star of Bethlehem
II was my guide. my light, my all,
IT babe my dark fOrebOding cease;
And through the storm and dangers thrall,
II led me to the port Of peace.
Now safely moor 'd-my peTil's Ger.
I'll sing first in nights diadem.
Forever, and forever more
The starl-th star Of Bethlehem
A Specimen Church Radical.
In his address to the General Assem-
ly %. s., Thursday afternoon, the
loderator, Dr. Stanton, referring to diff
erences of opinion in that body, upon
vital questions" used these words:
That rebellious defiance Of lawful
uthority which has racked the nation