Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1870-11-30
EDGAR ALLAN POE.

bidly sensational works would read it,
Indeed, nothing is more opposite thar
the debasement of the one, and the pur
ity of the other. Now and then there
is fierce sternness in his poems; bu
they are oftener characterized by spirit
like that which pervsdes the "ghoul
haunted woodland of Weir," or thai
which animstes the sombre versifica.ior
of ''The Raven" This latter work we
think is an ominous reflex of the poet;
character; but its rhythm flows more
smoothly than did the current of the au'
thor's life. IL is the measured roll Of
the waves of majestic river, heard or
an eerie night. Iu much that Poe wrote
there is evidence of the insanity of gent
us, the waywardness and filfulnese oil
great power prostituted. and the maudliu
dreariness of wasted and hopeless ex-
istence But least Of all is this seen in
bis poetry. When worshipping at the
shrine of the muses. he WAS devout enough
He was invariably on his best behavior
when he entered their presence. Conse
quenlly the best of his life was infused
into his poetry. He locked Caliban in
the closet be ore be wrestled with the
spirit of purity and harmony.
Poe's PHILOSOPHY of Composition
imparts an insight into the workings oil
his mind. He knew the powers of words
-'fhe hidden power Of words and might
of magic spell" To him, when proper
ly marshalled, they appeared brilliant
phalanx, and it is no cavil TO say that he
generally paid more attention TO them
than to the thoughts which they were
meant TO express. This is manifest
whether we look. on the one hand. al
bis coherent "Al Aaraaf." or, on the 9th
err, consider with what dexterity, pith, and
variety he has rung the wild and mirth
ful music of THE Bells" His poetry
was indeed labored: and the reader soon
detects its lack of spontaneity. Yet where
would we seek for piece of more un
forced and softer music-a sweeter IL Z
of passion ana fancy, than "AnnaLo!
Lee?" The name suggests the pleasant
moments spent in perusing it. and ecalls
the intense sensations Of delight and
thankiulness experienced Mt the time =
But withal there is nothing in Poe's
works which might not have been writ
ten in England, or anywhere. He be-
longs to no constellation of sorg. He
was comet, and it will be long ere his
fellow appear. Iadeed, Lowell has well
remarked, that one Poe is quite enough
and that the world could not endure a
second.
N. p. WILLIS AND DANA
claim passing comment. The former,
il NAV be sail, moves in the world around
him-takes note of its on goings, aud
=. ports progress in melodious and finish.
ed verse. The latter has more of di.
dactic turn of mind. albeit he deals now
End then in the terrible and unreal. -
Dana aims at preaching a high philoso
ply; Willis ut illustrating tie different
phases of everyday life. The descrip
tons in N. P. Willis poems are exact
and finely touched; and he has drawn,
with an expert pencil, sketch of the
manners of the age. His mode is hearty,
and his sy,npathies are broad and lively
His poetry, as rule. evinces much nerve,
is full Of amiabiIity and tenderness, and
embeilsbed by tasteful and pleasing
characteristics. Moreover, his dramatic
! poems have been the most successful in
America. In Dana there are 'rhe max
ings" Of great poet; hut the elements
have been care!essly strewn. He is en-
dowed with some of the very highest
qualities, and he exercises them to some
purpose; but there is wanting the spark
which Iii dies all into blaze of true gen
| Jus. Yet he has done much, and nobly,
too. He is unlike most Of his con,em
poraries in one re>pect-he is more sub
iectve. His works are mostly yersitied
/ reflections. The inner man, ard not tho
outer world, engages him; and his poe
try is the thrilling record OF deep and
anxious contemplation. And for this
reason be is less lyrical and fanciful In
deed, Dana is one of the few poets in
whom we recognize the holy blending OF
poetic genius aud strong religious fervor.
He has, however, though not very per
| cept!Dlt W OuSuoNSiys uohs VI NA"SSO'
alton and incompaclness. but these do
not lay waste his uniformly facle and
striking expression. In their local poe MS,
both Dana and Willis are essentially
American. These reflect the very peat
smoke of the log huts.
WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT.
The most American of all the poets j.
William Cullen Bryant. Bryant is moi
national merely through his choice and
treatment Of themes. He is national in
fuller sense. He seems to have grown
from childhood with the growth OF the
nation. His works mirror its feelings
passions, and desires Unlike Longfel
low, the word old has no charm for him
He is content to be the reporter of nat
ural and local manifestations. the por
trayer OF purely national features. And
be is fitted so to be. His simplicity j:
of first impressions. Ills poems are
mere thinkings aloud in praise OF the en-
chanting beauties of character and scenery
Mour him. Yet all the while he !:
conscious of the secret Of his country:
power, and he pines for liberty as FOND
mother does for her absent child, and
with like tenderness. But he is no
strongly passionate. He has more of :
pensive melancholy, and he loves to com