New-York tribune., 1879-03-29
LIFE AND FORKS OF KEATS.
READINGS BY MRS. J. KENNEDY sMYTH

READINGS BY MRS. J. KENNEDY sMYTH.
Mrs. j. Kennedy Smyth continued her after
noon readings the British Poets Thursday at Asso
citation HALL Her hearers mostly ladies, many OF
whom have made a study each week of the works when
reviewed. The reader was suffering from cold
but very few persons discovered II during the reading
Her subject was "John Keats" who she said was a
writer OF wonderful promise moro than Of fuhlment
His bright flashes OF genius dawned upon the world foI
few years only, and then the rare intellect al
quenched by fatal maady, and the partially DOWh
flower was trsnspanted to bloom in another world.
After brief sketch OF Keatss early life, she said
1t is worthy OF note that Kcass first small volume OF
poems was published in 1917 The following year ap-
peared Endymion," and June 20, 1920, his third
volume, Lamia" "" The Eve OF ST. Agnes" etc. Thus
the whole OF his poetical life comprised only about
three years In his earlier pieces Keats was too extra
mundane too fond OF the visionary His genius, how
ever gradually coming under the control OF judg-
ment his powers OF conception and OF expression we're
alike maturing, and his heart was expanding TO the
genial influence of healthy simple nature large por-
tion Of what he has LETT behind Is crude. unconneced
and unsatisfactory; but his happier strains Indicate
the presence OF great peet in something more than
embryo Altogether whether regard his short,
feverrd life, or the quality OF his genius John he1e
range of our pOetica literature; while taste and
sensblity remain in the world can ever ms prediction
of nis own fate lie verified when he dictated his epitaph
"a that of one whose name was writ In water"
About 1917 began his acquaintance Win Ieign n hun
which ripened into lifelong friendship. Endymon "
was published in 1878 The interest OF Keats IN Tue sad
career OF this marvellous boy who perlshed In his
bride" seems Ike fOreshadowing OF his own short
lie. Jenrcys wrote Of "EndymOn that d" II Is at
least as full OF genius of absurty and he who does
not fud great deal IN II To admire and give delight
cannot hnd plesaure IN some OF Inc nneSt
illness began in 1920, from Inflammation IN
the lungs aud an hereditary tendency To consumption
was aggravated by the excessive susceptibility OF MS
temper ament. In person Leigh Hunt describes heals
,lol,, tha mid, ita hpi
portion to the breadth of his shoulders HIS nair was
brown and fine, falling in natural ringets about face
I'm Wbcn energy and scnsibIly were remarkably COM
bned Every feature delicately cut; the chm was
bold, and about the mouth there WAS something OF
pugnacious expression HIS eyes were mellow and
glowing large, dark and sensitive. Al the reclta OF
noble action, beautiful thought they WOud suHuso
with tears ahd his mouth trembled"
1t is October 1918 that We find the first alnson 10
a passion which was destined to consume him. lie
writes to his siseru-law or nameess lady OF great
beauty who draws after her mdgnctcaily. We are
told that the lady here alluded to inspired Keats
euce. However sincerely the devotion Of Keats may
nave been requited, outward circumstances soon
became such to render union very dh1cut II not
IN possible When very III in Naples, In ne WINTER OF
hear TO leave her." He had been chilled from riding on
tue top stage COACH and had gone to Naples IN the
hone Of recovering his health From Naples ne went
10 Rome ana was treated by distinguished physician
but tho disease was beyond remedy. he sald az rms
time If eptaph were put over MN he wished
IL only consist OF these words " Here lies one whose
name is writ IN water" He died quietly, as II falng
asleep, on February %, 1928. He was buried IN the
Protestant Cemetery at Rome.
During her lecture Mrs. Smyth read extracts from
Endymion" " The Eve of ~. Agnes and "AdOnais"
The striking manner in which she Interpreted these
poems drew much praise from the audience.