THE POETICAL WORKS OF WILLIAM COWPER. With Life, Critical Dissertation, and BY THE REV. GEORGE GILFILLAN. VOL. II. EDINBURGH: JAMES NICHOL, 9 NORTH BANK STREET. LONDON: JAMES NISBET AND CO. DUBLIN: W. ROBERTSON. M.DCCC.LIV. THE POETRY OF WILLIAM COWPER. COWPER is one of the few poets who at once attained speedy popularity, and secured permanent power. His Task,' we have seen, arose instantly to fame, and his writings, we believe, are still as much read and relished as ever they were. No succeeding splendours of genius-no revolutions in tasteno importations of poetry from abroad-and no new schools of it at home-have been able to lessen the reputation of this true poet. Comet after comet has swept over the literary sky; constellation after constellation of genius has arisen; and still the sweet, large, solitary star of Cowper burns brightly in the firmament, and woos many an eye for which more flaring and gorgeous orbs have little charms. Not only so, but almost all readers admire and love his poetry. There are many who utterly loathe Byron. There are many who yawn over Wordsworth, and with "sputt'ring nose" reject Shelley. But few or none, even among those who may prefer other writers, but have a nook in their hearts to spare for the strong yet sweet singer of Olney, as well as a tear to drop over his matchless sorrows. We propose, in the following paper, inquiring into the causes of this universal popularity; and these, we think, will be found the following:-1st, Cowper's poetry is closely identified with his personal character and history, yet free from egotism. 2dly, It is true to nature, and intensely simple. 3dly, It combines strong sense with genuine bardic afflatus, with wit, humour, and sarcastic power. 4thly, |