ABSTRACT

This publication is designed to form, together with ‘The Thanksgiving Ode,’ ‘The Tale of Peter Bell,’ and ‘The Waggoner,’ the third and last volume of the Author’s Miscellaneous Poems. Mr. Wordsworth appears to be satisfied that he has written enough; quite enough, at least, for the illustration of his theory, which if the Public do not by this time understand or appreciate, it is not his fault: with this volume therefore, the indignant Author closes his metrical labours. But a poet has lived too long, who has written quite enough. Measured by this rule, Mr. Wordsworth’s literary existence has long touched upon superannuation: the Author of the Excursion is almost forgotten in the Author of Peter Bell, and the Poet’s warmest admirers are beginning to be ashamed of standing out for the genius of a man who, whether in the wantonness of self-conceit, or from infirmity of judgement, could, in an age of brilliant competition like the present, deem such productions as those worthy of the Press. It is evident that Mr. Wordsworth has felt the universal ridicule which they brought upon him, from the manner in which he calls upon his friend Peter, in the following sonnet, not to mind the naughty critics. It is entitled, a ‘Sonnet on the detraction which followed the publication of a certain poem.’ ‘See Milton’s Sonnet,’ it is added, ‘beginning “A Book was writ of late called Tetrachordon.” ’ We shall see into that matter presently.