ABSTRACT

We took occasion to remark the very unequal merit of Mr. Coleridge’s poetry in a former volume, (vol. xxiii, p. 610). The specimen at present before us partakes of this general character: perhaps we must impute it to his fears, that Mr. C. is unusually sparing of imagery; it should, however, be added, that what imagery he has given us is unusually free from extravagance. Our author attributes the approach of those evil days, which, at the time this poem was written, seemed to threaten us with immediate and terrible confusion, to the strong and retributive justice of all-avenging Providence for our sins and wickedness.

[quotes ll. 41–63 of ‘Fears in Solitude’ (PW, i, 258)]