ABSTRACT
The pen of the Laureate is that of a ready writer, and none of his predecessors ever equalled him in the number of his poetical progeny. He comes upon us on every public occasion, with a new performance, so that at all events he cannot be said to have grown languid by his connexion with the court. Levity apart, however, we must in justice say that he has been peculiarly happy in his offering to the royal pair in this instance. He has caught the spirit of Spenser with great effect, and by adopting a dream as the vehicle through which to communicate his congratulations and advice, he has been enabled to speak more freely than he could in his own person. Various shadowy forms, the representatives of Honour, Faith, Experience, and other virtues, are described as addressing the illustrious bride, each in turn, in good poetry and better morality. We should have been glad to have selected the solemn and seasonable monition of the Angel of the English Church, but it is too long for an extract, and a part could not be given without injury to the whole.
