Here we find it necessary to repeat that we have
reference only to the general tendency of his compositions; for
there are some magnificent exceptions, where, as if by accident, he
has permitted his genius to get the better of his conventional
prejudice. But didacticism is the prevalent tone of his song. His
invention, his imagery, his all, is made subservient to the
elucidation of some one or more points (but rarely of more than one)
which he looks upon as truth. And that this mode of procedure will
find stern defenders should never excite surprise, so long as the
world is full to overflowing with cant and conventicles. There are men
who will scramble on all fours through the muddiest sloughs of vice to
pick up a single apple of virtue. There are things called men who,
so long as the sun rolls, will greet with snuffling huzzas every
figure that takes upon itself the semblance of truth, even although
the figure, in itself only a "stuffed Paddy," be as much out of
place as a toga on the statue of Washington, or out of season as
rabbits in the days of the dog-star.
Now, with as deep a reverence for "the true" as ever inspired the
bosom of mortal man, we would limit, in many respects, its modes of
inculcation. We would limit, to enforce them. We would not render them
impotent by dissipation. The demands of truth are severe.
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