pronounced true; but because his life was perverse and wrong, his poetry is lacking in divine truth. It brings no helpful message to humanity. His criticism of life is destructive; he never reached the wisdom that replaces evil with good and in view of these facts, he may justly be said to belong to the Satanic school of letters. "He refreshes us," to use the words of Carlyle, "not with the divine fountain, but too often with vulgar strong waters, stimulating indeed to the taste, but soon ending in dislike, or even nausea.” 66 Though few English authors were ever more popular at home, Byron's influence on the Continent was still greater. "He simply took possession of the Continent of Europe and kept it," says Saintsbury. He was one of the dominant influences and determining causes of the French Romantic movement; in Germany, though the failure of literary talents and activity of the first order in that country early in the century made his school less important, he had great power over Heine, its one towering genius; and he was almost the sole master of young Russia, young Italy, young Spain, in poetry. Nor, though his active and direct influence has of course been exhausted by time, can his reputation on the Continent be said ever to have waned." 386. The Greek Revolution.- At length the aimless and voluptuous life he was leading filled him with satiety. He had drained the cup of pleasure to its dregs of bitterness. He began to long for a life of action. "If I live ten years longer," he wrote in 1822, "you will see that it is not all over with me. I don't mean in literature, for that is nothing — and I do not think it was my vocation; but I shall do something." Greece was at this time struggling for independence from Turkish tyranny. Byron was a friend of liberty; the struggling Greeks touched his sympathies. Accordingly, he embarked for Greece in 1823 to aid them in their struggle. As he was about to depart, the shadow of coming disaster fell upon him. "I have a sort of boding," he said to some friends, "that we see each other for the last time, as something tells me I shall never return from Greece." He was received at Missolonghi with salvos of musketry and music. He received a military commission, and in his subsequent movements displayed ability and courage. But before he had been of much assistance to the Greeks, he was seized with a virulent fever, and died April 9, 1824. The cities of Greece contended for his body; but it was taken to England, where, sepulture in Westminster Abbey having been refused, it was conveyed to the village church of Hucknall. 387. Sense of Failure. Such lives are unutterably sad. Byron possessed what most men spend their lives for in vain - genius, rank, power, fame; yet he lived a wretched man. His peace of mind was broken, and his body prematurely worn by vicious passions. He was himself oppressed with a sense of failure; and less than three months before his death he wrote: "My days are in the yellow leaf; The flowers and fruits of love are gone; The worm, the canker, and the grief, Are mine alone!" Life had lost its charm; and all he sought was a martial death in that land of ancient heroes: "Seek out, less often sought than found, A soldier's grave - for thee the best; Then look around, and choose thy ground, FOR FURTHER READING AND STUDY. Moore, "Life of Byron," Nichol, "Life of Byron" (English Men of Letters), Noel, "Life of Byron" (Great Writers Series), Matthew Arnold, "Essays in Criticism," Macaulay, "Essay on Byron," Lowell, “Among My Books," Peabody, North American Review, 31; 167. A review of "The Dream." A critique of the "Hours of Idleness" was the Edinburgh Review right in its estimate? Examples of witty caricature from "English Bards and Scotch Reviewers." An outline of each of the poetical romances, "The Giaour," "The Bride of Abydos," "The Corsair," and "Lara." A critique of the poem "Fare Thee Well." Make a collection of choice extracts from the third and fourth cantos of "Childe Harold." The story of "Cain.' A criticism of "Manfred.' A review of the "Vision of Judgment." A critique of the Hebrew Melodies." Illustrate the difference between Byron's and Wordsworth's attitude toward nature. Compare the poetical romances with Scott's "Marmion": was Scott right when he said, "Byron bate me"? " 'The Prisoner of Chillon" will be found among the selections of Part II. WILLIAM WORDSWORTH. 388. A Parallel. In striking contrast with the restless, passionate life of Byron stands the peaceful, uneventful life of Wordsworth. Instead of furious, tormenting passions, there is a self-poised, peaceful life of contemplation. Byron imparted to the beautiful or sublime scenes of nature the colorings of his turbulent thoughts and violent emotions; Wordsworth brought to mountain, stream and flower the docility of a reverent and loving spirit. His soul was open to the lessons of the outward world, which to him was pervaded by an invisible presence. In his pride and misanthropy, Byron felt no sympathy with the sufferings and struggles of humanity. His censorious eye perceived only the foibles and frailties that lie on the surface. With a far nobler spirit and a keener insight, Wordsworth discerned beauty and grandeur in human life and aspired to be helpful to his fellow-men. While Byron trampled on the laws of morality, ruined his home and turned the joys of life to ashes, Wordsworth lived in the midst of quiet domestic happiness humble indeed, but glorified by fidelity, friendship, and love. Byron died in early manhood enslaved by evil habits and oppressed with the emptiness of life; Wordsworth reached an honored old age, and passed away upheld with precious hopes. The one may be admired for his power and meteoric splendor; the other will be honored and loved for his upright character, his human sympathy, and his helpful teachings. at 389. Childhood.- William Wordsworth was born Cockermouth in Cumberland County, April 7, 1770, of an ancient family. His violent and moody temper as a child filled his mother with anxiety about his future. He in no way distinguished himself at school, though some of the verses he then composed were well spoken of. |