this pleasing volume to the memory of Mrs. Browning, and
among the contents are two sonnets to the same person, one dated in 1851 and the other in 1861. And there is much propriety in this dedication, for though Miss Greeuwell's poems do not bear an exact resemblance to Mrs. Browning's, they have many points of contact. Miss Greenwell is the more conspicuous of the two for diffuseness accompanied by concentra- tion. She seems to write at far too great length when we compare each poem with the thought contained in it. But as we look at the single lines we cannot detect the source of this superabundance, and we find many of them terse and compressed. Still the broad result is the same, and it is this which moat detracts from Miss Greenwell's merits. Too few of the poems in this volume of 370 pages remain in the memory, and though some that we have marked are exquisite, the proportion is too small. Of those we have marked, the lines called " Seeking " are charming in the light gladsomeness of their opening. " The Kiss " fine in its subdued sadness ; the end of " Reconciliation " has a relined touch of supreme subtlety ; and there is great power in the picture of fevered sleep headed, "In Illness." Perhaps the best way of pointing out the beauties of some of the other poems lies in letting Miss Green- well speak for herself, and with this view we pick out :-
" Qtn SAIT /mom, s.trr Mounts."
"I burn my soul away !"
So apake the Rose, and smiled; "within my cup All day the sunbeams fall in flame, all day They drink my sweetness up !"
" I sigh my soul away !" The Lily said; "all night the moonbeams pale Steal round and round me, whispering in their play. An all too tender tale !"
" I give my soul away !"
The Violet said ; " the West wind wanders on, The North wind comes ; I know not what they say, And yet my soul is gone !"
Oh, Poet, burn away Thy fervent soul ! fond Lover at the feet Of her thou lovest, sigh ! dear Christian, pray, And let the world be sweet !
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