THE ART OF EULOGY.
[To THE EDITOR OP THE " SPECTATOR."]
Sia,—In your interesting article on " The Art of Eulogy " in the Spectator of February 9th you say, when speaking of self-praise in the greatest writers : " Most people will prefer Shakespeare's silence," and censure Dryden for allowing Tate to suggest that "the song of Asaph shall for ever last." But does not the, same strain run through numberless of Shakespeare's sonnets—does nil.
the poet constantly announce the immortality of his verse ?
Sonnet LV. has this idea as its sole inspiration :- " Not marble, nor the gilded monuments Of princes, shall outlive this powerful rhyme," &c.
Similarly Sonnet XVIII. :— " So long as men can breathe or eyes can see. So long lives this and this gives life to thee."
And many other examples on the same theme abound.—I am,
Previous page
