THE DESTINIES OF MAN.
ROBERT MILLHOUSE is known to the reading world as a man of poetical genius, who has had few of the so-called advantages of modern education. Of lowly birth and humble occupation, thoughts grew upon him unconsciously, and he was led by a, natural im- pulse to embody them in verse. A former publication by him we read with pleasure, and extended our approbation not in pity for an"uneducated poet," but in genuine admiration of the evidences of a poetical spirit struggling with difficulties that required much manliness to overcome. Mr. MILLnousE's present theme is a very high one, and we do not think it is judiciously selected, though the train of thought it naturally excites is probably an agreeable one to men to whom Fate has not been extremely kind. The author, instead of diving into futurity, as might have been expected from his title, has for the present contented himself with a survey of the past, in a style of some loftine4s and grandeur. We will quote a few stanzas of his Address to Time, as a specimen of the tone of the work.
0 Time ! forgive the bard, if he withhold
That praise too oft bestowed on conquering sway :
Philip and Alexander both were bold, Yet both, alms ! made human rights their prey. or be it his to lead mankind astray. With oll'erings poured on fierce ambition's shrine ;— He has no sleek hyperbole to pay ;—
When genius flatters, virtue may decline ;
And crime will still increase, if truth remain supine !
What a huge toy this mighty world has been ! Now Pompey's—and now Caesar's ; and mankind Have lived the slaves and puppets of the scene ; Swayed here, and there, as Fortune's will inclined. 0, What a fame have they ! and shall the mind For ever pour its homage to such things ?
On the first Brutus, and Fabricius, bind The wreaths which Freedom to her votaries flings ; Or gild our Alfred's name—the greatest, best of kings !
Now be it thine, 0 Time ! to bring to light The vast enormity of blood-stained power. I see, already raised, an arm of might, Which shall unmask those demigods who shower Confusion on their species, and deflower This fruitful earth with their destructive Jars; Who take man's rights, and give him, as a dower, The privilege to perish in their wars, Or pine in wretched homes, with misnamed glory's scars !
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