Lyrics, by JOHN LEE STEVENS, is a collection of occasional
poems, mingled with a few translations. The original subjects of Mr. STEVENS are those which belong to the lesser lyric—
friendship, love, and wine, with those plaintive sentimental reflec tions that fall more properly perhaps under the elegy. The dis tinguishing characteristics of this author's poetry are smoothness,
fluency, and fancy ; with a kindness, perhaps a softness of feeling,
that rather belongs to the pipe than the lyre. He has also—rare quality in these times !—some originality if manner, which, if
not without a prototype in the lighter wits of the STUART dynasty, and in THOMAS MOORE, is not a palpable imitation of any single
poet. We suljoin a specimen.
O'er Manhood's path, with beaming, bright,
Three orbs of pleasure shine.
And equal lustre marks the light Of music, love, and wine ; With just such joy the cup is sought, Or sung the varied lay, As when o'er realms of changeful thought Love holds uncertain sway !
But pour not out for womankind The wine, however bright ;
Its madening draught was ne'er desigad
To sully their delight. Enough for them that magic song
In beauty's bower abides,
The hive they cherish can belong To nought of bliss besides!
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