Pleasant in format and type, the Shorter Poems of Robert
.ridges, which has just been published (Oxford University Press, 7s. 6d.), is a companion volume to the popular edition of " The Testament of Beauty." A few weeks before his death Dr. Bridges sanctioned the publication of this new edition, and indicated to some extent the poems from his later books which should be added to the original selection. No other poet of modern times has been more consistent or equable of spirit. We may have favourites among the poems, such as the ever-lovely " A Passer-by," " Fortunatus Nimium," "The Vision," but it is surprising how all these lyrics lead inevitably from one to another. As we read them, we seem, by a rare chance, to have found ourselves in an assembly of bright and gracious beings, among whom none is unfriendly or indifferent. Here are the meadow paths of peace and what well may be the last tranquillity ,of English verse. In this poetry of spiritual honour and security we forget that our own age has not as yet learned the secret of wisdom and content- ment.
Previous page
