1 
 
CORNELL 
 
 UNIVERSITY 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 THE 
 WORDSWORTH COLLECTION 
 
Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of tiiis book is in 
 tine Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924104091495 
 
o RMC ^ 
 
M r 
 
 jasepit ■^■'^ 
 
 
 
- ■ ■ ^r 
 
Tne pi'^vi" l^it'^^ Kew ^evte^.Vc)L vrr ^ l?(t, 
 
 MORTUARY. 185 
 
 MORTUARY. 
 
 At the commercement of this year, the Editor of The Port 
 Folio, animated by returning health and increased resources, 
 ventured to speak with exultation of the brilliant prospects whicli- 
 dawned on his future labours. But the powers, even of the 
 strongest, are precarious — and the hopes of the sanguine frail 
 and delusive. A suigle month — a few short days — have outlived 
 not only all these fond anticipations, but the fancy too that indulged 
 them; and it is now our melancholy duty to announce the sudden 
 death of 
 
 JOSEPH DENNIE, ESQUIRE, 
 on the afternoon of the seventh of January, l "f I '.1 * 
 Subdued and humbled as we are, by witnessing the recent and 
 unexpected dissolution of one who had so many titles to our 
 esteem, we know not in what language to convey our sensibility 
 to the merits of this amiable gentleman, and accomplished scho- 
 lar, thus lost in the maturity of his genius, and the full career of 
 his usefulness. Though his existence was limited to forty-four 
 years, they had been years of various fortune. The dazzling 
 successes which had flattered his early life, were for some time 
 gradually darkening, and to these misfortunes had been more re- 
 cently added the pangs of domestic affliction, which have pecu- 
 liar power to wound the irritable and sensitive feelings of genius, 
 and to weaken the energies of the most exalted understanding. 
 But the soothing arts of reflection, and the affectionate sym- 
 pathy of friends, had vanquished at last all these enemies— the 
 dreary images of sorrow were hastily receding — the gloom 
 of disease and care, which had so long oppressed him, was 
 now passing away, and the light of fairer hopes broke upon his 
 slumbers. With renovated health, with a mind restored to ease, 
 and a heart returning to all its affections, his friends gladly hailed 
 the renewed and vigorous exertions of his genius. But it was 
 only the hectic strength which wrestles over the tomb. On thes"c 
 
186 MORTUARY. 
 
 bright and cherished expectations the grave has suddenly closed. 
 Scarcely had he returned thanks for the new health which the 
 bounty of Providence assigned to him, when his gratitude for the 
 possession of these blessings was interrupted by the loss of them. 
 The glow of ambition — the high and generous flush of new pro 
 jects of literature, or benevolence, was yet warm on his cheek, 
 when the coldness of death invaded it. He had scarcely strewed 
 on the recent grave of his father the offerings of filial reverence, 
 when a similar duty to himself is thus feebly executed by the 
 unsteady hand of mourning Friendship. It is on recollections 
 like these, at once so painful and so consolatory, that the fond- 
 ness of affection will long delight to dwell — and we reluctantly 
 leave them to share with others our regret for his loss, and to 
 speak of the deceased, not as a friend, but as he will be known to 
 his country at large, and to posterity. 
 
 That country will be insensible of its obligations, unless it 
 
 number Mr. Dennie among its most meritorious citizens 
 
 Next, and next only to those distinguished beings to whom hea- 
 ven has given capacity to lead a nation's arms to freedom, or 
 guide her councils to happiness, may be safely ranked the few, 
 who contribute to purify her morals, and adorn her name by ele- 
 gant literatm-e. Their value is not always appreciated, because 
 the gradual revolution they accomplish, may escape the eye of 
 vulgar calculation, but their efficacy is not less certain, nor their 
 utility less permanent. In our own country, more especially, 
 the avenues to political fame are so wide, the interest of public 
 concerns so overwhelming, that they absorb, perhaps, too much 
 
 of our attention. For the distinction they confer is momentary 
 
 the honours they bring are very precarious; and often after a few 
 years of feverish notoriety, that man subsides into a mortified and 
 sullen politician, whose talents, otherwise directed, might have 
 yielded honourable distinction to himself, and permanent lustre 
 to his country. Mr. Dennie gave to the powers of his mind a 
 far more useful application. The great purpose of all his exer- 
 tions, the uniform pursuit of his life, was to disseminate among 
 his countrymen a taste for elegant literature, to give to education 
 and to letters their proper elevation in the public esteem, and re- ' 
 claiming the youth of America from the low career of sordid in= 
 
MORTUAM. 18/ 
 
 terests, to fix steadfastly their ambition on objects of a more ex- 
 alted character. In this honoui'able enterprize, he stood at first 
 almost alone. But such islIie"po\ver of a single mind in awaken- 
 ing the talents of a whole nation, so easily may the pliant mate- 
 rials of public opinion be moulded by the plastic hand of genius, 
 that the establishment of his work may be considered as forming 
 an sera in the literary history of America. His example had a 
 magical power, not only over the circle who were influenced 
 by attachment to his person, but on all who had the slight- 
 est tincture of learning. The attention of the people was 
 excited by his brilliancy — the purest scholars of the country 
 flocked to his standard, and the nation was seduced at once 
 into the luxury of literature. This was the pi'ominent object 
 and the reward of his ambition— for no occasion was ever omit- 
 ted to sustain our literary pretentions, and no man sought with 
 more eagerness, or cherished with more enthusiastic kindness, 
 the faintest glimmerings of American genius. The first efl"orts 
 of the timid were encouraged by an attractive gentleness, their 
 errors corrected with mildness, and none were repelled by su- 
 perciliousness or dogmatism. How successful were his endea- 
 vours to purify the taste, and improve the morals of his country- 
 men — how long and how largely he contributed to their instruc- 
 tion and amusement, need not be told to any who are familiar 
 with American society. Of the individual himself we may be 
 permitted to speak with greater confidence. In the various ac- 
 quirements which compose the character of a man of letters, Mr. 
 Dennie had unquestionably no equal in this country, and few, 
 Tf any, superiors in Europe. At a very early age he abandoned 
 the ordinary pursuits of life to offer his undivided devotion on 
 the altar of liter atvire. The love of letters was, indeed, his dar- 
 ling passion — the light which had charmed his youth, which il- 
 luminated his manhood, which still threw its mellow and wa- 
 vering beam on the sickness and sorrow even of his dying 
 hour. In the indulgence of this enthusiasm he had been a 
 most laborious student — he had read every thing on every sub- 
 ject—so that if the rigidly exact sciences be excepted, there 
 was scarcely a topic of human knowledge with which he was not 
 
188 MORTUARY. 
 
 familiar. But he delighted most in the moral studies — in those 
 inquiries which, diversified by a thousand hues, conduct us to 
 the knowledge of man — of his history, his nature and his habits^ 
 the most splendid periods of his existence, the highest exertions 
 of his intellect. These were the favourite studies to which he 
 abandoned all his genius. He had ranged, indeed, with an excur- 
 sive step over the entire field of literature; but he loved most to 
 linger by those enchanting spots which the highest culture had 
 embellished, and to gather from their exuberance the choicest flow- 
 ers. So pvu-e, indeed, was its texture, so delicate, its conceptions, 
 that his mind seemed, if we may speak so, to have been bathed at 
 its birth in the very essence of literature — to be daily fed with the 
 celestial dews of learning The stores which his unwearied dili- 
 gence had thus collected, were retained by a memory of extraordi- 
 nary vigour, and animated by an ardent and almost oriental imagi- 
 nation." Such was the discipline to which his extensive acquire- 
 ments had been subjected — so obedient to liis will the powers of 
 his mind, that we have never listened with so much fascination to 
 the colloquial powers of any other individual. Abounding in felicity 
 of expression, and a singular aptness of quotation, decorated with 
 every ornament that did not border on gaudiness, it possessed a 
 copiousness and elegance — and had about it a captivating origina- 
 lity which we have never seen before united. His written style 
 was but the transcript of his conversation. It was marked by 
 the same attractive grace, the same affluence and even luxu- 
 riance, which, if it be considered as sometimes above its sub- 
 ject, erred only by its elegance — like some spotless virgin, 
 who, whether in the splendour of society, or the humbler cares 
 of the household, was always attired with fastidious delicacy. Of 
 his works it would be superfluous now to speak, since they will 
 shortly be collected by his friends, and must then vindicate their 
 own pretentions. It was, however, his own and the public mis- 
 fortune, that his literary exertions were, for the most part, occa- 
 sional and desultory — that his mind had never yet been seen in 
 all its development — or occupied the high and ample space 
 which its natural expansion would justify it in assuming. His 
 works are therefore rather the promise of what he more serious- 
 ly meditated, and what, but for his premature loss, he would not 
 
MORTUARY. 189 
 
 have failed to accomplish. Yet, even imperfect as they now re- 
 main, they bear honourable testimony to his genius, and will al- 
 ways form a valuable addition to the literature of America — they 
 will at least attest his sincere devotion to the great cause of reli- 
 gion and morals, and learning, which all his writings assisted to 
 defend and dessiminate. 
 
 But his literary attainments, however distinguished, his works 
 however honourable, were only subordinate parts of his estima- 
 ble character. The most exalted powers are not always united 
 with the kindliest tempers — and the flame of genius is too often 
 discolourec^ by malignity. But in his harmonious composition 
 the highest brilliancy of understanding was seen unshaded through 
 the most transparent purity of heart. The fondness of friendship 
 here hesitates with distrust of its own partiality. Yet on those 
 who have enjoyed an intimacy with departed worth, there seems 
 to devolve with the peculiar power, a peculiar duty to declare its 
 value. We will not, therefore, so far wrong ourselves, or the 
 memory of him whom we love to honour, as to suppress the con- 
 viction that it was never our lot to know a being more emphati- 
 cally pure and amiable. Far from impairing his natural goodness, 
 the embellishments of education served only to give it a bolder 
 relief, and a more striking contrast. With all its rich variety of 
 ornament — its festooned columns, its Asiatic magnificence, the 
 inner temple of the heart, was of the most chaste and Doric sim- 
 plicity. There was indeed in his character something quite new 
 and original to our experience. It was not the simplicity of Gold- 
 smith — nor the artlessness of Lafontaine. It was more amiable 
 than either — it was the natural excellence of a heai't occupied 
 only with the honoui'able feelings of our nature, and shrinking 
 intuitively from all the avenues by which the sordid passions 
 might approach him. In the midst of the world, he did not seem 
 to live so much in it, as above it — in his own abstract and un- 
 mingled sphere of goodness. Yet he was not negligent of his du- 
 ties to society. In circumstances never beyond mediocrity, he 
 gave with a generous disregard of himself to all who needed his 
 JtK)unty — in his least prosperous hour, he never withheld the li- 
 beral, though limited charity, and even the few to whom retalia- 
 tion would have been injury, received only kindness and oblivion. 
 
 VOL., vir. ? s 
 
190 MORTUARY. 
 
 A man of letters by profession, he was totally free from literary 
 jealousy; but, severe only to himself, and apparently uncon- 
 scious of his own superiority, he gave to every one the fullest 
 measure of applause. On his own high and scrupulous honour, 
 his life was a practical commentary. His religious convictions 
 were steadfast and uniform. His faith equally removed from in- 
 tolerance and levity, was of that amiable cast which renders re- 
 ligion the guide of prosperity, and the solace of misfortune, and 
 on his own death bed he derived from it those consolations which 
 his writings have so often taught they were capable of imparting. 
 To his private virtues let those who have long known him— ■ 
 let that wide circle of whom he was the delight and the ol»a- 
 ment, bear testimony. So full of urbanity and gentleness were his 
 manners — so amiable his deportment, that none could approach, 
 without loving a man from whom there never escaped an unkind 
 expression — who, in his graver mood, was an instructive friend; 
 and in his social hours, a most gay, and captivating companion. 
 However, therefore, his writings may be received by the world, 
 or with whatever harshness its colder eye may regard the weak- 
 . nesses incident to his nature, there are many who will long sec 
 with affectionate regret, the tomb which incloses a being once 
 distinguished by all that can endear our sympathies, or excite 
 our admiration. 
 
 These hasty and imperfect lines convey but faintly the feel- 
 ings which his death has suggested. They do not aspire to de- 
 lineate his character. That task is committed to abler hands; 
 nor would the writer have permitted himself even this melan- 
 choly indulgence, were it not necessary in some way to intro- 
 duce a topic, on which lie could neither be silent with propri- 
 ety, nor trust his feelings with safety. 
 S 
 
MONODY. 191 
 
 MONODY ON THE DEATH OF JOSEPH DENNIE, ESQ. 
 
 Mysterious Nature, at whose shrine I bow, 
 How passing strange! how wonderful art thoul 
 When on the couch the extended body lies, 
 Lost to the world — incompetent to rise; 
 A breathing mass — insensible of breath, 
 The senses touch'd with temporary death; 
 Then active Fancy haunts the slumberer's bed, 
 And pours terrific visions round his head. 
 Soft smile the hours of rest — we close our eyeijs 
 On placid moonbeams and on sparkling skies; 
 When horrid Fancies, worse than poets feign, 
 Rise from the grave of sleep, and haunt the brain. 
 
 Such fearful thoughts my drooping soul opprest, 
 When calm Oblivion sooth'd each sense to rest — 
 Methought the cloudless moon, in lustre bright. 
 Alike the queen of Silence and of Night; 
 Was rising to her full meridian tour, 
 And bath'd the landscape with a silver shower. 
 Heedless what course my wandering feet might take, 
 I wandered by the margin of a lake. 
 
 Delighted with a prospect so serene, 
 I stood and gaz'd on night's majestic queen; 
 And mark'd her streaming rays of pallid white. 
 That on the foilage fell with touch so light. 
 As fearful Silence from her haunt should flee, 
 And wake the quiet slumber of the tree- 
 Sudden methought in tones distinct and clear. 
 The welcome voice of Friendship caught mine eafr. 
 I foUow'd, and a form arose to view. 
 Beneath the shade the baneful cypress threw. 
 At such an hour of night I could not bear 
 To tread that gloom and hold communion ^here. 
 And canst thou in this gloomy shade sqjourn, 
 This cold and dreary shadow of the urn; 
 Whom Friendship, Genius, and the Muse caress, 
 And whem each gentler spirit joy« to bless? 
 
192 MONODY. 
 
 Behold! how beautiful the moonbeams break 
 On the smooth bosom of this crystal lake; 
 Or when the Zephyr o'er the surface trips, 
 And strives to touch the shadow with his lips; 
 Chaste Dian's image flies from place to place, 
 And thus eludes that wanton boy's embrace. 
 Come then, my friend, and wander forth with me, 
 O leave the shade of that unhallow'd tree! 
 
 At such an hour, the spirit stirring Muse 
 Delights to wander in these peaceful dews; 
 She waits thy coming, with a smile serene. 
 To walk with thee and bless the moon-light green. 
 And has that voice, which thou has't lov'd so long, 
 That always bound thee by a spell so strong. 
 No longer power, to charm thy tardy feet, 
 And woo thee from that cold and dark retreat? 
 Come then, my friend, and wander forth with c^ie, 
 O quit the shadow of the cypress tree. 
 
 Lo, ev'ry gentle spirit is awake! 
 Beside the margin of this peaceful lake. 
 They call thy footsteps, from that tree of death. 
 In cheerful whispers, mild as Mercy's breath. 
 Yes, all thy guardian spirits hover round. 
 And chide thy steps, on such unhallow'd ground, 
 They wait thee, to participate their bliss. 
 And bid thee *welcome, to an hour like this. 
 Come then, my friend, and wander forth with me, 
 O quit the shadow of the cypress tree 
 
 Lo! Friendship calls, in sorrow and dismay. 
 That voice so sacred, summons thee away, 
 That sound was ever fraught with magic power 
 To charm the sorrows of thy saddest hour, 
 And drive away those fiends that haunt tiiy brain, 
 That very voice, alas! is heard in vain. 
 Come then, my friend, O! wander forth with me, 
 And quit the shadow of the cypress tree. 
 
 • The amiable traits in the character of the late editor of The Poj-t Foli© 
 are not probably so generally knpwn as Ijis gepias. 
 
MONODY. 1^9^ 
 
 This hour has sainted Melancholy blest, 
 And does she claim thee as her ancient guest? 
 O how unfit, beneath this shadow drear, 
 To taste those joys so holy and so dear. 
 He who frequents the placid moon-beam findl^, 
 A sacred luxury, for pensive minds. 
 'Tis his alone, to relish with delight 
 The solemn, awful, mysteries of night. 
 This shade affords thee no such hallow'd speljj 
 Here sprites unblest, and wicked demons dwell'; 
 No sympathy here wounds with gen'rous pain-, 
 
 Unholy forms arise, that tear the brain; 
 
 Gome then, my friend, and wander forth with tat, 
 O quit the shadow of the cypress tree. 
 Does Contemplation bid thy soul expands 
 
 Behold this arch, magnificent and grand! 
 
 This noble arch — the cincture of the sight, 
 
 And strew'd so plenteous with the fires of night. 
 
 Thus does high Heav'n hold intercourse with men; 
 
 And thus Devotion sparkles from tlie pen. 
 
 'Tis this unveils Religion's awful shrine, 
 
 And kindles rapture in a soul like thine.* 
 
 Here Madness raves, Despair and every sprite, 
 
 That haunt the sober quietude of night. 
 
 Chill hang the dews upon the cypress leaves, 
 
 Loud and more loud the boding raven grieves; 
 
 Mournful the gale of midnight murmurs by, 
 
 And through the deep'ning foilage heaves a sigh. 
 
 Come then, my friend, and wander forth with me, 
 
 leave the shadow of the cypress tree. 
 
 He came — how chang'd was Dennie to my sightl 
 
 His gai'ment glow'd a robe of silver white! 
 
 Fairer than life — majestic was his tread, 
 
 A star of glory twinkled on his head — 
 
 He turn'd and paus'd — then eying me awhile, 
 
 Said nought, but vanish'd with a placid smile. 
 
 ' It ia unnecessary t«'4weU on the popularity of Mr. Dcnnie's Lay Preacher. 
 
194 TO READERS AND CORRESPONDENTS. 
 
 I turn'd again — the cold, ungenial shade, 
 The midnight dews — the horror haunted glade 
 Were seen no more, and where the cypress threw 
 Its dismal gloom — the smiling olive grew — 
 Where the soft moonbeam tipt the branch above, 
 With silver light sat Mercy's snoiv-ivliile dove, 
 I gaz'd awhile transported, but the dream 
 Fled with the shades of night, before the beam. 
 
 A. 
 
 TO READERS AND CORRESPONDENTS. 
 
 Though afflicted and embarrassed by the lamented death of 
 the late editor of this Journal, his successors are not unmindful 
 of the duties of their station. In all its difficulties, whether as- 
 sailed by enemies, or occasionally weakened by the relaxing dili- 
 gence of friends. The Port Folio has been cordially greeted by 
 the distinct and audible voice of public approbation. To a kind- 
 ness at once so indulgent and flattering, it were worse than in- 
 gratitude to be insensible. An union has therefore been formed, 
 among some of the oldest and most steadfast contributors to this 
 Journal, who have determined that no exertion shall be omitted, 
 no assistance in their power withheld to support the literary re- 
 putation of Tlie Port Folio. Unwilling to rely on the casual aid 
 of strangers, their association is strengthened by a direct and 
 immediate interest in the success of their own labours, the safest 
 pledge of their sincerity and diligence. Of their own pretensions 
 to the public favour it is not for them to speak, nor will they 
 tempt the unwary by splendid promises which may hereafter 
 reproach their negligence. But animated as they are, by all 
 the motives which can stimulate the exertions of men — a zeal- 
 ous care that an establishment which they have so long cherish- 
 ed, shall not be suffered to decay— an ardent desire of literary 
 distinction, and the impulse of interest, they may venture to hope 
 that thoselwho have been accustomed to look)l)» this Journal for 
 
TO READERS AND CORRESPONDENTS. 193 
 
 amusement or instruction, shall not be in future, disappointed. 
 They cherish, too sincerely, the memory of the late accomplish- 
 ed editor, and have too high an admiration for his talents, to 
 presume that his loss can be supplied; but they still believe that 
 their united exertions may accomplish something not unworthy 
 of public favour. 
 
 Yet though in some degree, independent of external aid, we 
 do not the less cordially invite the contributions of the learned 
 and liberal scholars of our country. To our success, none who 
 value the reputation of America, can, we trust, be wholly in- 
 sensible. Standing far aloof from the contentious scene of her 
 politics, our aim is the aggrandizement, the literary splendour 
 of the country at large, a subject offensive to no sect, but the 
 common cause of all. 
 
 Those too, who are ambitious of honest fame, may be invited 
 to communicate freely with us, from the ample means which 
 this Journal affords of rendering their speculations notorious — 
 since it has attained a wide circulation through every part of the 
 union, and enrolls among its patrons, the most distinguished 
 names in America. We shall therefore cheerfully receive, and 
 leniently judge all that may be submitted to us, and always ex- 
 ercise with slow and reluctant hand, the odious prerogative of 
 rejection. 
 
 The topics calculated for a journal so miscellaneous as ours, 
 cannot be embraced even in the widest description. But it may 
 not be superfluous, to suggest certain prominent points, on 
 which we shall in future, bestow a marked attention, and to 
 which we wish to direct the liberal studies of our contributors. 
 
 The Port Folio is essentially a national work — It is the old- 
 est existing journal, we believe of a similar character, in Ame- 
 rica, and whatever, therefore, may tend to illustrate its literary 
 or physical resources, to advance, or to adorn its prosperity, 
 shall find its appropriate place in this Journal — With this view, 
 we shall cheerfully inserst judicious and authentic accounts of 
 any portion of American history, more particularly every thing 
 that may tend to preserve a knowledge of the habits, manners, 
 and even costume of the aborigines — well written tours through 
 
196 TO READERS AND CORRESPONDENTS. 
 
 any portion of the United States — Interesting papers on agricul- 
 ture — Disquisitions on the fine and useful arts, and all the vari- 
 dus information comprehended under the name of statistics. 
 
 To the poetic genius of America, we shall ever give a wil- 
 ling attention. In all our researches, we seek most diligently 
 for that pearl of price, original poetic talent, and though con- 
 demned to waste our time in turning over much juvenile and 
 crude versification, v/e are always amply repaid by even a tran- 
 sient glimpse of the hidden glories of Genius. We would, how- 
 ever, warn our young poets, instead of copying from authors, 
 either ancient or modern, descriptions of foreign nature and for- 
 eign manners, to study that best author Nature, not clothed with 
 learning or distorted in books, but in the simple guise in which 
 she is seen every where around us. There is not a more pic- 
 turesque or poetic region than our own — Arcadia itself is not 
 more beautiful nor yet more sonorous than Pennsylvania; and 
 the Thames, or even the Arno, are insipid brooks, by the 
 side of the Hudson or the Schuylkill. If we would rise above 
 inanimate nature, our own annals are abundantly furnished with 
 materials for poetry. The genius of Campbell, has not antici- 
 pated our finest subjects of poesy; for the colonization, the In- 
 dian wars, the revolutionary contest, teem with events of suffi- 
 cient intei-est for every flight of the Muse. We hope, therefore, 
 to receive ample contribution on all the topics we have indica- 
 ted. But before we conclude, we would request, that those who 
 may be impatient for the appearance of their papers, to remem- 
 ber the variety of clashing pretensions to precedence, which it 
 is our province to reconcile, and to impute any occasional delay 
 of publication, not to inattention on our part, but to the inevita- 
 ble difficulty of adjusting the respective claims of numerous and 
 valuable contributors. 
 
 Judge Cooper has perused the observations of Mr. Johns,; 
 but he finds nothing in them that might tempt him to reply; and 
 he declines all controversy that does not promise to contribute 
 to public information. 
 
The "port Toiio^ JQw BeiTiejiWa/.ini, /f/S^, 
 
 TO THE PUBLIC. 89 
 
 TO THE PUBLIC. 
 
 During the autumnal and midsummer months of the last year, 
 which has forever fled away, on the pinions of Time, the Editor 
 of this Journal was compelled to relinquish its duties, and to be 
 regardless of its delights, in consequence of the furious onset of 
 three potent adversaries, Sickness, Sorrow, and Adversity. Un- 
 der the ardency of the summer solstice, and while *the dog star's 
 unprofiitious ray was Jlaming-^ he was confined to the couch of 
 Languor and Anguish; and, in the decline of autumn, he was 
 afflicted by one of the most tremendous domestic calamities,! 
 which can agonize the Sensibility, nourish the Melancholy, and 
 overpoiver the Fortitude^ of man. The influence of infirm 
 health, in marring the operations, both of manual and mental 
 industry, is familiar to every patient, as well as to every physi- 
 cian; and when to corporeal Pain and yawning Lassitude, the 
 " Sickness of the Soul" is superadded, from such an abhorred 
 alliance all the brilliant powers of Invention, and all the strong 
 body guards of Labour keep obstinately aloof, or fly timidly 
 away. The pen of the readiest writer corrodes in the standish; 
 his papers and projects reposing, ingloriously, on the shelves 
 of dust, or in the pigeon holes of oblivion. His desk is over- 
 thrown, his manuscripts are mouldy, and his vase of ink is 
 as dry, as the vessel of the gospel outcast, while wandering in 
 the parched wilderness of Beersheba. What Johnson empha- 
 tically calls the load of life, is then truly wearisome- Society 
 presents nothing to gladden, and Solitude nothing to sooth. In 
 vain do we fly to the sequestered shades of the country. Let 
 allthe beauties of Nature solicit our notice§ — let all the diver- 
 
 * Pope. 
 
 f The allusion is to the regretted demise of one of the dearest and most 
 venerable of his family friends. A mortuary and biographical sketch of the 
 late Mr. Dennie will appear from the pen of his son, as soon as the excited 
 sensibility of the latter will allow him to do ample justice to the merits, and 
 to hallow the memory of the deceased. Of this amiable and accomplished 
 parent, a very elegant eulogy has been pronounced in many of the public 
 papers, by a faithful friend of the family, and one of the most eloquent 
 lawyers in Newengland. 
 
 t Edmund Burke. § Dr. Johnson, 
 
 VOL. VII. M 
 
90 TO THE PUBLIC. 
 
 sities of Pleasure court our acceptance — let the birds carol 
 enchantingly in the grove, and the flowers bloom odoriferously 
 in the meadow; let the breeze whisper softly in the wood, and 
 the sun dance gayly on the water; each rural sight, each rural 
 sound* is equally lost to him, who is under the dominion of that 
 relentless Power, which the poet Gray energetically calls the 
 Tamer of the human breast, 
 
 Whose iron scourge, and torturing hour "* 
 
 The bad affright, afflict the best. 
 
 By one,^ho was himself a severe sufferer, it has been re- 
 marked, with truth and eloquence, that there are, perhaps, very 
 few conditions more to be regretted than that of an active mind, 
 labouring under the weight of a distempered body. The time 
 of such a man is always spent in forming schemes, which a 
 change of wind hinders him from executing; his powers fume 
 away in projects and in hope, and the day of action never ar- 
 rives. He lies down, delighted with the thoughts of to-morrow, 
 pleases his Ambition with the Fame he shall acquire, or his Be- 
 nevolence with the Good he shall impart. But in the night the 
 skies are overcast, the temper of the air is changed, he wakes 
 in languor, impatience and distraction, and has no longer any 
 wish but for ease, nor any attention but to misery. It may be 
 said that Disease generally begins that equality, which Death 
 completes; the distinctions, which set one man so much above 
 another, are very little perceived in the gloom of a sick chamber, 
 where it will be vain to expect entertainment from the gay, or 
 instruction from the wise; where all human glory is obliterated 
 the wit is clouded, the reasoner perplexed, and the hero sub- 
 dued; where the highest and brightest of mortal beings finds 
 nothing left him but the consciousness of innocence. 
 
 This dismal description of the despotism of Disease the 
 Editor feels to be no fable. Partially rescued from the gall- 
 ing shackles of Pain, he is now so far convalescent, as to 
 invoke, with languid voice, so?ne inspiration from the Muse. 
 
 * CoNv-per 
 
TO THE PUBLIC. '91 
 
 « ■ ' ' 
 
 *WiNTER, sullen and sad, with all his rising train, Fafiours,and 
 Clouds and Storms, which oppresses other men, less valetudi- 
 nary, often ministers, by an agency, at once magical and mys- 
 terious, to the invigoration of his body, and the burnishing of 
 his mind. Though his Imagination never blooms, and his Judg- 
 ment never ripens, yet his humble faculties are rarely more 
 vigorous, than during the austerest season. His drooping Spi- 
 rit, like certain loivly evergreens, reveals some sickly signs of 
 animation, amid frosts and snows: while the Pride of the 
 Garden, the Rose and the Hyacinth, reserve the glorious ex- 
 pansion of their beauteous flowers, until the return of the fos- 
 tering gale, fthe warbling bird, brilliant skies, and genial sun- 
 shine. 
 
 Personal and domestic misfortunes, however acute to the 
 temperament of Sensibility, are gradually mitigated by Medi- 
 tation. By the benignity of the Great Author of our existence, 
 we are created, not merely with hearts to feel, but with minds 
 to pondei*. Reflection and Contemplation, lovely sisters, are 
 often within our call, in the gloomiest night of Horror. More- 
 over, the moral consolation, so liberally imparted by the best 
 AND brightest OF BOOKS,:}; aff'ords more solace to Grief than 
 all the manuals of Epictetus, or all the dogmas of Zeno. 
 Time, which on all things lays his lenient hand, supported by 
 the puissant auxiliaries, already indicated, though they may not 
 vanquish the troops of Care, yet, unquestionably, they always 
 keep in check the enemy. 
 
 During that painful and protracted period, when the Editor 
 was interdicted from the exercise of a favourite employment, 
 
 * Thomson. 
 
 f The Editor humbly hopes that, by the sternest critics, this figure will 
 not be deemed too puerile, cm the one hand, or too daring oft the otlier. Even 
 in our Hyperborean climate, the Rose may wait, in pleasing expectation, for 
 the arrival of any warbler; but the Author's allusion is to one of the wildest, 
 though certainly not the least delectable of the oriental fictions, in which the 
 Nightingale is said to be enamoured of the Rose. Without gross violence of 
 metaphor, therefore, the timid Beauty may be supposed not to ilnsh, until tlfe 
 arrival of her lover. 
 
 * The $acred Scriptures. 
 
92 TO THE PUBLIC. 
 
 The Port Folio was very ably and assiduously conducted, by a 
 literary Friend and a Gentleman,* whose Genius and Industry 
 are brilliantly conspicuous. But no literary locum tenens, na 
 deputy editor, however alert and indefatigable, however afflu- 
 ent with all the riches of Learning, however glittering with all 
 the diamonds of Wit, and glorious with all the gifts of Fancy, 
 can possibly, at all times, supply the place of the Princifial. 
 From the very nature of his office, the latter must have more 
 experience in editing, and more technical knowledge, with re- 
 spect to the details of literary labour. Here the comparison 
 ends. The Editor of The Port Folio is too painfully conscious 
 of his innumerabl e imperfections, not to confess, with alacrity, 
 how unworthy he is of his station, in comparison with a host of 
 other scholars. 
 
 But the habitual and inveterate partiality of his Booksellers 
 still urges them to retain in the ranks a man, who has little more 
 to contribute to the noble cause of Learning and Science, than 
 the most eager Solicitude, and the most ardent Zeal. The Edi- 
 tor, therefore, remains at his post; and, to pursue the al- 
 lusion, whether he is a partisan officer, or a humble sentinel, 
 he will strive to do his duty. 
 
 Notwithstanding the illness and rustication of the Editor, and 
 the consequent suspension of his labours, the interest of the pro- 
 prietors of The Port Folio has not been affected. The subscrip- 
 tion list has increased, is increasing, and shall not be dimi- 
 nished.! The kindness, candour, liberality and long suffering of 
 the reading classes of the American nation deserve, and they 
 shall receive all the gratitude, which we can display. By that 
 coy mistress, the Public, the Editor has always been treated, as a 
 sort of favoured lover; though, unquestionably, for this fond pre- 
 ference, he is indebted much more to her graciousness, than to 
 his gallantry. In the artifice of courtship he never was an adept; 
 but his suit has been listened to, in spite of all hisaukwardness 
 rudeness and rusticity. 
 
 * Paui, Allen, Esq. 
 
 I The allusion is to a celebrated declaration in the House of Common^ bv 
 the brilliant Mr. Dunning, afterwards Lord Ashburton, the friend of Sir W. 
 Jones, the ornament of the bar and the delight of society. 
 
TO THE PUBLIC. 
 
 Whether the pages of this Journal be dull, or bright, whe- 
 ther its contributors recline on the sofas of Indolence, repose in 
 the bowers of Retirement, or ramble over the regions of litera- 
 ture, still the work is munificently patronized, not by * Politi- 
 cians^ not by faction, not by the vulgar, but by the most illustrious 
 descriptions of American society, by the Liberal, the Ladies, the 
 LawyVrs, the Clergy, and all the Gentlemen and Cavaliers of 
 Columbia. 
 
 This \zeal of kindness merits a liberal return. 
 
 Accordingly, a few days, prior to the festivities of Christmasj 
 the senior proprietor of this paper, with that liberality and ar- 
 dour of enterprize, for which he is justly characterized, and which 
 \ye promptly and sincerely acknowledge, resolved that the re- 
 sources of the Port Folio shall be augmented, its spirit quicken- 
 ed, and its popularity perpetuated. The junior partner of 
 the house is now in the metropolis of the British Empire, and 
 invested with full fiowers, as a literary ambassador, to negociate 
 with artists, booksellers and writers for an ample collection of 
 the most spirited and splendid plates which can be purchased, 
 accompanied with original elucidations and essays, to adoi'n 
 this Journal. In future, the engravings for The Port Folio will 
 be equally numerous and captivating. With i-espect to the me- 
 chanical execution of the work, it is agreed, even among the pre- 
 judiced, that no Magazine, or periodical pamphlet, issuing from 
 any of the presses of Europe, exceeds The Port Folio in the bril- 
 liancy and correctness of typography. With respect to the price, 
 a consideration in the purchase of a pamphlet, not to be slighted, 
 even by liberal Economy, it is capable of logical and legal proof 
 that it is sold at a very fair, as well as just valuation. In fact, no 
 Journal of similar workmanship, and presenting the same quanti- 
 
 * The pernicious influence, or interference of a certain description of this 
 class of American animals has frequently jeopardized the interest of the Edi- 
 tor, and driven him repeatedly to the very verge of ruin. He has felt their 
 ingratitude; he abhors their meanness; and, contemptuously assures them, 
 in the language of an indignant writer, that they do not rise to the big- 
 jriTV of being hated, and are only despisetl with moacration. 
 
 f Johnson. 
 
94 
 
 TO THE PUBLIC. 
 
 ty of letter press, is afforded at so cheap a rate, either at home, 
 or abroad. 
 
 It now remains for the Editor to speak audibly, concerning 
 the cardinal point of this enterprize, the literary management, 
 on which the reputation of the work demonstrably depends. 
 Well printed pages, and magnificent plates have their charms, 
 and due consideration; but the public justly expect fine writing, 
 as well as striking illustrations. Men call clamorously for spe- 
 cimens of ORIGINAL GENIUS, and for all, which talents and as- 
 siduity can impart to strengthen, or to divert the mind. This 
 call, it is proposed, to answer as distinctly as possible. 
 
 The confederacy of men of letters.^ associated at the com- 
 mencement of The Port Folio, in its Phcenix form, having dis- 
 solved, almost as soon as they convened, for reasons which, in a 
 future number, we shall fully detail to our laughing readers, 
 the Editor ever since, has been obliged, in long and frequent in- 
 tervals of indisposition, to rely, principally, upon fortuitous and 
 elemosynary aid. Hence, like any man depending upon alms for 
 his support, his literary supplies were equally scanty and preca* 
 rious. The character of his journal has been impaired, and his 
 own mortification intensely aggravated in consequence of the 
 frequent penury, or flimsiness of his materials; although many of 
 the communications, with which he has been honoured, are of 
 the very first class of composition. 
 
 Fully to atone for the Editor's negligencies, absences, and 
 indispositions, a scheme equally specious and solid has been, at 
 length, happily devised. Conscious that the character of a let- 
 tered confederacy was exactly of that crumbling nature, as the 
 allied army under the duke of Brunswick; the Editor, for a very 
 long season, has been anxious for a colleague, who should have 
 a direct interest in the enterprize, who should be a confidential 
 and favourite friend, and who should be capable of unlocking 
 the stores of Learning, and revealing the glories of Genius. This 
 plan is of no hasty adoption. Tnoo years ago, all the keenness 
 of the Editor's inquisitive optics was intensely fixed upon a gen- 
 tleman and a scholar, who, from his liberal leisure, and still 
 more liberal mind, was, of all men, the individual, whom the 
 
TO THE PUBLIC. 
 
 Editoi' would select, after the maturest deliberation. For- 
 tunately for his gratification, the interest of The Port Folio, and 
 the satisfaction of its subscribers, this beloved and accomplished 
 associate is now in full communion with the Editor. With the 
 joyful acquiescence of the Proprietor, they have formed a litera- 
 ry coparceny; they have embai'ked in a joint adventure to the 
 regions of wit; the Editor contributing nothing to the com- 
 mon stock, but the bankruptcy of his mind, while his opulent 
 associate furnishes the amplest capital. 
 
 In the painful progress of his literary labours, while the Edi- 
 tor has had frequent occasion to exclaim with Paul, *Demas hath 
 forsaken me, having loved too much the things of this world, it is 
 a source of the most pleasurable sensation exultingly to an- 
 nounce that Luke is with me. Such is the invincible modesty 
 of our friend, that he will not permit the Proprietor to point out 
 to the public, who is Luke. We foretell, however, with Mr. 
 Pope, on a similar occasion, that our classical companion will 
 not long be concealed. The most heedless adventurer in the 
 regions of Peru, or the mines of Golconda, in spite of partial 
 concealment and incidental obscurity, must, from bursting radi- 
 ance on every side, recognize the shining ore, and the precious 
 fossil. 
 
 The Editor, therefore, once more engages in a task, which 
 is generally considered as drudgery for the blind, as the proper 
 toil of artless industry; a task, which requires neither the lightf 
 of Learning, nor the activity of Genius, but may be success- 
 fully performed without a higher quality than that of bearing 
 burdens, and beating the track of toil, with sluggish resolution. 
 This is an injurious and false opinion, however promulgated by 
 the arrogant and the envious. The province of the Editor, if 
 it be loiv, is certainly safe. If the fruits it yield are not high 
 flavoured, nevertheless, they are wholesome. As the drudging 
 cultivator of this field, the Editor has a thousand times doubted 
 his qualification. But the opinion of his employers, masters, 
 and patrons have great weight; and let it be added, not in the 
 words of an insiduous flatterer, but one of the honestest men 
 
 • See the second most eloquent Epistle of St. Paul t6 Ms beloved Timothy, 
 f Johnson. 
 
96 TO THE PUBLIt;. 
 
 that ever existed — Ausonius thought that modesty forbad him to 
 plead inability for a task, to which C.isar had judged him equal. 
 
 From its peculiar nature, and many auspicious circumstan- 
 ces, attendant on its present projection, the Proprietors and Con- 
 ductors of this Journal are not without pleasing prospects,, al- 
 though they may be obscured, as heretofore, by the clouds of 
 misfortune. 
 
 Uniting, in one plan, tlie grand compartments of Science, 
 Literature, and the Arts, it combines whatever is pleasing 
 with whatever is useful, the advancement of speculative know- 
 ledge, Avith the history of practical results. It makes liberal 
 provision for the capricious variations of literary pur- 
 suit; and, embracing numerous objects of rational inquiry, it 
 ought to obtain the cooperation of the learned of all parties.* 
 
 We now commence our career; and hope that, at least, we 
 may afifiroach the goal. We are governed by every noble Power, 
 thaving a laudable influence over the mind of man: by the de- 
 sire of glory and the ignominy of defeat; by the goadings of 
 that blessed instinct, which will not suffer our faculties to rust 
 with slothfulness, or droop in lethargy; by all the documents of 
 Reason and Experience which demonstrate that such exertions 
 are salutary; by generous Emulation; by honest Pride, and by a 
 vivid sense of the power and resources of our country. 
 We call, and we hope, audibly, upon our contemporaries for lite- 
 rary, for scientific, for moral aid. To such a call the most ac- 
 complished of the Americans cannot be inattentive. The Tu- 
 telaj-y Genius of the country will then smile benignantly on our 
 labours, and we shall be lighted to success, by a ray from 
 Heaven. 
 
 * A note, appended to a preceding paragraph, pertinent to politicians, the 
 Editor avers, upon die faith of a Cavalier, has no sort of allusion to the reign- 
 ing administration, its admirers, or adherents. What are called, in the lan- 
 guage ofparty, democrats, or republicans, often contribute liberally to this 
 journal, which is nothing like the journals of faction, and is whoDy vacant of 
 political and theological discussion. 
 
 t Many references are had in this paragraph, to the glowing and ener- 
 getic langHage of one of the most accomplished scholars of Trinity CoUea-e 
 Dublin, ^ '