The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction - Volume 17, No. 481, March 19, 1831 by Various
page 3 of 52 (05%)
page 3 of 52 (05%)
|
"To the regret he experienced at losing his master, was added that of hearing soon after of his decease; but scarcely had he recovered from the distress he felt at this circumstance, when the death of his father put an end for some time to all his literary thoughts and pursuits. He has pathetically described his situation at this period in his sixth Satire, which contains several allusions both to the present and previous circumstances of his life. "'My father dies; thenceforth with care oppressed New thoughts and feelings fill my harass'd breast; Homer gives way to lawyers and their deeds, And all a brother's love within me pleads; Fit suitors found, two sisters soon are wed, And to the altar without portions led. With all the wants and wishes of their age My little brothers next my thoughts engage, And in their father's place I strive untired To do whate'er that father's love inspired. Thus watching how their several wills incline In courts, in study, or in arms to shine; No toil I shun their fair pursuits to aid, Still of the snares that strew their path afraid. Nor this alone--though press we quick to land, The bark's not safe till anchor'd on the strand.'" Passing over the commencement of the Orlando Furioso, which soon followed the above melancholy event--"To be the freer from interruptions, and at the same time render his moderate income equal to |
|