A Short Biographical Dictionary of English Literature by John W. Cousin
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page 40 of 834 (04%)
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strikingly handsome appearance, and gentle and amiable character.
BAILLIE, JOANNA (1762-1851).--Dramatist and poetess, _dau._ of the minister of Bothwell, afterwards Professor of Divinity at Glasgow. Her mother was a sister of the great anatomists, William and John Hunter, and her brother was the celebrated physician, Matthew B., of London. She received a thorough education at Glasgow, and at an early age went to London, where the remainder of her long, happy, and honoured, though uneventful, life was passed. In 1798, when she was 36, the first vol. of her _Plays on the Passions_ appeared, and was received with much favour, other two vols. followed in 1802 and 1812, and she also produced _Miscellaneous Plays_ in 1804, and 3 vols. of _Dramatic Poetry_ in 1836. In all her works there are many passages of true and impressive poetry, but the idea underlying her _Plays on the Passions_, that, namely, of exhibiting the principal character as acting under the exclusive influence of one passion, is artificial and untrue to nature. BAILLIE, LADY GRIZEL (1665-1746).--Poetess, _dau._ of Sir Patrick Home or Hume, afterwards Earl of Marchmont, was married to George Baillie of Jerviswoode. In her childhood she showed remarkable courage and address in the services she rendered to her father and his friend, Robert Baillie of Jerviswoode, the eminent Scottish patriot, when under persecution. She left many pieces both prose and verse in MS., some of which were _pub._ The best known is the beautiful song, _Were na my heart licht I wad die_. BAILLIE, ROBERT (1599-1662).--Historical writer, _s._ of B. of Jerviston, _ed._ at Glasgow, he entered the Church of Scotland and became minister |
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