Notes and Queries, Number 28, May 11, 1850 by Various
page 56 of 67 (83%)
page 56 of 67 (83%)
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His country's hope, his kindred's chief delight,
My husband dear, more than this world's light, Death hath me reft. But I from death will take His memory, to whom this tomb I make. John was his name (ah, was! wretch must I say), Lord Russell once, now my tear-thirsty clay." Now "John" was not the Christian name of William Lord Russell, so that these verses could not have come from his widow's pen. Indeed, they are much older than Lady Rachael's time, and may be found on the monument in Westminster Abbey erected by Lady Russell, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, to John Lord Russell, who died in 1584. P. CUNNINGHAM. * * * * * _Byron and Tacitus_ (No. 20. p. 390.).--To your young friend, who honestly signs himself "A SCHOOLBOY," let an older correspondent say, that he will do more wisely to let the rules of his teachers keep him from perusing an author who makes a mock of all moral and all honourable feelings. But if he wishes to know whether the introduction of the sentence from Tacitus into a poetical tale should be called "cabbaging," the reply will properly be, No. The poet expected that the well-known figure, which he had thus thrown into verse, would be immediately recognised by every literary reader, and that the recognition would give pleasure. He was trying his hand at a task of which it has been affirmed by a master, that _Difficile est proprie communia dicere_. The Schoolboy knows where to find these words; and I hope that he also knows where to find the words of one who speaks with greater authority, and has said |
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