deep as truth itself, yet light as the movement of a dance. We had
almost forgotten, what the world will never forget, the matchless
softness and transparent delicacy of "Near the Lake." Those lines, of
themselves, unconsciously, court "the soft promoter of the poet's
strain," and almost seem about to break into music. It is agreeable
to find that, instead of being seduced into a false style by the
excessive popularity which many of his songs have acquired, General
Morris's later efforts are in a vein even more truly classic than
his earlier ones, and show a decided advance, both in power and
ease. "The Rock of the Pilgrims," and the "Indian Songs," are
a very clear evidence of this. We would willingly go on with our
references, as there are several which have equal claims with these
upon our notice, but--"claudite jam rivos."

Such are some of the compositions, original in style, natural in
spirit, beautiful with the charm of almost faultless execution,
which may challenge for their author the title of the lauraete of
America....

A writer in "Howitt's and the People's Journal" furnishes the
following sketch of General Morris and his Songs, which was copied
and endorsed by the late Dr. Rufus W. Griswold, in his International
Magazine:--

"Before us lies a heap of songs and ballads, the production of
the rich fancy and warm heart of George P. Morris. Not many weeks
since, at a public meeting in London, a gentleman claimed to be
heard speak on the ground of his connection with the public press
from the time when he was seven years of age. We will not undertake
to say that General Morris ran his juvenile fingers over the chords