Of particular passages that can be properly compared, I remember
only the description of Heaven, in which the different manner of the
two writers is sufficiently discernible. Cowley's is scarcely
description, unless it be possible to describe by negatives; for he
tells us only what there is not in heaven. Tasso endeavours to
represent the splendours and pleasures of the regions of happiness.
Tasso affords images, and Cowley sentiments. It happens, however,
that Tasso's description affords some reason for Rymer's censure.
He says of the Supreme Being:


Ha sotto i piedi e fato e la natura
Ministri humili, e'l moto, e ch'il misura.


The second line has in it more of pedantry than perhaps can be found
in any other stanza of the poem.

In the perusal of the "Davideis," as of all Cowley's works, we find
wit and learning unprofitably squandered. Attention has no relief;
the affections are never moved; we are sometimes surprised, but
never delighted; and find much to admire, but little to approve.
Still, however, it is the work of Cowley, of a mind capacious by
nature, and replenished by study.

In the general review of Cowley's poetry it will be found that he
wrote with abundant fertility, but negligent or unskilful selection;
with much thought, but with little imagery; that he is never
pathetic, and rarely sublime; but always either ingenious or