riod. Though sound is insignificant when compared to sense; yet where they can be rendered compatible, it were idle fastidiousness to disdain the help of the former in augmenting general effect. The language of conversation, and the epistolary and familiar style, were in a far better taste than the formal compositions of authors. Generally speaking, the best studies of this reign were those of classical literature, which the learning and example of James, no doubt, contributed greatly to render fashionable. Casaubon, the eminent scholar, was invited from France, and granted a pension of 3001. a year, besides church preferments. Antonio de Dominis, archbishop of Spalatro also distinguished for his classical learning, resided for some time in this country; but as his remuneration was incommensurate with his ambition, he withdrew again to the conti nent. If we except Sidney's Arcadia, it may be affirmed that prose allegory began in this reign; and I believe that "The Isle of Man," by Barnard, is one of the first specimens. The book was lately reprinted at Bristol. John Bunyan carried this sort of writing to the very point of perfection. Long after, bishop Patrick wrote, A Pilgrim, but remarkable only for dullness; and the catholics have, A Pilgrim to Loretto, which is also bad, though it has beautiful passages of description. With the exception of these allegories, there is very little original prose fictitious narrative before the time of Charles II. Translations were uncommonly numerous. I believe, that there was not a single good book published, at this period, in any part of Europe, which was not speedily made English. In general, these versions were well done; with respect to the romances, very badly, as before noticed. Voyagers and travellers were likewise abundant, and assisted to augment our literary treasures. But the brightest star in this galaxy of worthies, was the lord Verulam. His intellectual labours did more to enlighten his fellow men, and to fix them in a state of general improvement, than those of all others combined. Succeeding philosophers have had little else to do than to walk in his steps; or at least, to proceed towards those various objects. VOL. II. riod. Though sound is insignificant when compared to sense; yet where they can be rendered compatible, it were idle fastidiousness to disdain the help of the former in augmenting general effect. The language of conversation, and the epistolary and familiar style, were in a far better taste than the formal compositions of authors. Generally speaking, the best studies of this reign were those of classical literature, which the learning and example of James, no doubt, contributed greatly to render fashionable. Casaubon, the eminent scholar, was invited from France, and granted a pension of 3001. a year, besides church preferments. Antonio de Dominis, archbishop of Spalatro also distinguished for his classical learning, resided for some time in this country; but as his remuneration was incommensurate with his ambition, he withdrew again to the conti nent. If we except Sidney's Arcadia, it may be affirmed that prose allegory began in this reign; and I believe that " The Isle of Man," by Barnard, is one of the first specimens. The book was lately reprinted at Bristol. John Bunyan carried this sort of writing to the very point of perfection. Long after, bishop Patrick wrote, A Pilgrim, but remarkable only for dullness; and the catholics have, A Pilgrim to Loretto, which is also bad, though it has beautiful passages of description. With the exception of these allegories, there is very little original prose fictitious narrative before the time of Charles II. Translations were uncommonly numerous. I believe, that there was not a single good book published, at this period, in any part of Europe, which was not speedily made English. In general, these versions were well done; with respect to the romances, very badly, as before noticed. Voyagers and travellers were likewise abundant, and assisted to augment our literary treasures. But the brightest star in this galaxy of worthies, was the lord Verulam. His intellectual labours did more to enlighten his fellow men, and to fix them in a state of general improvement, than those of all others combined. Succeeding philosophers have had little else to do than to walk in his steps; or at least, to proceed towards those various objects. VOL. II. |