Page:Lives of Poets-Laureate.djvu/233

Rh space prevents our inviting criticism to it by a long quotation. To sum up his merits as a psalmodist, it may be said of him that he has only failed where others have done so; for are not all attempts, save a few by eminent poets, scattered here and there in literature, rather parodies than paraphrases?

The sorrow and the triumphs which shook the strings of the royal harp are breathed in such strains of poetry as speak with divine eloquence in the unfettered rhythm of our version; but the sublimity is dwarfed by the exactments of metre, and the music faintly and falsely echoed by the jingle of rhyme.

In 1713, Tate undertook the management of a well-meaning publication, which was as short-lived as many such have been, and, strange to say, as one of the same name started in London within the last four years. "The Monitor," for so was it called, was to appear on alternate days, and the first number was issued on March 2nd, 1713. It was "intended for the promoting of Religion and Virtue, and the suppression of vice and immorality, in pursuance of Her Majesty's most gracious Direction."

The undertaking not only enjoyed royal patronage, but was encouraged by many of the nobility, bishops, and clergy. But in spite of all this, and the moderate price (one penny per number), it struggled unsuccessfully for but a short time. They were sent to the subscribers' houses on the terms of twelvepence a month, "sixpence on the receipt of the first paper, and sixpence more when the twelfth paper is delivered."

We are informed that through the contribution of some pious persons, some schools were to be supplied with them, "the masters of which will oblige their scholars to get the Poems by heart as part of their exercise." These scholars merit our sincerest sympathies. The publication commences