Page:Lives of Poets-Laureate.djvu/39

Rh applied by the poet, consigned them again to oblivion. After some further lapse of time, some resolute inquirers undertook to read his productions, and his originality and spirit have at length received their due recognition. Of his writings many are lost, and what remain can only be appreciated by one who is both an antiquarian and a poet. His qualities are judgment, fancy, little imagination, but considerable humour. He took the language of low life, and twisted the unformed stubborn tongue with marvellous power, coining words when it suited his purpose, and running riot in his exuberant facility of rhyming. He was conscious where lay his strength.

His favourite measure was one which was named after him "Skeltonical," and his success in Macaronics was universally conceded. This curious transition style of verse was frequently practised about that time and later. English composition larded with patches of Latin, sometimes of French, in a most extraordinary jumble, would seem absurd to us, but appeared natural then; and the skilful execution of the feat was highly commended. We select a specimen of each of these styles.

The first are extracts from the description of Miss Jane Scroupe, who resided at the nunnery of Carow at Norwich, taken from "The Book of William Sparrow."

How shall I report All the goodly sort Of her features clear That hath not earthly peer? The favour of her face, Ennew'd with all grace,