Page:Sarah Sheppard - L. E. L.pdf/20



passing on to a direct examination of L. E. L.'s writings, there are two or three objections which are so frequently stated against their peculiarities, that we cannot refrain from attempting, at least, to refute their validity. The first of these objections applies to the manner or rather style of her poetry. "It is too flowery and frivolous, consisting in a heap of words prettily strung together with very little meaning, and entitled to no higher rank than is implied in the sarcastic phrase of 'Young Ladies' Verses.'" To some minds the rainbow may seem no more than bright colours; they think not of its causes, its purpose, nor why its magnificent archway bridges the earth and sky with a glory caught from the fountain of life and light. We admit that there is a rainbow-colouring, a richness of style thrown over the poetry of L. E. L., which at first sight diverts the mind from the subject-matter, herein differing from many other writings, whose excellencies are rather obscured by clouds than darkened by excess of their own light. With many of our poets their gems are set in lead; their pictures framed in painted wood; their flowers and fruits buried among weeds and rubbish; so that the gems and pictures and flowers when they are discovered appear brighter from the relief of contrast. Not thus is it with L. E. L. The setting of her jewels is all so brilliant and finely wrought, that no wonder if the gem be often passed over for the broader surface of the glittering metal in which it is shrined; and her pictures are hung in such gorgeous