Page:Scotish Descriptive Poems - Leyden (1803).djvu/154

 tion; equally devoid of adulation in the sentiment, and affectation in the style. Sometimes, however, from a degree of harshness in the construction, we desiderate the refinement and polish of the great masters of our poetical style. The effect of climate and soil on the spirit of patriotism; the effect of liberty on the fine arts, and on the progress of civilization, is delineated, if not with the delicate polish of Gray, yet with his poetical energy and vigour. Unfortunately for the poet, his predictions have proved more consonant with poetical fiction than reality. The operations of General Wade, by rendering the Highlands accessible to armies, facilitated the destruction of the feudal system in that country; but the consequences of that measure have been more to be regretted than applauded. Instead of improving agriculture and extending commerce, of increasing population, and introducing a taste for the elegancies of life, it has miserably depopulated the country, driven the most spirited of her sons to exile, and destroyed the energy of those that still remain like a few mulberries on the uttermost branch of the tree.

is a descriptive poem of a very peculiar kind. It does not delineate the general aspect of the country, descant on its qualities capable of poetical representation, or describe the character and genius of its inhabitants: It commences with an animated address to the Genius of Scotland, expresses the most ardent sentiments of devoted patriotism, and insensibly glides into a description of some peculiar features of the country which had most forcibly impressed the mind of the au-