Page:Studies in Letters and Life (Woodberry, 1890).djvu/48

38 of reality to unreal human life. Crabbe's mental vision, his sight into the workings of the passions and the feelings, although not so perfect as his physical vision, was yet at its best very keen and clear; the sentiments, moods, reflections, and actions of his characters are seldom contrary to nature. It would be difficult to show a finer delineation of its kind than his description of the meeting of two long-parted brothers. As Richard approaches his brother's hall, he reflects,—

He proud and rich, I very proud and poor?

Perhaps my friend a dubious speech mistook,

And George may meet me with a stranger's look.

How stands the case? My brother's friend and mine

Met at an inn, and set them down to dine;

When, having settled all their own affairs,

And kindly canvassed such as were not theirs,

Just as my friend was going to retire,

Said his companion; "be his friend, and tell

The captain that his brother loves him well,

And when he has no better thing in view

Will be rejoiced to see him. Now, adieu!"

I am not come to flatter you and feed.

You shall no soother, fawner, hearer, find;

I will not brush your coat, nor smooth your mind;

I will not hear your tales the whole day long,