Page:The Poetical Works of William Motherwell, 1849.djvu/82

 comes nearer to ordinary life his poetical individuality insensibly disappears, and the 'uncouth lyre' of the 'Runic bard' is exchanged for the softer harp of the modem minstrel. The old Scottish ballad might be as successfully imitated, perhaps, by men of far inferior capacity, and exquisite as some of his lyrical compositions are, they might likewise be approached, if not excelled; but for the conception and execution of the 'Battle Flag of Sigurd,' 'The Wooing Song of Jarl Egill Skallagrim,' and the 'Sword Chant of Thorstein Raudi,' a special inspiration and peculiar powers were required—and I will venture to predict that they will survive the changes of time and the caprices of fashion.

One of his most prominent defects as a lyrical poet is, in my opinion, the assumption—for it was no more—of a morbid tone of feeling respecting the world and its ways. Doubtless—

but there is a natural limit to even this proverbial licence, and a perpetual dirge about broken vows, slighted love, and human selfishness, is apt to engender the idea that the man who thus indulges in habitual lamentation over his own misfortunes, must Lave been less discriminating in his friendships, or less deserving of regard, than we could wish him to have been. But this was not the case with William Motherwell. Few men have enjoyed, and