Page:The Poets and Poetry of the West.djvu/545

 1850-GO.] COATES KINNEY 529 Does our poet meet this fifth test of poetic excellence ? In addition to citations already made, which illustrate this point, there are several entire pieces, to which we may call the reader's attention. In conclusion let it be remarked that, a sixth test of excellence consists in the depth of thought that lies at the basis of a poet's performances. It is not the quantity but the quality of his productions on which merit must repose. The reader will notice that his appreciation and admiration of " Keeuka," " Mother of Glory," and many others of Mr. Kinney's productions, will depend upon the study he gives them. EXTRACTS FROM "KEEUKA." Were mine the language Sappho wont to sing, Whose tones were brooks of honey in the soul; Could I the full Hellenic thunders fling Down from sublime thought's empyrean pole. With Argive auditors to hear them roll, Then might I not in vain invoke the Muse, Whose mythic spells of inspiration stole Upon old bards, and filled their hearts, as dews Mysterious fill the buds, with glory's folded hues. But most the power I lack ; for Saxon speech, Though rough as ragged ocean, yet is grand As the great sound of billows on the beach. That winds in wrath scourge bellowing to land. Yet, though the Muse ne beck me with her hand Up where Parnassian rills of passion flow, Where fancy's rainbows brilliantly are spanned Above thought's purest, most ethereal snow, Nathless I meekly sing this museless lay below. [Canto I. — Stanzas i., ii. The voices with the distance, tapered down To silence ; and thence till the setting sun The plumy thrapple of the mockbird brown, Swoln full of rich, round warble, glibly spun Its tangled string of carols, never done : The tunable love-twitter round the nests, The susurration of the bees, the run Of quick brooks, blent their sweet sounds, till the west's Vanguard of hosting stars displayed their brilhant crests. [Canto I. — ^Stanza xxi. Oh War ! iconoclast of woman's love ! Thou breaker of the idols of her heart! Thou pomp of murder, that dost flout above All penalty ! that sit'st enthroned apart From vulgar crimes, and crowned with glory art ! While man may so heroically die That his great name on tinie's historic chart Shall loom through ages, woman's is the sigh— The tear, which fame's cold breath may freeze, but cannot dry. [Canto II. — Stanza ii. The woods' wide amphitheater of green ; The sky's high overcanopy of blue ; The lake, areqa for the coming scene Of love's boat floating with its dual crew ; 34