Page:The Sceptic.pdf/24

Rh

"In 1820 Mrs Hemans published The Sceptic, a poem of great merit for its style and its sentiments, of which we shall give a rapid sketch. She considers the influence of unbelief on the affections and gentler part of our nature, and, after pursuing the picture of the misery consequent on doubt, shows the relief that may be found in the thoughts that have their source in immortality. Glancing at pleasure as the only resort of the sceptic, she turns to the sterner tasks of life.

'E'en youth's brief hours Survive the beauty of their loveliest flowers; * * * The soul's pure flame the breath of storms must fan, And pain and sorrow claim their nursling—Man." But then the sceptic has no relief in memory, for memory recalls no joys but such as were transitory, and known to be such; and as for hope— She, who like heaven's own sunbeam, smiles for all, Will she speak comfort?—Thou hast shorn her plume, That might have raised thee far above the tomb, And hush'd the only voice whose angel-tone Soothes when all melodies of joy are flown.'

"The poet then asks, if an infidel dare love; and, having no home for his thoughts in a better world, nurse such feelings as delight to enshrine themselves in the breast of a parent. She addresses him on the insecurity of an attachment to a vain idol, from which death may at any time divide him 'for ever.'....For relief the