THE Powers of Genius. Origin of Genius. SAY what is Genius? words can ne'er define * Invention is the first part of poetry and painting: and absolutely necessary to them both; yet no rule ever was or ever can be given how to compass it. A happy genius is the gift of Nature; it depends on the influence of the stars, say the astrologers; on the organs of the body, say the B Genius allied to Invention and Fancy. It sweeps with comets its eccentric flight, And soars in air beyond the world's dim sight; 10 Now roves thro' peaceful meads, now flies with storms: Now her fair fingers kiss the shepherd's reed, Now rous'd to rage she chills the soul with fear, naturalist; it is the peculiar gift of Heaven, say the divines. How to improve it many books can teach us; how to obtain it, none; that nothing can be done without it, all agree : In nihil invita dices faciesve Minerva. Without invention a painter is but a copier, and a poet but a plagiary of others. Dryden's Parallel between Poetry and Painting. Judgment. While sinks the world within the arms of sleep, 30 Ev'n then enwrapt with murkiest shades she walks, Pours sweetest numbers and with Genii talks. ---The memory notes transactions as they roll, And calls past images before the soul. Forth at her magic call the scene appears On her foundation bids the building rise. 40 *It is by Judgment that we discern the propriety of the plan and the execution of a work; the conformity of style and manner to its peculiar nature, the rectitude of sentiment, the probability of incident, the clearness of investigation, and the uniformity of design.---" Whatever (says Longinus) looks great both in poetry and prose, we must carefully examine whether it be not only appearance; we must divest it of all superficial pomp and garnish. If it cannot stand this trial, without doubt it is only swelled and puffed up, and it will be more for our honour to contemn than admire it. Early Genius-- The heart too cold to feel the generous glow, 50 * Cowley, Dryden, and Chatterton, wrote several admired poems at a very early age. Milton wrote his paraphrases of the CXIV and cxv psalms, at fifteen years of age. Tasso wrote his heroic poem, entitled Rinaldo, before he had attained his eighteenth year. Metastatio wrote a tragedy, entitled Guestino, while in his sixteenth year. Pope, when no more than twelve years of age, wrote his ode on Solitude; when sixteen he wrote his Pastorals; and when twenty he wrote his Essay on Criticism. Collins, while he was in his eighteenth year, wrote his Eclogues. The orator Bossuet discovered in some measure, while a schoolboy, his great powers. Of him the poet might have said: "Concourse and noise and toil he ever fled, ---It is related of Michael Angelo that he employed himself, when a child, in drawing with a coal, rude outlines of figures. His parents, who were noble, endeavoured to re Its Effects. Behold where bursts the golden orb of day! He grows in strength till from meridian height, And all collected in one great design, Moves like a giant just refresh'd with wine: 60 Then sweeps the storm which chills with loud alarm, Then falls the vigour of Alcides' arm. The poet often gains a madman's name. When first he kindles with the Muse's flame, When wild and starting he appears in pain, And shews a moon-struck phrenzy of the brain; The world cries out, "What ails our neighbour's lad? 'Tis pity of the boy, for he is mad;" He often laughs aloud, and none know why," 71 press his darling propensity, not only by reprimands, but by stripes. The force of Genius, however, prevailed over the blushes and severity of his parents, and Angelo attained the highest eminence in painting, sculpture, and archi tecture. |