Works of Charles and Mary Lamb. VI-VII. Letters
Charles Lamb to Bernard Barton, 7 July 1824
DEAR B. B.—I
have been suffering under a severe inflammation of the eyes, notwithstanding
which I resolutely went through your very pretty volume at once, which I dare
pronounce in no ways inferior to former lucubrations. “Abroad” and “lord” are vile
rhymes notwithstanding, and if you count you will ![]()
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wonder how many times you have repeated
the word unearthly—thrice in one poem. It is become a
slang word with the bards; avoid it in future lustily. “Time” is
fine; but there are better a good deal, I think. The volume does not lie by me;
and, after a long day’s smarting fatigue, which has almost put out my
eyes (not blind however to your merits), I dare not trust myself with long
writing. The verses to
Bloomfield are the sweetest in the collection. Religion is sometimes
lugged in, as if it did not come naturally. I will go over carefully when I get
my seeing, and exemplify. You have also too much of singing metre, such as
requires no deep ear to make; lilting measure, in which you have done Woolman injustice. Strike at less superficial
melodies. The piece on Nayler is more to
my fancy.
My eye runs waters. But I will give you a fuller account
some day. The book is a very pretty one in more than one sense. The decorative
harp, perhaps, too ostentatious; a simple pipe preferable.
Farewell, and many thanks.
C. Lamb.
Bernard Barton (1784-1849)
Prolific Quaker poet whose verse appeared in many of the literary annuals; he was an
acquaintance of Charles Lamb.
James Naylor (1618-1660)
Early Quaker evangelist who gave offence to both George Fox and religious authorities; he
was convicted of blasphemy and spent his later years in prison.
John Woolman (1720-1772)
American Quaker essayist and opponent of slavery; his
Journal was
published in 1774.
