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A Sequel to the " Rejected Addresses;" or the Theatrum Poetarum Minorum. By another Author. 12mo.

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Ir is a very rare occurrence when the continuation of a popular book rivals the book itself in merit. We wish that we were able to promise our readers the gratification which arises from that rarity on the present occasion: but the Sequel to the (fictitious)"Rejected Addresses" proceeds from a very inferior The first supposed candidate for the prize is Mr. Campbell; and although he certainly would have afforded a good subject for imitation in the former jeu d'esprit, yet we cannot understand the wit of his being classed among the Poeta Minores of Great Britain, in the trifle before us. His marked peculiarities of manner (taking them as they are displayed in Gertrude of Wyoming") are grossly burlesqued in a vapid vulgarism called "Molly of Bridges Street." For the excessive refinement and laboured polish of the original, we have the wiredrawn want of thought and careless composition of a copyist, whose humour is without strength, and whose coarseness is unredeemed by vivacity.

The "Farmer's Boy's Address," ascribed to Robert Bloomfield, has no other resemblance than that of frigid and unmeaning verbiage, to the model from which it is imitated: while "The philosophical discovery, and Plebeian Talent," by Capel Lofft, Esq. endeavours in vain to amuse the reader, by making the pretended and very respectable author ridiculous. Both attempts are equally unsuccessful. The nonsense supposed to be spoken by boys of thirteen and fourteen years of age would disgrace the gambols of a nursery.

Drury-lane; a Poem in two parts, by Lord George Grenville," with a minute argument prefixed to each part, is written (we conclude) in mimicry of the poem of that noble author, entitled "Portugal," which we had hoped ere now to have duly reported. The style of the original has nothing sufficiently marked for imitation; and as to the sentiments of piety which occur in Lord George's composition, we cannot discern the good sense which laughs at them in the burlesque. It is a sure characteristic of this species of witlings to smile when they should be serious:

"Gentle dulness ever loves a jest."

"Sympathetic Adventures, by Yorick's Ghost," although tedious on the whole, have really some merit in detached parts. Yorick breakfasting in bed, after his exertions on the preceding

night at the fire, and the landlady helping him to tea and toast, have much of the particularized reality of Sterne, and do not fail to suggest other points of resemblance.

"Drury and Comedy," by L'Allegro, is below contempt. "A Spirited Address on Theatrical Reform," by Sir Francis Burdett, has no similarity to the manner, and even caricatures the sentiments, of the baronet. "Orchestraic Melody," allotted to Mr. Horace Twiss, might have been written by that gentleman, or any other gentleman, had it been more correct in language and versification:

“Avaunt fam'd Handel, Haydn, and Mozart!

Thy sounds hoarse rattling, like a drayman's cart," &c. &c.

"An Address for a Youthful Audience," by Mrs. Barbauld, may possess some occasional likeness to the productions of that accomplished friend of juvenile readers: but, if it does, what merit is due to such success? That judgment is sadly deficient which can so ill discern the proper objects of burlesque.

The "Burning," by Miss Holford, lashes the irregularity of that lady's measure with much justice, but entirely fails in transfusing her undoubted spirit. "The Battle of the Pit of Drura," by Ossian's Ghost, may be said to be nearly as good as the original, by those who entertain not very reverent ideas of the Gaelic Bard. "Sonnets on Theatrical Subjects," by the Rev. W. L. Bowles, are tolerably successful: but the "Managing Brewers," injuriously assigned to Mr. Hayley, is a perfect picture of St. Giles's;-and thus ends this doleful tragedy.

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BIOGRAPHY

OF

CAPTAIN JAMES LAWRENCE.

To speak feelingly, yet temperately, of the merits of those who have bravely fought and gloriously fallen in the service of their country, is one of the most difficult tasks of the biographer. Filled with admiration of their valour, and sorrow for their fate, we feel the impotency of our gratitude, in being able to reward such great sacrifices with nothing but empty applause. We are apt, therefore, to be hurried into a degree of eulogium, which, however sincere and acknowledged at the time, may be regarded as extravagant by the dispassionate eye of after

years.

We feel more particularly this difficulty, in undertaking to give the memoirs of one, whose excellent qualities and gallant deeds are still vivid in our recollection, and whose untimely end has excited, in an extraordinary degree, the sympathies of his countrymen. Indeed, the popular career of this youthful hero has been so transient, yet dazzling, as almost to prevent sober investigation. Scarce had we ceased to rejoice in his victory, before we were called on to deplore his loss. He passed before the public eye like a star, just beaming on it for a moment, and falling in the midst of his brightness.

Captain James Lawrence was born on the 1st of October, 1781, at Burlington, in the state of New-Jersey. He was the youngest son of John Lawrence, Esq. an eminent counsellor at law of that place. Within a few weeks after his birth his mother died, and the charge of him devolved on his sisters, to whom he ever showed the warmest gratitude for the tender care they took of his infant years. He early evinced that excellence of heart by which he was characterized through life; he was a dutiful and affectionate child, mild in his disposition, and of the most gentle and engaging manners. He was scarce twelve years of age when he expressed a decided partiality for

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