with critical observations and biographical notices, by Robert Burns

XVI
gotten bards we owe some of his most exquisite lyri-
cal effusions. On a just and candid comparison, it
must be evident that he has greatly excelled his mo-
dels, and our admiration of his versatile talents will
be considerably increased when we consider how
happily he has reformed and polished the models
themselves. By the force of his superior powers he
has appropriated the works of his predecessors, in
order to render them more perfect, by purifying their
dross, illustrating their obscurities, suppressing their
faults, and refining their beauties. The native genius
of Michael Angelo was not degraded but exalted by
his study of the Antique ; and in Poetry as well as in
the Sister Arts, true originality consists not so much
in painting what has never been painted before, as in
the production of those vivid pictures which eclipse
all former attempts.
To this originality Burns has an undoubted claim.
The proud pre-eminence he enjoys above all the
Poets of his country will not soon be disputed with
him. It is impossible to say what lies hid in the womb
of futurity ; but it may be almost pronounced with
safety, that he will ever maintain his present supe-
riority; and that each new successor will but add
another wreath to his laurels.
London, Newman-street, May, 1810.
R. H. C.