Part 12

This book would hardly be complete without some account of the above work. It is a small 12mo volume of 146 pages, with an engraved frontispiece. It is written--excepting the three pieces of verse which I have already printed--in a kind of unrhymed verse, which is curiously suggestive of the style of Whitman's "Leaves of Grass," particularly in the frequent passages in which the author enumerates or catalogues, as the American poet does, every object he can think of which bears any relation to his theme. There were, of course, more points of unlikeness than of likeness between the two poets, but they at least resembled each other in their invincible optimism, as well as in the points mentioned above. Whitman could not have known of the existence of the "Serious and Patheticall Contemplation"; but had it been accessible to him, it might well have been suspected that he was under some obligations to it.

The booklet consists of a series of "Thanksgivings" for the Body, the Soul, the Glory of God's Works, the Blessedness of God's Ways, the Wisdom of His Word, &c. There is much poetry and beauty of expression in these "Thanksgivings," and they are valuable also for the light which they occasionally throw upon passages in the poems which might else seem obscure. Thus the following passages from the "Thanksgiving for the Body" may be profitably compared with "The Salutation" and "Wonder":

I will praise Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made, marvellous are Thy works; and that my Soul knoweth right well.

My substance was not hid from Thee when I was made in secret and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

Thine eyes did see my substance yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written; which in continuance were fashioned when as yet there was none of them.

* * * * *

O Lord! Thou hast given me a body, Wherein the glory of Thy Power shineth, Wonderfully composed above the beasts, Within distinguished into useful parts, Beautified without with many ornaments. Limbs rarely pois'd, And made for Heaven: Arteries fill'd With celestial spirits: Veins wherein blood floweth, Refreshing all my flesh. Like rivers: Sinews fraught with the mystery Of wonderful strength, Stability, Feeling. O blessed be Thy glorious Name! That Thou hast made it A Treasury of Wonders, Fit for its several Ages; For Dissections, For Sculptures in Brass, For Draughts in Anatomy, For the contemplation of the Sages.

I quote the following passage from "A Thanksgiving and Prayer for the Nation" not merely because it is fine in itself, but also because it affords us yet another interesting glimpse of the author's personality:

O Lord, the children of my people are Thy peculiar treasures, Make them mine, O God, even while I have them, My lovely companions, like Eve in Eden! So much my treasure that all other wealth is without them But dross and poverty. Do they not adorn and beautifie the World, And gratify my Soul which hateth Solitude! Thou, Lord, hast made thy servant a sociable creature, for which I praise thy name, A lover of company, a delighter in equals; Replenish the inclination which Thyself hath implanted, And give me eyes To see the beauty of that life and comfort Wherewith those by their actions Inspire the nations. Their Markets, Tillage, Courts of Judicature, Marriages, Feasts and Assemblies, Navys, Armies, Priests and Sabbaths, Trades and Business, the voice of the Bridegroom, Musical Instruments, the light of Candles, and the grinding of Mills Are comfortable, O Lord, let them not cease. The riches of the land are all the materials of my felicity in their hands: They are my Factors, Substitutes, and Stewards; Second Selves, who by Trade and Business animate my wealth, Which else would be dead and rust in my hands; But when I consider, O Lord, how they come unto thy Temples, fill thy Courts, and sing Thy praises, O how wonderful they then appear! What Stars, Enflaming Suns, Enlarging Seas Of Divine Affection, Confirming Paterns, Infusing Influence, Do I feel in these! Who are the shining light Of all the land (to my very Soul:) Wings and Streams Carrying me unto thee, The Sea of Goodness from whence they came.

Have we not here a very remarkable anticipation of the leading thought of Whitman's "Leaves of Grass"? Do we not see in both poets the same deep love of and delight in humanity, the same feeling of comradeship and brotherhood with all men, the same hunger for sympathy and reciprocal affection, the same pleasure in the common things of life and nature, and the same frank acceptance of things as they are, and not as they might be? I have said that there is more unlikeness than likeness between the poets--but is it really so? Does not the above passage show that beneath all apparent differences there was a fundamental resemblance in their characters? To say the least, there was this resemblance--that both of them found life supremely well worth living, and never doubted, even when the clouds were blackest, that the sun was shining beyond them.

THE WILL OF THOMAS TRAHERNE, AS REGISTERED IN THE PREROGATIVE COURT OF CANTERBURY

Memorandum that Thomas Traherne late of Teddington in the County of Midd Clerk deceased in the time of the sickness whereof he dyed and vpon or about the Seaven and Twentyth of September 1674 having sent for John Berdo Gent to come to him the said Thomas Traherne then lying sick at the Lady Bridgmans house in Teddington and the said Mr Berdo being come vnto him he the said Thomas Traherne being then of perfect mind and memory vsed these or the like words to the said Mr. Berdo viz^t. I haue sent for you to make my Will for mee or to that effect. Whereupon the said Mr Berdo asked of him the said Mr Thomas Traherne whether he would haue it made in Writing. To which the said Thomas Traherne answeared in these or the like words viz^t. Noe I haue not so much but that I can dispose of it by Word of Mouth or to that effect And the said Thomas Traherne being then of perfect mind and memory by Word of Mouth with an intent to make his Will and to settle and dispose of his Goods and Estate did vtter and speake these or the like words viz^t. I desire my Lady Bridgman and her daughter the Lady Charlott should haue each of them a Ring. And to you (speaking to the said Mr. Berdo) I give Tenn Pounds and to Mrs Cockson Tenn shillings and to Phillipp Landman ffyve shillings and to John Rowland the Gardiner ffyve shillings and to Mary the Laundry maid ffyve shillings and to all the rest of the servants half a crowne apeece. My best Hatt I give it to my brother Phillipp. And sister (speaking to Mrs Susan Traherne the wife of his brother Phillipp which Susan was then present) I desire you would keepe it for him. And all the rest of my Clothes that is worth your acceptance I give to you. And for those that are not worth your accepting I would have you to giue them to Phillipp Landman or to whome you please with my old Hatt. All my Books I give to my brother Phillipp. And (still speaking to the said Mrs Susan then present) I make you and my brother Phillipp my whole Executors which words or the like in effect The said Thomas Traherne being then of perfect mind and memory did then utter Animo testandi and with an intent that the same should stand and be as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence and hearing of John Berdo Alice Cockson and Mary Linum.

John Berdo Alice Cockson The Mark of Mary Linum.

* * * * *

Proved at London 22 Oct 1674 by Susan Traherne, one of the Executors, to whom administration was granted, power being reserved of making the like grant to Philip Traherne, the other executor, should he ask for the same.

Printed by BALLANTYNE & CO. LIMITED Tavistock Street, London

BOOKS WRITTEN OR EDITED BY

BERTRAM DOBELL

_Post 8vo, cloth extra, 6s.; or on hand-made paper, 12s._

SIDELIGHTS ON CHARLES LAMB

This work contains much new matter relating to Charles Lamb, his works and his friends. It comprises a number of essays, poems, and short articles, some of which are certainly by Lamb, while others are probably his. One of them, which is undoubtedly by Lamb, tells, under the guise of a humorous fiction, the story of a curious and hitherto unknown incident in the author's life. Other pieces contained in the volume, whether written by Lamb, or by imitators of his style, will be found to be of quite remarkable interest and curiosity.

_Post 8vo, cloth extra, 3s.; or on hand-made paper, 7s. 6d._

ROSEMARY AND PANSIES

"There's rosemary for you, that's for remembrance; pray, love, remember: and there's pansies, that's for thoughts."

_Hamlet_, Act iv. sc. 5.

"Mr. Dobell has a good ear, a pretty gift of language and versification, and his matter is always worthy and truthful, and not seldom at once profound and beautiful, though these latter qualities are not always found together."--_The Reformer._

"Mr. Dobell's poems reach a high level of accomplishment, and reveal a very attractive and strenuous personality."--_Sunday Times._

"Mr. Dobell's volume will be liked by all who value wit, humour, and sincerity in verse."--_The Observer._

_2 vols., pt. 8vo, cloth extra, 12s. 6d._

THE POETICAL WORKS OF JAMES THOMSON ("B.V.")

With Memoir and Portraits.

_16mo, cloth, 3s. 6d._

THE CITY OF DREADFUL NIGHT AND OTHER POEMS (Selected)

By JAMES THOMSON ("B.V.")

_Small 4to, buckram, 2s. 6d._

A PROSPECT OF SOCIETY

By OLIVER GOLDSMITH

Now first printed from the unique original; with an Introduction and Notes.

WORKS PREPARING FOR PUBLICATION

_Cloth extra, 5s. net; large paper copies, 7s. 6d. net._

CENTURIES OF MEDITATION

By THOMAS TRAHERNE

Traherne is no less excellent as a prose writer than as a poet; indeed, I think it is not too much to say that his prose will bear comparison with that of any English writer of the seventeenth century. It is remarkable for its ease, spirit, eloquence, and suppleness--qualities which are not often found in combination in the writers of that period.

_Small 4to, cloth extra, 7s. 6d._

THE POEMS OF WILLIAM STRODE

[1602-1645]

Now first collected from Manuscript and Printed Sources, together with his Play entitled

THE FLOATING ISLAND

_NOW FIRST REPRINTED_

There is no more singular circumstance in the history of English literature than the fact that the writings of so fine a poet as William Strode should have remained for such a length of time neglected and forgotten. He had a great reputation in his lifetime, and his poems were largely circulated in manuscript among the literary circles of the time. His play, entitled "The Floating Island," which had been performed before Charles I. and his Court in 1636, was published in 1655, with a preface in which the editors promised that if it met with a good reception, more of the author's writings should follow. This promise, however, owing perhaps to the political disturbances of the time, was never fulfilled; and Strode has ever since remained a mere shadow so far as any knowledge of his writings and personality is concerned. With the publication of this volume he will take the place to which he is entitled besides such poets as Carew, Cartwright, Randolph and Corbet.

_Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 6s. per volume._

GLEANINGS FROM MANUSCRIPTS

BEING POEMS AND DRAMATIC WORKS OF THE SIXTEENTH AND SEVENTEENTH CENTURIES

Now first printed from manuscripts, most of which are in my own possession.

This series, which will, I hope, extend to three or four volumes, will consist chiefly of unprinted matter which I have discovered in the course of my researches among manuscripts of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The works of several authors not hitherto known to fame will be included in the contents of these volumes. Among them the names of Nicholas Oldisworth and M. Johnson may be particularly mentioned. Both of them are writers of very considerable merit, and are well worthy of being rescued from the obscurity in which they have so long rested. Another feature of the collection will be copies of the poems of many well-known writers, which will be printed because the manuscript versions which I possess exhibit many variations from the printed texts. Altogether, I venture to say that all scholars and students of our old literature will welcome these volumes and recognise their value.

* * * * *

_For further particulars of the above works, and of others which I have in contemplation, see a Prospectus which is now ready, and which will be forwarded on application._

FOOTNOTES:

[A] See "Archæologia," vol. xxxvii, p. 204.

[B] "Roman Forgeries" must have had some popularity in its time, for it is, unlike "Christian Ethicks," a tolerably common book. Fifteen years after its publication Dean Comber, a writer of some note in his day, published a work of similar character, and with the same title. As Traherne's book was published anonymously, Dean Comber has usually received credit for that as well as for his own work. The Dean was a man of considerable ability, and he would hardly have been pleased had he been told that he would only be remembered in future times as the writer who helped himself to a striking title at the expense of one who was far superior to himself in character and genius.

[C] See "Nova Solyma": an Anonymous Romance. With Introduction, Translation, &c., by the Rev. Walter Begley. (1903.)

[D] "Nature is the great spendthrift. She will burn up the world some day to attain what will probably seem to us a very inadequate end; and in order to have things stated at their worst, once for all, in English, she took a splendid genius and made him--an army schoolmaster; starved his intellect, starved his heart, starved his body. All the adversity of the world smote him; and that nothing should be wanting to her purpose Nature took care that the very sun should smite him also! Time will avenge him: he is among the immortals."--John Davidson, in the _Speaker_, June 17, 1899.

[E] This poem is included in the "Oxford Book of English Verse"; and the Rev. Orby Shipley has included two of Traherne's poems in his "Carmina Mariana."

[F] It is not only in "My Spirit" that we find traces of Traherne's Berkeleianism. See the "Hymn on St. Bartholomew's Day," "The Preparative," and various passages in other poems. I do not contend, however, that we have the idea in a clear and unmistakable form anywhere but in "My Spirit."

[G] This title was probably the invention of the publisher--one Samuel Keble--and not of the author.

[H] From certain indications in the folio manuscript, from which the bulk of the poems in the present volume are derived, it seems clear that there must be a considerable quantity of verse by Traherne which has not yet been recovered. Appended to several poems in the folio volume are references to other poems, as, for example, at the end of "Innocence," "An Infant Eye, p. 1," and "Adam, p. 12." Other poems thus mentioned are "News," "The Odor," "The Inheritance," "The Evidence," "The Center," and "Insatiableness." As the manuscript volume containing these pieces consisted of at least 142 pages, it seems likely that the present volume contains not more than one half of Traherne's poetical works. It may be hoped, but hardly expected, that the volume containing the poems mentioned above will some day be recovered. Possibly this mention of it may, if it still exists, lead to its eventual discovery.

[I] In Traherne's "Centuries of Meditations" this poem is preceded by the following note: "Upon those pure and virgin apprehensions which I had in my infancy I made this Poem."

[J] These five lines have an alternative reading:

The Sun itself doth in its glory shine, And gold and silver out of very mire, And pearls and rubies out of earth refine; While herbs and flowers aspire To touch and make our feet divine.

[K] It is doubtful whether this poem is by Traherne.

[L] (?) Sparkle.

[M] Several passages in other poems are thus marked. Usually where these marks appear--but not invariably so--there is a slight falling off in the author's inspiration. As these passages, however, could not be omitted without leaving palpable _lacunæ_ in the poems, I have taken no notice of them (save in one instance where I have suppressed a stanza which is clearly superfluous), preferring to leave the critical reader to discover such inequalities for himself.

Transcriber's Note:

1. Caret letters are shown as ^x.

2. Italics are shown as _xxx_.

3. All original spelling has been retained.