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ORTHOMETRY. |
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3.—THE LOVE SONG.
The lyric muse seems peculiarly adapted to give expression to the manifold phases of the tender flame, and the jingling of rhymes fitly harmonises with its wayward fancies. The common feelings of our nature, of which the love of the sexes is predominant, are reproduced in every son and daughter of Eve, and it is marvellous to contemplate the infinite variety of expression in which it has been clothed in all countries and in all times ; and yet we are ever eager to welcome every fresh wreath that is laid upon the shrine of "all conquering Eros." In our own tongue the tenderness, the glow and grace of the love lyrics of our Elizabethan poets can never be surpassed, and it would be invidious to particularise names and examples in a slight notice of this kind. Amongst modern poets Burns, Moore, and the Brownings may, without fear of offence, be specially mentioned.*
4.—THE CONVIVIAL SONG.
The social and fraternal feelings engendered by the gregarious instinct in man, have found expression in all ages in jovial, boisterous songs, more or less Bacchanalian in character. There is a strong flavour of usquebaugh about most of them, and a
• The reader is referred to the most recent Anthologies: " Love Lyrics," edited by William Watson (Macmillan & Co.); " Seventeenth Century Lyrics," edited by George Saintsbury (Percival &Co.). |
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