22, 1819 the most perfect blossom from this fine old stock. He graduated from Harvard in his nineteenth year, and read the class poem. In the light of his subsequent productions, it is of interest to note that it was said to contain "much vigorous satire and sharp wit." He studied law and was admitted to the bar; but the charms of literature led him, soon after having opened an office in Boston, to abandon the law and devote himself to a literary career. He brought to this congenial work a vigorous understanding, a brilliant imagination, fine susceptibilities, and a sturdy respect for human rights—the rich inheritance of his fathers. His first publication, a volume of poems entitled "A Year's Life," was dedicated to William Page, the artist, and a life-long friend. When in his twenty-fourth year, he undertook the publication of a magazine called "The Pioneer." Although it numbered among its contributors Hawthorne, Poe, and W. W. Story, the artist, it only survived some three months. The following year he published the "Legend of Brittany," "Prometheus," and other poems, many of which embodied his strong anti-slavery sentiments; these helped to fan that flame which finally consumed the hated institution. A book of essays entitled "Conversations on Some of the Old Poets;" "A Vision of Sir Launfel," a poem founded on the Search for the Holy Grail, and a third volume of miscellaneous poems; "Bigelow Papers," a political satire in verse, written in the Yankee dialect; "A Fable for Critics," a review of contemporaneous writers which was at first published anonymously, followed in rapid succession. After these prolific years came a twelve months' tour in Europe. Soon after his return he gave at Lowell Institute a series of twelve lectures on the British Poets, which at once established his reputation as a critic and reviewer. About this time the poet Longfellow resigned the chair of Modern Languages and Belles-Lettres at Harvard, and Mr. Lowell was appointed to succeed him. He returned to Europe and spent a year in special studies for his new work. Mr. Lowell has been ין a frequent contributor to the leading magazines. He was the first editor of the Atlantic, which, under his vigorous and discriminating management, became one of the leading literary magazines of America. His works have been republished and extensively read abroad. His later poems, "The Cathedral," suggested by a visit to Chartres; "Under the Willows;" the "Memorial" poems; and especially his noble "Commemoration Ode," which embodies the loftiest ideas of the patriot, mark the breadth and maturity of his thought and culture. His more important contributions to our prose literature are "Fireside Travels," "My Study Windows," and "Among My Books," First and Second Series. Besides essays upon miscellaneous subjects, these embrace his studies of the English poets-Chaucer, Spenser, Shakespeare, Milton, Dryden, Pope, and Wordsworth, also reviews of Lessing and Dante. Great as a poet, Mr. Lowell must also be ranked as a master in prose, so splendid is the diction, so vigorous the thought, so subtle the analysis, so bracing the moral sentiment. Mr. Lowell, who has been for the past four years American Minister at the Court of St. James, England, has added largely to his fame as a courteous gentleman, and a distinguished scholar. During his residence in England he has had many literary honors thrust upon him. He was elected Lord Rector of the University of St. Andrews, and was appointed to unveil memorial busts of Samuel Pepys, and James Fielding. He was also present at the unveiling of the memorial tablet to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, in Westminster Abbey, and made a characteristic speech. During Mr. Lowell's residence in London he was unfortunate enough to lose his wife. This was to him a most dis tressing affliction, but it served as an opportunity for his many friends to show the deep and tender sympathy they had for him. The Queen, Mr. Gladstone, the Lord Bishop of London, and thousands of less note, sent letters of condolence to the sorrowing poet. We append one of his most popular and impressive poems: THE HERITAGE. The rich man's son inherits lands, And tender flesh that fears the cold, One would not care to hold in fee. The rich man's son inherits cares: The bank may break, the factory burn; The rich man's son inherits wants: His stomach craves for dainty fare; Of toiling hinds with brown arms bare, A heritage, it seems to me, One would not care to hold in fee. What does the poor man's son inherit? Stout muscles and a sinewy heart; A hardy frame, a hardier spirit; King of two hands he does his part A heritage, it seems to me, A king might wish to hold in fee. What does the poor man's son inherit? A heart that in his labor sings; What does the poor man's son inherit? To make the outcast bless his door; A king might wish to hold in fee. O rich man's son! there is a toil But only whitens soft, white hands; O poor man's son! scorn not thy state; Work only makes the soul to shine, Both, heirs to some six feet of sod, A heritage, it seems to me, |