The Virginian

The following circumstances present an interesting anomaly in poetical biography and literature; and if the statements here given are any thing more than a mere puff to introduce the 'Rising Village' into public notice, they cannot but excite a general curiosity to become acquainted with a production so strongly recommended, both by its origin, and its similarity to the immortal production of the first poet of the name. Even if the new poem shall display talent kindred to that of the 'Deserted Village,' we might be disposed to pardon the trick by which it would be brought under our notice, (supposing it to be a trick,) for the sake of the luxury to true taste which it would afford; for, notwithstanding the pains which have been taken by the ramby pamby poets of the present age to introduce an affected style and a concerted phraseology, from which the well organized judgment recoils, we believe there is so much good sense and good discrimination in the world, that the style of Oliver Goldsmith needs no other recommendation than its intrinsic sweetness and chastity.

[Nat. Journal.]

Halifax, August 24.—An original poem, entitled the Rising Village, written by Oliver Goldsmith, Esq. of the commissariat here, has lately appeared in England, and attracted considerable notice.—A preface has been attached to it by the Bishop of Nova Scotia; and two copies of the work have reached town by the packet. We have been kindly favored with perusal of it. There is something singular in the production of this poem. Mr. Goldsmith is a collateral descendant of the great Goldsmith, whose powers of poetry were so touchingly eloquent, and who, in the extent and variety of his works, has left behind him such monuments of the richness and versatility of his genius. In addressing our readers, however, we need scarcely remind them, that his 'Deserted Village' is by far the most celebrated of his poems; and that it has acquired its fame not more from the smooth harmony of its numbers, than from the affecting pathos of its descriptions, and its masterly appeals to the heart.

The present poem bears to it a striking analogy. In the name and verse, there is a similitude; this, as the former, is dedicated to an elder brother; and no man can read the volume without feeling fully satisfied that the genius of the latter poet has caught fire and gathered lustre from the fame of inspiration, which burns around his ancestors.