Reviews

E380800C.  The Seraphim.

The Monthly Chronicle, August 1838, p. 195.

As reprinted in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 4, 385.

A poem of high excellence, but still higher promise, by Miss Barrett, called “The Seraphim,” may be described as a bold attempt to catch some of the points of a subject, the whole scope of which could hardly be compassed by the loftiest powers. The structure of the poem is lyrical—the form is in some sort dramatic. The action described is that of the Crucifixion, which is supposed to be witnessed by two of the seraphim, as they are winging earthward. The dialogue that takes place between these spirits furnishes the materiel of the verse. The combination of sublimity—suggested, but not developed—of natural grace and ethereal beauty in this production, may be at once admitted as a favourable evidence of the poetical temperament of the writer. There are some passages in this sketch of unusual delicacy, and, on the other hand, many feeble and affected lines. In the same volume there are several minor pieces, which, though less ambitious in design, are more perfect in execution. The more simple of these are indeed gems equally pure and lustrous; and in them every lover of poetry must find delight, and every student of poetry a model.

[Edward Bulwer-Lytton]

Reviewed:

The Seraphim, and Other Poems (EBB), London: Saunders & Otley, 1838.

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