The two first extracts are
examples of mere cleverness; and all that is aimed at is attained.
The former follows out a previous comparison of the world with a
"huge churn."
"Yet some, despising life's legitimate aim,
Instead of butter, would become "the cheese;"
A low term for distinction. Whence the name
I know not: gents invented it; and these
Gave not an etymology. I see no
Likelier than this, which with their taste agrees;
The _caseine_ element I conceive to mean no
Less than the _beau ideal_ of the Casino."--p.12.
"Wise were the Augurers of old, nor erred
In substance, deeming that the life of man--
(This is a new reflection, spick and span)--
May be much influenced by the flight of birds.
Our senate can no longer hold their house
When culminates the evil star of grouse;
And stoutest patriots will their shot-belts gird
When first o'er stubble-field hath partridge whirred."--p.25.
In these others there is more purpose, with a no less definite
conciseness:
"Comes forth the first great poet. Then a number
Of followers leave much literary lumber.
He cuts his phrases in the sapling grain
Of language; and so weaves them at his will.
They from his wickerwork extract with pain
The wands now warped and stiffened, which but ill
Bend to their second-hand employment.
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