se his life, only with this observation,
that his works will never be forgot, 'till that epitaph is
fulfilled.--When

The cloud capt towers, the gorgeous palaces,
The solemn temples, the great globe itself
And all which it inherit shall dissolve,
And like the baseless fabric of a vision
Leave not a wreck behind.

[Footnote 1: Preface to Shakespear]

[Footnote 2: Alluding to the sea voyage of Fletcher.]

* * * * *

JOSHUA SYLVESTER,

The translator of the famous Du Bartas's Weeks and Works; was
cotemporary with George Chapman, and flourished in the end of
Elizabeth and King James's reign; he was called by the poets in his
time, the silver-tongu'd Sylvester, but it is doubtful whether he
received any academical education. In his early years he is reported
to have been a merchant adventurer.[1] Queen Elizabeth is said to have
had a respect for him, her successor still a greater, and Prince Henry
greater than his father; the prince so valued our bard, that he made
him his first Poet-Pensioner. He was not more celebrated for his
poetry, than his extraordinary private virtues, his sobriety and
sincere attachment to the duties of religion. He was also remarkable
for his fortitude and resolution in combating adversity: we are
further told that he was perfectly acquainted with the French,
Italian, Latin, Dutch and Spanish languages. And it is related of him,
that by endeavouring to correct the vices of the times with too much
asperity, he exposed himself to the resentment of those in power, who
signified their displeasure, to the mortification and trouble of the
author. Our poet gained more reputation by the translation of Du
Bartas, than by any of his own compositions. Besides his Weeks and
Works, he translated several other productions of that author, namely,
Eden[2], the Deceit, the Furies, the Handicrafts, the Ark, Babylon,
the Colonies, the Columns, the Fathers, Jonas, Urania, Triumph of
Faith, Miracle of Peace, the Vocation, the Daw; the Captains, the
Trophies, the Magnificence, &c. also a Paradox of Odes de la Nove,
Baron of Teligni with the Quadrians of Pibeac; all which translations
were generally well received; but for his own works, which were bound
up with them, they received not, says Winstanley, so general an
approbation, as may be seen by these verses:

We know thou dost well,
As a translator
But where things require
A genius and fire,

Not kind