school of poetry of which Horace is the highest master, he is a
not undistinguished pupil."--_Academy_, August 11th, 1874.

"The verses are full of melodious charm, and sing themselves
almost without music."--_Blackwood's_, August 1st, 1874.

THIRD SERIES.

"Not unworthy of its predecessors. It presents the same command
of metre and diction, the same contrasts of mood, the same grace
and sweetness. It cannot be denied that he has won a definite
position among contemporary poets."--_Times_, October 16th, 1875.

"'Evensong' shows power thought, and courage to grapple with the
profoundest problems. In the 'Ode to Free Rome' we find worthy
treatment of the subject and passionate expression of generous
sympathy."--_Saturday Review_, July 31st, 1875.

"More perfect in execution than either of its predecessors....
The pure lyrics are sweeter and richer. In the 'Birth of Verse'
every stanza is a little poem in itself, and yet a part of a
perfect whole."--_Spectator_, May 22nd, 1875.

"If each book that he publishes is to mark as steady improvement
as have his second and third, the world may surely look for
something from the writer which shall immortalize him and remain
as a treasure to literature."--_Graphic_, June 1st, 1875.

THE EPIC OF HADES.

_BOOK II._[A]

"Fresh, picturesque, and by no means deficient in intensity; but
the most conspicuous merits of the author are the judgment and
moderation with which his poem is designed, his self-possession
within his prescribed limits, and the unfailing elegance of his
composition, which shrinks from obscurity, exuberance, and rash
or painful effort as religiously as many recent poets seem to
cultivate such interesting blemishes.... Perhaps the fine bursts
of music in Marsyas, and the varied emotions portrayed in
Andromeda, are less characteristic of the author than the prompt,
yet graceful, manner in which he passes from one figure to
another.... Fourteen of these pieces written in blank verse which
bears comparison with the very best models make up a thoroughly
enjoyable little volume...."--_Pall Mall Gazette_, March 10th,
1876.

[Footnote A: Book II. was issued as a separate volume prior to the
publication of Books I. and III. and of the complete work.]

"It is natural that the favourable reception given to his 'Songs
of