An Essay on War, in Blank Verse; Honington Green, a Ballad; The by Nathaniel Bloomfield
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Nathaniel Bloomfield >> An Essay on War, in Blank Verse; Honington Green, a Ballad; The
AN ESSAY ON WAR, IN BLANK VERSE;
HONINGTON GREEN, A BALLAD;
THE CULPRIT, AN ELEGY;
AND
OTHER POEMS, ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS:
BY
NATHANIEL BLOOMFIELD.
1803.
* * * * *
[Transcriber's Note: The page headers in the original text contained
one-line summaries of what appears on that page within each poem. Due to
the difficulty of interleaving these lines without completely disrupting
the flow of the poetry, they have been collected and placed in a single
square-bracketed paragraph at the start of each poem, and separated by
em-dashes.]
* * * * *
PREFACE.
* * * * *
Whoever has read the Preface to the FARMER'S BOY will hardly fail of
recollecting the Name of NATHANIEL BLOOMFIELD; the Author of the POEMS
here offer'd to The Public.
It will be recollected that he there appears, with his Brother GEORGE
BLOOMFIELD, standing in the place of the Father, whom they had early
lost, to their younger Brother ROBERT.
It is natural to suppose that this brotherly interference, and it's
consequences, greatly and advantageously influenc'd the dispositions,
pursuits, and habits of thought and conduct, of all three of the
Brothers.--And it is the more exemplary when it is consider'd how young
the two eldest were at that time.
It is an encouraging instance how much may be effected for each other
by the poor and uneducated, if they have prudence, activity, and kind
affections; and how unexpectedly, and to an extent far beyond apparent
probability, success is given by Providence to virtuous and benevolent
efforts.
Beyond question, the Brothers of this Family are all extraordinary Men:
and perhaps every one of them is more so than he would have been without
the fraternal concord which has animated them all, and multiplied the
powers of all by union and sympathy.
Of NATHANIEL, as of ROBERT, my Account shall be taken from
communications by Letter, made at my request by Mr. GEORGE BLOOMFIELD.
NATHANIEL BLOOMFIELD was born 23d Feb.[1] 1759.
He was the 3d Child and 2d Son of GEORGE BLOOMFIELD, of Honington: and
was deprived of his Father, by the Small-pox, when he was eight years
old. Like ROBERT, he learnt to read and write of his MOTHER: and had,
like him, his farther instructions in Writing, and was taught the
first Rules of Arithmetic, by Mr. RODWELL, of Ixworth[2]: where also
he seems to have had some instruction in Grammar. But his Mother being
then a widow, his Grandfather (Mr. ROBIN MANBY) kindly bound him
Apprentice to Mr. HAYLETT, a Tailor of Market-Harling: of which
business the Father of the BLOOMFIELDS had been.
He was here very kindly treated: and was found to be an excellent
Apprentice.
While here he learnt Church Music, (one of the great consolations of
energetic and pensive minds) and sung in a company which was conducted
by Mr. SYDER. But when his voice broke, he could make no figure among
them: for it was not only a Bass of extremely narrow compass, but weak
and tremulous.
This latter defect of voice was observ'd in THOMSON: and perhaps it may
arise sometimes not from a fault in the natural quality of the voice,
but from exceeding sensibility to Poetry and Music.
When about 16 or 17 years of age he entered with the fervor of a
vigorous and thoughtful mind into the study of Religion, on the
principles of the Church of England: and added to his study of it
what is the great end, the practice of Religion as a rule of conduct
and life.
At a stall at Harling Fair he met with a Practical Catechism: the
Author's name, PRATT: and at the same time he made the acquisition of a
large volume of TILLOTSON'S Sermons. Probably the Folio Edition of the
Sermons of that excellent Man and Writer: so distinguish'd by his
Piety, uniform, mild, and rational; the morality of his excellent
Discourses; their simplicity and clearness; and the sweetness and
persuasiveness of manner. These, and other religious Tracts, he bought:
and "the last" (Tillotson) "he lent," says Mr. GEORGE BLOOMFIELD, "to
me. I receiv'd many excellent Letters from him on that subject: and they
had greater weight on my mind than if they had been written by an elder
hand."
When his Apprenticeship expir'd he came to LONDON: and expected to
find his Brother GEORGE there. But GEORGE had taken a trip, "or tramp,
as it is called," into Kent. They however soon met in LONDON: "and
there never lived" (adds GEORGE) "a more pleasant acquaintance than
he prov'd."
It was some years before he could procure work in LONDON sufficient to
support him through the dead Months. He us'd therefore, when he found
trade dull in Town, to go into the Country.
And thus, while at Woolwich, he became acquainted with CHARLOTTE
NOBLE, whom he MARRIED 4th March, 1787; he being then in his 28th, and
she in her 17th year. Her Mother was a Widow: who kept a small General
Shop. Her Brother-in-law GEORGE, in speaking of this union, says, "There
perhaps never liv'd a Woman who possess'd a better temper: and he has,
though very poor, been exceedingly happy." For myself, I wish, in
transcribing this account, that those who think riches so essential to
happiness that they will take no step in life, nor suffer their hearts
or their understandings to have any influence with them, if the
acquisition of riches seems likely to be delayed or endanger'd, would
consider that the Family of the BLOOMFIELDS has been happy, and has
excell'd, upon very different principles. And if we would compare the
thousands in every situation of Life to whom what is called prosperity
is a snare, a burthen and a curse, with those who are happy with mere
necessaries, and those with difficulty obtain'd; ... happy by their
Affections and their Virtues; by improv'd and generous and tender
Feelings; by Hope amid difficulties, and Confidence in Heaven amid
trials and distresses, ... it might be seen and felt that there is more
of folly in the wisdom of the world, than those who place Wisdom in
the accumulation of superfluities, to the neglect of the most natural
Blessings, and often in violation of the clearest Duties, either of
Justice or of Benevolence, may be willing to acknowledge.
He has two Children living:--ELIZABETH; born 11th Jul. 1789; GEORGE;
4th Febr. 1797. "He lost," adds his Brother, "two sweet Boys: who both
died within a few days of each other, by that dreadful disease the
SMALL-POX;" which, while this Preface was in the Press, has been fatal
to another promising Child, THOMAS; born Aug. 1799. The Father,
oppress'd with grief, reproaches himself for not having inoculated this
Child with the Small-Pox. But when it is consider'd how formidable,
after two such Losses, the SMALL-POX in any form must appear to
affectionate Parents, I think it will be evident that he is too severe
to himself in this reproach. The inoculated SMALL-POX is sometimes
fatal: had he inoculated the Child he would have reproach'd himself,
and still with more feeling than justice, for so doing.
He had read but little Poetry when he came to LONDON: but he had not
been long there before he was struck, looking, as was his custom, at
Books on a stall, with the Title of NIGHT THOUGHTS. "He had never heard
of it before: but it's name was an irresistible charm to his melancholy,
enquiring mind. This has been ever his favourite Book. He would have
bought it had it been double the price. And as he possesses an
uncommonly retentive memory, he us'd to repeat great part of it by
rote in his walks with his Brothers. He afterwards read MILTON."
Such a Memory, and the study of two such Authors with poetic enthusiasm,
may in part account for what exceedingly surpriz'd me in reading the
MSS. of THE ESSAY ON WAR:--a greater mastery in the mechanism, and
greater power of numbers, than I should have almost thought possible
in the first attempt in BLANK VERSE; even to a person of the best
education.
He read too, GOLDSMITH and FIELDING. And he added to these some of our
English Poets as they fell in his way. Among these THOMSON could hardly
fail to be: but Mr. G. BLOOMFIELD remarks, "he never was so struck with
THOMSON as I should have expected."
While single, he made it the amusement of his evenings to read
_Entick's Dictionary_, and write down every word of which he wish'd to
remember the spelling or the meaning. He has often said that since his
buying of the Sermons in his early youth, he had never bought for his
own reading any but poetical Books: and when he could get hold of any
miscellaneous Book, he read first the Poetry, and after look'd at no
other part.
With this turn of Mind and habit of reading, that he has through Life
indulg'd in poetical effusions will be no matter of surprize. But be has
more than once said to his Brother GEORGE in Letters, that it was the
success of ROBERT that encouraged him to attempt an _Essay on War:_ a
subject on which he had occupied his thoughts a great length of time.
"I remember," says his Brother, "nothing particular of his infancy:
except the great share of bashfulness (or, as a Philosopher perhaps
would say, pride) which he possess'd in common with the rest of the
Family.... Exceedingly mild in his temper and kind to his play-mates,
he was very apt in learning."
For the last 15 years his own Account is that he has certainty read
but little: his Family having claim'd his utmost exertions; and his
business allowing little leisure. And what leisure he had being
generally employed in walking with his Children. Untill last Summer he
was a Journeyman Tailor: but has since been a MASTER in a small way.
If therefore he appears to possess any knowledge of a litterary nature,
it must be all from the stores of Memory.
He at present lives at No. 19, Dagget Court, Broker Row, Moorfields,
London. He is (says Mr. G. BLOOMFIELD) about 5F. 3I. high[3]: of a dark
complexion, and dark gray eyes: he has lost the hair from the top of
his head, which gives him the appearance of Age. Though remarkable for
talking little, so as to have the name of a man of few words, he is,
on occasion, a chearful companion: and though generally pensive and
melancholy, ever kind-hearted.
"As a Husband and Father, his character is certainly exemplary. And few
men pass through Life so smoothly. Though commonly working with a number
of shop-mates, he has such a philosophical command of temper, that he
never disputes; nor concerns himself with the disputes of others, unless
they refer to him for a decision."
Thus far the Account by his Brother: who had observ'd in a former
Letter, that with respect to Temper, what he should otherwise have to
speak of NATHANIEL, he had in a great measure said already of ROBERT.
Such a coincidence in mild and simple manners, amiable and good
disposition, is pleasing to remark any where: and additionally so when
it relates to Men who have each original and characteristic Genius; and
when the testimony is given by a Brother so capable of judging, and who
has had such continued experience from their very early Life, of the
Disposition and Character of both.
Having spoken thus far of the AUTHOR, from the best authority, it
remains for me to say something briefly of these his WORKS.
* * * * *
Early in the Spring of 1801, I saw in MSS. HONINGTON-GREEN, and the
ESSAY ON WAR[4]. I communicated them to Mr. GEDGE, Printer, of BURY;
who had been a zealous and active Friend to THE FARMER'S BOY: on reading
them, he wanted no time for deliberation, but offer'd at once to print
them for the benefit of the Author, at his own risque. I had known his
accuracy as a Printer: of which, and of neat Typography, I flatter
myself this Publication will be a proof. I had no difficulty to adopt
the proposal: and gladly offer'd, on my part, what little preparation
(very little indeed it was) might be necessary of the MSS. for the
Press; (or rather in it's progress through it); and to revise and
correct the Proofs.
My province has been quite of a similar kind in this instance as it
was in that of Mr. ROBERT BLOOMFIELD: little corrections, in point
of Orthography; and still fewer of Grammar: sometimes of Diction; and
sometimes of Versification. For some of the best of these emendations
I have been indebted to one, in mentioning of whom I should have had
an affectionate Pride: and have more in that Modesty which forbids the
mention. They are, as I have said, few of any kind: For of emendations I
have been anxiously sparing. Little was requisite: and more than was so
would have been blameable. I rely on the original MSS. being preserv'd:
which on this, as on the former occasion, will speak for itself.
I have said what I thought of THE FARMER'S BOY. It is a truely
agricultural Poem: it's originality and vivid representation of
immediate Nature manifest themselves in the whole Design, and in every
page. It will live with the works of HESIOD and THEOCRITUS; of VIRGIL
and THOMSON. I was nearly as much assur'd of this from the first, and so
express'd myself, as the event could assure me. I will now say with the
same freedom what I think of the ESSAY ON WAR.
I regard it as a Poem of extraordinary vigor and originality: in
Thought, Plan, Conduct, Language, and Versification. I think it has much
indeed of the philosophic character, poetic spirit, force of coloring,
energy and pathos, which distinguish LUCRETIUS. Of the justness and
spirit of the VERSIFICATION I have already spoken.
The PRINCIPLE of the ESSAY ON WAR appears to me, I will own, more
paradoxical than I should think, to judge from their conduct, it can
appear to the ruling part at least of Mankind in general. I indulge the
hope and expectation that WAR shall one day be universally and finally
extinguish'd. But I will confess also, that appearances would tempt us
to apprehend that day is far distant. And while we make War for Sport on
useful, generous, inoffensive Animals, it is not easy to imagine that we
shall cease to make War on one another.
But whether the Principle of the Poem be well or ill-founded, I can
hardly imagine any abstract proposition to be more poetically, more
forcibly, or more comprehensively maintain'd. And I am either ignorant
wherein Genius consists, or it is manifest in the Idea, the Style and
Numbers, the Design and Conduct of this Poem.
Of HONINGTON GREEN I am to speak next. And here it may be right to
obviate some prejudice against the Poem, which, in the minds of several,
may arise from the subject. I am not an Enemy to Enclosures: if the
RIGHTS and INTERESTS of the POOR, and of SMALL OWNERS, be very carefully
guarded, an ENCLOSURE may be a common Benefit. However, it is very
liable to become otherwise. But be an Enclosure good or bad, (and every
Man has a right to his opinion, and to support it by argument, on this
subject and every other) there are particular circumstances and
considerations which stand clear of the scope of the general question.
The Spot which is the subject of the Ballad is less, I believe, than
Half an Acre. It did certainly ornament the Village; independent of a
just and laudable partiality in the Author. Thus it would have seem'd to
the casual glance of a stranger. To the BLOOMFIELDS every circumstance
gave it peculiar endearment. There the Author of 'THE FARMER'S BOY,' and
of these POEMS, first drew breath. There grew the first Daisies which
their feet pressed in childhood. On this little Green their Parents
look'd with delight: and the Children caught the affection; and learn'd
to love it as soon as they lov'd any thing. By it's smallness and it's
situation it was no object: and could have been left out of Enclosure
without detriment to the General Plan, or to any individual Interest.
I wish it had: and most who love Poetry, and respect Genius, and are
anxious to preserve the little innocent Gratifications of the Poor,
will have the same wish.
As a poetical effusion, it strikes me that it has the tone, simplicity,
and sweetness, and pleasing Melancholy of the Ballad. There is a stroke
or two of indignant severity: but the general character is such as I
have describ'd. And with filial Gratitude and Love there is blended,
in the close, that turn for Reflection which is so remarkable in this
Author.... I wish'd and recommended that some at least of the ornaments
of 'THE FARMER'S BOY' should be sketches of local scenery: knowing
how much more interesting they would have been, and how much more
appropriate to the Poem. In that recommendation I was not successful:
but I am glad, in this instance, to see a faithful and agreeable Sketch
of Honington-Green from a very young pencil[5]. It will be remember'd,
at a far remote Period, that the double Cottage at the end of the Green
was the Birth-place of the BLOOMFIELDS. It is still, (and may it yet be
long so) the habitation of their Mother: and has been repair'd lately
by ROBERT. And I much doubt whether any House or Green will see two such
Poets born of the same Parents.
THE CULPRIT is the next in this Collection, and I had not seen it, nor
was it written, when I saw the two first. They decided my Opinion; and
had no more appeared, they would have been publish'd alone; as they
abundantly deserved.
THE CULPRIT strikes me as an original and highly affecting Poem. The
very attempt to sketch the successive conflicting feelings of one thus
circumstanc'd is no common effort. And what compass of thought; what
energy of expression! ... I do not always admit the justness of the
arguments. But it is a Soliloquy in character: and in judging of it,
as in all pieces of representative Poetry (as Mr. DYER, in his lately
publish'd ESSAY has well term'd it) the imagin'd situation ought to be
consider'd. And it strikes me as closing with a true and aweful Pathos:
not often equall'd.
The YORKSHIRE DIP is, I think, the result of that active but melancholy
Fancy, which can travel far into views of Life and Nature from a slight
occasion. It has a mixture of the Sportive which deepens the impression
of it's melancholy Close. I could have wish'd, as I have said in a short
Note, the Conclusion had been otherwise. The sours of Life less offend
my Taste than its sweets delight it. But when I think what NATHANIEL
must have felt in passing through Life, I more respect the Chearfulness
and habitual Vigor of his Mind, than I am dispos'd to be out of humor
with occasional gloom.
LOVE'S TRIUMPH differs as much in manner as in subject from those which
precede it. Yet a vein of pensive and philosophic thought flows here
also. The SONG OF BALDWIN is well adapted to soothe the fears and the
discontents of Poverty: and to convince those who have not learnt it,
that wealth, and rank, and power, and unlimited indulgence, are not such
Blessings as they are imagin'd to be at a distance: nor Poverty such an
Evil, that the first and best Blessings of Nature should be therefore
thrown aside in despair.
I may doubt on the expediency of the SONG OF BALDWIN being in a
different measure; but I can not doubt of the general merit of the Poem.
The PROVERBS, like other compositions of this kind, must rest chiefly on
their moral Justness, Utility, Simplicity, and Conciseness, rather than
on poetic Excellence: though neither in form nor coloring are they
deficient of that compos'd and grave Beauty which the Nature of the
Subject and Composition admits.
MORE BREAD AND CHEESE contains the Principle of the ESSAY ON WAR, and of
a celebrated ESSAY ON POPULATION, which I dare say the Author never saw.
It is strong, characteristic; and original: and although in the measure
of the humorous Ballad, has much nerve and energy[6].
I have now a Remark to make which relates generally to the
Versification. We may observe of HONINGTON GREEN, and most of the Poems
in rhyme in this Collection, that they are strongly accentuated: and if
red with a close attention to accent and emphasis, the rhythm is musical
and energetic; where to a careless Reader it might appear harsh and
untuneable.
The LYRIC ELEGY which concludes this little Collection is, I think,
animated and pathetic in no common degree. On the Merits of VACCINE
INOCULATION I do not think myself qualify'd to offer an opinion. Great
Doubts have been entertain'd concerning it by medical Men of Abilities
and Experience. Objections apparently strong were urg'd; and of various
kinds. At present it has had Declarations in it's favor from among the
most distinguish'd of it's Opposers. And it seems to have little short
of a general reception in the medical World.... Time and Experience,
the great Test of Truth in such instances, must determine for or against
it. But, important as the Question is, poetical Merit is comparatively
independent on the correctness of a philosophic System or Hypothesis.
And reflecting on his former Losses and present Calamities, the Author
could not but feel a deep Interest in whatever seem'd likely to obviate
such an Evil to others.
I have observ'd some rather striking coincidences with VIRGIL and
LUCRETIUS. I might have pointed out more; and to other classic
Authors. But I should have extended this Preface too far. At the same
time, such a concurrence in the Sentiments and Expressions of Genius in
very distant Ages, and under widely different Circumstances, is always
interesting, even where it can be resolv'd with Certainty, or
Probability, into IMITATION: and much more so, when, as in these Poems,
it is certain that it CAN NOT.
I have very few Words more to say in presenting this little Volume to
the PUBLIC. Specimens they will find in it of such different kinds of
Composition, as the same individual rarely can attempt with success. Yet
through great diversity of Style, Dissimilarity of Measure, and Variety
of Sentiment and Subject, may be seen the same Mind: and Traces of the
same Manner, and that manner peculiarly characteristic...a mixture of
contemplative equanimity, of incidental gleams of vivacity; of energy
frequently pathetic, sometimes sarcastic, and not seldom sublime. And we
have here an additional proof, that a true poetic Spirit, in whatever
Breast it inhabits, will create Thoughts, Language, and Numbers, worthy
of the Muse, however unfavourable the occupation and habits of Life.
Mr. NATHANIEL BLOOMFIELD was not without his fears, however, lest it
should be thought, that, although THE MUSE can visit a SHEPHERD'S BOY,
there may be some employments which exclude her influence. That a TAYLOR
should be a POET, he doubted, might appear too startling an Assertion.
And he had said accordingly to his Brother GEORGE, in a Letter, when
this Publication was first going to Press, "I want you to exclude the
word _Taylor_. Let there be no such Word in the Book. But perhaps I am
too late. I know there is in the public Mind as great contempt for him
who bears the appellation of _Taylor_, as STERNE has made old SHANDY
have for SIMKIN, NECKEY, or TRISTRAM. How many CAESARS and POMPEYS, says
he, by mere inspiration of the names, have been rendered worthy of them?
And how many are there who might have done exceedingly well in the
World, had not their Characters and Spirits been totally depress'd and
Nicodemiz'd; and I will add (says Mr. N. BLOOMFIELD) taylor'd into
nothing? In the REHEARSAL, the Author, to make the most ridiculous
part of it still more ridiculous, tells us, that it was written to a
Taylor, and by a Taylor's Wife. And even the discerning SPECTATOR
has given into this common-place raillery in the Monkey's Letter to her
Mistress. He has made the Soul which inhabited Pug's Body, in recounting
the humiliating State it had formerly been in, say, that he had been a
Taylor, a Shrimp, and a Tom-tit. It is from these causes, as well as
from the habits and appearance contracted by a recluse and sedentary
Life, that, in the enlighten'd, as well as the ignorant, the ideas of
Taylor and Insignificance are inseparably link'd together."
I prevail'd, notwithstanding, that this word, whose anti-poetic
influence is so dreaded, should be in the Book. About half a Century
ago, there seem'd a degree of incredulity as to the possibility of
Courage in a Taylor. ELLIOT'S LIGHT HORSE, at that time compos'd of
Taylor-Volunteers. effectually overcame that prejudice. It remain'd
to dissolve another still more irrational prepossession, that a Taylor
cannot be a Poet. And this Volume will be a victorious Host against an
Army of such Prejudices. Indeed the Force is greater than such a Combat
requires: for stubborn as other Prejudices may still be, our litterary
Prejudices have, in this Age, been rapidly giving way to Candour,
Reason, Common-Sense, and the Evidence of Fact. We have long known that
a Scotch Plough-Boy and a Milk-Woman[7] could still be Poets of high
and almost singular Excellence. And if Improbability were any thing
against Fact, it would be far more improbable, that two Brothers should
be such Poets as ROBERT and NATHANIEL BLOOMFIELD are, than that a Taylor
should be a Poet. It remains then for Prejudice to vanish like Mists
before the Sun: while the two BROTHERS sociably ascend PARNASSUS
together; higher than ever Brothers have climbed before: I might add,
each of them to an height which but few have ever reach'd[8].