Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1847 edition. Excerpt: ... EDMUND SPENSER. BORN ABOUT 1553 DIED, 1599. So few and so unsatisfactory are the materials which can be found for a Life of Spenser, that his admirers are obliged to content themselves with such knowledge of his character as may be gathered from his works, his choice of companions--or rather the characters of certain eminent persons who selected him as a companion--and the slight data that ingenious antiquaries have been able to make out from occasional mention of him by those among whom he lived. Men of inferior merit are often found to be solicitous as to their fame--to guard against being overlooked by their contemporaries--to provide for immortality. Shakspeare and Spenser, and men of their order--if such men there have been--in the unconsciousness which distinguishes and exalts them, forget their claims to the reverence of posterity; and while pouring_out the riches which it is not possible for them to withhold, sink their own personality as a thing of no moment. They hope for fame indeed; nay, they expect it. The divine gifts which enable them to deserve it have a prophetic power, and assure them of the result. But it is for their works they covet fame, not for themselves. The children of their souls are far dearer to them than their own existence; and it is for their spiritual offspring that they desire the loving appreciation of the ages to come. These are not the mm who write memoirs of themselves. They might attempt such things; but with the account of childhood and early youth--seasons upon which the man looks back with a fond feeling far removed from egotism--the record would cease. The commencement of conscious existence, while yet the new being is " trailing clouds of glory"--seeing a friend in every new face, a pleasure...
