Wednesday, October 14, 2009

The works of Mr. Thomson

Wed 14 Oct 1772: A book was given me to write on, "The works of Mr. Thomson," of whose poetical abilities I had always had a very low opinion: But, looking into one of his tragedies, "Edward and Eleonora," I was agreeably surprised. The sentiments are just and noble; the diction strong, smooth, and elegant; and the plot conducted with the utmost art, and wrought off in a most surprising manner. It is quite his masterpiece, and I really think might vie with any modern performance of the kind.