MEMOIR OF JOHN KEATS. BY RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES. THE "Life, Letters, and Literary Remains of John Keats,” published in 1848, contain the biography of the Poet, mainly conveyed in the language of his own correspondence. The Editor had little more to do than to arrange and connect the letters freely supplied to him by kinsmen and friends, and leave them to tell as sad, and, at the same time, as ennobling a tale of life as ever engaged the pen of poetic fiction. But these volumes. can scarcely be in the hands of all to whose hours of study or enjoyment the Poems of Keats may find ready access; and thus it has been desired that the Editor should transcribe into a few pages the characteristics of an existence in itself so short, but radiant with genius and rich in virtue. The publication of three small volumes of verse, some earnest friendships, one profound passion, and a premature death, are the main incidents here to be recordedordinary indeed, and common to many men whose names have passed, and are passing, away, and here only |
