Book Description

Excerpt from A Sketch of the History of Framingham The following sheets were accidentally discovered, buried in a heap of rubbish, in the corner of a cell; for several months previously occupied by an unfortunate debtor, who had there ended his days. They were, therefore, very naturally considered, the work of his pen; intended to alleviate the irksomeness of confinement, by employment, and the consequent amusement. In the progress of what lie terms his sketch, we perceive considerable inequality in the style. To use his favorite figure, alliteration, probably proceeding from frequent depression of spirits occasioned by the declining stale of his health. Respecting alliteration, as an apology for the deceased, the authority of some of our best poets, both ancient and modern, might be adduced. - But let Prior's "smooth surface of a summer's sea," suffice. This figure is, in prose, what rhyme is in poetry. Our sublimest writers have only occasionally used it. This, like the Hyblean honey, is exceedingly sweet; but must be used with moderation, otherwise it not only cloys, but in the end nauseates. Respecting his Johnsonian pollysyllabical verbiage, we entertain not the same indulgence. The frog, that would be an Or must be a fool. The sweetest fruit is least shaded with leaves. Somewhat of quaintness is occasionally discovered, both in turn of thought and expression. One thing we rejoice in being able to mention with unqualified praise; bis constant reference to the wisdom and goodness of Divine Providence. His introduction, though apparently not connected with the following subject, we think as much so, as the feudal system with Robertson's life of Charles V. or the history of the settlement of the North American States with the life of Washington. Religion should be blended with all our actions, feelings and thoughts. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.