The Visions of England - Lyrics on leading men and events in English History by Francis Turner Palgrave
page 64 of 229 (27%)
page 64 of 229 (27%)
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Nor in the Minster laid with high array;--
But where the May-thorn gleams, the grasses wave, And the wind sighs o'er a forgotten grave. Langland, whom I have put here in contrast with Chaucer, is said to have lived between 1332 and 1400. His _Vision of Piers the Plowman_ (who is partially identified with our blessed Saviour), with some added poems, forms an allegory on life in England, in Church and State, as it appeared to him during the dislocated and corrupt age which followed the superficial glories of Edward the Third's earlier years. _Took the toll_; Amongst other official employments, Chaucer was Comptroller of the Customs in the Port of London. See his _House of Fame_; and the beautiful picture of his walks at dawning in the daisy- meadows: Prologue to the _Legend of Good Women_. _His of Certaldo, . . . in Scythia_; Boccaccio:--and Ovid, who died in exile at Tomi:--to both of whom Chaucer is greatly indebted for the substance of his tales. _Picture-like_; 'It is chiefly as a comic poet, and a minute observer of manners and circumstances, that Chaucer excels. In serious and moral poetry he is frequently languid and diffuse, but he springs like Antaeus from the earth when his subject changes to coarse satire or merry narrative' (Hallam, _Mid. Ages_: Ch. IX: Pt. iii). _The Tabard_; Inn in Southwark whence the pilgrims to Canterbury start. _Down the Strand_; It is thus that Langland describes himself and his feelings of dissatisfaction with the world. |
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