781. BARLOW (Joel), Works of.—[continued].
Thomas Jefferson returns
thanks to Mr. Barlow for the copy of
the “Columbiad” he has been so kind as to
send him; the eye discovers at once the excellence
of the mechanical execution of the work,
and he is persuaded that the mental part will
be found to have merited it. He will not do
it the injustice of giving it such a reading as
his situation here [Washington] would admit,
of a few minutes at a time, and at intervals of
many days. He will reserve it for that retirement
after which he is panting, and not now
very distant, where he may enjoy it in full concert
with its kindred scenes, amidst those rural
delights which join in chorus with the poet,
and give to his song all its magic effect.—
To Joel Barlow. Washington ed. v, 238.
(W.
1808)
