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THE LATE MRS HEMANS.
xxv

Life" has been there regarded with an enthusiasm, of which few on this side of the Atlantic can have any belief. Nor was this impression confined simply to the general mind. We have only to refer to the periodical works of America, during the last ten years, to be made aware of the space she filled in literary estimation, and of the admiration with which her succeeding volumes were hailed. No better proof of this can be adduced than the shoal of imitators which sprang up among our Transatlantic brethren—for it is only what we admire most, that we most desire to copy. To their credit be it said, that they could not, among modern writers, have chosen a model of purer taste, or more classic elegance. Other minds of a higher order have avowedly lighted the torch of their inspiration at her shrine. In fact, they have selected Mrs Hemans as the head of a literary school, and have formed them selves on the most prominent excellencies of her peculiar manner.