Alcandrumque, Haliumque, Noëmonaque, Prytanimque,
of Homer and Virgil; who introduce those gallant warriors for the sake of a smooth verse, and dispatch them at a stroke without the distinction of a single epithet. Our poet too has more professedly imitated Virgil in the lines respecting Mr. Vansittart, now a candidate to succeed Mr. Hastings.
------And, VANSITTART, thou A second HASTINGS, if the fates allow. ------Si quâ fata aspera rumpas, Tu Marcellus eris!
The passage however is, as might be hoped from the genius of our author, obviously improved in the imitation; as it involves a climax, most happily expressed. Mr. Barwell has been panegyrized in the lines immediately foregoing, as _second to Hastings_; but of Mr. Vansittart it is prophesied, that he will be a _second Hastings_; second indeed in time, but equal perhaps in the distinguishing merits of that great and good man, in obedience to the Court of Directors, attention to the interests of the Company in preference to his own, abstinence from rapacity and extortion, justice and policy towards the princes, and humanity to all the natives, of Hindostan. The ingenious turn on the words _second to Hastings_, and a _second Hastings_, would have furnished matter for whole pages to the Dionysius's, Longinus's, and Quintilians of antiquity, though the affected delicacy of modern taste may condemn it as quibble and jingle.
The poet then hints at a most ingenious proposal for the embellishment of the India-bench, according to the new plan of Parliamentary Reform; not by fitting it up like the Treasury-bench, with velvet cushions, but by erecting for the accommodation of the Leadenhall worthies, the ivory bed, which was lately presented to her Majesty by Mrs. Hastings.
O that for you, in Oriental state, At ease reclin'd to watch the long debate, Beneath the gallery's pillar'd height were spread (With the QUEEN's leave) your WARREN's ivory bed!
The pannels of the gallery too, over the canopy of the bed, are to be ornamented with suitable paintings,
Above, In colours warm with mimic life, The German husband of your WARREN's wife His rival deeds should blazon; and display. In his blest rule, the glories of your sway.
What singular propriety, what striking beauty must the reader of taste immediately perceive in this choice of a painter to execute the author's design! It cannot be doubted but Mrs. Hastings would exert all her own private and all Major Scott's public influence with _every_ branch of the Legislature, to obtain so illustrious a job for the man to whose affection, or to whose want of affection, she owes her present fortunes. The name of this artist is Imhoff; but though he was once honoured with Royal Patronages he is now best remembered from the circumstance by which our author has distinguished him, of his former relation to Mrs. Hastings.