In the same book that contains the above record of his studies, he has
written out, also from memory, a "List of the different poets,
dramatic or otherwise, who have distinguished their respective
languages by their productions." After enumerating the various poets,
both ancient and modern, of Europe, he thus proceeds with his
catalogue through other quarters of the world:--
"_Arabia._--Mahomet, whose Koran contains most sublime
poetical passages, far surpassing European poetry.
"_Persia._--Ferdousi, author of the Shah Nameh, the Persian
Iliad--Sadi, and Hafiz, the immortal Hafiz, the oriental
Anacreon. The last is reverenced beyond any bard of ancient
or modern times by the Persians, who resort to his tomb near
Shiraz, to celebrate his memory. A splendid copy of his
works is chained to his monument.
"_America._--An epic poet has already appeared in that
hemisphere, Barlow, author of the Columbiad,--not to be
compared with the works of more polished nations.
"_Iceland, Denmark, Norway_, were famous for their Skalds.
Among these Lodburgh was one of the most distinguished. His
Death Song breathes ferocious sentiments, but a glorious and
impassioned strain of poetry.
"_Hindostan_ is undistinguished by any great bard,--at least
the Sanscrit is so imperfectly known to Europeans, we know
not what poetical relics may exist.
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