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nations have innumerable small poems, very mechanically disposed into the shapes of Ovals, Lozenges, and other mathematical figures[1], exactly parallel to the Eggs, Wings and Axes of some of the Greek minor Poets; yet both sides may be acquitted from the suspicion of stealing this happy invention from each other. Upon the whole, therefore, I much doubt whether we ought to attribute the Icelandic attempts of this kind, either to a Persic or Hebrew origin: even though some of the first emigrations of the northern people may be allowed to come from the neighbourhood of Persia.
As to the Anglo-Saxon, and Icelandic poetry: these will be allowed to be in all respects congenial, because of the great affinity between the two languages, and between the nations who spoke them.
- ↑ The Reader may find many of these little mechanic Trifles translated into English, in an ancient Art of English Poesie, 1589, 4to. p. 77, 78. The writer (one Pultenham) says, These are in great request among the Sultans of Tartary, Persia and the Indies, (and even the Chinese) who often make presents to their ladies of poems arranged in these forms; the letters of which are composed of diamonds, rubies, &c.—This sort of gallantry is also practised in Turkey, as we learn from Lady Mary Wortley Mountague’s Letters, Vol. III. Letter XL.
