The Humourous Poetry of the English Language

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CHAUCER lived in the thirteenth century, dying in 1400. He is
designated the father of English poetry. The obsolete phraseology
of his writings, though presenting a barrier to general appreciation
and popularity, will never deter those who truly love the "dainties
that are bred in a book" from holding him in affection and reverence.
His chief work, the "Canterbury Pilgrimage," "well of English
undefiled" as it is, was written in the decline of life, when its
author had passed his sixtieth year. For catholicity of spirit, love
of nature, purity of thought, pathos, humor, subtle and minute
discrimination of character and power of expressing it, Chaucer has
one superior--Shakspeare.
CHESTERFIELD, LORD--Born in 1694; died 1773. Courtier, statesman, and
man of the world; famous for many things, but known to literature
chiefly by his "Letters to his Son," which have formed three
generations of "gentlemen," and still exert great influence.
Chesterfield was a noted wit in his day, but most of his good things
have been lost.
CLEVELAND, JOHN--A political writer of Charles the First's time;
author of several satirical pieces, now known only to the curious.
He died in 1659.
COLERIDGE, SAMUEL TAYLOR--Poet, plagiarist, and opium-eater. Born at
Bristol, in 1770. Died near London in 1834. He was a weak man of
genius, whose reputation, formerly immense, has declined since he has
been better known. But "Christabel" and the "Ancient Mariner," will
charm many generations of readers yet unborn. Most of the epigrams
which appear in his works are ADAPTED from Leasing.
COWPER, WILLIAM--The gentle poet of religious England: born 1731; died
1800. Cowper was an elegant humorist, despite the gloominess of his
religious belief. It is said, however, that his most comic effusions
were written during periods of despondency.
"CRUIKSHANK'S OMNIBUS"--A monthly Magazine, published at the period of
the artist's greatest celebrity, principally as a vehicle for his
pencil. Its editor was Laman Blanchard, a lively essayist, and amiable
man, whom anticipations of pecuniary distress subsequently goaded to
suicide.