Poetical Souvenir.

CHARLES MACKAY, LL.D.

WE have much pleasure in presenting our readers with a portrait of Dr. Charles Mackay, whose songs are familiar wherever the English language is spoken, and their influence in promoting social reform and elevating domestic affection must have been considerable. The poet was born at Perth; but was in infancy removed to London, where he commenced his literary career. In the year 1834, at the age of twenty-two, he published his first volume of poems: shortly afterwards he became connected with the "Morning Chronicle," and continued several years in this arduous service. From 1844 to 1847 he conducted the "Glasgow Argus ;" and while residing in the north received from the University of Glasgow the honorary distinction of LL.D. Returning to London he was engaged as editor of the "Illustrated London News," which under his efficient management was raised to a position of unprecedented popularity. During his long and laborious connection with these papers, Dr. Mackay has never forsaken the Muses, but has produced a variety of poetical works which have made his name illustrious among the poets of the present. As a song-writer Dr. Mackay is best known he has indeed inculcated no vice or immorality, however popular or fashionable it may be; but, on the contrary, has made song the vehicle for the inculcation of virtue, of self-reliance, of patriotism, of manly and womanly tenderness, of true love, and of all the charities, courtesies, and amenities of life. He has also made his songs simple and intelligible, or, as Milton recommends, "simple, sensuous, and passionate." The following extracts, with which we are permitted to enrich our present volume, will be acceptable to all our readers.

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