Everard Meynell

“ From 1893 till 1897 Thompson lived, with short intervals, near the Franciscan monastery in Pantasaph, North Wales. There he wrote nearly all the 'New Poems,' which he published in 1897, and dedicated to Coventry Patmore, whose death spoilt the pleasures of publication. The book shows the powerful influence of older mystical poets, but the 'Mistress of Vision,' of which he himself said that it contained as much science as mysticism, takes with the 'Anthem of Earth' a place in the forefront of English verse. In prose Thompson also gave proof of notable power. ”

“ Sustained through his sufferings by opium, he developed poetical powers, and at the end of two years of outcast life he copied out on ragged scraps of paper in the spring of 1888 two poems, ’The Passion of Mary' and 'Dream Tryst,' and a prose essay, 'Paganism Old and New.' These compositions he sent, giving Charing Cross Post Office as his address, to 'Merry England,' where the work of his uncle, Edward Healy Thompson, had already appeared. ”

“ To the same period belong ten early drawings of Jewish festival ceremonies which prove the artist's devotion to his own faith and people. Eight designs for the 'Song of Solomon' and the same number for 'The Book of Ruth' (reproduced, like most of his work, by Mr. Hollyer) well attest his capacity and sentiment. Solomon also tried his hand at illustration for books and magazines. An etching in a 'Portfolio of Illustrations of Thomas Hood' (1858) and work in 'Once a Week' (1862) and for Dalziel's 'Bible Gallery' (1881) have importance. ”