saries are gone to assume their costumes. He is informed of der Bower; the other, a Secret and True History of the Church the plot by a servant girl, who takes him for one of the actors. of Scotland, from the Restoration to the year 1678, by the Rev. He listens with attention, picks up a piece of scandal relative James Kirkton, an actor in that great political and religious to Mrs. Futet, collects information concerning all those with drama, edited by Mr. C. K. Sharpe. whom he will have to contend,hastens to put on a ridiculous dress, The literary and collecting world have now various opportuand returns to deliver himself to the malice of his enemies. He nities of gratifying their taste, by the obituary sales announced soon deranges their projects: he perfectly recollects a box on for the spring. Amongst these, we notice the united libraries the car, which Mrs. Futet, who has never seen him, pretends of the late T. Holles, and T. B. Holles, together with their meto have given him, but it is to demand satisfaction for it. Mrs. | dals, coins, and other curiosities; the collections of the wellFutet reproaches him with the rupture of a sacred engage-known Mr. Phelipe, in Chalcography; the drawings and enment; he confesses that he has had the happiness of a tête-gravings of the late C. Lambert, F.R.S. and of P. Sandby, R.A. tête with her, but only on the way to Melun, in a little car-&c. &c.

riage, &c. He makes the mystifiers quarrel with each other; A Popular View of Recent Discoveries in Geology and the he talks to his intended with so much good sense, and in so sciences connected with it, as detailed by Mr. Professor Brande, pleasing a manner, that she cannot but regret the husband she at his Royal Institution lectures, is now preparing by him for has disdained; he puts to fight the physicians who come to the press, upon a plan that must be highly interesting, and, importune him, by feigning madness, &c. Much less wit indeed, of general utility.

would suffice to enable him to retire with all the honors of The doctrines, as well as the practice, of Scottish Divorce war; but he determines also to show his generosity, and there-Courts, with respect to English marriages, are as yet in consifore contributes to the union of the two lovers. The authors derable obscurity. One of the consistorial judges of Edinburgh of this witty trifle have frankly acknowledged, in a very well is about to throw some light upon that subject, by publishing turned couplet, their obligations to Molière; to be com- Reports with observations, in an 8vo. volume. pletely just, they ought to have dedicated another to M. Bouilli, for the idea of their piece is evidently taken from a little Comic Opera by that author, called Le Séjour Militaire, which was acted two or three years ago at Feydeau.

INTELLIGENCE,

LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC.

BOOKS REVIEWED IN THE CURRENT JOURNALS.

Biography will speedily be enriched by a Life of the late Dr. Buchanan, by the Rev. Hugh Pearson of St. John's, Oxford. Arthur Young, Esq. the selector from the works of Baxter, is about to publish Owenaia, a selection from the works of

Dr. Owen.

Thomas Moore, Esq. has in the press an Oriental Romance, under the title of LALLA ROOKH; which will be accompanied by ILLUSTRATIONS from paintings by R. Westall, R. A. IN THE PRESS.

A work, supplementary to that of the late Lord Liverpool, being Annals of the Coinage of Great Britain; by the Rev. Rogers Ruding.

Remains of Antiquity on the Coast of Asia Minor; by Captain Beaufort.

Letters on some of the Events of the Revolutionary War.
A volume of Comic Dramas, from the pen of Miss Edgeworth.
Mr. William Mackenzie, of Edinburgh, has a new poem in

MONTHLY REVIEW.-Gray's Happiness of States---Keith's
Botany-Memoirs of Abbé Edgworth-Illustrations of Hogarth
-Broughton's Letters from Portugal, &c.-Bakewell's Geology
-Brown's Prize Essay on a Supreme Creator-Sumner on the
Records of the Creation-Smedley's Prescience-Med. Chir.
Transactions, Vol. vi-Life of W. Hutton-Inas, and other
Poems-Emigration, a Poem-Verses on the late R. Rey-
nolds-Naiad's Wreath, by Mrs. M'Mullan-Compendium Flo-
ræ Britannica, by Sir James Smith-Lee's Sunday Lecturer-the press, entitled, The Swiss Patriots: also a new edition, very
Sellon's Enquiry into Landed Property-Preston's Review of much improved, of his much admired poem, The Sorrows of Se-
Agricultural Interests-Henderson's View of British Negro duction.
Slaves-Peregrine in France; a Lounger's Journal-Picture of
Italy, by Coxe-Gulzara, Princess of Persia-Rouse on Errors
in Annuities, &c. &c.

NEW BOOKS.

A French Edition of the DUCHESSE D'ANGOULEME'S JOURNAL, with Biographical Notes by the French Editor, is just ready for publication by Mr. COLBURN, handsomely printed in 8vo. uniBRITISH CRITIC.-Bishop of Calcutta's Charge-Transac-form with the work of Hué and the Journal de Cléry. tions of the College of Physicians-James's Tour through Germany, &c.-Mariner's Tonga Islands-Malthus on East India College-Porden's Veils; a Poem-Williams's Laws of the Clergy-Ilderim, a Syrian Tale-Marriott's Family SermonsTurnour's Sermons-Watts's Meditations-Warner's Sermons -Bullock's Isle of Man-Letters from Naples--Henry's Experimental Chemistry.

CRITICAL REVIEW (February). Armata-Marsh's Horæ Pelasgica, Part 1.-Mariner's Tonga Islands-Majendie's Elements of Physiology-Chalmer's Inquiry to ascertain the Author of Junius-Reynolds's Life of Raffaelle-Macironi's Death of Murat-Adams's Life of John Hunter-Porter's Pastor's Fire Side-Wat Tyler-Review of the Stage, by Dramaticus-Godfrey of Bulloyne; a reprint-Brown's Conchology-Davis on the Health of Infants-Neele's Odes and Poems.

Six Weeks at Long's, a Satirical Novel, by a late Resident. Second Edition, 3 vols. 21s.

Law List for 1817, 6s. Manners and Customs of India, by Dubois, a Missionary, 4to. 21. 2s.

History of Brazil; vol. the Sec. By R. Southey, Esq. 21. 105. The Source of the Evil; addressed to the United Parliament, and the People of Great Britain, on the League formed between the Irish Lay Separatists and the Irish Roman Catholic Bishops, on the measure of Emancipation. By Anglo-Hibernus. Price 3s. 6d.

An Account of the Management of the Poor in Hamburgh.
In a Letter to some Friends of the Poor in Great Britain. By
Baron Von Voght.
A Third Volume of Curiosities of Literature.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

ECLECTIC REVIEW.-Legh's Travels in Egypt-Marsh's Lectures on Divinity, Part iv.-Amusements in Retirement-Crawford on Tonics-Extempore Prayer defended by Hodgson, and Redford-Sermons by Philip Henry-Memorandums of a Should Contemporary Journals glean from the pages of the Residence in France-May's Lectures to the Young-Super-Literary Gazette, we trust that they will have the kindness ville's Sermons, by Allen and Reynolds--Milton's Latin to NAME the source from whence such extracts are derived. Poems, translated by Strutt-Byron's Childe Harold, and All Intelligence of a Literary Nature will be gratefully received,

other Poems.

Scottish History is likely to meet with valuable illustration from two interesting works, now in progress. One is a History of the University of Edinburgh, in 2 vols. 8vo. by Mr. Alexan

especially from Official Gentlemen connected with learned Societies and Institutions; as well as from Booksellers, Publishers, &c.

We must still apologize to various Correspondents for the omission of their favours, from the pressure of temporary matter.

NEW PUBLICATIONS.

NEW PUBLICATIONS.

BIOGRAPHICAL WORKS,

Lately published by HENRY COLBURN, Public Library, Conduit Street, London; and sold by Bell and Bradfute, Edinburgh; John Cumming, Dublin; and all Booksellers.

MEMOIRS of the PUBLIC and PRIVATE LIFE of the RIGHT HON. RICHARD BRINSLEY SHERIDAN. By JOHN WATKINS, LL. D.

A DICTIONARY of the LIVING AUTHORS of GREAT BRITAIN and IRELAND; comprising Literary Me-drawn from anthentic Documents, and illustrated with original With a particular Account of his FAMILY and CONNEXIONS: moirs and Anecdotes of their Lives, and a Chronological Register Correspondence, and a variety of interesting Anecdotes of distin of their Publications, closely printed in 1 vol. 8vo. price 14s. bds. This Dictionary, (containing notices of nearly 10,000 Authors), guished Personages, among whom will be found Burke, Fox, Dr. in the compilation of which several eminent men have together be Johnson, Dr. Parr, Garrick, &c. &c. in 4to. with Portraits. stowed a laborions application of three years, has long been a desideratum in English Literature. It presents the greatest advantages to men of letters, by bringing before the world at one view their literary labours, many of which are probably at present almost unknown; while to the general reader it will serve as an important guide in directing his inquiries with respect to the merit of different writers, and the titles, dates, and editions of their respective works.

2. MEMOIRS OF LADY HAMILTON, with illustrative Anecdotes of many of her most particular Friends and distinguished Contemporaries. Second Edition, embellished with a beautiful Portrait after Romney, price 10s. 6d. bds.

3. MEMOIRS and CONFESSIONS of CAPTAIN ASHE, Author of the SPIRIT of the BOOK, written by Himself. 3 vols. 21s. This work will be found to possess an unusual degree of interest, not only on account of the maltitude of persons mentioned, with whom the Author had intercourse and connexion, but also from the disclosure of numerous important, but hitherto secret, political occurrences, authentic anecdotes, and private adventures of the highest cast, with which it abounds.

4. A SUPPLEMENT to the MEMOIRS of the Life, Writings, Discourses, and Professional Works of SIR JOSHUA REY NOLDS, 4to. 15s.

By JAMES NORTHCOTE, Esq. R. A. Comprising additional Anecdotes of Johnson, Burke, Goldsmith, Garrick, &c. Extracts from Sir Joshua's MSS. &c. A few copies of the Memoirs may still be had. 21. 12s. 6d. bds. "It remained for a Northcote to do justice to the life and labours of a Reynolds, and he has ably executed his task."

5. MEMOIRS and CORRESPONDENCE of BARON DE GRIMM and DIDEROT, from the years 1755 to 1790, abridged from the French. Second Edition, complete in 4 large vols. 8vo. price 21. 16s. boards. Ditto in French, 7 vols. 41. 4s.

Vols. 5, 6, and 7, of the French Edition, are sold separately, to complete Sets.

"The stores contained in this work are inexhaustible.”—Monthly Review.

6. LETTERS OF KLOPSTOCK and his FRIENDS, written between the year 1750 and 1803. With a Biographical Introduction by MISS BENGER. Forming a sequel to Miss Smith's Life of Klopstock, 8vo. 10s. 6d.

7. MUSICAL BIOGRAPHY; or, Memoirs of the Lives and Writings of the most eminent MUSICAL COMPOSERS and WRITERS who have flourished in the different Countries of Eu rope during the last three Centuries, including the Memoirs of those who are now living. In 2 vols. 8vo. 24s. bds.

2. THE PRIVATE CORRESPONDENCE of BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, LL. D. F. R. S., &c. Comprehending a series of familiar, literary, and political Letters, written between the years 1753 and 1790. Now first published from the Originals in the possession of his Grandson William Temple Franklin, Esq. 1 vol. 4to. price 21. 2s. boards.

The publication of the Correspondence of Dr. Franklin, which has been so long expected, cannot fail to excite a lively interest in the literary world, and prove highly gratifying to the public at large. The familiar Letters will be found to exhibit the opinions of this great man, on the most important subjects of human life, moral, religions, and philosophical: nor are those of a political nature less curious, exhibiting the secret springs and progressive operation of that great Revolution which separated the American Colonies from the parent state. Among the various characters of high name in the literary and political world, whose letters and sentiments are here recorded, may be mentioned Mr. Burke, Mr. Fox, Dr. Priestley, Dr. Price, Sir Joseph Bankes, Brand Hollis, Gran. ville Sharpe, Baron Masceres, Buffon, Beccaria, David Hartley, Bishop Shipley, the Earl of Buchan, Lord Shelburne, Lord Grantham, General Washington, Sir Edward Newenham, &c. &c. &c.

3. TRAVELS to MOROCCO, (through France and Spain.) By Colonel MAURICE KEATING. Comprising a Narrative of the Author's Residence in that Empire, with an Account of the British Embassy to the Court of Morocco, under the late George Payue, Esq. Consul General; to which is added, a Second Journey through France in 1814, in which a Comparison is drawn between the present and former State of that Country and its Inhabitants. In 4to. illustrated with 34 Plates of Scenery, Antiquities, and Costume, from Drawings made on the Spot by the Author, price 41. 48. bds.

4. NARRATIVE of a RESIDENCE in IRELAND, during the Summer of 1814 and that of 1815. By ANNE PLUMPTRE. In 1 vol. 4to. embellished with a Portrait of the Author, from a Painting by Northcote, and 12 Engravings of remarkable Scenery, price

21. 10s. bds.

5. LETTERS from the EARL of CHESTERFIELD to ARTHUR CHARLES STANHOPE, Esq. relative to the Education of his Godson the late Earl of Chesterfield. Now first published from the Originals, in 1 vol. 12mo. 78.

6. NARRATIVE of a TEN YEARS' RESIDENCE at the

COURT of TRIPOLI. From the original Correspondence in the Possession of the Family of the late RICHARD TULLY, Esq. the British Consul; comprising authentic Memoirs and Anecdotes of the reigning Bashaw, his Family, and various Persons of Distinction; an Account of the domestic Manners of the Moors, Arabs, and Turks, &c. &c. 2d edition revised, in 1 vol. 4to. with several coloured plates.

In the execution of this work, it has been the intention of the Author to supply the lovers and professors of Music with such anecdotes of the lives, and such observations on the writings, 7. LIFE and CORRESPONDENCE of M. FOUCHE, DUKE printed and manuscript, of eminent masters, as may not only afford of OTRANTO, comprising letters addressed to the Duke of Welinformation and amusement, but may also serve as a guide in pur-lington, the Emperor Napoleon, King Joachim, the Duke d'Artois, chasing their works. Prince Blucher, Louis XVIII., Count de Blacas, and other Mi

8. MEMOIRS of GEORGE FREDERICK COOKE, Esq.nisters, &c. 8vo. late of the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden. By W. DUNLAP, Esq. in 2 vols. 8vo. with a fine Portrait from an original Miniature, 214. bds.

"We have seldom been more amused and instructed than by the perusal of these volumes.”—Theatrical Inquisitor, Oct.

9. MEMOIRS of GOLDONI, (the celebrated Italian Dra matist), written by Himself. 2 vols. 8vo. 21s. Ditto in French. Lord Byron has pronounced the Life of Goldoni to be one of the best specimens of auto-biography. It is replete with anecdote. 10. MEMOIRS of PRINCE POTEMKIN, Field-Marshal and Commander in Chief of the Russian Armies, Knight, &c. Containing many curious and interesting Anecdotes of the Russian Court. Second Edition, with Portrait, 93.

8. PRIVATE EDUCATION; or a PRACTICAL PLAN for the STUDIES of YOUNG LADIES, with an Address to Parents, Private Governesses, and their Pupils. By ELI. ZABETH APPLETON: dedicated to the Countess of Leven and Melville, 2nd Edit. revised, price 7s. 6d. Bds.

"This work is judiciously adapted to become a useful manual in the hands of persons who are desirous of securing for their tender charge all the advantages of elegant literature, and the accom plishments of polished manners, without putting to capricious hazard those pure and firm principles which can alone render them useful in this world and happy in the next."

Printed for Henry Colburn, Conduit Street; Bell and Bradfute, Edinburgh; and John Cumming, Dublin.

Nous nous moquons des Paladins! quand ces maximes romanesques commencèrent à devenir ridicules, ce changement fut moins Dn-l'ouvrage de la raison, que celui des mauvaises mœurs.-Rousseau. Second Edition of HEADLONG HALL, price 6s.

NO. VIII.

AND

Journal of the Belles Lettres.

SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 1817.

PRICE 1S.

POLITE AND CLASSICAL LITERATURE. DAVID HUME TO THE COMTESSE DE BOUFFLERS.

MADAME DE STAEL AND THE ITALIAN LITERATI.

(A French Communication.)

What

Compeigne, 14 of July 1769. I SHALL venture to say, Dear Madam, that no Letter FOREIGN Literature is not more peaceful than ours. Dis- which even you have ever wrote, convey'd more Satisfaccord has extended beyond the Alps, and all the Journals of tion than did that with which you favoured me. Italy are on fire. Madame de Stael alone has kindled this pleasure to receive Testimonies and assurances of good will conflagration. She has summoned all the Literati of Eu- from a person whom we highly value, and whose Sentirope to the tribunal of her cosmopolite Muse; but the de- ments are of such Importance to us! You could not poscrees which have emanated from her Court, have occasion- sibly have done an action more charitable, than to speak ed all the genus irritabile of the Continent to revolt. She to me in so friendly a manner. You have thereby suphas made concessions to France, to Germany, to England, plyed me for a long time with matter for the most agreeaand to Italy; but in her endeavours to please all, she has ble musing; and I shall henceforth, I hope, bid Defiance offended every one. The Italians are railing furiously to all returns of Diffidence and Jealousy. I confess with against an article written by her, which appeared some shame, that I am but too subject to this sentiment, even time ago in the Biblioteca di Milano. Whilst lamenting in Friendship: I never doubt of my Friend's Probity or the decay of their literature, Madame de Stael, it appears, Honour; but often of his attachment to me, and sometimes, had advised them to translate foreign writings, and in par- as I have afterwards found, without Reason. If such was ticular the works of Shakspeare, which it is well known my Disposition even in Youth, you may judge, that, having they do not hold in very high estimation. In her opinion, arrived at a time of Life, when I can less expect to please, the study of the romantic Germans and Britons would I must be more subject to inroads of Suspicion. Common impart to the Italian language all the force and transcendant originality in which she conceives it to be deficient.

sense now requires, that I should keep at a distance from all attachments that can imply Passion. But it must surely be the Height of Folly, to lay myself at the mercy of a Person whose situation seems calculated to inspire Doubt, and who, being so little at her own disposal, could not be able, even if willing, to seek such Remedies as might appease that tormenting Sentiment.

The replies made by the Italian critics are cutting and satirical. Transcendentalism, they say, is an exotic plant, which can never take root in Italy: the soil of the classics is ungenial to it; and the nation which gave birth to Tasso, Petrarcha, Ariosto, Dante, and Metastasio, has no reason to envy the country of the immortal Shakspeare, or Should I meet with one, in any future time (for to be that of the incomparable Schiller. The Italian Journal sure I know of none such at present) who was endow'd ists have even the impertinence to alledge, that judging with Graces and Charms beyond all Expression, whose chafrom the style of the articles inserted in the Biblioteca di racter and understanding were equally an object of Esteem Milano, Madame de Stael is not competent to decide on as her person was of Tenderness; I ought to fly her comthe beauties or defects of the Italian language. These pany; to avoid all connexions with her, even such as insolent observations will doubtless call forth vigorous answers. The victory cannot be uncertain: like another Bradamanta, Madame de Stael is ready to challenge, to combat, and to disarm, all the Rhodomonts of Italy.

might bear the name of Friendship; and to endeavour tỏ forget her as soon as possible. I know not, if it wou'd be prudent even to bid her Adieu: surely, it wou'd be highly imprudent to receive from her any Testimonies of Friendship and Regard. But who, in that situation, cou'd have Resolution to reject them? Who wou'd not drink up the Poison with Joy and Satisfaction?

But by what master-pieces of literature are these proud successors of Tasso and Petrarcha distinguished? By wretched odes and insipid sonnets, composed to the glory of actresses and singers! The pompous rhapsody former- But let us return, Dear Madam, from imaginary suppoly addressed to Madame Catalani, is doubtless still in sitions to our real selves. I am much pleas'd, that your recollection. In the meanwhile, Madame Grassini has Leizure allows you to betake yourself to your old Occupaarrived at Milan, and all the poets of the country are eager tion of Reading; and that your Relish for it still remains to burn at her feet the incense of the grossest flattery. In entire. I have frequently, in the course of my Life, met an ode, which is at once a master-piece of extravagance with Interruptions from Business and Dissipation; yet and dullness, she is informed, "that whilst she sings, always returned to my Closet with Pleasure. the air resounds and sighs; that her fellow-citizens behold I have no other prospect for easing the Burden of old her shining amidst them, as the birds assemble to cele-age, than in these Enjoyments; and if I sometimes join the brate the return of Aurora after an obscure night; that chimerical Project of relaxing the severities of Study, by the Goddess of Cythera, henceforward the enenry of the the society of a Person dear to me, and who cou'd have God of Battles, scatters roses in her foot-path; and that Indulgence for me, I consider it as a pleasing Dream, in the city of Milan presents to her favorite daughter, which I can repose no confidence; my only comfort is, crowns of myrtle and olive, wreathed by the hands of that I am myself a Person free as the Air we breathe, and Apollo, and covered with the kisses of Love." that, wherever such a Blessing might present itself, I coud there fix my Habitation.

Our actresses certainly lead us to commit many follies; but in this species of extravagance, it must be acknowledged that the Italians are our masters.

You tell me, that, tho' you are still exposed to the attacks of melancholy, it is of the softer kind, and such as you

wou'd not desire to be rid of. I shall not, any further, from time to time, enter into a general critique upon it, than you allow me, indulge my Conjectures. You were and upon the peculiarities of our living writers, through the offended at my former ones; and I wish they may be false. medium of your Gazette. That a decided revolution has But it is for my Thoughts not to return often to a subject, lately taken place in the poetical common-wealth, is obvious in which I am so deeply interested. If there are any to the most obtuse capacity; but whether this change has Obstacles to your Happiness, I shoud wish they were of a proved beneficial, or otherwise, may be disputed even by nature that coud be removed; and that they admitted of the most sagacious. some other remedy than the one you sometimes mention, on which I cannot think without Terror. I feel the reflection this instant as the stroke of a Poniard at my heart, and the Tear at present starts in my Eye when it recurs to me. Is it necessary that my Sympathy too shoud furnish you with arms against me?

It is urged, and not unjustly, in favor of modern bards, that they seek chiefly to excite our stronger and more sublime feelings, that they cultivate impassioned sentiment, and lay open the inmost recesses of the human heart. On this point, I will allow their superiority over the writers of the last age. The principle which they have adopted,

But I perceive, Dear Madam, or shall I say, my amiable is noble; but it remains to say, whether the way by pupil, that while I am answering the second part of Your which they would effect their object, is adequate and Letter, I have entirely forgot the first; which yet surely is legal. Speaking generally, they have so far improved not of a nature wholly indifferent to me. It gives me a upon the past, as to discard all those prettinesses, sparksensible uneasiness, that my Friend's performance has not ling points, and pert antitheses, which are the natural regained your approbation. I am more sorry on his account sult of verbal correctness, when carried to extreme. But than because you condemn my judgement, which I am sen- have they not substituted instead, another fault of quite sible may easily be warped by Friendship and Partiality. an opposite species, and regarded language, which is the I acknowlege too that most of your objections, and in- mirror. of thought, with too much inattention? Do they deed all of them, are well founded. I cou'd add some polish that mirror sufficiently? Do they not, on the conothers, which a more frequent perusal of the Piece has trary, leave its surface so rugged, that the beauty of an suggested to me. I always disliked the Character of Gle-idea is often blunted by the dimness, or distorted by the nalvon, as being that of such a finished and black Villain obliquity of the medium which reflects it? as either is not in Nature, or requires very little Genius in In place, then, of obscurity from too much condensathe Poet to have imagined. Such a Personage seems only tion, we have obscurity from too much diffuseness; which to be a gross artifice in the Writer, when the Plot requires latter, as being the more tedious evil of the two, must an incident, which he knows not how to introduce naturally. needs be the greater. In the same spirit of inordinate Glenalvon is a kind of Diabolus ex machina; more blame- elongation, some of the most striking thoughts are spun able than the Deus ex machina, which the antient Critics out to an extent, which utterly destroys their striking condemned as an artificial manner of unravelling a Plot. quality. Each idea is repeated, and each succeeding reBut tho' I allow all these Objections, and more which petition is weaker than the former. Example is always wou'd occur too on a second perusal, I cannot still but useful in general criticism, and I shall take one among flatter myself that the Tragedy of Douglas is a Work of me- many instances, from The Siege of Corinth. The poet is rit, from the sensible pathetic, which runs thro' the describing the dead after a battle. whole. The value of a theatrical Piece can less be deter"Even as they fell, in files they lay, mined by an analysis of its conduct than by the ascen- Like the mower's grass at the close of day." dant which it gains over the heart, and by the strokes of So far this is a most happy illustration, and one would Nature which are interspersed thro' it. But I am afraid suppose, perfectly comprehensible. Nevertheless the that it has not affected you to the Degree I coud wish, poet adds, even in this particular, and that you have not found in it any such Beauties as can compensate for its Defects. If such be your Judgement on a second Perusal (for you must allow me to appeal from your first judgement to your se- the impression of the former is much enfeebled by it. Not one new idea is gained by the latter couplet, but cond, and I shall surely never think of an other appeal) if The " solitude of a crowd," and "solitude sometimes such, I say, be the case, I can do nothing but acquiesce. is best society," are hackneyed adages enough. But in Your Nation, your Sex, and above all, the peculiar Deli- the Childe Harold, these are hammered out to a diameter cacy of your Taste, give you a title to pronounce on these of eighteen lines, which end with this tautologous Alexsubjects. I can even kiss the hand, with pleasure and pas-andrine: sion, which signs the Verdict against me: I could only have! "This is to be alone,-this, this is solitude." kissed it with more pleasure had it acquitted my Friend. Allow me, Dear Madam, before I bid you Adieu (since it another error into which late writers have fallen, either by The word solitude, as a termination, reminds me of is necessary to come thither at last) to ask you, whether you do not come to Paris about the middle of August, and imitating Gothic models. They perpetually close their a fashionable negligence of composition, or a fondness for stay there for some time. My question proceeds not lines with such galloping dactyls, as revelry, dreriment, merely from Curiosity-I could wish to enjoy your Com-withering, murmuring, &c., which always fall weakly and pany, before the return of Winter recalls us to our former ungracefully on the ear. Now and then, perhaps, such Dissipations.

MODERN ENGLISH POETRY.

"When his work is done on the levelled plain;

Such was the fall of the foremost slain."

words may give variety to the measure, but they should be used very seldom indeed.

To the Editor of the Literary Gazette. Next in order of absurdity, comes the resuscitation of THE present state of our poetry demands some serious defunct words and idioms; the "rede me arights," and consideration; and with your permission, Sir, I shall," by my fays," which find themselves suddenly exorcised