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VALERIA MESSALINA TO JUSTINA LOCUSTA.

not been for their officious zeal in setting length been received from India by the me up almost as the head of a party, and ship General Hewitt. Lord Amherst I could almost be tempted to realize your appearing as if they were proud of being and his suite arrived at Canton on New frightful presages by an act of extreme se-enrolled under my banner, it was impossible Year's Day, after a journey of four months verity, were it not that some indulgence is that I could have emerged from the obscurity due to the dreams of gloomy superstition; of secret indulgence, to take those flights of through the heart of the country. It apand that no doubt can be entertained of extravagance, which, by making my genuine pears that the Chinese did not chuse to your sincerity. But it is now too late in character known, must render their pretend-relax from their demand of the usual delife, to regard omens which, if they have ed virtue despicable. But let the sufferings grading prostrations, a demand which any connexion with destiny, will only gene- of the Romans be what they may, upon me Lord Amherst thought proper to resist, as rate fear instead of guarding against a dan- the people can have no claims so long as they were more humiliating than his ger that cannot be avoided. The apprehen- they are the credulous dupes of a designing sion which creates such terrible evils in faction, who have increased the general dis- Lordship had anticipated. Calcutta papers to the 15th of Nov. your timid imagination cannot damp the tress under the pretext of removing the pubardour of my desires, or turn nie away from lic burthens; or, in other words, by shifting inform us that the war between the the pursuit of new pleasures. That my the whole weight of taxation from those Mahratta chief's has not yet disturbed Sovereign Lord should all of a sudden be- who alone have profited by war and con- our territories; but we fear the battle come so completely changed as to enter quest, to the industrious community whose cannot long rage so near them without upon the investigation of my conduct; and privations they hypocritically deplore, and in some measure affecting their tranfor the sake of his own injured honour, as whose misery they aggravate by fomenting quillity. well as that of his insulted country, ordain discontent and sedition. Were I even to The legislature of the Ionian Islands such an enquiry as must end in a formal adopt an economical course of living, and, divorce, would indeed be a most serious in order to gain a little popularity, apply the is on the point of assembling, the British circumstance. Truly even my mind, vola- surplus to charitable uses; the zealots for Governor General having named Comtile and determined as it is, might almost purity of principle, instead of giving me cre- missioners to draw up a list of candidates tremble at the idea of such an event, if it dit for the sacrifice, would ascribe it to the for the Assembly. It is said it will conhad not the experience of so many years for want of motives; of which an instance has sist of 29 Members; from Corfu 7, its confidence, and such a thorough know- already appeared in the abuse poured upon

them. Farewell.

ledge of the disposition of the emperor for one who, by relinquishing for the public Cephalonia 8, Zante 7, St. Mauro 4, its security. After suffering me to violate benefit a princely income, has thereby de- Ithaca, Cerigo, and Paxo, 1 each. Let all the regulations of society at Rome, with-barred himself the luxury of doing more ters from Ragusa, state that the High out any mark of public censure, it is not essential good to those who would have chie-Commissioner at the Ionian Isles had likely that a rigid observation will be taken rished towards him eternal gratitude. While issued orders to establish on the opposite of what passes among strangers and in a such a course of things continues, especially continental coast several posts in which remote province. You are wholly ignorant between an imbecile government on the one of the character of Claudius, if you fancy hand, and a turbulent faction on the other, English troops were to be stationed. that he has the least spirit of curiosity in his Messalina has nothing to fear, even though In France, the trial of the 28 persons, temper about matters that concern his own Claudius should rouse from his apathy, and immediate interest; or that he would shake his family be united to resent the indignity accused of a conspiracy to overthrow the off his habitual love of ease to avenge any which my intrigues have brought upon present Government and to bring back wrong, however aggravating it may be, Bonaparte, has commenced. They had against his person or dignity. Called to the succeeded in secretly enlisting several highest station at an advanced period of life, hundred discharged soldiers, in various and with a constitution emaciated by voparts of France.-The Germanic Diet is luptuous indulgence, he has a natural dis- In the House of Lords on Monday, about to constitute itself as a power, to like to public business, and cannot endure Earl Grey brought under consideration which the different States of Germany, the trouble of an examination, even though the circular letter issued by Lord Sid- of whose ministers the Diet consists, were safety, or be of urgent importance to the mouth to facilitate the suppression of to send, in addition, Ministers Plenipowelfare of the empire. Besides, he is now at blasphemy and sedition. The object of tentiary.-The King of Wirtemberg and a vast distance beyond the Alps in that his lordship's motion was, to have laid his States are still farther than ever from barbarous island, cut off, as the greatest of before the House the case submitted by being on good terms.-Serious differences our poets describes it, from the whole civiliz- the Secretary of State for the Home De have arisen between the Courts of Stocked world; and, therefore, next to the impro- partment to the Law Officers of the holm and of Copenhagen.-The nego bability of his return, is that of his being Crown for their opinion. The motion ciations between Russia and the Porte made acquainted with this plebeian con

the matter should involve his individual

POLITICS.

nexion which you say, and perhaps justly, was lost by a majority of fifty-six.-Upon are said to be rapidly proceeding, and has given offence to the Romans and plea- the production of the long-expected likely to terminate to the satisfaction of sure to their enemies. I am accused, it Army Estimates it appears, that eighty-both parties.-A new conspiracy is stated seems, of the most wanton extravagance, at five thousand men are retained this year, to have broken out in the Kingdom of a time when distress and dearth pervade for those services to which forty-four Arragon; but the details are not noticed. every part of the imperial dominions; and thousand were found sufficient in 1792, -The last account of the successes of

it is alleged against me, as a crime worse, when Europe was differently circum- the Independents in Spanish America are if possible, than infidelity, that amidst the public burthens and an exhausted treasury, stanced. The whole number of the strongly corroborated. Cumana has fallen I continue to squander an immense income army will be 117,000.-That it was the to the army of the Independents; and in the gratification of a vitiated appetite, intention of ministers to propose a conti- the Royalist cause in Venezuela is reand upon foreigners of abandoned character. nuance of the suspension of the Habeas duced to the lowest ebb, Without taking the needless pains of ex-Corpus Act was on Thursday avowed by plaining and justifying what stern morality Lord Castlereagh in the House of Commust condemn, it is in my power to repel the charge of perfidy and licentiousness upon those persons who are now so lavish in their censures of my conduct; since had it

THE INQUISITION. mons. The Chevalier Clausel de Coussergues, Certain advices relative to the Em-member of the French chamber of Deputies, bassy of Lord Amherst to China, have at has lately published a pamphlet, in which

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of Barcelona, to give public satisfaction to between the sea-ports of the Peninsula, and
the Consuls of France and Holland, to repair the seat of government, and above all for
excesses committed contrary to the law of the unpardonable sin of having doubted the
nations.
necessity of maintaining the tribunal of the
inquisition.

He courageously presented to Charles IV. for his signature, a decree for the total suppression of the Inquisition, and by which its immense property was applied to charitable and useful establishments.

Notwithstanding these continual, though" more or less ostensible efforts of the holy office, the spirit and light of the age were insensibly penetrating into Spain. Charles III has protected the arts and Belles-Lettres; Charles IV his son did not check the rising efforts of a wise philosophy. Spain was visibly enriching itself with all the blessings of general civilisation.

among other extraordinary propositions, he says: all those who have travelled in Spain know that the Inquisition is now nothing more than a Council of censure, and that it is the most moderate of tribunals." In support of this proposition he alledges the authority of M. Bourgoing, and of Count Alexander de la Borde. Without examining whether the expressions cursorily used by these gentlemen will bear the interpretation given them by Mr. de He freed his country from an annual conC., we must be permitted to observe that tribution of above 10 millions of francs; for this is a question of facts and not of opi-bulls and ecclesiastical dispensations, which nions.—It is by facts therefore that a Spa-the court of Rome continued to levy upon nish academician M. J. Antony Llorente, Spain, while all other Catholic countries had canon of Toledo, ancient secretary of the obtained the modification of those pious tri- The inquisition, indeed, still subsisted; Supreme Inquisition of the Court of Madrid, butes. but terrified by the number, the courage and an indefatigable writer, who has rendered the He was the first who conceived in Europe the quality of its enemies, it had submitted greatest services to the history of his coun- the project of the abolition of Christian to use with modest hypocrisy the obscure try, has replied to the assertion of M. de slavery, and procured the principle of the victories which it extorted from time to time Coussergues. M. de Llorente has confined exchange of prisoners of war, to be adopted from the weakness of the civil power. Conhimself to facts, calculations and dates. He in a treaty concluded between the King of centrated, as it were, within itself, hoping, may almost be said to abuse a superiority Spain and Morocco. This step towards the sooner or later, to resume its true attitude, which cannot be disputed. It is the tempest civilisation of Africa was applauded in all the since it preserved the use of its accustomed bearing down a feeble reed. The whole foreign Journals. The principal articles of arms, it had deferred its vengeance for fear question is reducible to a very narrow com- this memorable treaty appear to have served of hazarding its success. It sighed in secret, pass. Does the Inquisition exist? Is its or- as the basis of that which England dictated at the passive part to which it seemed to be ganization changed? What are its attributes? to the Barbary States after the brilliant vic- condemned; but who was ever deceived by -Yes, the Inquisition exists entire, full of tory gained by Lord Exmouth. In 1799 he this apparent and perfidious calm? youth and vigour, its laws, its forms, its opened to the celebrated Humboldt, the It now revives.... way It is in the letter spirit are still the same. The question is to Spanish America, who on publishing his of M. J. A. Llorente, that our readers will find therefore decided. Let us not be told that it last work (Paris 1814) has so nobly discharged the details of its mysterious judicial proceedis the most moderate of tribunals because the the debt of gratitude. ings; how the boasted favor of being defendfires of the Inquisition devoured fewer vic- He thought it advisable to unite the facul-ed by a counsel, becomes illusory for the tims under Charles III, and his successor ties of surgery and medicine, to hasten the accused! with what facility informers can Charles IV. Immortal glory is due to those progress of the art of healing, by associating borrow the name of religion to gratify pritwo princes, whose natural goodness tempered with each two sciences, which mutually im- vate passions! lastly how this tribunal of the fanatic ardour of a tribunal consolidated prove each other; he erected professorships penitence instituted for the consolation of by three ages of superstition. Honour to of chemistry, and natural philosophy, which the faithful has become the principal instruthe enlightened ministers who successively were wanting in Spain; at the same time he ment of religious intolerance. merited the hatred of the holy tribunal, and favored as much as possible the establishthe regret of the Spanish nation. Already ment of telegraphs till then unknown in the towards the latter part of the reign of Philip Peninsula. V. Macanaz, the illustrious victim of his zeal for the real interests of the monarch and the country, had acquired a celebrated name, the lustre of which nothing has been able to tarnish. Salgado, Chumacero, Ramos del Manzano, in their turn bequeathed all the honours of inquisitorial persecution, to Roda, him. Florida-Blanca, to a crowd of courageous "He had humiliated the holy office by men, who combated with undiminished ar- obliging it to repair its wrongs towards fodour for so glorious a cause. Count d'Aran-reign powers. da whom it is sufficient to name, the learned "He had proposed the suppression of the Campomanès, the Count of Cabarras, the tribunal. immortal Jovellanos, the Chevalier d'Urquijo successively attacked the colossus. They failed in the contest, it is true; but the approbation of all sensible men followed them in their disgrace.

What was then the conduct of the most moderate of all tribunals? Three secret actions, commenced by three different tribunals of the inquisition, were proceeding at once against the Chevalier d'Urquijo. The following are the principal charges brought against

"He had made a friendly compact with a mussulman, and favored the entrance of a heretic into the Spanish colonies.

"The Inquisition publishes every year. during Lent, that people are bound to declare all they hear, all they have heard against the doctrine of the Church, contrary to the free exercise of the holy office. Whoever refuses incurs excommunication. Confessors are forbidden to give sacramental absolution to the penitent before they have asked him if he knows any thing proper to be denounced. The fear of eternal damnation causes the most sacred ties to be disregarded. Mothers, daughters, sisters, wives, nay even. . (amantes) have been seen at the feet of the inquisitors accusing those whom they held the most dear."

M. Llorente says at the conclusion, "I have advanced nothing of which I cannot "The profound study of natural philoso- warrant the exactness, and give irrefragable. phy might endanger the purity of the faith. proofs***. If what I have just said is not "The invention of telegraphs was a dan- sufficient to undeceive every body, I flatter gerous and suspicious novelty." myself that the veil will fall when I shall The imprudent minister was soon disgrac-publish my " Critical History of the Spanish Inquisition." To gratify the public curiosity: here add the result of it, that is, the num*** ber of the victims: I divide them into three classes, according to the example of the inquisitors."

I

Let us be permitted to take a rapid survey of the known acts of this last minister: it will enable our readers to judge of the Inquisition as it is now. After a long series of reli-ed. The most unwholesome dungeon in the gious assassinations which signalized the citadel of Pampeluna, was assigned him as various epochs of its existence, we shall see the reward of his services. He remained how it justified at the beginning of the pre- there two whole years; and when he left it, sent century the eulogiums of its unskilful it was only to go into banishment under the apologists. Urquijo, the pupil of Count d'A-most rigid surveillance (a word for which the randa, desired faithfully to follow the system English language has happily no legal syno-"Burnt alive. of a statesman, whose wisdom and philoso-nime) to expiate the crime of having felt the" Burnt in effigy phical views were esteemed by all Europe.value of the study of natural philosophy, of" Incarcerated, confined, and almost He had scarcely entered on the administra- having caused the rights of nations to be res ell stripped of their property tion, when he was under the necessity of pected, of having believed it possible and useobliging the inquisitors of Alicant, and those ful to establish more speedy communications

"From 1481 to 1788.

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Any observation would be useless. We add the following sentence of Montes-and on the spur of the moment, without having quieu.

"If any one, in future ages, dares to say that the nations of Europe were civilised, the Inquisition will be quoted to prove that they were, in a great measure, barbarous; and the idea that will be formed of it, will be such, that it will stigmatise this age, and excite hatred of the nations who should still adopt this odious tribunal."

LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC

INTELLIGENCE.

Orders have gone down to Plymouth for the Resolute bell-vessel to repair to Portsmouth, in order that the state of the Royal George may be ascertained, preparatory to the removal of her hull, either together or in pieces. Her remains are estimated to be worth 56,0001. while the expence of raising them will probably be not more than one-fifth part of the money.

PROCEEDINGS OF LEARNED
SOCIETIES.

UNIVERSITY OF PARIS.-The Lectures of the

Faculté des Lettres have already commenced; not only by the students of the academies, but they are, in general, very numerously attended, by a certain class of literary characters, who are sufficiently well informed to know that they stand in need of instruction, and that man is never too old to learn.

A considerable number of foreigners are likewise among the audience, who take notes of the lectures, to which they listen with exemplary attention.

Messrs. Villemain, De Lucretelle, Lemaire, De Laplace, and Raoul-Rochette, are the first who have resumed their functions.

cion that he wrote from his own imagination, any regard to the Latin text: while the latter, in his excessive care to preserve harmony of numbers and neatness of expression, has so run ther, without substituting any thing really vainto paraphrase as to lose sight of Virgil altogeluable for that which has been neglected. Yet, in many instances, it would be impossible to improve upon Dryden, or to express the sense with more classical correctness of phrase than Pitt. We are, therefore, of opinion that a conjunction of the two versions where they excel, with a more exact translation of those portions in which they have failed, must be the very best mode that could be adopted for the exhiDr. John Clarke of Cambridge has just pub-bition of Virgil in an English metrical dress: lished some Vocal Pieces with original Poetry, and, from what we have seen, there seems to written expressly for the work, by Mrs. Joanna be no doubt, that the edition of Mr. Ring will M. Villemuin has already delivered two lecBaillie, Walter Scott, Esq. John Stewart, Esq. become the standard version in our language. tures on the manner of writing history. He William Smyth, Esq. James Hogg the Étrick The work is proceeding by subscription; and it entered into a long examination of Voltaire's Shepherd, and Lord Byron. meets, as it deserves, with liberal encourage. Charles XII. and is at present discussing the On Sunday the third instant, was preached ment. We hope that a copious commentary will merits of the Siecle de Louis XIV. The free and before the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, at the follow the version, selected from the infinite exuberant eloquence of the speaker, who al Church of St. Mary Le Bow, Cheapside, the variety of critics who have exerted their inge-ways seems to be conversing with his audience; Anniversary Sermon for the Benefit of the Na-nuity in the illustration of the Mantuan poet. the justice of his criticism; the perfect correcttional Schools, on the plan of Dr. Bell, ac- Several heads of spears, celts, and javelins, ness of his definitions; the entertaining nature cording to the Madras system. The church and a curious horse-shoe, were discovered on of his digressions, which frequently appear acciwas crowded out of curiosity to hear the cele-Monday last, by some labourers in a field conti- dental, but are always appropriate; finally, his brated Dr. Herbert Marsh, Bishop of Llandaff, guous to the supposed Roman camp between scrupulous impartiality, and what may be termwho delivered a most excellent and animated Fulbourne and Wilbraham, in Cambridgeshire. ed his literary conscientionsness, have gained discourse on Proverbs, xi. 17: "The merciful The whole are much injured by time. the affection and confidence of all his pupils. man doeth good to his own soul:" from which appropriate passage the learned prelate inferred and proved, that in the diffusion of Christian knowledge upon right principles among the poor, the temporal welfare of a state is best secured, and that the comfort of the superior classes is promoted by the encouragement they give to charitable establishments, the object of which is to raise a generation of industrious, Saturday Mr. Moir exhibited a model of a loyal, and serious citizens. In the conclusion, machine before the Lords Commissioners of the the Bishop strongly enforced the necessity Admiralty, for impelling a vessel against a of supporting those schools, which are con- stream, without the application of sails, oars, or ducted strictly on the principle of conformity to the established Church; and he censured The Paris papers announce a translation of a with plain but temperate feeling, the danger work of Lady Morgan's, under the title of and inconsistency of patronizing general insti- Fragmens patrioțiques sur l'Irlande. tutions which profess to impart instruction, A foreign journal contains the following res-of Appius Claudius, and the tragical end of Virwithout respecting any particular religious sys-pecting Baron Gerambe who was well known in tem, the natural effect of which must be that London in 1812, where he was hotly pressed by they, who are so educated, will consider all his creditors: "Among the distinguished perchurches and sects with equal indifference. sons whom Divine Providence has brought to We are happy to find that an officer of the this house, (La Trappe) for their edification, we first-rate talents, who served in the East many have to notice particularly Baron Geramb, foryears, is employed in arranging an immense merly a General Officer and Chamberlain of the collection of materials for the military history | Emperor of Austria. On the 13th of April he of that interesting country during the late wars; particularly in a detailed account of the brilliant campaigns of the late Lord LAKE, which, under the auspicious direction of the Marquess WELLESLEY, secured the stability of the British power in India, and rounded our oriental empire in such a manner as cannot fail, with proper management, to enrich the parent state, and to extend civilization over an immense region. The gentleman employed in this important memoir is anxions for the minutest information illustrative of his object; which may be communicated through the medium of this journal, or transmitted to our publisher, until the regular prospectus shall be printed.

It gives us pleasure to learn that the translation of Virgil, by Mr. Ring, is likely to make its appearance in the ensuing season. This version is partly original and partly a judicious emendation of the productions of Dryden and Pitt. The first of these great poets has too frequently perverted the original meaning of Virgil in such a manner as to induce the suspi

steam.

made his solemn vows between the hands of
his Abbe after a noviciate of 15 months. This
model of true penitents walks in the steps of
Arséné and Bernard, with a fidelity which per-
mits to hope that he will shortly reach that goal
to which those illustrious solitaries arrived,
where an immortal crown awaits him.”

M. De Lacretelle, who is at present lecturing on the Roman history, and who likewise speaks with surprising facility, does not possess, like M. Villemain, that inexhaustible variety of tone, that elegant familiarity, and easy flow of language, which seems to banish all idea of preparation. His delivery is more grave, his style more vigorons and more oratorical; but the regularity of his method does not prevent his eloquence from being equally animated, when the nature of the subject renders it necessary. He particularly excels in translating and reciting the speeches of the great personages of history. The subject of his last lecture was the establishment and destruction of the Decemvirate. He painted with the colouring of Livy the tyranny giniu, and made a deep and lively impression upon his auditors.

M. Raoul-Rochette continues his considerations on the History of the Crusades. This young professor seems to adhere closely to some of the paradoxical observations which he had summarily advanced in his introductory discourse. He seeks to develope, under the most favorable point of view, the policy of the sovereigns of Europe, who carried tire and sword to Asia, in the name of a God of peace and charity. Notwithstanding this complaisance in M. RaoulRochette for opinions which a certain class of men endeavour to diffuse, in opposition to the spirit of the age, he speaks with moderation, and even with esteem, of the writers who have contributed to enlighten mankind. His manner cannot give offence to any one, and he possesses sufficient spirit and prudence to steer One of the French Journals states, that in without danger between two rocks. He, in a certain select companies a posthumous Tragedy great measure, follows A. Michaud, the author of Chenier's called Tiberius, has been played of the History of the Crusades, whose opinions with much approbation; it is said to be a se-he analyses, corrects, and modifies, with requel to Germanicus.

It is stated in a German Journal, that Baron
Ompteda has published at Vienna some Stric-
tures on the pamphlet entitled Journal d'un
Voyageur Anglais, by the Princess of Wales.

markable talent.

ERRATA IN OUR LAST. For, "an opposition of color bordered by a bloodless face," read, "an opposition of color produced by a bloodless face."

Paris, May, 9-The inconveniences attending Madame Catalani's prolonged absence, have determined the Authorities to revoke the privilege of the Italian Opera, which had been granted to that Lady. It is thought that in consequence of this step the Italian Opera will In the account of J. M. W. Turner's picture, discontinue for a time its representations after for, "lose scent of nature," read, " lose sight of the 1st of July.

nature."

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OR

Journal of Belles Lettres, Politics and Fashion.

NO. XVIII.

REVIEW OF NEW BOOKS.

COMIC DRAMAS,-By Maria Edgeworth,12mo. Miss Edgeworth and Lady Morgan are the two British female writers whose superiority above the rest, the public appear willing to admit, but about whose comparative merits they are still divided. For our own parts, since the publication of O'Donnell, we have never felt a doubt on the subject. The interest of that tale, the accurate delineation of high life, the strength of its elevated characters, and the humour of its humble, place it, we think, above any which Miss Edgeworth has hitherto produced. At the same time we freely confess, that Miss Edgeworth's works are far superior to the other works of Lady Morgan.

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rather too cold, chastened, and precise-efforts at dramatic humour. Miss Edge-
that is, she has carried her peculiar excel-worth, therefore, need not feel ashamed to
lences to a faulty excess; whereas, Lady have failed in such good company. The
Morgan has evidently softened down the fact is, she, (as well as they,) by some fata-
vivid luxuriance of her genius, and thus has lity, loses almost all her poignancy, the mo-
in a great degree, divested her compositions ment she undertakes a species of writing,
of their early defects. It is chiefly for this which requires ten times more poignancy
reason, and in consequence of her Lady- than any other. It is a curious circum-
ship's having latterly adopted the better stance too, that several authors, who are far
system of drawing from the life, that we inferior to any of the above in works of wit,
think her last work excels all her former which are only to be read, become greatly
ones, and all Miss Edgeworth's too. Miss superior in works of wit, which are only to
Edgeworth was the founder of the school, be represented. The causes of this apparent
but the scholar has at length surpassed the anomaly, we might perhaps account for;
mistress.
but want of room obliges us to confine our
remarks to a short sketch of the three
Dramas which compose the volume under
our present inspection.

Having thus enumerated the more striking points of distinction between the characteristics of these celebrated writers, we shall now proceed to our immediate object

the Comic Dramas of Miss Edgeworth.

which declaration we infer, that should the
present work be considered promising, Miss
Edgeworth will hereafter try a bolder flight,
and produce a comedy for representation.

Miss Edgeworth entered into the career of The first, and by many degrees, the best, authorship with a taste perfectly matured, represents the progress and termination of an and sedulously cultivated. Lady Morgan on It would appear, by Mr. Edgeworth's pre-hereditary feud between two Irish families, the contrary, plunged her pen in ink, rashly, face, that these dramas are not intended for the M'Brides and Rooneys, both in the farmprematurely, and enthusiastically. The the stage, but merely, as he expresses it,ing class. The principal circumstance seems former appeared to pique herself upon ele-" to feel her way in her new career." From borrowed from one of the most common in gance, refinement, classicality, and the ambiromance, namely, a passion subsisting betion of depicting manners as they are. The tween the son and daughter of the two latter, too volatile to be judicious, too sentihostile families. Mr. Gerald O'Blaney, a mental to be rational, and too brilliant to be half-ruined distiller, but who, were the story discreet, poured forth inflated rhapsodies in Now we do really conceive, that to write in the hands of a high-flighted Novelist, incorrect and redundant phraseology, and three dramas just by way of trial, was a la- would have been metamorphosed into a pourtrayed beings, such as were never seen bour which Miss Edgeworth might well have Baron mysteriously criminal, wishing to before, yet interesting even amidst all their spared; because, in the first place, it appears marry the daughter, in order to retrieve his follies. Miss Edgeworth's amiable characters, to us, that her volume has not exhibited any fortunes, contrives to widen the breach be if found in real life, would have been thought dramatic talent; and in the next, because tween both families, and to produce, (incold pedants; Lady Morgan's would have even if it had, still, as it is only intended for stead of a battle of Shrewsbury,) a fight at a been considered delightful oddities. The one, perusal, the tales, in the form which they have fair. Here, by the generous conduct of the we might have admired, but could not love; assumed, have all the disadvantages of the hostile sons towards each other, aided by the other, we might have loved, but could drama, without any of the advantages of the the defection of the distiller's agent in the scarcely admire. In Miss Edgeworth, we novel. Both the plot and the characters of an intrigue, the several slanders and backbitings are struck with the light wit and humour, acting comedy, must, of necessity, be forced are discovered, the abuses are reconciled, and the safe, though not profound or original upon us abruptly, and without that gradual the lovers are married, and the curtain maxims, which are scattered through her developement, which, in a story to be perus- drops. pages. In Lady Morgan, we meet a less re-ed only in the closet, is quite indispensable. We shall make one extract from this fined, but much more forcible vein of mirth, This disadvantage, however, cannot be avoid- Drama, descriptive of the feudal feelings and if not so many dictatorial apothegms, ed, as the time of performance is limited; and high spirit of Mrs. Catty Rooney. Our much more feeling, much more philosophy, and besides, it is, in a great measure, remedi-heroic writers have often depicted those and much more native sentiment. We al-ed by our actually seeing and hearing the feelings and that spirit before; but we beways suspect Miss Edgeworth of having characters themselves, which brings us lieve they are now, for the first time, done hoarded up sententious sayings in her com- sooner acquainted with them, than if we into vulgarity, by Miss Edgeworth. mon-place book, gleaned from scarce books, had only read them; just as in ordinary or from casual conversation; and on the life, an hour spent in the company of a other hand, we are inclined to suspect, that stranger, familiarizes us with him far more Lady Morgan is rather too anxious to pro- than a whole day occupied in listening to duce an original, than a just observation. an account of his manners, his character, On the whole, the former lady writes evi- and his person. We regret sincerely, theredently more from her head than from her fore, that Miss Edgeworth has adopted for heart, and the latter more from her heart the closet, a mode of recital which is fit only than from her head. We are clearly of opi- for the stage. nion too, that Lady Morgan has been en- In truth, there seems to be some peculiar Catty. They ought not, any way!-What are dowed by nature with a far greater portion quality of wit, necessary to success, in dra- they? Cromwellians at best.-Mac Brides!— of genius than Miss Edgeworth, but that matic writings, which numberless authors, Macks-Scotch !—not Irish native-at-all-at-ail. Miss Edgeworth has derived from a syste- who excel transcendently in all other species People of yesterday, graziers and mushroons --matic education, more taste and propriety, of humourous composition, cannot attain; (mushrooms)-which tho' they've made the both in the mode of modelling her works or, in other words, that those who can write money, can't buy the blood. My anshestors and in the subsequent execution of their mi- for the eye, are often unable to write for sat on a throne, when the M'Brides had only nute parts. Yet we cannot conclude without the ear. Pope, Addison, Arbuthnot, Field- their hunkers to sit upon; and if I walk, now observing, that in the latter works of both ing and Smollet, all of whom were admira- when they ride, they can't look down upon these authors, Miss Edgeworth has become ble masters of narrative wit, failed in their Their kankers, ì. e. their hamis.

Catty. No fear, I'll not give up at law, or any way, to a M'Bride, while I've a drop of blood in my veins-and its good thick Irish blood runs in these veins.

Pat. No doubt, Ma'am-from the kings of Ireland, as all the world knows, Mrs. Rooney. Catty. And the M'Brides have no blood at-all-at-all.

Pat. Not a drop, Ma'am—so they can't stand. before you.

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