lected with the greatest care-they are taken up from an early period, that those who have a desire to trace the gradual progress of French Literature may have an opportunity of gratifying their curiosity -for it is one of the most pleasing occupations of the scholar, to observe how time, the great Teacher! silently improves a language, corrects its barbarisms, and brings it to that state of refinement, which, under a liberal and enlightened Government, it is certain to arrive at. “ The Biographical sketches that accompany each extract are as copious as the limits of the work would allow. They are derived from the most authentic sources." The Work now before us is not only designed for the library of the scholar, but for the amusement and instruction of youth; and an assurance is given in the Preface, that "It may be safely placed in the hands of the student, to guide his course of reading, and to stimulate him to explore those treasures which an attentive perusal of the most celebrated French Authors will open to his view, Nothing has been admitted, however distinguished for ability, that can possibly give offence either to morals or to religion-for genius loses all claim to respect when it basely descends to mislead the judgment or corrupt the heart." The Authors from whom the several extracts are selected (and a biographical sketch of each is given) are, "D'Aguesseau, D'Alembert, Bailly, Barthélemy, Bayle, Berquin, Bonnet, Bossuet, Boursault et Babet, Bruyère, Buffon, Condorcet, Crébillon, Diderot, Duclos, Du Paty, Fénélon, Fléchier, Florian, Fontenelle, Frederic II. Guibert, Helvétius, La Harpe, Mably, Maintenon, Marmontel, Massillon, Mercier, Montaigue, Montesquieu, Pascal, Patru, Raynal, Rochefoucauld, Rollin, J. J. Rousseau, Le Sage. Saint-Evremont, Saint Réal, Sévigné, Thomas, Vernet, Vertot, and Voltaire." The Second Volume is announced as in the press, containing extracts from sixty of the best French Poets, with a Memoir of each. 83. Cornelius Nepos, De Vita Excellentium Imperatorum. Interpretatione et Notis illustravit Nicolaus Courtin, Humanitatis Professor in Universitate Parisiensi, jussu Christianissimi Regis," in usum Serenissimi Delphini. Undevicesimam hanc editionem curavit Joannes Carey, LL.D. 8vo. pp. 244. Scatchard. DR. CAREY is most certainly an intelligent writer, and indefatigable in his endeavours to promote the cause of Classical Instruction. The present useful edition of Cornelius Nepos is thus introduced: "However inconsistent it may appear, Gentle Reader, to address you here in the vulgar tongue, after having used the Latin in those occasional Notes which I have scattered through the following pages, I have chosen to pen this advertisement in plain English, as the more likely to be read: for I am desirous that it should be read, in order that you may rightly understand, what you have to ex-` pect in the present publication. "In the latter editions of the Dauphin Nepos, the text had been rendered, in many places, very corrupt, partly by the accidental inaccuracies of typography, partly by intentional, but unauthorised and injudicious alterations. The Proprietors, therefore, wishing to have the work republished from the original quarto edition printed for the use of the Dauphin in the year 1675, intrusted me with the care of editing it from a copy of that edition; with an injunction to follow it verbatim, without making any alteration beyond the bare correction of typographic errorswhich, by the bye, I found much more numerous than I could possibly have expected in a work printed by the express order of Louis XIV, for the instruction of his son and heir apparent. "Pursuant to the tenor of my commission, I have closely adhered to my original, both in the text and notes-only correcting the typographic inaccuraciesbut otherwise abstaining from alteration, or any exercise of my own judgment, except in the orthography of a few words, and in the punctuation, which I have studied to render more conducive to perspicuity, and more satisfactory to the lear ner. acquitted myself of the task which I had "Having done thus much, I have fully undertaken; and am no further responsible for any word or phrase, either in the text or notes, which is but faithfully copied from the Dauphin editor, on whom alone the responsibility must rest; since I was bound by my instructions to follow him as my guide and pattern. "In several cases, however, I have added short Notes #some containing various readings from the Bipontine, Van Staveren's, and Harless'es editions, which I occasionally consulted; though I did not think it necessary to enter upon a regular collation of the text; considering the li "All marked with my initials (J. C.) to distinguish them from those of the Dauphin editor." mited nature of my undertaking, and that even a desultory reference to them was a work of supererogation. In some other instances, I have either animadverted on the Dauphin editor's Interpretations, or quoted examples from various authors, to prove or elucidate doubtful or difficult passages in Nepos'es text. And if, Gentle Reader, you should regret that I have not uniformly pursued the same practice in various other cases, where equally necessary; let me observe, that, although I could have added many more useful ob servations which have at different times occurred to me in reading Nepos with my pupils, I found it inconvenient to make too great a sacrifice of time and labour in the performance of a service which was neither required nor expected of me. "With respect to the Index-as it could not be copied from the original quarto edition, on account of the disagreement in the numbers of the pages, I have taken that of the first octavo edition, printed in Londou in the year 1700, as being free from the numerous errors, gradually accumulated in the seventeen succeeding editions. "On the whole, Gentle Reader, I think I may safely venture to say, that, however few and slender my improvements, I here nevertheless present you with a beller edition of the Dauphin Nepos, than was originally presented to the Dauphin himself, by order of the Grand Monarque.” A slight perusal of the Volume will shew that Dr. Cacey's Notes are neither few nor unimportant. 84. Gay's Chair. Poems, never before with a sketch of his Life from the MSS. of the Rev. Joseph Baller, his Nephew. Edited by Henry Lee, Author of "Poetic Impressions," "Caleb Quotem," &c. To which are added, two New Tales, "The World," and " Gossip." By the Editor. Svo. pp. 148. Longinan and Co. MR. LEE is already known to the publick as the Author of that laughable character Caleb QuotemPoetic Impressions-and some other Poems that exhibit considerable depth of thought on subjects connected with the human mind. Our limits will not permit us to enter far into the history of Gay's Chair; but, in the simple and perspicuous Preface to the little book, quite sufficient evidence, we think, is given to satisfy the most suspicious that the Chair really was the property of the Poet Gay* ;-that there was in it a concealed drawer, undiscovered till it came into the hands of the present possessor; and that the little pieces now given to the world were found in that drawer. That these productions will brighten the lustre of Gay's reputation, it might perhaps be too much to assert: we do not, however, think they will tarnish it; and to the admirer of departed genius, this kind of literary resurrection is pecularly pleasing.— That Gay was born at Barnstaple, and not at Exeter, as stated by seve ral writers, appears now sufficiently established by the authority of the Rev. Joseph Baller, nephew to Gay, and author of the short memoir of the Poet's Life that is prefixed to the work. A note following the memoir will no doubt attract attention, since it brings into question the claim of Sir John Denham to the honour of having produced "Cooper's Hill." The first and longest of the poems is entitled, "The Ladies' Petition to the Honourable the House of Commons," and is decidedly in the style of Gray's lighter productions. The equivoque in the concluding word of the following lines we think very neat. To Miss JANE SCOT. The French debonnaire ; A similar playfulness of fancy distinguishes the succeeding : "Augustus, frowning, gave command, And Ovid left his native land; From Julia, as au exile sent, He long with barbarous Goths was pent. So Fortune frown'd on me, and I was driven [happy Devon! From friends, from bome, from Jane, and And Jane sore grieved when from me torn away; I loved her sorrow, tho' I wish'd her-GAY!" The greater part, however, of the book, and we think, that part most likely to be generally pleas * An account of the discovery, with wood engraving of the Chair, bave been already given in our last Volume, part ii. p. 294. ing, consists of the two new Tales by the Editor. A deficiency of plan may perhaps be objected to them; and we must confess we do not see the connexion between the name given to the first ("The World") and the tale which forms the bulk of it; there are, however, many good lines to be found in them, and indications of an intellect that has not been inattentive to the workings of the mind and the passions of man. 66 The subject which gives name to this first Tale is soon abandoned, and the poet proceeds to sketch the character of Emanuel Glebe," the village pastor; in contrast with which we have that of the modern fashionable divine. There is considerable humour in the winding-up of this story, though it may perhaps be thought a little overcoloured. The next, and last Tale, entitled, "Gossip," will, we think, frequently remind the Reader of the style of Crabbe; it has a good deal of his unaffected manner and minuteness of delineation. In the yeoman Leasebold isexhibited the operation of those prejudices which give rise in the same mind to the most inconsistent and contradictory feelings aud sentiments: that make an alternately humane and brutal," he knows not why and cares not wherefore:" "Where heedlessness, or vacancy, appears, All-powerful Prejudice most domineers. So lived the yeoman, Leasehold; harsh, or kind, As Prate or Custom influenced his mind. To brutes an ingrate, tho' they food supplied; [pride; Tho' woollen clothed him, fur increased his A foe to insects;-why, he could not tell; The bee he spared not,-robb'd the honied cell: Not sun-born worms could this rude passion check, [neck; E'en tho' their silky bounties 'dorn'd bis His ire oft reach'd the fawn, the rabbit, mole, Tho' use, or ornament, from each he stole : If he the fox preserved, 'twas for the chase; And often wore the brush as honour's grace. "His favourite horse he'd yield, without a sigh, Whene'er a tempting dealer offer'd bigh : The ass he'd shut without his hovel door To browse on thistles, tho' mau's God it bore! Nay, his pet lamb, the type of all that's good, [blood! For gain he'd sell or shed himself its tea, "Alice was famed for finely-flavour'd [Bohea; Green, Hyson, Gunpowder, Souchong, And, at a pinch, could sport the best Rap. pee! Select their parties,-tonish their regards; Conspicuous each at compliments and cards! Great nobleness of mind by both was shown, A partner's good considered as their own! The story of Martha, whose hapless fate illustrates the pernicious ef fects of "Gossip" and Scandal, is simple and pathetic: but for this we must refer our Readers to the Work itself. 85. Remarks, Critical and Moral, on the Talents of Lord Byron, and the Tenden cies of Don Juan. By the Author of Hypocrisy," a Satire. 8vo. FEW Writers are better able to appreciate the talents of the Noble Bard, or to point out the brilliancy and the mischievous tendency of "Don Juan."-Of the Author of these Remarks, and his admirable Satire, on "Hypocrisy," we have spoken fully in vol. LXXXVI. ii. 330. 336. 86. Death-the inevitable lot of Man-! Reflections suggested by the Demise of His Late Venerable Majesty George the Third, who expired at Windsor, January 29th, 1820, in the 60th year of his Reign, and in the 82nd of his Age, including a Character of the deceased Monarch; and a Brief Eulogy on his late Royal Highness the Duke of Kent. Delivered Wednesday, February 16th, the Day of Interment, at Worship-street, Finsbury-square. With an Appendix, containing an Account of his late Majesty's last Walks, on the Terrace of Windsor Castle. By John Evans, LL.D. pp. 49. Sherwood and Co. DR. EVANS has certainly the pen of an easy, and a flowery writer. Nor is he less prompt, on all public occasions, in the pulpit. He could not therefore but lament "the demise of a venerable Monarch, whose private virtues all parties recognise and celebrate." "The decease of a King, who swayed the sceptre during a longer period than any preceding Monarch in the annals of British History, is no ordinary event, and may be pronounced a legitimate source of moral improvement." From Genesis v. 27. "And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died,”—Dr. Evans very properly expatiates on mortality; and also draws a just character of our late excellent Sovereign. "There are," he says, "three traits, however, which distinguish the reign of George the Third, on which the benevolent mind must dwell with unmingled satisfaction. The first is the Abolition of the SLAVE TRADE.". -"The second trait 87. The Foundations of a Kingdom endangered by Iniquity, and its Ruin prevented by Righteousness. A Discourse Preached in the Parish Church of Dudley, On Sunday, March the 5th, 1820. By the Rev. Luke Booker, LL.D. 8vo. pp. 25. Hatchard. Psalm xi. 3, has here given to his THE good Vicar of Dudley, from Parishioners, and since to the Publick, an impressive and manly exhortation to the important duties of a good subject and a good Christian. In the words of his text are expressed "an anxious alarm for the safety of what constitutes the bases of something valuable to man ;" and ing supineness in those who might "something like reproach, concernavert the threatened danger." "Without, however, says the Preacher, attempting to unfold the critical meaning of the passage, I shall apply it to Great Britain, at the present crisis; to the dangers which threaten the State, with every excellent establishment and institution connected with it; and to an investigation of what has been done, or is doing, by persons gifted with the means of averting those dangers. "That the times have a double aspect may be discerned by the most superficial observer. In one point of view they are fearfully portentous; in another they are singularly cheering. While one side of the political horizon is dark with gathering clouds, apparently surcharged with storms of moral evil, ready to burst on our devoted heads; on the other side, every thing is radiance and peace; whence a broad ægis seems extended to overshadow the good, until the violence of the tempest shall pass away. Indeed, if ever there was a period when the energies of moral good and of moral evil were in open and visible conflict with each other-the one endeavouring to bless and the other to curse mankind-this is the period." 88. Letter to the Right Honourable the Earl of Harrowby, President of the Council, &c. &c. &c. on the Discovery of the late Atrocious Conspiracy. 8vo. pp. 30. Simpkin. A serious and respectful Address to the Noble Earl and bis Right Honourdiscountenance every species of vice able Colleagues; exhorting them to and immorality; and particularly to enforce, both by their authority and example, a religious observance of the Sabbath. He also strongly deprecates the continuance of Lotteries, and the publication of Sunday Newspapers. 89. Letters 89. Lellers from a Mother to a Daughter at or going to School: pointing out the Duties to her Maker, her Governess, her Schoolfellows, and herself. By Mrs. J. A. Sargant. Pocket edit. pp. 121. Wetton and Jarvis. THIS little compendium of advice may be safely recommended, as well adapted to impress on the minds of young ladies a proper attention to their respective duties. A book of this kind (and we know of none superior to the present) should never be omitted in packing up the essential articles of the School-trunk. 90. The Scholar's Remembrancer: containing Tables Arithmetical, Historical, LITERARY INTELLIGENCE. Ready for Publication. Erdeswick's Survey of Staffordshire. A new and improved Edition, by the Rev. T. Harwood. A brief History of Christ's Hospital. By J. I. Wilson. Christian Union without the Abuses of Popery; a Letter to the Bishop of St. David's, in reply to his Lordship's Letter, entitled, "Popery incapable of Union with a Protestant Church," &c. By SAMUEL WIX, A. M. F. R. & A. S. Vicar of St. Bartholomew the Less, London. A series of important Facts, demonstrating the Truth of the Christian Religion, drawn from the Writings of its Friends and Enemies in the first and second centuries. By JOHN JONES, LL. D. Author of a Greek Grammar, &c. &c. The Couverted Atheist, or a Narrative of the early Life of a Reclaimed Infidel, written by himself, and revised and edited, with practical Remarks, by W. ROBY. The first Part of a Story exhibiting The Sorrows of Mæstus, and the Wrath of God, in visiting the sins of parents on their chilGENT. MAG. April, 1820. dren. By the Rev. WILLIAM SNAPE, & respectable Staffordshire Divine. Memoirs of the Rev. Sam. J. Mills, late Missionary to the South Western Section of the United States, and agent to the Colonization Society deputed to explore the coast of Africa. By G. SPRING D. D. The Huntingdon Peerage; comprising a detailed account of the Evidence and Proceedings connected with the recent restoration of the Earldom; together with the report of the Attorney General on that occasion. To which is prefixed, a Genealogical and Biographical History of the Hlustrious House of Hastings, including a Memoir of the present Earl and his family. By HENRY NUGENT BELL, esq. A Narrative of the late Political and Military Events in British India, under the brilliant and liberal administration of the Marquess of Hastings. By HENRY T. PRINCEP, Esq. With Plates. A Journey in Carniola and Italy, in the years 1817, 1818. By W. A. CADELL, Esq. F. R. S. An interesting Journal, under the title of "Annals of Oriental Literature," to be published quarterly. The History of the late War in Spain, by ROBERT SOUTHEY, Poet Laureat. The Topography of Athens, with some Remarks on its Antiquities, by Lieut.-col. LEAKE. A Practical Guide to the Quarter Sessions, and other Sessions of the Peace, adapted to the use of young Magistrates and professional gentlemen at the commencement of their practice. By WILLIAM DICKENSON, Esq. Barrister-in-law. A picture of Margate. The Orientalist, or Electioneering in Ireland; a Tale. By MYSELF. Fall of the Priory. By Mrs. HALFORD. |