ridiculous; but a chance of a letter reaching its destination, with a day saved, might, under circumstances, prevent the capture of a town; and the Telegraph-inen might keep the pigeons, at a very trifling additional expence, which would be saved in messengers, with interest.

Richard Coeur de Lion was formed in mind and habits for a Grecian Hero; and the account of his captivity is very interesting.

"At the end of six weeks from his de. parture from Acre, Richard was off the Barbary shores, within three days sail of the port in the South of France, whence he had embarked for the Holy land. His misfortunes had become known; and he heard that the French Lords had resolved to seize him, if he landed in their territories. The condition of his vessel forbade the hope of a safe return to England, and Germany was the only country, through which he expected to escape. He purchased the maritime guidance of some pirates, and the course of his vessel was changed from Marseilles to the Adriatic.

His companions were Baldwin de Betun, a priest; Anselm, the chaplain; and a few Knights Templars. The royal party landed at Zara. They wished to pursue their route to the North; and accordingly one of them went to the Governor of Goritia for passports, (p. 71,) who, unfortunately for Richard, was nephew of the late Marquis of Tyre. The messenger was desired to declare the quality of his masters. He described them as pilgrims, on their return from Jerusalem. Their names, asked the Governor. One is called Baldwin de Betun,' answered the man, and the other, Hugh the merchant, and the latter has commanded me to give you a ring, as a proof of his good dispositions towards you.' The Governor admired the beauty and splendour of the ruby; he was strock with the singularity of the transaction; be naturally thought that he who sent the gift could be no common person; and after weighing the circumstances in his mind, he exclaimed, the name of the owner of this ring is not Hugh the merchant, but King Richard: tell him, however, that although I have sworn to detain returning pilgrims, yet the magnificence of this gift and the dignity of the donors induce me to violate the rule, and to allow your master to pass.' Planta genet heard with alarm of the discovery, which his generosity had occasioned: the knowledge of the circumstance of the dispersion of his fleet was not confined to France, and every Christian Monarch was prepared to seize (p. 72) as a prisoner, the great Champion of the Cross. Richard and his friends took to their horses

in the middle of the night, and the news was spread, that the King of England was in Germany. The fugitives were unmolested till they reached Frisack, near SaltzThe Governor of that country burgh. commanded one of his relations, a Norman Knight, to examine all Travellers. The speech and manners of Plantagenet were marked with curiosity by him, who knew the English character, and his prayers and tears produced an avowal from the King, that the object of his search was discovered. Honorary and pecuniary rewards had been offered, as incentives to diligence, but the generous Norman thought only of the safety of his liege lord, entreated him to fly, and presented to him a swift horse. He then returned to his master, and told him that Baldwin de Betun and his companions were the only pilgrims in the town, and the report, that Richard was of the party, was false and ridiculous. The Governor, however, relied upon the certainty of his previous information, suspected the old knight of deceit, and issued orders for the detention of strangers. Six of the English were put into prison, but the king escaped, accompanied only by William de Stagno, and a boy, who understood the German language. After travelling (p. 73) for three days and three nights, and scarcely ever stopping for refreshments, Richard arrived at a town near Vienna. He heard that the Duke of Austria was in the place, and he knew that that haughty and impetuous Nobleman remembered him with feelings of hatred, because in the siege of Acre the English Monarch had checked his arrogance and presumption. The fugitives were so much harassed, that they could not pursue their course, The German boy was sent to the market-place in order to purchase provisions; and as he had experienced the generosity of his Master, he was usually dressed with elegance and nicety. The contrast of the vulgar demeanour and the handsome clothes of the youth, attracted the attention of the people; they demanded his name and condition; and he replied, that he was the servant of a very rich merchant, who three days before had arrived in the town. The boy saw that his story was not credited, and on his return to the king, he advised his immediate escape. But Richard was ill and weary, and totally unable to depart. The boy continued his visits to the market-place, and for some days attracted no further notice; but, on one occasion, the citizens saw in his girdle a pair of such gloves as were usually worn by kings. The poor Jad was immediately seized and scourged, and the threat of cutting out his tongue, if he did not tell the truth, drew from him the secret of the real quality of his Master. The Austrian soldiers immediately surrounded

surrounded the house of Richard, and the king, knowing the fruitlessness of resistance, offered to resign his sword. The Duke advanced and received it, p, 75. He afterwards sold Richard, as usual in those days, to the Emperor, aud, says

Mr. Mills, à la Gibbon, Imperial Cruelty' [not the Emperor] commanded, that armed men should always be present in the chamber of Richard, and that he should never speak in private to any of his companions." p. 76.

Now, if this man of unroyal mind had supposed that he should have gained two-pence more, by fatting Richard, like a Christmas Turkey, he would have tried to do it. The ransom was the object. Prisoners of war were matters of commerce. No money could purchase the liberation of Buonaparte: and the principle was Jewish extortion. Under present circumstances, the powers of Europe would arm against a potentate, detaining a Sovereign, not engaged in warfare against such potentate.

We have no room for further extracts, and we certainly recommend Mr. Mills's book as a proper and respectable companion to the His torical Collections in our Libraries. But we must again observe, that it was the Philosophical Knowledge of Mr. Gibbon, (who was also a man of vanity) which rendered his work one of superior cast. Mr. Fox proved, that he only dipped for incidents; and what Horace Walpole was in Connoisseurship and Antiquities, a fop; such was Mr. Gibbon in Philosophy. But, as it does not follow from such a character, that he does not actually wear a capitally made coat; (on the contrary, it is probable, that he really does ;) we shall make up a sentence for the purpose, viz. that Mr. Gibbon, in a long Otaheite and Grecismal mode of expression Philosophically-Bondstreet-lounged the Decline and Fall, in a style worthy the first Dancingmaster in Philosophy ever known. The serious and unnecessarily insulted Christian has a right to this just ob servation. His introduction of that subject was pure coxcombery and folly.

WE are decidedly of opinion with Captain Burney, that the Phænomena of the Solar System are not wholly to be explained by the principles which are known; for instance, there are, rating on the atmospheres of the sewe think, some unknown causes opeveral planets, which produce irregularity of season, meteoric stones, &c.

What is the property of space (as it is called) in the medium in which these large orbs move. According to Capt. Burney, "matter may be supposed to collect in the superior air, or medium, and be changed into an infant planet, by an instantaneous fusion from some electric power, and so from acquiring weight descend." (pp. 55, 56.) We say no more, because we agree with Capt. Burney, (p. 54) "that all matter seems to be in perpetual action of interchange," but we should rather say, that there is a chemical co-operation of causes between space and planets, but that these are not known, or defined. Capt. Burney's work consists of suggestions for very deep professional investigations: investigations only next in character to the theological disquisitions concerning the attributes of Deity.

129. The Practice of Elocution, or a short course of Exercises for acquiring the several requisites of a good delivery, arranged to correspond with "The Theory of Elocution." By B. H. Smart, Public Reader of Shakspeare. 8vo. pp. 158. Richard

Lord of the LION HEART and EAGLE EYE."

Mr. Smart's rules in this tract are

certainly very well adapted to correct bad enunciation; but, as he charges us with mistaking the Theoretical Knowledge, intended for Teachers, as meant in usum Tyrouis, we beg

to

to say, that the exercises introduced in this book are very judicious, particularly those in Chapter II. and show, that pupils under the tuition of Mr. Smart can scarcely fail, with common attention, of acquiring the object desired. Still we think that in such books the several emphatic words should be marked by a different type, or by accents, e. g. from p. 41. "The young, the healthy, and the prosperous, should not presume on their advantages."

130. The Second Outinian Lecture; being also the Second of the Married State. Edited by John Penn, Esq. 4to. pp. 40. Hatchard.

OUTINIAN LECTURE, we at first sight took for a misprint of CURTAIN LECTURE, such being also the second of the Married State, but as it seems, it refers to the reply of Ulysses to Polyphemus, that Ouris [nobody] had wounded him.

We have been reprimanded for not noticing these. Lectures before"Saxa morantur

Cum rapidos amnes clauso fit gurgite murmur."

But, as they seem to imply only that young people should know each other's characters well, before marriage, we were not inclined to prose upon a truism; only to observe, that each party should enter upon the study before attachment could be suspected; for, after they are once in love, the natural character is lost in the mutual desire of pleasing. How they go on after matrimony is admirably told in the Doyen de Killerine (as the French spell Coleraine) tom. vi. p. 230.

"You can never conceive how strong is the force of habit, between two persons, who have used for a long time the same house, the same table, the same occupations, the same pleasures, and who pass in one word the day and the night without separation almost for a moment, have learned mutually to know their faults, to pass them over, to look upon one with reference to the other, as well as to dispense with all forms of politeness and constraint, to speak, or be silent when they like, to hide none of their thoughts, and to put their satisfactions and their pains into a common stock. It is not

interest which binds them, for they could lead an easy life, without any aid from each other; it is not precisely a taste for the same pleasures, for they do not find

them very lively, and half of their time is passed in discovering the weakness of all which bears the name; it is not any inclination for good living; for though nothing is wanting upon their table, they have no more appetite, and very often they leave it without having touched the behold each other without eagerness, ab. best dishes; it is still less love, for they sent themselves without chagrin, scarcely say a single word of tenderness, often refuse the simplest tokens of complaisance which they would show to the greatest stranger, and though they occupy the same bed, lie down and get up with indifference. Notwithstanding all this, try, if you think it possible, to make them that they will deride all your efforts." renounce cohabitancy; you will see,

131. An Historical Map of Palestine, or the Holy Land: exhibiting a correct and masterly delineation of the peculiar Geographical Features of the Country, and of all places therein connected with Scripture History; interspersed with Ninetysix Vignettes, illustrative of the most important and interesting circumstances recorded in the Old and New Testaments, introduced Topographically, from the best Historical and Geographical Authorities: drawn by Asheton; engraved by Hall, on a very large Sheel, 40 inches by 274. S. Leigh.

TO render the Holy Scriptures inof Readers; to attract the young and telligible and familiar to every class the old, the rich and the poor to a constant and attentive study of them; to open to every one those treasures of Divine knowledge which contain all the riches of Salvation, is an em

ployment so important and so beneficial, that every attempt to assist in and praiseworthy. the good work is highly creditable

In this light it is, that a Map of PALESTINE, illustrated by references to the most remarkable events described in sacred History, and rendered interesting by the elegance and novelty of its embellishments, deserves to be regarded amongst the most useful aids which ingenuity has supplied to those who read with attention, and desire to retain the memory of that which they have read.

This Map is accompanied by a sheet of Explanatory References to the Vignettes: -a general view of the principal districts and most remarkable places contained therein: and an economical calendar of Palestine, which supplies a curious and enter

taining

What other climes far fam'd, could ne'er impart, Penzance here breathes *, and smiles her [arms to ope. Yes, for himself the bard her fame shall tell : [breeze,

pp. 15. T. Vigurs.

dreary waste;

Rosy, and wild in vigorous toil withstood. Now deem'd each heath and dale but [could move, For scarce, sore chill'd, his labouring pulse Where should the bard his shivering footsteps baste [prove? To warmer suns, yet freedom's blessing Canst thou not, muse, that happy coast pourtray [rest? Where genial breezes bade this wanderer Tell of mild airs that cheer his short'ning day?

Of British fields in brighter verdure drest? Tonkin, to thee she'd give the pencil due: Thou native genius bright in russet rude, Whose strokes e'en Cornwall's Opie lov'd [sued. Who wild like thee his self-led way purSay might Montpelier high, or Naples

to view,

clear,

Or Lisbon's rising palaces dare vie With that quick view, when listless travellers near [scry? Michael, thy Mount †, and Silver-Bay deLast, blest resource for anguish'd parent's heart, [hope! When Phthisis with her fang bas seiz'd his

*"Mr. James Tonkin of Penzance, whose Views of the Bay are so much admired; from one of which a Print bas been taken :-we understand he purposes to publish a set of Views of Mountsbay.Mr. Tonkin excels also in Miniature Portrait painting."

+"St. Michael's Mount, once famous for the resort of pilgrims, and now the property of Sir John St. Aubyn, Bart. has between two or three hundred inhabitants; is about 250 feet high; with a castle on the summit, which serves as a mansion; it has also a chapel with a fine oigan. But we will say with Spenser, St. Michael's Mount who does not know?' See also Milton's Lycidas."

When, sad forboding, sharp defluction fell, She set a Wife's, and Daughter's heart at ease."

Most of the principal Seats in the neighbourhood are introduced in this little Poem.

133. A Letter to the most noble the Marquis of Hertford, Lord Chamberlain of his Majesty's Household, and Master of the Revels, on the Subject of a Dramatic Institution. By James Plumptre, B.D. Vicar of Great Gransden, Huntingdonshire. 8vo. pp. 13. Rivingtons.

TO this respectable Peer, as Master of the Revels, the present Letter is properly addressed by a pious and exemplary Divine. [See p. 511.]

this important, this awful trust, I take the "To you, then, my Lord, occupying liberty of addressing this Letter, on a subject which so nearly concerns, not only yourself, but the nation at large. We, my Lord, of the clerical profession, who have entrusted to us what is called the cure,' or care, of souls,' are considered as standing in a most awful and perilous situation. Is not your Lordship's of a similar, but much more extensive, nature? We promulgate doctrines and morals to a few hundred, or at most a few thousand

souls, mostly but once a week; whilst those sanctioned by your Lordship are promulgated to many thousands, for six nights in the week, to many congregations throughout the kingdom; and they are not confined merely to one age and nation, generation, and are extended, in some but are perpetuated from generation to considerable measure, throughout the four quarters of the globe."

"An Harmonic Institution has been lately established, under the patronage of his present Majesty, while Prince Regent, for the Advancement of the Science of Music, for the encouragement of Composers, for the delivery of Lectures, for collecting a Library, &c. &c.; and it strikes me, that it is very desirable to establish a similar Institution for the improvement and advancement of the Drama; that your Lordship should undertake the Presidency, and, perhaps, his Majesty might be graciously pleased to take it under his protection as the Patron."

"One of the principal objects should be to form a Library, which should embrace the Drama in all its ramifications and bearings. To contain a copy of almost every play which has been written (for there are some which it would be a disgrace to the Library to own), and, in the case of those plays of which there are only unique copies, to procure, if possible, transcripts of them:-all Dramatic History and Biography-all Dramatic Controversy-all Dramatic Prints and Paintings-Magazines, Reviews, Newspapers, &c. &c."

"It is much to be regretted, that Mr. Capell, when he left his valuable Dramatic Library to Trinity College, Cambridge, should have left it under such restrictions that no person is allowed to transcribe a whole work; so that it is not possible to reprint some of the scarce Tracts, which would be a valuable acquisition to the Antiquary and the Commentator. Though this might have done away the poor gratification of possessing a unique copy, it would still have left that of being the preserver and possessor of it, and have added that of being still more extensively the promoter of Literature."

"Another object should be to give Lectures on the Drama,-on Poetry in general, and dramatic poetry in particular,— on Elocution and Acting-on Music and Singing-on Dramatic Architecture, Machinery, and Painting, &c."

"The Institution should contain, likewise, a Theatre, which would serve both the purpose of a Lecture Room, and also for the performance of Plays."

For a few other particulars in the worthy Author's plan, we refer to his Pamphlet.

"A visit," says the Author, "paid to its summit some years since, in company with a few friends, at that time of the year when summer begins to mellow with the tints of Autumn, first suggested the idea of soliciting the aid of the Muse in describing a scene, the impressions of which, at the moment, were of a kind that is not to be forgotten. How far I have succeeded, is not for me to judge; as I here (with great diffidence) offer my la

bours to an impartial and enlightened Public. Of one thing I am conscious, which is, that my language falls short of expressing the pleasure I then expe rienced."

Many pleasing descriptions of mountain scenery are introduced; and several sensible remarks on the situation of Ireland in respect to its connexion with the other parts of the Empire.

As a specimen of the versification, we take the introductory address to Mount Leinster :

"Lord of the landscape, lofty Leinster, hail! [tant sail, From whose high crown we view the disAs on the horizon's misty verge it flies, Where distant ocean mingles with the skies; With thy majestic beauties varying wide, As from the base we mount the rocky side, On an extensive tract the eye first dwells, Where Erin's shore the rolling surge repeis; Dotted with woods, with villas, and with

A glowing landscape still unfolding charms; farms, Still, as we rise, sublimer views expand, In lengthening prospect o'er the sea-girt land;

Where silver streams extend, and hamlets rise

In panoramic view before our eyes:
Ascending yet the hills behind less grow,
And one wide plain appears the scene be

low;