The Cicisbeo. A Tragedy in five acts. 1837. The poets of the present day seem to agree with a French writer:C'est mieux dire des riens, que de rien dire "It is better to talk nonsense, than to hold your tongue. The present nameless author has availed himself to the full of this privilege; for every page teems with absurdity-which is in full blossom even at the opening leaf; for there we read with horror a motto from the Bible affixed to this mass of verbosity and folly : "Wherefore doth my Lord thus pursue after his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is mine hand?" Next comes a dedication from a nameless nephew to a nameless uncle, whom he professes not to name "from a dread of connecting his name with a performance unworthy of his patronage." After this follows a preface; in which the writer advises poets 66 never to think of Shakspeare, or work pot-valiant upon him or any other writer." We cannot profess to detail the plot, if plot it can be called, of this precious piece of fatuity: but we will pick out a plum or two; as p. 5, one friend describing another reading :"His eye did beam So bright upon me, that I quail'd The living page which chatter'd 'neath his eye." Of the nightingale it is observed,— "And Philomel did gibber wild of love, [ear, And with soul-rending shrieks assail'd mine Making my sweating heart to heave and writhe With rapturous agony." A gentleman observes he has not a musical voice ::- "In all that leaves my lips 'twixt tone and sense There is so little harmony, that when I woo, the women are not thrill'd, but sneeze, Declaring with sour looks, I'm out of tune." To surprise is given the following novel and graceful action : "Though I call him friend, Surprise, that doth the wonderful propound, Would never nudge me." An allusion-distinguished for sense and propriety !— "What! Cecil stoop to dote upon a girl? Sooner, methinks, St. Paul would do it." Elegant figure of rhetoric: "I'd rather lap a dog whose nose had drunk The hunted polecat's sweat, than call him friend," &c. A lady's observation to her maid :"Like any other honey-blooded mortal, I've long been hourly driven mad by flies, That buzz me sonnets that they may enjoy me In peace and quietude, the selfish loons." GENT. MAG, VOL. X. A question: "Can God in Heaven grin from the green moon Upon such sufferings? Simile:: "I'll be as sure he's worthless, As God, before he deluged Earth, was sure "Twas justly done, ere frenzy bursting soul This plugging reverence shall be withdrawn." So much for "The Cicisbeo," and we recommend the anonymous uncle to get his anonymous nephew, the author, as soon as he conveniently can, placed safely in Saint Luke's, in the care of an anonymous keeper. Oxford in 1888, a fragmentary dream. By a Sub-Utopian, &c.-A very clever and amusing production, under the mask of a dream or fiction, proposing many judicious alterations, commenting on many antiquated errors, and perhaps anticipating many improvements that will be adopted; while occasionally some sly satirical shaft is let loose, on here and there an opinion too pertinaciously held, or a custom that has outgrown the cause in which it originated. In most of the suggestions of the dreamer we fully agree, and feel that he dreamt with his eyes open. His architectural improvements are judicious (p. 63-5); but we would form Christ Church Meadow into a beautiful lawn, with walks and seats for retired leisure ;" for this it is eminently fitted, and no doubt in 1888 cows will be superseded by canons, and where milk maids carried their pails, masters of arts will be seen discoursing in learned pairs, and "unsphering Plato" beneath the shade of their suburban elms. is nothing said about a botanical garden worthy of the name, which we have no doubt will ere long uplift its "wall of verdure," and within which the lectures will be given on that science. But we will not, by any unwise suggestions of our own, anticipate a second dream, which we are sure is not far off; and in which the dreamer will no doubt be favoured with important communications from the spirits of intelligence; who we think will require some improvements in Greek and Latin grammars and dictionaries, recom. mend the early study of Quinctilian as well as Aristotle, and give, what is much wanted, a lucid and accurate account of the Platonic writings, including their moral sentiments, metaphysical speculations, and political reasonings. There Eleusinia. 1836.-This poem has for its subject the nature and affections of the human soul; but we do not think the plan well adjusted, nor do the parts follow in proper division and order. This was 2Q the more necessary, as the subject itself was abstruse, and required, we think, a broad simple outline, with all the illustrations which learning and fancy could supply. Although we own that there is much poetical talent in the volume, yet are there also marks either of an unfinished taste, or of a negligent execution: as p. 51, the line "Pity-and be thankful-doth each browner pine" is, to say the least, very inharmonious, if not unmetrical; "And I will sup me full of shadowy thought," is vulgar and ungrammatical. Does the author say, breakfast me-and luncheon me? P. 55 "And grabbles in the sunshine his wee fingers." Wee is not an English word: it is neither in Shakspeare, Milton, or Pope, but in Burns. It is used again, p. 79, "And waves that seem more huge, while the wee sea-bird dips." To our cars it is very disagreeable; and we should as soon think of meeting one of the Pickwick Club at Almack's, as this word in a grave English poem. P. 61 "Like some soft exile plant from its fair climate cast.' We do not use the term an exile man, or exile girl; thus making exile an adjective. P. 123 "The glomerous cramp roll'd gathering like a wave." P. 151 "Peering on-on through th' infinite-till oh! But what are we to think of the following stanza, p. 109— "See here Petrarca! He was all for me! Per voi conven ch'io arda, e'n voi respire This polyglott stanza, we think, in as bad taste as can be: and we conclude by saying that, in our opinion, the poem wants a severe revisal by the author before he places it again before the public. There are sufficient indications in the work of his power of improving it, but "Non satis est pulcra esse poemata ;-dulcia sunto." Reprint of the Roman Index Expurgatorius, with Preface; by Richard Gubbins. 1837.-An interesting republication of the only Vatican Index of this kind ever published-the great mother-index of all the rest :-a most triumphant proof, not only of the restless interference and the ambitious domination of the Romish Church, but also of their wicked system of fraud and forgery. "Non solum hæreticos, verum et proscribit Propugnatoresque suos[amicos Compluresque alios rabidus quos continet Index." For it may, as the editor observes, with truth be said, that in the editions of the works of the Fathers, "ubi Romani, ibi vitia." Dr. James has noted 1805 places in which the modern editions of Gregory the Great exhibit the text corrupted. In the same manner are the works of St. Austin treated. Well, then, might Bishop Jewell ask-" Is their rending, suppressing, maiming, and burning the writings of the ancient Fathers an argument of their reliance on antiquity?"We thank Mr. Gubbins for making public this most melancholy proof of ecclesiastical tyranny, craftiness, and guilt. On Education; from the German of J. C. A. Heinrith.-This little elementary work contains many judicious observations and enlightened views on the subject of the discipline of the mental and moral powers, and is worthy of perusal. The kind of German air about the thoughts and expressions, adds to its interest. Apocalypsis Skenes, an opening of the Mystery of the Tabernacle. By John Vizard. This little work contains a specimen of a Commentary on the first eight verses of the 25th chapter of Exodus ; and is executed with learning and taste. We hope the author will continue his proposed plan. Stanley, or the Infidel reclaimed, and other Poems, by James C. Fyler, Esq. M.A.- These poems are correct and pleasing, without possessing much of the fire of genius. The song resembles the soft twitter of the linnet, rather than that of the "bird of fiery heart." ex. gr. LLANGOLLEN GRAVE; Where Lady E. Butler, Miss Ponsonby, and their maid were buried. Breathe softly !-this is hallow'd ground! A holy stilness guards the mound Where Friendship's ashes lie; Read, Stranger! on that tablet rude, Give humble worth to rank allied, Their mortal relics here repose- The Prince of Peace, the Lord of Love, Plain Parochial Sermons, by the Rev. D. Parsons.-This little volume is introduced by a very judicious and well-reasoned preface, on the relation which our Established Church bears to the numerous Protestant sects, and particularly to the Kirk of Scotland. "The Church of England," he observes, "is essentially Catholic, accidentally Protestant, and as such is a reformed church; but in no way connected with the Continental reformations, or with their off-shoots in Scotland, Ireland, and England; inasmuch as the Continental reformations and their offshoots are essentially Protestant and not Catholic." Again, "The Church of England is not a Protestant church (essentially), and the other churches (so called), such as the Kirk and Dissenting societies, are destitute of that which is essential to the existence of any branch of the church of Christ, apostolical ordination, and on other points do not teach the Catholic doctrine." Mr. Parsons then distinctly shows that the principal subjects on which the Church of England teaches Catholic doctrine, and other Protestant churches (so called) teach differently, are these: -1. Apostolical Succession. 2. Baptism. 3. Confirmation. 4. The Eucharist. 5. The relation of the Sacraments to other parts of duty and life. 6. The power of Absolution. The Sermons themselves are very good, and such in doctrine and in language should be preached from every village pulpit. It should be kept in mind, however, that the language of the pulpit is rendered intelligible to the common people, as much by the tones, manner, and even the assistance of gesture when decently and moderately used, as by the plainness and simplicity of the words themselves. We do not approve of extempore preaching; but we strongly advocate such a familiarity with his discourse as may enable a preacher to deliver it with freedom and ease. Riddell's Letters of a Godfather, &c. -This little work consists of a series of Letters containing advice on religious belief and conduct. They are written in a plain and somewhat familiar style, and their doctrines are such as must be admitted and approved. We wish, however, that the author, instead of quoting Wilberforce and Dr. Wilson, had confined himself to the works of our great divines, seeing that there is no argument nor exposition wanted by him in illustration of his doctrine that could not have been brought from them, not only with a power and precision of language, but with a weight of authority, which surely neither Wilson nor Wilberforce could claim. We think it of high importance not to let our old theology be superseded by quoting the authority of living writers on subjects which have been discussed, examined, enforced, and illustrated by minds of far superior powers. We should be ashamed to say that we had not read the works of Hooker, Taylor, Barrow, South, Waterland, &c. but we are not the least unwilling to declare that we never read a line either of Mr. Wilberforce or Mr. Wilson's writing, on this principle,-that life is too short to be employed on works of secondary and disputed excellence,-that our old body of theology is one of the richest stores of learning, sacred and profane, of powerful argument, noble invention, devout feeling, all delivered in a style grave, masculine, and eloquent, that can be possessed, of which we have nothing that can bear the slightest comparison with it; and further, it abounds in works of practical ability, as well as of recondite erudition. Why then are we to quote Mr. Wilberforce lately dead, and Mr. Wilson now alive? Our old friend Dr. Parr, once the ornament of the place from which Mr. Riddell dates his work, often told us that he liked neither the spirit nor the doctrine of Wilberforce's work; unless therefore we could gain from it something not to be got elsewhere, which we much doubt,-we shall decline its perusal. We are afraid that such works and a thousand others are now read by clergymen, as well as by the laity, to the exclusion of those volumes over which our forefathers used to bend with delight; and what is the result? Look at the numerous volumes of modern sermons flowing for ever from the press. Can anything be more poor, dry, jejune, and unprofitable to the understanding than nine-tenths of them Modern sermons Coleridge, who read every thing, declared he could not read, because they are not illustrated by rich stores of learning, nor adorned by a free and copious invention and fancy; they have nothing to attract or detain the are. attention. Compare one discourse of Donne, or Leighton, or Reynolds, or Barrow, or Howe, with the parochial or any other sermons of the present day, and if a reader does not at once feel the difference, it will not matter to him what book he reads. Perhaps this strikes us more strongly, as our theological studies were early directed, and since continued solely among those great divines, jointly with the old fathers of the early church; and we can only bring ourselves to delight in those discourses of the present day which are composed after their spirit. To Mr Davison's Warburton lectures, to Mr. Benson's lectures, to Mr. Miller's discourses, and lastly, to Mr. Newman's incomparable sermons, we are ready to pay the homage due to them. They look on us with the countenance of old times; and the mantle which Taylor and which the saintly Leighton left on earth, has fallen if anywhere into their hands. The Beast and his Image, by the Rev. F. Fysh, A.M.-We consider this as a very useful and ingenious commentary on the thirteenth chapter of the Revelations. The author generally agrees with Bishop Newton; but has availed himself of the opinions of other commentators, and has also exercised his own judgment on disputed points. We firmly believe that the prophecies of the Roman Church are hasting to an accomplishment, and the more we are awakened to a sense of the deep corruptions of that Church, the more anxious shall we be to guard our own against its delusions, and take warning by its errors and crimes. The chapters on the Jesuits are excellently compiled and of great interest. THE ART UNION. The Diocesan Statutes of the Roman Catholic Bishops of the province of Leinster, exactly reprinted. By the Rev. R. J. McGhee, A.B.-The Roman Catholic Clergy are very unwilling that these volumes of statutes issued by the authority of their bishops should get beyond their reach, and it appears purchase them at almost any price. We are obliged to Mr. McGhee for making public the one here described; and thus contributing to extend our knowledge of the carnal arts and unholy practices of the Church, under whose power more than six millions of people are brought up in ignorance, disaffection, and crime. The Nature and Prospects of the Adamite Race, in connection with the Scheme of Christianity. 8vo.-The object of this treatise is to establish the two great truths, inseparable from each other, on which the christian scheme of salvation is founded. The one, "Man's utter inability to establish his own righteousness;" the other "Man's full and free justification through Christ." The discourse itself is argued with clearness, and from scriptural authority, and is written with force and elegance. The author need not have suppressed his name. FINE ARTS. This association held its general meeting at Mr. Rainy's Gallery, in Regent St. on the 15th May, Benj. Bond Cabbell, esq. F.R.S. in the chair. The subscribers have increased this year from 352 to 568; and the total amount of their subscriptions was 721 guineas; still the position of the Society is far from adequate either to the extent and importance of the objects in view, or to the wealth and character of the British metropolis. The annual income of the Société des Amis des Arts in Paris is more than seven times, and even the Edinburgh Association for the same object is more than four times the largest sum yet subscribed in London. The Art Union has determined to devote a portion of its funds to the purpose of engraving some work of art which shall have been purchased by the Association; each member to be entitled to one impression, and the proofs distributed by lot, in the same way as the right to select pictures. The sum of 150l. was assigned for this purpose. (The subject since selected is Mr. Cabbell's picture, the work of W. Simson.) The remaining available sum of 4507. was divided by the Committee into fifteen portions; and after the allotment of the twenty proofs of the engraving with the letters, ten with the engraver's name only, and ten before the letters, the scrutineers proceeded to draw the lots for pictures, and the fortunate members were as follow, almost all of whom have added to the amount of their prizes, in order to purchase pictures of greater value : Prizes of 101. Mr. J. Ball, who selected from the exhibition of the Society of British Artists, "The Miser alarmed,' by H. E. Dawe, price 217.; Mr. Hofland, "Sussex Coast, near Eastbourne," by J. Wilson, price 107. 10s.; Mr. Legh, "Dead Game," by G. Stevens, 25 guineas; Mr. Ackermann, "Quiet Enjoyment," by T. Woodward, 30 guineas. Prizes of 201. Mr. F. Barry, not yet selected. Mr. Prentis, "Old House at Aberdoun, Fifeshire," by A. Nasmyth, 20 guineas; Mr. Uwins, "Omnium Gatherum," by W. D. Kennedy, 20 guineas; Mr. Sass, "Shylock, Antonio, and Bassanio," by D. Cowper, 30 guineas. Prizes of 251. Mr. Cabbell, “A Camaldolese monk, showing the relics in the sacristy of the convent at Rome," by W. Simson, price one hundred and fifty guineas; Mr. Clark, "Glenlochy, at the head of Loch Tay, Perthshire," by Copley Fielding, 251.; Mr.Wood, "Harbour, &c. Scarborough," by John Tennant, 25 guineas; Mr. Cole, "The Persian," by S. A. Hart, A.R.A. 251. Prizes of 501. Mr. Matthew, "Scene from Anne of Geierstein," by Edw. Corbould, 557.; Mr. Godwin, " Rehearsing for the Frolic," by Thomas Clater, 601. Prize of 1001. Mr. Harrison, "The Death of Leonardo da Vinci," by William Fisk, from the exhibition of the Royal Academy, price 100 guineas. The sums added amount to 2167. 10s. making the total sum expended upon the painters through the intervention of the Society, 6361. 10s. SCHOOL OF DESIGN. Aug. 1. The first annual meeting of this institution was held at its rooms in Somerset-house, when the premiums awarded to the successful competitors were distributed by the Right Hon. C. Poulett Thomson, M.P. President of the Board of Trade. The school has already been productive of valuable results, as appeared by the numerous beautiful specimens of art submitted for inspection. The prizes were five guineas each, and were awarded as follow: Silk Hangings, Mr. W. Cheseling Wild; Ribands, Mr. John Mongford; Shawl, Mr. E. C. Clarkson; Carpet, Mr. C. Gardner; Architectural Frieze, Mr. W. C. T. Dobson; Teacup, coffee-cup and cover, and saucer, Mr. Wyatt A. Papworth; Chintz Muslin, to Mr. Thomas Ingham. In several cases a testimonial of approbation was given to a second competitor. Mr. Papworth has resigned the direction, and is succeeded by Mr. Dyce. STAINED GLASS AT CAMBRIDGE. The beautiful and spacious hall of King's College, Cambridge, has received a splendid addition by the filling of three of the north-west windows with stained glass, presented by the individuals whose armorial bearings it represents, or by their executors or friends. The work is executed by Mr. Hedgeland, of Grove-place, Lisson Grove. Each window contains the arms, &c. of six individuals. The first is appropriated to those of Peers and Statesmen, educated at the College :-In the first compartment are the arms of Sir Robert Walpole, Earl of Orford, Prime Minister to George I.; in the 2nd those of the Right Hon. Stephen Poyntz; 3rd, Horatio, first Lord Walpole, brother to Sir Robert; 4th, the late Lord Bolton; 5th, the Right Hon. Sir Stratford Canning, G.C.B.; and 6th, the late Earl of Carlisle. The second window contains the arms of Bishops and Heads of Colleges, namely, -Dr. Luxmoore, late Bishop of St. Asaph; Dr. Sumner, Bishop of Chester; and Dr. Bethell, Bishop of Bangor; Dr. Goodall, Provost of Eton College; Dr. Thackeray, the Provost of King's; and Dr. Cooke, late Provost and benefactor. The third window consists of the arms of divines and benefactors, in the following order :-1st, Dr. Rennell, Dean of Winchester; 2nd, Dr. James; 3rd, the late Rev. Daniel Gaches; 4th, the late Rev. John Manistre; 5th, the late pious and Rev. Charles Simeon; 6th, Dr. Keate. The several compartments contain, together with the armorial bearings, scrolls or labels, inscribed with the names, &c. the shields being decorated, according to circumstances, with garters, collars, or other appropriate emblems; the whole reposing on rich diapered backgrounds of a subdued tone, affording the necessary relief to the brighter colouring of the heraldic devices. LOUIS-PHILIPPE'S ALBUM. The following is a summary description of the splendid album presented to the King of the French on his Majesty's fêteday, containing highly-finished drawings in water-colours of the scenes at Fontainebleau, and the fêtes given by the Hotel de Ville and the national guards of Paris, on the marriage of the Duke and Duchess of Orleans. Baron Taylor, under whose direction this beautiful work was got up, wishing that it should be done with the utmost accuracy, caused sketches to be made at the time of all the features of the places and actions at each scene, and from which the drawings were made. The most striking subjects are "The Review of the Camp at Fontainebleau by the King," finely executed by Messrs. Justin Ouvrié and Victor Adam; the "King on the grand Staircase of the Cour d'Honneur at Fontainebleau," by Messrs. Dauzats and Bayot; "The Civil Marriage," in the Gallery of Henri II. by Messrs. Dauzats and Grenier; "The Catholic Marriage," in the chapel, by M. Eugene Lami; "The Protestant Marriage," in the new gallery, by Messrs. Dauzats and Eugene Lami; "The Royal Banquet" and "The Opera at Versailles," by M. Viollet Leduc ; and "The Castle of Ludwigslust," by M. Ouvrié. The total number of the drawings is 22. The album is bound in red morocco, relieved with dark green, and enriched with finely wrought gold ornaments and precious stones, having his Majesty's cypher in the centre in diamonds and rubies. The binding was executed by M. Simier, after designs by M. Viollet Leduc. It was presented to the King by the Count de Montalivet, and received by his Majesty with warm expressions of praise and admiration, |