*

Belgic was the Gallic, and that that language was the language spoken in Britain; and supposing that those whom the Romans in his time found in the island, or even on the southern coasts only, were derived from these Belgæ or Cimbri, will he still assert that the Cumraeg is not a Keltic dialect" in any sense of the term?" The Welsh could best reply to this part of the letter; and the talented writers of the Principality in numerous works have done so much to prove the present resemblance and ancient identity of the languages now spoken of, as must forcibly strike every reader, and convince all whose minds are not irrecoverably biased, that the Welsh is more "akin to Keltic than English is to Welsh."

But his chief object seems to be to prove that the Keltic neither has, nor ever had, any affinity with the languages of the east ; and the Gaelic being his mother tongue, it must be presumed that he is well qualified to judge. Writers adopt different modes of argument or elucidation; and, although the letter of F. G. may not require it, I shall assume it as a reason by "beginning at the beginning," for going a little more minutely into the subject, than the value of Mr.Urban's columns, I fear, will warrant.

I believe he will not deny that the Hebrew, Syriac, and Phoenician languages, show an identity of origin, and in the time of Moses, according to the opinion of the learned, were mere dialects of a wide spread tongue. Gesilius, a learned Pole, has recently investigated ancient languages; and he finds that the Phoenician is closely analagous to the Hebrew and Syriac, but is totally different from the Keltic. We believe, no author of repute, save Gesilius, has ventured to assert that the Keltic and the languages spoken in the eastern world in remote ages, were altogether dissimilar and unconnected. It has, over and over again, been said by those whose learning may place them on an equality with this Pole, that the Hebrew, Phoenician, and Keltic, bore a close resemblance, both in the forms of expression, and grammatical construction; that they were,

De moribus Germ. "Lingua Britannica proprior."

indeed, at one time the same. As nothing is more evident than that languages must have diverged from each other; so that in Asia, spoken by the progenitors of mankind, i. e. the Hebrew, must be the root of that which was spoken by the first colonies which settled in Europe. A late learned writer on languages says, “I believe that historical circumstances might be adduced which would render it highly probable that 1500 years before Christ, the people speaking all the then existing languages, could, though perhaps in many cases with difficulty, understand one another."

Lexicographers and etymologists have shown, in almost innumerable examples, too close an affinity to be mere matter of chance. The opinion of modern philologists F. G. may not esteem very highly, but I will refer him to the Transactions of the Cymmodorion Society, where he will find numerous instances of such striking identity brought forward by that profoundly learned Keltic scholar, the late Dr. Owen Pugh, as well as to other works of the same industrious writer; and an attentive consideration will, I doubt not, shake, if it do not remove, F. G.'s present impressions. I should also wish him to look into a work recently published in Glasgow ; the ingenious author of which, although he may be by F. G. accounted an enthusiast, has brought together so many proofs of close resemblance, that prejudice must exist on the part of those who affect not to see it.*

The main stimulus which induced your correspondent to record his opinions, was a perusal of General Vallancey's work, entitled "An Essay on the Antiquity of the Irish Language; being a collation of the Irish with the Punic;" 8vo. Lond. 1818 (reprint), the object of which is to prove the close resemblance of the two. In this, which was but a specimen of his "Collectanea," he displays a spirit of most laborious research, and great acumen, bringing forward evidences, as well from the names of ancient deities, and religious ceremonials, as from words of common use. In the course of the work he instances the well

* Adhamh agus Eubh (Adam and Eve) by L. Maclean, Glasgow, 1837.

known speech in the Poenulus of Plautus, and comparing it word for word, makes it appear to correspond in a remarkable degree with the Irish as now spoken and written! To be sure, Vallancey has analysed and divided the words of the Roman dramatist, who, in all probability, knew little, if any thing, of Punic, and may have taken the dialogue from the mouth of a native, setting it down orthoepically; and F. G. is merry at the general's expense, when he criticizes his method of translation: but the cutting and joining of letters is not so uncommon in like cases, and is done without hesitation by the decipherers of ancient inscriptions and writers on numismatics. Vallancey, however, who had consulted various editions of Plautus, all of which differed more or less from each other, very properly observes, that as it cannot be proved whether this speech had been written in Punic characters, he would, had no other remains existed, have considered it as no more than the work of the various transcribers; but, allowing that the censure of F. G. is just, surely it cannot be denied that there is sufficient correspondence to satisfy all reasonable persons that the languages are cognate.

Vallancey was no doubt an enthusiast in the subject; but his being an Englishman I regard as a circumstance in his favour, and the time which he so diligently devoted to the study of Gaelic well qualified him for treating on it. He was not, it will be allowed, altogether devoid of prejudice in favour of the Irish, as his works in some parts testify, and the appearance of partiality tends much to lessen our respect for a writer. The Gaël of Scotland are certainly under no obligation to him; for he acknowledges that in his researches, he passed over those passages that referred to the Scots or Caledonians, leaving us to infer that he would not avail himself of them to promote his views,-that, perhaps, he might have suppressed them if they did not suit his argument. But let us do justice to his labours. I am well inclined to assent to the truth of the following encomium by a modern scholar, which refers not merely to this "Essay," but

the whole of his literary remains: "the works of General Vallancey contain more profound and correct learning on the origin of nations and languages, than all the books which were ever written."

Fior-Ghaël says that these curious lines have been proved to be Hebrew. Some of those who have written on them, as Dr. Brereton, &c. did not perceive so striking a similarity— but to conclude, I hope your correspondent may yet find "time" to give us more satisfactory proofs of the justice of his assertions, for I confess that I see nothing at present to induce me to become his convert.

HAVING for several years been occupied in forming collections connected with my native county, Berkshire, in the month of January last I announced my intention of publishing a History of the Hundred of Reading, being the first portion of the county, to be followed by the remaining hundreds. Shortly afterwards I received, through the polite communication of J. H. Glover, Esq. F. S. A. his late Majesty's Assistant Librarian, an intimation that his Majesty had been graciously pleased to permit me to dedicate my proposed labours to him.

Rich indeed is the county of Berks in its unexplored antiquities; British, Roman, and Danish remains, are to be met with in fine preservation in many parts. Roads, trodden of old time by our predecessors, but of which little is known by ourselves, invite the antiquary to trace their course; churches, containing numerous interesting features of various styles of architecture, some of very early date, are found in every direction; whilst in its history, and the biography of parties connected with it, many a deeply interesting page is opened.

I have now to invite the attention of your readers to some Roman re

* Vide Prospectus in Gent. Mag. Jan, 1837.

mains in the parish of Blewbury or Blewberry, as it is variously spelt, the greater part of which lies in a detached part of the hundred of Reading, and is situated about four miles northeast by north from East Ilsley. This parish contains the chapelries of Aston Upthorpe and Upton, in the former of which, about a mile distant from the village of Blewbury, is situate Bluberdon or Blewbarton Hill, round which are several intrenchments which in some parts are fast disappearing by the operations of the plough; on the Blewbury side of the hill, which is by far the most interesting, they remain in very fine preservation, and we are enabled to trace six perfect intrenchments, and portions of a seventh. A communication between the several in

trenchments, widening gradually from the upper to the lower part, where its breadth is about forty yards, enabled the soldiers to meet from the several terraces therein, and pour forth in a formidable body upon the plain. From the brow of the hill a good view is obtained of Sinodun Camp, the Willenham Hill of the present day, which is distant about six miles.

Lowborough Hill, in the chapelry of Aston Upthorpe, is one of the highest spots in Berkshire, and commands on the south an extensive view as far as Beacon Hill, near Whitchurch, Hants; to the west, along Cuckhamsly or Cwichelmes - low-hill, to Faringdon; and northwards, the eye wanders beyond Oxford and the Wittenham hills. On the summit of Lowborough, a careful examination of the turf detects a slight elevation of it over the walls of buildings, the foundations of which are hidden beneath; it incloses an area about fifty-six yards long, by forty-three yards wide. Within and around it, are found numerous fragments of Roman pottery, bricks, and tiles, and the site of the foundations is still more clearly traced on closer inspection by means of the moles, which throw up along the lines of the several walls small portions of the foundations intermixed with the soil.

Without the walls on the east side, are immense quantities of oyster shells, immediately below the turf; and on the south side is a well or pond, which is pitched up the sides

and at the bottom. On the north is a barrow of circular form, but not of great height. I learned from the information of Job Lousley, Esq. of Hampstead Norris, that great numbers of Roman coins had at various times been found on this hill; and that in a field called the Stad, at Compton, not far distant from this place, very numerous discoveries of Roman coins had been made at different periods and to a considerable extent. Yours, &c.

JOHN RICHARDS, JUN.

"Vous avez d'ailleurs des armes defensives, et dans les bonnes règles vous devez en guerre être habillés de fer, ce qui est sans mentir une jolie parure et qui me fait souvenir de ces quatre puces latan, subtil ouvrier, dans une frole où il célèbres que montrait autrefois un char

avait trouvé le secret de les faire vivre : il leur avait mis à chacune une salade en têle, leur avait passer un corps de cuirasse, mis des brassards, des genouillères, la lance sur la cuisse; rien ne leur manquait, et en cet equipage elles allaient par sauts et par bonds dans leur bouteille." Les Caractères de la Bruyere-Les Juge

mens.

But let me observe that the present professor of this noble art of flea-taming far surpasses his predecessor, inasmuch that he is not necessitated to keep his little subjects within the restraint of a phial, and he has moreover succeeded in breaking them of that indecorous and improper habit peculiar to fleas, I mean the immoderate use of saltatory exercise or jumping. I am, Sir, &c. J. J. L.

Welcome and Farewell. A Tragedy,

1837. (Privately printed.)

WE believe that we commit no breach of confidence in disclosing to the public, that this Tragedy is the production of the Rev. W. Harness; whose Ser. mons and other works we have read with pleasure and instruction, and who has now appeared for the first time before us in the character of a poet. One great fault of the Tragedies of our day appears to us to arise from an ignorance in their authors of what may be called dramatic effect. We take a familiarity with and knowledge of the practical working act of a story upon the stage itself, scene by scene, and act by act, even to every speech and situation, to be, if not absolutely necessary, at any rate most advantageous to a dramatic author. Thus it was that by the humblest steps Shakspere won his way to the highest pinnacle of fame. He first attended the stage in some low capacity; then, we believe, as an actor of inferior parts; next he altered and accommodated the plays of his predecessors; and then, when he had acquired an intimate knowledge of what was necessary to produce that effect which should ensure success, he brought forth the fine creations of his genius, gradually improving in the elements of his art and rising in the display of his inventive powers, till his glory attained its summit in such wonderful productions as Hamlet, Lear, Othello, and Macbeth.

Many of our modern playwrights have been persons of much literature, taste, and poetic talent; and, in spite of these important qualities, their productions have been either coldly received, or have entirely failed. Miss Baillie's plays are beautiful as poems; highly picturesque in language and imagery, noble and just in sentiment, bold and grand in the outline of character, and striking in incident; yet there is not one of them that can maintain its place as an acting play upon the stage. Lady Dacre is a sweet and elegant poetess, but neither gods nor men can feel interested in her polished GENT. MAG, VOL. IX.

but uninteresting tragedies. Miss Mitford, whose name we always mention, and whose talents we always praise, with delight, failed in Charles the First, which we saw on the first night, principally from great mistakes in the effect of the dramatic composition. Philip Van Artenvelde is a tragic poem, not a tragedy; and if Mr. Sheridan Knowles is more successful than his numerous rivals, it is not owing so much to any superior genius, as to his more familiar acquaintance with the technicalities of his profession, and from his assiduous attention to all those numerous points which, however apparently small to the unpractised and uninitiated, are yet absolutely necessary to insure success.

we

In this respect, whether from inherent good taste and skill, from knowledge of the drama, and familiarity with the best models of the best times, or from whatever other cause, think Mr. Harness has excelled most of his contemporaries, and that he is eminently successful in the progress and development of his plot, and in the maintenance of the dramatic interest throughout. To support our statement we shall give a slight outline of the story, interspersing our narrative here and there with a specimen of the poem.

The story is laid in Antwerp, and the first scene opens in a street before the house of Kessel, a rich and aged citizen, in a dialogue between Steinhault and Elsen; which unfolds to us the first germ of the story. A brave and eminent soldier of the state, De Koening, who had married Margaret, Kessel's daughter, is that day, after a protracted absence, expected home, and the inhabitants are waiting his arrival. Steinhault says,

Of a gay, gallant, high-born lover, Steinhault, Have often proved right grateful substitutes For a dull husband's presence.

Stein. Whose attentions?

A lover gay and gallant and high-born!
Whom is it your words thus aim at?

Van Hal. Simply, then,

Villeroi, the young Parisian traveller,
Spends half his days beneath the father's roof,
With whom fair Margaret sojourns, &c.

While this subject is canvassed, Villeroi approaches, and Van Hal determines to sound him as to the truth of his suspicions. Villeroi wears an air of dejection and gloom; and, after a few unsuccessful attempts at discovering the cause, Van Hal adds,

supper,

The wine was Rhenish and the wit was small?
A third time wrong. This morning's toilet?
No: I see

The graces still propitiously regard
Their faithful votary: all is perfect there.
But yet one other guess. Has the fair maid,
Whose gentle smile and radiating eye-
Vill. What smile? what eye?

Van Hal. Oh! Sir! at last I've touch'd you You know the cause, my friend, of Villeroi's frowns.

Vill. Officious babbler!

Van Hal to Elsen. Was my bolt well aim'd? Elsen. I fear 'twas not far distant from the mark, &c.

In the meantime old Kessel approaches, in his way to greet the arrival of his son-in-law, Villeroi, who was his guest, declines to attend him, and he departs in company with Steinhault. Here a short conversation takes place, which is important to the conduct of the play, and well conceived. Steinhault had complimented Kessel on his hale looks and his strong vigorous old age, to which Kessel

And some years longer may old Kessel live,
To welcome at his board the friends he loves.
But peace is now essential to existence;
I have no strength for conflict. Should afflic-
tion

Lay its hard hand upon me, I well know
The spirit's gone which might have struggled
with it,

And sorrow's touch would be the stroke of death.

This account of the old man's feelings is essential to the explanation of his death which follows, and it is quite true to nature-real, and well expressed; but we almost question whether it would be as satisfactory in action on the stage as to the reader. Kessel must appear outwardly in good health, or the compliment paid to him

on his looks would be absurd: and the spectators would perhaps find the effect of his explanation, however just, impaired to their minds by his appearance; for the weak and trembling nerves which, like so many poor fragile threads, just connect old age with life, could not be outwardly shown. But to proceed. In the second scene, Margaret, de Koening's wife, and Kessel's daughter, and her lover, Villeroi, appear. This scene is of interest, and the progress of the plot is well carried on. It appears that Villeroi has persuaded her that her husband is false to her, and that he is returning to Antwerp with the favourite lady who has usurped her place in his affections: and having thus succeeded in awakening her feelings of anger and jealousy, he has bound her by a promise to elope with him. The tyranny which he exercises from the advantage which he has gained over her, and the conflict of contending passion and duty within her, are well described. De Koening now arrives, and addresses his wife with the rapture of unsuspecting affection, which is returned in cold civility by her; which coldness is not much thawed by his presenting the beautiful stranger who accompanies him to her with the warmest praises. A scene (the third) of great interest follows, which consists of an interview between Margaret and her husband, who unfolds to her the story of the unknown and fair stranger, and at length discloses that she is his own sister, the offspring of his mother's shame and guilt. The whole of this is narrated with such beauty and poetic effect, that nothing but want of