Obrázky stránek
PDF
ePub

By the simplest, and, what is of infinite consequence to true effect, evidently necessary arrangements, the lower story in front is altogether concealed, and the eye upwards, from gradation to gradation, finally reposes on the grave majesty of the Doric portico which crowns the whole. By this fine composition, two faults, into one or other of which an ordinary mind would have fallen, are avoided, namely, either raising the columns of the portico and flanking colonnade from the ground, thus falling into triteness, besides exposing the inequality of the fronts, or continuing the columns from the basement only, thus committing the too common, but most unclassic error, of different orders and manner in the same elevation. The internal arrangement is admirable for simplicity and appropriateness of purpose.

The National Monument, from the small portion yet in a state of forwardness, can hardly become the direct subject of criticism; but if it may be allowed to judge of the future whole from that small portion, not one building in modern Europe will approach nearer to the majesty and simple beauty of ancient art, in the sweetest, too, of its orders

"The nobly plain-the manly Doric."

We recommend to the student and the amateur, desirous of seeing exemplified the grand principles of stability, as dependent on mechanical excellences and on science, to view here the magnitude of the masses, and the exact workmanship, and to observe how these are rendered subservient to the effects of gravity and equilibrium-principles the very essence both of the art and science of building, and which he will not elsewhere in the kingdom have at this moment an opportunity of seeing united with architectural grace and harmony. Certain discussions, we understand, have arisen respecting the perpendicularity of these mighty columns. The merit of such discussions, or even their object, it is difficult to perceive. If each column is taken apart, it would not require much science to prove whether its position makes equal angles with the tangent to the earth's surface passing through the level of its base. On the same analysis, granting each to be separately thus perpendicular to the plane of its own position, it is plain that Ep two can strictly be said to be perpendicular to each other. Consequently the extreme columns will have perceptible divergence from parallelism. It is therefore plainly impossible to rear a range of columns which, relatively and separately, shall be perpendicular. But what is the practical inference from this? We wish to point it out, the more so, that we conceive every one of our modern architects has overlooked it, as in the present case.

The true architectural perpendicularity is this, that each mass, or part, has a middle line, that is, a line on each side of which are equal quantities of matter. This middle line, to insure stability, ought always to stand exactly in the direction of gravity, that is, of the plum line. In columns this is most especially necessary; but not only so, but this "line of the middle," to translate a term, ought to be continued, so as to form, with the nicest precision, the line of junction of each two adjacent beams of the architrave resting upon the abacus. But it is impossible to effect this, if columns be finished, or nearly so, before their erection. It is here where our architects fail; a column should be reared at first, not in its just proportion, but length; the architrave ought to be laid, and then, and not before, should the middle line be struck, not from the centre of the abacus, but from each joint of the architrave. This view of the subject might be mathematically demonstrated to be the only correct method; and if our limits permitted, we could further illustrate its practical application from our own personal examination of the ancient ruins and ancient quarries of Magna Grecia.

One entire branch of the subject, the reader will perceive, is omitted, namely, the state of ecclesiastical ar

chitecture in Scotland. This may form the matter of future consideration. At present we shall merely state, that scarcely a church has been erected among us since the Reformation, which is not an absolute deformity. The preceding remarks will evince our admiration of the art in our own national school, we may therefore be permitted to express censure as freely, and as conscientiously, as we have bestowed praise. The causes and nature of this corruption may hereafter be explained.

THE PRESENT STATE OF MUSIC IN
SCOTLAND.

IT is remarkable that while Scotland seized the earliest opportunity, after the Union, of distinguishing herself in General Literature and most of the Liberal Arts,-emulating and rivalling England in their prosecution,-she should so completely have overlooked Music, the most seductive, and certainly the most elegant of studies, a study which under the sway of her own Kings she had formerly cultivated, and one which, to say nothing of its attractions to the man of science, is the most intimately connected with the domestic and personal enjoyments of a polite people. It is not in any original diversity of susceptibility or taste, that we are to look for a satisfactory solution of this contrast between the English and ourselves; for if we travel back to the time of the Jameses, and a century or two preceding, we find the most intense relish of the national melodies then in use diffused through the whole body of our people, from the prince to the peasant, while England, with all her theatrical and scientific attainments, had not escaped from a dry and artificial counterpoint, adapted rather to the eye of the Mathematician, than to the ear of the Musician. A glance at the religious services and ceremonies of the two countries, however, will serve to explain the seeming enigma.

Music, unlike the kindred arts of Poetry, Painting, and Oratory, has never been known to leap at once from infancy to manhood; for this plain reason, that the latter being pure forms of art, having reference to the simplest feelings or forms of nature, are dependent entirely on the efforts and inspirations of individual genius; and a gifted genius is as likely to appear in early as in later ages: But Music is twofold, compounded of science as well as art, and as such its progress and perfection (if the latter is attainable) must, like those of the other sciences, be the result of cautious experiment and laborious investigation. In short, it has to do with ascertained laws; and although, without a profound knowledge of these, some progress may be made, yet, as is the case in all other sciences, it is but natural to conclude that in proportion to the knowledge of the abstract and fundamental rules, will be the facility of applying them, and the superiority of their application. Now in England, as Music has, from the earliest times, formed a prominent and essential feature in the religious services, the Temples of Devotion have there at the same time been conservatories of Music; where the professor might explore his science, and reduce it to practice; where genius, while it met with an ample field, found a suitable reward, and where the body of the worshippers imbibed with the spirit of devotion, a taste for the purest and sublimest specimens of an art that wafted their praises to their Maker. Nothing can better show the taste and talent for Music, produced by the church service, than the fact of the most difficult and grand of Handel's choruses being performed in the English Cathedrals, by those who earn their daily bread by the sweat of their brow. Even in petty and obscure towns, the strains of the great Masters may be heard, sometimes with, sometimes without, an organ, but generally with some accompaniment, and almost always with a choir of some sort. If the practice is not now

altered, or if the vestry funds are not richer, we could direct our readers to one of the loveliest villages in South Wales, where, Sabbath after Sabbath, for the happiest years of our life, we heard some of the finest chants and tunes performed by a little choir of three voices, supported by a single clarionet; so poor were the parish funds, but so eager the desire for an instrumental accompaniment. It is not, however, merely intrinsic or native talent, that has been elicited by the English service in the days of Catholicism as well as Episcopacy; but the foundation of a solid judgment and accurate taste has been laid, that has rendered the people feelingly alive to the merits of the noblest compositions. As proficients in instrumental performance, it would be ridiculous to compare the English in general with the bulk of many of the Continental states; but in point of scientific acquirements and refined taste, it would perhaps be difficult to congregate in any foreign city, an audience to surpass that which frequents the Philharmonic Society's Concerts. As for the society itself, it may defy the world.

are the available property of the world at large. Until very lately, the great orchestral compositions could not be heard in this city; and we have been sorry to mark, that the Professional Society, which bid fair to supply the desideratum in a very creditable manner, has been more than once threatened with extinction, from the want of support. When such apathy is evinced, it is futile to puff ourselves up as a musical nation or city. Our very festivals are little better than occasions when the stewards may express their thankfulness to Heaven, if they are permitted to escape without loss; and our concerts, though improving yearly, and given at a moderate rate, have, in more than one instance, been performed to an audience that scarcely outnumbered the band. We hope it may be taken as earnest of better times, that the most influential of our nobility has extended his patronage to the only institution in this country, that affords an opportunity of hearing real classical music.

Z.

POLITICAL, RELIGIOUS, AND SCIENTIFIC
DISCUSSION.

WESLEYAN AND AMERICAN METHODISTS.

To the Editor of the Edinburgh Literary Journal
SIR,

Such are the benefits that have accrued from amalgamating more closely the music with the religion of England; and these benefits will only appear the more conspicuous by reviewing the results of a contrary prac. tice in this kingdom. Instead of bringing in all the adventitious aids that might, by the natural laws of association, be supposed to lend fervour and sublimity to the aspirations of its followers, Presbyterianism seems to have had for its aim-an aim highly laudable if not carried too far to strip religion of all externals, to abolish, as far as possible, aught that might heighten the plenitude of faith by the pleasures of sense, and above all, to select a form of worship diametrically opposed to the ritual it superseded. Music, indeed, is still retained in the service of the church; but, "not to speak it profanely," we put it to any musical Presbyterian, whether, even in this metropolis, the psalmody in any of the established churches, (with one honourable exception,) is not grating to the ear, and derogatory to the service? The evil, however, seems already to be working its own cure, being no longer endurable; for the Dissent-faced by the following:-"But not only is the use of ers, we perceive, (those who can least afford it,) are now getting organs to their chapels-an example which we should wish much to see followed in more influential quarters.

It is not surprising, then, that a taste for music is so limited as it is. It is scarcely to be imagined that a good taste can be formed on models of sacred singing extant; and where else can the majority of the people have an opportunity of cultivating it? In secular music, some may say ;-but we fear even our boasted national music is rather a poor school for the student. The beauty of a few of our old melodies is apparent, and enchanting even to a stranger, and to such as date their nativity north of the Tweed, even the very worst of them come recommended by a thousand associations that would more than redeem, in their eyes, defects and deformities of any kind. This, however, is patriotism, or what you will, but not taste, and even patriotism may now and then be allowed to doubt whether an imperfect, scale, an irregular harmony, and a lawless progression, are not the most likely elements of a music, calculated to vitiate rather than refine the taste. The truth is, that there seems to be some lurking conviction of this kind under all our boasting,-for the stock of national music has not received a single addition for many years, although the value nominally attached to the old airs should naturally lead to the continuance of the same style of composition.

It is not, however, the want of a regular and refined music of our own, that is most severely felt, and that constitutes our great inferiority to England, but our comparative inability to bring forward in public those great works, which, though the pride of Germany or of Italy,

As your Periodical is open to "religious discussion," without partiality, I trust you will allow me to make an observation on an article in "The Edinburgh Christian Instructor" for October. Somebody, under the signature of "Psalmus," has made it his business to condemn the use of "hymns" in public devotional singing. I am not going to speak of the ability he has displayed in maintaining his position; but he has introduced an observation which most intimately concerns the Church to which I have the honour to be united :"The American Methodists have also their doctrine of sinless perfection, and possibility of falling from grace, embodied in their hymns." And this is pre

[ocr errors]

uninspired songs unlawful, they have also been made
the vehicles of heresy and error.' Now, the American
Methodists, although they may have a different Collec-
tion of Hymns, yet are one body of Christians with the
Wesleyan Methodists of this country; and the day is
past for them to be branded with "heresy." If "Psal-
mus' means by "sinless perfection," what we call
"Christian perfection," he must be told, that this doc-
trine, which is held most sacred by us, we received from
the Holy Scriptures, and will defend to the best of our
power. As to the "possibility of falling from grace," it
is surprising there are two opinions. Surely no man is
so insecure as when he fancies he cannot fall; conse-
quently, we are always exhorting our friends to "take
heed lest they fall." I am, sir, &c.
A. J.

THE DRAMA.

As we are preparing for our next number, a short historical sketch of the progress of the drama in Edinburgh, and of the different managements under which the Theatre-Royal has successively been placed, we trust our readers will excuse the brevity of the present notice, which we could not lengthen without entering upon particulars that will come to be discussed in better time and place. We shall be obliged by receiving, as speedily as possible, any information with which our correspondents may be able to supply us upon this subject.

The French comedians, who entered on an engagement for eight nights on Wednesday last, deserve encouragement, and have already made themselves favourites with the Edinburgh audience. Pelissié and Gamard,

Madame Beaupre and Mlle St Ange, are, in particular, possessed of varied and excellent abilities.

WEEKLY LIST OF PERFORMANCES.
Nov. 13-21.

SAT. Belle's Stratagem, He Lies like Truth, & John of Paris.
MON. George Heriot, Two Friends, & The Bottle Imp.
TUES. Green eyed Monster, He Lies like Truth, & Do.
WED. Les Fourberics de Scapin, Le Tableau Parlant, and
Charles &dward.

THURS. Les Premieres Amours, Les Rendez-vous, and Cramond Brig.

F&I.

Le Tartufe, Le Mariage Extravagant, and Cramond Brig.

ORIGINAL POETRY.

A SIGH FOR THE PAST.

By John Malcolm, Esq.

O For the days of youth,

When life was in its spring,

Ere its visions, that came in the guise of truth,
Had fled on the morning's wing,-

When the heart shed forth its hallowing light
On all that met the raptured eye-

Ere Hope's young bloom was touch'd with blight,
And Memory but a sigh!

O for the dreamers gone,

With whom our childhood play'd,
Soon as the little task was done,

In the calm sequester'd shade!
And the later friends beloved so well,
(Alas! to think that friendship dies!)
Where do their gentle spirits dwell?
I ask-but none replies :-

No voice, except the breeze,

As it waves November's wood-
And the heavy knell of the distant seas,
Filling the solitude

With pulses of such saddening sound,
Where every sound of life is fled,
As seem, amid the stillness round,
Like voices from the dead.

The dead!-No voice have they-
No echo lingering here—

By mountain, wood, or wave, to stray
Back on the living ear.
Yet still ascend earth's choral strains,
As if she ne'er had lost a tone
Of gladness from her green domains,
Tho' theirs are voices gone ;—

Save that they seem in dreams

On the sleep-seal'd ear to fall,

Like the sighing sound of far distant streams,
Or the tones that night-winds call
(When roaming round baronial piles)
From some forlorn Æolian lyre,
Or down cathedrals' echoing aisles,
Where sleep the tuneful quire:

Or unto thought return

In the hour of reverie,

Oft as in vision dimly borne

Far from the things that be.
In Memory's land the spirit roams,
As o'er a pale and pillar'd waste,
Mid broken shrines and silent homes,
And spectres of the past ;-

And weeps for the days of youth,

When life was in its spring,

Ere its visions, that came in the guise of truth, Had fled on the morning's wing,—

When the heart shed forth its hallowing light On all that met the raptured eye

Ere Hope's young bloom was touch'd with blight, And Memory but a sigh.

SONNET.

By William Tennant, Esq. Author of “ Anster Fair,” &c.
LADY! when I behold thy golden hair

Hang on thy cheek, its tangles all unshorn,
Like clouds envermeiling the brow of Morn
With tufts of fleecy radiance rich and rare,
In sooth, my soul is caught as in a snare;
A thousand threads, finer than e'er were worn
By Her that was of spumy ocean born,
Twine me inextricably to am'rous care;
In vain I struggle for escape; in vain,

From these crisp burnish'd tufts that tangle me,
My feeble spirit flutters to be free:

Yet, yet, amid my flutter and my pain,

I bless that bondage, and I court these charms, And wish me captiv'd all within thy gentle arms!

SONG " The red wine is glowing."
THE red wine is glowing, the moments are flowing,
Like waves into light, when the darkness is gone;
Joy's magic is o'er us, bright hopes are before us,

And ever through life may they welcome us on! And round the gay circle which binds us together, While wit, love, and friendship, flash warmly and fast, Oh! who would not smile at the storms he can weather, And quench every sorrow which darken'd the past?

If Wisdom be weeping,-while Folly is sleeping
Mid visions of happiness,-false though they be!
If Wisdom be sighing,-while Folly is trying
To mingle elixirs-then Folly for me!
Oh! who would exchange for this earth and another,
For Glory's false glare, and the troubles of Pride,-
One bowl such as this,-and the friend and the brother
Who brightens his life, and would die by his side!
Then let every sorrow go sleep till to-morrow!—

'Tis noonday with us from the east to the west :-
And with us the blessing, most dear in possessing,
The soften'd remembrance of those we love best;
For the red wine is glowing,—the moments are flowing,
Like waves into light, when the darkness is gone;
Joy's magic is o'er us,-bright hopes are before us,—
And ever through life may they welcome us on.
E. B.

LETTERS FROM LONDON.

No. II.

YOUR distinguished countryman, David Wilkie, has brought home with him from the Continent two finished pictures of Italian, and seven of Spanish subjects, besides a multitude of sketches. The two Italian pictures represent the washing of the feet of the male pilgrims in the holy water by the Pope and Cardinals, and the pediluvium of the females, on the same great occasion, by the Princess Doria, and other high-born ladies of Rome. They are both very pathetic pieces, and executed with an austere simplicity of outline and of colouring, such as the early productions of Wilkie's pencil could not

have led one to anticipate. I take it that few artists are any thing but Catholics in their heart-and after feeling so profoundly the beauty of the Roman ceremonial, I doubt if Wilkie will return con amore to his "John Knox thumping the cushion in the Kirk of St Andrews," which picture remains in the same state in which I saw it four or five years ago. The Spanish pictures are much larger than these,-much more richly painted, and probably, for their subjects, also better calculated for extensive popularity among us. They are designed to tell the story of the great struggle of Spain against France, and its melancholy termination in the re-establishment of the old despotism of Ferdinand and the monks. Only one of the seven, however, represents an actual incident of the war-it is the defence of Saragoza; and I rather think it is the least successful of the set. The finest, undoubtedly, are the first and the last. The former sets before us a supper party at a posada, three priests, strongly inter-distinguished ;-a lordly Benedictine abbot, a sly Jesuit, and a half-crazy and also half-drunken mendicant friar of St Dominick, are in consultation over their cups; a group of athletic peasants expect the result, and are whetting their swords and bayonets. This tells the secret of the motive-spring throughout the contest. The concluding picture is the return homeward of a poor battered and worn-out Guerilla soldier. His priest is holding him on his Rosinante, and his wife preparing to lift him off. "The French have been driven out of Spain; but what have the Spaniards gained?" is the moral. You will be much gratified to hear that the whole of this collection has been purchased by his Majesty, and after being exhibited in SomersetHouse, will be placed in the Waterloo Gallery at Windsor, which, however, is not as yet built. The Great Gallery of Windsor Castle, by the by, is getting all its ornaments in order. His Majesty's magnificent suite of Camallettis are already hung up, and between them there are now hanging, Sir Thomas Lawrence's portraits of the contemporaries of George IV., the Princes of Europe, and the great men, military and civilians, of Great Britain. The portraits of Wellington, Eldon, and Sir Walter Scott, are en suite; and Sir Thomas is now putting the last hand to perhaps a more exquisite picture than any of these, his portrait of Southey-who may console himself that "Tate's bust," and "Sooté" are henceforth supplanted gallantly.

Have you seen the Right Hon. John Wilson Croker's "Geography for Children ?" It is even a better book than his Stories from the History of England."

P. P.

LITERARY CHIT-CHAT AND VARIETIES.

We are informed that Mr William Chambers is preparing for publication a work, to be entitled "The Book of Scotland;" comprehending "Popular Delineations of the Government, Courts, Political Officers and Institutions, the most prominent and peculiar Laws, Customs, Superstitions, Religious Establishments and Tenets, College and School Education, Banking, Modes of Living, &c.;-the whole in contrast with the English, and intended principally for the use of strangers, and young Scotchmen." Mr M'Phun of Glasgow is about to publish a second volume of the "Scots Worthies," which will contain their last words and dying testimonies, and will embrace the whole of Naphtali and the Cloud of Witnesses, together with numerous others, taken from Memoirs of their Lives, and other documents, both in old published Collections and in original Manuscripts. The whole is to be accompanied with Historical Notices and Observations, explanatory and corrective, by the editor of the new edition of the Lives of the Scots Worthies. There is to be a Preface to the volume, by Mr M'Gavin, the author of the Protestant; and it is to be embellished with several portraits of the Reformers.-Mr M'Phun is also about to publish, in an octavo volume, uniform with the Scots Worthies, Select Memoirs of the Lives, Labours, and Sufferings of those Pious and Learned English Divines, who greatly distinguished themselves in promoting the Reformation, in translating the Bible, and in promulgating its Doctrines by their Writings. Such has been the success of the first volume of the Scots Worthies, that a sixth edition is now at press.

Mrs Catherine Godwin, daughter of the late Dr Garnett, who was for several years Professor of Physics and Natural Philosophy at Anderson's Institution in Glasgow, has just published, in

London, a Collection of Poems, on various subjects, of which we hear very favourable opinions.

An exceedingly elegant little volume has just appeared, called "The Golden Lyre," which contains selections from some of the best English, French, German, and Italian poets,-all printed in gold; and thus verifying the common laudatory expressionworthy to be printed in letters of gold." The effect is peculiarly splendid.

We understand that Messrs Smith and Co. of Hunter Square have been appointed sole agents in Scotland for those beautifully enamelled and delicately-finished Cards, engraved in gold, silver, ruby, copper, &c., which have been recently invented on the Continent, and are now so universally used in England for visiting and invitation cards. Their enamelled Drawing-Boards, Hand-Screens, Medallions for Miniatures, and elegantly engraved Borders and Wreaths, in gold, silver, and other metals, are also well entitled to general attention.

Printing for the Blind.-Our attention has been recently directed to this very interesting and curious subject, and we propose laying some statements concerning it before our readers next Saturday. In the meantime, we are happy to have it in our power to say, that Mr Alexander Hay, teacher of Ancient Languages, who is himself blind, appears to us to have invented a simple and ingenious method of printing, whien will greatly facilitate the important object he has in view-that of enabling those who are deprived of sight to make themselves masters of the knowledge contained in books.

Sir Walter Scott was, on Saturday last, elected Lord-Rector of the University of Glasgow, by the casting vote of the Vice-Rector, two of the nations having voted for Thomas Campbell. Sir Walter has decl ned the dubious honour, and Mr Campbell will

of course continue in the Rectorship. We understand that, from

the sentiments the students have already expressed, there is every reason to believe that Professor Wilson will cre long be chosen Lord-Rector.

A statue of the King, in bronze, by Chantrey, has just been placed upon a pedestal of granite, on the Steyne, at Brighton. It is the first work of this distinguished artist in bronze, and does him infinite credit. The statue, with the pedestal, is about nineteen feet high; the statue itself is nine. The hideous costume of the moderns is well concealed by the drapery and robes of the state robe. The bust is full, and finely rounded, and the likeness is considered excellent.

Theatrical Gossip.-We are glad to understand, that Kean is about to play Virginius at Covent-Garden. Our readers are perhaps not aware, that it is almost a rule among actors, (founded upon the most contemptible feelings) to refuse to perform the characters of any living author, if another actor has distinguished himself in them. Macready was the first Virginius, and the part has been, in consequence, carefully avoided by all his brother tragedians, till Kean has at length wisely determined to break through so absurd a practice. This jealousy extends even to opera singers; if a composer's music is sung by one, it is universally neglected by the rest!The principal parts in Mr Knowles' comedy of the "The Beggar's Daughter" are to be sustained by Liston, Farren, Cowper, and Miss Ellen Tree.--Laporte, the present patentee of the King's Theatre, has, among others, engaged for the next season, which commences in January, Mile. Sontag, (concerning whom there have been some little whisperings of late,) Signora Pesaroni, the ugliest, but one of the most esteomed, of the Italian prima donnas, and Madame Mallebranche, formerly the celebrated Signora Garcia.-At the Argyle Rooms, Charles Wright, the dealer in foreign wines, is about to open his winter champagne.-It has been found necessary, by the management of Covent-Garden, to close that Theatre for a week, in order to have the gas removed, the odour of which was pronounced disagreeable by the Public. No inconvenience of this kind was ever experienced here. Is it Scotch gas or Scotch noses that are differently made?-Young Kean has been performing in Nottingham, and other provincial towns, to very thin audiences; but these are what John Kembie used to cail "the judicious few," and they seem to approve of him.

TO OUR CORRESPONDENTS.

We are obliged by the good wishes of our Donegal Correspondent, whom we shall call " Werdna," according to his request. We shall be happy to hear from him on all or any of the subjects he mentions.-J. G" of Elgin, may receive the "Literary Journal" on the terms he proposes.-We are afraid none of the numerous papers sent to us fr m Elgin by "H. G." will exactly suit us.- From "D. V." of Dundee we shall be glad to hear, and shall probably notice his volume soon.-The poetry of R. W.” of Glasgow scarcely comes up to our standard.-From "T. B. J." of Glagow we should like to receive something both in prose and verse, and will notice his little work speedily." C. H." will hardly suit us.-For "B.'s" expressions of friendship we return thanks.-We regret that we cannot possibly comply with the reque t of "A Friend to Literature."

On again perusing the Lines addressed to the "Editor of the Edinburgh Literary Journal," we perceive they are of so complimentary a description, that we must reluctantly decline giving them a place, lest we should be accused both of egotism and vanity.

Were we to add, in addition to the Publisher's name, the price of the book reviewed, as has been suggested, we should be subjected to advertisement-duty on each of our critical notices.

We must again beg the indulgence of our advertising friends, some of whose favours, for want of room, are necessarily excluded from our present Number, but will punctually appear in our

next.

[blocks in formation]

LITERARY CRITICISM.

part so much trash, as Sir Walter Scott has written of standard and classical composition. For it is not the paper alone he covers, but the materials with which he covers it. The topic is stale, and we shall not pursue it. The very infant is taught to lisp his name with wonder; and the grey-haired sire is prouder of his country because it is Scott's. He has been called the Modern Ariosto," "the Modern Shakspeare," the Great Northern Magician ;" and without stopping to inquire into the precise justice and appropriateness of these different appellations, we may be allowed to quote them as showing the dominion he possesses over men's hearts and judgments ;

"Others are fond of fame, but fame of him."

Tales of a Grandfather; being Stories taken from Scotfish History. Humbly inscribed to Hugh Littlejohn, Esq. In three vols. Second Series. Cadell & Co. Edinburgh. 1829. (Published on Thursday.) So much has been already written and spoken about Sir Walter Scott, his name is so continually occurring in all newspapers in all magazines-in all reviews-at all public dinners, and all private partie, that when his hundredth new work issues from the press, all that it may seem possible for a critic to say, is, that it has made its appearance, and that he will give some extracts from it. And, in truth, little else is ever attempted. Sir Nor is he situated as most authors are, of inferior Walter finds a new book in cover, and gives it a fair popularity, who may be aware that they possess a cérstart; the critics, like so many fox-hounds, open in full tain degree of reputation, but can form no accurate esticry, and before many minutes elapse, each may be seen mate of its extent and value. Sir Walter's rings in running away with a bit in his mouth, carrying it off his ears wherever he turns. It is not merely an occa in triumph, and scattering it to the four winds of Hea- sional flattering review, a considerable number of priven, which, in their turn, bear it across the Atlantic vate complimentary letters from friends and persons of and the Pacific, to the torrid and the frigid zones. eminence in the literary world,a few public honours Few men have so completely reaped in their own per- somewhat pompously bestowed by different public bo. sons the reward of their labours as Sir Walter Scott. dies,-(things which gladden the heart of most men, Many of his illustrious predecessors were left all their and are marked as eras in their lives,) it is a far more lives in doubt as to the success of their exertions, and abiding and apparent glory-which has won the smiles the reputation which might attach to their memory. To of all ranks, softened down the asperities of all parthem fame was as the distant murmur of the far-off sea, ties, and given him the voices of the multitude, as well that found an echo only in the low whispers of their own as the far worthier approbation of the select few. Nor lofty spirits. They spent their daily existence among is it possible that he can be ignorant of the homage those who knew them not; they passed on to the grave so universally paid to his genius; it is as palpable as little honoured and little regarded; they had minds be- that of the great actor whose ears are deafened with the yond the comprehension of the times in which they lived; plaudits of his audience. As one instance of this imand it was not till society in general, and by slow de- mense popularity, we would refer to the sensation cregrees, had made a progress somewhat similar to their ated, two years ago, at the first "Theatrical Fund Din own, that the laurel was strewed upon their graves, and ner" in Scotland, when Sir Walter ceased for ever to have an apotheosis was the tardy recompense of those who any claim to the title of "the Great Unknown," by anbad breathed in neglect the breath of immortality. nouncing himself as the sole and unassisted author of Widely different has it been with the author of "Wa-Waverley," and all the novels that followed in its wake. verley." He has been the favoured child of fortune The sensation, we believe, has never been properly dehas been lifted on her wings to the mountain's top, and scribed to those who were not present to witness it. The has stood there in a blaze of sunshine. Nor is it to for- common and hackneyed phrases of the newspaper retune alone (a vague and most unmeaning word) that he porters," tremendous applause," "continued shouts," is solely or chiefly indebted for his unparalleled success."waving of hats and handkerchiefs," "renewed vocifeHis own talents are unquestionably of the highest order; rations," &c. convey but a feeble and inadequate notion and he has cultivated them with an assiduity and an indus- of what seemed to be really felt, and what was endeatry that few of his predecessors, and none of his contem-voured to be expressed. It was a moment of delirium,— poraries, have been found to possess. The very quantity of wild, heart-thrilling excitement. Soul shot forth from which Sir Walter Scott has written, judging, as ship-own-eyes that had never shot forth soul before, and those that ers do, by the barrel-bulk, or as grocers, by the pound- had always shone with brightness now trebled their lusweight, and altogether independent of its quality, is enough to strike the most common perception with astonishment, and is a theme which has been harped on till the harpers themselves became tired, or found that they required a dozen more strings; for the subject grew upon them every alternate month. We admire the prolific powers of the scribblers for the Minerva press; but the most arrant scribbler among them all never scribbled one-fifth

tre, and rolled "in a fine frenzy," as if from earth to heaven. Again, and again, and again, the deafening thunder of human voices filled the hall. Patriotism, and, for the time, genius, bounded in every bosom; it was happiness to have lived in the same century with Sir Walter Scott,-it was ecstacy to know that he was your fellowcountryman,-it was a thousand times more than all to have heard from his own lips,-to have been made, as it

« PředchozíPokračovat »