No. 28.

London Literary and Critical Journal.

LONDON, WEDNESDAY, MAY 7,

PERIODICAL LITERATURE.

UNPUBLISHED LECTURES ON PERIODICAL LITERATURE.
By the Rev. Henry Stebbing, M. A.

No. VI.

The Monthly Review―The British Critic-And Foreign

Reviews. Conclusion.

In the Lecture which last appeared, I made it my object to point out some of the dangers of corruption and inefficiency to which the system of public criticism stands exposed. I considered them as resulting from the inability of many of those who pretend to exercise the office of critics; from the rivalry of different Reviews in giving early notices of the works they take up; and from their occasional tendency to become subservient to popular taste and opinions. I next proceeded to offer some observations on what seem to be the necessary qualities of a good Review, which I divided into two classes, and concluded with an attempt to delineate the character of the two greatest Periodicals of this kind, The Edinburgh' and The Quarterly.'

which its plan now embraces, they seem to be fully attained, and no Periodical can be named, more calculated to be useful in the departments of learning to which it is chiefly devoted.

introduced into literature, and people will read them, perhaps, and half imagine them to be a legitimate branch of literature; but they will never care about the literature that is introduced into, or worked up with, politics; and a publica- It would be a part of my duty to pay the tribute tion that starts, having for its principal and of a very extended notice to The Classical Journal;' avowed purpose the promulgation of high, not to but its pages are too little known to general readsay violent, party principles, must place its de-ers, to bring it within the sphere of my design. pendence on its value in this respect, rather than I must, therefore, content myself with saying, on its merits as an ordinary Review. Articles, that the scholars of this, and, it may be added, of however, have appeared in The Westminster' other countries, owe a considerable debt of gratiwhich the general reader will value for their tude to the spirited and accomplished individual purely literary worth, and which no political pre- who projected it. The erudition it displays, in judices ought to prevent being known and studied. several of its illustrative criticisms, is profound The British Critic and Theological Review' and extensive; and the many very rare and valubears honourable evidence to the learning and able articles which have appeared in it, derived ability of the Clergy of the Establishment in the either from researches into almost forgotten higher departments of scholastic literature. Ex- stores of learning, or from the correspondence tensive research, acute critical skill, and contro- of Continental scholars, render it an important versial experience, are each by turns displayed in publication with the lovers of classical literature. its pages; and both the scholar and the profes- I have now briefly to mention two Periodicals, sional reader continually find them replete with which occupy a deservedly conspicuous station. the varied stores of extensive learning and judi- These are, The Foreign Quarterly' and 'The Had it been my intention to offer more than a cious criticism. It would add, however, both to Foreign Review. Almost all the arguments, or general view of the subject on which we have been the worth and dignity of this publication, were it at least the most powerful ones, which can be employed, I should still have much to do before more frequently to take the elevated character of made use of to prove the advantages of travelling, completing my design. Reviewing has long theological literature in the olden times of the might be adduced in favour of these Periodicals. ceased to be confined to one or two channels; Church; when its pure and noble spirit, though The progress of nations in intellectual or moral and a lengthened consideration of the different emanating from strict, severe, and devoted church- refinement; the various channels through which works belonging to this class, would carry me far men, was bathed all over in the bright and blessed thought diffuses itself; the different modes in beyond the limits I have prescribed myself. I stream of truth and love; when it spoke as if which public sentiment is found existing under must make, therefore, but a very cursory mention it had the heart of a man, though the keen com- various external circumstances; and the helps or of some publications which deserve an extended prehension of a spirit of knowledge; and when hindrances which are experienced in the diffusion one, and pass over those entirely which are not it seemed, in all its best and happiest moods, of knowledge in other countries:-these afford the regarded with general attention. The Review to forget the particularities of party in the uni- most interesting subjects of observation for the which, both for its long standing and literary re-versality of hope and charity. Pure theologi- traveller, and are those about which his curiosity spectability, requires to be noticed first, after The will be most excited. Again, one of the most Edinburgh' and Quarterly,' is The Monthly.' important benefits resulting from travel, is the Its different series present very valuable stores of annihilation or tempering of the selfish and congeneral learning, as many of the best writers of tracted feelings of humanity, the opening of the the last age were numbered among the contrimind to the admiration of excellence wherever it butors to its pages. Without assuming the style exists, and the increase both of the variety and of discussion so directly as the two great Reviews number of its acquisitions. Most of these advanjust mentioned, it has, from time to time, contages, however, are to be derived from an enlarged tained articles of great value, both on Foreign acquaintance with foreign literature; and, perand English Literature; and although it has underhaps, it is not too much to say, that a person gone several changes, in respect to the ruling opiwell read in all its principal branches, and qualinions of its different editors or proprietors, it has alfied to compare its spirit with that of the literaways retained its general literary respectability. At ture of his own country, will be found no unequal present it deserves a high rank among Periodicals, companion for the most experienced traveller. as well for the liberality of its views, and its truth The qualities, therefore, which the publications and honesty, as for the wide range it takes through we are considering should aim at possessing, are the several departments of modern literature, and at once apparent; but, regarded in this light, it the vigour and elegance of many of its articles. For must be confessed that they want that particular a large majority of readers, it is the best, if not the excellence which ought to distinguish them. A only Review, adapted to the real and original reader, after perusing the numbers which have purposes of such works. Its criticisms are suffiat present appeared, would find it very difficiently particular to characterise the publications cult to say, that he has added, in any consithey refer to, and sufficiently general to render derable degree, to his acquaintance with the them useful, as illustrative of literature in its difactual state of literature or intellectual culture ferent departments. It is on the whole, therefore, on the Continent; and; till the contrary be to be regarded as occupying an important place the case, these Reviews, must be considered as among contemporary Journals, and its continued failing in their most important purpose. When, respectability cannot fail of preserving to it the however, we come to consider them in their station it has earned by a very long period of merely literary character, their merits are of the usefulness. highest kind. The subjects chosen for examination are of the most interesting nature; and several of the articles display the experience and elegant taste of writers of the first class. The Foreign Quarterlies are, therefore, to be regarded as valuable additions to our periodical publications, and, as they gradually become imbued with more of the life and spirit of Continental litera

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Of The Westminster Review' it would be difficult to speak to any purpose, without entering into a consideration of questions which it is not within my province to discuss. It is less known to merely literary people than would have been the case, had it not originally come forward so decidedly as a political journal. Politics may be

cal literature was never at a lower ebb in this
country than at present. There is, in fact, no
such a thing existing; and, whether it be that the
Universities have taught their alumni that any
other study is more profitable, or that its proper
purposes have ceased, too true it is, that the
strongest necessities of the Establishment have
awakened among its Clergy neither the zeal
nor the elevated spirit that would have be-
come them in these times. A publication, there-
fore, taking the stand of the Theological Review,
should have a higher aim than fulfilling even the
best uses of learning; should have nobler purposes
than the controverting of doctrines that are not
vitally dangerous to the purity and spiritual
beauty of true religion; and should pursue, as the
great end of every sentiment in its pages, as well
the defence of Christianity in all its fulness of gra-
cious doctrine, and unworldly, elevating precept,
as the unity of the venerable Church of which it
is the champion. Let this be done, and it will be
a powerful instrument of good. At present, it
evinces more learning than theology; more spirit
in party controversy, than depth or dignity of re-
ligious sentiment; a greater patience of inquiry,
than rejoicing in the manifestations of glorious
truths; a firmer determination in fixing the posts,
and cords, and curtains of the tabernacle, than in
unfolding the mysteries that belong to its mi-
nistrations. With the powerful aids, however,
which this publication possesses-the knowledge,
the critical acumen, the varied original talent,
and the sanction given to it by its circulation in
the highest quarters-we may reasonably expect
that it will be directed to its best and highest pur-
poses, as they present themselves to those con-
cerned in its management. As to the objects

ture, will perform one of the best of services for the general reader. Similar works have been two or three times commenced, but never with the same ability and zeal; and they have consequently failed. There is at present, however, a greater love for foreign literature than formerly; and the value of intellectual commerce is better understood. There is little doubt, therefore, that the works in question will obtain the popularity they deserve, and become the mediums of much and important instruction.

While learn

opinions prevalent on the subject.
ing has but a few simple, distinct, and grand ob-
jects of pursuit, while it is venerated only by a
select and favoured class of men, whose lives are
devoted to the attainment of its treasures, or their
dispensation among a few others like themselves,
it will be best cultivated in the retirement of col-
leges, make its surest advancement under the
patronage and protection of the great and the
powerful, and stand in need of few of those inven-
tions and contrivances to help it forward or sim-
plify its designs, which it is found to require when
its character has become changed with the pro-
gress of society. But in after times, when it is
regarded as the common friend of mankind,
it will become necessary to find out a method
of facilitating this distribution of intellectual
riches. It is, however, generally some time
after literature has taken a popular character,
before men learn to view knowledge as so
important a means of happiness, or such a power-
ful instrument of social good. They may be soon
taught, that the inventions of art produce addi-
tional conveniences in living; that the natural
sciences may furnish them with practical rules of
great advantage to them in their various pur-
suits, and that, consequently, the more they
are cultivated, the greater improvements will,
in all probability, be made; but they must pro-
ceed far in the path of literary cultivation, must
have long seen the bearing of intellectual strength
on the circumstances of the times, must have
seen the power of mind pitted, as it were, against
the power of custom or the influence of rank
and wealth, before they can be made really to un-
derstand the important truth, that the cultiva-
tion of moral knowledge is the true philoso-
pher's stone for nations, the only elixir vitæ
of their continued security and happiness. Our
own country has been rapidly arriving at a
practical knowledge of this truth; it has been
taught the lesson by its own experience and
the revolutions of other nations; it has seen the
effects produced by literature, cultivated till it had
an unmanageable strength, and then let loose
without the guidance of truth and virtue; it has
heard the din of a fiercer struggle than had ever
been waged between the opposing powers of super-
stition and prejudice and the unbridled intellect of
a newly-awakened people; and from all this it has
been made to feel the necessity of a self-confiding
wisdom in a nation as a nation, and which wisdom
should be the fruit partly of a carefully treasured
experience, and partly of the mental energies of
people rightly employed.

of the learned; rouses into busy and active zeal, multitudes that would otherwise have been buried in indifference; propagates notions of right and wrong, which have, perhaps, no other sanction but its authority; and forms a judicature of which the judges are self-constituted, but to which the public submit their opinions, and the freest thinkers their productions. The usefulness of such a species of literature, when its aim is to be useful, must be evident to every one, and the importance, consequently, of inquiring into its With regard to the Weekly Journals which now existing character. Whether it be considered as occupy a considerable share of public attention an organ of public opinion, or as a source of little can be said by way of characterising their popular amusement, it is almost equally necessary excellencies or defects. Rightly considered, they that its progress and tendency be thus carefully are pioneers to the reading public; but their office watched. As the one, it is in danger of being is of that ephemeral and varied nature, that it made a vehicle of licentious sentiment, of empiwould require a very mercurial critic to follow rical philosophy, of mixtures of truth and falsethem in the execution of their functions. Litera-hood, and distorted pictures of both men and ture, the arts, and the gossip of the day, form, by things; and, as the other, it is liable to become, turns, the materials of which they are composed; by degrees, a medium for the conveyance of false and the value of each is the greater, as it most sentiments in literature, and notions that militate skilfully catches at the evanescent objects of pre- with whatever is purest and noblest in the philosent interest. One word is sufficient to charac- sophy of human nature. terise them. Their greatest excellence is the va- I may observe, in conclusion: It can admit of riety and novelty of their contents; their great- little doubt, that the practical results of the exest faults, those that spring from want of time tended popularity of literature are many and imand caution in the digest of their different articles. portant. Unfortunately, however, the most strikI have now taken that general view of Periodical ing of its effects is the disunion of literary taste Literature which I proposed as the object of these and moral science, the opposition between the Lectures. I have omitted any mention of the sta- pleasure and the profit of such pursuits, and the tistical part of the subject, as it would have taken preponderating weight which is consequently up too much space, and occupied my attention given to its less useful branches. There was a on points which I conceive to be of less import- time when every species of composition had utility ance than those on which we have been employed. of one kind or the other for its aim; when not It would have been much easier, perhaps, to col- merely the heavier productions of the cloistered lect materials for a survey of this kind, than to scholar had their distinct object in the wide circle consider the subject theoretically; and, at this of our moral wants, but the poet and romancer stage of the inquiry, I am painfully aware that it sought to impress some truth or warning on the would have been much safer, and have augured minds of their admirers; when few persons or less self-confidence and presumption. But, while none were not rather students than readers, and I imagined that it would be more interesting, as when the merit of a work was judged of solely by well as useful, to examine the nature of Periodical the learning or the utility of its contents. But Literature in the former manner, than to calculate this was before literature was become one of the the numbers, or dates, of our Magazines and Re- ordinary luxuries of life, before it had thrown views, I was, at the same time, convinced, that it off its cowl, and escaped the cloister. When it would be well worth hazarding any opinions, began to be sought after by the world at large, it which, though ill-judged in themselves, might was necessary that it should speak the language turn attention to a subject of such importance. of the world, that it should wear a dress varying With these thoughts, I have endeavoured to point with the taste of the day, and adapt its instrucout what appear to be the principal uses of this tions to the capacities and character of a very exspecies of publication; its condition at the pre-tended class of votaries. And it is while thus sent time in England; the qualities which the ministering to the elegant enjoyments of life, separate works of the kind ought to possess; and mixing up the bright and beautiful elements of the character which may fairly be given to those imagination and sentiment with the every-day which are considered as the most influential and opinions of mankind, speaking in a tone of higher popular. In doing this, I have been anxious to feeling than is current in the common walks of view the subject independent of any extraneous existence, and bringing together the moralities of considerations, and separate from the questions reason and fancy, for the mental food of men in which either political or literary sectarians may general,-that literature is uniformly in its best regard as belonging to it. Literary ability is in-state, and fulfilling in the best manner its legiti-looked for. The activity of the public mind, it dependent of party; and honesty of intention, of whatever party it be, deserves our respect and veneration. The consideration, therefore, of a publication, with regard either to its merit or its respectability, ought to be altogether uninfluenced by the party principles it supports, or the private feelings and opinions which it may contradict. To disallow, or depreciate, the excellency of a work, because we may differ from its author, or publisher, in politics or faith, is just as reasonable as it would be for an epicure to abuse ortolans and champagne whenever we are at war with France, Making it my endeavour to speak consistently with these sentiments, I am not aware of having erred, in any opinion I have started, through the influence of prejudice or partiality. With regard to the subject generally, I must repeat what I have already more than once said. Its importance, in relation to public taste, opinions, and morals, cannot be too highly estimated. Periodical literature exercises an influence which belongs to no other. It acts with an imperceptible power, on the minds of allclasses; gives publicity and popularity to themes, which, but for it, would have remained the property

mate purposes. When, however, it has begun
to be regarded as a mere source of amusement,
or as a luxury, which, like all other luxuries, will
be dependent on caprice for its support, it will,
as to all popular and general purposes, gradually
degenerate into its lowest and most corrupt state,
and be separated, as a broken link, from that great
chain of moral causes to which the world owes its
progressive enlightenment and amelioration. But,
on the other hand, the greater refinement of the
middle ranks of society, in their amusements and
usual intercourse; the comparative facility which
the prevalence of literary taste gives to the ques-
tions of the moralist, whenever rightly or strenu-
ously applied; the continued activity of the pub-
lic mind, and the readiness with which it receives
projected improvements :-these are effects, all of
which belong more or less to the unlimited popu-
larity of literature, and to which many circum-
stances in the present condition of society are to
be traced. But its most striking and important
consequence, and that which will be found its re-
sult in every country, is the change beginning to
be produced in systems of education, and in the

a

But this is but beginning to be the case. The result of the rapid survey we have taken of Periodical Literature and the subjects connected with it, does not present us with so flattering a view of the state of letters in England as might have been

would seem, has made literature popular; but it has lowered its dignity, and lessened its usefulness. It has made a reading public, but not a thinking people; increased the demand for books, but not the veneration of philosophy; and rendered all classes almost equally eager in the pursuit, by making every thing conformable to popular taste and caprices. Our literature, consequently, wants the noble seriousness which exalts and strengthens the intellect by alluring it to the contemplation of beauty and excellence, and purifies the heart by fixing its sympathies on the objects in which they centre. It wants the spirit which aims at usefulness and good, with a constant and persevering patience, and the strength and boldness which would elevate it into dignity and independence. Having this tendency to weakness and perversion, the highest intellects would be well employed in bringing their richest stores to renew its vigour. The corruption of literature, when once begun, is rapid and entire; and each age becomes progressively shorter after the golden one, till taste and sentiment, art and philosophy, are alike polluted and degraded.

REVIEWS OF BOOKS.

THE PENINSULAR WAR.

1 Narrative of the Peninsular War, from 1808 to 1813. By Lieut-Gen. Charles William Vane, Marquis of Londonderry, G. C. B., G. C.H., Colonel of the 10th Royal Hussars. 4to., pp. 648, 31. 3s. Colburn. London, 1828.

2. History of the War in the Peninsula, and in the South of France, from the year 1807 to the year 1814. By W. F. P. Napier, C. B., Lieut.-Col. H. P. 43d Regiment. Vol. 1. 8vo., pp. 626, 20s. Murray. London, 1828.

of the oft-repeated they ought to have been
beaten' and we ought to have succeeded,' the
more candid confession, we ought to have been
beaten.' Our author, however, carefully avoids
all unpleasant disclosures; with him, nothing
happens by chance,-every thing is the result of
mature reflection and well-calculated combina-
tion. In his military faith, the Duke of Welling-
ton is a second Providence, incapable of error;
and, if disasters are traced in his course, they are
attributed to an all-wise, though concealed, mo-
tive of good.

privation serves as an excuse for plunder,* fatigue for dispersion, and suffering for indulgence. It was, at least, ungracious to turn so hotly on his benefactors, on the troops who had gained him so many honours, who had won so many battles, of which he was to reap the principal advantage, and to accuse them of being the occasion of their own disasters.

It is a general fault with our officers, that they are always willing to appropriate the honour of success to themselves, and shift the blame of defeat to their subalterns. Honest Jack's prayer, 'that the shot might be distributed in the same proportion as the prize-money,' was not without its occasion.

Another curious instance of correct statement of facts and accurate reasoning, ending in a biassed conclusion, is to be found in our author's account of the battle of Busaco.

The perpetual air of indiscriminate eulogy on the Duke, is one of the blemishes of the book, and, as a memoir for future histories, will detract from its authority. Historians should at least labour to appear to be impartial,-so also should critics; and therefore let us be understood not to deny the great and pre-eminent military merit of his Grace the Duke of Wellington. He is the 'From the instant when he fixed upon the position first Captain of his day, he was the second of of Busaco, Lord Wellington expressed his firm conhis age; but we must protest against the sacri-viction that he would be attacked there; and he adhered to that opinion, in opposition to the sentiments of every functionary by whom he was surrounded. There was a degree of prescience in this, for which it was impossible to account; for there cannot be a question as to the course which the enemy ought to have adopted, and which it was their wisdom to adopt. Instead of dashing themselves madly against us, they ought to have continued to take ground to their right, and so gone round a stupendous mountain, which the slightest exercise of military penetration might have shown that they need not hope to pass.'Lord Londonderry, p. 445.

OUR first feeling upon opening the first of these books was a sensation of disappointment; we had expected the personal military memoirs of a gallant hussar, instead of which we found an historical sketch of the Peninsular War, or of so much of it as occurred during the periods of the noble writer's service in Spain and Portugal. In this view, the work is generally well executed, the style is rapid, bold, and dashing, and it might fairly be entitled 'Sketches on Horseback, by a General office of all past glories at the shrine of a meriHussars.' To those who look at the subject for dian sun. We do yet retain some schoolboy rethe first time, it will be interesting and useful; for collections of Greek and Roman prowess: the it is well to view subjects in outline before the fame of the Carthaginian conqueror has not yet colouring is filled in, to comprehend the general been obliterated; our more modern studies have tenor of the subject before we examine its details. furnished us with some names not easily forgotten, But those who are familiar with the events of that and our national pride must still remind us of the important period, which filled the interval between General, who never fought a battle which he 1808 and 1814, will look in vain for any thing new did not win, who never sat down before a fortress in the noble lord's volume; they may revive re- which he did not take.' The plains of Germany collections, but they will acquire no new idea, nor were not less dangerous fields of action than the possess themselves of any fact hitherto unknown fortresses of Spanish mountains; the Lusitanian to them. This, therefore, will be another source legions were not more difficult to train, or more of disappointment. Lord Londonderry was, for dead to excitement, than the Dutch Allies; the some time, Adjutant-General,-an office in which, Junta of Seville could not be a more efficient above all others, except that of Quarter-Master- dead weight than the councils of their High General, he would have been best able to collect Mightinesses:-yet Marlborough is to be forand arrange accurate information as to all the gotten! or remembered only in his dotage, his events passing around him. A regimental officer, avarice, and his peculations. When, therefore, the commander of a brigade, and even the head of we encountered the words, the greatest master a division, may know little more of the general of this or any former age,' in Lord Londonderry's progress of a campaign than what passes under Narrative, we could not help breaking the order their immediate view: they know facts, and may of our reading to see how the disastrous retreats afterwards, if they please, trace their causes, com- from Talavera and Burgos had been related and binations, and consequences; but the principal justified: we had found no such annals in the officers of the General Staff have superior oppor- history of Marlborough; we were curious to see tunities. They are present, and actually aiding, in how they could be slurred over by the eulogist the concoction of events; they see the greater of Wellington. And here we are most happy to part of their completion; and, when they are not acknowledge the candour of our author. He does themselves present, they have yet the advantage not suppress facts, he does not deny the disof receiving and retaining the official reports. asters of the flight (a flight after victory, For these reasons, we have a right to expect but yet a flight); he even hints a comparison much, when an Adjutant-General attempts the his- with Corunna; but, though the frankness of a tory of a war in which he has been engaged; nor soldier carries the noble author thus far, the reacan we be satisfied with dry details, uninteresting soning powers of an historian were wanting to returns, or ten-times-told tales of gazetted battles. enable him to draw his proper conclusion. He Something more is requisite; not a mere ex- is a military optimist, and finds all for the best.' posure of the integuments, but a dissection of The yet more extraordinary disasters of Burgos the nerves; not a narrative of the results, but an do not fall within the scope of the book before exposure of the causes and motives of action. us; and, therefore, we should not have alluded to To this we have heard it objected, that such dis- them, (though the celebrated order which demonclosures would involve a breach of official confi- strated that our leader wanted the magnanimity dence. The short answer is this: either do not which can bear defeat, is ever rankling in the write at all, or tell the whole truth; you are not memory of his traduced officers,) if it had not compelled to gratify mere curiosity; but, if you been recalled most strongly to our minds by a feel it a part of your duty, as we think it is, to censure of Sir John Moore for a similar course. preserve, for the instruction of military students, Our author writes thus: a valuable subject of study, it is also your duty to make that subject complete; you must expose the errors of your commander as boldly as you laud his successes enthusiastically; you must tell us as candidly of his failures as of his victories; above all, and here Lord Londonderry is palpably faulty, you must distinguish between the results of accident and design; between the success by chance, and the victory of combination. Of both these there were excellent examples in the battles of the Duke of Wellington; these should have been marked. There is some little philosophy in the French cry, "They ought to have been beaten;' there would be more in a different application of the sentence. We should like to hear, instead

It would be affectation to deny, that Sir John Moore, during his disastrous retreat, issued many orders in the highest degree painful to the feelings of honourable men, who felt that their conduct had not merited them. His warmest admirers have acknow

A lucky accident often makes the reputation of a prophet; and of this nature, according to Lord Londonderry, must have been the Duke of Wellington's prescience; for, if Massena had taken the road pointed out by our author, not only would the victory of Busaco have been lost, but the position of Torres Vedras might never have been gained. No general had a right to calculate, that one of the ablest of Napoleon's marshals would run his head against a wall in sheer obstinacy, because his enemy had left the gate open; and no man of ordinary understanding, having the exceedingly difficult card to play, the excessive stake at hazard, which the British general then had, could have ventured on so dangerous an experiment, as to calculate for his safety on the blunders of his enemy. We suspect that Lord Londonderry's inclination to magnify his hero into a demigod has misled him, and that our General, whose mere mortal forethought in the establishment of the line of Torres Vedras ↑ is entitled to the highest praise, had some better reason for taking up the position of Busaco than his calculation that Massena would madly dash himself against a mountain.

But we must now turn more directly to the work before us; and, as we have always been in the

* We once heard of a rigid Colonel of Hussars, (not Lord Londonderry,) who flogged a trooper for having robbed the haversack of his dead comrade of its biscuit, and this, too, during the retreat to Corunna. We do not like such discipline. What, if such a moralist were then meditating a robbery, not of a dead man's bread, but of a living husband's wife!

+We may here notice a foolish hyperbole; speaking of these lines, our author says, With this preface I now proceed to describe, in as accurate terms as I am able to employ, both the arrangement of the troops and the nature of the champ de bataille, upon which the fate, not of Lishou only, but of Europe itself, was to be decided.' The fate of Europe was decided by the frosts of Russia and the flames of Moscow but for this warring of the elements, Waterloo would never have been fought; and Wellington might have remained to this hour Lord of Lisbon and the Lines, while Kings and Emperors bowed at the

:

ledged this, and his best friends have lamented it; but,
in all probability, no one would have lamented it more
heartily than himself, had he lived to review, in a mo-
ment of calmness, the general conduct of this cam-
paign, because there never lived a man possessed of a
better heart, nor, in ordinary cases, of a clearer judg-footstool of the military Autocrat. Whether it were
ment.'-Lord Londonderry, p. 234.

Yet the Duke of Wellington did issue similar or-
ders during his retreat from Burgos, though re-
cent experience must have taught him, that no
army ever preserves its discipline in retreat, when

better to deliver the Peninsula from Napoleon and Joseph, or from Miguel and Ferdinand, is a question on which monks and philosophers will come to different conclusions; we do not pause here to consider their arguments.

THREE DAYS AT KILLARNEY.

Three Days at Killarney, with other Poems. 12mo., pp. 200. Longman and Co. London, 1828.

THE merits of this interesting volume induce us to take advantage of an unpublished series of its sheets, to give it an early introduction to our readers. It is, we understand, from the pen of Mr. Hoyle, a clergyman at Overton, near Marlborough. It is marked throughout by an unusual purity of taste and elegance of style; and, from the frequent excellencies which it contains, we cannot readily account for the author's motives in concealing his name from the public. The volume is composed of three poems, the first 'A Visit to Killarney,' divided into three cantos, and each descriptive of the portion of the scenery visited by the author on each respective day. The second, entitled Cambuscan,' is a fragment of a poem modernised from Chaucer: it is imperfect and unsatisfactory in its incident and detail, though ingenious in its versification; and, altogether, we do not conceive its introduction, in spite of Lord Churchill's approbation, an enhancement to the value of thebook. The third, entitled 'Elias Hydrochous,' is a short sacred drama, evincing considerable talent, but likewise too unequal in its style and incident to become a popular favourite. We confine our remarks, therefore, to 'Killarney.' The author's descriptive powers are of no ordinary class; but we consider his talents to be better adapted to discursive subjects, than to mere scenic delineation. He undoubtedly paints, with unusual power, the gorgeous scenery which he has chosen as the subject of his poem; but the lonely lake

and mountain wild' are less matters of admiration than the train of exquisite thoughts which they kindle up in the mind of the poet. We might select from his pages abundant examples of excellence and beauty. One fault, however, we must point out; namely, the author's partiality for coining new words to suit either the length or brevity of his lines:

"While on the left

Gena's wild nemorosities repeat
Each bugle note,' &c.-P. 49.

'Hears with affright the stentorophonic roar,' &c. These are, however, but trifling blemishes, and are almost imperceptible, amidst such beauties as the following:

DESCRIPTION OF THE BURIAL-GROUND AT MUCRUSS

ABBEY.

'Thy towers, forsaken Mucruss! to the poor
Were once of hospitable aid the sign,
And, daily crowding through yon ample door
In serried files, came pilgrims to the shrine.

But time at leisure now may undermine
The pillar, and deface the mouldering wall,
And every pinnacle with ivy twine:
The burial rite alone remains of all

That once was crosier, chant, high-mass, and festival.

'Look through the portal-nave, and choir, and tomb,
Stained with the damp, and strewn with many a bone,
And wrapt at every step in denser gloom,
To silence and to solitude bemoan
Their fallen estate: one narrow arch alone,
At utmost distance, marks with feeble ray
The sanctuary's recess, and chiselled stone.
So through the dun obscure of life we stray,
Yet welcome at the end a gleam of heavenly day.
"What groans of dole and penance once dismayed
Yon cloister, buried from the sun and air,
Beneath the central yew-tree's giant shade!
Here hath the guilt-o'erburdened solitaire
Mused, till remorse was deepened to despair:
Here saints have fought their agonising fight,
With anguish and temptation, doubt and care,
Till in the beatific trance of light

The world and the world's woe evanished from their
sight.

'The grass grows rankly, and the saplings wave
O'er hall and dormitory, porch and cell;
Each passage is a den, each aisle a cave:
But who shall tempt the vaults, or dare to tell
What inmates there of unknown horror dwell?
How sighs the breeze, how languishes the day;
What tenderness, what pain in the farewel

To these dismantled gates and turrets gray,
Once dedicate to heaven, still reverend in decay.'
This address to Inisfallen is of the same ele-
vated class of poetry:

'Hail! Inisfallen, hail! enchanted ground,
In all th' excess of loveliness arrayed,
Amid the majesty of nature round;
Here open lawn, there close-retiring shade,
Inextricable reaze of copse and glade,
The tufted eminence, the flowery dell,
The music by the murmuring waters made,
The rock, the grotto-vain attempt to tell
The numberless delights that in this Eden dwell.
'Time was, the pomp conventual here arose
Of transept, clerestory, nave and quire,
That from the world gave refuge and repose
To youthful acolyte and hoary sire,
The lordly abbot and cord-girded friar,
Who once confession heard, awarded doom,
Or of devotion fanned the living fire.
They were; but are not in sepulchral gloom
They sleep, and memory's self lies buried in their tomb.
'Wise, for a moment, was the Persian king,
Once weeping in ambition's mad career;
For awful truth can to the proudest bring
At times conviction sudden and severe.
Even now her monitory voice is here,
While to the distant sound of mirth and play
I listen with a melancholy ear.

A little while, and all the young and gay
Shall sleep with the departed, mute and cold as they.'
These extracts will be sufficient to show that
Mr. Hoyle's powers are of no mean kind; and the
refined sentiment which breathes throughout his
lines gives them a charm beyond the ephemeral
merit of mere novelty and smooth versification.
The concluding farewell is full of dignified feeling:

'Wealth, power, ambition, every hope and joy,
Are but a dream, a toy of painted air,
The full-blown bubble of a playful boy :
And, if thou canst, philosophy, declare
What more than this thy schemes and systems are.
But yet in Gilead may be found a stem
That drops a balm for ever rich and rare;
There is a priceless pearl, there is a gem
That through eternity outshines the diadem.
'Who would repine with such reward in view,
Or mourn the tenure frail of all below?
Or vent the rueful plaint, how brief, how few,
How empty, all the pleasures we can know?
Press onward, and look upward: let the glow
Of faith and hope be quickened into flame,
And charity be liberal to bestow.
Meantime, resume the world; where shouts proclaim
On embarkation bent, peer, knight, esquire, and dame.
'From Inisfallen to the tower of Ross
(Where Ludlow and Muskerry fought of yore)
The waning twilight warns and guides across
Our slow-returning squadrons to the shore,
While dirge-like gales the close of day deplore.
Soft glides the boat along the waters foam
And sparkle to the dashing of the oar.
We land, we look a long farewell, and roam,
With oft-reverted eye, in pensive musing home.
'Like the fond melancholy when we view
The floweret fade, or leaf in autumn fall,
Such the regret of parting and adieu,
Though hope, though pleasure, or though duty call.
The lot of time and chance is drawn by all,
And virtue's hope in heaven hath ever been;
Yet scarce even virtue from this earthly ball
Can every thought, and all affection wean,
Till age and death instil the final drop serene.
'What radiance flashes on their opening eye!
What strains of transport fill their opening ear!
See the Celestial City blaze on high,
And ringing through the universal sphere
The shout of archangelic voices hear.
Thousands of thousands, number without bound,
Wake the triumphant song of heaven's own year,
And in mysterious harmony around

:

Ten thousand times ten thousand angel harps resound.
'Before them in augmenting glory's beam
Th' unfathomable azure melts away;
While onward to the sanctuary supreme
Careering through th' infinitude of day,
They pour their souls into th' hierarchal lay
That circles evermore the mountain bright
Where sits whom saint nor angel can survey,
Too high, too glorious for created sight,
Throned unapproachable in mystery of light.'

SIR WALTER SCOTT'S SERMONS.

Religious Discourses.

By a Layman. 8vo., pp. 79,
Price 4s. 6d. Colburn. London, 1828.
THE surprise with which we read the announce-
ment of sermons attributed to Sir Walter Scott,
has been considerably diminished by finding the
real cause of their composition. We confess,
however, we are not entirely convinced of the
propriety, either of the motive by which the
amiable author was led to this novel employment
of his pen, or of the publication which has fol-
lowed. It is not very creditable, under any cir-
cumstances, for a minister of religion to offer the
results of another's inquiry after truth for his
own. If he do it on an occasion, in which he is
expected to give a specimen of his ability and
professional knowledge, it is still worse, and
amounts, in fact, to deception and dishonesty. In a
certain degree, his auxiliary ought to share the cen-
sure; and, though there is something in the present
instance which really increases our admiration of
the distinguished writer, we think his kind and
amiable feelings would have been better employed
in rousing his young friend to fresh and patient
exertion. But, to come to the sermons them-
selves their character may be soon given, and it
is one which the curious and eager multitude will
be a little disappointed at. Sir Walter Scott's
sermons, then, are just such sermons as any sen.
sible and orthodox divine, moderately well read
in the common branches of theology, and ac-
quainted with his Bible, will be found preaching
to his congregation every Sunday of the year.
They contain nothing novel, either in sentiment
or doctrine, are written in a simple and unorna-
mented style, and derive all the illustrations which
are employed from the usual sources of pulpit ora-
tory. They will, of course, be less generally attrac-
tive, composed in this style, than they would have
been had they possessed the graces of originality
and ornament. But their excellent author has given
a proof of the power of his mind and of his ac-
quirements, greater than any he could have pro-
duced by the most laboured attempts at sermon-
writing. A man of inferior powers would most
probably have flourished away at every point that
admitted of his being eloquent; but Sir Walter
has explained and defended the doctrines of
Scripture with a calm and unruffled seriousness,
has spoken like one long experienced in the
medium style of such addresses, and appears
throughout as too well acquainted with his subject
to confound either the language or sentiment of
poetry with that intended to convey instruction t
As, how-
persons of ordinary understanding.
ever, these productions will no doubt long re-
main as a curiosity in literature, we shall give as
large and complete a portion of them as possible.
The first commences as follows:

'The Christian and the Jewish Dispensations Compared.
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the pro-
phets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil."-Matt. v. 17.
'THE Sermon on the Mount formed one of those oc-
casions upon which our blessed Saviour condescended
to intimate to his followers, at considerable length, the
purpose of his heavenly mission, and the relation which
it bore to the ancient dispensation of Moses, under
which the Jews had been trained for so many centuries.
The text before us, as well as the words which follow in
the same chapter, contain an express and general de-
claration on this subject, startling perhaps to those who
listened to the Divine Speaker at the time, and on
which infidels in subsequent times have endeavoured to
ground a charge of inconsistency. We will presume,
with such conciseness as the occasion requires, and
with the humility becoming those who venture to ap-
proach the Ark of the Covenant, to consider this most
important declaration as it concerns-First: Those to
whom it was instantly and directly addressed; and,
Secondly, The present generation, who look back on
what was then spoken with the advantage of comparing
the divine prophecy with the events which have since
ensued.

Upon the first point we are to remember that Jesus came to his own, and that his own received him not. He proffered the inestimable treasures of the Gospel to