Spanish Student," of Longfellow. The unusual width of the page is especially to our fancy, and the general arrangement of the matter could not be improved. The small pica type, however, is perhaps a trifle too large for the size of the page. The volume contains fifty pieces, of course varied in excellence, but all speaking, in unmistakable terms, of the author's poetic fervor, classicism of taste, and keen appreciation of the morally as well as the physically beautiful. No one can read the book without a desire to become acquainted with the woman. Mrs. Hewitt has evidently a strong partiality for the sea and this partiality has given color to some of the most forcible, although, in our opinion, by no means the most generally meritorious compositions in the volume. "The Yarn," we believe is a favorite with its author, and is certainly replete with vigorous thought and expression. God Bless The Mariner," we quote as the best of this species of poem to be found in the collection. God's blessing on the Mariner ! A venturous life leads he - The landsman sits within his home, God bless the hardy Mariner! He hath piped the loud "ay! ay sir! Till his deep tones have the hoarseness His seamed and honest visage The sun and wind have tanned, And hard as iron gauntlet Is his broad and sinewy hand. But oh! a spirit looketh From out his clear, blue eye, A venturous life the sailor leads Between the sky and sea But when the hour of dread is past, He knows that by the rudder bands "Alone" poetic inspiration evinces, we think, more of the true and undoubtedly more of originality in conception than any other of Mrs. Hewitt's We copy it in full: poems. There lies a deep and sealéd well It hears the birds on every spray Trill forth melodious notes of love- Glance on the stone its wave above And quick the gladdened waters rush And back, repressed, they coldly shrink. Thus in their caverned space, apart, Each kindly glance each kindly tone, Smite THOU the rock, whose eye alone, The pieces, however, which will prove most decidedly popular with men of taste, and which, upon the whole, convey the most pleasing impression of the author's ability, are the three sonnets entitled Cameos. We make no apology for quoting them. I. With springing hoof that would the earth disdain, Fleetly he bounds along Thessalia's plain. VOL. XII.-17 And on his back, in rude embrace entwined, II. Reclined enervate on the couch of ease, No more he pants for deeds of high emprise; Robed like a nymph, her brow enwreathed with vine Lifts high the amphora, brimmed with rosy wine, And pours the draught the crowned cup within. And thus the soul, abased to sensual sway, Its worth forsakes its might foregoes for aye. III. Oh! wondrous marvel of the sculptor's art! How claims in thee humanity a part Seems from the gem the form enchained, to start, With whetted beak deep in the quivering heart. Thus taught the sage, how, sunk in crime and sin, At life, the hell whose chain the soul in anguish wears. Of these sonnets we much prefer the "Hercules and Omphale." It is full of a truly classic grace both of thought and expression, and would do honor to any poet in the land. It has that common fault of American sonnets the fault of a termination feeble in comparison with the body of the poem - but even in this respect, it is superior to most compositions of the kind. Its general versification is worthy of all praise; we have rarely if ever, seen it surpassed. Such lines as The skin the Cleonan Lion wore, have about them a directness which never fails to impart strength. Upon the whole we are favorably impressed with the book. ALICE RAY A ROMANCE IN RHYME. BY MRS. SARAH JOSEPHA HALE. AUTHOR OF NORTHWOOD " ETC., [Text: Broadway Journal, Nov. 1, 1845.] MRS. HALE has been long distinguished as one of the purest and most vigorous writers in America equally distinguished in poetry and in prose. |