nations could have afforded. This exhibition consisted of memoriter recitations of some of the finest passages in the Greek and Roman Classics; of translations from the same; of original compositions, in prose and verse, in the same languages; of recitations and dialogues in French and Italian; dissertations on literary subjects, sustained by the students, one of which was an analysis of the rules laid down in Horace's Art of Poetry; of specimens of geographical mapping, and of drawing. This lasted from eleven in the morning till nearly four o'clock; but this lengthened period was so agreeably diversified by vocal and instrumental music by the pupils, assisted by Mr. Henry Field and a professional band, that not the smallest feeling of ennui or fatigue was experienced by any of the company, but the highest delight and admiration were expressed on all hands at the diligence and zeal of the professors, which must have been so laudably seconded by industry, application, and talent on the part of the students. It was not merely the knowledge of the grammar and idioms of the French and Italian displayed by the young gentlemen, many of whom were yet below their teens, but the pure and correct accent with which those languages were pronounced, that drew down the most flattering compliments from the strangers present, of whom a large proportion were, from long residence abroad, and intimate acquaintance with those languages, perfectly competent to give a correct opinion. The exhibition terminated by the distribution of prizes by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Baines, who presided. These consisted, 1st, of honours-viz. collars of blue and red ribbons with gold crosses, with which those who were fortunate enough to obtain first certificates of merit, were invested; and 2nd of presents-viz. standard works in superb bindings. The exhibition took place in the New Gallery of Fine Arts, belonging to the Great West Wing of the College. In the evening a large and elegant party, consisting of between 300 and 400 of the principal nobility and gentry of the city and neighbourhood, in addition to the parents and friends of the pupils, attended to witness the second part of the exhibition, which consisted of dramatic performances, from no less than five plays, three of which were in English from Shakspeare, viz. Julius Cæsar, Richard II, and Henry IV; one Sacred Drama in Italian, from Metastasio, the recognition of Joseph in Egypt by his brethren; and the very diverting Comedy of Molière-Le Mariage forcé, in French; the whole of which were enacted by the pupils alone, without any professional assistance whatever, the dresses, armour, and other "properties" being exceedingly rich and appropriate. The company assembled, by invitation, at six o'clock, and the carriage entry was directed to be made through the new great gates,* about a quarter of a mile below the building. Following this road the company were brought to the foot of the noble * On these gates is placed the following motto, intended, we presume, to intimate that it is the wish of the principals to stand aloof from all those party questions, either in religion or politics, which have the slightest tendency to disturb the Chris flight of steps,+ leading to the principal mansion, the interior of which was devastated by a calamitous fire last year. At the top of the first flight, they presented their cards, and, at the summit of the second, were received by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Baines and the very Rev. Dr. Brindle. Tea was immediately served in the vestibule of the principal mansion, which was sufficiently restored, since the conflagration, to be applied to that purpose. From the hour of arrival to the commencement of the performances, the gay assemblage were occupied in traversing the magnificent grounds and gardens, which are not only laid out in admirable taste, but stored with an immense collection of the choicest flowers and shrubs. At half-past seven, the whole party proceeded to the exquisitely classic "Academic Theatre," in the new west wing, where the performances commenced with an overture by a professional band, and a remarkably playful and appropriate prologue delivered in character, with excellent point, by Master Bateman, a boy of very tender age, but who has greatly distinguished himself throughout the entire examination in every branch of study and accomplishment. The plays above named then followed, and drew down repeated thunders of applause from the elegant auditory; nor were these tributes unmerited, for during the whole of these performances, some of which were in foreign languages, and severely taxing both the memory and the judgment, not a single trip, hitch, or failure occurred, among the forty students who took part in the five representations; while the adaptation of look, tone, manner, and gesture to the scene, gave evidence of a thorough comprehension of the text and character. Some idea may be formed of the labour undergone on the occasion, when we state that though the performances commenced punctually at half-past seven, they extended, without interruption, to five hours after that tian and social charities, or to interrupt those literary pursuits which can only be successfully followed in tranquil and peaceful retirement: Lest thoughtless steps these sacred shades profane, Whom wisdom loves--- whom virtue calls her own-- Who wishes well to all---and ill to none-- To him the muse---the sage---a welcome send-- Stranger! if such thou art, proceed a friend. The classic embellishments of this splendid structure have received many additions from the Hound-street collection, a sale of which took place some time ago--among the rest a superb pediment and numerous statues, now occupying the several pedestals right and left of the great flight of steps. period, and closed with a neat epilogue very smartly and gracefully delivered by Master Charles De Aguado. The kind and bountiful hospitalities of the establishment, throughout the evening, relieved, in a great degree, the extreme heat and pressure produced by so numerous an assemblage; the supplies of negus, lemonade, confectionery, &c. being frequent and abundant. The company broke up, highly delighted with one of the most tasteful, interesting, and attractive recreations which the whole Bath season has afforded.-Bath Herald. EXHIBITION AT OSCOTT COLLEGE. The exhibition of the Pupils at the Roman Catholic College of Oscott, for Midsummer, 1837, took place on Tuesday last, at three o'clock, in the presence of about four hundred persons. A number of individuals who had been specially invited, dined in the Library of the old, whence they proceeded to the Exhibition Room in the new, College, which was nearly finished, and was decorated tastefully with laurels and wreaths of flowers for the purpose. The Exhibition commenced with the Overture to "Guy Mannering," exceedingly well executed by six young amateurs. The Prologue by Mr. Alfred Greenep, his own composition, was well adapted to the occasion. The recitations from Cowper, Byron, Chambers, and others, were recited, some of them with much humour, particularly "The Escape of a Pig," by Miss Mitford, recited by Charles Rebello, and the "Weatherglass and Weathercock," by W. Trafford. The speakers and declaimers were generally younger than those we heard on the same occasion last year, and the pieces recited were adapted more to juvenile aptitudes. There were six pieces, the compositions of the reciters, varying of course in merit, but all highly creditable to their juvenile authors, Masters Longman, Mac Carthy, Spink, Greenep, and Fagan. In the intervals between the speeches there were glees and music by the pupils. A debate, exceedingly well kept up, followed the recitations-the subject, the respective merits, as heroes, of Alexander Magnus, and Thomas Thumb: there was much wit, humour, and jeu de mots in the dialogue. Some scenes from Molière succeeded, in which the merit of Master Farrell was very conspicuous, exhibiting an excellent conception of his subject. To the other four performers it would be difficult to do separate justice. On the whole the scene was a most animating and agreeable one, and spoke the vast improvement in the modern system of education over that of past times. The Examinations in Philosophy, Rhetoric, Poetry, the Classics, Sacred Literature, Mathematics, and Arithmetic, took place on the 8th, 9th, and 12th instant. The prizes of medals and books were delivered after the exhibition on Monday; and, from the accounts given by the superior, were exceedingly well merited by the pupils, some of whom carried off no less than three for their proficiency in three separate branches of college acquirements.From the Staffordshire Examiner.-Another report informs us that, among those who carried off Collegiate honours, Mr. Charles Eyston, eldest son of C. Eyston, Esq., of Hendred, held a most distinguished place. Having finished his academical course, and being about to leave Alma Mater for the last time, the Rev. President took the opportunity, before he conferred the medal, of enumerating some of his many good qualities, both that merit might not go unrewarded, and that his school-mates might be stimulated to follow so bright an example. The plaudits of his fellow collegians convinced us that the eulogium was not exaggerated. . [ADVERTISEMENT.] PROPOSED CATHOLIC LIBRARY IN LONDON.-An attempt is now being made to establish, in London, a Catholic Library, upon principles which we think will entitle it to the cordial support of every one who wishes well to the cause of our Holy Religion. It is not to be denied that great efforts have been made, and are now making, among Protestants, not only to shake the faith of Catholics, but as much as is possible, by misrepresentations of every kind, to prejudice the public mind. And it is equally undeniable, that, hitherto, Catholics have scarcely even defended themselves. It has been their part to suffer with patience and resignation; but assuredly the time has now arrived when it is their duty to take every peaceable means in their power, not only of repelling the calumnies of their enemies, but also of vindicating their own opinions-of showing, in short, that they are able " to give a reason for the Faith that is in them." Unquestionably preaching is the best method of propagating the true faith; but the difficulty has always been to get over the prejudices of Protestants sufficiently to induce them to attend our chapels in a sincere and inquiring spirit. We trust there is less difficulty in inducing them to read, and the object of the proposed association is to offer them this opportunity gratuitously. We understand that sixteen clergymen of the London district have already given the undertaking their cordial support. The sanction of the Bishop is intended to be solicited, and an appeal will then be made to the Laity in general. We subjoin a copy of the resolutions which are proposed to be submitted to a general meeting, and we most cordially wish the undertaking the success it so well deserves : -- "Resolutions proposed to be submitted to a Public Meeting of Catholics.-Resolved,-First: That the Protestant inhabitants of this Metropolis are for the most part in a state of total ignorance as to the real principles and tenets of the Catholic Faith, and that, in consequence, the most derogatory and incorrect opinions are entertained and propagated, even by the best educated classes of society, not only of our holy Religion itself, but also of the understanding and morals of those who profess it. Second: That this lamentable state of affairs is attributable not only to the active and interested misrepresentations of some of our opponents, but also to a want among our laity of the means of making a united and well-directed appeal to the candour and good sense of their fellow-countrymen.-Third: That it appears to this meeting that one of the best methods of promoting a knowledge of the truth, and of that Christian charity which is so essential to the well-being of society, is, first, to establish a Catholic Library, from whence the proprietors may supply their Protestant friends with the gratuitous loan of approved works, in the English and French Languages, Catholic Reviews, Magazines, &c., &c.; Secondly, so to construct the Rules of the Associ ation as to make it a means of producing a greater degree of co-operation and personal acquaintance with each other, and with Catholic affairs, than has hitherto existed among the members of the Catholic body in London and its vicinity.-Fourth: That in order to carry these objects into effect, it is expedient to form a Society which shall consist of all Catholics, who, having been elected by ballot, shall pay an annual subscription of ten shillings.-Fifth: That the Society shall be governed by officers elected annually in the usual manner." NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS. Bertrand, a Tragedy. By S. B. Harper, Esq. London. Fraser, 1837. HE scene of this tragedy is laid in Madrid, and the subject is a ing king, Ferdinand, and raise in his stead his queen, Joan, who had been living for some time in a convent, as a nun. Lopez, one of the conspirators, at the same time that he seems all loyalty to the king, determines in his own mind, if their designs against the king should succeed, to marry Queen Joan, and thus elevate himself to the regal dignity. A young noble, named Bertrand, who is betrothed to Lopez' sister, is ardently loved by Joan, and is on that account hated by Lopez, who attempts to get rid of him by assassination; but a feeling for his sister, Mariana, forbids him to repeat his attempt at least until he effects a change in her affections, which he tries to do by persuading her that Bertrand loves Queen Joan. For this purpose, he feigns having received a message from Joan, requesting Bertrand's attendance at the convent; and having thus sent him there, he informs his sister of Bertrand's errand, and advises her to follow him and be a witness of his visit to the convent. Her jealousy prompts her to conceal herself near the convent gate, within which she sees that Bertrand gains admittance; but before he enters, she overhears some fragments of his soliloquy, which she misconstrues so as to confirm her worst suspicions. So far Lopez succeeds. He next sends Bertrand on a pretended commission from Joan to the conspirators, and then obtains from the king a guard which seizes him immediately after he has delivered his message to the conspirators, and conducts him to Ferdinand, who condemns him to death. On the night before his execution, he encounters in his dungeon one of the conspirators, with whom he enters into conversation, and, from their mutual explanations, the dark designs of Lopez are made manifest to both. The morning of the execution arrives, and Queen Joan, as if by magic, appears on the scaffold, on which a tumult is begun by the people, who shout " Long live Queen Joan." She quells this commotion, on the condition that the king should pardon the criminals before him. He does so; but Mariana, whose nerves were so much shaken by the supposed infidelity of Bertrand, that she becomes insane, stabs her lover-and thus ends the tragedy. |