solid metal into flimsy leaf. The very soul of effect in sentiments without number lies in their simplicity. Every mind of pure taste admires the famous "homo sum of Terence. Can a paraphrase increase the power of a sentiment, intuitively felt? We hear of Commentators, who elucidate clear passages into obscurity; and it is certain, that there are numerous sentimentalists who would make excellent venders of milk or spirits, because they can convert even brandy into insipidity. But who would ever think of wire-drawing the "tædet me harum formarum quoti. dianarum" of Terence, or the "Fuimus" of Virgil, with rational any hope of augmenting the effect?

Sentimentality is also most ruinous to the Pathetic. There are incidents in nature which can only be given, as to their utmost effect, by simple descriptive statement, for embellishment diverts the attention from the main object. Let us take Tacitus's famous description of the night and day following the victory of Agricola over Galgacus: "Britanni palantes, mixtoque virorum mulierumque ploratu, trahere vulneratos, vocare integros, deserere domos, ac per iram ultro incendere: eligere latebras, et statim relinquere: miscere invicem consilia aliqua, dein separare; aliquando frangi aspectu pignorum suorum, sæpius concitari; satisque constabat sævisse quosdam in conjuges ac liberos, tanquam misererentur. Proximus dies faciem victoriæ latius aperuit: vastum ubique silentium, secreto colles, fumantia procul tecta, nemo exploratoribus obvius." Could any amplification of this passage be made without weakening it? Could the beautiful ballad, called, "Lady Ann Bothwell's Lamentation" be dilated or refined without injury? The story of Donna Ignez de Castro, is considered, "if not the very best, at all events one of the most exquisite passages of the Lusiad." (ii. p. 64.) She was a woman of family, exceedingly beautiful, as appears by her portrait, elegantly engraved, for the frontispiece of the second volume. Don Pedro, the heir to the throne, privately married her; and thus excited the jealousy of the nobles and statesmen of Portugal.

"These advisers of Royalty persuaded the King, that the sacrifice of the life of

Donna Ignez was necessary to the safety of the state. The injustice, that for the fault imputed to his son, the innocent Ig

nez should suffer, for some time arrested the fatal sentence against her; instigated however, by repeated importunities, he at length determined to set out with an armed force from Montemor Velho, where he then was, for Coimbra, and consented to her death."

"As soon as Donna Ignez was apprised of the arrival of the King, and of the cruel business connected with his journey; in the midst of terror and alarm, and with a countenance which betrayed her inward anguish, she, with her children, awaited his approach at the entrance of the palace; she knelt to him and with those expressions, which her hapless situation allowed her to utter, she entreated and implored his pardon; justified her conduct; interposing her children, bewailed her forsaken condition with her eyes raised to heaven, protested her innocence, and begging for mercy, fell and embraced his feet in silence and humility."

;

"This afflicting scene overpowered Affonso, who weeping at her misfortunes, was inclined to pardon her. At this moment, so propitious to her hopes, her persecutors appeared, and unanimously pronounced her sentence. They protested, in the name of the kingdom, against the weakness of his mind, and exclaimed, that the dangers with which they were Drawing their poignards, they, with unsurrounded called loudly for the sacrifice. heard of tyranny, plunged them into her breast, and she fell the victim of their vengeance." Vol. II. pp. 68, 69.

Now we prefer the simple passages marked in Italicks to the long paraphrase of Camoens, and his numerous actress than a sufferer. She makes a translators; Ignez is made rather an Africa, and beasts and birds of prey, long speech, about the desarts of who had pity for children, and many other ingenious allusions, to which it is utterly improbable that in her horrid situation she could possibly attend.

Piteous exclamations and broken apostrophes must have formed her language. Now, whoever expects to excite feeling must adhere strictly to nature. Style, distilled sentiment, and ornamented description, would never excite the horror which the murderer of Louis XVI. does in the simple narrative of the execution; nor when a gallant Captain of a line-of-battle ship addressed his men just before action, with, "My lads, it will be an infamous shame, if we, who eat roast-beef and plumb

pudding,

more artificial the people; and the more prone to insanity. Thus in most countries of civilized Europe, the number of insane persons, in proportion to the population, does not, perhaps, materially differ. But in Spain, the inhabitants of which are most characterized by primitive manners, especially temperance, mania is said to be comparatively rare; while the unsophisticated aborigines of North and South America are reported by Rush and Humbolt, to be wholly exempt from this visitation."

Under admission of the fact, this is most valuable information; for it says, that, according to nature, there does not exist any peculiar confirmation which constitutes insanity, but that it must proceed from superin

duced disease:

Indeed nothing is more plain than that what is called Mania is in many instances a result of acute disease (see p. 49), and that nothing organic (as such) exists; but fatuity or idiotcy: in short, that there is no such thing as Mania, considered abstractedly.

This is the light in which we understand our Author; and we find from him that the increase or decrease of lunaticks depends upon distressing or prosperous times (p. 61, 62); and that there "never was in any country a sudden increment of insane persons, without some powerful and evident excitation, physical, moral, theological, or political," p. 64.

We further find, in opposition to popular notions, "that insanity has not increased within the last half century," p. 69; "that political feuds, and the abuse of ardent spirits, augment it," (p. 72); and that as to religious insanity, it is limited almost wholly to Protestants. Here we shall quote our Author at some length, that we may not commit ourselves, and edify our readers more fully.

"In France, where it is too evident to every traveller that no sense of religion exists, except among old people, we have the authority of Dr. Esquirol, that religious fanaticism, which formerly occasioned so much insanity, has almost ceased to have any influence." p. 182.

"Dr. Hallaran observes, that in the Cork Lunatic Asylum, where Catholicks are in proportion to Protestants` as ten to one, no instance has occurred of mental derangement among the former from religious enthusiasm; but several dissenters from the Established Church have been

so affected. The reason of this difference appears obvious. The ministers of the Romish persuasion will not permit their flocks to be wrought upon. To distrust the [in] fallibility of any point of doctrine or discipline is with them heresy. Catholicks, therefore, are preserved from those dubitations which, when once engendered, generally end in conversion. The moment of danger is, when antient opinions in matters of faith are wavering; or in the novitiate of those recently embraced. And to this danger every Protestant is more particularly exposed; especially in a 'country where toleration in religious opinions is allowed; for there excess of

fervour is most likely to be awakened." pp. 185, 186.

"I do not recollect an instance of in

sanity, implying a religious source, in any person stedfast to his antient opinious. Wherever it was suspected to emanate from such a cause, it was clearly to be traced to circumstances, which had diverted the lunatic from the authority of primary principles to the adoption of new tenets, which he had not comprehended, and therefore had misapplied. The maniacal action appeared always to originate, during the conflict, in deciding between opposite doctrines; and the exacerbation arrived before conviction was determined." p. 190.

Thus we see how important it is for families to guard their children and relatives against intimate intercourse with fanaticks.

There are several other important remarks in this book, especially that most mischievous notion, that insanity, especially where it is hereditary, is incurable (see pp. 8, 9). For our parts, we know that it may in most instances be suspended, but the patient seldom or ever becomes, in the jockey meaning, sound again, though he may travel quietly through life. Another fact in insanity is of a curious kind, viz. the utter loss of memory, as to its actions, during a paroxysm. If it be true, that the finger placed upon the carotid artery will suspend a violent fit of mania, we should deem the disease, in many cases, a weather apoplexy, where the determination of blood to the bead is sufficiently strong to derange the functions of the brain, but not to kill. There is, too, a connection between dreaming and insanity; but as our author justly observes (p. 8),

66

Psychology, or the science which treats of mental operations, is yet in its infancy;" and we must beg our Readers

Readers to consider our remarks, as purely hypothetical.

This work also contains very useful and sound business observations; as well as tables and cases, but, from regard to our limits, we shall close, with the following comfortable paragraph concerning hereditary insanity.

"That peculiarity of organization, denominated hereditary predisposition, is the only cause, which can be rationally supposed to have a progressive operation in augmenting the number of the insane. But by mere propagation, the effect would be too slow to be perceptible, even in an age; for the malady is rarely developed in all the offspring of a lunatic, and very many of those, in whom it appears, die without issue." p. 56.

95. Sir Francis Darrell, or the Vortex ; a Novel. By R. C. Dallas, Esq. Author of "Percival," &c. 4 vols. post 8vo. Longman and Co.

MR. DALLAS has produced several Novels of high character, chiefly with specific allusions to the seduction of married women. The Novel before us implies by the term Vortex, that herd of "Dandies" who eye women, as epicures do oysters, and of Nudes, who like the ready-roasted fowls in the Pays de Cokayne fly about crying, "Come, eat me." The leading character, Sir Francis Darrell, a noble-minded chivalrous man, had, when only an upper-class school-boy, formed a fatal connexion with an unfortunate girl, who, in consequence of pregnancy, committed suicide, though the baronet, ignorant of her intention, offered marriage. For years following he is harassed by remorse; but continues to exercise the most elevated virtues, till he receives, in reward of his meritorious atonement, the hand of the heroine, who is a model of all that is charming. The main incidents turn upon his selfabasement, which prevents his avowal of his regard; and upon his endeavours to prevent his friend from corrupting another man's wife.

But there is a deeper idea, which is acted upon, as a principle, through the whole of this Novel. It is, that if certain evils had not ensued, certain advantages would not have resulted. At first sight, this appears to be mere common-place; but it is GENT. MAG. December, 1820.

otherwise in the bands of Mr. Dallas. His philosophy is (in the sermon mode of expression), that evils which are inflicted upon us for the purpose of purifying the heart, are subsequently compensated by Providence with felicities, which we should not otherwise have received. The opinions of mankind are so narrow, in limiting felicities only to certain objects, that we could not support the position by confining our vision to such a contracted view. But by taking into our contemplation, Hume's acknowledgment, that Providence by giving him a certain temperament had bestowed upon him a superior donation to that of a large estate, and add to it Goldsmith's story of the Old Sailor, we shall see, that evils become less pungent by habituation, and that positive pleasures acquire a superior zest: in other words, if Providence does not afford a rich banquet, it makes amends for offering only plain food, by bestowing the valuable sauce of never-dying appetite. We are satisfied that there is a mental, as well as bodily gout; and that it is a common disease, which can only be cured by altered regimina of thinking, copious catharticks of affliction, and introduction of an opposite diathesis.

But there is a grand error in all Novels. Beauty is the characteristick of every heroine; and always accompanied with pure attachment to one object. This is not true, unless where Mind is the leading feature of the character; and happiness is founded upon reason and virtue. Goldsmith makes a proper distinction in the love of females. Some, he says, endeavour only to secure the affections of one particular favourite; others, upon the coquet plan, are universal in their range, and bear disappointments, as tradesmen do bad debts, as things of course in the way of business. Now we never knew Beauties, who were not selfish, and did not act upon marketable principles in the nuptial conveyance of their estate of charms; and who, so far from being tractable and affectionate wives, were, on the contrary, impatient, peevish, and reproachful in adversity; and at all times treated their husbands like dependents, upon whom they had conferred important favours. Nothing

but

but love or humility destroys selfish

ness in woman.

The minor characters in this Novel are not singular, for we shall not call by that term, a salacious saint, distinguished by the soubriquet of the "Carroty Nicodemus," from his red hair. We only wish, that instead of running away with another man's wife, Mr. Dallas had bestowed upon him a wife of excellent worldly sense, who would have cured him of hypocrisy.

This Novel is one which contains much good sense and knowledge of the world. It cannot be read without inculcating principle and useful knowledge. In a new edition, we recommend Mr. Dallas to expunge the concluding note; for nobody likes Novels to end badly, unless the instruction turns upon the catas trophe, as in George Barnwell, the Father and Daughter, the Gamester, &c. &c.

96. The Improvement of English Roads urged, during the existing Dearth of Employment for the Poor. 8vo. pp. 61.

THE writer of this pamphlet, very able and judicious (but a sad sloven in his style), is a Mr. William Wickens; and we most cordially recommend his valuable statement to all whom it may concern; and that all, ought to be the whole race of animals, except pigs and scavengers, to whom mire is either luxurious or profitable.

It appears that stage-coach proprietors average not more than three years labour from their horses; upon some roads, even not more than two; (p. 8.) that the turnpike tolls, on a four-horse coach, running only forty miles from London, amounts to 2201. or 230l. per annum; that on some roads more than 1000l. per mile is collected; that the whole expenditure for the repair of roads throughout England amounts to two millions a year, and that the turnpike trusts are in debt to the tune of seven millions sterling (p. 30).

The chief cause of this expence is the unwise use of friable materials, through which some roads now cost more than 1000l. per mile (p. 35.) These by the use of lime-stone, granite, flint, iron-stone, horn-stone, whin-stone, &c. broken into cubes, of about an inch square, might not require repairs but once a year,

and, in some places, not cost more than thirty-two pounds a mile!—(see pp. 36, 37, 38.) The stones requisite might be brought by the canals, and coasters returning with ballast, when there were no near supplies (p. 40); and, in truth, nothing is more plain, than that the use of such trumpery materials, as gravels and pebbles, for heavy weights, has no other effect, than to generate dust, mud, and waste of money.

We have no idea that roads can be kept in good repair without tolls, and hard stone broken small; but we seriously think, that the adoption of the very ponderous roller, used by the Patentee Road-maker, is a sine qua non for keeping roads in repair; and therefore, that the right ought to be purchased of him by Government. We mention this because we think it an indispensable adjunct to Mr. M‘Adam's judicious plans.

97. The Legend of St. Loy, with other Poems. By John Abraham Heraud. 8vo. pp. 224. Baldwin, Cradock, and Joy.

THIS Work was noticed in the introductory Advertisement to the Poem of "6 Tottenham," (reviewed, part i. p. 339.), In the Preface the Author thus introduces the subject of his Poem.

"The descriptions contained in this Poem are, in common with the former one, local; but the story, which is a fiction, being of a more extended application, consequently possesses a more general interest, which, in turn, derives accession of strength from its peculiar situation, and the objects with which it is

connected.

"Of the Saint, whence the title of this spelt, Loy, Eloy, and Elegius, I have volume, and whose name is variously already imbodied the history in a stanza

of the second Canto of Tottenham.' He is associated with the spot from the circumstances mentioned in that Poem, and included in this. With his life on earth, in the present Legend, we have nothing to do. He is here employed in his beatified character only, and his supernatural assistance engaged in the behalf of Virtue and Love; an office, it is presumed, This, with a small graft of Northern myworthy the holiest Saint in the Calendar. thology, constitutes the machinery of the Poem.

"The date of the story is placed in or about the days of Edward the Martyr, becauso