: form and courteous manner; for that record of him is all untrue, which was written what time the Red Rose prevailed over the White, declaring that Richard was fearful to look upon. He was not, in truth, as one hath of late full slanderously described him, "little of stature, ill-featured of limbs, crookbacked, his left shoulder much higher than his right, and hard-favored of visage ;-none of these was he for though his person were not of the tallest, it was well up to the middle stature of men; and albeit one of his shoulders might be somewhat higher than its fellow, yet he had a shrewd eye who did discover it, and a passing malicious wit who reported it to be a great deformity. As for his face, in good sooth it had none evil expression in it; though it was marked with much serious anxiety, and was pale and discolored from weariness and an agitated mind, which scared his brief slumbers with fearful dreams, and gave occasion to his enemies to say that he was haunted by a guilty conscience. Nevertheless, his step and demeanor were full of pomp and royalty; so that it wanted not for any one to say even unto me, though but a simple cloister-bred youth," that is the King!" since all men might well perceive that he could be of nothing less than the blood-royal, or the wearer of a crown. His habit was the close dress of red velvet which he wore under his armor, surmounted by a blue velvet robe lined with fair ermines, and choicely embroidered with the letter of his name in gold. The blue Garter of England embraced his knee, and the enamelled George thereof, hung to an azure scarf round his neck; while upon his head he wore a chapeau of red velvet and ermine, which threw his rich and full brown hair back upon his shoulders." p. 39–41. In the "Life and Writings of Isaac Harby" there is much to make us lament that he was not more known to us while living. The different materials of which the book is composed evince a great deal of desultory talent, and a vigorous and discriminating mind. It is a volume of much interest, and we recommend to all lovers of nervous criticism and a strong, healthy style of composition. "Ourika" is a brief story of a negress who was presented by her purchaser to a lady of rank in France, and by her educated. The natural consequences of such misplaced kindness are told with much grace and simplicity. In the introduction is inserted an extract from the Memoirs of Madame de Genlis, which expresses a fair opinion of the work. "There is true genius in the conception, and in the painting, which is traced in a manner equally charming and simple-a genius which could only reside in a mind of purity; and the developement is made with so much truth, that even those who may not perceive all its beauties, cannot fail to read it with deep interest." Mr. Greene's "Poem before the Philermenian Society," is a chaste, scholar-like production. His measure has a harmony and correctness of rhythm which is rare among our young poets. We hope he will give us an opportunity to criticise him more at length hereafter. His talent is worth cultivating. We have received Mr. Paulding's "Tales of the Good Woman," but defer a notice of it till we can do it more elaborately. In the meantime we can assure our readers that it is like everything else of its author's, delightful. Ladies' Magazine.-This periodical, established by Mrs. Hale, and already so extensively known, continues to be sustained with singular interest. It is not a little remarkable that a lady, devoted till within a short time to domestic life in a secluded part of the country, should enter so familiarly into the difficult duties of her present employment, and display as she has done, a most skilful tact as well as a chastened and vigorous talent. It is a tacit appeal to the pride of the sex, and we should do injustice to its generous impulses if we did not believe that it would call forth the substantial encouragement she so well merits. SUMMARY OF INTELLIGENCE. The state of Europe does not seem, at present, to be pregnant with any great events to affect its tranquillity, except that the storm of war still hovers over its eastern borders. There is no prospect of peace between the Russians and the Turks. But preparations are making to renew the contest with all the force and rage of the past year. Several European powers are desirous of having peace between those two nations; but appearances indicate a determination in the Emperor of Russia to continue the war. If he does, the present year will hereafter be marked as an era of blood; for the fierce Mahomedan will oppose a powerful force to defend his capital and his territory. There appears to be a perfect acquiescence in the late measure of the British ministry and parliament, in favor of the Catholics. The opposition was warm and obstinate, while the question was pending. But now that it is decided the opponents of the plan, like loyal subjects, are disposed to submit in good temper. A catholic Duke and several Earls, who were before excluded, have taken seats in the House of Lords. Portugal, at the last dates, continued in a state of great ferment. There have been fierce disputes between the friends of Don Miguel and the liberal party. That prince appears to be not only a bigot and a despot, but unfeeling and cruel. Many of his opposers have been imprisoned, and many destroyed. The English have appointed a new minister to that country, with a hope to produce a more tranquil state of things-but Miguel is too arbitrary and too obstinate to give up his own views to others. Nothing but a superior force will restrain him. A great Congress of Philosophers was held at Berlin, September 1828.-A. Van Humboldt presided. The learned president made an address, which was much applauded. Several other papers and memoirs were read. The members of this meeting amounted to three hundred and seventy-eight. The greater number were Prussians and Germans. England, France, Russia and Naples furnished only one each. Holland, two; Sweden, thirteen; Bavaria, twelve; Denmark, seven, Saxony, twenty-one; Germany, forty-three; Prussia, ninety-five; the City of Berlin, one hundred and seventy-two. Advantages enjoyed by the Savans in France. The naturalists and other scientific men of Paris have great advantages over those of London. The French government devotes a large sum annually, to the support of scientific and literary institutions in the Metropolis. Public lectures on every subject may be attended gratis; the most complete museums are of the easiest access. The social meetings at the houses of distinguished individuals, or of public bodies, such for example as those of the Baron Cuvier, the Baron Ferussac, the Athenæum, the Institute, &c. are very frequent; and the intercourse at such meetings is of real use to literary men, because difference of worldly circumstances enters into them for very little or nothing. It is not to be wondered, therefore, that with superior native vivacity and acuteness, and all these opportunities, the French philosophers should be the first in the world." The inhabitants of the northern provinces of France are said to be by nature, superior to either the English or German; but by education, the influence of government and religion, they generally appear inferior to them. This natural superiority is owing, no doubt, to the climate, which is temperate. If the advantages of education for these people were as great as in England or Scotland, they would probably, be superior as men. The London Magazine for April contains a biographical notice of Rev. Dr. Chalmers of Scotland. This sketch of the character of this celebrated divine was prepared in consequence of his able and eloquent speech in favor of the Catholics. It appears to have been written by one intimately acquainted with him—and it gives a somewhat different character of the man from that drawn by some of his admirers. He was always a cheerful christian, fond of social intercourse. He was never sceptical or dissolute, and never could give entire satisfaction to "gossiping malignants," (as he called a certain class of people,) who think it necessary a man must acknowledge that he was once an infidel and a demon, before he can be a saint. Mr. Canning went in company with Mr. Wilberforce, to hear Chalmers, soon after he came to London: and when the preacher began, he was evidently dissatisfied with him-"This will never do," he said to Wilberforce, in a low voice. But as the preacher proceeded and grew warm and eloquent, Canning observed, "the Tartan beats us; we have no such preaching in London." The Southern Review, No. VI., was published in May. Many works noticed, had been reviewed in the American Quarterly and the North American; as Franklin's Narrative, Memoirs of Dr. Parr, The Disowned, Wilhelm Meister. It contains an able article on the unconstitutionality of the sedition law of 1798. The writer contends, that Congress cannot justly legislate at all, on the public press, as it is expressly forbidden, by the constitution, from making any laws restraining the freedom of speech and of the press. In the opinion of the writer, any regulation whatever would prove a restraint. He thinks the State Courts bave sufficient authority on the subject of libels. No. X. of the American Quarterly Review was published the first of the present month. It does not contain so great a variety as some preceding numbers; but the hand of a master is very visible in some of the articles. These are, "Discoveries in Central Africa," which give an account of the knowledge of this quarter of the world from the earliest times," Milton's Familiar Letters," a rich morceau-" Astronomy of Laplace" noticing advances on the subject of celestial mechanics made since the time of Sir I. Newton; an elaborate article-"Flint's Geography and History of the Western States;" quite interesting- Chancery Law;" learned, no doubt-" Horne Tooke" ironical and severe "History of Pennsylvania" not of much interest to the people of New-England-" Hosack's Life of Governor Clinton ;" an interesting book—" Female Biography" good for the ladies; some excellent examples of piety, learning and domestic virtue "Geography of Russia, from M. Brun." "The Collegians" or a second series of the Munster Festivals, is said, by the London Monthly Review, "to be one of the best novels of the present day."-"The scenes and characters described have a freshness and variety uncommonly interesting. The writer leads his readers into highways, which have not been often trodden, and among a people gay and deep-hearted, but not happy," i. e. the Irish. Encyclopædia Americana. The first volume of this very valuable work will be published, by Carey, Lea & Carey, of Philadel phia, in the following month of July. The whole work will comprise twelve large volumes octavo, and a volume be published every three months. The price is $2,50 for a volume. It is confidently expected to be both a learned and popular work. It will supersede, in a great measure, the necessity of the more voluminous Encyclopædia. Books lately published in London :-Ecclesiastical Annals; Divine Origin of Chris tianity, deduced from evidences not founded in the authenticity of the Scriptures; Calvinism and Arminianism compared, or the doctrines held by the members of the Church of England and of the early Dutch Arminians; History of the Transmission of ancient Books; Life and Opinions of Wickliffe; History of Enthusiasm ; Sermons on the Character and Conduct of the Apostles; The Veracity of the Gospels and Acts, argued from undesigned coincidences; Considerations on Miracles; Philosophical Evidence of Christianity, or the credibility of revelation from its agreement with facts in nature; The Comforts of Old Age; History of the Vaudois, and of their Return to their Valley in 1689; Opinions and Writings of Justin Martyr; Life of Archbishop Cranmer; Life of Archbishop Laud, and of his Times; Christianity a progressive scheme; The Leading Principles of Christianity; Sermons on the Lives of the First Promulgators of Christianity; Sermons by the most eminent modern Divines of Germany; Discourses on the state of the Protestant Religion in Germany; Testimonies of the Separate Existence of the Soul, in a state of consciousness, between death and the resurrection; The Last Hours of Eminent Christians; Key to the Old Testament, by R. Gray, a new edition revised; Epistle to the Romans, with a Paraphrase and Notes; On the Difficulties in the Writings of St. Paul and other parts of the New Testament; Cain, the Wanderer, and other Poems; The Boy's Own Book, a fascinating and valuable volume; The Sectarian, or the Church and the Meeting-house; Sailors and Saints; The Hope of Immortality, a poem; D'Erbine, a novel of the De Vere class. An article in the last London Quarterly Review, "On the State and Prospects of the Country," (England,) is said to give a just view of the political, social and fiscal concerns of that nation. The wants and complaints of the people are great, taxes are high, business is dull, and many are without employment, and their sufferings are severe. There is a call for some great effort on the part of government, to quiet and relieve the poor. A dissertation has been lately published by a German, on the authenticity of the letters in the Maccabees, which purport to have passed between Areus and Archon, or chief ruler of Sparta. These letters are also quoted by Josephus, the celebrated Jewish historian. According to M. Champollion Jr. there are on the walls of the palace at Thebes some bas-reliefs, which prove that Sheschouk, an Egyptian king, was the conqueror of Judea, in the reign of Rehoboam, about 970 years before the Christian era. Six young Africans, from the most distant parts of Ethiopia, have lately arrived in France, to be educated and made familiar with the learning, the sciences, and the civilization of Europe. The education of seven Egyptian youth, who have been some time studying in Paris, is proceeding very satisfactorily. Cambridge University.-After about sixteen months vacancy in the presidency of this ancient Seminary, the Hon. Josiah Quincy has been placed in the presidential chair, to the general approbation of the public, and of the friends of Harvard. A new professorship also has been established, in consequence of a donation of Hon. Nathan Dane of Beverly, of $10,000. Judge Story is elected for the place, with the title of "professor of constitutional, commercial, and equity law." It is stated in the last Westminster Review, that there are seven daily morning papers, and six daily evening papers published in London. The number of copies of the morning papers is 28,000; which is about 5,000 more than there were seven years ago. Of daily evening papers, about 11,000 are is sued. Copies of Sunday papers are stated at 110,000 weekly. In the whole kingdom of G. Britain, it is estimated that 500,000 copies of newspapers weekly are issued; and the census gives 25,000,000 of inhabitants. The daily average of papers is about 18,000. One Sunday paper has 22,000 copies weekly, and is taken chiefly by the lower classes of people. Of the Atlas, a new and very large paper, 20,000 copies were sold on 22d of March. It contained the debates in Parliament on the Catholic question. Books recently published in the United States.-Tales of a Good Woman; published in New York, and ascribed to PauldingA Year in Spain, by a young American; published by Hilliard, Gray & Co. of Boston-The Prose Works of Sir Walter Scott; published by Wells & Lilly, of BostonAn additional volume of Sermons, by the late Rev. J. S. Buckminster; published by Carter & Hendee-Specimens of American Poetry, with critical and biographical noti ces; published by Goodrich & Co.-A View of the Constitution of the United States; by W. Rawle; second edition; published in Philadelphia-A Memoir of the life of the late Governor Clinton, by Dr. Hosack; published in New York-The Last of the Plantagenets-History of Free Masonry-Memoirs of the Life, Character, and Writings of John Mason Good, M. D., a valuable and interesting work; published by Crocker & Brewster-Female Biography, or Memoirs of Illustrious Women of all ages and countries; published in Philadelphia, from the London edition-The History of Massachusetts, from 1790 to 1820; by Alden Bradford; published by Eastburn, Boston. At the Session of the General Court of Massachusetts, in May and June, no very important measures have been adopted. This is, usually, a short session, and a great portion of business proposed is postponed to the winter session. A State tax of $75,000 was authorized; which seemed to be necessary to keep up the credit of the Commonwealth. The subject of a Rail Road from Boston to Connecticut River, was referred to the next session. MEMOIRS OF GOETHE, written by himself. J. & J. Harper, N. York. Continued from page 186. THE same trait which has been remarked as distinguishing the other works of Goethe, strongly marks his autobiography. We refer to the unconscious simplicity, and almost carelessness, with which he expresses the most original and striking sentiments. In the works of ordinary writers there is a visible preparation for the fine passages. The style alters, and the language of the particular period which is intended to be forcible is inflated to a corresponding dignity. But our author's style, like that of every other master, becomes simpler as the meaning deepens. You might not detect it if you read carelessly. It is like a rare essence which escapes the organs of the rude, or the feat of a juggler which deceives you by its apparent ease. You go back and linger upon his pages, and wonder that their beauty or their power could have been hidden in such simple drapery. The artifice, for it is such, succeeds perfectly. The effect is proportioned to the surprise, and to the degree in which the imagination is left to amplify and supply. There is a beautiful instance of this in Goethe's history of his attainments. Speaking of his drawings, he says, "It was not so much the subjects delineated by my unskilful pencil that I saw in these productions, as the gay imagery that floated in my imagination while I was thus employed. I attached to every tree, leaf and plant, the remembrance of one of my short moments of felicity. Thus my portfolio became my most valued journal, and these rude sketches, embellished by my recollections, have always possessed so lively an interest in my sight, that I have never been able to determine on sacrificing them. Even now, I confess, this sacrifice would be beyond my 29 VOL. I.-NO. IV. |