which reflect the manners and feelings of his native America more natural or original than those which delineate the sentiments of his adopted land. In this he differs from the best American writers: they are strong upon transatlantic earth, but the moment they set their foot upon British ground, their spirit languishes, and much of their original vigour expires. We are inclined, indeed, to look upon some of Leslie's English pictures as superior even to those which the remembrance of his native land has awakened. Roger de Coverley going to Church amid his ParishionersUncle Toby looking into the dangerous eye of the pretty Widow Wadman, and sundry others, are all marked with the same nature and truth, and exquisite delicacy of feeling. He touches on the most perilous topics, but always carries them out of the region of vulgarity into the pure air of genius. It is in this fine sensibility that the strength of Wilkie and Leslie lies: there is a true decorum of nature in all they do they never pursue an idea into extravagance, nor allow the characters which they introduce to over-act their parts. In this Leslie differs from Fuseli, who, with true poetic perception of art, seldom or ever made a true poetic picture: Leslie goes the proper length, and not one step farther; but Fuseli, in his poetic race, always ran far past the winning-post, and got into the regions of extravagance and absurdity. When Leslie painted Sancho Panca relating his adventures to the Duchess, he exhibited the sly humour and witty cunning of the Squire in his face, and added no action: when Fuseli painted the Wives of Windsor thrusting Falstaff into the bucking-basket, he represented Mrs. Ford and Mrs. Page as half-flying: the wild energy with which they do their mischievous ministering, is quite out of character with nature, with Shakspeare, and with the decorum of the art.

The pictures of Leslie are a proof of the fancy and poetry which lie hidden in ordinary things, till a man of genius finds them out. With much of a Burns-like spirit, he seeks subjects in scenes where they would never be seen by ordinary men. Some of his brethren single out nothing but the most magnificent themes for the pencil, as if their object was to show how low their flight is, compared to the height which the matter requires: but it is the pleasure of Leslie to take such subjects as are fit for mortal skill to delineate which are out of the common road, because they are common, and to treat them in a way which surprises us with unexpected pleasures, and far exceeds our hope. His judgment is equal to his genius. His colouring is lucid and harmonious; and the character which he impresses is stronger still than his colouring. He tells his story without many figures: there are no mobs in his compositions: he inserts nothing for the sake of effect: all seems as natural to the scene as the leaf is to the tree. His pictures from Washington Irving are excellent : Ichabod Crane' haunts us; Dutch Courtship' is ever present to our fancy; 'Anthony Van Corlear leaving his Mistresses for the Wars' is both ludicrous and affecting; 'The Dutch Fire-side,' with the negro telling a ghost story is capital, and Philip, the Indian Chief, deliberating,' is a figure worthy of Lysippus.

We wish Leslie would seek more than he does for subjects in the poetry of the country:

ON THE REVIVAL OF LITERATURE.

BY THE LATE PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY.

The

there are more of a nature to suit his feelings | CONTINUATION OF THE SHELLEY PAPERS. in the songs of Scotland alone than would form a gallery. The images contained in that splendid minstrelsy are defined and graphic, and are of all characters and kinds: all is limned visibly to the eye: you see men's faces, and hear them speak-nay, the very place where the story is laid is given, to the life. An artist would have really less to do in giving shape and colour to these vivid embodiments of the northern muse than in making pictures where he had to provide all that is to render them beautiful. We are induced to point to the north for another reason than the exquisite lyrics of Caledonia: Leslie, we are told, is of Scottish extraction, and has a liking to " Albyn's hills of wind." But we have no wish to lure his mind wholly from his native America, to which his genius is an honour: there are poets across the Atlantic whose strains abound with pictures according to his spirit. Let him paint what he likes-and what he likes alone: he can do nothing that will be unwelcome. We may look for many paintings from his hand, for he is but a young man.

IN the fifteenth century of the Christian era, a new and extraordinary event roused Europe from her lethargic state, and paved the way to her present greatness. writings of Dante in the thirteenth, and of Petrarch in the fourteenth, were the bright luminaries which had afforded glimmerings of literary knowledge to the almost benighted traveller toiling up the hill of Fame. But on the taking of Constantinople, a new and sudden light appeared: the dark clouds of ignorance rolled into distance, and Europe inundated by learned monks, and still more by the quantity of learned manuscripts which they brought with them from the scene of devastation. The Turks settled themselves in Constantinople, where they adopted nothing but the vicious habits of the Greeks: they neglected even the small remains of its ancient learning, which, filtered and degenerated as it was by the absurd mixture of Pagan and Christian philosophy, proved, on its retirement to Europe, the spark which POLAND-BERLIN spread gradually and successfully the light of knowledge over the world.

RAUMER'S PAMPHLET ON
EXHIBITION SIR JAMES SOUTH-THE
OBSERVATORY, ETC.

Berlin, Nov. 13. Amongst our political pamphlets and writings, M. de Raumer's article on the Downfall of Poland,' inserted in the Historical Almanack, published at Leipsic, has made a great noise. The Allgemeine Zeitung contains a very severe criticism upon it; and it is indeed, to be wondered at, how M. de Raumer, being a professor of a Prussian university, can have ventured to write such things. The academical senate of the Berlin University, having chosen him to be a rector of this university for the present year, His Majesty has not been pleased to confirm this choice, so that Professor Weiss, the mineralogist, has been chosen in his stead.

The Exhibition is particularly rich in landscapes, pictures of social life, and portraits. A highly-finished full-length portrait of Princess Albtecht, the King of Holland's daughter, by M. Bezas, attracts general notice. Amongst the larger pictures, there is one of M. Bendemann (a Jew), Jews in the Babylonian captivity, sitting by the river side,' and a scene from Burger's Leonora,' where Leonora inquires for her sweetheart. Professor Rauch's monument in memory of the late Mrs. Cooper, of Dublin, (which is to be sent over to the Emerald Isle,) is uncommonly well done, and will, no doubt, spread the artist's fame over that part of the United Kingdom.

In point of science, I am sorry not to be able to give you much information. Sir J. South, who has been here for two or three days, spent the greater part of his time with Professor Encke, the famous astronomer. The ground for the new Observatory has been chosen, and the foundations are already laid. It is situated towards the southern end of the town,

and will afford an extensive view. Professor Hoffman, the famous geologist, is expected here, from his tour through Italy and Sicily. He brings home a great many specimens of mine

rals, lavas, &c., and will, no doubt, publish, on his return, an accurate account of his travels. De la Beche's Manual of Geology' has been translated into German, by M. de Deches, so that you may consider his translation as a new work, enriched by a great many clever remarks

and annotations.

Italy, France, and England,—for Germany still remained many centuries less civilized than the surrounding countries,swarmed with monks and cloisters. Superstition, of whatever kind, whether earthly or divine, has hitherto been the weight which clogged man to earth, and prevented his genius from soaring aloft amid its native skies. The enterprises, and the effects of the human mind, are something more than stupendous: the works of nature are material and tangible: we have a half insight into their kind, and in many instances we predict their effects with certainty. But mind seems to govern the world without visible or substantial means. Its birth is unknown; its action and influence unperceived; and its being seems eternal. To the mind, both humane and philosophical, there cannot exist a greater subject of grief, than the reflection of how much superstition has retarded the progress of intellect, and consequently the happiness of man.

The monks in their cloisters were engaged in trifling and ridiculous disputes: they contented themselves with teaching the dogmas of their religion, and rushed impatiently forth to the colleges and halls, where they disputed with an acrimony and meanness little befitting the resemblance of their pretended holiness. But the situation of a monk is a situation the most unnatural that bigotry, proud in the invention of cruelty, could conceive; and their vices may be pardoned as resulting from the wills and devices of a few proud and selfish bishops, who enslaved the world that they might live at ease.

The disputes of the schools were mostly scholastical: it was the discussion of words, and had no relation to morality. Morality,

the great means and end of man,-was contained, as they affirmed, in the extent of a few hundred pages of a certain book, which others have since contended were but scraps of martyrs' last dying words, collected together and imposed on the world. In the refinements of the scholastic philosophy, the world seemed in danger of losing the little

por

real wisdom that still remained as her tion; and the only valuable part of their disputes were such as tended to develope the system of the Peripatetic Philosophers. Plato, the wisest, the profoundest, and Epicurus, the most humane and gentle among the ancients, were entirely neglected by them. Plato interfered with their peculiar mode of thinking concerning heavenly matters; and Epicurus, maintaining the rights of man to pleasure and happiness, would have afforded a seducing contrast to their

dark and miserable code of morals. It has been asserted, that these holy men solaced their lighter moments in a contraband worship of Epicurus, and profaned the philosophy which maintained the rights of all by a selfish indulgence of the rights of a few. Thus it is: the laws of nature are invariable, and man sets them aside that he may have the pleasure of travelling through a labyrinth

in search of them again.

Pleasure, in an open and innocent garb, by some strange process of reasoning, is called vice; yet man (so closely is he linked to the chains of necessity-so irresistibly is he impelled to fulfil the end of his being,) must seek her at whatever price: he becomes a hypocrite, and braves damnation with all its pains.

Grecian literature, -the finest the world has ever produced,-was at length restored: its form and mode we obtained from the manuscripts which the ravages of time, of the Goths, and of the still more savage Turks, had spared. The burning of the library at Alexandria was an evil of importance. This library is said to have contained volumes of the choicest Greek authors.

OUR WEEKLY GOSSIP ON LITERATURE
AND ART.

THIS year teems with great undertakings in the way of literature, embellished by art. Mr. Murray is preparing for publication, Landscape Illustrations of the Old and New Testament: they are to consist of views of the chief places mentioned in Scripture, and will appear in February next, and be continued monthly. They will be copied from original and authentic sources, by the hand of Turner, engraved by the Findens, and sold at a price which almost all the lovers of Scripture can

reach. A detailed account will soon be issued, we hear, of this splendid undertaking. As the Holy Land is one of the most picturesque

countries under the sun-as Turner is one of

the most exquisite landscape painters of the age, we look for something which all can applaud, and all safely buy.

Brockedon, so well known to every lover of art and literature, proposes to dispose of his original drawings of The Passes of the Alps,' by a kind of ingenious lottery, which he has described to the public. There will be one hundred and fifty tickets at 10 guineas each:

"This collection consists of the drawings, and a copy of the work published from them, in its finest state, in four volumes folio, handsomely bound in morocco, in a case. The first two contains the original drawings, ninety-six in number, mounted, and fitted into cases like volumes, which are peculiarly adapted for the convenient display of the drawings. The third volume consists of the etchings, and a selected set of engravers' proofs from the drawings; and the fourth volume contains the text and maps of

the work. The estimated value of this set is 500 guineas.

furnishes no additional evidence in favour of the authenticity of the Eikon Basilike, being cha"It is proposed to add to this, nine other racterized by none of the peculiarities in which copies of the work, containing proof sets of the that work, the subject of a protracted controengravings before the letters, viz. three in colom-versy, now at rest, abounds. It shows, howbier folio, proofs and etchings, value 60 guineas ever, that the devotional feelings of the unforings, 40 guineas each; and three in colombier his confession of sin, and prayer for pardon, each; three in colombier 4to. proofs and etch- tunate sovereign were not the result of adversity; 4to.proofs, 30 guineas each; forming ten prizes." being proved, from some particulars in this interesting composition, to have been a daily

fourth number of the Cabinet Gallery of Pic-habit, long before the rebellion.
We have seen the engravings for Major's
tures; they are equal to the best he has yet
sent forth; one, a landscape by Gainsborough,
has all the light and shade of the original
painting; and a 'Dutch Lady with a Basket
of Fruit, may be compared, for graceful action
and clear elegance of workmanship, with
heads at double the price.

A Mr. Percy Heath has discovered a mode of re-biting steel plates, by which he can bring up to colour, those tints which are usually considered incapable of profiting by that process. This method promises to be useful in restoring worn plates, or such as merit to be repaired.

We hear, from Dublin, that two new magazines are to appear on the 1st of January, both originating in the College. One monthly, to be called the Dublin University Magazine, a literary and political journal, on conservative principles-the other, quarterly, to be called the University Review, to be supported exclusively by contributions from the members of Trinity College.

commencement.

Little is yet stirring in the musical world. The Philharmonic Concerts are to take place in the Hanover Square Rooms, which are now being thoroughly purified and beautified. The orchestra is to be enlarged under the direction of a Committee. We would hint to the gentlemen of this Committee, that the great elevation of our concert orchestras is an error -much of the effect is, in consequence, lost to the audience. Mendlessohn, J. Cramer, Potter, Bishop, Moscheles, and Neukomm, are to be engaged, to produce each an original composition for the Concerts of the ensuing season-this looks like a spirited We presume there will be that the new Society of Vocalists have had trial nights for new compositions. We hear, their intentions, and that their Concerts may some rehearsals; we hope to learn more of succeed. Little is known concerning the Opera season: Seguin, according to report, bini, and Madame Pasta; we hope most sinhas engaged Cinti, Tamburini, Donzelli, Rucerely that this report will turn out to be true with an additional bass singer the company would be formed of nearly all the leading vocal talent in Europe: Taglioni is engaged for the Ballets. Mons. Chélard, the Director of the German Operas in this country, is now actively employed in adapting his German Opera, Mitter nach' (midnight), with some additional music, for the Drury

Lane stage.

SCIENTIFIC AND LITERARY

ROYAL SOCIETY OF LITERATURE.

Nov. 21.-A letter was read by the secretary, from the Rev. Henry Clissold, on a daily prayer, in the hand-writing of King Charles I., discovered in His Majesty's State Paper Office, a copy of which was likewise read.

This original MS. of the king-for such it is declared by competent judges, undoubtedly to be,

The secretary likewise read a part of the contents of a manuscript, relating to the escape of Charles II. after the battle of Worcester. From a comparison of the several tracts existing on this subject, it will be found that the minuteness of detail which they furnish, in regard to the earlier and more considerable portion of the interval between the king's escape from the scene of that decisive action, to his embarka

tion at Shoreham, is wanting in the account of historical inquirer is, however, at length, supthe few days preceding the latter event. The plied with the deficient link in the chain of this

romantic narrative.

The principal and most active agent during this period, in providing for the safety of the unfortunate sovereign, was Colonel Gunter, of Rackton, Sussex. This gentleman, at his death, left in his family a manuscript, containing a minute relation of every particular, in regard to the escape of the king, in which he was personally concerned; this document has lately come has been copied for the Society's use. From

into the possession of the British Museum, and

the portion read on this occasion, it seems rather to confirm the narratives previously made public, by the addition of many minute concurrent particulars, than to disclose any important fact, hitherto concealed; still, sufficient interest attaches to it, to render its illustration and publication desirable.

LINNEAN SOCIETY.

The second meeting of the season was held President and Treasurer, in the chair. Four on Tuesday last-Edward Forster, Esq., Vice candidates were put in nomination, and three others elected Fellows of the Society. The secretary read a communication from Augustus Rees Von Essenbeck, a foreign member, on the Indian Solanea, after which the meeting adjourned.

GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

President, in the chair.-G. Wilbraham, Esq., Nov. 21. Roderick Impey Murchison, Esq., M.P., Francis Jervoise Ellis, Esq., George

Bentham, Esq., Sec. H.S., and Jedidiah S. Tucker, Esq., of Tromaton Castle, Cornwall,

were elected Fellows.

The paper by Archdeacon Verschoyle, on the coast of Sligo and Mayo, began at the last meeting, was concluded.-A communication was afterwards read, from Professor Sedgwick, on the discovery of a bed of recent shells in the Isle of Sheppy, 140 feet above the level of the sea and 16 feet below the surface.

THE SOCIETY OF ARTS.

satisfaction last season, have been resumed; THE evening illustrations, which gave so much and the first of the course was given by Mr. Faraday on the theory of Flame. The lecturer commenced by explaining, that gaseous bodies when heated, even to a very high degree, become scarcely, if at all luminous; while solid bodies become luminous, at comparatively low temperatures. This was illustrated by a flame of pure hydrogen, which gave out scarcely any light, though it was sufficiently hot to render a coil of platinum wire, which was put into it, See Boscobel Tracts,' edited by J. Hughes, Esq.

1828.

་

The drama is played out-the curtain falls the lights are extinguished-all is dark. Philthat is, Fate-hath tumbled together in an undistinguished heap, sceptres and staves, rich banquet cups, and "yellow chapless skulls." All the "properties" of the brilliant scene are cast aside, and Phil's-that is, Fate's-black apron covers all!

We beseech our readers, of all sects, to buy the portrait of Stone; the similitude of that extraordinary person, who, though controlling the moveables of Drury Lane so many years, yet remains a "property" man!

In no mocking or ignorant spirit have we traced these lines. They are a thankful offering, not of one with no legal voice to celebrate such acknowledgments, but from (at least sometimes,) ONE OF THE REPRESENTED.

NEW PUBLICATIONS.

Illustrations of Heath's Book of Beauty. "INSTINCT," says Falstaff, "is a great matter" -he was a coward by instinct-by instinct he knew the true Prince, and we are sure it must be by instinct that a publisher knows a bad book. The appearance of such a work is always

announced with beat of drum; but, somehow Mr. Bentley ventures to let the Buccaneers' reach us in time for a first notice to

appear in the Athenæum. Mr. Heath, too, could favour us with an early copy of the Picturesque,' but all the superlatives in the language must precede the appearance of the 'Book of Beauty.' Thus reports the Trumpeter:"Heavens! Cupid's whole quiver! Such a galaxy of charms was surely never before assembled. Here are beauties of every description-the fair, the dark, the majestic, the elegant, the lively, the pensive,―beauties to captivate all tastes." Now, the writer of this flaming extravagance knew perfectly well, that the work was already nick-named in the trade, "The Dusty Shelf Book."

The work has one great fault-its name; and this, no doubt, led to the re-christening. A "Book of Beauty" raised expectations, which, we fear, all the artists in England, could not gratify. But, the godfathers have done the work injustice. Though there are portraits only worthy a lady's magazine, such as Leonora,' which by

some instinctive accident, is not to be found in our copy; and some unworthy a lady's magazine, such as The Mask;' there are others of great delicacy and beauty, and engraved with admirable skill. The Bride,' by Chalon; 'Belinda,' by Miss Eliza Sharpe; Meditation,' by Boxall; The Orphan,' by Miss Sharpe; 'Lolah,' by Boxall, are surely deserving admiration.

Lady Charlotte Butler. Engraved by Dean, from a Painting by Morton.

AFTER this, we must not talk irreverently of the

illustrations in the magazines. If Mr. Bull continues to carry on the Court Magazine with the same spirit that he has hitherto done, he will be triumphantly successful.

Memorials of Oxford, No. I. THERE are engravings here by the well-known hand of Le Keux, and views on wood of some of the fairest buildings, and most interesting parts in Oxford. The letter-press accompaniment is from the pen of the President of Trinity College. The work is cheap, and cannot fail to be interesting to many.

Parker's Medal of Sir Walter Scott. THIS is an old acquaintance; it was copied from Chantrey's Bust, by young Stothard, some years ago, was noticed in the newspapers, applauded, and forgotten, till called into notice a second time by the death of the illustrious poet. It is like the original bust in Abbotsford, but wants

much of that comic penetration of eye with which the sculptor gave life and character to his marble.

THEATRICALS

DRURY LANE.

THE Comedy of Who Wants a Guinea,' written by the present licenser, when he was licentious, or rather, when his only licence was that poetical one which he now refuses to others, was given here on Saturday last, to introduce to

us an American actor, Mr. Hackett, in the part of Solomon Swap-olim, Solomon Gundy. This part has been transmogrified into an American, and re-christened accordingly, in order to give Mr. Hackett an opportunity of amusing an English audience, with some of the queer phrases in use by the more vulgar portion of his countrymen. Judging from his performance of Saturday night, we should call him an actor of considerable humour and considerable ease. That his portraiture was genuine, we can testify from personal experience; and that it was highly relished by the audience, was proved by their continued laughter and applause. To us, as recalling the days of youthful travel, and youthful excitement, it was particularly pleasant, and we consider it altogether so harmless a cause of mirth that we can only wonder at some of the papers having

talked about the bad taste of Mr. Hackett's

coming here among foreigners, to hold his countrymen up to ridicule. Above all, we wonder at our giant friend, the Times, which has put forth on the occasion certain remarks which we are compelled to designate by the undignified name of twaddle. Would Mr. Liston, or could he, with justice, be accused of wishing to hold his own countrymen up to ridicule, if he were to go to New York and act Lubin Log? But really the question is superfluous-there can be but one answer from any man of common sense. Mr. Hackett was cordially received, and warmly applauded, and we are glad to have to report it. We heard it remarked, that with all this gentleman's alterations of the part, (and it is changed of course throughout,) he was quite as near his original, as either Mr. Dowton or Mr. Power were re

spectively to theirs. We are rather inclined to agree with this remark, for, assuredly, they were both most remarkably imperfect. Mr. Dowton has a higher sin to answer for-and one which never has been, and never shall be passed over, without at least an expression of our reprehension. There are many passages in this play, which, as written by Mr. Colman himself, are wholly unfit for modest, nay, even for decent ears. It was Mr. Dowton's pleasure to make bad worse, and so to conduct himself as to shock and disgust every person of respectability in the house. We trust that the indignant hisses, with which his bad taste was greeted,

will teach him better for the future. The theatres, at all events the major ones, are not so over-well attended, as to need having more people driven from them by such a method as this. Mr. Dowton, when he will learn his part, is a great acquisition to any theatre; but when he not only forgets his part, but forgets himself into the bargain, the very excellence of his acting increases the magnitude of his offence.

The comedy was followed by an interlude, called, The Militia Muster.' It is only an amplication of Mr. Mathews's American song on the same subject. It is poorly arranged for the stage, and has nothing to recommend it but Mr. Hackett's American militia officer and even this, from the similarity of the phrases to those previously used by him in the comedy, soon began to be tiresome, and the audience testified their impatience in the usual way. Still, it was evidently more against the piece than against the actor that their sibilations were directed. Mr. Hackett is about to appear

in other characters, and we heartily wish him success. The balance of account for good acting, sold and delivered, between the two countries, is sorely against the Americans; and, seeing how slender is our present stock of the raw material, we don't care how soon they take measures for paying it off.

up

Dr. Young's tragical prescription, made from other people's drugs, and originally sold under the name of The Revenge,' was "exhibited" to the audience here, on Wednesday, four hours before bed-time. It is tolerably well known as having been for many years occasionally to be had at all the Patent Theatres, and of most itinerant tragedy venders. We cannot, now, notice it at length-but shall probably do so at some leisure moment, when we enlarge a little upon the subject of the much boasted "standard dramas" of England, as contrasted with the "trash" of modern authors, and take the liberty of inquiring where such standard dramas are, and what they are. In the meantime, although we are fully alive to the occasional beauties of language which are to be met with in this tragedy, we believe we do not go too far in saying livion, to the splendid powers of mind which that it owes its rescue from well merited ob Mr. John Kemble condescended to waste upon Zanga, on Wednesday evening, was personated the delineation of the principal character. by a foreigner of rank, whom we understand to be a Count-an Italian. The noble actor has an excellent voice, a good countenance (as well as we could see it) and a tolerable person. His conception of the part was just, and his acting spirited and pains-taking. The foreign accent was observable, but not intrusive. If he means to make the stage his profession, we are inclined to doubt his proving an acquisition for general purposes:-but, for a time at least, there will probably be a curiosity to see him, and we may safely say that he has talent enough to repay it. Miss Phillips and Mr. Cooper did all that was requisite for their respective parts, -but we are happy that time and space interfere to prevent any comments on the rest of the Dram. Pers.

COVENT GARDEN.

WE much regretted not being present on Monday last at Mr. Sheridan Knowles's personation of William Tell-but we can't be every. where, and Covent Garden was squeezed out between a new piece at the Olympic, and another at the Adelphi. We think it, however, but a proper compliment to Mr. Knowles to report the circumstance, which was of sufficient interest to the public to draw a good house, and at the same time to state, that his acting on the occa sion has, by universal consent, been decreed the honours of the press. We congratulate every man who stands forward like a man, and suc

cessfully takes his own part. It is refreshing to know that his pen is again at work, and that about Christmas we shall hear another of his plays.

OLYMPIC THEATRE.

ANOTHER "agreeable trifle" (a favourite phrase with us excepted" Gentlemen of the Press,) was put forth here on Monday, called The Old Gentleman,' and was well received. It is an adaptation by Mr. Webster, who plays the principal character in it, from the French piece, entitled 'L'Homme de Soixante Ans.' The subject is slight. A pair of youthful lovers quarrel and pout; and Miss, in a fit of revenge, sends for the Old Gentleman, and undertakes to marry him. The Old Gentleman, discovering how matters are, sees the folly of the proceeding, and has the good sense to endeavour, in a good humoured way, to disgust the girl with the sort of life she must lead when united to him. Re venge, however, for the time prevails over every other sentiment, and the contract is signed. This done, she faints, and thus unequivocally

Gentlemen is touched-he tears the contract, and effects a reconciliation between the two ducks, who have been making geese of themselves. To those who never saw the original, the Old Gentleman of Mr. Webster is a pleasant delineation of the character, as he himself has written it. To us, who have repeatedly seen the inimitable Potier in the part, the case is necessarily different, and by us, Mr. Webster has to be tried by a severer test; a test, indeed, so severe, that no English actor but Mr. Farren could hope to stand it; and even he, admirable actor, and finished artist as he is, would scarcely get through the fiery ordeal, without a singe. In the contract scene, the effect which M. Potier produced by his manner of delivering the simple words "Elle a signé," was one of those bits which it would be as difficult as it would be disagreeable to forget. Miss Murray played with spirit, and she is not without aptitude for the stage, but English actors and actresses have yet to learn of French ones how to stand still upon the stage. They generally conduct a part, as if they were conducting an orchestra with head, and hand, and foot-and come to their points as a sporting dog comes to his after they have ranged the whole field before them. Messrs. James Vining and Leaves enacted their small parts of Servant and Master, pleasantly enough-and Mrs. Orger, that delightful actress, whose true value is at last felt and acknowledged, did, in the servant, as usual, all that the part gave her an opportunity of doing with it, and then superadded something for herself, and something more for the audience. If, instead of putting a string of cut and dried questions, to a parcel of interested people, the Dramatic Committee had adjourned to the Olympic Theatre, (as a Coroner's Jury, who want really to get at the truth, adjourn to view the body,) and witnessed Mrs. Orger's acting of her recent characters-they would have had better evidence of the superiority of moderate sized theatres over large ones, than any that has yet reached them. Though the great increase in popularity, which this lady has recently obtained, is undoubtedly owing to her transfer from Drury Lane to this stage, it is a great mistake to suppose that she (speaking of her as an actress) is a gainer by it. It is the public who are gainers. Her talent was the same before, but the public are now placed where they can feel the full force of it. We assert, and are prepared to maintain, "totis manibus, viribus, dentibus, unguibus et calcíbus," that a small theatre is better than a large one, not because almost any acting will do in it, as it is too much the fashion to imagine, but because it separates the metal from the dross, and exposes indifferent as much as it discloses good acting. This is not the received opinion if it were, there would be no occasion for us to put it forth but it is the right one, and that is why we do.

ADELPHI THEATRE.

A piece called 'Bad Business,' which is of two parts; the first being a discussion upon the state of theatricals in general, by major and minor managers, under their private names; and the second, a sort of melo-drame run mad, was produced here on Monday. It is only intended for a broad bit of fun, and as such should not be too critically examined; but an additional reason for allowance being made was, unfortunately, furnished by the sudden indisposition of Mrs. Fitzwilliam. Miss Daly took the book and her place, at three minutes' notice, and surmounted the difficulties of her situation, as well as could be expected. The house was crammed in every part, the attraction of' Henriette' continuing undiminished.

THE DRURY-LANE PLAY-BILLS.

"We hope we don't intrude;" but a few words upon our favourite and never-failing topic, occur to us as indispensable. If we were inclined to be serious, we could and might well be so. A national theatre ought to be a place, where foreigners, and even Englishmen, might go to hear the English language given in perfect purity of style and accent. What then can be more likely to create general distrust upon this head, than to let people infer from the playbills, how little care the management bestows upon the subject? We know not to whom this department is entrusted; but assuredly, the English employed is so bad, that we no sooner darn it for them in one place, than a hole breaks out in another. Our complaint last week was, that Mr. Kean and Mr. Macready were advertised to play Othello and Iago “alternately,” on the same night. This mistake has since been rectified; but the great red letter puff, goes on to say, that "to prevent any disappointment in the procuration (!!) of seats, as early an application for places as possible is requested, in consequence of the numerous parties that have (what, think you, gentle reader?) already secured them." Some good-natured friend told them, we suppose, that this was wrong, but did not extend his good-nature so far as to tell them how to set it right; accordingly, in Thursday's bills, we find the following: "To prevent any disappointment in the procuration" (again) "of seats, in consequence of the numerous parties that have already secured them, as early an application for places as possible, is requested." This is something like "Erratum in our last, for His Grace the Duchess of Marlborough, read Her Grace the Duke." We are quite aware, that, owing to the hurry in which playbills are sometimes necessarily drawn up, errors must occasionally creep in; and every one who trusts himself in print knows also, from woful experience, that if he fails to make errors for himself, they will, ever and anon, be made for him. We make all allowance for this, and only notice these things when they have been left day after day, to stare the whole town in the face, and proclaim that it is ignorance, not accident, which has placed them there.

MISCELLANEA

St. Luke's Academy, Rome.-This illustrious body celebrated the festival of its patron on the 16th and 18th of last month, on which days its members combined religious with mundane cere. monials, by attending mass in the academical church, and escorting the 'Augustissimo Sagramento,' in solemn procession through the main streets of Rome. The halls and gallery of the Academy were thrown open to the public on both of those days; amongst the novelties exhibited were a marble bust of Cardinal Pacca, one of the most liberal patrons of the institution, executed by the deceased Cavaliere Laboureur, at the expense of the Academy, and another of the great Canova, likewise executed at its expense by Professor Albacini, as a tribute of gratitude to the memory of one who had so honourably filled the office of president of the Academy.

Madrid Exhibition.-The exhibition of works by native artists for the present year is reported by a Madrid critic as highly creditable to their taste and skill. The master-pieces in the collection are considered to be, Bishop St. Ruso, delivering a Discourse to his Flock,' by Vicente Lopez, first painter to the Spanish court; Madrazo's (a young artist) Continence of Scipio,' and King Alphonso, conferring the honour of knighthood on the Cid.' The competition for the prizes, which give the successful candidates the right to pensions from the king whilst pursuing their studies in Rome, has resulted in favour of three young painters, De Ribere,

Saez, and Gariot; two sculptors, De Medina, and Ponciano Ponzano; and two architects, Alvarez and De Meza. Among the latest productions of the Spanish press is the "Usages y demas Derechos de Catalonia," (Customs and other rights of Catalonia) in three volumes.

The University of Gressen, in the grandduchy of Hesse, the native country of Professor Bernays, of King's College, has lately conferred on him the honorary degree of Doctor.

First Opera. The first composer, who tried his hand at setting an opera to music, was Francesco Baverini, an Italian artist; and the piece, to which he lent the charm of a melodious accompaniment, was, 'The Conversion of St. Paul,' which was brought out at Rome in 1460.

NOVELTIES IN LITERATURE AND ARTS. On New Year's Day, complete in one volume, uniform with the Waverley Novels, The Ghost-Hunter and his Family,' by the O'Hara Family, forming the first monthly volume of the Library of Original Romance, edited by Leitch Ritchie.

The Dublin University Calendar for 1833. Third Series of M'Gregor's True Stories from the History of Ireland.

The Emigrant's Guide to Upper and Lower Canada, by F. A. Evans.

America, a Moral and Political Sketch, by Achilles Murat, son of the late King of the Two Sicilies.

Early in December, the Second Series of The Chameleon.' It will have a new feature, in Twelve Original Melodies, for the voice and pianoforte.

A New-Year book will appear at the holidays, named The Epigrammatist's Annual.'

The Portrait Gallery of distinguished Females, including Beauties of the Courts of George IV. and William IV., with Memoirs by John Burke, Esq. will be commenced on the 1st of January 1833, and completed within the year.

The Invisible Gentleman.

Lights and Shadows of German Life.

Count Pecchio's Observations on England, by an Exile.

Pictures of Private Life.

Mr. Taylor's Life of the Poet Cowper.

The Chartered History of the Twelve great Livery Companies of London, by William Herbert, Librarian to the Corporation of London.

The Journey of an Invalid from Calcutta through the Straits of Sunda, to Van Dieman's Land.

The Dramatic Library, comprising all the Standard Dramas in the English Language.

Just published.-The_Waning Church, 12mo. 6s. -Simeon's Works, 2nd Portion, 27. 10s.-Hayward's Tenterden's Acts, with new Orders, 5s.-Sprague on Revivals of Religion, with an Introductory Essay, 12mo. 5s. 6d. The Young Christian, by J. Abbott, 12mo. 5s. -Powell on Optics, 8vo. 10s.-Currie's Burns, diamond edit. royal 24mo. 7s. 6d.-Otterbourne, a Story of the English Marches, 3 vols. 8vo. 31s. 6d.-The History of Scotland, from the earliest period to the present time, 2 vols. fc. 15s.- Memoirs of Louis XVIII. 2 vols. post 8vo. 21s.-Heath's Book of Beauty, 1833, 21s.-Nicolas's Report of Claim to the Earldom of Devon, 12.s. Hansard's Debates, Vol. XII. 3rd series, 17. 10s. -Arnold's Thucydides, Vol. II. 8vo. 14s.--Gurney's Sermons and Prayers, 18mo. Is. 6d.-Morrison's Portraiture of Modern Scepticism, royal 18mo. 4s.-Knights of the Round Table, 12mo. 2nd series, 5s.--Oliver and Boyd's Catechisms, Natural History, by Rhind, 18mo. 9d.-Supplement (1832-3) to Pope's Import and Export Guide, 2s. 6d.-Edinburgh Cabinet Library, Vol. X. forming Baron Humboldt's Travels &c. with Portrait, 5s.