more pleasure from any similar privilege. Several of these poems possess a high order of merit. We gladly transfer one to our pages, not by any means the best, however, though an excellent lyric, but the most convenient, from its comparative brevity, for our limited space. It may somewhat enhance the interest of "The Artist Lover," to inform the reader that the author is a near relative of the late Governor De Witt Clinton, and that she is fair, gifted, and amiable enough to be the relative of one of the Cæsars. THE ARTIST Lover. Smile and forget me! I am uncomplaining; Nay, dry those tears! It cannot be they're falling Weep not for me, though Duty now is calling Oh! have I not been blest in thus beholding, And have I not been blest while I did listen But now farewell! If I have loved unduly, There are few hearts like mine, that love so truly, And yet who ask for no return again. Heaven bless thee! By my side, where'er I linger, Memory's pale daughter, dewy-eyed Regret, Unto this hour henceforth will point her finger And bid me die, but never to forget. Cecil Dreeme. By THEODORE WINTHROP. Boston: Ticknor & Fields. 1861. Few novels have more agreeably surprised us than this. We confess we took it up more because it is the production of a good patriot, and a brave soldier, than for any other reason. Nor can we say that in doing so it was our intention to read it. Indeed, we merely meant to examine it, as a matter of duty; though in no other imprint have we more confidence than in that of its publishers. But the perusal of a half-dozen pages satisfied us that it is no ordinary novel; and as we found a fascination in its pages, which we are little used to in modern novels, we were forcibly reminded of the Clergyman of the "Deserted Village," of whom we are told that "Truth from his lips prevailed with double sway, On reaching the end of the tale, we found that we had marked nearly one third of the whole for extract; but now, when we come to notice the book, we see that it would be superfluous to extract any, since nearly all has been extracted already by the best class of our weekly papers. Besides, that which we have now before us is the sixth edition; a fact which would show of itself that the book is sufficiently known. Suffice it for us, therefore, to say in brief that "Cecil Dreeme" is one of the most brilliant and charming stories we have ever read. Few will peruse it without a deep emotion of regret that the author should have met even so glorious a death in the prime of youth; but we must remember that, though there were no war, "All that's bright must fade- The Rock, with an Introduction. By HENRY A. BOARDMAN. 12mo, pp. 364. Philadelphia: American Sunday School Union. 1861. Our religious friends will thank us for calling their attention to this unpretending volume. It is one to which-whether we regard the precepts it inculcates or the style in which it is written the author might well have prefixed his name. But he is evidently no "book-maker;" he does not write to turn a penny more than to gain fame. Otherwise, he would, at least, have presented us a table of contents. Even this seemed to him too much display; and accordingly he leaves the reader to find out for himself the subjects he treats and the manner in which they are treated. This, indeed, is no difficult task after the first ten pages have been read. Few that proceed thus far will need any sign-posts for the remainder of the journey. But there are hundreds who throw away a book, especially if it is religious, if they do not at a glance see something to invite them. We fear that many will do so in this case; although the topics discussed form an ample bill of fare-such, for example, as ancient writings, Jewish prejudice, value of opinions, ignorance, life's phases, fruits of decision, personal obligation, gratitude, apparel, books, &c., &c. With its theological doctrines we have nothing to do. These our readers can discuss for themselves; we have enough both to instruct and interest us without them. The chapter which possesses most attraction for us is that which treats on books, and we think that most others will have the same preference. But there are many who may never see the book; for the benefit of these we transcribe an extract or two. Whether "the powers of darkness" have any hand in the matter, as the author intimates, or not, none will deny that many bad books are published at the present day. "In no former period of the world have such facilities existed for the diffusion of knowledge by means of the press as now; and it would be contrary to all the experience of mankind from the beginning, if the powers of darkness were not busy to avail themselves of them for purposes of evil. If two streams were running in different channels side by side, one of which was turbid and poisonous and the other pure and wholesome, the thirsty traveller, with his eyes open, could readily discern that there was a difference between them without tasting. But if they were flowing on together in the same channel, and the healthful and baneful currents could only be distinguished by great care and close examination, or even chemical analysis, he might well thank any one that should furnish him with a test. "Books have a prodigious power. I had a young friend once whose early years were passed under decided religious influences. He was endowed with unusual strength of mind, and at a very early period of his life became distinguished as a public man. Few memorials in the quiet seclusion of Mount Auburn mark the resting-place of one more respected for learning and integrity."-pp. 314, 315. It is but too true that it is necessary to make a close examination of books bearing the imprints of a certain class of publishers, before admitting them into the family circle; but it is equally true that those critics who venture to point out their real character get abuse rather than thanks for their pains, it being well known that there is no "sensation" publisher who does not keep in his pay at least one writer who, calling himself a literary person, does little more, from one end of the month to the other, than work of this kind. But let us hear our author. The truthfulness and force of the following passage will be recognized by all: "If we could trace the means which have contributed to form our present views to three principal external sources, viz., what we have seen, what we have heard and what we have read, we should probably find the last by no means the least active or fertile. A book is a silent, but most intimate, companion. It does not ask attention, nor take offence at neglect. Its name and dress give us no certain clew to its character. The opinions of others as to its value may be the result of prejudice or ignorance. We are told that to know what it is we must read it; and to read it is to subject ourselves to its influence for better or worse. "Prudent travellers in public conveyances, or sojourners at hotels, are very careful what intercourse they encourage or allow strangers to have with them; for a pickpocket is not always distinguishable by dress or manners from an honest gentleman. But how much more vigilant should we be to preserve the mind and heart from contact with what may pollute or pervert, than to protect our purse or watch from light fingers! "When you take up a book to read, of the character of which you are wholly unapprized, is your presumption less than when you admit to your confidence one to whose principles and motives you are a stranger? It might, indeed, be easier to throw the book aside than to discard the treacherous friend; but, on the other hand, the former may conceal the poisonous fang till the fatal wound is made, while the latter, by his tone and manner, will be very likely to betray his character in season to defeat his evil purpose."-pp. 316, 317. We can only make room for one brief extract more. This, it will be seen, especially the passage in italics, fully corroborates what we have ourselves often warned the public against in this journal. "In the graver class of books-as histories and biographies-similar insidious attempts to subvert sound principles, implanted by a careful education, are by no means rare. But the more common theatre for the display of such skill is, as we have said, the lighter and cheaper literature which finds its way into the hands of all classes and communities. Cart-loads of printed trash, decked out with coarse cuts and plates of fashion,' are in constant transit over the thoroughfares of the country: and, though you may be protected by your social position from direct contact with them, you can scarcely fail to feel their incidental influence in the general deterioration of moral sentiment and intellectual vigor which they are sure to produce."―pp. 324, 325. We do not pretend to be more pious than our neighbors; but we certainly think that books of this kind are too little read. Unfortunately, none are sought after with such avidity as the very worst. HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY. Geschichte der Deutschen Monarchie von ihrer Erhebung bis zu ihrem Verfall. Von Dr. G. C. F. SoUCHAY. Wien, 1861. History of the German Monarchy from its Rise (A. D. 687) to its Decline (A. D. 1519). By G. C. F. SOUCHAY. Vienna: 1861. Judging from the first volume, now before us, this will be a valuable work. It will be complete in seven volumes-at least, so the author inclines to think; though he is not sure but he may discover some manuscripts hitherto unknown, which may render it advisable to add two or three octavos more. Should this not happen, he expects to have the whole before the public ere the close of 1862. His views, regarded as those of a German, are somewhat peculiar. For example, he does not think the Reformation proved such a blessing to Germany, as many other writers, English and German, have asserted; on the contrary, he tells us that it was the Protestant movement, that extinguished the last hope of a United Kingdom of Germany, assigning as a reason, that it prevented the nation from rallying round Charles V., lest that monarch might reëstablish Popery. Ever since, he says, there has, strictly speaking, been no Germany, but a series of States, almost constantly at variance with each other. Though he does not state the fact in so many words, he is evidently of opinion that the only thing to make the "Fatherland" great, prosperous and powerful, is, to unite all the different States, great and small, not excepting Prussia, under the imperial sceptre of Austria. There are not many who will believe this; but, were it even true, it would be nearly as difficult to bring about such a union as that of Italy with Spain. Nay, the latter would be a much more feasible attempt; nor is it necessary to enter into details as to the cause, or, rather, the causes, for they are many. It is sufficient to remember, that, leaving sectarian differences out of the question-differences which do not exist between the Spaniards and Italians-no nation in Europe, or in the world, is composed of more discordant elements than that known as the Austrian Empire, altogether exclusive of Austrian Italy. The German portion of the inhabitants might, easily enough, be induced to unite with the Prussians; but then there would remain the Hungarians, Croats, Poles, Sclavonians, &c., each of whom have a deep-rooted prejudice, not to call it by a worse name, against the Germans, who, in turn, regard them as inferior races. This, however, does not prevent Souchay from being an instructive, if not an agreeable, writer. He is much more learned than entertaining, though more serious than profound. As long as he confines himself to the narration of facts, he seldom errs; but his reflections, though intended to be philosophic, seldom rise above declamation. The volume before us is divided into two parts-the first embracing the history of the Carlovingian dynasty, from 689 to 911; the second, the history of the Othos. We cannot see that the author has shed any new light on either period; but it will probably he different as to the future—at least, so we are informed. In any case, the work will be worthy the attention of the student of history and ethnology, especially the latter; and it is no slight commendation for the foreign reader that the style is more French than German. Histoire de l'Italie Nouvelle et du roi Victor Emanuel. Par ERNEST RASETTI et CHARLES DE LA VARENNE. Tome Premier. London: David Nutt. 1861. Those who desire to see Austria painted in her darkest colors will be gratified with this book. If only one half of what we are told in the first volume of the “History of the Italy of our own Time and of King Victor Emanuel" be true, Nero himself was mild and indulgent compared to the Austrian Kaiser of the middle of the nineteenth century. But not only is Austria without a redeeming quality; all Powers that did not oppose her in 1848 are nearly as bad as herself. Our authors tell us that England and France alike evinced the most pitiable cowardice, in not drawing the sword at once for the expulsion of the tyrant. No allowance is made for the fact that each of these Powers had quite enough to do at the time to take care of itself. But the most inexcusable of all European ministers was M. de Lamartine. The authors think it evident that he was no true poet, much less a statesman or philosopher, or he could not have shown such indifference to the fate of Italy as he did. Nay, it is not at all clear to their minds that he did not enter into a conspiracy with the Austrian despotism, in order to enable it to oppress the Italians more cruelly than ever. These exaggerated statements render the volume before us more like burlesque than veritable history. That the yoke of Austria has weighed heavily on Northern Italy is notorious. It is doubtful whether any other European people have been more oppressed, within the last quarter of a century, than the inhabitants of the Lombardo-Venetian kingdom have been by Austria. But this is the very reason why there is no need for exaggeration to make out a case against the latter, and still less is it necessary to make an onslaught on all others-individuals as well as nations-who might have taken part in the struggle of 1848, but did not see fit to do so. It has been well said that a historian should be without passion, prejudice and pay, since his opinions must be warped by any of the three. The authors of the present volume exhibit too much passion— so much that, when they state notorious facts, many will question their veracity. As to the flogging of Italian women by the Austrian military authorities, it is undeniable that it has been done in some cases. Worse than even this, if possible-wives have been put to the torture, kept fasting and beaten with rods, in order to compel them to inform against their hus |