ORIGINAL POETRY. A SCENE FROM "WALLENSTEIN'S CAMP." THE following scene is extracted from that striking, but almost untranslatable Overture, with which Schiller has prefaced his "Piccolomini," and "Death of Wallenstein," entitled "Wallenstein's Camp." It tells no connected story, but merely exhibits in various aspects the military life of the strange and discordant mass, which, drawn together from every quarter of the globe, acknowledged him as their leader. In the scene immediately preceding, a long discussion has taken place between the old and pompous Sergeant Major and Trumpeter of Terzkey's Carabineers, and two Light Horsemen, new-comers from the banks of the Saal, in which sundry speculations on the chaLacter of Wallenstein, and the sweets and sours of a military life, have been given. The discussion has been closed by the Sergeant Major announcing the important fact, that Wallenstein bore a charmed life, and held nightly intercourse with a spirit in a grey cloak, which slipped through the key-hole into his quarters, notwithstanding the exertions of the sentinels. In this stage of the proceedings, enters As light and as free As the finch in its glee,d By thicket and tree, By sky and by sea, otte grit no riega Huzza! by the Friedlander's banner I'll be 2d. Jæger. A jolly good fellow as any you'll meet.” Cit. Let him go he is come of good kin. 19911st Jæger. And we," I'd have ye to know, were not found i' the street. **** Cit. I tell you, both money and means has he Only feel the fine doublet and neckcloth he's got., Trump. No cloth is so fine as the Emperor's coat....... Cit. Of a snug little business he'll soon be the heir. Trump. Free will and free quarters with us he'll share. ཐཱ་།: Cit. His grandmother's shop, too, along with the rest. Trump. He would dirty his fingers with brimstone, at best. Cit. And his godfather's store to his share will fall A cellar with twenty good butts of wine. Trump. Q! these he can share with his comrades all. 24 Jæger. Come, hark ye, brother, my tent you must join. Cit. From his sweetheart, poor thing, would ye have him to part? 1st Jæger. Why not? It will teach him an iron heart. Cit. His grand-dame will give up the ghost on the spot. | 2d Jæger. That's lucky! the sooner her cash will be got, Sergeant Major. [Steps up with gravity to the recruit, and lays his hand on his tin cap.] Look ye, friend, it was very well thought in you, Henceforth with a worshipful set you take rank, 1st Jæger. And of all things, comrade, your cash don't ま And the sails are spread for your future trip; f That chanced to myself but the other day: For Buttler knew well how to make his way. 14 girl comes in to wait, and the 2d Horseman toys with her.] Dragoon interfering]. Comrade! let that alone, d'ye hear. 2d Jæger. What the devil makes you interfere? Dragoon. All I've to say is, the girl is mine. 1st Jæger. What! keep her all to yourself?-that's fine! Dragoon, you have lost your wits I see. 2d Jæger. In camp there's no private property; And a pretty girl, like the sun, must be As free to all as to you or me. [Kisses her. Dragoon [pulls her away.] Be off, I tell you-no more I'll stand. KAMEN 1st Jæger. Now for a frolic-here's music at hand. 2d Jæger. If you want a quarrel, all's one to me. Sergeant Major interposing.] Peace, gentlemen, all a kiss is free. into three classes. The first comprises a complete collection of all the editions of the poetical works of PETRARCH since 1470, the date of the first printed edition. The second comprises all the translations of the works of this poet into the French, Latin, Spanish, German, and English Languages; it includes the works of all the commentators on the poet, as well as copies of all the works connected with the biography of PETRARCH. The third class is formed of a great number of manuscripts, on vellum and paper, of the poems, or of works connected with the poems, of PETRARCH. The their arrival at Paris, are to be de posited In the Louvre, on the STATE OF LEARNING IN THE NETHERLANDS.-In a trial for libel, which has just terminated in the Netherlands, a strange proof of his knowledge of the Greek language was given by M. Kersmaker, the president of the court, who took an omega (), the signature of the celebrated Dr Potter, for a small horse-shoe reversed ! VOLTAIRE.-It has been questioned, whether Voltaire valued more highly his reputation as 'a' poét or a prose-writer. The fol lowing anecdote throws some light on the subject:-A friend, calling on him one day, and finding him engaged in writing, would not enter, for fear of interrupting his labours, "Entrez, 117 entrez," said Voltaire; ** Je ne fais que de la vile prose." A dear hae the openings been to mejo 1ɔ do ¿ Gal Before I could wile you away." The papers of Mr Stepney, who was British minister in Germany, in the time of Queen Anne, have been deposited in the British Museum. There are a number of the letters of Addison among them, and many other interesting documents. The Marquis of Spineto is preparing for publication a Course of Lectures upon Hieroglyphics, delivered at the Royal Institu tion, and at the University of Cambridge. Theatrical Gossip.At the King's Theatre, Madame Malibran, formerly better known as Mademoiselle Garcia, has appeared as Desdemong with much success. Her singing is not considered superior to that of Caradori Allan, but her acting is represented as being in many respects equal to Pasta's.-Miss Smithson, whose continental reputation is so very great, is to appear speedily at Covent Garden; she has been detained by ill health longer than she intended at Amsterdam.-Weekes, at Drury Lane, continues to please the Londoners much; he seems to take the lead in humorous Irish characters-Liston plays at the Haymarket during the summer.-Matthews is getting up a new." At Home." -T. P. Cooke proceeds from Edinburgh first to Dundee, and then to Belfast.-Our Theatre will be closed next week in conse quence of the Preachings, į 30% TO OUR CORRESPONDENTS, IN the Advertisements of the Novel of Reay Morden," which have appeared in the newspapers since last Saturday, we observe that, by leaving out three words of a sentence which occurs in our review of it, we are represented as applying praise to the work generally, which we only gave to "some passages;" and an im pression is thus conveyed that we said nearly the very reverse of what we actually did say. We shall never silently submit to any such improper use being made of our critical notices. A passage may be abridged if its true spirit be preserved; but never if the abridgement is to pervert its real meaning. 1 Our second notice of Dr Memes' interesting work on the THE Life of Justin Martyr, by Dr Kaye, the learned Bishop of Fine Arts, and concluding notice of Dr Ure's Geology, are Lincoln, is on the eve of publication. unavoidably postponed till next Saturday. We shall be glad We are happy to understand that Mr George Joseph Bell, Pró- to have a call from the author of "The Correspondence of fessor of Scots Law in the University of Edinburgh, has in a state John Macdonald, Esq. and Doctor Dirleton."-Any explanation of forwardness his Commentaries on the Law of Scotland, re- we may receive from Mr Crybbace we shall be glad to attend to. garding Marriage Contracts, Family Settlements, and Trust-We are sorry that " A December Evening,” by " P. Q. R.” of Deeds. CHARLES X. has recently purchased the valuable collection of books connected with the life and works of PETRARCH, made by M. MARSAND, one of the Professors in the University of Padua, and editor of the admirable edition of the works of that great poet, published a few years ago. This collection, of which à catalogue was recently published at Milan, under the title of Biblioteca Petrarchesa, contains about 900 volumes, and is divided Dumfries, will not exactly suit us; we may remark, however, that it is beautifully written,-" Single Blessedness," by the Editor of the Elgin Courier, in our next. The French Song from Aberdeen is good, but not equal to those of our Correspondent "Lorma."-"J. B." of Glasgow will not suit us. We never notice anonymous contributions unless they be postpaid. SATURDAY, MAY 9, 1829. TO OUR READERS. PRICE 6d. with in the Ecarté saloons. If a very great deal of misery had been shown to be the result of all this conduct, no harm perhaps might have arisen from narrating it. But all the misery which does arise, seems to us to It gives us pleasure to announce, that, in consequence be pretty well balanced by the pleasure which the author of the numerous communications with which we have is evidently willing to attach to these dulcia vitia. been favoured by our literary friends, we propose giving losses which produce any serious consequences; for His hero gambles without any severe losses, or at least an additional half-sheet, or eight pages of letter-press, though he is on one occasion arrested and taken to to the next Number (No. XXVII.) of the LITERARY prison, his confinement is of very short duration, and JOURNAL. We thus hope to be able to present the his restoration to freedom is quite triumphant. The public, in one Number, with a set of Articles, of much unhappy object of his illicit love dies wretchedly, but he himself easily recovers the blow; and all at once, as ralde, from the following celebrated writers:DR is usual in these novels, ceases to be a roué, marries, MOREHEAD, DR GILLESPIE, DR MEMES,- and becomes an exemplary husband. Besides, various ALARIC A. WATTS,-WILLIAM TENNANT,-THE glowing pictures are introduced of the state of society ETTRICK SHEPHERD, DERWENT CONWAY,among the gambling circles, which, to a young and arJOHN MALCOLM, — WILLIAM KENNEDY,RO-sufficient to outweigh any risk that might be incurred dent temperament, would of themselves be more than BERT CHAMBERS, The AUTHORS of the "ODD in them. The general impression, therefore, left by the VOLUME," The AUTHOR of " BROTHER JONA- book, is of a very doubtful tendency; and, though we THAN," The AUTHOR of " TALES of a PILGRIM," do not think the author destitute of abilities, we wish he and several others whose names we are not at liberty to had employed them in some more useful way. mention. The same Number will contain a Review of Sir Walter Scott's new Novel" ANNE OF GEIERSTEIN," and other interesting literary matter. We have also the pleasure of announcing, that the Autographs which we mentioned as being in preparation some time ago, are now nearly ready, and will be delivered on Saturday se'nnight, with the 28th Number of the JOURNAL. They will form an elegant Frontis. piece to the First Volume when completed, and afford specimens of the handwriting of forty-four of the most celebrated individuals of modern times. No additional charge will be made for either of these Numbers of the LITERARY JOURNAL. LITERARY CRITICISM. Ecarté; or, the Salons of Paris. Three volumes. We shall give one extract, which, while it describes the general character of the fashionable gaming-houses in Paris, will, at the same time, confirm the truth of our remark, that they are frequently spoken of in too soft and alluring terms: pany. A PARISIAN SALON D'ECARTE. "Unquestionably nothing can be more seducing and exciting than the appearance of a gaming-table, when the rooms are brilliantly lighted up and full of comthe tables, as if destined to become the property of the The heaps of notes and gold that are piled upon first player of spirit and enterprise the rich tints of the cloth, which acquire additional beauty from the softened light of the lamps-the lucky and occasional falling of the ball of the roulette table into the number backed by the player, securing thirty-six times the amount of his stake, and the long run upon a favourite and wellsupported colour at a trente et quarante table, together with the facility of obtaining every thing that can satisfy and luxuriate the palate-all these things tend to fased into more active and painful operation by heavy and cinate and to subdue; while the passions, not yet callrepeated losses, leave wide and unrestrained dominion to the senses alone. If these, then, are the effects produced by an introduction to haunts where the society is confined entirely to men, how much more alluring must the scene appear, where, as is ever and exclusively the case at Frascati's, the rooms are morcover filled with THIS is one of those books which, on the whole, had better been left unwritten; or, if written, the subject should have been treated in a more decided manner. The hero is a young man of respectable birth, fortune, and family, who gets involved in the very doubtful sort of society to be found frequenting the private gaming-women, of that splendid and more select description we houses in Paris. The consequences are, that his affections are alienated from his best friends, that he contracts a passion for play, and that, throwing off a virtuous attachment he was on the point of forming, he enters into a dangerous and immoral liaison with one of the fair but frail creatures who are constantly to be met have already described as the frequenters of the salons d'ecarté-women, who gaily challenge fortune with their purses, and lovers with their dark and sparkling eyes; and who, whatever may be their feelings or their weaknesses, are often gifted with minds of a superior order, with passions which scarcely know a diminution in their intensity, and with wit, and elegance, and ease of carriage, sufficiently demonstrative of the sphere in which they once moved, and which is never wholly lost sight of in their subsequent life. These are the women who are most to be feared in these dangerous assemblages; for, although it cannot be denied, that, even at Frascati's, the females are not all of the same stamp, yet the comparative vulgarity and general inferiority of these rather serve as foils to set off the manners and accomplishments of the others, who seldom fail to cast the spell of their fascinations around the hearts of the young, the inexperienced, and the more generous of nature, a fascination which is not easily shaken off, and which eventually leads to the last stage of demoralization. "Several of these females were seated round the rouge et noir and roulette tables, habited in elegant costumes de bal, and staking their money with an earnestness that would have surprised a stranger, thrown for the first time into the heart of so novel a scene-their eyes beaming with animation when successful, and firing with impatience when they beheld their gold raked up by the pitiless croupier. Whenever they hit upon a lucky run, they were all smiles, frequently turning round and addressing some amiable remark to those who sat next to them; but when they lost, they were génées in their movements, the place was exceedingly hot, or those who stood behind them were found to press too heavily on their magnificent plumes, and were requested to give them more room. The men who encircled the tables were principally players upon the system, and a motley and singular group. Here might be observed an elegant-looking Englishman, dressed in the last style of fashion, and throwing down his notes with a nonchalance which might have been translated into a sort of shame at the idea of being found guilty of nice calculation, in a game in which he wished it to be supposed he indulged rather as an amusement than with a view to gain. There sat a Frenchman, of sallow, emaciated, shabby, and ignoble appearance, casting his quick dark eye at the cards, which he mentally counted after the dealer, and eagerly searching, if a loser, to detect an error -now striking his forehead with his hand, after a few un. successful coups-now laughing and talking to himself, when fortune appeared to be enlisted in his favour. "Here, too, might be seen a player, habited half àla-Anglaise, half à-la-Francaise, one of the number of those old residents in Paris, who make the public gaming-tables the means of keeping an apology for a carriage, with which they affect to maintain a sort of style; and who, in the expectation of winning a certain sum for their daily expenses, take their stations at the rouge et noir and roulette tables, as regularly as the dealers and croupiers themselves. They were chiefly players upon the system. Amid these, however, might be seen others of more careless carriage and habits. There lounged a gay young Englishman, who divided his attention equally between his ill-supported game, and two splendid-looking women, who sat on either side of him, supplying the latter occasionally with a few pieces, as their own little banks were broken, and, in consequence, the object of rivalry between them. Opposite to him lingered a young Frenchman, of equal age, and supported in the same manner, expressing himself with vivacity when he lost, and hesita ing not to borrow from his fair companions the instant his own funds became exhausted. The contrast offered by the tone and manner of these was striking. In fact, every variety and shade of character might be traced through. out the throng, which was numerous indeed, the tables being crowded, not only by those who were seated a the game, but by a triple row of players, who, incapable of procuring seats, now stood leaning over those whe occupied them, and betting, either in pursuance of the new system, or on the principle of chance, as their se veral inclinations and caprices induced."-Vol. iii. pp. 5-10. We may observe, in conclusion, that there are several scenes in "Ecarté" which border very closely on the licentious, and that we know of little advantage to be derived from its perusal. The Divine Origin of Christianity, deduced from some of those Evidences which are not founded on the Authenticity of Scripture. By John Sheppard, Author of "Thoughts on Private Devotion," &c. 2 vols. London. Whittaker & Co. 1829. WE cannot agree with Mr Sheppard in thinking, that no English work has already anticipated his particular mode of proving the divine origin of Christianity. He undertakes to show, "that even if the New Testament had been unhappily destroyed, or its genuineness were not ascertainable; yet, provided the primitive spirit of the religion could be learnt from the writings of early believers, and those indirect proofs collected of its rise and progress, and their causes, which now exist, we ought not to reject it, but to judge that it came from God?" Now, this is just an attempt to prove the truth of Christianity by means of external evidence-a mode of proof abundantly antiquated. We do not, however, on this account, dispute the conclusive nature of such evidence. Indeed, all internal evidence, however forcibly and accurately stated, is ex sua natura open to controversy. And, while we deny the originality of the plan, we have been much pleased with the manner in which our author has digested and arranged the mass of indirect proofs which bear upon the subject. In illustrating his leading proposition, Mr Sheppard explains the manner in which Christianity differs in principle from all religions that men have fabricated, and from any which it can be supposed they would fabricate. He refers to the cruelties and impurities connected with the Hindoo superstition to the obscene mythology practised in Greece and Rome, where the mind had in many respects attained its utmost vigour and highest refinement--as well as to the Mahometan faith, which, if not openly sanctioning, is at least lenient to, the evil passions and tempers of man. The inference from such premises is irresistible. Christianity, if invented, was invented by and for the same human na. ture which has devised and accepted other religions. How, then, does it happen, that while these sanction man's natural propensities, the Christian creed should be distinguished by the most refined and unbending morality? Our author farther maintains, that Christianity, even as propagated and received in successive ages, with great degrees of declension or aberration from its original principles, has specifically differed in its effects from all other religions. He also notices at some length the various admissions of persons not professing Christianity, as to the moral character of Jesus, and that of the early Christians; he then enters into an elaborate dissertation respecting the opposition which was, ab initio, offered to the doctrines of the Bible, and concludes with some observations in support of the resur rection of Christ, and regarding miracles. No person can peruse the work without perceiving indications of superior talent. Mr Sheppard is not satisfied with stating ingenious theories upon those important points which he discusses. His results are uniformly deduced from substantial data, applying to all the bearings of his subject. We are not presented with a tissue of ex parte statements, plausibly expressed and artfully supported. He anticipates the attacks with which his views will be received; and if, in his zeal for laying before his reader a candid represen a tion of both sides of the question, he may seem to make admissions which prudence might repress, the issue in variably demonstrates that he adopts this course for the purpose of strengthening his own arguments, by the completeness with which he refutes those of his antagonist. The absorbing interest of his enquiries, on many occasions, excites that warmth and energy of thought which so eminently characterise the writings of Chal mers and Paley; and indeed we can scarcely suppose any man so destitute of feeling, as to prosecute such investigations without catching, in some degree, the spirit of his theme. In the supplements to the different sections of his book, Mr Sheppard has introduced occasional reflections, which, though forming no part of the direct topic, frequently exhibit it in a more convincing light. His notes also display considerable historical research. On the whole, Mr Sheppard's present publication fully supports his former reputation as an author; and, relying on the evidences as to the divine origin of Christ which are brought forward, he may confidently ask,"Quæ tandem mens avida æternitatis, vitæque presentis brevitate permota, contra hujus divinæ auctori. tatis lumen cultumque contendat ?” A History of the Rise, Progress, and Suppression of the Rebellion in the County of Wexford, in the year 1798. To which is added, the Author's Account of his Captivity and Merciful Deliverance. By Geo. Taylor. A new edition, corrected. Dublin. Curry and Co. 1829. 12mo, pp. 194. MR TAYLOR, the author of the work before us, was a personal sufferer in the Irish rebellion of 1798, and narrowly escaped being murdered by the rebels. His work, so far as we have had an opportunity of judging, is completely corroborated by the best authorities; and it has this additional advantage, that it supplies the reader with various interesting particulars, which Mr Taylor received from his own personal friends, who were eyewitnesses of many of the scenes he has recorded, and, like himself, sufferers for their loyalty. towards the loyalists are hardly paralleled by the atrocities of the French Revolution. They shot, stabbed, hanged, and spiked, men, women, and children; but their favourite mode of executing their sanguinary revenge, was by filling barns with their prisoners, and then setting them on fire. The massacres at Scullabogue, and at the bridge of Wexford, where their unoffending victims were butchered in the most horrible manner, are eternal proofs of what may be expected from an ignorant and barbarous peasantry, when they have the ascendency, led by unprincipled demagogues and fanatical priests. In a literary view, Mr Taylor's narrative is homely enough in style; but we have every reason to believe it an honest and correct account of the Wexford Rebellion.. The Last Hours of Eminent Christians, compiled from the best authorities, and chronologically arranged. By the Reverend Henry Clissold, M.A., Minister of Stockwell Chapel, Lambeth. London. 8vo. Rivingtons. 1829. This is a work which ought to find its way into every family circle. The examples which are given in the last hours" of some of the greatest and most illustrious men, who, we may safely say, were the glory and the renown of their several ages, must have a most powerful effect on the minds of the young and the ignorant, in directing their attention towards those elevating truths of Christianity, which were the consolation and the hope of those departed worthies, whose faith we are commanded to follow, considering the end of all things. The volume before us may be safely set down as a happy model of enforcing Christianity by example, inasmuch as it contains no abstract reasoning, but lays before the reader matters of fact. Mr Clissold, in his preface, which is somewhat too long, tells us the reasons which induced him to underThe county of Wexford is notorious for the events take this work; and with his observations we cordially which took place in it during the rebellion of 1798; it agree. History is, in reality, a great drama, in which was, indeed, the chief scene of those atrocities which the parties are brought before us for instruction and edistain the Irish history. Certain parties, styling them- fication; and is interesting solely on account of the selves White-boys, Steel-boys, Oak-boys, Right-boys, names which adorn its annals. It is no small consolaand Defenders, had for a considerable time disturbed tion to the Christian, though at best it is but the conthe peace of the country, and eventually they all coa-scious homage of truth, that the most distinguished men lesced under the general title of United Irishmen. With the contemporary example of the French Revolution before their eyes, and, as they were all Roman Catholics, animated with the most relentless hatred towards the Protestants, their objects were as iniquitous as they were treasonable. A number of factious demagogues arose among them, men of desperate fortunes and unprincipled characters, whose study it was to keep alive the flame of discontentment, and excite the wretched peasantry to the most dreadful excesses. On the 26th of May 1798, the rebellion began in Wexford, headed by a ferocious and fanatic priest named Murphy. Six worthies of this name, all priests, rendered themselves conspicuous by their subsequent proceedings. On the 27th, two bodies of the rebels appeared at Oulard and Kelthomas. At the latter place, they were defeated by 200 or 300 yeomen; but at Oulard, where they were commanded by Murphy himself, they were victorious. That incendiary soon after got possession of Enniscorthy, and set the houses of the loyal inhabitants in flames, besides committing many atrocities. At the head of 15,000 men, he took the town of Wexford. The battles of Clough, Ross, Arklow, and Vinegar Hill, besides other minor engagements, followed; and it is not less shocking than true, that the priests, by whom the wretched and deluded populace were stimulated, scrupled not to celebrate the rites of their religion amidst murder and blood. The cruelties the rebels exercised in past ages were under its salutary influence. It is impossible for us to give any thing like a condensed view of Mr Clissold's excellent work, as it is divided into short narratives, delineating the closing scene of these great men; but our readers will find in it "the most illustrious examples of devotion, tranquillity, for. titude, and prudence, together with the most striking instances of the brevity and uncertainty of human life," written with great interest, apart from any encouragement of enthusiasm or fanatical zeal. A list of the names of some of those illustrious individuals whose last hours form the subject of Mr Clissold's book, will enable our readers to appreciate its contents much better than were we to lay before them any detached extract. We find, among others, St Ignatius; St Cyprian; St Gregory Thaumaturgus, St Basil; Gregory Nazianzen; St Augustine; St Austin (first Archbishop of Canterbury); the Venerable Bede; Wickliffe; John Huss; Jerome of Prague; Eneas Silvius, surnamed Pope Pius II.; the Chevalier Bayard; Oecolampadius ; Zuingle; Fisher, Bishop of Rochester; Sir Thomas More; Tindal; Luther; Cruciger; Lady Jane Gray; Bishop Hooper, Bishops Latimer and Ridley; Melanethon; Archbishop Parker; Sir Philip Sidney; Tasso; Richard Hooker; Tycho Brahe; Beza; Scaliger; Henry, Prince of Wales (son of James I.); Cardinal Robert Bellarmine; Dr Launcelot Andrews; Bishop of Winchester; Bishop Bedell; Archbishop |