FRENCH CHARACTERS. No. II. THE COMMERCIAL TRAVELLER. WHO is not acquainted with the industrious and spirited class of commercial travellers, the active representatives of the trade which annually circulates through all our provinces the products of the generous soil of Burgundy, of the olivegrounds of the Durance, the workshops of the Lyonnese, and the manufactories of Alsace? The commercial traveller usually commences his career at the desk. Long is he condemned to fathom the mysteries of double entry, and constrained to master the difficult calculations of The Cambist' and 'The Complete Merchant.' He sighs continually for that day of deliverance, when, shaking off the vulgar dust of the warehouse, he will see himself, like another Ganymede, carried off on the wings of the Célerifere or of the Jumelles, to make all France acquainted with his wonderful talents. ceding day, he rises to address himself to the Robinson. When he has glanced at a thousand topics of conversation and assailed each person on his weak side, he turns insensibly to business, and introduces the subject-not by pressing entreaties or base solicitations. No: he will not even let his offers of service escape him, but with a playful and careless air; yet, without having received the slightest encouragement, he has already seized his portfolio, and the eager pen hastens officiously to take down the order to which he has acquired a claim. But stay! How I am detracting from the prestige of so much amiability! If perchance some morose and intractable customer take it into his head to protest against this summary method of doing business, the imperturbable traveller does not swerve. What! deface his orderbook for the first time with an ignominious erasure! It were a scandalous disgrace! No! never! Better deliver the wine gratis! So he dispatches it at all risks; and the only favour he begs in return is, that of its being tasted on its arrival. The palate of Mahomet himself would not have resolution to send back to the entrepot the flower of Beaujolois, the nectar of Vignoble! Perfumed and pommatumed, he begins his morning round, eager to prevent the calls of a jealous competitor who has closely pursued him since his departure to divide his custom. No one knows better than he the secret of carrying a door by storm, or is more profoundly versed in the 'Monsieur Five feet six inches, duly cast up, complete the theory of blockading anti-rooms. and Madame are not in.' What matter? stature of our Apollo Belvidere; the bellicose These sophisms, the official fibs of the gouvermoustache juts fiercely out upon his upper lip, and nante, the ready evasions of the portress, and Thus by means of this clever intermediary are ripening puberty has already clothed his chin the halbert of the old Swiss, were not made to the products of our soil and manufactures anwith the small tuft which a recent Israelitish exclude him. He laughs at all such bar-nually poured forth and dispersed, and the affashion has appended to the visages of our exriers; and some witty pleasantry, some inge- fluent fortunes of great mercantile houses proquisites. The education of the commercial nious stratagem, or, if need be, the irresistible portionately extended. The darling child of the traveller has, therefore, received its last finish; talisman of a piece of money, speedily puts him Graces and of commerce, a hunter of adventures, but it should have been stated, that his tongue, in possession of the place. He darts, like the widow's cruse for anecdote, a far more by long practice, has attained a marvelous an arrow, into the interior. He presents him- amusing talker than your eternal prosers of the tact in rolling off mercantile periods, and self with the air of a man of the world and the Tribune or the Court, a professed epicurean, an distils its soft persuasions with an insinuation finish of fine manners, commencing with an ex- everlasting rattle and yet the prince of good that goes directly to the hearts of his customers. cuse for his indiscretion: To pay so early a fellows, a courtier but a useful and disinterested Our hero is now ripe for his circuit, and it is visit to the ladies! It is transgressing all etiquette one,-such is the commercial traveller, whose time to bring him on the scene. Prepared for at one bound! But the hour-hand was too slow physiognomy, together with his manoeuvres and his departure, drunk with joy and hope, he rushes. for his impatience! He was hungering and thirst- his attractions, forms a whole the most piquant to the gate. With less impatience, with less ing to salute the adorable lady of the house. and picturesque. But soon is the period of his perepride, did Alexander set foot in the stirrup of Pon honour! she is a prodigy, and has dis- grinations accomplished: the traveller, in his turn, Bucephalus, to fly to the conquest of the universe. covered the secret of perpetual youth! A second falls into the bonds of matrimony. He now be He throws off in the diligence with an act of Ninon, she is destined to inspire passions even in comes head-man in the counting-house. The gallantry. Securing his place behind, he imme- grey hairs! All the young progeny become, by lilting butterfly of the provinces, the cosmopolidiately begins to pay his court to a young and turns, the objects of his restless solicitude. tish Lovelace, gives way to the grave and sentenpretty voyageuse, who is accompanied by a sort of Happy if in the multitude of questions that he tious financier. He no longer counts his amours bear, gouty, asthmatical, and octogenarian, whom puts, no grave anachronism, no gross mistake of but his millions, and already thinks no eyes so she calls her husband, but who would better pass sex or name, slips out to betray his entire igno- fair as those of his iron-chest. Happy if the for her great-grandfather. Under the guardian-rance of the genealogy of the interesting family. gilded ceilings of the Chaussée d'Antin do not ship of his Antigone, the cripple is going to take His next care is to make an abundant distribu- becloud that face in which smiles and pleasures the waters of Mont-d'or, that will not prevent tion among the young gormandizers of sugar- used to play; substituting for his open manners him from very soon taking those of the Styx. plums and other sweetmeats, in which even poor and engaging wiles, the cold politeness of etiOur Celadon takes care to separate the ill-assorted Azor is allowed to participate,-a pampered dog-quette, the formal urbanity of the great world, pair, and slyly slips in between them, but to play a Sibarite quadruped-which he has the polite- and fixing every trait of aristocratic bearing on another part than that of the god Terminus. On the ness to call charming, and to extol as the very the sovereign of the strong-box. For, if he can road, how obliging he is! what minute cares! model of shocks,—the very mirror of spaniels. but resist the intoxicating tendency of his new what polite attention! If a slight jolt shakes position, we shall see him devoting a portion of the springs of the carriage, his protecting arm his treasures to the public good, to the encouragequickly encircles the waist of the alarmed fair, ment of elementary instruction, to philanthropic to shield her from the rebound; and ever and institutions, and to the propagation of useful anon his restless touch interrogates a gracious truths. He will sit with impartiality in the chair and delicate hand to be assured that she does of consular justice; and, when his solid informanot suffer from the inclemency of the season. tion, his high commercial rank, and the frankness At the approach of night, amid the louder respiand independence of his character, shall have rerations of the other passengers, are heard commended him to the confidence of his brother mingling his tender sighs. But hush! we will citizens, he will be raised to the legislative office, imitate the discretion of our hero, who, though and take his seat by the side of Koulin, Lafitte, he is always successful among the women, never the Ternaux, and Casimir Perrier, in the midst of makes a boast of his intrigues. the national representatives. You all carry the field-marshal's baton in your cartridge-box,' said the founder of the Charter to his grenadiers: the commercial traveller also carries the caduceus of Mercury in his bag, and it only remains for him to take it out. Arrived at the inn, our traveller is known by his loudness and his petulance. Ho there! Somebody! garçon ! chambermaid!' A score of valets are scarcely sufficient to wait on him. The meats are all insipid to the palate of this new Sardanapalus; the sauces he denounces in epigrams; the partridges he metamorphoses into crows; and the warren-bred rabbits learnt to run in hutches. Then of the wines. Infamous Surêne! perfidious Piquette!' cries he, not recognising in the wines which he denounces the divine ambrosia, the ingenious mixture which he had himself compounded by regular chemical process in the great laboratory of Bercy. He is, however, an excellent paymaster, and as opposite as the Chancellor's budget to any thing like economy. Hardly recovered from the fatigues of the pre Nothing can be more racy and varied than the H. A. O. REICHARD.-There never was a writer, who enjoyed a more completely European reputation than this Palinurus' of modern tourists. Respected in his own country and among the literati of the Continent for the solid services he had rendered to geography and other natural sciences, and having for a long series of years enjoyed the confidence of his Sovereign, the Grand-Duke of Saxe Weimar, in his character of Secretary for the War department, the period of his useful career terminated at Gotha on the 17th of January last. He died in the seventy-eighth year of his age. MISS WILKINSON'S CONCERT. On Monday, the 4th inst., Miss Wilkinson's concert was held at the King's Concert Rooms, Hanover-square; and the combined influence of the very distinguished patronage under which it was announced, and the attractive list of pieces and performers, brought together one of the most crowded and fashionable audiences of the season. The Concert opened with the magnificent overture, Der Freischutz,' in the performance of which, the sublime conceptions of Weber were embodied in the most perfect execution, combining precision, harmony, and expression, in an extraordinary degree. The Duettolo di tutto mi contento' from Mosca, which was sung by Madame Stockhausen and Sigror De Begnis, was extremely well received. There is certainly no singer on the stage who combines the sly humour, rapid utterance, and comic expression necessary to the execution of buffo songs, in so high a degree as De Begnis. A duet of this description, between himself and his accomplished and beautiful wife, is one of the most agreeable things to hear imaginable, and produces, generally, an impression of unmixed delight on persons of the most opposite tastes in music. Madame Stockhausen is not so well qualified for performances of this description as the inimitable Madame Ronzi De Begnis; but, in her absence, she was, perhaps, the best available substitute, and acquitted herself with great accuracy and sweetness. The familiar Cavatina Di piacer mi balza il cor' received new graces from Madame Camporese, who sang with the characteristic simplicity and chasteness of a perfect musician, what is too frequently, in the hands of less scientific singers, overlaid with meretricious and inappropriate ornament. It was the only song sung by this lady during the evening; but it was received with all the favour which its perfect execution deserved. Of the Glee which followed, by Mrs. Knyvett, and Messrs Vaughan, Knyvett, and Phillips, little can be said in praise. The words and music are beneath mediocrity; but the harmony of the voices engaged was sufficiently attractive to draw forth an encore! though, to an ear of the least refinement, the preceding song was worth a hundred such as this. Signor Puzzi's Concerto on the French horn was a performance of extraordinary ability, but, like Concertos in general, too long and too laboured, and calculated to excite sympathy for the exertions and sufferings of the performer, rather than delight in the auditor. Numi The Recitative and Air of Mercadante, she intesi mai,' and 'Se m' abandoni, bella speranza,' were given to Madame Malibran Garcia, who did ample justice to the beautiful and expressive music of the composer. The touching exclamation in the former, Oh martir peggio di morte!' and the concluding lines of the latter: 'Di tradirmi il ben che adorno, No capace il cor non ha,' were given with the utmost feeling and tenderness, and pourtrayed a degree of sorrowful abandonment which bordered on reality. Mr. Phillips sang the Irish melody of Moore, Oft in the stilly night,' with strict adherence to the characteristic sentiment of the song, for which the fine rich tones of his voice are well adapted. The Aria of Nicolini, Il braccio mio losquise,' introduced Miss Wilkinson, who was received, on her appearance, with that general and cordial expression of welcome which indicated, in the strongest manner, the favourable opinion of the audience. Her execution of this fine composition was in the best style, and gave unequivocal satisfaction. Miss Wilkinson may be said to combine, in a greater degree than almost any English singer that we have heard, all the leading characteristics of Madame Pasta's style; and it is impossible to hear her sing any of Madame Pasta's songs, without being strongly reminded of the great original from whom the pupil has caught the spirit, if not the genius, by which that queen of song may be truly said to be inspired. In the midst of this, there is also the same simple and unaffected modesty, which is equally characteristic of the teacher and the pupil; and, we believe, Madame Pasta herself considered Miss Wilkinson to be the most successful of her English élevés. Mrs. Knyvett's ballad, Bid me not forget thy smile,' appeared to us a waste of agreeable sounds (for such they undoubtedly were) on silly words and common-place composition,-as tame, and void of invention or expression, as could be well imagined. Mori's fantasia on the violin, from Mayseder, was brilliant, and well performed; and Madame Stockhausen's Swiss air, accompanied by her husband on the harp, had novelty and nationality to recommend it; but each of the three preceding performances were of very inferior interest to the fine duetto, from Rossini, 'M'abbracia, Argivio,' which was sung in excellent style by Miss Wilkinson and Signor Donzelli, and concluded the first part, with justly-merited applause. The Overture to La Gazza Ladra' opened the second part; and this was followed by the ballad 'On the Banks of Allan Water,' which was sung by Miss Stephens, with her characteristic simplicity; but, as it appeared to us at least, with less sweetness of tone, and power of expression, than usual. The Spanish air, Baselito nuebo,' by Madame De Vigo, accompanied on the harp by Mr. Holst, was a sort of musical jeu d'esprit, diverting from the singular arrangement of its parts, and the play on certain words, the effect of which was so marked, as to keep the audience in continued laughter, without either the words or the thoughts of the song being intelligible to the great majority. It was encored, as the liveliest joke of the evening, for it was nothing more. Madame Malibran Garcia and Miss Wilkinson sang together the beautiful duetto 'Dunque mio ben' from Zingarelli, in the most exquisitely expressive and highly-finished style. The ladies were themselves occasionally drawn into a smile at the ardently amorous dialogue they had to sustain, in which the doubts of the suitor were propounded in impatient queries, and the vows of the innamorata were breathed forth in answer. It was, in short, as inappropriate as would be the balcony scene of Romeo and Juliet' sustained by two ladies, as the subjoined lines of the dialogue will show : Dunque, mio ben, tu mia sarai? Si cara speme, io tua sard. Il tuo bel cuore? Costante ognor. O cari palpiti! soave accenti! Dolce momenti! felice amor! Every line, however, of this amorous dialogue was beautifully sung; and the rich mingled tones of the mutual felicitation were such as would become the bower of Jessica in the bright moonlight of an Italian evening. The remaining pieces were exceedingly well executed, and well received. Donzelli's Aria, Langeur per una bella' was, perhaps, sung with too much indifference. Neither his articulation nor expression betokened any thing like the feelings which the song itself expresses. Miss Wilkinson's song, O bid your faithful Ariel fly,' was as full of freshness, vigour, and animation as the former was deficient in these qualities; and Madame Malibran Garcia's Una voce poco fa' was a most brilliant and appropriate conclusion to one of the best concerts, on the whole, that we have for a long while enjoyed. We were glad to hear that the crowded room (filled as it was in every part) did not indicate the whole extent of the patronage extended to Miss Wilkinson on this occasion; but that, in addition to this, she received the most flattering testimonies to her acknowledged merits from other quarters. We know of no English singer whose talents, and constant readiness to afford her gratuitous aid to all charitable or patriotic purposes, more richly deserve support; and we are rejoiced to find that her modesty, which is as remarkable as any of her other qualities, does not prevent her from receiving it. THE DRAMA. King's Theatre. THE first appearance of Mademoiselle Sontag on the boards of the King's theatre this season was an epoch sufficiently remarkable to gather together as large a concourse of spectators as we have witnessed on any except benefit nights. A reported dispute between herself and the manager, which seemed likely to prevent her from being engaged at all, contributed a little to the curiosity of the Public, and circumstances of a more peculiar nature, which have been made notorious, though perhaps not so legitimate in kind, as that with gave to the lady an interest, hardly less in degree, which she was invested when first she burst upon us in the blaze of her continental glory, and caused such excitement, according to the due operation of the omne ignotum, &c. Unfortunately, the opening scene of the opera in which she thus reappeared, was not one which favoured the display of hugeous applause on the part of the audience, inasmuch as the major part of that audience could not be aware of our heroine's presence until after the lapse of some time, and some of her own singing to boot. Cenerentola is placed in the extreme background as beseems her, whilst her two Goneril and Regan sisters are showing off their vile proportions at the front of the stage. Neither is it for the natives to conjecture that this German goddess would be found attired in so homely a garb, with unadorned hair falling carelessly upon her shoulder, and withdrawing rom their observation, or exhibiting a mien so meek and unpresuming. And this may account for the equivowhich certainly did not enough testify the strength of cal welcome which she received at our hands, and our grateful memory of all her past achievements. ness. The ballad which Cenerentola sings by snatches in the first scene, Una volta c'era un Re,' gave us an opportunity of ascertaining that her voice had lost no strength or sweetness since we heard it last in this theatre; but, as we have said on another occasion, it may have gained some additional fulness and mellowThe slow character of the air is particularly adapted to show the extent of those attributes; and, as the opera proceeded, we had abundant proof that her other and more extraordinary faculties-the quickness, and flow, and rich ornament, and unerring precision of tone-were as vivid and wonderful as ever. The quintett and sestett were led with a spirit and vigour unusual in the present prolific days of prime donne; and the variations introduced in her last cavatina Non piu mesta accanto al fuoco,' were not surpassed by the most florid portions of her more celebrated performances. In person Mademoiselle Sontag has suffered a change. Her face is no longer curved by those soft and flowing lines which belong to the freshness of youth: its outline is a little broken, it has become paler and much more aged; and her figure too-but this is most ungracious. It is not in our province to take cognizance of such things as these-would that it were no man's! Surely too, enough remains in the execution of her character of Cenerentola yet unnoticed to save us from such truant garrulity. In point of acting, she arrives at a critical time; for Madame Malibran, her compeer in so many respects, is transcendant in this one, and by means which are similar to her own. Each might be a Cenerentola, and the accomplishments of each are not suffi ciently unlike in quality, to exempt them from a fair comparison. Whatever might be the result of such a trial, we will, in the mean time, say that Mademoiselle Sontag gives to her part that interest which she has never yet failed to infuse into whatever character she has supported. If it want the vivacity, and energy, and variety of which we can imagine it capable, still in her hands it is never dull, nor displeasing, nor imperfect to any sensible degree. Sometimes there is around it the fascination which Mademoiselle Sontag alone can command; and with the whole performance is interwoven that personal sympathy, which we suspect has been the ladder to her present fame. The Don Magnifico of Zuchelli is admirable indeed. It is impossible that any thing should be more poinpous, silly, and entertaining. The air 'Thiei vampolli feminini gave him scope for the exhibition of his voice to the extremes of its compass-no ordinary grasp for a bass singer; and the effect produced by this first effort was excellently followed up by the whole performance, which combines the highest musical taste and talent, with a liveliness of dramatic power not very often excelled. Unhappily, this success was at times neutralised by the insufficient acting of Le Vasseur, who supported the part of Dandini much against the grain; and the famous duet, Un segreto d'un portanza,' between the two, in the second act, had little of that effervescence and humour which resulted from the harmonious union of brother wits, when Pellegrini had the part of the Lying Valet. Signor Donzelli supplied the place of Torri, in the character of Don Ramiro, and this substitution almost made amends for that of which we have just complained; on the whole, this playful and most entertaining opera was represented, on Tuesday night, with a vast preponderance of excellence over defect; although, as we have said before, M. Le Vasseur must never attempt buffo parts, and poor Signora Specchi is as ridiculous a creature as ever scared crows. Covent-Garden. LAST night Miss Smithson made her first appearance in this country since she came to her reputation. We have seen several persons who positively avow that they discovered and admired the extraordinary talents of this lady long before they received the Parisian imprimatur. Alas! we can make no such boast. We believe it was our fortune to see her once in some character, on some boards; but where it was or where it happened, we cannot, after infinite pains, call to mind: we say it with shame and confusion of face, we always believed that her name was Smith. And now in what way shall we abjure our error? Who shall prescribe the form of the recantation? By what subtle artifice shall we at once save our self-respect and exhibit Our profound respect for Miss Smithson? We have taken thought, and thus will we do it: Illustrious Parisians! blame us not that we in our ignorance did not perceive the virtues of this all accomplished lady. We could not see the Spanish fleet, Because 'twas not in sight.' VARIETIES. CHARACTER OF A GOOD PRINCE.-It cannot be said was ascertained to be reconcileable with rational con- You will not deny the soft impeachment,' that you educed talents which were lying dormant; you supplied whatever was wanting; you, in short, created the splendid artiste you have returned to us. Till the air of Paris has blown upon us, what are we, any of us? what is our philosophy, till that has given it life? what our criticism, till that has furnished it with profound and consistent laws? and what our religion, till -but, in that point, your services, like the tears of Mrs. Malaprop for the death of her husband, defy enumeration. And how then can we judge of actors and actresses, till they have passed through your moulding|lections,' says another writer, has not this excellent hands? We have only furnished the raw material; but it is for you to manufacture it into beauty and use. So much for our own vindication-now for Miss Smithson. Miss Smithson has a handsome face, a good figure, rather embonpoint, and she acts Jane Shore infinitely better than we think Jane Shore deserves to be acted. This is all we shall say at present. It has been rather a favourite exercise with some of our first actresses to inform the dead carcases of Rowe with life, and no doubt in doing so they gave the highest proof of their genius which it was possible to furnish. Still we must be permitted to question whether they had a right thus to exercise their powers, whether they were spending their time lawfully, in imitating that which is essentially worthless and which deserves to rot. But an artiste, who, far as she may be and is above the ordinary tribe of actresses, stands at a much greater distance below the mistresses of the art, we are quite sure, ought not to undertake the task. She cannot thoroughly imbue with spirit that which is in itself spiritless, and she may receive her own conceptions by pitching them at so necessarily low a level. Let Miss Smithson, therefore, give us an opportunity of judging her in some real character, and she may depend upon it that we shall see her, and study her performance with minds much prejudiced in her favour by this her first performance, and anxious that she should attain the highest excellence which the warmest of her admirers believe to be within her reach. The other parts were well filled. The part of Hastings, though immeasurably more unworthy of Mr. Kemble than that of Jane Shore was of Miss Smithson, of course received all justice at his hands. Prince left behind him! Can we forget his indefati- ; RUSSIAN LIBRARIES.-The University of Dorpat (of recent formation) already contains 50,000 volumes University of Wilna, 30,000 vols., mostly in the Polishi language; Convent of Petschevsky, about 10,000 vols.; Church of St. Nicholas, nearly 5,000 vols.; University of Charkow, nearly 21,000 vols.; University of Kasan, 16,000 vols. comprising many Mongol and Tartar MSS.; University of Astrachan, 7,000 vols.; Gymnasium of Irkutzk, 5,000 vols. (The Japanese tongue is taught in this college.) THE COLOSSEUM.-The Committee of managemen of the affairs of the Colosseum are taking active steps towards the completion of this vast and spirited undertaking. Among other measures they have sent a circular to all the artists in town, proposing to them to send their works for exhibition in the rooms appropriated for the purpose. A permanent exhibition of this kind might be rendered a very interesting place of resort, especially if, as we understand is likely to be the * Prof. Schotte of Jena. case, works of old masters, for which the owners are desirous of finding purchasers, shall be added to it. The admission of modern paintings should not be too indiscriminate. The estimation of works of art is as liable as that of the persons who execute them, to be affected by the character of the company in which they are seen, UNIVERSAL CATALOGUE OF MSS.-We hasten to supply an important omission in our notice of this undertaking, in a former number (No. 79, 1st col. p. 249). Professor Haenel's Catalogue embraces a Summary o all MSS. relating to Roman and West-Gothic Laws and Jurisprudence in general: the materials for which are the result of personal researches in the most celebrated libraries of Switzerland, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Sicily, Holland, England, Scotland, and Ireland. LITERARY INTELLIGENCE. THE following subjects are discussed in the forthcoming No. (97) of The Edinburgh Review:'-Census of the Population; Law of Mortality, &c.-Œuvres de Courier; Recent State of France The Game Laws-Steuart's Planter's Guide-Interior of Africa-Library of Entertaining Knowledge-Mill's Essay on Government; Utilitarian Logic and Politics-Law of Legitimacy-The Last of the Catholic Question; its Principle, History, and Effects, &c., &c. Mr. Peel having signified his desire that the Commissioners appointed to inquire into the practice of the several Courts of Law, should turn their attention to the subject of Arrests on Mesne Process, and Imprisonment for Debt, a work written by Mr. Northhouse will be published in a few days, dedicated, by permission,' to the Right Honourable the Secretary of State for the Home Department, abounding with information upon the subject, and which has been for a considerable period in preparation, entitled, The present State of the principal Debtors' Prisons of the Metropolis, comprising the King's Bench, the Fleet, Whitecross-street Prison, Horsemonger-lane Prison, the Marshalsea, and the Borough Compter;' with a variety of anecdote, illustrative of the impolicy and inhumanity of imprisonment for Debt, and the opinions of Dr. Johnson, Lord Eldon, the late Lord Mansfield, Lord Coke, Sir James Scarlett, the Law Commissioners, and several eminent Barristers, Attorneys at Law, &c., upon the subject. LIST OF BOOKS PUBLISHED DURING THE WEEK. The British Historical Intelligencer, 8vo., 12s. Journey from Calcutta to Europe by way of Egypt, by Mrs. Bickersteth's Christian Student, 12mo., 9s. Reichard's Descriptive Road Book of France, new edition, 18mo., 10s. 6d. Lodge's Portraits, No. 1, fourth edition, 7s. 6d. Margaret Coryton, a novel, by L. Cliffe, Esq., 3 vols., 17. 78. Franceur's Complete Course of Pure Mathematics, translated Hinton's Natural History and Zoology, 4to., 5s. W. Wilson's Manual of Instruction for Infant Schools, 12mo., Journal of an Embassy to the Coast of Ava, in 1827, by John Romances of Real Life, by the author of 'Hungarian Tales,' The Life and Services of Captain P. Bearer, by Captain W. H. The Life of Belisarius, by Lord Mahon, 8vo., 12s. Rev. J. Slade's Annotations on the Epistles, 2 vols. 8vo., 18s. This day is published, price SIX SHILLINGS, THE FOREIG Russia, Turkey, and India.-II: : Creuzer; Symbolism, and Mythology of the Greeks.-III. Klopstock's Life and Odes.-IV. Kosegarten, Arabian Literature.-V. Macieiowski, History of Roman Law.-VI. Voltaire.-VII. The Disputes of Brunswick and Hanover.-VIII. Guizot, English Revolution of 1688.-IX. to XIV. Short Reviews of the newest Classical, German, Polish, French, Italian, and Spanish Publications.-XV. Necrology, Gioja, Hassel, Schlegel. Black, Young, and Young, 2, Tavistock-street, Covent-Garden, and Bossange, Barthés, and Lowell, Great Marlboroughstreet. No. VII. will appear in June. This day is published, in 3 vols. post 8vo., price 24s. in boards, Published by G. A. Douglas, 19, Castle-street, Edinburgh; Simpkin and Marshall, London; and John Cumming, Dublin. 'Reay Morden' is a clever and spirited work. The style is throughout at once energetic and lively; and, in many pas. sages, we recognise a mind of intense power.'-Caledonian Mercury. He (the author) is evidently a person of some ability, and his natural talents have been cultivated by a gentlemanly education. He has studied human nature to some purpose, and stored his mind with a great deal of general information.' -Edinburgh Observer. This day is published, in 12mo., the fourth edition, newly arranged, and very materially improved, with an entirely new set of copper-plate engravings, price 88., handsomely halfbound, YLLABIC SPELLING; or, a Summary Me No. VII., price 78. 6d., of the OREIGN QUARTERLY REVIEW. guage and Literature of Holland.-III. Ancient National Poetry of Spain.-IV. Scandinavian Mythology.-V. French Criminal Trials.-VI. Mexico.-VII. Victor Hugo's Poems and Novels.-VIII. Von Hammer's History of the Ottoman Empire. -IX. Foreign Views of the Catholic Question. CRITICAL SKETCHES.-X. Coquerel's History of English Literature.XI. Bp. Munter's Account of a MS. of St. John's Gospel.XII. Peclet's Treatise on Heat.-XIII. Martinez de la Rosa's Works.-XIV. Guerazzi's Battle of Benevento, an Historical Romance.-XV. Annuaire of the Board of Longitude for 1829; M. Arago's Notice of the Steam Engine.-Miscellaneous Literary Notices, No. VII.-List of New Works published on the Continent from January to March, 1829. No. VIII. will be Published in July. Printed for Treuttel, Würtz, and Co., 30, Soho-square; of whom may be had, just published, in svo., price 15s. in boards, Vol. II., of HISTORIC SURVEY of GERMAN POETRY, interspersed with various translations. By W. TAYLOR, of Norwich. Sthod of Teaching Children to Spell and Read with facility A and pleasure. The fourth edition, with an entirely new set of Copper-plate Engravings, and an improved arrangement adapted to them. By Mrs. WILLIAMS, author of the Conversations on English Grammar.' N.B. This edition contains a variety of testimonials in favour of the system, from some of the most respectable Professors of the English language, as well as from several parents, whose children (amused and interested by this novel mode of instruction) have learned in the course of a very few months to read correctly, and with perfect ease, the longest and most difficult words. 'The object of the useful little book before us is to reduce the difficulties of learning to read, and the author sets about the task in a way that entitles her to the thanks of all mankind. Her book is a Primer; but the child will want no other book-for when this is properly thumbed, the pupil will be able to read the Encyclopædia through aloud.'-Spectator of April 11. Boxes with appropriate Counters, for the amusement of young beginners, may be had, if required, of the publishers. Printed for Whittaker, Treacher, and Co., Ave Maria-lane. "Few books of the present day have had a more attractive or imposing appearance than the work of Mr. Kinsey. It is well calculated to afford that kind of information which is precisely adapted to the actual wants of the greater number of readers. It gives distinct and very admirable descriptions of Portuguese scenery; not of its landscapes merely, but of that which is more interesting-that which is formed by the grouping of objects met in every day life-by the peopling of the scenes of Portugal with their proper inhabitants.'Athenæum. "The chief merit of "Portugal Illustrated" consists in the vast mass of information it contains upon every thing that concerns Portugal and the Portuguese; character, manners, religion, scenery, customs, costume, music, literature, &c., are all more or less ably described. The style is lively and pleasing; the sentiments are generally liberal; the remarks are frequently just and to the purpose. The Map and the Engravings are correctly and neatly executed, and add much to the value and interest of the work.'-Weekly Review. Mr. Kinsey's work is neither a Statistical Treatise, nor a regular Tour, but a piece of literary Mosaic, in which prose is garnished with poetry, and history, geography, and antiquity blended with personal anecdotes, sketches of character, descriptions of scenery and political discussions, forming on the whole a tolerably instructive and very amusing melange. But the greatest charm of the book lies in its embellishments, which consist of more than thirty engravings, and about twenty vignettes, executed in the first style of excellence. They are all, we believe, from original drawings. Some are landscapes, some views of cities, palaces, or ancient castles, one or two are portraits, &c.; and there are nine very beau tiful coloured plates of the national costumes. Taste has presided over this department equally in the design and the execution. It is, in short, one of the finest specimens of an illustrated book which we have seen-a literary luxury, designed, one would suppose, exclusively for the unsoiled fingers of the aristocracy, yet sold at a price which is remarkably moderate, considering the cost at which it must have been got up.'Scotsman. Printed for Treuttel, Wurtz, and Co., 30, Soho-square. POLLONICON, a Grand Musical Instrument, under the immediate patronage of his Majesty, invented and constructed by FLIGHT and ROBSON, Organ Builders, is now OPEN to EXHIBITION daily, from One to Four, performing, by its self acting powers, Mozart's Overture to' Idomene,' and Weber's celebrated Overture to Oberon,' which it executes with a grandeur and brilliancy of effect superior to any instrument in Europe, at the Rooms, 101, St. Martin's-lane.-Admittance, 1s. H This day is published, ISTORY of RUSSIA, and of PETER THE GREAT. By GENERAL COUNT PHILIP DE SEGUR, Author of the History of Napoleon's Expedition to Russia." Handsomely printed in one volume, 8vo. Price 10s. 6d. in boards; also, in French, 8s. 'Count Segur has here done for the general reader what the latter would scarcely have done for himself. He has gone over the lengthy volumes of Karamsin, Levesque, and others, and presents us with the essence of Russian history in a brief but spirited abridgment, which even a busy man may read during the snatches of leisure he can find in a single week. It is executed, we think, with care and judgment. The matter is well selected, and the reflections intermixed show penetration and good sense. The style displays vivacity and taste; but is not quite free of the false brilliancy into which the example of Montesquieu has seduced many French writers. We confess that a work like this gives us just as much information on the subject of Russian annals, as we desire, or have time to make use of; and we are well pleased to have it presented in so attractive a form. The translation seems to be upon the whole well executed.'-Scotsman. If the history of such a country, in all its details, were yet to be written, Count Segur is not exactly the person we should choose for that task. But when it is desirable to condense those details, to strip them of all that is obscure or doubtful, to pass lightly over that which lacks sufficient interest, and to present in strong and vivid colours, events likely to excite curiosity and rivet attention, the author of "The History sf Napoleon, and of the Grand Army in 1812," and the skilful painter of that disastrous retreat to which nothing of its kind in ancient or modern times can be compared, is precisely the writer whom we should expect ably and successfully to execute so important an undertaking. In this sense, therefore, we are glad that CHunt Segur has written the history of Russia, and still more gratified are we that he has compressed in into a single volume.'-Weekly Review. 'Count Segur's candid and liberal " Narrative of Napoleon's Expedition to Russia in 1812," has made his name favourably known in the republic of letters. The work now before us, which is on a subject of far greater extent and difficulty, will not diminish his reputation.'-Edinburgh Literary Journal. ⚫ Count Segur professes to give a rapid sketch of the rise and progress of Russia, of the characters of the men that conduced to her alternate debasement and elevation; he has redeemed his pledge, leaving those who would seek for a minuter description to consult the pages of more verbose authors. The style of Segur, as will readily be conceded by those who have read his History of the great Russian Campaign, is full of vigour and animation; his pen paints a character in a sentence, gives a scene, full of stir and bustle, breathing a reality and freshness, in half a page-then passes on to a new subject, casting abroad scintillations of a fervid, acute, and elastic spirit. The author's account of Peter is very beautifully written.'-Weekly Times. We state our impression, without asserting it as a fact, that M. Segur's is a good book; and we would add, with much more confidence, that it is a better book than, we think, nine out of ten clever men would have written on so very difficult a subject.'—Athenæum. Printed for Treuttel, Wurtz, and Co., 30, Soho-square. HE SERAPHONICON, a perfectly new Mu ness of tone with portability. It can be performed on with the greatest facility, and is capable of being rendered the most perfect wind instrument ever invented. It may be seen at Messrs. Wilkinson and Son's, 27, Pall Mall; or at the house of the manufacturer, Carlo Massi, 68, Rahere-street, Goswellstreet-road. ONTAG and VELLUTI.—Argyll Rooms.THREE GRAND MORNING CONCERTS will take place at the above Rooms, May 15. 22, and 30, for which are engaged Mademoiselle Sontag and Signor Velluti, Mademoiselle Blasis, Signor Curioni, Signor Torri, and Signor Pellegrini. Conductor, Sir George Smart.-Tickets, 10s. 6d. each, to be had at the Argyll Rooms, where boxes can be secured; and at the principal Music Warehouses. Doors to be opened at one o'clock, and the performance will commence at two. MR HAMILTONIAN SYSTEM. R. HAMILTON respectfully informs the Public, that he has arranged with his Son-in-Law, Mr. UNDERWOOD, 41, Leicester-square, to give to Heads of Scholastic Institutions the fullest and plainest Instructions for the introduction of the Hamiltonian System into their Establishments.-Mr. Hamilton has at present an Establishment in London; but Classes for the Greek, Latin, French, Italian, and German Languages, meet at Mr. Underwood's, 41, Leicester-square; where also his Books may be had; and at Mr. Joy's, St. Paul's Church-yard, and at Boosey and Son's, Broad-street. ARNETT'S SONGS of the MINSTRELS, BARNETT Vol. II. Price 158. 'These compositions are entitled "Songs of the Minstrels," and do equal honour to the Poet and Musician. The Portuguese Minstrel, "The Spot where I was Born," is particularly beautiful; and the Russian "Maid of Tartary," highly striking and original. These two, with the Neapolitan and Turkish, four of the twelve, are fully equal to the best of the first volume; indeed, there is not one which does not boast of some of the merits peculiar to this extremely pleasing and delightful publication. Mr. Barnett is the cleverest and most tasteful of English composers. The Poetry is by the late Harry Stoe Van Dyk.'-Vide Literary Gazette. Published by Mayhew and Co., 17, Old Bond-street, 'Rise, gentle Moon,' sung by Miss Love, with the most 2 0 'My sweet Guitar,' sung by Miss Love with distinguish- 'The Chimes of Zurich ;' sung by Miss Love, written by ROWLAND'S KALYDOR, Patronised by the Royal Family, the Prince and Princess Esterhazy, the Prince and Princess Polignac, and the Nobility. This valuable Specific is warranted perfectly innoxious, and possesses Balsamic Properties of surprising energy. It eradicates all Cutaneous Eruptions, Pimples, Spots, Redness, gradually producing a delicately clear soft Skin; transforms even the most Sallow Complexion into Radiant Whiteness; successively renders harsh and rough Skin beautifully soft, smooth, and even imparts to the Face, Neck, and Arms, a healthy and juvenile bloom, and removes inflammation. ROWLAND'S KALYDOR is equally indispensable in the Nursery as at the Toilet. Perfectly innoxious, it is recommended by the first physicians to be used by the most delicate lady or infant, with the assurance of safety and efficacy, possessing softening and healing properties. It gives, in cases of incidental inflammation, immediate relief; cools the mouth of the infant, and enhances maternal pleasure in the act of administering alimentary nourishment. To Gentlemen whose Faces are tender after Shaving, it will be found excellent beyond precedent in ameliorating and allaying that most unpleasant sensation, the irritability of the skin. Sold in Half Pints, at 4s. 6d. each; and Pints, at 8s. 6d. each. CAUTION. To prevent Imposition, and by Authority of the Hon. Commissioners of Stamps, the Name and Address of the Proprietors is engraved on the Government Stamp, affixed on the Cork of each Genuine Bottle 'A. ROWLAND AND SON, 20, HATTON GARDEN.' London: Printed and Published every Wednesday Morning, by WILLIAM LEWER, at the Office, No. 4, Wellington-street, Strand. 305 No. 82. AND LITERARY CHRONICLE. LONDON, WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1829. - ANOTHER MYSTERIOUS DIALOGUE. [SINCE the publication of Mr. Southey's Colloquies on the Progress and Prospects of Society' several of our distinguished statesmen and authors have, we understand, been honoured with visits of the same questionable kind with that which was paid by the illustrious author of the Utopia' to the poet of Keswick. Several reports of the dialogues which ensued upon these occasions have reached us, from parties of such So that shall be no impediment to our conversing respectability as to leave us no doubt of their authenticity. Sir? Ha! ha! ha!-(a patient from St. Luke's; A ghost, good heaven! did you say a ghost, I dare say, I ought not to have laughed.) If I have the honour of really addressing that great poet, (he is wonderfully like the bust,) I should he glad (I think I am going mad myself-it must be the light falling on the retina-I have forgotten the explanation,)—if I have the honour We have selected one out of the number, which, however much it may disappoint the reader, if he has the unfairness to suppose that the conversation of ghosts is at all like what it was in the days of their earthly pilgrimage, or that living men can retain their usual spirit and self-possession in the presence of such companions, is, at least, interesting from the personages who took part in it, and from the subject which they discussed. We have been reluctantly compelled to abridge, and translate into our own language, Mr. Brougham's account of the circumstances which preceded the interview.ED.] Come, touch it with my hands, I believe in it; but, when Ah! Harry Brougham, Harry Brougham! how inuch more do we poets cling to the real and AFTER the adjournment of the House on Fri- the tangible than you philosophers! When I day evening, Mr. Brougham retired to his cham-see a thing with my eyes, hear it with my ears, and bers more than usually fatigued; for, though his speeches on the subject of Mr. O'Connell were short, he had been engaged in three heavy causes during the day. He took up one of the numerous briefs upon his desk, looked it over, found himself too sleepy to proceed, and commenced writing an article for The Edinburgh Review. This being finished, in the course of three-quarters of an hour, Mr. Brougham prepared two speeches for the House of Commons, one upon the Indian Question, and the other upon the English Law of Real Property. He was proceeding to abridge the 'Mechanique Celeste,' for the Useful Knowledge Society; but, before this was half completed, he was overtaken by an unaccountable slumber, which must have continued, he thinks, nearly two hours. During this time, a stranger, it appears, entered the room, and when Mr. Brougham awoke, was sitting upon the chair opposite to him, reading part the first of 'A Familiar Account of Bacon's Novum Organum Scientiarum.' Mr. BROUGHAM (awaking.)-Now the China monopoly, Mr. Speaker,-The motion of the earth in that orbit.-Uses and trusts were the invention of an age-I beg your pardon, Sir, I-Oh! I remember, your name is Wilkins; I have been talking over your case with the junior counsel, Mr. Wilkins; and I certainly think we shall nonsuit them you have got the evidence of the girl Myan, if it should be necessary? : Nae, nae, Harry Brougham; you hae na got it yet; that's na my cause. Oh, that appeal before the Privy Council, to be sure. How could I be so forgetful? I hope your natural clemency will come in aid of me, George; for really I have not found a moment to work at that brief. To-morrow, I hope A word! a prejudice! I certainly never saw it in that light before. I thought the prejudice was the other way. It would be very ridiculous to yield to such a delusion; but is it not something more ridiculous to lose any opportunity of gaining information, merely because we do not understand whence it comes? Well, there is not much danger of discovery: so I will let the lurking superstition that I brought with me from the land of cakes' have its way, as far as believing in the apparition goes, and keep my philosophy to pre vent Price 8d. will not be difficult on either side, since, if it be not easy for you to divest yourself of your fleshly nature, and to hold converse with spirits, yet it is by no means impossible for us to put on afresh the cloak of that ancient humanity which was once so native and necescling about our departing souls. But whatever sary to us, that we could not even so entirely cast it off at death but that portions of it still may be the condition of the existence of other spirits, of which I know, perhaps, as little as yourself, this I feel to be the law of mine, that it quitted, except for the end either of repairing some ill committed by it during its sojourn there, or to perform some good which, from negligence or inability, it then left unaccomplished. And this will explain why I have sought you out rather than any of those men whom you have named, towards one of whom, at least, I feel drawn with the cords of a most close and brotherly affection. should not return into the world which it has Not much, I believe. But in what way do you propose to make the philanthropy for which you are kind enough to give me credit available? In no new way. I do not come to suggest any experiments in addition to those you have already originated or supported, for improving the condi tion of society. Enough mills are at work if they will only grind, and if there be grist to be put in them. And it is just about this same matter of ploughman fancies he may furnish some hints to the grist and the grinding, that an Ayrshire Mr. Brougham. I think I understand you. Your practical experience of the lower classes may, you think, sug.. gest some improvement in the methods which have been hitherto devised for educating them. At any rate, I am desirous to hear what the methods are, as I have not yet very clear notions on the subject. me from being frightened by it. Mr. Burns, though I do not exactly understand to what I am indebted for the honour of your visit though I cannot perfectly satisfy myself if you were admitted at the door by my clerk, or if, imagining that you must contract some defilement from an entrance through which attorneys were passing continually to and fro, you preferred the less common route of the chimney; though I am totally at a loss to know why I, of all men in the world, whom inost people know to be a lawyer, and some believe to be a statesman-a few nickname a philosopher, and, therefore, all deny to be a poet-should have been singled out from my spe- I will endeavour to explain. A person brought Sircies for this most unusual honour, in preference up like yourself in a country containing parish to so many of the fraternity of which, during your schools, will easily conjecture that, when a residence amongst us, you were facile princeps-in system of education at all efficient was put in Campbell-in preference to my neighbour, I for- and writing would soon become familiar to the preference to my friend and countryman, Thomas operation, the elementary processes of reading get his name, in the North, who wrote a quarto largest portion of the subjects of this empire. about a morning walk, and votes for Lord The difficulty which had been in part foreseen by Lowther-in preference to Moore, like yourself, a the enemies of education, though they drew a writer of songs, and, like yourself, a friend of the mischievous inference from it, was in the next culates under his breath, God help him then!")-new-found talent could be exercised. In a very aristocracy (Ghost writhes and frowns, and eja-step-to provide suitable books upon which the though I say I am perfectly in the dark on all these points, yet I shall be most happy to discourse an hour with you, provided you will prescribe the terms of our intercourse, with the nature of which I blush to say that I have hitherto been deplorably unacquainted. Sir George! me Sir George! What will he say next-Dinna you know, Mr. Brougham, one Robert Burns whom ye never trappit into any o' your courts or session-houses, though, may be, he had enough troubles and sorrows of his ain for a' that? Burns, Burns; upon my word, I am losing my Scotch shamefully. It is a very long time since I was at Edinburgh, and— Well, I can speak English, lad, as well as you, if need be; however, I like now and then in my conversation as of old time in my verse: 'To turn the scythe aside |