however, occasionally spread into other countries, as the following passage from Le Sage, a learned Spanish physician, abundantly testifies. Not only does he mention the disease under the name which it still retains, the symptoms which he enumerates are the very same which continue to present themselves to the practitioner of the present day. We quote from a French edition of this distinguished author, published in Edinburgh about the ⚫middle of last century. The passage occurs in his treatise" on the most successful modes of cure for vanity, knavery, and the allied species of disease," to which he has given the somewhat fantastic title of Gil Blas. "At first I moaned and groaned aloud. Next, raising my voice, I screamed at its full pitch. I then grinded with my teeth, made fearful grimaces and contortions, and was agitated after a strange manner. After this, I felt a momentary remission of my pains, and remained tranquil. Next moment, however, I bounded from my couch, and bit my arms in agony." The remedies which the author states to have been applied in this case, are much the same as are recommended by modern practitioners, and in particular the more elderly female professors of the healing art. "One brought a bottle of brandy and made me swallow the half of it: another deluged my stomach with oil of sweet almonds: a third heated a napkin and clapped it burning upon my belly." As it is our intention merely to trace in the present paper the insidious progress of this plague into our own country, this sufficiently accurate prognosis of the disease and description of the most approved mode of cure, will serve our purpose for the present. On a future occasion, we propose submitting to our readers a full detail of all its symptoms and effects, together with the most approved remedies and preventatives. The first mention made of this disease by an English author, is in " Coriolanus," a short tract by one William Shakspeare, who practised with considerable approbation first at London, and afterwards at Stratford-upon-Avon. His words are,-" If you chance to be pinched with the cholic, you make faces like mummers, set up the bloody flag against all patience," &c. &c. By an incidental remark which precedes this passage, we are led to believe, that the sickness was so sudden and unforeseen in its attacks, as to seize upon the judges on their tribunals. "When you are hearing a matter between party and party," are the author's words. An immense number of posterior writers have treated of this disease. Their descriptions and prescriptions are all virtually in accordance with those we have already quoted. It is therefore foreign to our present purpose to take notice of them farther than as they serve to corroborate our position, that this fatal epidemic has, for upwards of two centuries, been well known to English practitioners. We may be allowed, however, to remark, that it is curiously confirmative of the apathy generally attributed to the English nation in what concerns scientific enquiry, that no thorough investigation of its causes and effects has yet been instituted. Even so late a writer as Dr Samuel Johnson describes it vaguely as-" any disorder of the stomach or bowels that is attended with pain." The same foolhardy disregard to danger and discomfort which impels the English soldier to throw himself upon hedges of bayonets, from which the better informed and more spirituel militaire Français (vide Napoleon, Foy, St Cyr, Dupin, passim) wisely recoils, has led our civilians to despise the acute torments of the colie. Had it been the good fortune of Germany to possess such an indigenous ailment, what libraries we should have had upon it! But to return. Scotland was spared this plague for many ages after its appearance in England. Smollett is the first who records the case of a Scotch patient (vide Medical Memoirs of Dr Random-case, Strap). But it must be observed that the invalid, although a Scotsman by birth, was both seized with the malady and cured in England. We have no doubt that frequent cases must have occurred among our adventurous countrymen, who, from the time of the accession of James VI. of Scotland to the crown of the sister kingdom, sought to push their fortunes there. But it does not appear that any of them brought the contagion back with them into our more healthy climate. So insidious and silent have been its advances, that we have it not in our power to point out with any thing like certainty its first appearance among us. This event must, however, have taken place between the date of the publication of the Memoirs of Dr Random, above alluded to, and the year 1792; for, previous to the latter period, Burns-the author of a much esteemed Treatise upon Toothach, and an equally meritorious Recipe for the destruction of a certain class of vermin-speaks of the disease as generally known in this country. "Colic gripes," is the passage in which he alludes to it. The words occur in his essay on Alcohol (vulg. Scotch Drink). In his dissertation upon Toothach, already alluded to, an expression occurs, "colic squeezes." It is worthy of remark, that if we may judge by the context of our first quotation, the disease seems to have been confined to such as substituted foreign dishes for our aboriginal Scottish meat and drink. It is only within these few years that it has burst in upon us with the overwhelming fury of a torrent. It was first observed on the borders of the Lochar Moss, near Dumfries, in a village called Trench. The district is level and marshy. It spread up the vale of the Nith as far as the Carron, and thence through the pass of Dalveen into Lanarkshire. In the orchard district of the Clyde the scourge has been most prevalent. About the beginning of autumn-just before the fruit ripens it has been remarked to be more frequent and fatal than at other seasons. In more than one village, we have known every inmate of the schools, the teachers excepted, labouring under it at once. The desertion and solitude of the empty dwelling, before the door of which the master sat listlessly in the sun, while his tawse lay idle upon the desk, was inexpressibly affecting. As yet, this plague has not spread further; but in a country where no quarantine laws, nor cordon sanitaire, oppose its progress, how long may this be the case? It is true that its attacks have hitherto been confined to the juvenile portion of the community, but even supposing that adults are to continue secure against its ravages, if all our children are swept off, to what source are we to look for the supply of the next generation? We trust that our appeal to national patriotism will not prove in vain; and we confidently expect that, before our next Number goes to press, we shall have it in our power to announce, that the great “preventer of canine madness," or the indefatigable and ungrammatical member for Preston will have risen in his place, to call upon the Lord Advocate to declare what measures have been adopted to check the progress of this awful malady. It is a melancholy fact, that children's books from Paul's Churchyard (the very centre of infection) still continue to be imported into Scotland, without any previous fumigation; and that boys from Eton, Winchester, and private academies in the north of England, are admitted into our seminaries of education, without any proof being required of their having performed quarantine. Nay, a free trade in comfits and preserves is absolutely allowed. The proprietors of the Englishman's Magazine boast, with just pride, that they have been the first "to warn the country against the approach of the Indian Pestilence," and "to denounce the recent extraordinary case of neglected literature." We, in our sphere, have been the first to point out the awful extension of the scene of the colic's ravages, and to introduce to public notice the modest and meritorious James Lorimer. [Note by the Editor. We have given a place to the above able paper, although we would by no means be understood to approve of every sentiment expressed in it. The author's boldness in daring to dally with the object of Europe's terror, struck us with admiration. He seemed a new Epicurus~~~ "Primum Graius homo mortaleis tollere contra But, alas! the monster was not to be sneered at with impunity. Our lamented friend was seized with the cholera on Tuesday morning, and died precisely at 7 minutes past 9 o'clock on Wednesday evening.] THE LONDON DRAMA, Regent's Park, London, SINCE our theatrical lucubrations last edified and delighted an admiring public, the dramatic dynasties of our metropolis have undergone various important changes. Drury-Lane has prematurely closed, after a most unsuccessful season, the losses on which, amounting to very nearly L.5000, are to be principally attributed to, perhaps, the very worst system of management that ever assisted to empty a theatrical treasury; since not only was the green-room one continued scene of rival squabbling from October to June, but so extremely ill-advised were many of the engagements, that several performers of talent, Miss Cherry as one instance, positively never appeared at all! The nightly expenses were thus most materially increased, without the slightest commensurate advantage, and but for the success of some of the novelties, more particularly Knowles's " Alfred," and the unexpected attraction of two or three revivals, the deficiency must have been infinitely more considerable. Mr Alexander Lee having retired from the concern, Captain Polhill will, we very earnestly hope, both deserve and succeed much better alone next season. Covent Garden closed, at the usual period, a season certainly far from profitable, excepting in comparison with its rival, but from prudent management, by no means discouraging. Miss Inverarity was attractive to the last, and though two of Miss Kemble's new characters, Wade's "Jewess of Aragon," and Massinger's " Maid of Honour," were both failures, so far as regarded the dramas, yet her Bianca, in Milman's "Fazio," was a decided "hit;" her popularity continued undiminished, and her ability unquestionably increased. Lacy's spectacle of "Napoleon," which has been most admirably and deservedly burlesqued at the Coburg, was played for forty nights, and would have been acted twice more, but for the untimely capture of its hero, Mr Warde, who thus added one more to the perils of his prototype, by being taken prisoner! The Haymarket opened its doors for the season on the customary 15th of June, with a most excellent company, including, amongst the élite of the old corps, W. Farren, Cooper, F. Vining, Mrs Glover, and Mrs Humby; and in recruits, our young favourite, Miss Taylor, from Covent-Garden, Miss Sydney, from the Olympic, our old friend Harley, from Drury-Lane, and three young ladies from the provinces, whom we hope to speak well of when we know them better. The first night introduced a new one act farce, entitled "The Widow Bewitched," by Mr Percy Farren, the stage manager, which was, however, merely a very slightly-altered version of "The Deuce is in Him;" but admirably played, and perfectly successful. The next novelty was Planché's petite comedy of " A Friend at Court," taken from the French original of "La Fille d'Honneur," in which Farren, as the warm-hearted old German pedlar, and Miss Taylor, as his orphan niece, were super-excellent. Let but the proprietors eschew late hours, operas, and tragedy, and we will cheerfully guarantee them a prosperous season. Matthews and Yates having left "Home," and the French performers shut up shop, the English Opera Company open at the Adelphi this evening, with a new melodrama by Banim, author of the " O'Hara Tales," &c. to be entitled "The Feudal Lady," and founded on the contests of the rival clans of the Ormonds and the Desmonds, in the reign of Richard the Second, who is himself one of the characters. The heroine is to be enacted by Miss Kelly, and so assured are we of the merits of both author and actress, that we thus venture to peril our critical sagacity, by confidently predicting its complete ley, Wrench, James Russell, and John Reeve, as a sucThe manager's corps dramatique includes Bart success. cessor to our little friend Keeley, who, if he be to adopt his dresses as well as his parts, will certainly find them a very tight fit! Several of the magnates of the patent houses are now starring it at the minors; thus, we have Kean at the classical Coburg; Mrs Waylett at the Queen's Theatre; and Sinclair, Blanchard, J Vining, and Ellen Tree, at the unlicensed city concern, in Milton, late Grub Street! Nay, if report be accurate, we are very speedily to have the legitimate drama enacted in Mister Richard. son's perambulating caravans, which are to be erected on convenient sites round London, and give, or rather sell us, Shakspeare and Sheridan by daylight. Tradition tells us that, "The stage itself was but a cart, when first they stroll'd from home, And leaving Greece, the actors all betook themselves to roam:" LITERARY CHIT-CHAT AND VARIETIES. CAPTAIN HEAD is preparing a series of views to illustrate the scenery in an Overland Journey from Europe to India. James Prinsep, Esq., announces "The Holy City of Benares, illustrated in a series of plates." The Rev. William Liddiard, author of the Legend of Einsiedlen, is about to publish a Tour in Switzerland. The third edition of "The History of Public Opinion," by W. A. Mackinnon, Esq., M.P., is in the press. -- Theatrical Gossip.-Miss Mitford has been altering her "Inez de Castro," with a view to the heroine's character being per. formed by Miss Fanny Kemble. The same lady has a tragedy upon the story of Otto of Wolfenbuttle, but some difference of opinion exists between her and the managers respecting the most proper representative of the hero. Mrs Norton's "School for Coquettes" has been read in the green-room of the Haymarket. The piece is cast under the inspection of the authoress, and will the Adelphi have finished their season, and have it in contempla. embrace the strength of the company.-The French company at tion to visit Scotland.-A Mr Elton has been performing the characters of Richard, Sir Giles Overreach, and Shylock, at the Surrey, with great applause.-Charles Kemble and his daughter have left town for Bristol, where they are engaged for twelve nights. Wilkinson, celebrated for his performances of low humour, opens at Chelmsford on the 15th with a strong company. Two theatres are contending at present for the good graces of the inhabitants of Manchester. Vestris, Phillips, Wallack, and Keeley, have been the attractions at the TheatreRoyal. The Queen's Theatre sports dancers, singers, and “Hamlet Travestic."-Vestris, Phillips, Mrs W. West, Louisa Jarman, Vandenhoff, and Keeley, form the present strength of the Liver. pool theatre.-Miss Jarman has been received at Dublin, after an absence of four years, if possible, more warmly than before. She is supported by Miss F. H. Kelly, Power, and Montague Stanley. Mr and Mrs Wood are also in the Hibernian capital at present.-The Berwick theatre closed for this season on Monday. Miss Tunstall has been singing there. One of the local critics in. ant string of their system."-Stanley is at Haddington with his forms his readers, that "her melodies will rectify every discord. portable theatre. Wilkins has performed Sir Mark Chase!-Ryder has opened the Cupar theatre with a tolerable company. M'Gre gor is with him, Rae, and the Tyrers.-A Mr T. Taylor has ventured with a company to Kinross; and even the "Birks of Aberfeldy" are echoing the voice of the histrionic muse, astonished. Yates has arrived;-we suppose Alfred has been otherwise engaged, for up to the time of our going to press, we have not heard from him.-The House filled well to Yates' first appearance. Donald is LITERARY CRITICISM. The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. Including a Jour nal of a Tour to the Hebrides. By James Boswell, Esq.-A New Edition, with numerous Additions and Notes. By John Wilson Croker, LL. D., F. R.S. In five vols. 8vo. Pp. 532, 571, 565, 558, 551. London. John Murray. 1831. NOBODY Surely will call upon us at this time of the day to furnish a learned exposition of the merits and excellencies of Boswell's Life of Johnson. It is a natural history of one of the most powerful minds that ever lived, and therefore valuable to the student of human nature. Some have complained that, owing to Johnson's latitudinarian habits of conversation, it affords little au thentic information respecting his opinions. Who cares? who but a noodle, unable to think for himself, and anxious to pin his faith to a great man's name, would start such an objection? The book shows us the workings of Johnson's mind,-it brings his strength feelingly home to our apprehension,-it describes minutely and truly his struggles with his own feelings, the impressions of childhood, the sophistries of the world. It holds up to us the picture of a hale and masculine intellect grasping at truth amid the mists and fogs now ascending from his own wayward emotions, now from the rank hot mass of an overcrowded society. Price 6d. mark, that "the work has, at least, not come too soon.' Mr Croker has assiduously collected and collated every printed and manuscript source of information which an ledge. The result of his enquiries is embodied in numeextensive literary correspondence brought to his know rous notes, full of acute remarks and information. He has likewise incorporated into the body of the LIFE, the whole of Boswell's TOUR TO THE HEBRIDES. He has given, in whole or in part, the contents of "Piozzi's Anecdotes and Letters of Dr Johnson”—“ An Account of Dr Johnson's early Life, and his Correspondence with Miss Boothbey"-" Dr Johnson's Tour in Wales"-" Sir John Hawkins' Apothegms, Sentiments, and Opinions of Dr Johnson," and some other works of less note. He has also been furnished with several valuable manuscripts never before purchased. We do not say, that Mr Croker has done all that could be wished to complete our knowledge of Dr Johnson, but we say, that he has achieved much more than could have been expected. A correspondent has pointed out one mistake, however, into which the learned editor has inadvertently fallen. We subjoin the erroneous passage-then our friend's commentary-and lastly, a few remarks of our own. "Mr Boswell has chosen to omit, for reasons which will be presently obvious, that Dr Johnson and Adam Smith met at Glasgow; but I have been assured by Professor John Miller that they did so, and that Smith, leaving the party in which he had met Johnson, happenAgain, the book is valuable because it is the most full ed to come to another company where Miller was. Knowand authentic register we have of the manners and opi-ing that Smith had been in Johnson's society, they were nions, of the fashions in thought, action, and habit, of anxious to know what had passed, and the more so as the age in which Johnson lived. It is while viewing it Smith's temper seemed much ruffled. At first Smith in this light that we are most sensible of the importance would only answer-He's a brute-he's a brute;' but of the task which Mr Croker has undertaken. Boswell on closer examination it appeared, that Johnson no sooner wrote for his contemporaries; and there are many passages saw Smith, than he attacked him for some point of his in every book which they can clearly understand, although famous letter on the death of Hume. Smith vindicated a mystery is around them to the next generation-just as the truth of his statement. 'What did Johnson say?" in conversation there is always among private friends a was the universal enquiry. Why he said,' replied Smith, common stock of familiar knowledge-intimate acquaint- with the deepest impression of resentment, he said, you ance with each other's affairs, standing jokes, and the lie!'-' And what did you reply ?'-' I said you are a son like-which render speeches and allusions perfectly intel- of a !' On such terms did these two great moligible to them, although perfect riddles to the rest of ralists meet and part, and such was the classical dialogue the world. Time, by throwing a gradual obscurity over of two great teachers of morality.-WALTER SCOTT." the persons, incidents, and customs of private life, necessarily superinduces a certain degree of darkness upon all works of general literature, and particularly such works as that of Boswell. Mr Croker tells us, that " to clear up obscurities, supply deficiencies, retrieve obsolete and collect scattered circumstances, and so to restore the work to its original clearness and freshness," has been his main object. Our correspondent's remarks upon this passage are as follow: "In Croker's edition of Boswell's Life of Johnson, there is a passage detailing a conversation between the lexicographer and Adam Smith, more remarkable for spirit than delicacy, respecting the celebrated letter of the latter on Hume's death. The story is materially incorMr Croker expresses himself with regard to the man- rect, as will abundantly appear from a reference to dates. ner in which he has executed his task very modestly- Dr Johnson visited Glasgow only once in his life, in much more so, indeed, than from our previous acquaint- October 1773, at which time the conversation here narance with the tone and temper of his writings we were rated must have taken place, if at all. Hume died in prepared to expect-much more so, let us add in justice August 1776, and Dr Smith's letter is dated the 9th of to him, than was at all necessary. Mr Boswell's "capri- November in that year-exactly three years after the cious delicacy," as it is happily termed by the editor, and date at which the conversation is said to have happened. the obliterating touch of time, have already rendered many I may also remark, that, by the resignation of his profesthings obscure. Sir James Mackintosh might well re-sorship in 1764, Dr Smith's connexion with Glasgow At had ceased for a number of years previous to 1773. It is evident from these remarks, that the story told by Sir Walter must be erroneous in some of its details. We do not, however, concur with our correspondent, who seems inclined to regard it as totally groundless, and to blame Mr Croker for its admission. On turning to vol. IV. p. 192, of Croker's edition of Boswell, we find Principal Robertson introduced in the text as saying of Johnson: "He and I have been always very gracious; the first time I met him was one evening at Strahan's, when he had just had an unlucky altercation with Adam Smith, to whom he had been so rough that Strahan, after Smith was gone, had remonstrated with him." Upon which passage Croker has the following note. "The editor, thinking it hardly possible that Boswell should have omitted all mention of Adam Smith, if Johnson had met him at Glasgow, almost doubts whether the violent scene reported to have taken place there, might not in fact have been that which occurred at Mr Strahan's in London, referred to by Dr Robertson. It is clear that, after such a parting, they never could have met in society again." In vol. I., p. 441, we find Johnson remarking that he had met Smith ONCE, and adding, that they "did not take to each other." It is certain, then, that Smith and Johnson only met once, and that a scene took place so violent, as to subject the latter to a serious remonstrance from a friend who was present. It only remains to be ascertained, whether Professor Miller and Smith were in London at the same time, betwixt November 1776, the date of Smith's letter about Hume, and May 1778, the date of the conversation in which Robertson related the incident at Strahan's. If it turn out that they were, the only remaining difficulty will be the locality assigned in Sir Walter's anecdote, which we have no doubt will prove, upon enquiry, to have been an unconscious assumption on his part. The story is characteristic-a strong internal evidence of its authenticity. We have stated the industry displayed by Mr Croker; we have vindicated his judgment in the only matter where it has to our knowledge been assailed; it only remains for us to show, in order that we may fully establish his fitness for the editorial office, that he is actuated by a right spirit towards the author and his hero. This point, we think, the following quotation from his preface proves satisfactorily: "With respect to the spirit towards Dr Johnson himself by which the editor is actuated, he begs leave to say, that he feels, and has always felt a great, but he hopes not a blind admiration of Dr Johnson. For his writings, he feels that admiration undivided and uninterrupted. In his personal conduct and conversation, there may be occasionally something to regret, and (though rarely) something to disapprove, but less, perhaps, than there would be in those of any other man, whose words, actions, and even thoughts, should be exposed to public observation so nakedly as, by a strange concurrence of circumstances, Dr Johnson's have been. "Having no domestic ties or duties, the latter portion of his life was, as Mrs Piozzi observes, nothing but conversation, and that conversation was watched and recorded from night to night, and from hour to hour, with zealous attention and unceasing diligence. No man, the most staid or the most guarded, is always the same in health, in spirits, and opinions. Human life is a series of inconsistencies; and when Johnson's early misfortunes, his protracted poverty, his strong passions, his violent prejudices, and, above all, his mental infirmities, are considered, it is only wonderful that a portrait so laboriously minute, and so painfully faithful, does not exhibit more of blemish, incongruity, and error." This is said in a generous and candid spirit-now for Bozzy. "It was a strange and fortunate occurrence, that one so prone to talk, and who talked so well, should be brought into such close contact and confidence with one so zealous and able to record. Dr Johnson was a man of extraordinary powers, but Mr Boswell had qualities, He united lively in their own way, almost as rare. manners with indefatigable diligence, and the volatile curiosity of a man about town with the drudging patience of a chronicler. With a very good opinion of himself, he was quick in discerning, and frank in applauding, the excellencies of others. Though proud of his own name and lineage, and ambitious of the countenance of the great, he was yet so cordial an admirer of merit, wherever found, that much public ridicule, and something like contempt, were excited by the modest assurance with which he pressed his acquaintance on the notorieties of the time, and by the ostentatious (but, in the main, laudable) assiduity with which he attended the exile Paoli, and the low-born Johnson ! amiable, and, for us, fortunate inconsistencies. These were "Mr Boswell's birth and education familiarized him with the highest of his acquaintance, and his good-nature and sociality with the lowest. He describes society of all classes with the happiest discrimination. Even his foibles. assisted his curiosity; he was sometimes laughed at, but always well received; he excited no envy, he imposed no restraint. It was well known that he made notes of every conversation, yet no timidity was alarmed, no delicacy demurred; and we are, perhaps, indebted to the lighter parts of his character for the patient indulgence with which every body submitted to sit for their pic tures. But "Nor were his talents inconsiderable. He had looked a great deal into books, and more into the world. The narrative portion of his works is written with good sense, in an easy perspicuous style, and without (which seems odd enough) any palpable imitation of Johnson. in recording conversations he is unrivalled; that he was eminently accurate in substance, we have the evidence of all his contemporaries; but he is also in a high degree characteristic-dramatic. The incidental observations with which he explains or enlivens the dialogue are terse, appropriate, and picturesque-we not merely hear his company, we see them." Would that we had the genius of Plutarch to draw a parallel betwixt Johnson and Socrates-betwixt Boswell and Xenophon! We have experienced only one drawback upon our pleasure in perusing these volumes; and that arises from the constant expression of a soured and petulant temper in all that Mr Croker writes. Let him be as waspish as he pleases in his own heart, and give full vent to it whenever Miladi Morgan crosses him, or Lord Brougham keeps out of his way; but what right has he to tease us with it in a book which we purchased in order to be amused and instructed? It is like disturbing a social company over their wine and walnuts with peevishness. We have alluded above to the bond of entire affection which has united two philosophers with two biographers for immortality: The chain that rivets Lady Morgan to John Wilson Croker is of a different kind. The one volatile and spiteful, the other saturnine and savage, they are born to be each other's torments. By a curious arrangement of Providence they are united for eternal warfare. Each may address the other in the words which Coleridge, in his "Fire, Famine, and Slaughter," has put into the mouth of the first-mentioned: "I alone am faithful! I Cling to him [her] everlastingly." Gems of Sculpture. No. I. With Illustrative Lines. By T. K. Hervey, Esq. London. Lupton Relfe. 1831. WE learn from the prospectus of this publication, that it is to be published in monthly numbers, each of which will contain four subjects, executed in the highest style of chalk engraving. The proprietors do not intend to confine themselves to celebrated works, or even to those which have already issued from the artist's studio. Intrinsic merit, they say, is to be the sole recommendation of a subject. Each part will be complete in itself, and may be had separately; but the whole series is intended to present a synoptical view of modern sculpture-using the phrase in contradistinction to the ancient classical school, and that of the middle ages. Each subject will be accompanied by an illustrative poem, from the pen of some poet of note. The idea of such a work is extremely pleasing, and we know one table where it will be a welcome and a cherished guest, if the subsequent numbers equal that which now lies before us. Of the Cupid and Psyche of Westmacott, we can only say, "would it were worthier" of the artist and the pains here bestowed upon it!-but the three subjects from Canova are exquisite, and do infinite credit to the publishers, for the tact with which they have known to select the works most happily illustrative of the artist's genius, and at the same time less generally known than they ought to be. We are tired of his Graces -which after all are only three lovely women-rather of the leanest too. We abominate his Venus-she is a pert, smirking, healthy, pretty, naughty young woman. Contrast her leer, her consciousness, her angles, with the gentle dignity and voluptuous purity of the Medicean goddess. It is as if we brought that wide brothel, modern Italy, into immediate juxtaposition with the religious quietude of her oldest temples, where they stand in deserted grandeur, "between Praeneste and the sea." His Theseus and other heroes again, beautiful though they be and dignified, are deficient in character and grandeur. It was the sense of the beautiful alone that inspired Canova. In the other ingredients which go to constitute the poetic sculptor, he was entirely deficient. His Hebe, Psyche, and Dancing Girl-the three subjects in the present part-are, however, creatures within the sphere of his creative genius, and it was exquisite as far as it went. Psyche is represented opening the mysterious box-she crouches as if listening for some one's approach, her eyes are turned aside and downwards. This -at least in the point of view here given-is a picturesque statue. The figure is so placed as to bring out its ripe beauties to the best advantage, and to catch the happiest effects of light and shade. The feeling of anxious wonder is finely-that is, not obtrusively expressed. In his illustrative lines, Hervey has spoken a picture which more than equals it. "In the full city,-by the haunted fount,- In the deep glade where dwells the brooding dove,—— Canova's Dancing Girl is one of those miracles of art in which the grace of motion and buoyancy is impressed upon us by what we know but cannot feel to be a heavy inert mass. On elastic tip-toe, one leg thrown back, her drapery clinging to and revealing her exquisite form, her timbrelled hands upreared, she dances for ever, listening to her own music. There is the true intensity of genius in the expression of this figure. It speaks of a soul conscious only of its intoxicating happiness-revelling in blissful sounds and motions of its own creation. air. Hebe is indeed the goddess. Her element is the upper She cannot tread the earth, or sink into our dense atmosphere. Far away in the empyrean, upborne, a spiritual cloud of beauty, she floats away, happy as the draught, which she pours out while glancing onwards, makes him on whom it is bestowed. She is, indeed, a cupbearer, to circle the table of the majestic inhabitants of Olympus, her light garments floating behind her. Hervey has interwoven a beautiful allegorical reference to the forgetfulness of children, as opposed to the cold oblivion of age, in the following verses, which accompany the engraving of this statue. HEBE. "Immortal spirit! lady of the bowl, Which all taste once, and none may taste again! Oh! for thy lost Nepenthe,-from the soul To chase all sorrow, and to charm all pain! The early Lethe,-ere it flows o'er graves, That drowns not memory, while it drowns her sting, Beside whose course, the rose, unwither'd, waves, And hope looks brighter when she dips her wing! "Immortal spirit !—may we never more Behold that valley, and that silver spring, Where haunt the Graces as in days of yore, And thou as then sitt'st brightly minist'ring? But once-but only once !-they fabled well, Who sung 'twas but for gods that thou might'st pour The unwasting nectar from its golden cell, We quaff but once,-to thirst for evermore; For the dark Lethe of the grave to pine, Because we never more may drink of thine! "And yet 'tis something thus to gaze on thee! That He, alone, had found the hidden track And commune with their lady in a dream? Or was it pity for the weary crowd, With the selection from Westmacott's works we have already expressed ourselves dissatisfied. Leaving out of consideration the want of mind and feeling which characterises his Cupid and Psyche, we are of opinion that it would have been better to have confined this part exclusively to Canova. Hervey has, however, managed to draw poetry even from this unpromising rock. "Love, in his better, loftier guise- Yet shedding o'er her look and form * Canova. |