agent; and by figure as the thing simply acted upon. But incongruities, and absurdities of this kind, arising from inattention, are cominon with Shakspeare. He uses jul on for encroach on Richard III. act II. Dr. Johnson observes: These lines have passed all the editors. Does the reader understand them? By me they are inexplicable, and must be left, I fear, to some happier sagacity. If the usage of our author's time could allow figure to be taken, as now, for dignity or importance, we might read: Whose figure even this instant cloud puts out. But I cannot please myself with any conjecture. Another explanation may be given, somewhat harsh, but the best that occurs to me: I am the shadow of poor Buckingham, Whose figure even this instant clouds put on, whose port and dignity is assumed by this cardinal, that overclouds and oppresses me, and who gains my place By dark'ning my clear sun. JoHN. Now, if we read, I am the shadow of poor Buckingham, Whose figure 'een this instant clouds put out By darkening my clear sun, the right word, though the meaning has been mistaken by the editors. Valance is value, worth. Chaucer uses it in that sense. Hamlet would say to the player"You are become of some value since I saw you you are growm into reputation." Valuance (old fr.) value. B. Now, we say, that valanc'd does not mean overhung with a canopy like a bed; it means the drapery dependent from the canopy; and is rather underhung than over-hung. In short, the reference is to the beard of this youth, grown since Hamlet last saw him, and hanging down from his chin as valunces hang down from a canopy. It is impossible that we should trace these explanations further: they serve to shew that much remains to be done before we can possess a fair copy of the immortal bard: they prove, too, that the man who should accomplish that desirable work, must have, like the Bard himself, an eye exercised in observation of nature, an ear open to every possible vibration of erroneous pronun ciation, a mind enlarged to the contemplation of human passion in all its versatilities, and agitations,-a feeling-a foresight which is not the lot of every man, we have a well-expressed, and very natural meaning: the king's favour had been his sun-shine: the Cardinal is the extensive cloud whose wide-spread shade Mr. Becket's modesty by attributing to and which we shall not wound puts out" the figure so lately very him; notwithstanding our commendadistinct, which was formed by the sha-tion of many remarks and propositions dow of Buckingham. This, moreover, in his volumes. is an instant cloud, i. e. sudden, temporary, lately risen into existence; to be speedily dispersed. Travels through Part of the Russian Empire, and the Country of Poland: along Certainly this is a well-timed publication. The prodigious events of which Russia was the scene in 1813 and 1814, have reached the ears and hearts of all who live in civilized society; and the mind of the ingenuous naturally wishes to trace those events, in their course, and if possible, in their consequences. It is very likely, however, that most foreigners too highly estimate the damage sustained by Russia, in consequence of Buonaparte's inroad. It was a severe, but momentary convulsion; it was a shock, but like that of a wound; the body lost blood, yet the constitution remained unshaken. The line of march was marked by destruction, but it was one narrow track, going and returning; on either side the damage was limited, and when the terror ceased, the danger was over. To some such cause we must attribute that heightened curiosity, with which we anticipated the publication of Mr. Johnston's Observations, knowing that he had travelled in the very track of Buonaparte; and to the same cause, also, probably, that small portion of additional information, afforded by those parts of this volume, in which we accompany the author over the scenes of violence and bloodshed. burgh does credit to his powers of observation, and is generally faithful, though evidently incomplete. His acquaintance with the Russian character is the result of a short experience, and is consistent with the reports of other travellers. But, though Mr. J. has declined availing himself of some things which came to his knowledge, in reference to the wonderful spectacle, presented by the invasion of Russia, yet he inserts others; and these, are in our opinion, the most striking part of his book. We instance in his account of Moscow; where he saw the utter ruin and desolation. After describing the general appear ance of this city, its rivers, and bridges, Mr. J. proceeds to notice the Churches. The most remarkable feature in the construction of Moscow is in its churches. It hundred churches in the city; every one is said there were nearly one thousand six differs from another in size, form, and or In our humble judgment, the writer could not have been too particular in his enquiries after truth, or too particular in his observations on facts. Whatever appeared to be genuine, and confirmed, by the state of things, should have been recorded by a traveller under such pecu-naments. Few of them are large. Some liar circumstances. Will Mr. J's. reasons assigned for not publishing what he knew, be deemed satisfactory? Says our author, when travelling near BeJitza; Here we found a small party of Polish officers, returning from Russia, who had served in Napoleon's army. From them we received a variety of extraordinary anecdotes, relating to the campaign; the hardships they underwent, and the cruelties committed by both parties. To relate such tales, is only exposing the weakness of man, and can be of no service; war wil ever be followed by its train of evils, and individuals will speak of them, in proportion to the sufferings they have met with Among the prisoners was a Polish count, who had been a colonel in the French service; he had marched from Seville, in Spain, to Paris, and onwards to join the grand army, which he met at Smolensko, on their flight; there he was taken by the Russians, and sent to Orel, about two hundred miles south of Moscow. are built purely gothic, others Asiatic;— some European,-and others Tartarean.In short, the most irregular combination of discordant architecture is every where exhibited. Many are mean paltry houses, others are really superb and magnificent. Still more numerous and fanciful are the spires and domes which ornament_the churches, and which point out many places of worship, that might otherwise be passed domes were calculated at between five unknown. The number of spices and and six thousand; these are either painted white, yellow, or green, or gilded with gold Each spire or cupola is ornamented with or silver, or covered with sheets of tin iron. lofty crosses, entwined with wires, in the form of a broad fringe. The crosses are divided by two transverse bars, the lower is always placed in an inclining manner. eagle, the emblem of the empire, is placed, Over the crosses a huge figure of a spread and in many instances under the eagle is seen the Tartar crescent, marking the city to have been under their protection. The spires are much lower than those of other By omitting this "variety of extra- countries: some are not more than thirty ordinary anecdotes," Mr. J. has waived feet high, and few above seventy to one an important advantage; nor is he so hundred and thirty feet; except the spire distinguished as he might have been. of St. Ivan, in the Kremlin, which is nearly As a description of Russia, Russian three hundred feet in height. The fillatowns, and Russian travelling, in ordi-gree work and numerous little pillars, and nary times, his book is sufficiently gratifying. His description of St. Peters architectural excrescences on every spire, take considerably from their height, and give them a very heavy, yet rich appear ance. nicated with the contiguous buildings, and all those houses and hovels constructed of wood, soou fell a sacrifice to the flames. only part of the city that suffered, with some occasional strects, where the houses This is one of the most singular features in Moscow. A church may be seen with an insignificant body, not more than twelve feet high in the walls, yet sup- During the evening a violent storm porting tive to nine gilded or painted arose, which continued during three days, domes and spires. Every principal spire and occasioned a rapid expansion of the has from one to three tier of bells, and fre-fire-still these wooden houses were the quently nine bells in one of the divisions. The continual jingling of the bells of differeut churches is heard throughout the day,were closely built together-but all those and even the greater part of the night. The palaces and magnificent buildings, which ontside of the body of the churches is ge- stood in isolated situations, surrounded by nerally covered with large representations | gardens, so characteristic of Moscow, were of the Virgin Mary, and of different saints. all individually set on fire. It is reported Over each door is seen an enormous paint- by the present inhabitants, who remained ing of the Virgin Mary and the infant Je- in the city during its occupation by the sus. Over the great entry of the cathedral | Freuch, that every afternoon at a certain of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, in hour, the flames burst out with increased the Kremlin, is seen this particular repre- vigour; and at those times, numerous re sentation of an extraordinary size, the in- ports of pistols were heard, which is assertfant in the mother's lap is nearly five feet ed to have been used in firing phosphorus in height! The paintings of other saints bal's into the houses, and tl. es setting them are yet more preposterous-before these on fire. One part of the Bielgorod eutirely the superstitious Russ is constantly seen of escaped the flames, and is the only spot in fering up his prayers. the city that appears in its original state The interior of the churches is usually exhibits one continued ruin. All the walls every house, and every street, richly ornamented with paintings and remain, and many of them without much jewels. Before the images of the Vir-injury; hut every house is roofless, and gin and Jesus, wax tapers are suspended, without either windows or doors. Many and in many churches are kept con-superb houses are completely demolished, stantly burning. The paintings are crowded with precious stones, which dart forth the most sparkling rays; and the drapery of the figures blazes with jewels; for the face, hands, and dresses, only, are visible, as picture; the rest is formed of gold drapery. fringed with pearls, emeralds, rubies, and diamonds. Of many a Virgin it may be said, as Pope says of his belle, A sparkling cross on her fair breast she wore, A series of spires, cupolas, and domes, is all that is now presented by the view of Moscow. The trees interspersed prevent the ravages of the fire on the lower description of houses from being seen; so that, at a distance, and from a favourable station, the city seems to bear no marks of suffering, although, in fact, scarcely any part of it escaped destruction, except a small space built of brick. The walls of hundreds of houses are standing, while all their wood-work is consumed. "The exchange and store-houses were set on fire the morning of the day on which the French army entered. It partly commu otherwise particularly the theatres. None of the houses are as yet completely repaired, though a considerable number of wooden houses are building. It is improbable that Moscow will ever be rebuilt on a scale equal to its former magnificence. The sister capital is too favourite a rival, and it is a matter of policy in the government not to increase Moscow, in order to draw it wealthy inhabitants to St. Petersburg. The character of the people, engaged Mr. J's attention: his account of the natives of, and around Moscow, merit notice. The capital and the country present a strange character of the nobles, and pensauts or slaves. The last is what particu larly arrests the attention, and are the most characteristic. The common Russ, laying aside his filthy appearance, is often a prepossessing creature. He is goodhumoured, lively, and submissive; seldom complains of any hardship, and quietly He is however bears every treatment. cunning and imposing, addicted to thieving of the Russiaus are seen in the streets, dis and knavery, falsehood and deceit. Many gustingly intoxicated; though many of them never taste spirits. As an instance of this, we often could not prevail on the postillions to take a glass of brandy, though travelling all night. This is a class of people who profess religious sentiments, somewhat different from the established church; in regard to drink they are strictly prohibited. The offensive fumes of tobacco rarely annoy the sense of smell; bow different from that obnoxious and detestable practice in Holstein, Hamburg, and Prussia. The Russians are prevented from smoking tobacco, lest they should carry it to their churches, and soil the images of their saints—as a substitute they take snuff, but not generally. tember 1814, and followed the course taken by the French army: he found it, as might be expected, a line of distress, and misery, of complaints and curses. This may be instanced in his account Wiasma, almost every house of which town is surrounded by a garden: and though the houses are consumed, the trees around them are little injured. It is now little more than a mass of ruins, except a few houses which have been repaired. Most of the churches escaped the flames, ou account of their size and strength. The population, before the French entered it, was about twelve thousand inhabitants; it is now about two thousand, and a great part of these are lodged in temporary hovels. It is easy to conceive that, in this coun in the utmost execration and horror. We felt it ourselves in a most unpleasant degree; being mistaken for such we were langhed and hooted at in the streets, with vile epithets of Fru-ksowsie! The women laughed in our very faces, others sneered, and desired us to look at what we had done! Apples were thrown at some of our party, and at last we deemed it prudent to retire from the impending storm, and left the town, quietly, at midnight. Such a strong impression have the French left on, these unhappy beings, that they know no distinction between them and other ua A Russian's character is soon known, and by proper means, may be used to advantage. Prevent him from imposition, and excite not, his attention by too open a display of wealth; treat him with occasional Battery, and particularly allow him the freedom of speech, and he becomes obliging and indefatigable. Like untutored savages, their passions are strong and un-try, the more name of Frenchman is held curbed; they will grossly abuse each other, vent their rage in the most shocking and indelicate expressions, spit in each other's faces, but never fight; in this respect they have a tender regard to their feelings, and are finished cowards, yet they make admirable soldiers, and do not hesitate to march to the field of battle, or put a foeman to death. They quietly submit be beaten or caned without resistance and which they daily receive from those who have power. Money here is scarce, and of high value, and hath a charm over the Russ, more than over any other nation. For a trifle his services may be commanded; and, for that trifle, he is most grateful. A postil lion who drives six horses for thirty miles, is content to receive forty copeks, cqual to sixpence. If a rouble is given, about one shilling in value, he is most animatedly thankful. He bows to the ground, which he kisses, crosses himself and repeats a prayer. For so small a sum, what other nation would be so thankful? A Prussian is never grateful; the more he receives, the more avaricious he becomes. If he is offered a dram, he takes it most greedily, but never expresses the least sign of thanks. How different is the poor Russ! I would sooner deal with one hundred Russian postillions, than with one Prussian, Saxon, or even, Englishman. Our readers perceive in this extract the powerful influence of religious profession; and they have seen in our pages an accurate description of this class of religionists, who abstain from irregular indulgences: nor is this their only virtue. tions. Frenchman, and never will that name Every stranger is considered a escape from their lips, or their memory, without just and savage indignation. This is no more than natural. Mr. Johnston paid much attention to the management of agricultural affairs, as he saw them in his tour: and this is not the least acceptable part of his volume. He gives figures of ploughs &c. used in different places, and one of his observations, made near Borisow, we' concur with him in thinking, may be found useful, among ourselves. A singular method is used in drying and preserving the crop. A couple of wooden posts, about twenty feet in height and as wide asunder, are fixed into the ground; between them a certain number of cross bars are are fastened, similar to the steps of a ladder. Between these divisions, the downwards; the sheaf above always cover. sheaves are securely fixed, with the grain ing the one below, and thus securing each other from the rain. The appearance of "Our traveller quitted Moscow in Sep-these frames from a distance, and the scats tered state of the houses, presents a most singular picture. This method of drying the grain is both simple and efficacious. and might be adopted with some advantage on the west coast of Sutherland, in S. otland, where the climate is so changeable. Favourable circumstances allowed the writer to quit England for France, sooner than most people were suffered to enter the territories of the Great Nation: and he dates his first letter from Paris, July 10, 1815. The plates to this work bring us ac- At this time no intercourse was alquainted with a variety of places ren-lowed, even with the packet, when ar dered famous by events; but Mr. J.rived at Calais: the finesse of the French does not appear to have possessed the tradesmen, was, however, preparing military eye, to have united it with that for full practice, and in the bargain determined curiosity which leads the made with M. Quillac, for the hire of inquisitive to the very scenes of action, carriages, says our author;— and is not satisfied till every point be By the bye. Monsieur Quillac comcleared up and understood by close exa-pletely cheated us out of three Napoleons: mination of every spot. That peculiar we made the bargain, and in his account, zest, which might have been obtained just as we were driving off, he had inserted from his following the French army, so three more than the price agreed for; we soon after its destruction, is wanting. had no remedy, and he took advantage We can, therefore, only characterize of it. this work, as containing memoranda of an excursion really performed, and as comprizing the traveller's remarks on places and people-among whom the Jews are distinguished, with their constitutional habits, more bad then good. This, perhaps, is all we should have had any right to expect some years ago; but it is not all that public curiosity must be expected to anticipate, under existing circumstances, at the date anDexed to the volume. Paris; during the Interesting Month of July, 1815. A Series of Letters, addressed to a Friend in London. By W. We do A slight remnant, this, of the conscientious practice of the Rights of Man. The sulkiness of the soldiers at Boulogne, the arts resorted to, to keep up their animosity against England, formerly, with the notion of prodigious wealth to be plundered-and what beside ?—are properly noticed, together with the difficulties purposely thrown in the way of travellers. Having hinted at M. Quillac's honesty, our traveller adds,-- A stranger should make a previous bargain for whatever he may require in France. No tradesman has a settled price; and a shopkeeper, or laudlord, who has the most respectable appearance, is not to be trusted. An Englishman, who, from delicacy, omits to offer a smaller sum than that which is asked, may be certain, that he makes a present of at least one hundred per cent. to the person of whom he purchases. In every line of trade the same system is pursued. At Paris strangers should be particularly careful how they deal with the marchands of the Hotel Garni. What they sell is always dear, generally out of fashion, and frequently damaged. D. Fellowes, Esq. 8vo. Price 7s. 6 Gale and Fenner. London. 1815. THIS is a respectable work. The author has seen with his own eyes, and has heard with his own ears. not think that he has visited those scenes of enormity which, but too often, prove first gratifications to curiosity, and then to vice, which distinguish Paris among the Capitals of Europe; but, he has availed himself of that intercourse which is open to strangers of To give an instance of the necessity of respectability, and he has faithfully re-this extraordinary and unequalled spot, I bargaining for whatever one purchases in corded his observations, while fresh, I looked at an opera-glass-the man asked and in full force, on his mind. He has me thirty-eight francs. In order to get rid somewhat injudiciously, in our opinion, of him, after looking at a great many mingled remarks made in 1814, with things which I did not wish to purchase, those made in 1815. They should have I offered eight. "Prenez" "take it," said been distinguished, for the advantage the man, "it is your's." of the reader. ... This is true; but even this is short of |