whose conduct to Lady Flora was not only honourable, but magnanimous, situated as the duchess then was:Fain would I waken, for thy natal day, The sweetest tones that poet's lyre can breathe: This day is full of memory for thee. Whose presence wont in former years to bless : Be the bright earnest of a brighter heaven! Our next specimen we consider even finer than the above. The lines are addressed to her little nephew and niece, the children of the Marquis of Hastings, Lady Flora's only brother. The poem is so sweet and pretty, that it cannot fail to become a favourite with all children : Get up, little sister! the morning is bright, The bee, I daresay, has been long on the wing, To get honey from every flower of the spring; The following poem may not possess very great literary merit, but it is one of those ever-welcome trifles to which the greatest minds have unbended, when amiably seeking to amuse their friends and family circle; and it moreover tells of days when this lamented lady was herself both cheerful and gay. It was written in consequence of a friend asserting that few rhymes could be found for Ashby de la Zouch, a place closely connected with the history of the Hastings family, as representatives of the Earls of Huntingdon. The subject of the playful poem is thus explained :— Ashby de la Zouch, in Leicestershire, was long the residence of the Earls of Huntingdon, who had a castle there, which was destroyed by the parliamentary army in the time of Charles I. It is the property of the Marquis of Hastings; and, within the last few years, a building has been pulled down which adjoined the ruins of the castle, and was called "the Old Place," or Palace, and which was always considered, from traditional au thority, to have been built by Henry, fifth Earl of Huntingdon, for the accommodation of the suite of King James I. It is well known that it was a part of that monarch's policy to visit any of his subjects whose power and riches rendered them formidable, and, by his long residence at their expense, to diminish their fortunes. Amongst the rest, his majesty, attended by a numerous suite, visited the Earl of Huntingdon, and was splendidly entertained. I do not suppose the tradition to be strictly correct, which is still assigning three weeks or two months as the duration of the royal visit; but his arrival is thus mentioned in a MS. history of the Hastings family: "1st September 1617.-King James being on his return from Scotland, towards which he went on 15th March preceding, was entertained, together with the whole court, by this Earle at his house in Ashby de la Zouch; the king lodging there all night." The author addresseth the courteous public. Royal musings. Anticipatory reflections. Rumour telleth of the magnificence of Earl Henry. Of the illustrious guests. The resolve. The plan unfolded. Objections answered. Effect produced. Earl Henry fared As kings to fare would grudge His banquet-hall Was free to all, In Ashby de la Zouch: To every squire In Leicestershire And there were many such And chivalry Of high degree, At Ashby de la Zouch. Outspake the King "A settled thing! I'll taste no more hotch-potch, Till I shall know How matters go At Ashby de la Zouch. "I'll down and share My cousin's fare: I'll mount the heavy coach, And it shall drop Me from its top, At Ashby de la Zouch. ""Tis not the thing To suit a king, My ministers avouch; But I will jog Along-incog. To Ashby de la Zouch." On all men near Fell doubt and fear He might have spoken Dutch: They puzzled long, That courtier throng, O'er Ashby de la Zouch. * Salt-water from Lord Hastings' coal-mines, famous for the cure of rheumatism, and now brought to Ashby. A word in favour of the Trent. The Malmsey butt is broached. "De omnibus re bus et multis aliis." The finale, where in lurketh a moral. He gave the word, That princely lord, The Malvoisie to broach; The fatal wine+ Was thought "divine" At Ashby de la Zouch. I might as well The feats of Scaramouch, As all the "sport Of that gay court" At Ashby de la Zouch. The bells did ring, Jairah, a Dramatic Mystery; and other Poems. The first attempts of this lady were so extravagantly bepraised by the critics, that sober-minded people were revolted. Now when her fermenting imagination is working itself clear, and her poetry evinces growing strength and coherence, no one speaks about her. However, Lady Emmeline does not seem to require the stimulus of praise. Her gallant spirit pricks on her muse; and song proves its own reward, "Jairah" is a lady's Cain, or Prometheus Unbound. The miscellaneous poems are of varying character. We meant to take for our specimen the brave Song of Falconry; but that will keep, and this is evanescent; at least we hope the occasion of its birth will pass away. Lady Emmeline was always a Tory, but now she becomes a partisan. A VARIATION ON THE OLD ENGLISH GENTLEMAN. I will sing you a very steady song, made by some steady pates, Of some fine old English gentlemen who live on our estates! Do-nothings well might be their name, for they do this at all rates, And help each other this to do, like kind and loving mates! Chorus.-Those fine old English gentlemen, some of the present time. They think that they take care, meanwhile, of this our English land! They have plotted, and have pottered, they have plundered and have planned, How to win fresh booty for themselves, through many a slight-of-hand. What though they nothing do themselves, yet a wond-| The Saga of Frithioff. Translated from the Swedish rous deal is done! Foreign lords and masters we must brook, once Earth's rulers-Ocean's lords ! of Tegner by Oscar Baker. Bull. Pp. 171. We recommend this spirited new translation of "The Saga" to all who prize that bold and vigorous, if rude national poetry, in which the primitive character and manners of a people are embalmed. We cannot go quite the length of Mr. Laing, and class "The Saga" with the productions of Homer, Shakspeare, and Scott; but they hold the place, to the northern nations, of our old ballads and metrical romances, the "Percy Reliques," and "Border Ministrelsy ;" and that we consider a high station in popular literature. The Comic Almanac. RIGDUM FUNNIDOS, gent., has, this year, mercifully delayed his stated appearance until Christmas fare had imparted additional strength of lungs, and of risible muscles, to readers, upon whose side-shaking powers he never before made calls so irresistible, and so incessant. What we prize in this exquisite droll, is that undercurrent of wisdom and humanity which, though still and unseen, flows through much of his drolling. TALES AND ROMANCES. Adventures of Susan Hopely; or, Circumstantial Mrs. Ayton, who was impeached with stealing lace and After "Peter Simple," we consider "Poor Jack" as the best of Captain Marryat's novels; and even beStrike th' insulted flag!-slight th' outraged shrine-fore the popular Peter in approximation to the purely sheath these stain-dishonoured swords! On our manors dares to poach the Bear, with his north-national standard of Fielding and De Foe-whether in ern barbarous hordes !Brave Circassia 'gainst him stands alone, while no aid that crew affords, Of queer old English gentlemen, not of the ancient time! This is very clever, and more like the witty "Lady Mary" than anything that her fair connexion (who we were not till now aware was of the Vixen faction,) has yet produced. We wish she could find an image for Russia trampling down England, less sectional or like a Justice of the Quorum, than that of poaching on our manor. humour, naturalness, truthful simplicity, or the entire absence of all kinds of pretension. The moral of the story is wholesome and cheerful; and it possesses the grand quality of being, without any violent effort at excitement, well-sustained and entertaining. The book forms, moreover, a very handsome library (not merely circulating library) volume; and the illustrations are the best, out of sight, which we remember to have seen in any late work of this sort. Some of them are, indeed, more like finished designs of the Flemish school, than semi-caricature sketches to illustrate a tale. Captain Marryat has pressed a few excellent Yankee and salt-water lyrics into the service with good effect. As a fair specimen of the "Memoirs of Poor Jack," we select the following scene, which has the recommendation of completeness. We must premise that Jack, or rather Tom, is leaving home to be apprenticed to a Channel pilot at Deal: It was a beautiful sunshiny morning when I arose; and as Bramble intended that we should leave Greenwich the next day, I thought I might as well call at the house of Dr. Tadpole, and try if I could see him before I went. When I arrived there, he was not at home; but my namesake, Tom, was, as usual, in the shop. Tom was two or three years older than me, being between seventeen and eighteen; and he had now grown a great tall fellow. We always were very good friends when we occasionally met; and he generally appeared to be as good-tempered and grinning as ever: but when I entered the shop, I found him very grave and dejected; so much so, that I could not help asking him what was the matter. of his master, to think of setting up for himself—are "Well," said Mrs. St. Felix, "I'll not forget to make the Spanish claim, and prevent Tom from walking Spanish. The Doctor is very inconsiderate; he forgets that Tom's regard for liquorice is quite as strong as his own for a cigar. Now, if the Doctor don't promise me to have a fresh supply for Tom, I won't let him have a cigar for himself." The Doctor was compelled to surrender at discretion. The next waggon brought down a hundred-weight of liquorice; and Tom recovered his health and the smiles of Anny Whistle. Longbeard, Lord of London: A Romance. 3 vols. The best thing we can say for this romance is, that we have read it out-and-out, and found the third volume the most exciting of the series. It partakes of the character of a historical romance, without being called one; and gives the reader fresh and delightful glimpses of London, and its jolly Saxon burghers, in the olden time a time so old as the Crusaders and Cœur de Lion. Longbeard, the hunch-backed hero, is, moreover, made a "Why, I'll tell you the liquorice is all gone; and champion of the rights of the people-of the Saxons he won't order any more." "Well, that is because you have eaten it all." "No I haven't; I have not eaten a bit for these five weeks: its all been used in pharmacopey; honestly used-and he can't deny it." "Who used it ?" still smarting under the oppression of their Norman invaders; and the book, from this cause, breathes the generous spirit of liberty. We must tell the author, as a secret, that after his rambling gleeman had done such gallant and chivalrous service to the high-minded heroine and her sister (the old tanner's daughters of London Bridge and Bermondsey,) we were disappointed at find "Why, I did he said he wouldn't stand my eating liquorice; and I told him I shouldn't eat any more. No more I have; but I an't well, and I prescribes for myself. Haven't I a right to do that? Mayn't I phy-ing him not turn out Richard himself-executing justice, sic myself? I'm a doctor as well as he is. Who makes up all the medicine, I should like to know? Who ties up the bottles, and writes directions? Well, my insides are out of order, and I prescribes for myself black draughts-omnes duas horas amendum;' and now, says he, as the ingredients are all gone, I shan't take any more." "And what is that?" Liquorice and water to be sure there's nothing else I can take. I have tasted everything in the shop, from plate powder to aqua fortis; and everything else goes against my stomach." "Well, Tom, its a hard case; but perhaps the Doctor will think better of it." “He'd better, or I'll set up for myself; for I won't stand it any longer: it an't only for myself, but for others, that I care. Why, I have a hankering for Anny Whistle (you know her, don't you?) a pretty little girl with red lips; lives in Church Street. Well, as long as I could bring her a bit of liquorice when I went to see her, all was smooth enough, and I got many a kiss when no one was nigh; but now that I can't fork out a bit as big as a marble, she's getting quite shy of me, and is always talking with Bill, the butcher's boy. I know he gives her bulls'-eyes; I seed him one day buying a ha'porth. Now, an't that hard?" Tom's plans for completing his medical education and surgical practice-when thus compelled, by the cruelty and taking revenge, in this disguise, upon his losel Norman courtiers. We can recommend this romance as one which-if not of the rare few forming the highest order-perfectly fulfils the main purpose of such works; namely, the entertainment of the reader, with a little instruction agreeably insinuated in the course of his amusement. Popular Traditions of England. First Series. Lancashire. By J. Roby, Esq. 3 vols. Colburn. This work was published about ten years since, and very well received; but the price-from the style of printing, and expensive illustrations-was so high, that the Traditions have been sealed books to the great body of the reading public. The work has been republished in a manner which makes it accessible to all who can contrive to obtain a sight of new works, either by purchase, or the happy contrivance of circulating libraries. In an ingenious introductory essay upon tradition in general, Mr. Roby says little or nothing of those specific traditions which he has worked up into tales, illustrative of the manners, usages, superstitions, and antiquities of the English. Yet each of them has some foundation in traditionary legends, or old chronicles, and county and family histories, and genealogies. Whatever scope may have been allowed to fancy in adorning the tale, the author always takes care to give that air of reality which attends a genuine "local habitation" and name. His historical, antiquarian, and topographical knowledges render the use of these effective in the construction of the tales. of "Breakfasts," and that genial criticism of the elder poets, in which Mr. Hunt, like a skilful wine-merchant, propitiates our taste and judgment, by giving us a liberal trial-sip, are matters not easily forgotten. And Naomi; or, The Last Days of Jerusalem. By Mrs. Yet, it is desirable to have them collected and at hand, J. B. Webb. A very pleasing tale, which gives the reader--whether young or old-a lively idea of the manners of the Hebrew people; and of the Holy City, and Palestine. The scene is Jerusalem during the siege by the Emperor Titus; and some of the characters being Romans, and the early converts to Christianity among the noblest families of the Jews, the ingenious authoress finds abundant materials for giving her narrative both variety and interest. The Priest of the Nile; a Tale of Ancient Egypt. By Mrs. Charles Tinsley. 2 vols. This work, in the frame-work of a fiction, is intended to illustrate the Mystic History of the Egyptian Osiris. The work is only adapted to that "fit audience though few," which, in these times, is all it is likely to obtain. MISCELLANEOUS. were it only to supply the "Book," which of itself goes far to render the "Breakfast," or the "Window," or even "Sunday in London," a source of enjoyment and instruction. The Parlour Table-Book. This is a volume of short extracts, from the best English writers; and generally those of a grave and reflective cast. It is very handsomely printed and done up, and forms altogether an elegant and suggestive collection of aphorism, reasoning, and description. The compiler has not overlooked a certain Mr. Wilmott, with whose works we were not before acquainted; though the specimens given justify, in his case, a dispensation from a self-denying ordinance, and also Mr. Wilmott's claim to appear in the best literary company-though perhaps not quite so often. Family Prayers for every Morning and Evening of the Year. By John Morison, D.D. In this manual of family devotion, Dr. Morison has drawn from every pure and approved source within his Olla Podrida. By the Author of " Peter Simple," reach. He has studied brecity, rightly considering short &c. &c. Captain Marryat has here gathered together the most valuable of his odds and ends, scattered through the various periodical works with which he has been connected whether as editor or contributor. He commits them to the public in the confidence of obtaining all the justice which he has a right to expect. Here, moreover, appear all of those miscellaneous pieces which this fertile writer wishes posterity to regard as advisedly and deliberately published as his-all that he adopts and wishes to acknowledge as the fugitive offspring of his brain. A "Diary on the Continent," originally published in one of the magazines as the Diary of a Blasé, occupies a considerable space in the three volumes. With many superfluities, it displays much of the humour, shrewdness, and plain direct off-hand good sense, which characterize all Captain Marryat's writings. better understands the obvious weak points of human nature, and especially those of the nature of John Bull. But, unfortunately, Captain Marryat's prejudices spring from the same root with his good-sense, and they are equally vigorous in their growth. We would advise English people about to visit the Continent, to enlighten their ignorance, and qualify their enthusiasm, or, haply, their personal and national conceit, by a previous perusal of Captain Marryat's remarks in this diary. No one Captain Marryat has attempted a drama of the tragicomic kind; and he has succeeded in clever satirical directions for the composition of a fashionable novel, and a modern book of travels. "Set a thief to catch a thief," does not altogether apply here; though the author does know a trifle or two of the mysteries of modern book-making. The Seer, or Commonplaces Refreshed. Part I. Under this quaint title, Mr. Moxon has published a number of those stray Essays of Leigh Hunt, which have hitherto been scattered through the periodicals of the day. For our own parts, our memories require no refreshing. The amiable and delightful fireside philosophy | prayers the safer extreme in conducting family worship. He has endeavoured to frame the work in that catholic spirit which may render it acceptable to all sects and denominations, 66 writing neither as a Churchman nor a Dissenter, but as a Christian," and in a style simple, concise, and scriptural. Seven hundred and fifty-eight prayers, though each is limited to a single page, (of goodly dimensions,) form a large and rather imposing volume, (in size and appearance resembling a handsome royal Family Bible,) and one which is well worth the at tention of those requiring such a help. "The The Grammar of Botany. By G. Francis. This gentleman, whose former botanical work, Little English Flora," we lately had occasion to notice with high praise, has composed this Grammar with a view to cheapness, simplicity, and readableness, and the desire of obviating the objections which some personsmore nice certainly than really delicate-have made to the study of botany in schools, because reference is made to the sexual distinctions of plants. The work is remarkable for good arrangement, and the consequent clearness of its details. It is very neatly and copiously illustrated, and altogether forms a work highly deserving of commendation as an easy and popular introduction to botany. Persecution of Christian Converts in Madagascar. The Rev. Mr. Ellis' "History of Madagascar," recently published, laid before the public the persecution to which, after the death of King Radama, his queen, who usurped the throne, and her new counsellors subjected the native Christians. The mission schools were dispersed; the missionaries, and indeed all the English residents were ill-treated; and a vigorous attempt was made by the queen to eradicate Christianity from her dominions, and by persuasion, or punishment if necessary, to restore her subjects to the faith of their ancestors. But many of the converts have held fast by their profession, and several have suffered martyrdom. Some of the persecuted Christians escaped to the Mauritius, and are |