published ere now many beautiful pieces of this kind, and recently he wrote a Latin elegy to celebrate the second centenary of the Arcadia, a literary society of which he has been a member ever since 1832. This society has had a remarkable influence upon Italian literature; and even now, though it has outlived itself, is not quite idle. Every member must change his name on entering it and take that of an imaginary shepherd. The Pope, whose real name is, as you know, Joachim Pecci, is called in Arcadia Neander Heracleus. It is in this pastoral guise that he presents himself to the society and sings the praises of it. It is worth noting that the Pope has the opportunity, and avails himself of it, to praise with much fervour some of the great masters of Italian literature who were not remarkable for saintliness. R. BONGHI. The Editor of this Review does not undertake to return any Manuscripts. |