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That a kind husband to his wife
Permits each pleasure of this life,
I may conceive it;

But that the man so blind should be,
As not to see what all else see,
I can't believe it.

That in a mirror young coquets
Should study all their traps and nets,
I may conceive it;

But that the mirror, above all,
Should be the object principal,
I won't believe it.

That woman, like a crystal toy,
The slightest zephyr will destroy,
I may conceive it;

But that you may not both cement,
If e'er they get a flaw or rent,
I won't believe it.

That a critic I should not deny To be a better judge than I,

I may conceive it;

But that my Muse should cease from hinting,
That all her rhymes are worth the printing,
I can't believe it.

LITERARY CHIT-CHAT AND VARIETIES.

We understand that a very superior edition of John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress is in the press. It is to be elegantly printed in Jarge octavo, under a most vigilant revision by the Poct-Laureat, who is to prefix a literary and biographical introduction, for which he has got some very curious and interesting materials. It will be also richly embellished with large wood-cuts, drawn by Harvey, and engraved by the first artists, and with a Portrait of the Author, and two other copper-plates, from splendid designs by Martin.

There is preparing for publication, a Journal of Occurrences and Events during a residence of nearly forty years in the East Indies, from 1790 to 1829, by Colonel James Welch, of the Madras ariny. In two vols. 8vo, with numerous Engravings.

Fitz of Fitz Ford, an Historical Romance, in 3 vols. illustrative of the History and Antiquities of Devonshire, by Mrs Bray, Author of the "White Hoods," &c. &c., is in the press,

A Second Edition of Lectures on English Poetry, with Historical Tales, and Miscellaneous Poems, being the Literary Remains of the late Henry Neele, author of "The Romance of History," &c. &e., is now in the press; and will shortly be published in one thick vol. post 8vo, with a Portrait.

Our readers are no doubt aware that some remarkable documents, known by the name of the Stuart Papers, were brought to this country from Rome after the death of Cardinal York, the last of the family, and deposited in St James's Palace. The King, we are informed, recently transferred these papers to the hands of Sir Walter Scott, for examination and publication. Sir Walter Scott has availed himself of the assistance of his son-in-law Mr Lockhart, who is now actively employed in arranging the whole.

Robert Montgomery has in the press another poem of a religious character, entitled, "Satan."

In a short time will be published, Notices of the Brazils in 18289; by the Rev. R. Walsh, LL.D.

A poem, entitled "1829," from the pen of the author of the Opening of the Sixth Seal, will be published on New-Year's Day.

The Life of Sir Humphry Davy, by Dr Paris, is soon expected. A vision, written during his last illness, in the playful style of Salmonia, has been left by Sir Humphry to his executors, for publication.

Mr Valpy has issued a prospectus for publishing a Family Classical Library, or English Translations of the most valuable Greek and Latin Classics, in monthly volumes, with a biographical sketch of each author, and notes, when necessary, for the purpose of illus tration. The series is not expected to exceed forty volumes, and the first will appear on the commencement of the new year.

The Panorama of the Thames, from London to Richmond, exhibiting every object on both Banks of the River, is announced. This work has been the labour of nearly two years. It is upwards of sixty feet in length, and on a scale of sufficient extent to exhibit every building on either shore of the River, in a distinct form. It is accompanied by Descriptive Notices of the most remarkable places; and preceded by a General View of London.

One volume of Moore's Life of Byron is printed, and the other expected to be finished by the end of this year. Each volume of tends to about 500 pages quarto.

THE LITERARY UNION.-A Society is now in progress of far tion, in London, to bear the above title, and having for its at intellectual intercourse and amusement. It is proposed that it consist of four or five hundred members, professors and friend art, literature, and science. Unexceptionable personal characte to be an indispensable requisite to admission; and simplicity economy are to be held leading principles of the Society, three o four pounds being the utmost annual subscription required. I intended to procure a house in a central situation; the commite are at present in treaty for the Athenæum Club-house, Waters place, Pall-Mall, where such refreshments as the Society shall des on shall be furnished, and such publications as they may deem', per taken. Thomas Campbell, Esq. has been appointed chairs by the committee, who at present hold their meetings at the Brit Coffee-house, Charing-cross.

LIFE AND SERVICES OF CAPTAIN BEAVER-Some months ar we noticed an odd blunder which had occurred in the Monthly L gazine, regarding a sca-song there said to have been written by B ver, but which is in reality the production of Richard Cumberla the dramatic writer, and the contemporary of Johnson, Richards, and Goldsmith. The London Literary Gazette, in reviewing t Life of Beaver (which is edited by Captain W. H. Smyth, R.X.Ji serted the song at full length, and praised the wonderful precont of talent which it displayed; and the Quarterly Review, the last Mar ber of which contains a review of the same work, also inserts part t the song, "which," they remark, "both for its'spirit and diction, 3 a most remarkable production for a boy in his fifteenth year." Ba somewhat singular, that the editors of three of the principal Landr periodicals should all have been led into the same error, and all alik ignorant of the fact, which is related in Cumberland's Memoirs, the the song in question was written by him, and not by the deceased Captain. As we are rather admirers of Cumberland, we do not like to see the credit of even a song taken from him, and given to a by of fifteen years of age! Of course, the primary cause of this blunder is to be attributed to the editor of Beaver's papers, but the literary reviewers, whom we have noted above, might have known better.

Theatrical Gossip.-Mr Elliston, the Manager of the Sung Theatre, has availed himself of the suggestion made by the Literary Journal regarding Sir Walter Scott's Tragedy in the Keepsake it 1830. "The House of Aspen" has been produced with great sto cess, and is likely to have a run. It was Mr Elliston who establish. ed, seven years ago, in the case of Lord Byron's Marino Fafire, the right of acting any published play.-A clever melo-drama, caled "The Brigands," from the pen of Mr J. R. Planche, the author of "Charles XII." and many other popular pieces, has been received with complete success at Drury Lane.-A stupid opera, from the French of Boieldieu, called "The Night before the Wedding, and the Wedding Night," has been all but damned at Covent Garden--Mis Phillips, the star of Drury Lane, is said to have written a tragedy as well as Miss Kemble, the star of Covent Garden. To write a tragedy is nothing, unless it be also a good tragedy.—Madame Vestris has been performing at Wakefield and other provincial towns-Nis Smithson is at Carlisle.-Braham has been singing to almost empty houses in Dublin.-De Begnis has taken the Caledonian Theatre, and is to be here by the second week of December.-Miss Paton ap peared in Glasgow as Adelaide in the "Haunted Tower," on Thurs day evening. She was to conclude her engagement there last night, and is then, we believe, to return to Edinburgh, but not to appear in public.

WEEKLY LIST OF PERFORMANCES.
Nov. 21.-Nov. 27.

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TO OUR CORRESPONDENTS. THE interesting communication on the subject of Burns shal have a place next week.-" Notices of Eminent Lecturers" will not exactly suit us. The subject is one which requires much tact.—We are afraid we cannot find room for the paper entitled, "I will be an Author."-We are obliged to " Anna ;"-she asks a question, the an swer to which we could whisper to herself, but it must not be given here." Proteus" has our thanks.-We had not forgotten "L."

We are not yet quite satisfied that our Correspondent in the neighbourhood of Dunbar is a poeta natus.-We can scarcely promise to insert the Lines by " W. G.," or those entitled, "The First Love," and" To Mary."-The "Submarine Scene," and the Lines by "W. B." stand over for consideration when we next put on our Slippers.

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"Encouraged, we trust, by the deserved success of the edition of Johnson's Dictionary in one large 8vo volume, we have here its Latin counterpart-a publication on which we do not hesitate to bestow our most unqualified praise. Ainsworth's has always been, what it merited, a popular Thesaurus; and for ready reference to the student, none better could be constructed. There were, however, as there must be in all works of the kind, many errors, either original, or such as had crept in through careless reprinting; and we are glad to see a multitude of these rectified by the industry and judgment of the present editor. In other respects, also, great and notorious improvements have been effected-retrenchment of what was obsolete or unnecessary, and amplification where the nature of the explanations required it. Altogether (and we have looked carefully through many intricate examples to enable us to give this honest opinion)altogether we can most unreservedly recommend this volume as one of the best guides to early classical attainments, and also one of the completest Latin Dictionaries that has ever courted public favour."-Literary Gazette.

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HENRY'S BIBLE COMPLETE.

In three handsome vols. imperial 8vo, price L.3, 15s. in Cloth,
AN EXPOSITION of the OLD and NEW TESTAMENT.
By MATTHEW HENRY, V.D.M.

To which are prefixed, the Memoirs of the Life, Character, and
Writings of the Author.

By J. B. WILLIAMS, Esq. F.S.A.

"It may almost seem presumptuous to venture upon any recommendation of the greatest English commentator on the Holy Scriptures; and having recently expressed a decided opinion as to the merits of Matthew Henry's Bible, it is quite unnecessary to repeat former commendations. This we will say, that every man ought to With this possess this great man's Commentary who can afford it. feeling strongly fixed on our minds, we are truly glad to introduce to four readers an edition of this extraordinary work, which, in compactness and economy, far surpasses every former attempt; and which demonstrates the ingenuity and taste of the enterprising printer who has supplied a desideratum so worthy of the age. The public are greatly indebted to the man who thus places a valuable and expensive work within the reach of persons of ordinary means. The Life prefixed to this edition is the one lately furnished by Mr Williams, a descendant of Matthew Henry's family, and a sincere lover of all nonconformist memorials. The printer and the publisher have our warmest thanks."-Evan. Mag.

This Edition is also published in Parts at 3s. each, and may be taken periodically, at the convenience of Purchasers; and for the further accommodation of the Public, this Work may be had in Weekly Numbers, at One Shilling each. Sold by all Booksellers in the United Kingdom.

London: JOSEPH OGLE ROBINSON, 42, Poultry; sold by CONSTABLE & Co. Edinburgh.

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The Jew Exile. 2 vols.

Four Years in South Africa. By Cowper Rose, 1 vol.

Historical Account of Discoveries and Travels in North America. By Hugh Murray, Esq. 2 vols.

The Book of the Boudoir. By Lady Morgan. 2 vols.

Travels in Turkey in 1827-8. By R. R. Madden, Esq. 2 vols. Travels to Constantinople, 1827-8. By Captain C. C. Frankland. 2 vols. 8vo, with 38 Engravings.

Life on Board of a Man-of-War, with a particular Account of the Battle of Navarino. 1 vol.

An Autumn in Italy. By J. D. Sinclair, Esq.

Life of Oliver Cromwell. By the Rev. M. Russell. 2 vols.
A second volume of Colonel Napier's Peninsular War.

Narrative of the War in the Peninsula. By the Author of "Cyril
Thornton."

Head's Forest Scenes in North America. 1 vol.

Travels in North America, in 1828. By Captain Basil Hall.
Chronicle of the Conquest of Granada. By Washington Irving.
Life of Napoleon Buonaparte. By J. G. Lockhart. 2 vols.
Life of Alexander the Great. By the Rev. Dr Williams.
Three Years in Canada; an account of the actual state of the
country in 1826-7-8. By John Mactaggart. 2 vols.
Memoirs of the Extraordinary Military Career of John Shipp,
Written by Himself.

History of Persia. By Sir John Malcolm. 2 vols.

The Marquis of Londonderry's Narrative of the late War in the Peninsula. The Third Edition.

Memoirs of Vidocq. 4 vols.

Narrative of a Journey from Constantinople to England. By Dr Walsh. 1 vol.

Twelve Years' Military Adventures in Three Quarters of the Globe. 2 vols. 8vo.

Memoirs of General Miller. 2 vols.

Memoirs of Savary Duke of Rovigo. 4 vols. 8vo.
Memoirs of the Empress Josephine, and her Contemporaries of the
Courts of Navarre and Malmaison, &c. 2 vols.
Journeys to the Shores of the Polar Sea. By Captain Franklin.
Dr Granville's Travels to St Petersburg, in 1828. 4 vols.
Mexico. By H. G. Ward, Esq. late his Majesty's Charge d'Affaires
in that country. In 2 large vols. 8vo.

Notions of the Americans, picked up by a Travelling Bachelor.
History of the Rebellion of 1660. By Robert Chambers. 2 vols.
History of India. 4 vols.

NEW NOVELS, &c.

Stories of Waterloo, and other Tales. 3 vols.

Tales of My Time, by the author of Blue-Stocking Hall. 3 vols.
The Borderers. By the author of the Red Rover, Spy, &c. 3 vols.
The New Forest. By the author of Brambletye House. 3 vols.
Devereux. By the author of Pelham. 3 vols.

Chelsea Pensioners. By the author of the Subaltern. 3 vols. containing Six Tales.

Tales of War. By the author of Recollections of the Peninsula.
The King's Page. By the author of Almack's Revisited. 3 vols.
Ecarte; or the Salons of Paris. 3 vols.

Reay Morden. 3 vols.

Anne of Geierstein. By Sir Walter Scott. 3 vols. (several copies of this work in the Library.)

Traits of Travel; or, Tales of Men and Cities. By the author of
Highways and Byeways. 3 vols.

Tales of a Voyage to the Arctic Ocean, 2d series, 3 vols.
Hungarian Tales. 3 vols.

Tales of Passion. By the author of Gilbert Earle. 3 vols.
Restalrig; or, The Forfeiture. By the author of St Johnstoun.
Sailors and Saints. By the author of The Naval Sketch-Book.
Life in India; or, The English at Calcutta. 3 vols,
The Disowned, by the Author of Pelham. 2d edit. 3 vols.
Zillah, a Tale of Jerusalem. By the author of Brambletye House.
PERIODICAL PUBLICATIONS,
Regularly added to J. CHAMBERS' Library.

The Edinburgh Review-Quarterly Review-Westminster Re-
view-Foreign Quarterly Review-Blackwood's Magazine-New
Monthly Magazine-United Service Journal-Edinburgh Literary
Journal-Court Journal-Edinburgh Literary Gazette-Scientific and
Geographical Magazine-Scots Magazine-Monthly Magazine,

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In a few days will be published,
elegantly bound in silk, price Es. 6d.

A NEW JUVENILE ANNUAL,
ENTITLED,

THE ZOOLOGICAL KEEPSAKE
FOR 1830.

Natural history is a subject so much and so deservedly a favourit with young persons, that it is impossible not to anticipate a favoursble reception for this book. It will be enlivened by a light conver sational manner of treating its zoological topics, and by an abundan of anecdotes, and a share of humorous poetry and description. The embellishments, upwards of forty in number, will consist of spirited engravings, from drawings by Cruickshank, Landseer, Baynės, k &c. Just published, price 2s. 4to,

MARSH'S IMPROVED FAMILY JOURNAL and MEMORANDA for 1830.

TRAVELS to CONSTANTINOPLE, in the years commend it heartily to all careful house-wives and bachelors of it

1827 and 1828.

By Captain CHARLES COLVILLE FRANKLAND, R.N. "His volumes teem with interest and instruction."—Sun. "This intelligent traveller journeyed through Hungary and Transylvania, crossing the Danube at Giurgevo and Rudschuck, and passing the Balkan at Schumla, taking the rout by Carnabat and Kirk Iklessee, arrived at the shore of the sea of Marmora, at Selyvria, and thence proceeded to the Turkish metropolis. He likewise visited the Greek Islands, Athens, and the Holy Land, crossed

Mount Lebanon, and, like Mr Madden, paid his devoirs to Lady Hester Stanhope, of whom he gives some very interesting particulars. There are no less than thirty-eight embellishments to the work, taken from accurate sketches, many of them extremely beautiful, especially the vignettes."-Globe.

• Printed for HENRY COLBURN & RICHARD BENTLEY, London; and Sold by BELL & BRADFUTE, 6, Bank Street, Edinburgh.

In one vol. 8yo, with 25 Illustrations,

"This is an exceedingly useful and desirable publication. Wes mited incomes,"-Edinburgh Literary Journal,

Printed for WM. MARSH and ALFRED MILLER, London ; & Cox. STABLE and Co. Edinburgh.

On the 2d of November, 1829, was published, Beautifully printed, in small Octavo, embellished with 11 Line Engravings from the Old Masters, executed in the finest manner up steel, Price 12s.

THE IRIS; a Literary and Religious OFFERING.

Edited by the Rev. THOMAS DALE, M.A. The Literary portion of the book contains articles from the pens of the Rev. T. Dale, M.A.-Bishop Heber-the Rev. E. Baines-the Hon. and Rev. Baptist Noel, M.A. -The Rev. T. S. RafflesRev. F. A. Cox-James Montgomery-Thomas Roscoe-Thomas Pringle-A. A. Watts-S. C. Hall-Josiah Conder-Thomas Haynes Bayly-W. Jerdan-The Harrovian-Miss A. M. Porter-Mrs Opie -Miss Jewesbury-Mary Howitt-Mrs Cockle, &c. &c.

The Hook will be delivered bound in Silk, and a few copies printed on large post 8vo, with Proof Impressions of the Plates, price

TRAVELS in CHALDEA, including a Journey L.1, 48.

from Bussorah to Bagdad, Hillah, and Babylon.

By Captain MIGNAN, Honourable East India
Company's Service.

"An indispensable addition to the libraries of those who take an interest in biblical criticism, in Oriental antiquities, and in the most curious portions of the history of human nature.”—Morning Chronicle.

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London: Published by SAMPSON Low, Lamb's Conduit Street; and HURST, CHANCE, and Co. St Paul's Church-Yard. Sold by CoxSTABLE and Co., 19, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, and all Booksellers.

THE KEEPSAKE.

This Splendid Annual contains a five-act ROMANTIC, PRANA, with SONGS, by SIR WALTER SCOTT; besides LETTERS from Loss BYRON to several Friends.

London: Published for the Proprietor, by HURST, CHANCE. & Co., St Paul's Church-Yard, and R. JENNINGS, Cheapside. Sold by CONSTABLE and Co., Edinburgh,'affd all Booksellers..

This month will be published,

In one volume 12mo, with Engravings,

A MANUAL of the ECONOMY of the HUMAN

BODY, in HEALTH and DISEASE, intended for General Readers, comprehending a concise view of the Structure of the H man frame, its most prevalent Diseases, and ample Directions for the regulation of Diet; Regimen and Treatment of Children and the Aged; with selections of the opinions of the most approved Me dical Authorities on the different Subjects.

DANIEL LIZARS, Edinburgh; WHITTAKER & Co. London; and

BLUE STOCKING HALL. Second Edition. In W. CURRY, jun. & Co. Dublin. 3 vols. 27s.

"The novel of Blue Stocking Hall,' forms an agreeable contrast to the generality of works of fiction. It is designed to inculcate, in the shape of a pleasing fiction, the various duties of domestic life;

ITALIAN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE.

and is interspersed with many judicious remarks on love, marriage, SIGNOR RAMPINI begs leave to inform the

education, celibacy, establishment in the world, morals, and manners. It appears to have been the intention of the authoress to produce a work which every mother should possess, and which every daughter should read."

FOR THE PREVENTION OR REMOVAL OF

HOARSENESS, SORE THROAT, &c.

Public, that he continues giving Instruction in the Italian Language and Literature, both privately and in classes. An Evening Class for Conversation and Italian Readings will shortly be opened. 25, Indía Street.

EDINBURGH DISCURSIVE AND LITERARY SOCIETY.

BUTLER'S ACIDULATED LOZENGES OF THE attention of YOUNG MEN who have a taste

CAYENNE are particularly recommended for Sore Throat, Enlargement of the Tonsils, Relaxation of the Uvula and Membranes of the Throat, and consequent Hoarseness, so prevalent at this season of the year.

They have been found of great utility by persons who are in the habit of speaking in public; and the highest testimony in the musical world has been advanced in their favour, especially when, from continued exertion of the voice, or the influence of a humid atmosphere, the membranes have become relaxed, and diminished in their tone.

These Lozenges are also recommended as a refreshing stimulus during field sports, or any unusual exertion.

Prepared by Messrs BUTLER, Chemists to his Majesty, 54, Lower Sackville Street, Dublin, and 73, Prince's Street, Edinburgh, and (authenticated by their name and address in the labels which are affixed on the tops of the Boxes,) may be obtained of the principal Druggists in the country; of whom also may be had, their ANTACID LOZENGES of QUININE, for relieving Heartburn, Flatulence, Indigestion, and giving tone to the Stomach. 2. and 4s, 6d. per Box.

for LITERATURE is requested to this SOCIETY. It meets Weekly for the Discussion of Doubtful Questions; and once a-month an Evening is set apart for Reading the Literary Contributions of Members. The Meetings are held in the Edinburgh Defensive Band Lodge, Anchor Close, 245, High Street, every Wednesday Evening, at Eight o'clock, when entrants (in conformity with the Rales) are admitted.

Edinburgh, 21st Nov. 1829.

Edinburgh: Published for the Proprietors, every Saturday Morning,
by CONSTABLE & CO. 19, WATERLOO PLACE;
Sold also by ROBERTSON & ATKINSON, Glasgow; W. CURRY,
jun. & Co., Dublin; HURST, CHANCE, & Co. London; and by
all Newsmen, Postmasters, and Clerks of the Road, throughout
the United Kingdom.

Price 6d. or Stamped, and sent free by post, 10d.
Printed by BALLANTYNE & Co. Paul's Work, Canongate.

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their summits,-of individual prowess and suffering,bugle-notes floating on the breeze,-and masses of men

Annals of the Peninsular Campaigns, from 1808 to 1814. glittering in warlike panoply. These vague generalities By the Author of Cyril Thornton. William Blackwood, Edinburgh. 1829. 3 vols. post 8vo. Pp. 388, 366, and 450.

paragraphs of a newspaper.

are the characteristics of war on a large scale, at all times and in all places; we want a description of the reality— something that will speak to the heart of human nature without the aid of a commentator. Looking also to the THE author of this work disclaims all intention of en- author's management of his narrative, we are of opinion, tering into competition with the elaborate annals of Dr that while he has on some occasions-for example, in his Southey, or the more scientific labours of Colonel Napier. account of the advance of Sir John Moore, and of the reHis object has been to compose "a work which should treat of Soult from Oporto-omitted details which were introduce to the intimate acquaintance of the great body necessary in order to give a clear understanding of the of the people, the events of one of the most memorable whole; he has on others-frequently in his third volume periods in the history of their country, and which should encumbered his pages with unnecessary notices of subdiffuse and imprint more widely and more deeply a fit-ordinate movements, as meagre and uninteresting as the ting pride in the great achievements of British arms." In discharging this self-imposed task, he claims credit for fairness and impartiality. He pretends to no peculiar qualifications for his undertaking beyond a knowledge of many important localities, acquired by his having been a sharer in some of the hard-fought battles it is now his part to describe. We, however, will add what his modesty has kept untold—that the high talents displayed in his former works had led the public to look upon him as well qualified to become their historian. Lastly, he admits the possibility of some unimportant errors having crept into his history-of which, we will also say, that none but an ungenerous and carping critic would take advantage. This is an abstract of what the author has stated in his preface to be the object and ambition of his work; and we proceed to judge him by his own standard.

Viewing the book, then, as nothing more than what it pretends to be—an introduction to the history of the war in Spain, a first guide to such as purpose studying its annals, or a compendious view for the use of those who rest satisfied with a superficial knowledge of them-we think it is deficient. The object in a popular history of a war is, without entering into a detail of every evolution, or a profound criticism of the operations on both sides, to narrate the principal events in such a manner as to show their mutual bearing on each other, the plans of the leaders, and whether, or in how far, they succeeded. In order to effect this, it is necessary that each individual operation be so described, that the reader obtain a distinct conception of the local relations and successive motions of both parties. If the history of a war come up to this standard—which it may, without having recourse to any tedious and repulsive detail-it will not only be an instructive book, but its truth to nature, the thousand interesting episodes which are inseparable from the thread of its narrative, and the breathless anticipation excited by the continuity of the mighty stream of events, will render it one of high interest. The work now before us does not, in the most distant degree, approximate to this character. The martial movements are described with that degree of vagueness which we find in all accounts of modern warfare, except those of Napoleon and Colonel Napier. It is of no use to give us picturesque accounts of craggy cliffs, with the morning mist rising slowly from

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Viewing the work next in regard to its claim to be reckoned "fair and impartial," we fear that there lies in the word "impartiality" a deeper meaning than our author attaches to it. Impartiality does not consist in blaming our friends occasionally, and at times extending praise to our enemies. Impartiality knows neither of friend nor enemy-it probes the conduct of both parties to the bottom, and, conscious of its own rectitude, can brave the world's insinuations, and decide in favour even of those with whom it is linked and affied, when convinced that they are in the right. It is not enough, therefore, that our author should stand, now bowing to a French, now complimenting a British general-now moaning over the excesses of the enemy's troops, now indignant at those perpetrated by our own. He says that he is impartial; but we must investigate the whole tenor of his book, to see whether it does not betray a leaning of which he was not aware-a leaning which can noways impeach his character, but which may oblige us to pause before we assent to his conclusions. Tried by this test, he is found deficient. There is an evident struggle throughout his whole work to praise, more highly than they deserved, the character and conduct of the Spanish nation. He lavishes, in the outset, commendations on the people at large, and on the Guerillas in particular, which his own subsequent statements prove to have been unmerited. He endeavours to raise to a false elevation Palafox and some others, who have long sunk to their real level. He attributes to the French generals the outrages perpetrated by the soldiery, because it could not have ventured on them without their connivance; he exculpates the English commanders, because the soldiery cannot always be restrained—diametrically different inferences from identical data. The plundering of the French soldiers is execrated,—the boiling French generals alive, and sawing them between planks by the Spaniards, are passed over in silence, as excesses deeply to be regretted. The truth is, that our author is a partisan, and his evidence is to be received with caution.

Has the book, then, any thing good about it? Much. It is written by a man neither of a very clear nor a very comprehensive mind, and by one who has not studied his subject either long or profoundly; but it is, at the same time, the work of a gentleman and a scholar. The author

is possessed of an elegant turn of mind, and his heart is in its right place. Such a person cannot go over so fertile a theme without suggesting some thoughts worthy of our attention. For example, we think that, cautiously employed, his knack at recognising what is good in human nature, even when presented in the questionable actions of a degraded populace, might afford a useful lesson to men, who, like Colonel Napier, trained in the school of active duty, have no tolerance for the weakness and inconsistency of the majority.

We not long ago presented our readers with a catalogue raisonnée of some of the principal contributions to the history of the exertions made by this country in behalf of Spanish independence. The present, however, is the first book that has come before us, since the commencement of our critical career, professing to give a complete narrative of that great struggle, and we shall therefore avail ourselves of this opportunity of giving a brief sketch of what seems to us its real character.

The contest between France and England, which commenced shortly after the breaking out of the Revolution in the former country, had changed materially in its outward features at the beginning of the present century; but the animating principle was still the same. A deadly spirit of enmity had been awakened in the two nations, and exaggerated and embittered by reciprocal acts of hostility. Different language had been assumed by each, according to the varying policy of Europe-different pretexts had been held out to justify aggression, but a rooted feeling of rivalry lay at the bottom of the whole. England had fought at one time against democratical principles, at another against a military despotism; France had fought first for equality, and afterwards for universal empire. But whatever were the pretexts, the war, from first to last, was to decide, whether England for herself, or France, either as an independent nation, or represented by and identified with Bonaparte, should have the ascendancy. It is true, that the liberty of Europe depended on the issue of the contest; but it is no less true, that this was the last idea in the minds of the combatants. The enmity was personal-the war could only end in the overthrow of one of the parties.

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neath the incubus, and while the rest of Europe conting to advance, Spain sunk slowly back into barbarism. The treasures from its American possessions, which, from the beginning, flowed more into the royal treasury than th national purse, were at first squandered on vain attempt to crush the reformation in other lands, and afterward. from a variety of causes, dwindled away. At the be ginning of this century, Spain was a poor nation-bir populace almost on a par with the savage, except in s far as they were held in check by superstition, or the hand of power. The small number who were possessed of knowledge had acquired it in a foreign school. They ha nothing in common with the bulk of the nation. Their information, superficial as it might be, separated them, a by a gulf, from the rest of their countrywomen, and deprived them of all community of opinion and feelings. When the moment of action came, therefore, it found the people, and those who, from their rank, ought to have been their leaders, incapable of understanding each other. This paralysed the nation's efforts. Feeling the naturıl wish for independence, it was unable to strike one effectiv blow; it stood by, and saw its battles fought by another power, or, at the most, by its ill-directed efforts impeded the exertion of its friends. Its rooted hatred of the French rendered it impossible that they could ever held the land but by the sword; but its weak struggles were vain in the clutch of the eagle's talons. Our attention, therefore, is limited to the warlike operations of the French and English. All the efforts of Spain can only be reckoned for one of the subsidiary advantages or dis advantages resulting from the peculiar situation of these parties.

Aided by the imbecility of the Spanish and Portuguese governments, Napoleon succeeded in occupying both countries without opposition. His possession of Portugal was too brief, and had too slight an influence on the subse quent struggle, to render it necessary to notice it here. Besides, the plan of operations in that country under Junot was entirely independent of the measures taken to insure the subjection of Spain. The plan of operations in this latter country, as we have it in Napoleon's own words, was the most masterly that human genius has One of the fiercest struggles of this prolonged contest devised. In the course of a few weeks, Spain was inunwas the war in Spain. Napoleon pretended that he had dated with troops, sufficient to overpower all resistance. been forced to subdue the Peninsula by the intrigues of The frontier fortresses were secured, and a line of com Britain seeking to seduce it from his alliance. England munication was kept open from thence to Madrid, from accused him of overthrowing, without offence, an inde- which centre the conquering force was to spread itself, in pendent state. It is of little importance who was the wider and wider circles, in every direction, Care was aggressor. Before the invasion of Spain, that nation was taken for the speedy concentration of the different divivirtually the slave of Napoleon, and forced, in common sions, should any one of them be threatened by a superior with the whole Continent, to co-operate with his ambitious force. The scheme must have been successful, had the ends. The existence of Britain, as a powerful commer- projector superintended its developement in person, but cial country, depended upon loosening his yoke from the he intrusted it to weaker hands. Plunders induced renations. The interest of either coincided with the dic-pulses, and, in the consternation of the moment, Napotates of their mutual hatred; the uncertain condition of the Peninsula held it out as the apple of discord; they could not avoid joining battle on that field; and where both were alike eager and willing for the fray, it is idle to enquire who struck the first blow. The task of the historian is to describe the nature of the field of battle, the character and conduct of the combatants.

There were still human hearts beating in Spain, but, viewed as a nation, she was effete. Her union under one crown, conterminous with the final subjugation of the Moors, had caused an increase of power in the sovereign, to be met on the part of the people by a devoted loyalty and a bigoted hatred of all religions but the Catholic, the results of a long war against enemies of a strange faith inhabiting the same land. This coincidence favoured the organization of a despotic temporal power, and the introduction of the most powerful engine ever placed in priestly hands-the Inquisition. A succession of narrow-minded and bigoted princes riveted the union between the throne and the altar, and strengthened their foundations. The spirit of the nation was stifled be

leon's officers deviated from a system, the advantages of which they were unable to appreciate, and retired behind the Ebro.

At this moment England prepared to advance into Spain. The British government had been misled by the boasts of the Spaniards, and the statements of its own inefficient agents, into most exaggerated notions of Spanish power and resolution. It was thought sufficient to send an auxiliary army. General Moore advanced at the head of one sufficient to have inspired the Spaniards with confidence had they been men, but insufficient to make head of itself. Scarcely, however, had he cleared the Spanish frontier, when he had reason to suspect (what afterwards proved to be true) that the Spanish armies, as they were called, were utterly ineffective, and the French troops in full advance. Napoleon had put himself at their head, in order to reinstate the order of things which the incapacity of his generals had allowed to be shattered. Moore, although unaware of the whole danger that threatened him, saw that an army so small as his, was not what the circumstances required, and

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