played throughout Asia, the descendants of the first Arabian shepherds, became the cultivators of the gentle arts of peace. The Saracens discovered and invented little, but they formed the link which unites ancient and modern letters. The Moors were the great de. positaries of science.

"Literature emanated from Italy and Spain, and passed into the other Euro pean states. The Saracenian schools were attended by students from all parts of Christendom. The establishment of the Saracens in the peninsula, was com pleted in the eighth century, and the elder Spanish romances are strongly tinctured with Arabian ideas. When, three ages afterwards, Provence was annexed to the throne of Raymond Berenger, Count of Barcelona, and the Catalonians and Provençals became in. termixed; a direct and immediate im pression of oriental sentiments and manners was made upon the christian world. The Provençal poets are indebted for some of their most beautiful images to their acquaintance with Arabic litera ture. The notions of honor, the mysticism of love, the harmonious blending of opinion and sentiment, the romantic grace of manners, and the character of the female sex, which the Troubadours describe, are in accordance with the general strain of oriental poetry: and rhyme, one great characteristic of modern verse, was derived by these barda from the Arabic measure." p. 404,

405.

This last assertion requires a comment. If rhyme were not an original invention of the Provençal poets, the claims of the Franks and the Latins are at least equally strong with those of the Arabians. The Spaniards of the twelfth century, called rhyming verses, a lei Francesca. The life of Sancta Fides, written in the Catalan dialect of the Spanish tongue, is in rhyme. Now this dialect is, with some exceptions, the Roman language current in Gaul, before and after its conquest by the Franks. This Rustica Romana, as it was called, nearly resembles the Provençal dialect, and the basis of the Provençal was the Latin language. Its corruptions were words from the Celtic or Gaulish idiom, and afterwards from the Visigoth or Frankish. In a note under the before quoted passage, our author seems to question the opinion expressed in the text, and says, that other sources may be found for modern

rhyme. Undoubtedly: but this dispo sition to accuse every nation of robber and plagiarism, is not the proper way t consider the subject. Verse is th simple and original manner of embody ing thoughts, because men are naturall inclined to harmonious associations o language; and, by a continuance o the principle, rhyme will sooner or late appear in their compositions. Every rude nation is poetical, and turns it verse into measure. As well might i be contended, that the art of poetry was transferred from one country te another, as that rhyme was borrowed.

The sources of the Muhammedan theology, morality and laws, are two fold-the Koran, or written law, and the Sonna, or traditionary law. Whether the Koran was written in the time of Muhammed seems doubtful, and the conjecture of Mosheim, may not be very far from the truth, “that the true Koran was an Arabic poem, which Muhammed recited to his followers without giving it to them in writing, ordering them only to commit it to their memory. Such were the laws of the Druids in Gaul, and such also those of the Indians, which the Bramins receive by oral tradition and get by heart. The lex scripta of the Moslems, has long been accessible to the general reader, by the transfusions which have been made of it into the vernacular idioms of Europe; and the liberal policy of our merchant kings has opened to us the Mischat and the Hedaya, two books of high authority in the East, on subjects of traditionary law. Brahma, Confucius, and Zoroaster, the Arabian Prophet blended his religion, his morality, and his law; he legislated only for one people, and his permission of polygamy, and his prohibition of wine, sufficiently shew bis want of foresight to the extensiveness of his religion's influence. The favorable characteristic of this system, is its conceptions of the attributes of God*—

Like

Any one who reads the Koran will see, that the Moslems hold most exalted ideas respecting the attributes of God, and that those ideas are expressed in the words of the Jewish and Christian scriptures, canonical and apocryphal. The Greek Christians, however, of the twelfth century contended, that in the judgment of the Moslems, God was a material and spherical being: the God of the Mussulmans was therefore anathematised. This strange circumstance begat a controversy, and much

its hatred of Paganism and Idolatry in every shape. Intolerance is its great and striking vice.

"That war is an ordinance of God, and that success is a mark of Divine favor, are the natural principles of people whose religion was founded by the word-lordly pride, savageness, and ferocity, must be the strong and prominent features of the characters of men who are influenced by a religion which breathes war and persecution. The stamp of divinity and eternity which islamism fixes on every instituti on has preserved the principles of Asiatic despotism, and the evils consequential to such a state of society are sufficiently numerous and dreadful to prevent, or at least to check, the practice of morality, however pure and beautiful such morality may be." p. 368, 369.

Few objections can be raised against the moral code of Muhammed." All imposers have collected from other ystems. some few wise maxims; and it is not too much to say, that as Christianity had been established in the East for six centuries, much of its spirit may be found in Islamism. The rule of reciprocal benevolence is stated in the Koran nearly in the words of Christ. With a few exceptions, Islamis a wretched compilation of all the false religions of the East. The Dual Paradise was borrowed from the Persian and Indian schools; the wonders of the Hindoo abode of bliss are almost literally copied in the Koran; Muhammed's notions on demonology are all taken from Zoroaster; and in his consecration of Friday for the Sabbath, he followed the example of the idolatrous Arabs, who sanctified that day by adoring on it the Goddess of

Love.

The theology and morality of the Moslems, as deduced from the Koran, are known to most people. Mr. Mills view of the subject is more extensive than that which is generally taken, for it comprises both the written and the unwritten law. His survey of their

learning and charity were wasted. Peace at length was restored; it was declared, that the God of the Christians, and of the Torks, were the same: and the anathema the Deity of the Moslems was transferred (an anathema in the church, like a trust in equity, is never lost for want of an bject) from that awful being to the Prophet himself, his doctrine, and his follomera.

jurisprudence is the best general one which has hitherto been made. We are not disposed to question the accuracy of his statements, but we object to his mode of illustration; he is indeed more fond of comparisons than arguments, nor are his illustrations always happily chosen. In writing on the laws of the modern kingdoms of Europe, it is necessary to refer to the civil law; because in cases where the feudal law spoke not, the public reason of the Romans was generally resorted to. Mr. Mills' illustrations are very entertaining, but are all too classical; he should have drawn from Oriental, and not from Grecian, sources.

We cannot agree with our author, that the Moslem's religion has suffered no diminution of followers. He himself admits, that Spain has been lost to them, and that their progress in Russia and Tartary has been checked by the Greek churches. Where are the proofs of his assertion, p. 414, that “in the middle and lower Asia, and also in Africa, the professors of the Moslem's creed have gradually increased." His own statements are against his opinion; at least they prove, that with the exception of Africa and India, the Moslems are indifferent about their religion; and want of zeal is not the way to gain proselytes. Instances of the ferocity of the African Moor are without number; but we know little of the success of their endeavours at conver sion; even in India the Muhammedans and Hindus have very much amalgamated, and live in as social habits as their faith will permit.

“The disciples of Muhammed in India, have not only become more lax in the performance of their religious duties, than their brethren in the faith in Persia, Arabia, and Turkey, but seem gradually to have adopted some of the minor usages of the Hindus," p. 423.

In Arabia, the champions of orthodoxy could not repel the heretical Wahabees; and the Bedoweens say, the religion of Muhammed could never have been intended for us. We have no water in the deserts, how then can We have no money, how then can we we make the prescribed ablutions? give alms? The fast of Ramadan is an useless command to persons who fast all the year round; and if God be every where, why should we go to Mecca to adore him?'

In Persia, Islamism is the national and nominal religion; but in that true seat of despotism, the moral character of the people is formed more from the nature of the government than from religion.

The Persian citizens are but nominal Muhammedans, and the wandering tribes have even less virtue. The Kurds, for example, honestly confess, that they more nearly resemble Europeans than Muhammedans; and being questioned on the points of similarity they reply, We eat hogs' flesh, keep no fasts, and say no prayers.'" p. 429 note.

on

In Turkey too, every thing denotes a falling religion. Proselytism is but little thought of; and a freedom of conversation, bordering on infidelity, is mentioned by every traveller. The number of the Meccan pilgrims an nually declines, and the stern laws of the Prophet against intoxication are bent to the wishes of the people.

"All the kingdoms of the world shall become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ." Such was the lofty strain of the holy men of old. May thy kingdom come," is the daily orison of every follower of Jesus. In the councils of the Lord, the total downfall of Islamism may be reserved for some distant day; but the signs of the times point to Constantinople as the scene of some approaching tremen dous change. From Russia, or speaking to Moslem readers from Tartary, the torrent of horror and devastation again shall flow; and if by the heneficent and politic interposition of the European potentates Greece shall once more flourish the seat of liberty, religion, and letters, the repentant nations of the South will mark and own the just judgments of God, and rise from their long slumbers in grateful acknowledgments of his mercy.

The Piano Forte Primer: containing the Rudiments of Music, calculated either for Private Tuition, or Teaching in Classes. By J. F. Burrowes. 12mo. pp. 554.

THIS Book is not intended to interfere with the mode of instruction which any master has already adopted, but to be used either in private tuition or teaching in classes, mm addition to the

regular lessons already in use. The author states, that the principal object of every one, should be to make his pupils thoroughly comprehend one question, before they proceed to another; for this purpose, they should each be provided with a music slate, upon which, or the instrument, the teacher should first give and then require from them, other examples than those set down; for instance, though only one example is inserted of major and minor thirds, the pupils should be required to write or play major and minor thirds to any given note; and proceed in the same manner with all the other questions.

After being made thoroughly ac quainted with the contents of this book. the pupils may proceed to the study of harmony, and the practice of playing from figured bases.

Family Annals; or the Sisters. By Mary Hays. 12mo. pp. 183. 55.

To Miss Edgeworth, whose name ought never to be pronounced without gratitude and respect, the public is indebted for a revolution in works of imagination. Delineations of real cha racters and manners, pictures of the age and times in which we live (to which future historians and philosophers would be glad to refer) good sense, sound principle, and unaffected feeling, have in these lighter produc tions of literature, been substituted for the wonders of ancient romance, for the intricate incidents, inflated descriptions, and still more inflated sentiments of the modern novel. Amusement and instruction are thus happily and inseparably blended; and from their connexion, more widely and generally dif fused.

The author, it appears, has been induced to resume a pen long thrown aside, by no other view or solicitude than that of co-operating, in some degree, with the admirable writer before mentioned, and others of her own sex who have entitled themselves to a portion of the same grateful respect. Though only one talent should have been entrusted, we are taught by the purest of moralists, that one cannot, with impunity, be folded in a napkin, or suffered to rust disused.

The French Scholars' First Book; comprising a copious Vocabulary, a Collection of Familiar Phrases, Reading Lessons, and a Concise View of French Grammar. By Ph. Le Breton, A.M. Master of the Academy in Polanddreet. 12mo. pp. 92.

Tas little work is comprehended under four divisions. The first part contains a vocabulary of the words in most common use, and the second part a collection of familiar phrases.

The reading lessons in the third part, have been arranged with particular attention. Endeavours appear to baye been used to adapt them to the capacity and taste of children, for whose use they are chiefly intended. They are also designed to exercise the learner in translating, and with this view, the assistance at the bottom of the page is gradually abridged, as the student is expected to acquire a knowledge of the words of most common recurrence.

HE audience of this Theatre were presented with a novelty which has been loog in preparation-a romantic drama in three acts, called Rob Roy; or The Gregarach. It is from the pen of Mr. Soane, the ingenious author of The Falls of Clyde, and some other popular pieces. The following are the leading incidents, which, it will be seen, owe little to the story from which the title is derived :Diana Vernon (Miss Smithson) betrothed to, but hating Sir Rashleigh Osbaldistone (Mr. Rae), and secretly in love with Rob Roy (Mr. H. Johnston), chief of the clan Gregarach, is urged by her father, General Vernon (Bengough), on account of a large fortune, which will be lost to both if the union does not take place, to a precipitate fulfillment of her contract. The marriage ceremony is interrupted by Rob Roy and his followers, who takes the place of Sir Rashleigh, and intimidating the priest by his threats, becomes himself the husband of Diana Vernon. Helen Macgregor (Mrs. Glover), the mother of Rob Roy, considering her clan degraded by this alliance with Southern blood, is indignant at the marriage, and forms a design to carry off and destroy the bride by poi, 1. The seer Morvyn (Holland), to whom she applies for the drug which is to effect her fatal purpose, deceives her by a plan similar to that which is pracUsed in Romeo and Juliet. The supposed poison is administered, with every addition of atrocious cruelty and malignant invective, by Helen herself, who, Europ. Mag. Vol. LXXIII. April 1818.

supposing her crime completed, dies

with the help of Dougal (Wallack,) a trusty Highlauder, far surpassing in intellect his namesake in the novel, and the best character in the piece, is carried by the seer into a cave, and restored to life. Rob Roy whose adventures do not blend sufficiently with those of his mistress, is impeached by Sir Rashleigh, taken prisoner, suffered to escape, kills his betrayer, is pursued, surrounded, and on the point of being shot, when General Vernon appears with his pardon, procured by the threat of resigning his commission; Diana appears, rushes to the arms of her husband, and the curtain drops.

This drama, on the whole, has considerable merit, but it is not without material faults. The most obvious of the latter consists in annexing characters to particular names, wholly differing from the previous associations we had formed of them: a character like Diana Vernon or Rob Roy resembles an acquaintance: once alter the features of which they are composed, assign new attributes or different modes, of conduct, the identity is destroyed, and our sense of propriety violated. We may tolerate General Vernon sharing a fate like that of Captain Thorn ton, ensnared and captured by the Highlanders; and even a Helen Macgregor, as the mother of Rob Roy, and the murderer of his wife; but not a delicate, high minded creature, similar to Diana Vernon, voluntarily sharing from any conceivable motive the fortunes of

X X

a robber and an outlaw: and still less can we imagine Rob Roy, the bold free-booter, the chief instrument in a daring rebellion, wasting his time, and ruining his purposes, in the pursuit of a love intrigue.

To distort characters

thus, is in some measure to pervert the truth of history; a few steps farther, and we might have Julius Cæsar represented as a coward, and Cicero as an idiot. The piece is much too long, and some incidents of minor importance occupy by far too much space; but, on the other hand, there is great room for recommendation. Many of the situations are uncommonly striking and dramatic, and the dialogne, especially in the serious part, is nervous and appropriate. The characters of Dougal, mentioned before, and that of Sir Rashleigh, are drawn with much force and discrimination; and even Diana Vernon, had she appeared with a different name, would have possessed strong claims to our favor.

The conclusion of the piece was not unattended with.marks of disapprobation, but the applause greatly predominated.

APRIL 8. This evening we were highly gratified to witness the return of that excellent and popular actress Miss Kelly, to the boards of this theatre, after her long absence. She was received with the greatest enthusiasm by the audience. The character selected for the occasion was that of Lucy Lockit, her just delineation of which is too well known and admitted to require any comment. It is certainly one of the most finished and forcible exhibitions in its kind that ever was represented on the stage; she looked extremely well, and performed with as much spirit as we remember to have observed in any of her former undertakings.

APRIL 21. This evening the historical play of Deaf and Dumb was revived at this theatre, when the part of Julia was performed by Mrs. Bartley with considerable pathos. The Play was

1818.

Mar. 26. Rob Roy-Devil to Pay. 27. Ditto-Review.

28. Ditto-What Next?

30. Ditto-Honest Thieves.

31. Ditto-Follies of a Day.

succeeded by a new Interlude, of the burlesque or bombastic species, called Amoroso, King of Little Britain. The author of this dramatic trifle, which in the style bears some resemblance to Bombastes Furioso, has shewn much ingenuity in its composition; and has carefully avoided in his mock repre sentation of royalty, every thing that could be interpreted into offence; it is written in rhyme, and is interspersed too thickly with songs: a serious song, from its nature, scarcely admits of burlesque; and, unless the words are distinctly heard, produces no effect. We decidedly object too, to any burlesques on Shakspeare. If the author will omit these entirely, which were the worst executed parts of his Interlude, and curtail the number of his songs, the piece will prove, we think, one of the most successful of its kind. Harley, who played Amoroso, was irresistiby ludicrous. The characters in general were well dressed, in the style of the mock heroic drama, and were performed with much spirit. The first scene is the best. The new interlude was announced for repetition with universal approbation from one of the fullest audiences of the season.

APRIL 23. This evening the comic opera of The Lady of the Manor was revived. The plot is simple, the characters possess some liveliness, and the language is unaffected, but in neither respect does the drama often rise above mediocrity. The music is sometimes very pleasing, and Miss Byrne, Miss Kelly, and Mr. T. Cooke, exert themselves with success in the vocal part. We need scarcely observe, that Miss Kelly was of still greater service in the delineation of character, in which she acquitted herself with that spirit and judgment which never desert her. We cannot, however, pronounce any sanguine expectations of the ultimate success of this opera as an acting-piece, judging from the reception of this evening.

April 1. Beggars' Opera-Sleeping Draught.

2. Double Gallant-Ditto.

3. Confederacy-Ditto.

4. Heir at Law-Ditto.

6. Rob Roy-Ditto.