12mo pp. 293.

THE origin of this work offers a very fair example to society on the improvement of the mind, and the best possible remedy against the incessant ennui that pursues persons of lounging habits. It consists of essays, the private contribution of a literary club, engaged to write on any subject excepting politics and law; and their papers becoming voluminous, they have ventured to make one volume public. We do not meet with very profound reading, but with a pleasing variety of chit-chat sort of entertainment, which, upon the whole, may make the work an agreeable travelling companion in a post chaise.

A Genealogical and Chronological Game of the History of England. By Mrs. Ö‘Sullivan. 8vo. pp. 69.

We cannot speak too highly on the improved system of teaching in our modern school books. Study is almost wholly divested of its former austerities, and assumes the pleasing aspect of recreation. The new mode rising into general adoption, of “ QUESTION AND ANSWER" is a very superior effort to engraft on the youthful mind a correct and permanent idea of leading subjects in history: it smooths as well as enforces recollection.

With these opinions, we consider the rising generation to be eminently indebted to the fair compiler of this little volume. The idea of converting SCIENCE into a GAME needs no eulogium. A young pupil, on being invited to play at forfeits with counters of emblazoned medallions and variously adorned lozenges, pants with anxiety to become familiar with their use, and to excel her playmates in the skill of the game. Thus, self-devotion acquires a knowledge otherwise tedious as well as intricate. In offering this work to the public, Mrs. O'Sullivan's modesty is as conspicuous as her talents. She has been induced, she states, by the kind solicitation and generous patronage of her friends so to do, rather than from the success with which she adapted it to the fertile genius of the young lady to whom she is proud to dedicate her labours. We, however, cordially recommend this work to the attention of every capacity; and take our leave of the amiable author with entiments of the highest respect.

Robert Southey, Esq. Poet Laureate, Member of the Royal Spanish Academy of History. 1816.

THE progress of the military art has circumscribed, or rather dismembered of an antient province, the venerable empire of the Muses. The system of modern tactics is confessedly impracti cable to verse, and, unhappily for modern bards, the spirit of conquest appears to be repugnant to the spirit of poetry. The plan of Mr. Southey's poem is judiciously limited to a perambulation through the country which had been the theatre of war. The two first cantos are devoted to picturesque delineations, the third alone being reserved for the field of battle. In describing the districts he had to traverse ere be reached the memorable plains of Waterloo, the author has sketched every prominent object with the spirit and truth that are only to be caught from a series of vivid impressions; but it is on one delicious scene of England, an exquisitely touching picture of domestic life, that the talents of the poet are most happily exerted. In the following description of the author's return to Cumberland, we recognize the real master of the spell, and cordially felicitate his resto ration to home.

Once more I see thee Skiddaw! once again Behold thee in thy majesty serene Where like the bulwark of this favour'd plain.

Alone thou standest, monarch of the

Smiling they stood, with looks of pleased surprise,

While tears of joy were seen in elder eyes. Soon each and all came crouding round to share

The cordial greeting, the beloved sight; What welcomings of hand and hip were there.

And when those overflowings of delight Subsided to a scene of quiet bliss; Life hath no purer, deeper happiness. The young companion of our weary way Found here the end desired of all his ills, She who in sickness pining many a day,

Hungred and thirsted for her native hills, Forgetful now of sufferings past and pain, Rejoiced to see her own dear home again, Recovered now, the homesick mountaineer Sate by the playmate of her infancy, Her twinlike comrade rendered doubly dear

For that long absence-full of life was she,

With voluble discourse and eager mien, Telling of all the wonders she had seen. Here silently between her parents stood,

My dark eyed Bertha timid as a dove, And gently oft from time to time she woord, Pressure of hand, or word, or look of love,

With impulse shy of bashful tenderness,
Solociting again the wished caress.

Bring forth the treasures now-a proud display,

For rich as Eastern merchants we return, Behold the black Beguine-the sister grey, The friars whose heads with sober motion

turn,

The German shepherd carves with curious knife,

Earning in easy toil the food of frugal life. It was a group, which Richter, had he viewed,

Might have deemed worthy of his perfect skill;

The keen impatience of the younger brood, Their eager eyes, and fingers never still, The hope, the wonder, and the restless joy, Of those glad girls, and that vociferous boy. The aged friend serene, with quiet smile,

Who in their pleasure finds her own de light,

The mother's heart-felt happiness the while,
The aunts rejoicing in the joyful sight,
And he who in his gaiety of heart,
With glib and noisy tongue performed the
showman's part.

Scoff ye who will!-but let me gracious
Heaven

Preserve this boyish heart till life's last day,

For so that inward light by nature given, Shall still direct and cheer me on my

On themes such as these Mr. Southey is completely in his element, and irresistibly commands the affections of his readers.

The achievements of war are better calculated to supply materials for history than poetry. The author of Roderic submitted to no degredation in becoming the biographer of Nelson; and the history of the campaigns in. Spain, will, we doubt not, continue to be read with avidity, when many ephe meral epics have perished, and the heroic numbers which were intended to eternize their memory shall be wholly forgotten.

Twelve easy Masses, calculated for Small Choirs, by V. Novello, Organist to the Portuguese Embassy in London.

THIS respectable work, forming three volumes, the first of 107 pages, the second of 90, and the third of 101 (298 inclusively) may be justly regarded as an high acquisition to the lovers and students of sacred harmony. The author of the selection expresses his de

sign in the following words: "Utility has been the principal object in forming this little collection of easy masses. With this view, those compositions have been selected, which are in a simple familiar style; and the different voices for which they are written, have been varied in such a manner, as to be adapted to almost every kind of choir, whether possessing trebles or not.—

In order still further to facilitate the performance, a separate accompaniment for the organ has been added, in which all the harmonies are fully drawn out, and directions given for the proper managament of the stops."

This publication is well worthy of a full and minute analysis, but even a cursory survey is sufficient to evince that a strict regard to correctness of harmony, and purity of style, conformable to the nature and due expression of sacred words is steadily preserved: however, it is both proper and incumbent to notice (as the limits of our page may admit) such portions of these excellent compositions as are more eminently entitled to respectful attention, which is justly directed to the first mass (Vol. 1, p. 1) termed "the Gregorian Mass de Angelis." The organ accompaniment is by V. Novello, and abounds in rich and elegant harmonies, distributed throughout in the most judicious and masterly manner.

It may be observed, that the melodies of Gregorian music consist of the most natural and pleasing intervals in the diatonic scale, and are formed originally from the antient Greek modes. These fine melodies admit, and even inspire as it were, good and solid bases, and are consequently capable of the most affecting and effective chords in a series of their modulation. Among these melodies, notwithstanding their Occasional similarity, the natural gracefulness and suavity are such, as never to tire the car from repetition.

We cordially recommend a diligent perusal of these three volumes, considering them as a publication of the sublime class, notwithstanding their modest title of "Easy Masses," and, as hinted above, shall feel it both a gratification and a duty to direct the attention of our musical readers to some select articles among them, in a future number.

Shakspeare's Dramatic Songs, &c. by Wm. Linley, Esq. (Concluded from page 357.) "Fear no more the Heat of the Sun." (Cymbeline, Act 4, Sc. 2d).

* Vide Rousseau's Dictionnaire de Musique, (à Paris: 4to) 1768. Art. Plain Chant, p. 379. Martini, L'Ecole d'Orgue, &c.

This elegant and pathetic composi tion of the late Dr. Nares appears to great advantage in this ingenious and classical publication, decorated by the addition of the two verses which were omitted by the Dr. but are now skilfully incorporated by our author in the most appropriate and effective style.

In Othello (Act 3d, Sc. 2d) Mr. Linley has given the words "And let me the Canakin clink" as a round, in which Cassio and Montano join Iago, which produces a spirited effect: the air has much vivacity, and the three several voice parts are skilfully diversified.

The remaining song in this play, of Desdemona, p. 66. The poor Soul sat sighing" is a beautiful and pathetic strain. The passage at the words "her Hand on her Bosom," to a sweet suc

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cession of the chords 56 &c. has the 8 4

most captivating effect. Page 67 (in the minor mode) is elegantly contrasted with the former one, and the return (to the major) naturally and pleasingly brought about. P. 68 is also admirable, especially that rich bar in contrary motion, and the following, with the imperfect cadence on C sharp, minor (10 and 11) also the expression of the terminating words, "sing willow," and the concluding four bars of symphony are admirably appropriate.

We have now carefully, and we trust candidly, reviewed Mr. Linley's ingenious and operose series of vocal composition in honour of our immortal poet, both the design and execution of which reflect the greatest credit on his laudable and spirited undertaking. An appendix remains to be noticed, consisting entirely of the music in Mac beth, generally considered as the com position of Matthew Locke; but strong, and to us convincing arguments, are adduced by Mr. Linley, to shew, that the work is truly to be attributed to John Eccles. (See the introduction to vol. ii.) The subject is sufficiently interesting to furnish a separate article in a future number. The arrangement of the music of Macbeth in the appendix in this volume is by Mr. Samuel Wesley, of which the Editor writes in terms of high encomium, (see introduction, p. 2) and which is executed in an able, correct, and effective manner.

She Birth day of the Duke of KENT was celebrated by a splendid public Festival at Fishmongers' Hall, in testimony of esteem for that princely and patriotic spirit which, in connecting His Royal Highness's patronage with every cause of knowledge and benevolence, has justly endeared him to every friend of his country.

ATURDAY, November the Second,

The great demand for tickets, early made it necessary for the Committee of Management to limit their number to what the Hall could conveniently accommodate: and notwithstanding the very unfavourable state of the weather, with the exception of places kept for the distinguished visitors and Stewards, every seat was occupied long before the diuner hour. Shortly after six o'clock, the national melody of "God Save the King" from the Duke of KENT's band in the orchestra, announced the approach of the LORD MAYOR, who was preceded by the Stewards, and accompanied by the party intended for the cross table. After Grace by the Rev. G. F. BATES, the Chaplain, his Lordship took the Chair, supported by his Royal Highness the Duke of SUSSEX, his Serene Highness the Duke of ORLEANS, Lord MONTFORT, Sir JOHN SINCLAIR, Bart. Sir DAVID DUNDAS, Bart. Hon. WASHINGTON SHIRLEY, General WETHERALL, Vice-admiral TAYLOR, Colonels BLAKE, GAIT KELL, and C. DowNIE, Aldermen Sir CHARLES FLOWER, Bart. Sir Jous EAMER, J. J. SMITH, HEYGATE, and Cox: Mr. Alderman BRIDGES and RoBERT KIRRY, Esq. Sheriff's; Sir TuoMAS BELL and J. T. THORP, Esq. the late Sheriffs; Sir WILLIAM RAWLINS, JOHN BLADES, Esq. Mr. J. THOMSON, the Honorary Secretary, THOMAS BODLEY, Esq. one of the Wardens of the Hall, Mr. TowSE, WILLIAM AGAR, Esq. King's Counsel, many Reverend Gentlemen, Naval and Military Officers, who attended in full uniform, and a long list of other persons of the highest respectability. Over the heads of the company waved the royal and civic banners, with the emblazoned armorial ensigns of the Corporation; and in the sideboard recesses was placed the massive gold and silver plate belonging to the Hall. Many elegantly dressed ladies (friends of the Stewards) were in the surrounding gallery; and at this moment, the toute Europ. Mag. Vol. LXX. Nvo. 1816.

ensemble, combined with the occasion of this truly national Festival, presented ́a spectacle at once sublime and interesting.

After" NON NOBIS, DOMINE!" when the cloth was removed, the LORD MAYOR gave the usual toasts of The KING," in respectful silence; "The PRINCE REGENT;" and "The QUEEN and PRINCESSES;" which were succeeded by the usual national and patriotic airs, and received with the most unanimous applause. His Lordship then proposed the health of "the Princess CHARLOTTE of WALES and the Prince of SAXE COBURG, and may their union ever prove a source of felicity to themselves, and of prosperity to the nation;" which was drank with enthusiasm, and followed by "Love among the roses," by Mr. J. SMITH. While the remaining toasts of the Royal Family were in progress from the Chair,

The LORD MAYOR rose, and expressed his hope, that as the meeting was convened for the purpose of paying a tribute to the Duke of KENT, they would allow him an early opportu nity of giving effect to their wishes, by proposing the health of this distinguished patron of public charity.-It was not strictly agreeable to etiquette to take this course; but when they reflected upon the occasion of the Festival, the great character of the individual, and when they were told that he only remained abroad to enable himself, on his return, to redouble his efforts in the cause of charity, they would feel as he (the Chairman) did, the necessity of paying, at an early mo ment, this deserved tribute of sincere respect. [Great applauses.] There was, at one time, some reason to expect that his Royal Highness would have been present at the meeting to-day that expectation, however, was, from particular circumstances, disappointed; and the return of his Royal Highness to this country was not now to be cal culated upon for some months. But it must be a satisfaction to his Royal Highness to know, that in his absence the public, who had derived so much benefit from his services and so much edification from his example, were so forward to testify their gratitude and esteem [Applauses]. To such a testimony, indeed, the Duke of KENT way

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eminently entitled; but that was fully known to every gentleman in the meeting which he had the honour to address. For among that meeting he had the pleasure to recognize many of those benevolent individuals whom he was in the habit of seeing on the various public occasions, in which the Duke of KENT evinced his solicitude to promote the cause of charity. He saw before him, indeed, gentlemen of all political parties and all religious denominations, who were forward to second the exertions of this benevolent Prince. Having, therefore, witnessed the zeal and activity of his Royal Highness at the seve 'ral beneficent Institutions served and honoured by his patronage, there could be no necessity to enter into any detail of his merits upon this occasion [Ap. plauses]. The LORD MAYOR Concluded with proposing the health of " His Royal Highness the Duke of KENT the Patron of charity-the promoter of education-the ornament of his country-and the friend of the human race!" This toast having been drank with loud, and long continued acclamation,

The Duke of Sussex rose, and was saluted by an universal burst of applause. Upon silence being restored, his Royal Highness begged leave, on the part of his Illustrious Relative, to express the most grateful acknowledgments for the distinguished honour which the company had been pleased to confer upon him. He regretted his ab sence, as the task of addressing the meeting had thus fallen into less competent hands. If his Illustrious Relative had been present, inspired as he must have been with appropriate feelings of gratitude and regard, he would have addressed his assembled friends with greater force, and have conveyed his sense of the honour done him in more glowing and expressive language; but he could not have felt that honour more deeply, or been actuated by warmer sentiments of zeal and attachment, than the individual who now joined in his praises, and offered himself as his substitute [Great applauses]. He felt with more force and satisfaction this effusion of gratitude-this unequivocal testimony of regard in the absence of his Royal Brother. For had his Illustrious Relative been present, the modesty of his nature would have been embarrassed, and shrinking from so high a compliment he would have been actually unable to give expression to the

feelings it was calculated to excite. This, which happened to be the anniversary of his birth, was indeed a proud day for him, but he felt it to be an equally proud day for every Member of the Royal Family; for such distinguished marks of esteem and applause could not fall upon one member of a Family without reflecting some rays of honour upon all the rest; and it also presented the grateful spectacle of an union of all parties in testifying their cordial gratitude to one of that Family who had conciliated their regard by his exertions to benefit humanity [Applauses]. This meeting, indeed, fully evinced, that the Prince who would really serve the English people might confidently calculate upon the devotion of their hearts [ Applauses]. Such a mark of distinction as he had just witnessed, and emanating from such an assembly, must serve to inspire the whole Royal Family with gratitude, and he could assure the meeting that he had his full share of that feeling [.4pplauses]. It had been well observed by the LORD MAYOR, and it was a source of additional satisfaction to reflect, that this meeting comprehended men of all the religious sects and political parties in the country. It was, indeed, a truly Catholic meeting, assembled to confer the highest honour upon his Illustrious Relative, and upon all the Royal Family; and if any thing could heighten the value of the esteem testified, and the distinction conferred by the unanimous zeal of so respectable a meeting, it was his knowledge of the manner in which it was composed, and the universality of the interests that it repre sented. It had been said to the prejudice of our country, and perhaps of our nature, that we were prone to quarrel with each other in matters of opinionthat the mass of society was readily dis posed to fall asunder into varying sects and parties-aud that there were few points in which we agreed; and perhaps it must be confessed, that from au ardent temper and want of reflection in some, and an obstinate unyielding character in others, there was a good deal of truth in the remark; but here was a point in which there was the most per fect concurrence- in admiring univer sal charity and benevolence there was no dissension [ Loud applauses]. He was proud and rejoiced at seeing in the meeting, men of different political sentiments and religious persuasions