WHILE the "Irish Melodies" are principally confined to subjects local to the land of his birth, the National Airs breathe a wider range of sympathies. The melodies to which the words are linked are likewise chosen from various nations. This will account for the greater variety of sentiment and harmony displayed in this selection; which, however, has not had, by any means, so wide a popularity as the more limited work. Nevertheless, some of Moore's finest lyrics are to be found in this comparatively neglected child of the Bard. We would more particularly allude to the surprising range of thought and feeling here displayed. There is scarcely a chord in the human heart which is not touched in them. For pensive, devotional feeling, there are "Those Evening Bells," Hark, the Vesper Hymn is Stealing" and "See the Dawn

from Heaven;" for sentiment, "All that's Bright must Fade," and "Flow on, thou Shining River”— but the reader will, no doubt, prefer choosing for himself.

Although Byron has, in one or two instances, dashed off a far nobler lyric than any which Moore has produced, yet the latter is par excellence the great English Song-Writer. One of the commonest errors of poetical aspirants is, that it is very easy to write a good song! English literature has in our time produced only four, although hundreds have made the attempt. We allude to Dibdin, Bayly, and Moore, in the old country, and George P. Morris in America. Many of the latter poet's effusions have all the grace and prestige of the English Lyrist's best productions.