a

That throne is cold-that lyre in death unstrung,
On whose proud note delighted wonder hung,

mens, true tear-drops of poesy. Ile knows that Yet old Oblivion, as in wrath he sweeps,

altogether they do not do justice to the whole man, One spot shall spare-the grave where Shakspeare sleeps. They are offshoots from a fruitful vine. They Rulers and ruled in common gloom may lie,

were thrown off, at odd times, behind the counter But Nature's laureate bards shall never die. Ari's chiseled boast and Glory's trophied shore, and in the banking house, to answer some special Must live in numbers, or can live no more.

call. They are the plays and not the works of While sculptured Jove some nameless waste may claim,

their author.
Stills rolls ihe Olympic car in Pindar's fame;
Troy's doubtful walls in ashes passed away,
Yet frown on Greece in Homer's deathless lay;

THE OLD PEW.
Rome, slowly sinking in her crumbling fanes,
Stands all immortal in her Maro's strains ;

BY ANNE A. FREMONT.
So 100, yon giant empress of the isles,

OR! the old pew at church, where in childhood I On whose broad sway the sun forever smiles, To time's upsparing rage one day must bend,

sat, And all her triumphs in her Shakspeare end !

With its warm crimson cushions, and rush-woven

mat, At this very moment, Hamlet and Horatio are In each act and each feeling of life 't has borne part, more real to the world than William the Conqueror It is linked with my memory, shrined in my heart. and William Rufus. We do not think that When first a young thing on the seat perched I enough praise has been bestowed, of late years, stood, upon this admirable ode. Some portions are tur- And was coaxed with a sweetmeat or cake to be gid and over gorgeous, but there is much of the good, highest excellence and in various styles.

Many times with a run and a bump I came down,

Which caused some to smile, and made others half There is not an epithet applied at random, not

frown. a word which does not add to the significance of the expression. Every stanza may be dissected

Even now, through the distance of long changeful

years, with a miscroscope, or the whole may be seen from I oft think, with a smile that is yet dimmed by tears, afar through the telescope. With the single excep- How I must thy meek spirit, dear mother, have tion of Dryden's “ Alexander's Feast,” the “Shak- tried, speare Ode” is as good as anything of the kind When, brimful of mischief, pressing close to thy side, in the language. We commend to our read- I pulled the soft fur from thy mantle, then blew ers a purusal of Garrick's production on a similar The light pieces aloft, which attracting thy view, occasion, if they wish to see the difference be- Towards my own laughing one, turned thy grave tween the work of their countryman and that of a gentle face, pretentious mediocrity. We have now in hand, Where the look of reproof strangely seemed out also, a collection of the odes, which were compet

of place. itors for the prize, when Mr. Sprague bore off Ah! gay thoughtless child, though my light footthe crown. His poem is as much before the best

Unrestrained and unawed in the house of my God, of them as it is before Garrick's.

When But after all, it remains to say, at last, that it

years knowledge brought, was it not a worse

part, is almost a shame that Mr. Sprague has not writ- To walk there with hushed tread but a murmuring ten more, and more often triumphantly upheld the heart? cause of true poetry and good English. In his E'en the bright dreams of youth caught a purer own words applied to another he “has not stooped tone there, to fame," but neither has he yet presented to the And when first my heart learnt the stern lesson of world a fair sample of his powers. What he has

care, done is admirable, but from it the reader scarce Mid the storm and the darkness of earth's bitter gets a juster idea of the man than of the glories of

grief, the firmament from a single twinkling star. His

I still there ever found for my sorrow relief. energy and versatility of mind, his wit, humor, Alas! both my loved parents from life have now powers of description, his imagination, his affec- past, tions, his knowledge, are yet almost unknown to

And change too, time's shadow, a dark gloom has his contemporaries. This, to be sure, is not criti- O'er that spot, where for loved ones in vain I now cism, but it is sorry truth. What “ he has writ

search ; ten he has written,” however, and he must be Oh ! a sad altered place is the old pew at church. judged accordingly, But the writer of these But, though changed in its aspect, the same as of paragraphs has had the privilege of sitting at the

yore feet of Gamaliel, and has drawn, he humbly Is its power the heart's vanished peace to restore, hopes, some instruction from those lips which he And the blest words there heard, and the holy reverences and loves. He has intended, in this

hymns sung, article, to speak the words of truth and sober- Are the same as on childhood's delighted ear rung ness—he feels able, at any rate, to give both chap- When the organ's rich notes through the aisles float ter and verse for the opinions which have been ex

along,

I oft deem angel voices are mingling among, pressed. But he knows the man who wrote these And helping their music. Oh? in vain may we poems-is acquainted with most of the circum

search stances that called thom forth—and has watched For so hallowed a spot as the old pew at church. that affection which produced their choicest speci

Sharpe's Magazine.

steps trod

cast

QUEEN ELIZABETH'S HAIR, &C.

| beautiful Manual of Prayers, encased in gold,

enamelled, as it is believed, by George Heriot, as We copy part of the proceedings of the Archæological a new year's gift, long worn by Queen Elizabeth, Institute from the Gentleman's Magazine.

appended to her girdle, is a relic well worthy to It remains for us to give some account of the be preserved in the cabinet of her gracious majesty. temporary museum which was arranged in the Mr. Curzon displayed also some precious rarities King's House in the Close, and which, it was from Egypt and the East. The Marquess of generally observed, surpassed all previous collec- Northampton produced many choice specimens of tions, formed during the meetings of the Institute antique glass and antique Roman art, the fruits in other counties; not only in early British re- of researches conducted by him in Italy. Numermains, of which a large display might well be ous paintings of great interest, works of Holbein, anticipated in a district so rich in tumuli, camps, Cranach, and various masters of the Italian and and remains of primeval occupation, but likewise German schools, graced the walls of the chamber. in works of art of a high class and very instructive Here were also rich embroideries and arras hangcharacter. Of the former class of antiquities—the ings, adding very much to the picturesque effect vestiges of the Celtic tribes or the Belgic settlers of the ensemble ; drawings of great beauty by Mr. in Wiltshire, a rich collection was exhibited from Henry Shaw, views of the Wiltshire churches and the stores of the Rev. Edward Duke, Mr. Hay- architectural remains by Mr. John Britton and Mr. ward, Mr. Cunnington, and other Wiltshire anti- Owen Carter ; a splendid collection of drawings quaries. The scattered traces of warlike or domes- of Italian monuments, sent by the Earl of Shrewstic customs during the most obscure part of English bury; numerous illuminated manuscripts, among history were here classed in a very instructive which was one of the most precious specimens of manner; the primitive age of stone, with its rude English art extant, the Life of St. Cuthbert, from weapons or implements of flint or bone, by the side the library of Sir W. Lawson, Bart. The Hon. of which were placed rare and very curious exam- Board of Ordnance contributed several specimens ples from America, was properly distinguished of armor, especially a remarkable tilting helm, from the succeeding period, when the working in lately purchased at Stowe for the Tower armory. bronze was practised with much skill; and this The Marquess of Ailesbury sent for the gratificaagain was followed by the prevalent use of iron, in tion of the Society the precious relics preserved at a more advanced stage of civilization. The defi- Tottenham Park, the sword once wielded by the ciency, so frequent a cause of complaint, of an Bruce, by Wallace, and by Hotspur; with the adequate series of British antiquities in the national invaluable relic of feudal usages, traditionally collection, renders such a museum as was formed associated with the rangership of Savernake Forin Salisbury by the efforts of the Institute, an est, the Bruce horn, richly mounted in enamelled object not merely of gratification to the curious vis- silver. With these relics, replete with historical itor, but replete with valuable information to the interest, we noticed one of more simple aspect, the student, who seeks in vain for similar advantages pen-case of stamped leather, which hung at the in the British Museum. The comparison of objects girdle of Henry VII., an undoubted memento of from more remote parts of England with those of that sovereign, preserved in Mr. Curzon's museum, this county, was especially interesting ; with Brit- at Parham; also the betrothal ring of Darnley, a ish or Anglo-Roman antiquities from Amesbury, relic of the ill-fated Mary of Scotland, of most or the surprising works surrounding Silbury and touching interest; it was found at Fotheringay, Devizes, were here to be examined specimens from and bears the united initials, bound by a true-love Cornwall, sent by the Duke of Northumberland, knot, with the arms and name of “ Henri L. Darnunique ornaments from Scotland, contributed by ley, 1565," the date of his alliance with the Queen Mr. Dundas and Mr. Talbot, a profusion of exam- of Scots. Another royal relic of the same age ples from Norfolk and the eastern counties, sent was regarded with much curiosity, a lock of hair, from the Cambridge Antiquarian Society, from Mr. of bright anburn color, presented by Queen ElizaNeville's valuable museum at Audley End, from beth to Sir Philip Sidney, by her own fair hand, in the collections of Mr. Fitch, Mr. one, Mr. 1573. It was preserved in a copy of the Arcadia, Whincopp of Woodbridge, Mr. Harwood, and preserved in the library at Wilton House, and was other well-known archæologists.

at length brought to light by a fortunate accident ; In one part of the picturesque old saloon of the a copy of verses by Sidney being found with the King's House, might be seen an unrivalled series hair. The rhymes evince his loyal attachment to of examples of the art of enamelling, from the his royal mistress, rather than his poetical fervor. Roman and Anglo-Saxon age to the choicest pro- This highly curious object was, produced by the ductions of Limoges, in the times of Francis I. Right Hon. President of the Institute, as one of Here the contributions of the Hon. Robert Curzon, the choicest relics preserved at Wilton. The rich in works from the Levant, and rare sacred graceful effect of the arrangement of the museum ornaments from the monasteries of Greece, were was greatly enhanced by the display of a very rich unrivalled; some enamels of the choicest descrip- collection of Chinese embroideries and costume, tion were brought by Mr. Farrer, whose specimens most kindly entrusted for exhibition by the Hon. of ivory carving, with other works of art of a most Mrs. Sidney Herbert. They comprised a unique valuable description, attracted much notice. His assemblage of the attire of a mandarin of highest

a

VER.

class and his lady, and had been brought from have not the time nor means to institute. The China by Admiral Hardwick. Several embroid- internals marks of accuracy, however, which eries of a more archæological character, but less strike the eye at once, are quite satisfactory, and attractive in richness of color, excited the curiosity we have great pleasure in calling to this book the of the visitors, especially some remarkable speci- attention of professors and students, as well as of mens of early needlework from Compton Verney, intelligent readers generally.-N. Y. Recorder. sent by Lord Willoughby de Broke. The remark

Chalmers' Posthumous Works. Vol. 8. New able collections of ancient watches, brought by

York: Harper & Brothers.
Octavius Morgan, Esq., M. P., and Sir Charles
Fellowes, attracted universal interest. The rapid-

This volume, in the valuable series of Posthuity with which this rare assemblage of varied mous Works of Dr. Chalmers, edited by his sonremains of the olden time was brought together in-law, Dr. Hanna, includes the remaining porrendered the preparation of a printed catalogue tion of his Institutes of Theology, viz., the Subimpracticable, but one will be given, with illustra-ject-matter, and the Extent of the Gospel Remedy, tions, in the volume of transactions of the meeting with supplementary Lectures on the Trinity.

The form and the scope of this work, and its great NEW BOOKS.

value, we sufficiently indicated in our notice of The Whale and his Captors; or, the Whaleman's

the preceding volume.-N. Y. Recorder. Adventures and the Whale's Biography, as gathered on the Homeward Cruise of the “Com- has just been published by the Harpers, which

“A Copious and Critical English-Latin Lexicon" modore Preble.” By Rev. HENRY T. CHEE- must supersede every similar work now in use in

With engravings. 16mo. pp. 314. Har- schools and colleges throughout the United States, per & Brothers.

as it has already done in England. This is a very handsomely printed volume, and One very great defect in the systems of classical contains a generous number of exceedingly spir- instruction pursued in the United States, has been ited and taking illustrations. But these are the exercise which is properly made the chief instru

the neglect of Latin and Greek composition-an least excellences of the book. It is full of infor- ment in the acquisition of modern languages, and the mation on Whales and Whaling, communicated un-propriety of which in studying ancient languages der attractive forms, and cannot fail of the happy is no less decided and apparent. Within a few moral effect of both winning sympathy for the years past a marked improvement has been made sailor, and raising the sailor himself to higher in this respect; and we believe it is still in progand better thoughts. It is a book for the land ress. The practice of Greek and Latin composiand the sea, for the parlor and the forecastle, and tion has been introduced into nearly all the classical will do good in both. Our own copy is already have been found to attend it everywhere, must

schools of the couniry, and the good results that sadly soiled by constant use, and we have had it contribute powerfully to its still more general introscarcely ten days. We hope Mr. Cheever has duction. The increased devotion of schools to this “a few more of the same sort left.”—N. Y. Re- branch of education, has rendered absolutely indiscorder.

pensable a better Lexicon, for translating English

into Latin, than has hitherto been used. A System of Ancient and Mediæval Geography, for Prof. Anthon, under whose editorial supervision

the use of Schools and Colleges. By CHARLES this work has been reprinted, says that “ We have ANTHON, LL. D. New York: Harper & Broth- had no work in the English language at all deserv8vo. pp. 769.

ing of being compared with it ;" and he expresses The information on the subjects embraced in the confident hope that it will entirely supersede this book, which the student could gather, if at been used. Language so emphatic as this, and from

the “ wretched compilations" which have hitherto all, only by wide reading in a variety of direc- a source of so high authority, certainly renders tions, is here brought together in compact form, needless any commendation from us. The work and available for instant use. We have rarely has been compiled, by years of close and unremitted met a book, whether for purposes of instruction labor, from the German-Latin Dictionary of Dr. C. or reference, more needed than this, or one which, F. Georges, with the aid of a great number of other in our view, will be more welcomed and approved. Esmond Riddle and Thomas Kerchever Arnold,

valuable works from various sources—by Joseph The study of History without the accompanying both of whom are widely known as eminent English study of Geography, must necessarily be imper- scholars, and as having performed the most signal fect, indeed, hardly deserves the name. There services to the cause of classical education. The has been a deplorable deficiency, in this respect, American edition has been prepared under the both in our schools and colleges, and among more direction of Prof. Drisler, one of the most accuadvanced students. We cannot but hope that the rate and accomplished philologists in the country, appearance of this volume will contribute to the and is introduced, as already stated, under the edi

torial supervision of Dr. Anthon. It is printed in correction of the evil. The verification of the

a single, thick, compact, elegant volume, in a style book by reference to authorities must be the work uniforin with that of the other similar works of long use, or of special examinations which we issued by the Harpers.-N. Y. Courier.

ers.

1

POETRY.-Resignation, 64.-The Dead Child; One Saint More, 89.-The Old Pew, 93. SHORT ARTICLES.-Evangelical Melodies, 64.-Queen Elizabeth's Hair, &c., 94.-New Books, 95.

LITTELL'S LIVING AGE.—No. 296.-19 JANUARY, 1850.

From the Westminster Review. and that it is, in fact, nearly unintelligible to those Las Papillotos (The Curl-papers) de Jasmin, Coiffur, who know no French but French of Paris. Yet,

de las Académios d' Agen et de Bordéou. Agen : notwithstanding this serious disadvantage, the sterProsper Noubel, 1843–1845.

ling excellence of his poetry has won a way for it ; EVERYBODY has heard of the Troubadours, and and if, with the mass, it is not everywhere so most people have some notion of their own as to popular as on the banks of the Garonne, its beauties who and what they were. These notions, how- have universally been appreciated, at least, by the ever, are, we suspect, rarely definite, and still more more competent and discerning. The most disrarely just. Wonderful, on comparison, would be tinguished critics of the capital itself, not always the discrepancy between them-amusing would be too ready to discover or 10 recognize provincial the variety in its conceptions, which, on this as on merit, hailed him with enthusiasm, when, rambling many other questions, that respectable class termed like a true minstrel, he appeared amongst them “ well-informed people” would exhibit. A few reciting his verses ; and in the difficult saloons of learned men are tolerably acquainted with the sub-a city, where unaided genius to be successful must ject, and know the rank in the history of literature be genius indeed, the Gascon bard conquered for to which the troubadours are entitled, but we believe himself a fame of which any man might well be they are few indeed. Most people associate with proud. Ampère, Charles Nodier, Saint-Beuve, the name of these minstrels only confused and and Lamartine were among the loudest in their misplaced ideas of ladye-loves, bowers, a peculiar praises ; the last, indeed, went so far as to say that garb, the dark ages, and guitars. Their works Jasmin was " the truest and greatest poet of the are less known than those of the Fathers. The age;" and the exaggerated terms of this testimony Druids do not possess a more dim and shadowy must not be allowed to detract from its real value. existence in the imagination of the mass. Many As for his native Gascony, where the language have no further acquaintance with the matter than in which Jasmin writes is not only well understood, that, like a bandit, a pilgrim, or a Jew, a trouba- but, as being now the patois of the people, is to dour makes an excellent character for a fancy ball. them peculiarly expressive and heart-touching, he

But however different may be the opinions enter- is there held in universal honor. His countrymen tained on other points connected with the trouba- of that province are intensely proud of him. He dours, on one at least there would probably be all is to them what Burns is to the Scottish peasantry, but unanimity ; nearly all, we are persuaded, would only, he meets with his honors in his lifetime. agree in asserting that the time of those worthies Fêtes and banquets await him when he visits any is long since gone by, and that it is centuries since of their towns, multitudes crowd to hear him recite the last of the tuneful brethren sang his latest Jay. his poems, his progress from place to place is a Men, neverthless, often coincide only in their errors, perpetual triumph, and the unabating enthusiasm and this we proclaim to be one. The golden age that everywhere greets him shows that the fame of the troubadours may be past, but the race is which Toulouse, the city of Clemence Isaure, not extinct ; time may have modified the externals, acknowledged years ago by presenting him with but the spirit remains. For, dwelling in their its golden laurel, has since been successfully mainvery country, and singing in their very language, tained. differing in short from his predecessors in little Agen is a small town prettily situated on the inore than this, that he far excels the best of them reedy Garonne. In its principal square is to be in genius, there exists at this present day a real found a small shop, the front of which, shaded by living troubadour; his name is Jasmin, and we an overhanging blind of blue cloth, bears the have seen him.

legend, “ Jasinin. Coiffeur de jeunes gens.” For, The poetry of this singular man is not known the truth must be told, “ the truest and greatest in this country as it deserves to be. A short poet of the age” keeps a shop, and is a hair-dresser notice of it, indeed, appeared some years ago in a -the fingers that sweep the lyre handle also the weekly periodical, and one or two of his smaller scissors, and scraps of verses serve to test the heat pieces have even been translated into English ; but of curling-irons. Can such things be? Can a we are persuaded, that by a great majority, even inan who is a hair-dresser hope for immortality? of those best acquainted with modern French Has he any right to bear up against the prejudices literature, the poet of Agen has never been heard to which he must feel himself obnoxious ? That of. In France itself his reputation is not so widely ploughmen and shepherds may tune their pipes or so universally spread as is that of many of his and sing, we can all readily understand ; idyls and contemporaries much his inferiors in merit ; nor, georgics come naturally from their occupations ; indeed, is it wonderful that it should be so, when but a hair-dresser—with all due respect to the we consider that the language in which he writes worshipful company of barbers—seems inexorably is now looked on only as the patois of a province, I forbidden to make any acquaintance with the muse,

7

CCXCVI.

LIVING AGE.

VOL. XXIV.