J. C. asks for a small treatise on Light and Shade, chiefly for shading illuminations. M. S. wishes to know where these lines occur : Oh, think that while you're weeping here, without a tear His Saviour's praise is singing.' M. G. would be much obliged if the Editor of The Monthly Packet, or any of his Correspondents, would give her any information about the Seal of David. It is mentioned in The Olive Leaf, by the Rev. W. W. Malet, and the design of it is given there; but M. G. much wishes for some account of its history, &c. Helen ought to write to Queen's College, Harley Street, for a full prospectus. There is no Training School connected with that Institution; and board and lodging for college pupils are not included in the terms. It would save trouble if some of our Correspondents would make their different applications at the Institutions themselves. E. D. R.-Address to Sister Monica, St. Michael's Sisterhood of the Poor, Luke Street, Paul Street, Finsbury, E. C., who acknowledges the further receipt of 5s. in stamps. L. B. is thanked for 5s. in stamps for this Sisterhood; L., for 5s. for The Parochial Mission Women Association. St. Andrew's Waterside Mission, Gravesend.-The following sums have been received with grateful thanks, together with several parcels of books : s. d. CHARLES E. R. ROBINSON, M. A., Treasurer. Contributors should send their name and address, not for publication, but to enable the Treasurer to send them news from time to time of the Mission they have generously helped. E. A. Freeman desires to thank Mrs. A. L. E., Shropshire, for the Parcel sent to The Home for Invalid Children, 70, Montpelier Road, Brighton. The following donations for the Convalescent Home at Scarborough for Poor Gentlewomen are acknowledged by Miss Nevile :-E. C. P., 5s. ; G. C., 5s. ; Anon., 1s. 8d. St. Luke's Mission, Burdett Road, Stepney.-The Rev. William Wallace gratefully acknowledges the following donations:-L. H., 10s.; R. M., (annually) £5; C. F., £2 for the Church, £2 for the Poor; L. E. S., £3 12s. for the Mission; A. C., 2s. 6d. ; F. M. L., a Parcel. Donations promised: towards a Font-towards a Window. Post-office Orders may be made payable at the Office, Bow Road, E. John and Charles Mozley, Printers, Derby. IN the second Canto, Dante begins to feel his courage unequal to the task, and asks his guide whether he has really strength to undertake the proposed journey, whereupon Virgil, to reassure him, relates the circumstances which led to his own intervention. For Beatrice had herself descended from Paradise to entreat him to go to Dante's succour in his present dangers: and on Virgil's asking how it was she could bear for one moment to leave the joys of heaven, she replied that when sitting with Rachel (the type of the contemplative life) she had received a message from the divine mercy by the hands of Lucia, (the type of illuminating grace,) announcing that he who had loved her so much on earth was then in deadly peril, and bidding her go to his assistance, On this Beatrice had descended to ask Virgil's help, who as we have seen arrived in time to save Dante from the attacks of the wolf. The latter on hearing this, feels his courage revive, and the two poets together begin their journey through the dark wood. The third Canto, one of the most celebrated of the whole poem, needs little explanation. The 59th line must be understood to refer to Celestine V., who was induced to abdicate the Papacy, and afterwards imprisoned by order of Boniface, his successor. His subsequent canonization proves that Dante's opinion of him was not confirmed by later generations. Our readers should notice the art with which, in this and future cantos, the whole apparatus, so to speak, of the pagan Tartarus is employed, without the slightest injury to the religious feeling which throughout underlies the narrative. Charon, Minos, Cerberus, and the like, are (what they could not be in Virgil) devils, clothed for convenience' sake in the garb and office familiar to those conversant with classical mythology; so that we have no mere colourless reproduction of other poets' imaginations, but a terrible reality imparted to each character, and enforced on the reader's mind by some or other diabolic trait appropriate to each. Our readers should compare the Charon of the sixth book of the Æneid with Dante's conception, and they will see that there is nothing in the VOL. 7. 8 PART 38. heathen poet to match the ideas contained in such passages as line 84-87, and 109-111 of this third Canto. And the same is the case in other instances also. THE INFERNO.-CANTO III. Through me the road lies unto sorrow's city, Before me nought created my Inventor, Save things that die not, and I live immortal; These words of dull dark colour I discerned: Lo, here the place and object of my mission, Where thou shalt see the wretched souls abiding, 10 20 All in that air of gloom without a morrow, 30 The souls inherit who on earth remained Heaven drave them forth, its beauty's clouds dispelling, O Master, why such grievous lamentation?" And to such shame doth their blind life ally them, Speak not of them; one look, and then pass by them.' Then I beheld, and lo a banner rising, Which onward sped, and filled my mind with wonder, And next a troop of spirits followed under; So I hardly could believe that death had ever many souls from bodies rent asunder. Then some to recognize did I endeavour, And saw his ghost, who made, in sloth immersed, In righteous deeds, alike displeasure giving Which, mingled with their tears' distressful torrent, 6 When we with steadfast feet thereunto tending 40 50 60 70 80 Ne'er hope to see the land of bliss supernal, Go from among the dead: why shouldst thou tarry?'— 'By other ports and ways 'tis necessary Thou shouldst pass over, who no pass hast earned; To him my guide, Charon, be not concerned; So it is there willed where the power remaineth The will to accomplish; more may not be learned.' Then that hoar face its quietude regaineth Of him the steersman of the leaden river, With gnash of teeth and colour changed appearing, At the evil strand which their deep woe enhances, Gathers them all with signs within his tether, Drop one by one from off the shore when beckoned, So o'er the wave they go with tale full reckoned, |