The Sun.
London, England, 1863-02-03 00:00:00

Trubner and Co.

There must be something very fascinating in the
art of writing verses, since so many attempt it to
whom the occupation is neither likely to bring
fame nor profit. It is to be conjectured that on the
principle of " virtue being its own reward," the
satisfaction of thinking oneself a poet is sufficient
repayment; and, probably, in most cases an ad-
miring and non-captious public may surround the
writer and listen with awe-struck attention to
spasm3dic tragedy, halting verse, and incompre-
hensible sonnet. If the publications before us
do not exactly come into this category, they
are cerNinly not far enough removed from it to
soar very much above mediocrity. The tragedy of
Lord and Lady Russell appears under the great
d;sadvantage of a translation, but it is not entirely
devoid of power, and we can readily fancy that in
its native form it might be a thrilling and effective
piece. The story turns upon the offence given by the
refusal of the pure and high-minded Lady Russell
to receive the worthless Duchess of Portsmouth
when she visited her house. This belongs to those
appendages to history known as " embroidered
facts," and it is not probable that with Lady Rus-
sell's fervent devotion to her lord, and calm sense,
she would so far have outstripped the borders of
prudence. The work is written with care, and rises
in power towards the close, indeed the last scenes in
the noble victim's prison are almost eloquent. The
translation has received the approbation of the poet,
so we must conclude that it is faithful to the text,
and it is interesting as introducing us to a part of

that Scandinavian literature whose strong sym-
pathies with our own are manifested by the subject
of this very play.

Of " Sir Aberdour, or the Sceptic," there
is not much to say, except that it is a very
poor imitation of Childe Harold, if, indeed
we may compare such an indifferent production
to one of the masterpieces of the English tongue.
The hero is a sceptic, who has forfeited the favour
of a fair maiden of high estate for that reason, and
consequently betakes himself to wander over the
continent and muse on the destinies of Italy,
with a result more gratifying to himself than to the
reader. We should decidedly advise the author to
abandon the profession of letters for the more lucra-
tive one which he claims on the title page, and
rest his hopes of distinction on briefs and pleaders,
rather than on such rhymes as " mamma" and
" saw," or such Alexandrines as
"Ay tremble; the Calabrian fiends here may fl ock."

We have heard a r iyming dictionary gravely re-
commended to an ambitious versifier by a well-
meaning but unpoetic friend, and really the advice
would not always be unprofitable. We leave Sir
Aberdour and his Dandreary transformation of " a"
into "ow" and we come in Mr. Wilson's "Short
Poems" to such exquisite melody of words as "Italy"
and "bitterly," and still more astonishing, " armies"
and " calm is." Truly double rhymes under such
circumstances are questionable advantages. We
begin to wish for the regulation which proves so
great a fetter w French poets, by making the
rhyme to consist of the three last letters of the
words being the same. It is not ofte❑ that either
writer we have mentioned offends in this way, bat
once is once too often. We fear that for misdi-
rected ambition they are somewhat on a par,
though Mr. Wilson's work, from being much less
pretentious, is much the more pleasing. There is
certainly neither original thought nor elevated ex-
pression, but many of the verses flow melodiously
enough. It is when he is simplest that the
writer is most successful, when he sings the
lament of the little orphan shepherd boy, or tella the
thoughts of the dying girl looking wistfully over
the meadows ; but when he aims at effect, and de-
scribing his lady-love toying with the waters, in-
forms us that—

" The old river shook with a terrible delight,"
we are less sensitive than the river, and decidedly
not impressed. The little volume " Parvula" comes
before the public with the disadvantage of an ab-
surdly affected title-page, which prejudices the
reader at the outset. It is manifestly the work of
a very young writer, and as such gives grounds for
hopes of future improvement. Notwithstanding
many defects, it has something of the freshness and
spirit a a genuine singer, but it is extremely un-
equal, and if ever the author hopes to do better
things, ho must study carefully and prune his com-
positions with an unsparing hand. Diffuseness is
one of his great faults, but the equally common
error of extravagance is not met with. Indeed, he
is often too plain in his language, as when he
begins a poem—

"I walk'd too far the other day."

Studied simplicity may be very effective under the
pen of an experienced writer, but such lines as this
are not poetry. He is sometimes happy in his
images, and we will cite oue as a favourable speci-
men. He is just fresh from a course of astronomi-
cal study, and goes out on a starry night to " con-
sider the heavens." He is surprised to find a
little peasant girl, apparently bent on the same
errand, and questions her.

"Those eyes assumed unwonted light,
'l'm thinking, Sir,' said she,
If Heaven's wrong side be so bright
What must the right side be I'
How vain is knowledge then, I thought,
E'en though to Heaven it reach,
If that which science never taught,
A little girl can teach I
And ye who live in peace and health,
Twin blessings from above,
And revel daily in the wealth
Of friendship and of love;
Oh, think when joys like these delight
Though this side Heaven are ye,
If Heaven's wrong side be so bright
`What must the right side be !"
If "Minimus" will be content to carry out his
objectionable title, and write only a " few" rhymes
for some time to come, he may, with care, produce
something better. Let him not aim at writing
much, but at writing a little well, and instead of
"Parvula," let him endeavour to describe his next
volume as "Multum in Parvo."

The Newspaper Press Directory and Advertiser's
Guide. By C. Mitchell and Co. With the

Newspaper Map of the United Kingdom.
There is little room for criticism with regard to
this old-established Directory, which bears the same
regard to the newspaper press of the United King-
dom as Kelly's monster volume does to the citizens
of the great metropolis. Opening with a summary
of the law of newspapers, which will be useful to
novices, we come, after the alphabetical index, to
the London papers, the provincial papers, the
Welsh, Scotch, and Irish papers, followed by a list
of the journals published in the British Isles, and a
catalogue of the ever-increasing company of maga-
zines, reviews, and periodicals. The journals num-
ber 1,206, the magazines and quarterlies 537, of
which no less than 217 are of a decidedly religious
character. The information giving respecting each
of these periodicals is very serviceable to adver-
tisers, and entitles the Directory to assume the ap-
pellation of " The Advertiser's Guide." We must
not omit to mention the newspaper map, showing
the newspaper representation of each county, and
coloured so as to distinguish the agricultural,
i;
min-
ing, and manufacturing districts. The map
boldly drawn and effectively coloured, an e, is con-
junction with the Directory, affords very ery
the Fourth clear And
comprehensive information respecting
Estate.

Ethnology and Phrenology as an, aid to the Ills_
toriczn.
By J. W. Jackson.
Irubner and Co.
This volume treats of two kindred sciences which,
although too dry and abstuse for general studyiasroel
not without value to the historian and the ptiio
/alien Although the writer puts '• Phrenology" on
his title page, it must not be supposed that he dis-
courses on the minor details of the science as it is
popularly represented, but he refers rather to his
consideration of the mental types of the varying
branches of the great human race. It is a work

which is the result of much thought and labour,
and whether or no the reader subscribe to its in-
genious theories, he will be favourably impressed
by the cliligencti and learning of the author.

Professor Iluxley's Lectures to Working Men.

Hardwicke.

This is a reprint of some very interesting and
able lectures addressed by Professor Huxley to
working men, and designed to give them some idea
of those great principles of natural science which
are so fascinating to thoughtful minds in all classes.
They are simple in style, and clear in meaning,
although by no means " spoken down" to their
audience. There is probably a great deal in them
that few working men would readily follow, but
there is much more that they could easily grasp,
and the difficulties would only stimulate them to
increased mental effort. Such lectures are an
honour to both speaker and audience, and we are
glad to see them in a form which secures their per-
manent utility.

Sin : its causes and consequences, a series of Lent
Lectures. By the Rev. H. Christmas, M.A.

Allen and Co., Leadenhall-street.
The reputation of the Rev. Mr. Christmas is so
well established that the republication of a series
of his lectures can hardly fail to obtain an exten-
sive circulation. At the present time their appear-
ance is especially appropriate, as they were de-
livered during the season of Lent at St. Peter's on
Cornhill, and St. Mildred's in the Poultry. They
have consequently reappeared in time for the annual
return of that epoch, although the great and ♦ital
questions of which they treat ale suitable to every
season. They bear evidence of deep thought and
care, and those who have already heard them
delivered by the able lecturer will probably be glad
to procure them for more deliberate study.

Australian Agricultural Company.

MEETING THIS DAY.

At the half-yearly meeting held to-day of the Australian
Agricultural Company, Mr. Edward Hamilton presiding,
the report stated that the greater part of the cash in hand
may be considered as realized revenue, and is distributable
as such, and as a remittance of £6,000 had been received
during the present month, the directors proposed to appro-
priate the sum of £7,500 to the payment of a dividend of
7s. 6d. per share. The agent in the colony reported the
coal trade to have been unusually dull, which was in a great
degree attributable to the feeling of uncertainty which the
occurrence of the two strikes of the colliers within the past
twelve months was sure to create in the minds of distant
customers. A drought had also prevailed for many months,
and the agent had determined to postpone for a time the
purchase of breeding sheep. The chairman moved the
adop ion of the report, and stated that the trade of New
South Wales was reviving. Negotiations were now pend-
ing for a new postal service via Panama, instead of as at
present by way of Suez. The Governments of New Zea-
land and New South Wales had offered a subsidy of £BO,OOO
for the new route upon certain conditions being accepted
by the Government at home.

SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.

TATTERSALL'S-MONDAY.

The room was well attended, several gentlemen having
gone to Hyde-park Corner for the sale of Mr. Hawkesley's
stud. Betting, however, did not take a very wide range,
although a fe a' outsiders for the Derby appeared to have a
rising tendency. Michael Scott had friends for both that
race and the Two Thousand, but the investments upon him
were not large. For the Chester Cup Le Marechal was in
better odour than on Thursday, and Ben Webster had
friends who did not like to desert a quondam winner. The
City and Suburban was touched upon but very lightly; and
the Liverpool Steeplechase attracted some attention from
the admirers of that description of sport, Master Begot
being on equal terms with Avalanche. Mauchline again
found supporters, but the rest of Lamplugh's lot were un-
mentioned. Light of Other Days was backed by people who
like a horse which they know can jump, and Med Gra found
friends among those who admire intrinsic worth, and will
back an old favourite let the weight be what it may. The
only double event bet that came under our notice was 20 to
1, taken to £lOO, that Hospodar won the Two Thousand
Guineas Stakes, and Lord Clifden the Derby. At 5 o'clock
the closing prices were as follows :

LIVERPOOL STEEPLECHASE.
100 to 6 agst Avalanche (taken)
100 to 6 agst Master Bagot (taken)
20 to 1 agst Northern Light (taken)
20 to 1 agst Medora (taken)
25 to 1 agst Light of other Days (taken)
25 to agst Brewer (taken)
25 to 1 agst Anatis (taken)
25 to 1 agst Mauchline
CITY AND SUBURBAN.
33 to 1 agst Beechy Head (taken)
33 to 1 agst Queen of Spain (taken)
33 to 1 agst Misfortune (taken and offered)
CHESTER CUP.
20 to 1 agst Stradella
1000 to 35 aget Le Marechal
40 to 1 agst Bet, Webster
50 to 1 agst Zetland
50 to 1 agst Bellman
TWO THOUSAND GUINEAS.
7to 2 agst Hospodar
4to 1 agst Saccharometer (taken and offered)
11 to 1 agst Brick (offered)
15 to 1 agst Pratique (taken)
15 to 1 agst Michael Scott (taken)
100 to 6 agst Tom Fool (taken and offered)
THE DERBY.
sto 1 agst Lord Clifien (taken and offered)
9to 1 agst Saccharometer (offered)
100 to 8 agst Hospodar (taken and offered)
1000 to 45 agst Tom Fool (taken)
25 to 1 agst Blue Mantle (offered)
25 to 1 agst Carnival (offered)
28 to 1 agst National Guard (taken)
28 to 1 age Automaton (offered)
30 to 1 agst King of Utopia (taken and offered)
40 to 1 agst Taje
40 to 1 agst Michael Scott (taken)
1000 to 15 agst Bright Cloud (taken)
1000 to 15 agst Munich (taken)
100 to 1 agst Baldwin (taken and offered)
100 to 1 aget Clarion (taken)
100 to 1 agst Overstone (taken)
20 to 1 agst Lord Glasgow's lot (taken)
2000 to 100 agst Hospodar winning the Two Thousand
and Lord Clifden the Derby.

READING STEEPLECHASES,—YaIIer Gal and Sir Bobby
were struck out of their Reading engagements at 2 p.m.,
Feb. 2.

LINCOLN SPRING MEETING.—YaIIer Gal was scratched
for her Lincoln engagements at 2 p.m. yesterday, Feb. 2.

MARKET S—This Day.

HAY MARKETS.

SMITHFIELD.—Meadow hay,' £2 Os to £4 5s Od ; clover,
do., £3 lOs to £5 lOs ; and straw, £1 14s to £1 18s per load.
Supply moderate. Trade steady.
CUMBERLAND.--Mealow hay, £2 Os to £4 ss; cloves,
£3 lOs to £5 lOs Od ; and straw, £1 14s to £1 18s per load.
A slow demand.

WHITECHAPEL.—Meadow hay, £2 Os to LI ss; clover
do., £3 10s to 15 lOs ; and straw, tal 14s to £1 18s per load.
Trade steady.

COLONIAL.

TEA—The dealings have been limited, operations having
been suspended until the public sales, which commence
to-morrow,

SUGAR—The market has been dull, and prices have
exhibited no material variation. In the refined market
there has been no alteration in values.

COFFEE—For plantation Ceylon there has been a rather
active demand at full rates, and other descriptions have
been in fair request.
RICE—The dealings have been limited, and no change
can be reported in prices.
SALTPETRE—Business has been exceedingly dull, and
prices tend downwards.
TAELow.—The market has been moderately active, and
quotations for both present and forward delivery tend
upwards. P.Y.C. on the spot is marked 455. 9d. ; March
delivery, 465. ; and last three months, 475. 3d. per owt.

REPRESENTATION OF REIGATE.—The writ issued
on Saturday morning, and the returning officer has
appointed to-morrow morning for the nomination. The
polling will take place on Thursday morning. Both par-
ties express themselves confident of success.
GLASGOW, Jan. 31.—Cotton.--The cotton-market
has been very dull throughout the week at a redue_
tion of Id. to Id. per lb. Iron.—The pig-iron market, which
was quiet and drooping during the eariy part of this week,
became very flat upon tho advance in the rate of discount
becoming known. The decline, however, was not material,
—s3s. 9d. cash for warrants being the lowest point reached.
i
rn more inquiry,
s.
During the last two days there has been
this morning the tone was very firm • ' and
3d. cash freely
offered, and 545. Gd. asked. G.m.b. N')o. 1, 545. ; No. 3,
625. 3d; No. l Gartsherrie, 675. Gd. ; Coltness, 575. 6d• ;
Calder, 555. Gd.

President Lincoln has presented to Senator
Sumner, for transmission to Mr. George Livermore, of Cam-
bridge (Mass.), the pen with which ho signed the emanci-
pation proclamation.—New Fork Paper.
CHANGE IN THE TICKET-OF-LEAVE SYSTEM.--We
(Birmingham Daily Post) learn, on the best autho-
rity, that Sir G. Grey has determined upon an immediate
and most unexpected change in the convict system, so far
as regards the granting of " tickets-of-leave.' ' The arrange-
ment hitherto has been that, however often he may have
been sentenced, a convict has received a conditional pardon
before the expiration of his sentence, provided his conduct
has been satisfactory while in prison. Henceforth this pri-
vilege is to be greatly restricted. In all cases where a con-
vict has been previously sentenced to penal servitude no
future sentence to the same punishment will receive any
remission ; so that a man twice convicted will be unable to
obtain what is popularly called a ticket-of-108 Tel. The
change is to take effect immediately.

AMERICA.

---.•,------

The following appeared in a portion of our impression of
yesterday evening :

(Per the Atrica, via Roahe's Point, 9.40 a.m.)

NEW YORK, SAN. 22.

Resolutions have been introduced in the Senate,
declaring that the attempt by France to subjugate
Mexico is hostile to the United States and to free
institutions anywhere, and that it is a violation of
international law and a violation of the faith of
France, pledged by the London treaty of OCtober,
1861, between France, Spain. and England, and
repeatedly assured to the Federal Government
through the American Minister in Paris. The re-
solutions further declare that it is the duty of the
Federal Government to require the withdrawal of
the French forces, and now and always to lend such
aid to Mexico as is required to prevent forcible
European intervention in her political affairs. Pre-
sident Lincoln is requested to communicate to the
Mexican Government the views expressed by Con-
gress, and to negotiate a treaty with Mexico to make
these of active. The resolutions will be discussed
on the 22d inst.

The rumour of General Burnside crossing the
Rappahannock has not been confirmed. Despatches
from Fortress Monroe state that the Confederate
authorities have ordered that Federal officers cap-
tured after January 12 should be delivered to the
governors of the states where captured.
General Halleck has ordered that no more Con-
federate officers shall be released on parole.
President Lincoln has signed the bill for a fur-
ther issue of 100,000,000 dols. treasury notes for
the payment of the army, and has sent a message
to Congress urging it to restrict the issues of irre-
deemable paper currency, and to tax the circula-
tion of the banks.

A bill has been reported to the Senate to autho-
rise letters of marque.

The privateer Retribution is cruising off St.
Thomas.

The Washington Star states that General Burn •
side has issued an address to Es army, and that
General Hooker's division crossed the Rappahan-
nock on the 20th. The remainder of General Burn-
side's army is now said to have also crossed the
river, and his forces to be above and below Frede-
ricksburg. •

The New York 7imes contains a rumour that
General Sumner's division bad succeeded in flank-
ing the Confederate position and advancing two
miles, and that General Hooker was mortally.
wounded. Longstreet's division was not with-
drawn into Tennessee, and General Lee's army re-
mained intact to encounter Burnside.

It is impossible to say if the above accounts are
accurate, and great public curiosity exists for more
authentic details. The Government has furnished
nothing officially.

The Southern journals conjecture that a storm
upon the coast disarranged the Federal plans, and
prevented their advance front Newbern.

The Federals drove in the Confederate pickets 18
miles below Kingston, North Carolina, on the 16th,
and were advancing 60,000 strong, with 20 days'
rations.

The Federals have attacked Fort Caswell, guard-
ing the approaches to Wilmington, without result.
The Federal steamer Columbia ran ashore at
Masonboro' Inlet, North Carolina, and her com-
mander and crew had surrendered to the Confede-
rates.

The correspondent of the Philadelphia Inquirer
asserts that a mutiny has occurred among the troops
in Fort Sumter, which has been subdued. Much
general dissatisfaction was said to exist among the
Confederates in South Carolina•

The Governor of Jersey, in his message to the
legislature, denounces the Emancipation proclama-
tion, and the illegal arrests, and recommends peace
upon the basis of the union of the states with their
quality and rights unimpaired.
Another Republican caucas has been held at
Washington.

General Fitz-John Porter has been found guilty
of the charges brought against him, and dismissed
from the service.

A bill has been introduced in the House of Re-
presentatives appropriating 10,000,000 dols. for the
emancipation of the slaves in Maryland.
The steamer Sacramento, Capt. Boggs, will sail
immediately in search of the Alabama.

The Richmond Inquirer says a new financial
scheme has been introduced into the Confederate
Congress proposing an amendment to the Constitu-
tion, and legalising the issue of notes, to be legal
tender during the war, and five years after its ter-
mination. The scheme also includes a proposal for
purchasing the whole of the Southern cotton crop,
the present crop to be purchased at 10 to 15 cents.
per pound.

A steamer, supposed to be the Huntress, laden
with 400 bale.s of cotton, was burned while endea-
vouring to escape out of Charleston.

The excitement at Albany continues concerning
the election of a speaker for the Assembly. The
balloting has led to no result as yet. The civil
authorities have taken steps to prevent any breach
of the peace.

The American press generally approve the senti-
ments of the resolutions introduced in Congress
concerning the French expedition to Mexico, but
consider the moment inopportune for their intro-
duction and the carrying out of them imprac-
ticable,