The Sun.
London, England, 1853-09-02 00:00:00

INCREASED RATE OF DISCOUNT.

The Bank of England to-day have raised their rate of
discount to 4 per cent. This time last year the rate
was 2 per cent. It was advanced to 2i per cent. on the
6th of January, to 3 per cent. a fortnight afterwards,
and to 3i on the 2d June last. Within less than eight
months, therefore, it has been doubled. So rapid a
movement is without precedent since the'passing of the
Bank Charter Act, in 1844, except during the panic of
1847, and even then, although the rise was practically
more considerable, inasmuch as it was from 4 to 8 per
cent., it was spread over a longer period.
There can be no question, however, that the Bank
have acted soundly. The propriety of their previous
steps in the same direction has been demonstrated by
experience, although on each occasion the public, who
were unaware of the immediate extent of the drain in
progress, were disposed, while they approved the prin-
ciple that had been pursued, to consider that it had been
carried out with almost undue promptitude. But the
steady diminution in the stock of bullion was the true
guide for the directors, and, by following it implicitly,
and thus giving the system of Sir Robert Peel its natu-
ral course, they have saved the commerce of the country
from any violent shock, and prevented an extension of
commercial speculation which it is now seen would have
ended disastrously.
Yet, while the necessity of a continuance of decisive
measures is admitted, there is nothing to create alarm.
The causes of the drain which has continued, almost
without interruption, for exactly 12 months, and which
has taken away upwards of 5,000,0001, of bullion, are
all perfectly disting Fishable, although they have mostly
arisen from unlooked for casualties, and been protracted
beyond any period originally contemplated. These
causes have been-1. The shipments of coin and mer-
chandise to Australia, the merchandise being created
out of raw material imported and paid for in cash,
while the returns from the colony must involve the
lapse of a year. 2. The rise in wages and the
general employment of the working classes, so
that every family, including those that were previ-
ously destitute, have now perhaps on an average
two or three sovereigns in their possession. 3. The
demand for an increased circulation to meet the larger
payments caused by a rise of prices. 4. The heavy
draughts of the English and American merchants at the
Chinese ports on the London houses with whom they
have credits, such draughts being consequent on the in-
crease in the value of money in consequence of the
hoarding practised during the rebellion. 5. The aug-
mented demand for specie on the continent for the armies
set in motion on the Turkish queltion, which has caused
all available credits on this country to be used at Ham-
burg and elsewhere. 6. The considerable although not
excessive number of foreign undertakings in course of
completion by British capital, and lastly, the fears re-
gardini, the harvest, and the consequent enormous
speculations in wheat, under circumstances that have
been aggravated by the apprehension of equal or greater
deficiencies in France, Italy, and elsewhere. .

Among this singular combination of powerful in-
fluences, those from the Chinese rebe!lion, the Turkish
dispute, and the deficient harvest have all been acci-
dental, while even the Australian speculation, inasmuch
as it has now been carried to
a point that, notwith-
standing the favourable accounts hitherto received of
the markets, may warrant very great anxiety, is also to
be included as exceptional since it is strangely iu con-
tradiction to the apathy at first exhibited. We have
here, therefore, three or four of the most important
elements of the whole movement, which are to be re-
garded as entirely of a temporary nature, and which
must all cease at certain limits, and be followed by a
proportionate reaction. The Chinese drain, serious as
it has been, must ultimately find a check in the ex-
hausted credits of the merchants, since, however tempting
may be the prices at which they can now buy tea and
atTurkishhoemleemploymentsmtoo afn fft
dangers,
asi
gsa eeyAer msna,
not
taealgrlt
erahetrouadudragnyht
the
ooe theiht a 9
silks for cash, the process will soon assume a specula-
tive character that will excite reserve on this side. The
t
grainvc
ooeri
dn beennit
hasr
speculation,
removed
channels
hc :oadvnl
yet teen carried
enddoe
wfsir into
from
the want of comprehensive statistics no reliable opi-
nion can be formed whether it has
or
be-
yond proper bounds, but is impossible not to see that
there have been for some time indications of an ardent ten-
dency in the market, especially when the rates of freight
are taken into consideration, such as usually end in par-
tial losses. At all, events, although a question which
still depends in a great degree upon weather must be out
of the reach of argument, the turn which affairs will
take after the requisite supplies, whatever may be their
amount, shall have been obtained is a matter of certainty.
In none of these cases, therefore, is there any cause for
disquiet (such as arises from hidden processes which
seem to tindicate some unsound condition of the coun-
try generally, and the end of which cannot be defined.
They may continue longer, and op::,-ate, as they have
done already, to a greater extent than any one calcu-
lated upon, but they can lead to no destructive effects,
and the ultimate recovery of them is certain. In
the case of the Australian shipments the prospects of
an inevitable reaction is still plainer. If the hopes
of the exporters are realised, the homeward remit-
tances of gold must soon be continuous, and far ex-
ceed any that have yet been received. If, on the
contrary, accounts should eventually come of fail-
irg markets, the rage for sending goods will
be suddenly stopped, and the process of the past
year will be reversed, since, while we are receiving
payment, although perhaps, at depreciated prices, for
the supplies already sent, we shall be sending nothing
from this side, and thus the stream, instead of being a
comparatively exclusive one of merchandise from En g-
land to Australia at a heavy outlay, will be one of gold
from Australia to England, with little going hence in
return.
The remaining circumstances that have operated on
the money-market, and which, unlike those just named,
were all foreseen, are such as are not likely to have much
further influence. The coin absorbed in consequence of
the improved circumstances of the poorer classes, will
not need any addition, since, after each family has be-
come provided, as is now the case, with sufficient gold
and silver for their current wants, all surplus accommo-
dations will find their way to savings-banks or general
investments. At the same time, the call for extra circu-
lation rendered necessary by the higher prices of goods
can be continued only if the rise should go on ; and, as
it has already obviously been beyond what can be ac-
counted for by the influence of the gold discoveries,
there would be no reason to suppose that this will be the
case, even if it were not rendered impossible by the pre-
sent movement of the Bank of England.
Under all circumstances, therefore, the conclusion is
evident, that the position of the country is safe in every
way, and that at no distant period a decided and steady
reaction from the existing condition of the money-mar-
ket is to be looked for. But this safety, and the early
prospect of greater ease, can be rendered certain only by
a vigorous adherence on the part of the Bank to the prin-
ciple of letting the currency contract with the efflux of
bullion, so as to increase the value of the capital which
is being extracted from us, until the inducement for the
drain shall be terminated by its becoming dearer here
than in other quarters. It may be hoped that the step
taken to-day will finally answer that purpose, but
another month must at least elapse, so as to admit of
the harvest question being entirely settled, before any
confident view can be arrived at, and no doubt is felt
that, if the result desired should not speedily be attained
a further advance will be adopted without further hesi-
tation.—Times.

PRINCE OF WALES YACHT CUM.—The committee of
the above club met last evening at the Craven Hotel,
Strand, to consider the protest of the owner of the Julia
against Mr. Walliss, the owner of the Valentine. for
having fouled him in rounding the steamer in the match,
last Monday, and also for using his foresail as a square-
sail. After receiving evidence, the committee decided
that the protest was valid, and Mr. Walliss was accord-
ingly disqualified. The first prize, therefore, goes to
the Britannia, the second to the Julia, and the third to
the Blue-eyed Maid.

LITERATURE.

THE MAGAZINES.

takßelancfkrowmootdhe .
in the number of Blackwood for September. It is
FAr ednecl delightful
hi
tsf u thee story (apparently
entitled "The Duke's Dilemma," and purports to
principal attraction
be a veracious chapter from the Chronicles of Nie-
sentein. Transferred in a dramatic shape from
the pages of Maga to the boards of one of her
Majesty's theatres, we would wager a triumphant
success to the tale as a humorous extravaganza.
Several of the incidents, indeed, are peculiarly dra-
matic in their character, especially those taking
place in the arbour of the duke's garden,
first of all between Baron Pippinstir and
Colonel Florival and, secondly, between
Delia and Prince Maximilian. During the former
interview Delia, and during the later Florival, will
be found lying in concealment under the drollest
imaginable circumstances. In fact the covert pre-
sence of the two lovers in succession partakes some-
what of the same species of genuine fun discoverable
in a like situation of Benedict and Beatrice in the
wittiest of the comedies of Shakspere. Taking
the recently published volumes of John Hill
Burton as the text of an historical article,
another of the contributors to Bla.ckwood pre-
sents us this month with a masterly paper,
descriptive of Scotland since the Union—a paper
that cannot fail to be read by the people of the
United Kingdom, whether north or south of the
Tweed, with peculiar satisfaction. It must always,
by the way, be a somewhat consolatory re-
flection for the more devotedly and, so to
speak, infatuatedly patriotic natives of Ca-
ledonia that if Scotland was in a manner
subordinated to England by the Union, the former
gave to the latter the sovereign on whose brows
the diadems of the two states were first combined.
Another writer—this time, however, a German,
one Max Schlesinger—suggests to a reviewer in
Maga an agreeable, gossipping essay, reminding us
of certain " Foreign Estimates of England."
A glance through this criticism will yield
to almost any one amongst us a store
of pleasant amusement. A second instalment
is then given us of an ingenious serial com-
menced in the previous number about the
late extraordinary variety of " New Readings
in Shakspere." A fter that we have the contribu-
tion already particularised by us as (to our think-
ing) the conspicuous feature in the current number
of Maga—" The Duke's Dilemma," a Chronicle
of Niesenstein. Immediately following which
comes the ninth portion of the popular story (not
yet concluded, as the eighth instalment, in some
respects, would seem to have intimated,) of
" Lady Lee's Widowhood." Besides, a rather dull
poetical effusion, entitled "The Agcd Disciple com-
forting," and an elaborate argument purporting
to explain " The Extent and the Causes of our Pro-
sperity"—Maga contains a charming paper—lesig-
nated, oddly enough, " Coral Rings"—to which we
would especially direct the attention of every reader
of more than ordinary intelligence. The contribu-
tion will be found to comprise, within very brief
limits, a concise but comprehensive description of
the coral polyps, with a record of some of the many
astounding labours of those marvellous zoophytes.

Dublin University.—ln this month's number the
reader will miss the well-written narrative of " Sir
Jasper Carew," which for some unexplained reason
has suddenly been discontinued. There is a very
interesting little sketch, called "Margaret Floreff,"
in which a lady, believiu' herself drowning, com-
mitted a bottle to the waves, inside of which she
placed a paper, praying whosoever found it to say
and cause to be said masses for her soul. It was
picked up and given to a romantic individual, who
determined to carry out the wishes of the departed;
but finding himself likewise about to be plunged in
a watery grave, he joined his prayers to those ex-
pressed by the lady, and finally recommitted the
bottle to the waves. Subsequently he was saved ;
and, at a church he entered in Madras, he heard
to his amazement his note read aloud by the clergy-
man. After many adventures he found out that,
like himself, the lady had again reached the earth,
after having b3en fully prepared for an ocean
sepulchre. In "Irish Rivers" this number describes
the Suir, and give; a detail-d account of the
scenery, and several easing anecdotes connected
with the events of the locality alluded to. In the
" Recent Poems and Translations," it is observed
that a great sameness is apparent in the poetical
productions that issue so prolifically from the press
nowadays. The words of Moore are applied to
them—

" Like the waves of the summer, as one dies away
Another as sweet and as shining comes on."
" The Flowers of the Affections" is a very interest-
ing article, and is enriched by "legend, tale, and
song," illustrative of ancient customs and obser-
vances. The rose, the myrtle, the forget-me-not,
the hyacinth, &c., are described. The following
passage concerning the rose is interesting :

" Abdulkadri, a leaned Eastern sage, went to
Babylon, intending to dwell there. The inhabitants
did not wish to receive him ; but the laws of Oriental
hospitality not permitting them to refuse him admittance
in plain terms, they thought of a device to imply their
rejection of him. Accordingly a deputation met him at
the gate, in profound silence, and one of the party held
a large bowl, filled to the very brim with water, so that
it could' not, without oveiflowing, hold another drop—
thus intimatinc-. as they expected he would perceive,
that the city was already so full of sages, there was no
roomforar
andt another.
pluckingAb off a leaf from Abdulkadri at onceom a rose that
comprehended
the symbolhe
held, he laid it on the surface of the wa which sus-
tained it without running over, thus e.zrressing that a
man of merit would be an ornament, but no burden to
the community. This silent reply appeared so ingeni-
ous to the Babylonians, tnat they carried Abdulkadzi
into their city in triumph.
" The rose is so universally and so deservedly a
favourite, it seems incrediale that it could ever have
been an object of dislike to any one. Yet there are a
few instances of persor^, who had an antipathy to this
lovely flower, that re .y be con.,:dered a feeling contrary
to nature. Among f lese instances are the Italian Car-
dinals Caraffa and Cordona, a Venetian noble of the
Barberigo family, the Chevalier de Guise, and Lady
Heneage (maid of honour to Queen Elizabeth). Both of
the latter used to ant at the sight of a rose ; and Mary
de Medicis, Queen of Henry IV., detested even a re-
presentation of the flower. Strange anomalies 1 when
all the rest of the world have loved the rose, as sugges-
tive of so many and such various sentiments and feel-
ings ! It has imaged the b'ightness of beauty, and its
quick decay. The love: has given it in tenderness and
hope to his beloved, and has sculptured it in sorrow on
her early tomb : it hvi m4ngled in the gaiety of ban-
quets, and in the slaughter of the battle-field : it has
been the prize of eloquence and hieroglyphic of silence."

Coburn.—The first article, " The Bowl and the
Duty," commences by attributing the decline of
British eloquence in politics and divinity to the
absence of the inspiration of the vine. " Literary
Leaflets," by Sir Nathaniel, devotes the eleventh
number to Sir Thomas Talfourd, which opens with
the following well-merited commendation on his
double success in law and literature, and his well-
known benevolence :

" To win golden opinions (we speak not of fees) from
all sorts of men, in and out of Westminster Hall, as
Mr. Sergeant and as Mr. Justice, is good. To win re-
nown in literature--such renow.i as comes not of sound-
ing brass and tinkling cymbal—is—we'', out with it
better.
To win the loving esteem of all one's associates,
as a man with heart large enough for them all, is best.
This good, better, best, hath Sir Thomas Noon Talfourd.
His it is to enjoy ,at once the three degrees of compari-
son—the positive forensic, the comparative literary, and
the superlative humane. A case in Rule of Three with
a splendid quotient. To 'take a rule' of that sort, is
not allowed to many. But Sir Thomas has it all his
own way—'rule absolute.' And probably, were his
good wishes for his brethren as efficacious as they are
cordial and general, there would be hardly an instance
of 'rule refused.' But there is no surplusage of in-
stances of combined literary and forensic success. To
him who would ho at once a great lawyer and a great
poet, and would bind up together in his book of life the
studies of Blackstone and the dreams of Coleridge,—to
him Experience, harsh monitor, whispers, or if need be
screams, Divide and conquer. Eminence in both de-
partments is of the ra-est. Scott retained his clerk-
ship at the Com Z; of Session, but who ever heard
of the Wizard of the North as a law authority ?
Jeffrey is one of the select inner circle to which Tal-
i fourd belongs. Wilson and Lockhart—'oh no, we
never mention them' in wig and gown. Sir Archibald
Alison and Professor Aytoun, Mr. Procter, and Ser-
jeant Kinglake, Lords Brougham and Campbell, Mr.
Ten-Thousand-a-Year Warren and a few others, are not
all unexceptionable exceptions to prove the rule. And
yet there has ever been, more or less, a hankering after
the Muses and the Magazines on the part of Messieurs
of the long robe. Very natural, too, If only by a law
of reaction. But very hazardous, notwithstanding ;
and alarmingly symptomatic of a fall between two
stools. One thing at a time the aml,iguously ambitious
avocat may do triumphantly ; but to drive Pegasus up
and down an act of Parliament, whatever may be done
with a coach-and-six, is no every-day sight, no anybody's
feat. Lord Eldon, when plain Jack Scott, keeping his
terms at Oxford, obtained the prize of English compo.
sition ' On the advantages and Disadvantages of _ Foreign
Travel;' and it has been remarked, we believe by Mr.
Justice Talfourd himself, that since the subject of this
essay was far removed from John's Newcastle experi-
ence, and alien from his studies, and must therefore
have owed its success either to the ingenuity of its sug-
gestions, or to the graces of its style ; and that as, in
after-life the prize essayist was never distinguished for
felicity of expression or fertility of illustration, and ac-
quired a style not only destitute of ornament, but un-
wieldy and ponderous ; this youthful success suggests
the question, ' Whether, in devoting all his powers to
the study of the law, he crushed the faculty of graceful
composition with so violent an effort that Nature, in
revenge, made his ear dull to the music of lan-
guage, and involved, though she did not darken, his
wisest words r Happily no such qucerc affects the

Icareer of the author of `lon.' He, indeed, is not Lord
High Chancellor • which makes a difference.h But
I neither did the great Eldon write a triumphant
and that again makes a difference in the puis etr judge's y'
;
favour. Fancy Lord Eldon editing the Reliquesg of
Elia,' or measuring Macready for blank verse ; and if
that is not extravagr it lough, then fancy yourself read-
ing the one, or squeezing into the pit to see the other."
" A Month at Vichy" gives an account of a lively,
agreeable French town and its neighbourhood.
" A Night in California" describes a party of gold-
diggers. A criticism on Lieutenant W. Hooper's
recent work of the " Tents of the Tuski," is fol-
lowed by a supernatural story, entitled " The
Doomed House," interesting only to the lovers of
the horrible. The story of the " Cadi and the
Robber," from the Arabic, displays considerable
ingenuity, though, perhaps, it would require Orien-
tal philosophy to be out-reasoned by a robber. "A.
Tomb in a Foreign Land" is another dismal, senti-
mental tale, ending with a tragedy. It is strange
that authors should select such unplea&ng and un-
profitable subjects for plots. " Chronicles of a
Country Town," which is commenced in this num-
ber, promises to be an interesting tale, drawn from
real life, its trials, and its sufferings.

Ainsworth.—" Nicholas Flamel" is continued,
and also the accompanying historical tale of " The
Queen's Letter." " Sir Loin" is founded on the
old tradition of knighting beef. " Queer People"
is a series of sketches, wich afford much amuse-
ment. The present instalment is not inferior to
its predecessors. The usual variety of tales and
incidents are given. The Literary Notices contain
an account of the life and death of Savonarola.
The poetical contributions consist of " Evenings in
a Highland Inn," by G. Thornbury, and an " Ode
on the Lakes of Killarney," by Nicholas Michell.
The last is well worthy of the author's reputation.
It possesses much poetic feeling and grace of ex-
pression.

Bentley's Miscellany.—A new and singular cha-
racter makes her appearance in the history of
" Aspen Court," in the shape of Miss Mary May-
nard, who seems likely to involve the hero in serious
difficulties. " Luther in China "is an article
which, at the present time, when attention is drawn
to the Celestial Empire, is likely to interest the
reader. " The Last Years of the Emperor Charles
the Fifth" proceed as usual. When we shall hear
the last of them it might be difficult to say.
" Practical Jokes " is another of those melancholy
tales in which the intended comedy is displaced by
a tragedy. The numerous catastrophes which are
recounted as resulting from this most culpable
habit ought surely to deter the most mischievous
from risking madness, or perhaps death, for a mo-
ment's amusement. " A Journey from Westmin-
ster Abbey to St. Peter's" leaves the traveller at
Rome. There is an interesting paper on the Dead
Sea and its vicinity, and a variety of other subjects
of entertainment.

Colburn's United Service.--There is a short ac-
count of military schools and colleges in France
here met with, in which it is observed that " of all
her many institutions France should, perhaps, be
proudest of her military schools and colleges."
La Fleche department de la Sarthe, sixty leagues
from Paris, is the establishment chosen for descrip-
tion at present, and after a long account of the
rules and observances, dsc., we are given a story of
a revolt that took place on an anniversary of Louis
Philippe's birth-day, many years ago. " Organisa-
tion of the Russian Army" is continued, but not
yet concluded. After very copious details of the
plans and arrangements, much is still reserved
for a future occasion. It must be satisfac-
tory to the general reader to meet with
so much information on this subject. Following
these papers on foreign nations, the " Editor's
Portfolio," at the conclusion of the magazine,
expresses great satisfaction at the state of our own
country's army and navy. After declaring that
the Camp at Chobham was admirably conducted
by all the various grades assembled there, the
writer observes that the great naval review was
worthy of the nation. "It was supposed by
some that the spirit which shone at Trafalgar and
Waterloo had expired," but the late events have
proved that it was not dead, but sleeping. A high
compliment is paid to the Government of Lord
Derby, for their praiseworthy exertions in these
respects, observing that it is owing to the energetic
efforts they made that " a small but highly efficient
army is on foot ; our artillery has been strength-
ened ; a powerful militia, raised entirely by volun-
tary enlistment has been organised ; and the finest
fleet in the world effectually guards our shores."

Tait.—" A. Triad of Great Poets—Greece, Italy,
and England," would seem to promise a criticism
on the three celebrities mentioned by Dryden ; but
the heroes of this memoir differ in two of the im-
mortal names, Aschylus and Dente being substi-
tuted for Homer and Virgil. The subject is to be
continued. No. 2of "India, its P-3ple and Go-
vernments," describes the Moguls. One of the
worthies of that empire held it as a rule that a
sovereign should never altar a decree, even if he
were persuaded of its injustice, in order that his
authority might never be disputed. "Recollec-
tions of my Youth" is a pleas'ng and entertaining
account of juvenile adventures. " The Legisla-
tion of the Long Session" is a political paper, in
which the writer's admiration of Mr. Gladstone
induces him to call the past session " unprece-
dented for its usefulness." The Sultan of Turkey
may have a different opinion.

The Eclectic Review.—An historical article on
Morivale's fall of the Roman republic commences
this number. " The Philosophy of Help" is
founded on " The Greatest Plague of Life," and
gives sensible advice to all ladies "5n search of
servants," cautioning them against the opposite
errors of undue severity end unrestricted indul-
gence. A criticism on the lees known Ameri-
can poets is full of interest. Lowell, Poe, Reed,
and Holmes, are those selected ; and to the gene-
ra'ity of readers familiar with the writings of Long-
fellow and Bryant, they are little known, as their
works have only been recently published in this
country. With the exception of "The Raven," that
wonderful poem, which is well known, the
lyrics of Edgar Poe have been little read.
The criticism before us justly observes, that
though his morbid imagination often tinged his
prose works with the horrible, he seems to have
kept his poetry sacred to his better feelings. Tne
pathos arid beauty of some of them is increased
by their originality, and the quaintness of their
metre. Mr. Read is a young author, whose verse
does not seem to possess many striking qualities,
from the sample given. We demur to the judg-
ment that would place Mr. Holmes on a level with
Hood for humorous verse. Such praise is very
high and scarcely merited. The critic observes—
" It is a fact well worthy of admiring record that
all the best poets of the New World have been
fearless in their denunciations of slavery." It may
be remembered that the numerous tributes to the
cause of liberty were sufficient to fill a small
volume recently published. The following ener-
getic stanzas are from the pen of Mr. Lowell.
" We owe allegiance to the State ;
But deeper, truer, more,
To the sympathiel that God hath set
Within our spirits' core.
Our country owns our fealty—
We grant it so; but then,
Before man made us citizens
Great Nature made us men.
" God works for all. Ye cannot hem
The hope of being free
With parallels of latitude,
With mountain range or sea.
If man before his duty
With a listless spirit stands,
Ere long the Great Avenger
Takes the work from out his hands."

An article on the French Pulpit
.notices the
Euvres Completes," and " Les Oraisons Fune-
bres" of Fechier. There is also a paper on
" Felice's History of the Protestants of France."
Superior in attraction, however, is a painfully in-
teresting memorial of Haydon. The misfortunes
of the artist, part of which were of his own creat-
ing, are chronicled, and they form a gloomy
tale, ending with a catastrophe, upon which,
whatever may be the extenuating circumstances,
mankind must always look as a blight on well-
earned fame.

The Gentleman's Magazine and Historical Re-
view.—" The Grenville Correspondence" is criti-
cised in the first paper of this periodical, and a
high eulogium is passed upon it. " The Byzan-
tine Caesars of the Iconoclastic Period" contains
an epitome of the career of those celebrated men.
The first on the list was Conon, whose father was a
grazier, but who rose by his own exertions to the
rank of Emperor and King. He was not satisfied
to rule peacefully over his new dominions, for he
engaged in a quarrel with the Popo concerning
images and pictures used in churches, which'ended6
in a complete rupture of treaties. " Thus did the
Eastern Emperors cease to exercise influence in
Italy, and the Italian Popes to enjoy authority
over the wide dominions of the East." Irene, the
wicked wife of Leo the Fourth, was the rum of
her ill-fated son Constantine the Sixth. She
broke off his marriage with the daughter of Charle-
magne, and finally she put out his eyes with hot
irons. But she did not enjoy her power when gained
after so many crimes ; she was overpowered by
enemies, and " after supporting herself by her own
handiwork as an embroideress, she was summoned
by death to abide her sentence at the tribunal of
eternal life." Michael the drunkard was murdered
by Basil, his companion, who instantly " assumed
the imperial purple, and the Eastern Empire found

litself fallen lower than ever into the hands of a
Macedonian power." " The Fine Arts at Rome
in the years 1736 and 1737," present some curious
specimens of ancient designs to our notice. At
the conclusion of the extracts the author remarks
that, after five months' sojourn at Rome, he had
only spent one hundred pounds, including music
masters and many things he bought. In the no-
tice of " The Memoirs o Dr. Bathurst, Bishop of
Norwich, by his daughter, Mrs. Thistlethwayte "
it is observed " that the book has done nothing io
heighten our esteem morally or intellectually,
though it removes the offensive material with
which Archdeacon Bathurst surrounded it." The
latter alludes to a former work.