The Sun.
London, England, 1824-08-20 00:00:00

ON THE EDDA.

Ma. Ent.ron—An inquiry into the ancient (fr.
rors which were finally dispelled by the sublime
and sacred light of the Gospel, cannot but prove
highly interesting. We are from our earliest
youth made acquainted with the be4uti(ul and
ingenious fables of the Greek and Roman My-
thologies, but scarcely do we know the least of
that of those nations from which we are lineally
descended. Yet, even though the study of the
former be most attractive, that of the latter is de-
serving of some share of attention, since it spread
its influence over by far the greater portion of
the Continent of Europe, whilst, what we may
term classical mythology, was confined within
the limits of Greece and of a part of the Roman
empire. The cause of this neglect may be found
not only in the prevailing notion that the fables
of the former are less pleasing than those of the
latter, but perhaps still more in the erroneous
idea that is usually formed of the Celts in ge-
neral, but more especially of the Germans and
Scandanavians, who have been branded with the
name of Barbarians. Without entering here into
a discussion upon the propriety of this epithet,
which would he little suited to the nature of rt
letter like the present, I stiti Maintain that a Re-
lion once so generally disseminated, is not nude.
serving tile attention of the philosophic mind.
Along with the Druids, the greater part of the
documents which could throw much light upon
their religious tenets, were doomed to destruc-
tion, more especially in England, itt France,in
Germany, and in Spain. It was only in the
northern parts of Europe, where Christianity
penetrated at a later period, that some poems,
upon the Celtic' Religion have been discovered,
and the only mention of their extent, from the
book called Edda. This book is unique of its
sort ; truly singular as to its contents, and emi-
nently calculated to afford a more correct notion of
the manners and opinions of the ancient Celts.—
It is the opinion of Mallet, that the Edda, writ-
ten for the first time in Ireland soon after the
abolition of Paganism, was merely intended, as a
course of poetical studies, for the use of the
youths who were desirous of embracing the high-
ly respected profession of Scald, or Poet. Poetry
ever was the delight of northern nations ; and to
cultivate it, an acquaintance with the mytholo-
gies of the tombs was indisrensible; and it was
for this purpose that the Edda was originally
compiled. Hence, do we find it divided into two
principal parts, of which the first presents an
abridgement of the mythology which everf Scald
should study, and which is properly the Edda;
whilst the second part treats more especially upon
the words employed by the Poets, and explains
the mechanism of verses, &c. whence it is called
Scalda or Poetic.

There► were two books bearing the name of
Edda. The first of these was compiled by a
native of Ireland, named Samarium] Sigfusson, born
about the yeas 1057. Ile had been educated at
Cologne, together with his learned countryman
Are, surnamed Frado or the Learned, whose
history of Norway is the most ancient with which
we are now acquainted. Sietnund was the first
amo►►g his countrymen who ventured to embody
hi a book the ancient religious poems, which were
still pretty generally remembered. It appears,
however, that he merely collected those that con-
tained most poetical figures and expressions.—
Whether his works has been banded down to us
perfect, is matter of uncertainty ; but there is
no doubt that three of the pieces contained in
the present hooks formed a part of that which he
wrote.

This first collection, either because it was
thought to be too voluminous, or from the obscu-
rity of many parts, having fallen into disrepute,
a learned Islander, born in the year 1179, named
Snorron Sturleson, undertook the task of abridg-
,ing a work so generally useful. This eminent
man, having filled the highest offices of the State,
experienced the fate which too frequently ter-
minates a political Career, in times of dif-
ficulty and trouble ; he was assassinated by
a rival faction in 1241. True it is that
this second part of the Edda mentions the
names of Kings of Norway, who lived so late
as the year 1270, but it is probable that
these were added by some subsequent author, as
there can be no doubt that Snorron met with
his untimely fate in the year above mentioned.
To this writer we are iudebted for the only cer-
tain knowledge we possess concerning the an-
cient Sovereigns of Scandinavia. This informa-
don is contained in his Chronicles of the Kings
of the North, written with a degree of truth, of
order in the arrangement, and of perspicuity in
the style, which rank him high among historians.
He was moreover a poet of no trilling merit; and
to his partiality for the muses is attributed the
task which he undertook of producing an Edda
more useful to the youthful Scaldi, than that
written 120 years before, by Siemund. He ex-
tracted, accordingly, whatever he thought was
most important in the ancient mythologies, and
omitted none of the poetical expressions, which
could not be understood without some acquaint-
ance with the former relieion of the country. In
the .preface to tim Edda, which some authors
attribute to Snorron, there is much that is
absurd, and little that is useful or interesting.
All that is deserving of attention is that beginning
at the-creation of the world ; it proceeds from the
Delugeond the empire of the Assyrians; and hav-
ing COrnedown.to the siege of Troy, of which many
strange particulars are related, the ancestors of
Odin areintroduced among the heroes who defend-
ed this ill-fated city. ft is, indeed, a very favou-
rite idea ()film Western Nations to claim from the
earliest period their descent from the Trojans.
This is rather an argument in proof of the truth
of that event, an account of which existed among
all the Celtic tribes.

The first part of the Edda introduces a con-
versation which a King of Sweden is supposed to
hold at the Court of the Gods. It is the most
interesting portion of the book, since it contains
the principal tenets of the Celts, not, however,
and this is a remarkable fact, according to the
;ideas of their philsophers, but conformably to thy:
notions of their Poets. When read with atten-
tion, a well connected system may be traced

We have in our precedinp columns given ex-
tracts from the Paris Papers of Monday and
Tuesday. Several columns of these Journals are
left blank, in order to mark the havoc made in
their intended contents by the new Censors of
the Press. Above one-fourth of the Journal des
Debuts has been cut out by these vigilant Agents
of the Ministry. The Constitutionnel has also
been severely mutilated. The exceptionable ar-
ticles in the Journal des Dobai: ware probably
some further effusions from the pen of M. in
CHATEAUBItIAND ; while those of the Constilu-
tionnol are supposed to have been animadversions
upon the very measure by which it has been mu-
tilated, viz. the revival of the Censorship. The
French Papers contain no intelligence of sufficient
Interest to compensate us for the political stric-
tures of which they have been curtailed. The
article respecting the capture of Ipsara is nothing
more than the re-echo from Constantinople of the
first accounts of that calamity. A Frankfort ar-
ticle, however, in mentioning the reported defeat
of the CAPTAIN PACIIA'S fleet, states that the
signally
repulsed in a new
n.t. on the side of
attempt under auvnedaegra I E been
sgci it PACA:t.
Livadia.

We have received advices from Rio de Janeiro
to the 17th of June. The utmost alarm prevailed
in the Brazils, in consequence of intelligence
having been received there of the preparation of

a hostile expedition at Lisbon.
- • The Emperor.
i
had issued the two proclainations.which we so.)-
join, and which clearly indicate the consternation
that had been excited by the supposed formid•
able preparations of Portugal. Our ad vices state
thakthe alarm of the Braziliatiqovernment had
led to an accommot ation of the differences with
Lord COCHRANE, and that in the anxiety to Place
Rio de Janeiro in a state of defence, orders had
been issued to recal the naval force employed in
the blockade of Pernambuco, whilst the ranks Of
the army were is:Creased by the forcible seizure
and impressment of persons in the streets of Rio.
The official documents are as'follOw

PROCLAMATION.
" Dox
fenderP Eenfntoh,e sptiirteu tei
ro nßa lr
azil r o,
to ara at
hn
ed
Subjects Perpetual
of
said Empire.
" Brazilians f—The Lusitanian troops, with which the J 3.
cobinical and Machiavelian Cortes of Portugal pretended tors•
colonize this vast and rich country, having been expelled frog'
the Empire, and his Most Faithful Majesty being in a state in
which he can freely act, and we having, as yet, in no respect
exceeded the limits of just defence, it was to be expectA that
the Portuguese Government, being well advised and informed,
and in no way misunderstanding the imperious reasons which
compelled Brazil to raise the standard of independence, and
also well aware of the universal and determined resolution of
this brave. people to defend their liberties to the last drop of
their blood, would, instead of projecting chimerical Placa?!
reunion and subjection, which are inadmissible and imprac•i*
cable, rather seek to derive reasonable benefits from that veil
independence, than to attempt to subdue us ; and would, idong
with the olive-branch, offer us well-calculated and mutual
commercial advantages, solid guarantees of peace and of a rt•
feet and durable friendship. Nothing of this kind has, how.
ever, occurred. The justice of our cause, already helot:4'
legged by the tribunal of public opinion throughout the world,
who
irahi sbounanoratel yeteoi tt
wipenetratedwilfully
eyt
blind,
dpeLroetrs
to f
fascinated
somehe
pro
aappeal
Portuguese
ealsytheam
fateb ambition.
371 iina IT;
they wish for wars without utility or object.
" It is long since we have heard reports of military exp:th'
tions from Portugal against this empire ; and though the know.
ledge of our just right, aed the equity and wisdom which ra
presumed were still to be found in the Councils of his Most
Faithful Majesty, gave to those reports the character of iv
probability, I have always quietly, and without ostentation,
taken care to adopt such measures as were suited to the esist•
ing situation of the empire, for the purpose of repelling Of
attack which might be made on this capital, or on other pro'
vinces. Now, however, since Portugal has thrown off ills
mask, and the last Lisboa Gazettes plainly speak of an OP"
dition against Brazil being soon to sail from the port of that
capital. it becomes my duty, as your Emperor, and PerPe'
tual Defender, thus publicly to call your attention -ta this
Important object.

wl::llurrhge4thitsvoluoldst
rtlaitethy
fuwlitilhiaujes--stytltotostae
kienfsaotuvatotedlenl:lthiterisse
Would they re-colonize us ? What insanity ! Would they gi"
the law to us, offering us, with lighted matches and tiltd
bayonets, a nominal independence, founded on artfully et'
ganized bases ? Gross error; miserable policy. Would 04
tear me from amongst you, and have me to leave you OW
cloned to all the horrors of anarchy ? That is what'they never
shall accomplish.
" To arms, Brazilians !—INDEPENDENTE on DWI! is
our motto. Your Emperor and Perpetual Defender, it'll°, ss
you know, abhors and despises the ease and pleasures of tic
throne, is about to take the field, to unsheath the sword, o'',i
once more to swear that he is ready to die with it in his 110
amidst the brave Brazilian legions. Assist him, hasten W
rally round hint, and victory will be certain. lie regrets tryst
he cannot multiply himself so as to be present at every rin
which may be atteeked, and to participate with you in ever
danger and in every glory; but he has full confidence in yout
valour and patriotism.
" Courage, Brazilians I—Prevent, as far as possible, th
.
enemy from setting foot on your territory. If that cannot i'3
acosu?
done, abandon to him your desert cities and towns. Retire
t 0
the interior, entrench yourselves there, cut him off from all co
a,
munication, and be assured that, left to depend till°ll ho uncertain, tardy re-enforcernents from distant Portugslt ". oto
be reduced to a state of the greatest wretchedness, la° -0,0
squadrons, recruited and strong, will fly to your succour stow
proper moment, and complete his disgraceful expulsion-'s
you have already seen him experience at Bahia and `on
to
Video. Numerous cruisers are about to traverse the 14:31140
give the last blow to the expiring commerce of Portugal ;I:t 0
thus to teach that deluded Government to respect our lig tbe
to us
independence, the path to which has been opened
ambition and tyranny of our enemy.
e hole°
"Do not be alarmed by the boasting accounts of - ming
squadrons and multitudes of combatants said to be °to, is
against us however great their force, incomparably grels..ablf
the ground which they will have to occupy-loc°111:01 the
greater are the resources which we can oppose to thell4.lo to
slightest reflection must serve to reduce such ocaggers;:v.
their true value. A line of operations, commencing in'''. 101
gus, and extending to any point on our coast, directed 3tVLn
eel
a people able and willing to defend themselves, 44,e OP.
of military lunacy, the unhappy result of which tn
happy attacking enemy may for a time be retarded, but icon.
fallible. To maintain European squadrons and artilics
stantly on the footing of war in our trans-Atlantic rriiii°m°-g
cit' 1.;
always been, and is, for the most powerful nations' d%ii,c.
but for Portugal, is now impossible. Call to your "tiwla
r
tion how many of such attempts havebeen unsuceessAl yoth
by the old world against the new, and you will 04 this t
confirmed.
wit assist
la
"Are you told that powerful European nations - 1 w toe
this enterprise ? Do not believe it. '['hose nations is
well their true interests to take any part in *contest I:,,,tence
foreign to them, and the obvious justice of the do'
which we defend cannot fail to give a right direction t°
wise and enlightened policy. Ato"
" But vigilance, Brazilians ! valour, constant"?' an'ooj
all, internal union amongst yourselves! And the me
armies, the fountain of all justice, will bless our legiallusloigcli
forts
for the innervation of that liberty and independence rob
it is the will of Providence that all the nations aim
ee w
should possess. Under its powerful auspices you Willsa our
on your walls the victorious fla of independence, an
to
6
squadrons will even penetrate into the mouth of the Tads,
:
teach t.
r,r „r irol
justice and moderation to that infatuated nove
g
" THE E311141'
" Rio de Janeiro June 10, 1824 third
year of independence."

PROCLAMATION to the PEOPLE of
i Pernambucans I_-The moment has =rived when til,d`
of Imposture ln which you have hitherto been envel°P

demagogues, the enemies of the empire, and of your real hap-
piness, will fall to the ground. To betray your good faith, to
inflame your imaginations; and to entrap you blindly into poli-
tical systems, which the lessons of experience prove to be abso-
lutely incompatible with your present situation, and to promote
their own interests in separating you from the general union of
the provinces, so indispensable to the consolidation and security
of our independence, they have attempted to persuade you, that
a faction, sold to Portugal, controuled the political operations of
this empire, with the view of subjecting it to the old dominion
of the Portuguese, and the despotism of their Government.
So profound has been the impression produced by this atrocious
calumny, on the minds of credulous persons, zealous for the
preservation of their rising liberties, that notwithstanding the
many decided proofs to the contrary, they are not yet entirely
undeceived. But the moment has arrived when the illusion
will completely vanish.
" The Portuguese Government, which is doubtless ruled by
a few ambitious or incompetent Nlinisters, having neglected
the opportunity which our moderation and prudence afforded
for negotiating an advantageous and permanent peace with this
empire, and perhaps still influenced by the old habit of elespo-
tir4llY =trending the fate of this population, has conceived
that the speediest and most effectual mode of gaining their ob-
ject will be by force of arms; and according to the latest Lisbon
Gazettes, an expedition is preparing to sail for this country.—
The empire has determined to take up arms to repel this unjust
and useless aggression, and your Emperor, the perpetual de-
fender, faithful to the obligations he has contracted with you,
is about to head the brave troops of Brazil, and to prove that
the glorious title in which he so highly prides himself is not a
mere empty sound. Having perfectly identified himself with
the Brazilien people, be is resolved to share their fate whatever
it may be. His interest, beppiness, and glory do, and always
will, correspond with those of the Brazilian people; and he will
never sheathe his sword until every portion of the empire equally
enjoys independence and freedom.
" Pernarnhucans! What precious time has been lost ! What
immense sacrifices have been made to deliver you from the ma-
nteuvres of the revolutionary and anarchical demagogues who
have desolated, so many of these fine provinces ! IVhat would
have become of the insolent enemy who now threatens us, if
our forces hail been constantly united ! if instead of weakening
by internal divisions so important a point of the empire, you
had reined round the cormuon centre of union, like the other
Pri'viacesi Would the enemy have dared to attack us if he had
not calculated en deriving advantage from your fatal disunion ?
Would he have dared to attack us if from the Amazons to the
Rio de la Plata we had presented to hint one solidly united mass,
uniform resistance, directed by a well-combined general plan ?
Csrtainly not.
•
`,'Thus, then, being ignorant of the point to which the ene-
nirs forces may be directed, and it being imperiously neces-
sary to secure against invasion the capital of the empire, as on
it essentially depends the salvation of all the provinces, it be-
comes Indispensable to concentrate at this port the whole of
our maritime force. But what pain does not my paternal heart
feel at finding, that instead of sufficiently augmenting the force
on your station to assist you • in defending yourselves against
the foreign enemy, lam obliged to withdraw it. However, be
not disheartened, Pernambucans t Put an end to the hatred
and internal dissensions which divide and distract you. Unite
with heart and good-will for the common defence, and you
will find in your soil arid in your valour infinite resources
against the foreign enemy, who cannot long maintain him-
eelf in these remote regions. Never think of capitulation with
much unjust aggressors; but rely upon it, that the capital be.
tag defended, to whatever point the enemy may direct kis
attack, thither will our land and sea forces be sent to its suc-
cour. Pernambucans! Have courage, constancy, and above
all things, internal union, and the enemy will be overcome.
" THE EMPEROR."
From the Estrella Brasikira and the Diorio Flasainense we
extract the following paragraphs, which, with the above pro-
clamations, and some documents relating to local regulations,
-form nearly all the contents of the papers :
We perceive, with much satisfaction, from his Imperial
'4faieBtY's proclamation to the Pernambucans, that orders have
been given to Commodore Taylor to repair to Rio de Janeiro,
with all the force under his command. He may soon be ex.
Petted.
" The ships of war here are fitting out with great activity.
Some good souls have affixted to be inconsolable, because they
suppose the breperatrix frigate is not fit for service, and re-
quires expensive repairs. We hasten to.relieve them from their
diaeresis. The fri
4 gate is in an excellent state, title repairs which
Wr.e wanted are trifling, and within a month at tee farthest she
ill be able to treat the Portuguese with twenty:Zola' pound
" The
tbon Pedro is nearly ready for sea, with about 600
at tl►fe Ranieri on board. When Commodore Taylor arrives
t
Pon's we shall have a squadron capable of the boldest
g,,,:trill'ees, and the fatal consequences of which to the Portu-
Th
are Probably far from foreseeing.
04 their r —Perot has issued
a decree, pardoning all deserters
ejoining their corps within a limited time."
It ;

Positively stated, we understand, that Go-
wPrnmetit have resolved to recal Lord CHARLES
SOMERSET from the Cape of Good Hope, pro-
vided that the report of the four Commissioners
'ho have been sent to that place, in order to in-
vestigate the proceedings of his Lordship, should
confirm the allegations which have been urged
agaiust,tho official conduct of that .Noblernan.

TUE VICE.CHANCELLOR.--•We are happy in
assuring our readers that the fortitude with which
this gentleman has borne his sufferings, under the
severe operation to which he recently submitted,
'will be rewarded him by a complete. recovery.
Indeed, on enquiry, we are assured that Sir
'ASTLEIr Cooput, Mr. CLINE, and Mr. COPE-.
L•tnn, the three medical gentlemen who at-
tended his Honour through this difficult and
hazardous case, have now pronounced him out of
danger.

IRE LORD MAYOR.—However we may differ
fr"to the present Chief Magistrate of the City in
Political opinions, we cannot approve of the sar-
"sms which are directed against him in allusion
to his private business. He does nut appear to
suffer his political opinions to interfere with his
official conduct as a Magistrate,and in that respect
only is he now amenable to the animadversions
of the Press. Such sneers and sarcasms are there-
fore unworthy of so powerful and important an
ehg loft as the Public Press, and are disgraceful
wily to the writers who thus abuse its privileges.