The Sun.
London, England, 1860-04-02 00:00:00

ONDAY EVENING, APRIL 2, 1.60.

ROYAL ITALIAN OP_ERA.

Tuesday, April 10, is announced for the com-
mencement of the operatic campaign. Mr. Gye
has issued his programme, which affords reasonable
grounds for anticipating a brilliant and successful
season. A due admixture of new names and old
favourites is visible. Madame Grisi is to re-appear
for twelve nights only, though whether this limit
will be inexorably adhered to, or whether it is
capable of the same extension as her farewells,
may be left to the future to determine. In any
case, the lovers of dramatic vocal art will have the
opportunity of seeing her once more in "Norma,"
" Valentina," " Lucrezia Borgia," &c. Mdlle.
Didiee, whose name is also among the list, is
favourably known as a contralto singer. Pro-
minent among the new prime donne promised
to us is Mdlle. Csillag, who has attracted much
attention by her appearance in a concert-room,
although her debut on the English opera stage
will be made this season. Madame Penco and
Madame Nicolan Carvalho, with whose abilities the
public are as yet but slightly acquainted, will be
better known in the approaching season. The latter
lady, who has only as yet appeared in the role of
Dinorah, will of course retain that important post.
She is also to display her powers as .Amina in " La
Sonnambula, Zerlina in " Fra Diavolo," and
Rosina in " La Barbiere," which will give the public
full opportunities of ascertaining the full extent of
her capabilities. Signor Mario is, of course, pro-
minent amongst the tenori, and it is with much
satisfaction we see the name of Signer Tamberlik
also. We are promised " Le Prophete," with
Tamberlik as Jean of Leyden, Mdlle. Csillag
as Fides, and entirely new scenery, dresses, and
decorations, which will doubtless form one of the
chief attractions of the season. Ronconi and
Tagliafico, and the basso M. Zelger are also forth.
coming. The famous baritone of the Parisian
Opera Comique, M. Faure, is likewise announced,
and will probably appear as Hoel in " Dinorah," of
which character he was the original representative.
" Fidelio" will be produced for the first time at
the new theatre, with Mdlle. Csillag as Leonora.
Cimarosa's " IVlatrimonio Segreto" will also be
revived, which it well deserves. The old favourite
operas of the repertoire are announced for repeti-
tion, with powerful casts, and the orchestra and
chorus, under the efficient guidance of Mr. Costa,
leave little to desire. With respect to the ballet
little is told us, but Mdlle. Zina Richards' abilities
are well known, and probably new debutantes will
support her. Four grand conceits are likewise an-
nounced during the season, to take place in the
Floral Hall. At one of them, Gluck's " Orpheus
and Eurydice" is promised, illustrated with cos-
tume, scenery, and decoration. Altogether, the
programme promises well, and we may hope, from
Mr. Gye's known ability as manager, and the effi-
ciency of his company, that the fulfilment will be
highly satisfactory to the public.

JIIE MAGAZINES.

Islaekwoeci's Magazine.
There is an excellent article here, entitled "Par-
liamentary Duelling," which we can hardly too
strongly recommend to general perusal, cotitainifig
as it does such forcible sketches and correct criti-
cisms. It is really quite a relief, at this present
juncture, when the Chancellor of the Exchequer
seems to exercise a mesmeric influence over so many minds, to find a writer bold enough openly to at-
tack him, and dexterous enough to demonstrate
most clearly the fallacies of his arguments, the
sophistries of his conduct, and the general glamour
that he casts over men, with abilities that are first-
rate, but have no pretensions to rank him as a genius,
still less to constitute him the unquestioned
wielder of our destinies and the fixer of the fate of
generations yet to come. The most striking proof
is here adduced of the make-up style of his elo-
quence, that no one can refer to his speeches after-
wards. They are as evanescent in their impression
as they are powerful in their effect. " Who
remembers a speech of Mr. Gladstone's, who can
quote any of his expressions. We cannot call to
mind a single phrase which he has originated, and
which has taken just hold on the popular mind."
It is said that Mr. Disraeli and Mr. Bright are
supposed to rank after Mr. Gladstone; but " who
cannot call to mind dozens of their phrases which
have become household words, founders of thought,
and the watchwords of party." The following re-
marks on the opinions of those who persist in call-
ing Mr. Gladstone the first orator of the day, are
admirable.
" What would his speeches be without his 'go ?' His
speeches are not seldom contrasted with those of Mr. Dis
raeli, who, from his being sometimes deficient in
go,'
invites the depreciatory comparisons of those who swear
by Gladstone. 'We hope that we can treat of this question
on purely critical grounds and without any party bias. We
believe that the most impartial judges will agree with us in
thinking that, however great may be Mr. Gladstone'sb pre-
sent ascendancy in the House of Commons, Mr. Disraeli's
speeches will generally bear a closer examination. Mr.
Disraeli scarcely ever opens his mouth without letting fall
some remarkable expression, without propounding some
novel fact, or without starting some original and subtle ar-
gument in which we see distinctly the man of genius. Mr.
Gladstone has his excellencies, but they are not of this cha-
racter. They are summed up in the words—readiness, ra-
pidity, and rage. These are marvellous qualities, in spite
of the fact that they are apt to degenerate into rashness ;
but we protest against the assumption that qualities such
as these are sufficient to constitute oratory entitled to be
described as transcendent. To those who speak of Mr.
Gladstone's speeches as transcendent and Demosthenic, we
would put the simple question: Whether any one could
possibly regard them as models of argument or composi-
tion, and would think it worth while to analyse them,
reason by reason and phrase by phrase ? We imagine that
Mr. Gladstone's eloquence would be much more truthfully
described as refined rant. Let us not be mistaken. The
public are apt to imagine that refinement and rant are in-
compatible. They suppose that a ranter must be an igno-
rant, vulgar fellow, who succeeds only by roaring. And at
first sight we have little doubt that some persons will see
only a paradox in the assertion that a gentleman,—who
moves in the highest circles of society, whob is skilled in the
elaboration of facts and figures, and whohas been so highly
educated that he is chosen to represent the University of
Oxford; astonishes the members for the manufacturing
boroughs by the Latin he quotes, and sends forth three
great volumes on the most celebrated poet of antiquity,
should be guilty of rant. Is Saul also among theprophets?
And is Glastone also among the ranters ? We mean se-
riously what we say. We are not of those who subscribe
to the vulgar dictum that the test of eloquence is the mo-
mentary effect which it produces. If that were a correct
test, then indeed the Whitfields, the Spurgeons, the Pun-
shons, and the Gladstones, would be the greatest of all
orators, for the effect they produce is quite marvellous. But
read their orations—or, still better, read what they are
pleased to write withthe utmost care, and then say whether
there is anything in their thoughts, or in their manner of
expression, which entitles these men to be regarded as the
greatest masters of persuasive thought and eloquent lan•
guage.

of the Prince to sublime a wild fc'idl tYf the sea-begg
into a national deliverance."
Tht,3 ndmirable toleration which the prince di-
played in religions matters forms another
subject for the critic's appfoal. The age
of religious warfare is invariably the ago of
persecution: But William of Orange was too
really great a than to be blinded even by
his religious fervour and the cruelty of his oppo-
nents. His letter to the magistracy of Middelburg
shows a consistent toleration rare indeed during the
troubled times of the middle ages. When summing
up the chief features of his character the author
writes as follows :
" The value of a character like this, not alone to his own
countrymen, but to us and to all time, it is difficult to over-
rate. It is so seldom that the hero of a religious revolu •
tion is not a bigot or a fanatic ! Some of the worst crimes,
many of the most childish blunders, that history records
have been committed by these men. They too frequently,
moreover, excite our contempt and indignation by their con-
ceited rejection of what they are pleased to call the
weapons of the flesh.' The sword of the Lord and of
Gideon has sometimes been drawn with wisdom and cun-
ning ; it is oftener, however, the watchword of men who,
by their own fanatical folly and negligence, invite the defeat
which they merit and suffer. But here at last is a religious
hero of quite another stamp—a man of God, and yet a man
of the world ; a soldier of the Cross, and yet a sagacious
captain ; a good Christian, and yet a great statesman ; pro-
foundly devout, and yet profoundly politic. Ido not,' he
exclaims emphatically, calumniate those who tell us to put
our trust in God. That is my opinion also. But it is trust-
ing God to use the means which He places in our hands,
and to ask that his blessing may come upon them.' "
Though necessarily brief and incomplete as a me-
moir of this remarkable man, thepaper is full of at-
traction and will repay perusal. An article on a
comprehensive question, " Why virtue and merit
are so rarely rewarded," follows, in which the pro-
blem is solved by the assertion that unmixed virtue
and pure intellectual ability are not sufficient to
obtain success. A combination and addition of
lower qualities is needed; an admixture of tact,
energy, and. other ingredients is necessary to pro-
duce a man who is capable of obtaining success. The
writer cites among other instances that of James
Watt, the engineer, whose wonderful inventions
which have so materially affected the whole civil-
ised world, would probably not have raised him
from poverty and obscurity, but for his fortunate
connection with the energetic and business-like
Boulton. In every sphere of life according to this
author energy is the one thing needful, and over-
scrupulosity is often a great hindrance. Without
entirely coinciding with his view which, if carried
out, would infer that no successful man is burdened
with over much principle, there can be little doubt
that tact, perseverance, and energy, a readiness to
seize the opportunity and skill to make the most of
it, are often far more important aids to success
than helpless or listless talent. A paper on Dr.
Vaughan's valuable contribution to our national
history gives a summary of those Revolutions of
Race which form the subject of his first volume. A
treatise on Metaphysics, discusses the rival theories
of Hume and his successors. The " Hints for Va-
gabonds" take the pleasant land of Tyrol for their
subject, and advise the wanderer to explore its
hills and valleys, directing him as to the route he
should take, and various other particulars. The
fourth chapter of the papers on "The literary suburb
of the Eighteenth Century" continues its pleasant
sketches of the nightingale of Twickenham. his
villa, his grotto, and his visitors. "The Publica-
tion of Letters Nuisance" is a strong protest against
the unfair practice, which we are sorry to see gain-
ing ground, of printing the private and familiar
correspondence of celebrities lately deceased. The
recent discussions on certain passages of Von Hum-
boldt's letters have doubtless given rise to this
paper, but its strictures are of much wider applica-
tion. It is most unfair, because a man has gained
a degree of celebrity, which gives an importance to
all his published opinions, that his casual remarks
and careless phrases should be dragged before the
public, to convey, perhaps, an entirely false impres-
sion to readers who are unacquainted with the cir-
cumstances under which he wrote. As the writer
of these pages remarks, the result will inevitably
be, that men of any note will be afraid to commit
themselves by the free expression of their casual
thoughts, but will take refuge in careful formality
in their most familiar letters. " -Wheat and Tares"
is continued ; the present instalment contains the
rejection of the Dean's proposals by Rachel, and
some suspicious hints that Rex's allegiance to the
absent Ella is not altogether unshaken. " What
are we coming to ?" is the report of a conversation
on the present unsatisfactory aspect of European
affairs, held in a railway carriage, by four travel-
lers, during a night journey from Edinburgh to
London. The introductory anecdotes on railway
conversation are very amusingly told.

inflicted on led ship is furnished to the Admirall
of
it would be well if some independent meml,-er
the House of Commons would move for a return al
the dirferent kinds of punishment inflicted on boat
of each ship in the navy, and the number of rugli
who have been punished.
In the report of the recent screw trials, after all
account of the various alterations and improve;
ments lately made, we are informed that at the trial
of the Mersey, in March, 1859, the vibration vls
.
so great as almost to prevent conversation on t.oe
.
poop, and (we quote verbatim) "to ascend the,
mizen or fore rigging would have been to an exPert
seaman a hazardous exploit." Verily our songB
must have become exceedingly nervous, or the poor
Mersey will soon fall to pieces, and her death lie
recorded as " Died from excessive palpitation t
her engines." There is a chapter on rifled carol
but this subject is familiar to the publio ; and °
the campaign in the Crimea and the expeditionto
Kinburn we have all surely had enough.

Bentley's Miscellany.
Number three of Victor Gonache's letters 011
" Annexation, Free Trade, and Reform" is a e°ll.
tinuation of the satirical attack on the notions.ey
en-
tertained by the people of France, of Englishh
po
and English national feelings. Sir Robert Peel
comes in for a share of pity and contempt, r!'
Gonache considering it to be nothin more tn'a.
natural that France should takeg the Pr°r
vinces of the Rhine, and make that
what nature evidently intended it to be, WA
boundary line between La Belle France an
Germany. But he is virtuously indignant
France, and more properly her Imperial ruler,
being charged with entertaining a grasping pollet
" Now is not this, mon cher Alfred, unjust to
th
last degree ? To ascribe an aggressive policy, I 1",,,,
IP
Ju
not say to France, but to her present ruler !
him whose moderation was so signally displayed
Villafranca, when nothing remained but the
bagatelle of forcing the famous Quadrilate',
rat ! To him whom no lust of conquest al'
lured, who only went to war for an ides,
" Ovindean Grange is continued." The cool bearing
of Lord Wilmot and Clavering Alaunsel carry net
the character always supposed to belong to the up'
fortunate cavaliers. The despair of old Colonel
Alaunsel at the arrest of his son, and his indiffer-
ence as to what becomes of himself, is finely de'
scribed, and stands in strong contrast to the rough
and almost brutal bearing of the Puritan sergeant.
The flight of the cavalier, and the pursuit of the
determined and relentless Stelfax over the
South Downs, and the desperate expedient of
1
the fugitive to descend the sharp &ell'
vity at the Devil's Dyke, into the valley
beneath which is frustrated by the inexorable
pursuer who dares not follow, but who, by shoot-
ing the cavalier's horse, precipitates the gallant,
animal, together with its rider, to the bottom 0.1
the steep encampment, shows that the author 16
both well acquainted with the country, and has lost
none of his old power of description. The chapter
on French comedy and comedians is original. TO
following extract is the best recommendation We
can give it :

"Up to the year 1552 the French, so greedy of spec;
tacles, knew no others than what were termed mysteries,
sorties,' and ' moralities.' Priests, who subsequently
anathematised play-actors, were themselves the first come'
diens. In the Middle Ages every festival of the Church
was a drama, with scenes and costumes. The trouvereS
and troubadours went at the same epoch from town to
town, and from castle to castle, reciting and playing dia-
logues of love or satire. Such, according to the brothers
Parfait, was the origin of the dramatic poem in France.
Thus it was, also, that the lay element being superadded to
the religious—the priests on one side and the troubadours,
en the other—dramatic art was engendered. The union of
the two first took place on the return of the pilgrims froni
the Holy Land, when scenes from the Evangelists were
added to dramatic representations of the Crusades. In 140
the brotherhood of the Passion obtained letters patent from
Charles VI. as masters and conductors of mysteries,' more
especially of le mystere de la Passion;' and this separation
of laity from Church roused the jealousy and indignation
of the clergy to the utmost. They, indeed, according to
M. Emile Deschanel, never forgot or forgave the separa-
tion."

" Gurney; or, Two Fortunes," is continued; and
"Mingle, Mangle," by Monkshood, this month,
treats of Stream Sounds, and is, as usual, interest-
ing ; and, to those who desire a good laugh, we
would recommend the perusal of" The Mischief
done by My Photograph ;" or " How One Fire
Lit up Another."

LITERATURE.

The Graduated Series of Reading Lesson Books.
Book the Third. Longman.
This book is divided into four parts—Miscella-
neous, Descriptive Travel, Natural History, and
Historical Narrative. The first part contains a
variety of amusing reading, from which, notwith-
standing its light character, a good deal of infor-
mation is to be gathered. It concludes with a col-
lection of poems selected from the works of dis-
tinguished authors. In the portion devoted to de-
scriptive travel some interesting facts are brought
to the notice of the reader. The following remarks
on the Goodwin Sands is a sample :
" Everybody has heard, and heard with awe, of the Good-
win Sands. They have heard strange wild stories, not only
of their danger, but of their origin. How where they now
yawn to engulf ships, once stood firm land—an island
belonging tob the famous Earl Godwin, father of King Ha-
rold ; and really, so rarely is tradition without truth, that
we are inclined to believe strong land did once lie where
now the Sands are. . If so, however, it must have been
centuries and centuries before Godwin was born ; it must
have happened at a time beyond all written record ; but
that tradition may carry back so far is proved by the fact
that several nations, cut off from all the rest of the world,
and without a leaf of writing, repeat to their children, to
this day, some vague story of the Deluge.
" Old legions of the old historians, however, insist on as-
cribing th transformation of an island to the Goodwin
Sands to the time of Earl Godwin himself. . By some it
is said that a great feast was held on the island in honour
of the marriage of the earl's daughter; that the castle was
full of noble guests, and that there was dancing, and gaiety,
and all the mad frolic of the time ; that in the height of
midnight mirth a tempest rose, and in the morning the
castle and the houses were gone. and nothing left but the
raging sea and the gulfing sands. . Others say that the
earl once made an unsuccessful foray into Kent. Being
in great peril, he made a solemn vow that if he were de-
livered from the desperate situation he was then in, he
would build a steeple at Tenterden in honour of the Virgin.
. His vows were heard ; and he was so absorbed in the
building of the steeple that he neglected the sea-walls of
his island, and the sea, pouring in upon it in the height of
a storm and earthquake, totally destroyed it. . This
story, no doubt, is the origin of the story that Tenterden
steeple was the cause of the Godwin Sands. Again, Hector
13oethius, a writer who lived at the close of the fifteenth
century, says, ' About the end of the reign of King William
Rufus there was a sudden and mighty inundation of the
sea, by whieh a great part of Flanders was drenched and
lost, and the same storm violently overwhelmed Earl God-
win's isle with a light sand, and it became a most dreadful
gulf, and ship-swallower.' "
Under the head of Natural History we learn how
the Esquimaux hunter contrives to destroy the
bear, and the care with which his dogs are taught
to keep out of danger while retarding the escape
,of the quarry, and other matters relating to quad-
rupeds. The historical narrative is confined to
sketches—which, however, are sufficiently copious
for a work intended for general instruction. The
leading features of a history being once read, any
desire for more complete information can be gra-
tified by recourse to the particular history in ques-
tion.

lain or Ringlets. By the author of " Handley
Cross," " Sponge's Tour," &c. Bradbury and
Evans.