The Sun.
London, England, 1858-02-02 00:00:00

THE MAGAZINES.

Blackwood opens with an article ou the condition
of women, which makcs a fierce onslaught on the
Vass of books professedly devoted to feminine
life,
and treating of their capacities, position in
life, means of usefulness, &c. The writer, though
omo of his remarks are founded on truth, and
;bough no doubt many exceptional cases contradict
general assert-ens, appears to overlook the un-
doubted fact that there are great numbers of women
who, though they may not be left in the extremely
isolated position supposed an indispensable preliini-
nary by him, are yet called upon to maintain them-
selves, and find it extremely difficult to procure a
livelihood. There is also another class ab tve them
in the social scale, who have the same deficiency
mentallyas the former have physically—the want of
tome serious interest, some rational pursuit. And
surely it is well for rational creatures sometimes to
live a thought to the aim and object of their exist-
-Ince, their capabilities, influence, and duties.
Human beings of average intelligence, do not usu-
illy remain in the tranquil state of ignorance and
innocence preferred by the critic, and if they do not
turn their reflective powers to some sensible end
they will probably employ them in a less worthy
,nurse. However, there are some correct views of
life and nature introduced. " What will ho do
with it ? ' is continued with unabati:d interest and
ability. Th© less pleasing fil_ures of the dramatis
personm are chiefly prominent in this number,
hough wo catch a glimpse of our old friend and
tavourite Waife, and a shadowy glimpse of the re-
-3 ored Sophy, by way of refreshment after the
uanceuvres of Jasper Losely and Mrs. Crane. We
!neat again with George Vipout Morley, the stam-
,nerer, who exercised such a baleful influence on
the fortunes of Sophy and her grandfather, though
with the best intentions towards them. The
:.eader's interest is especially directed to him in this
nstalment, and it is with satisfaction we find him
it last about to enter on the path of his fervent
bushes and worthy ambition. A g'anCa is given
us, too, of the fair and mournful Lady Montfort,
whose earlier fortunes, apparently, have a tile to
tell. An amusing paper entitled, " People I have
never met," treats of some classes whom noho ly
meets, or more properly, who never own to their
peculiar titles. Foremost among these great un-
knowns are the " Author of a really bad book."
and the " ugly, disagreeable baby." Following in
lie train of these illustrious impossibles, we en-
counter the " man who wishes to hear the truth,"
end the " man who knows his place," arriving at
,ength at the mystical "man whose word is its good
as his bond," though in hiscase the author is forcsd
ro make an exception, as he has known several
specimens whose bond was good fur nothing, arid
whose word might be presumed to be of equal value.
A. tribute to tl e legal merit and practical utility
of Lord St. Leonards' "Handy Book," is followed
by an interesting paper of travels in Z *nzibar and
East Africa, by the author of " The Pilgrimage to
Mecca," Captain Burton, who has again
started on a journey into the interior of
Africa, and from whom the readers of
Blackwood may, therefore, anticipate more pages
of pleasant retrospections. Mr. Smith's thought-
ful and remarkable work of " Thorndale" is
analysed and reviewed in a sympathising and
appreciating spirit. A paper on the Poorbeah
Mutiny is full of interest, and shows the effects of
promptitude and decision. " A familiar epistle
from Mr. John Company to Mr. John Bull" states
the case of the East India Company in the most
evrourable manner, but scarcely eucceeds in proving
its cause just.

Fraser.—Fraser is scarcely so brilliant as usual
this month, although it is not devoid of articles of
interest. It opens with a criticism on Mr. Smith's
recant work, " Thorndale," of which it speaks in
terms of cordial encomium, although demurring to
the extremely philosophic nature of the actors in
the book. The history of the romantic life of Lady
Strathmore's daughter is brought to a conclusion,
showing how her harsh father and crafty stepiLother
sent her from their home, and left her to wander
through the country alone and unfriended. It
tells us, too, how she found a home and shelter
among the kindly hearis of "the Dean," and how
she found love and happiness, though in a very dif-
ferent sphere from the life she had pictured among
the halls of Glammis. A paper on the "Physical
Geography of the Sea"' is full of interest for the
lover of natural science. It is founded on Mr.
Maury's careful and laborious work. The second
paper on the " Life and Writings of Henry Field-
ing" concludes the record of his active and memor-
able life, giving also some brief criticisms on his
literary achievements and peculiarities. The writer
is evidently familiar with his subject, and the ques-
ions that have been raised upon it, and is a sincere
tdtuirer of the genius of his author, while making
ready allowance for his failings and eccentricities.
• The Grumbler" reappears in full force, attack-
ing meanness in all its phases, though he certainly
gives that term ti aws which, however blameable,
are not generally so described. For instance, he
asserts that overpaying a cabman and bi ibing a
railway porter is me ,n, explaining himself by the
reasoning that it is taking undue advantage of your
poorer neighbours, who will be unable to do so, and
consequently will not be attended to. His logic
is certainly correct in this, and he is no less so, attri-
buting much real meanness and commercial dis-
honesty to a lavish and reckless expenditure, but
he becomes occasionally extravagant in the heat
of his arguments, and thereby destroys the effect
of his just indignation. " A Ride in Mexico" is a
pleasant record of a travell,r's impressions of
people and things in that glowing clime, though
without any of the adventures with "malos genies"
which we usually anticipate in a journey through
Central America. "A Word ab-mt our Theatres"
contains some severe dramatic criticism on the
present decadence of the art and its representatives.
The critic censures those innovations of modern

times, burlesques of high and standard works. It
is remarked that it is from no want of public en-
couragement that the drama has declined. "Never
was more money spent upon our theatres than
cow. There are in London some seven-and-twenty
of them, all more or less flourishing." Iu conclu-
sion, after treating of the various causes that have
led to the present state of things, and the means
by which it may be mended, the writer pays a
genial tribute to the true mission of the drama,
one which is beginning to be felt and acknowledged
notwithstanding all impediments from prejudice
and untoward circumstances :

" It is impossible that, possessing as we do the nohlest
drama in the world, and with the great love of the stage
inherent in the people, this state of things should go on
much longer. The want of a better stage is felt by all
thinking men to have become intolerable. As an engine
of popular education, especially of that instruction of the
heart which in these times is too much neglected for that
of the head, it is invaluable. As an amusement, the
world has never devised one that can compete with it.
We waste our money on opera, but the drama is our
natural element. An Englishman cannot go on for ever
" laying down his understanding at the door," as Lord
Chester& ld said he must do, when he enters the Opera
House. At no time were good theatres mare longed
for. People begin to find that they may read too much,
that they may be too much alone; that to be trans-
ported out of the round of their own persecuting and
petty cares into sympathy with the creatures of the
dramatists' fancy, and to be moved to tears or laughter
in company with their fellow-men, is better than to have
a smattering of all the alogies."

Mr. Cyrus Redding's literary recollections form the
subject of a paper which gives some pleasant gossip
about the celebrities of half a century ago. Tha
clover writer who takes the name of Shirley con
tributes a paper on the charaster of the late Sir
Charles Napier, full of interest, and written with
spirit and feeling, rendering honour due to the
great man and brave soldier. We must not omit
to mention that Leigh Hunt gives us a Tapiser's
tale, after the manner of Chaucer, supplying a
blank among the legends of the Canterbury Pil-
grims.

Bentley's Miscellany. —The opening article in
this Miscellany is on the future government of our
Indian Empire--a weighty question which is not
easily discussed within the limits of a magazine
article. Dudley Costello's story proceeds in its
usual style, chronicling some events of great im-
portance. to the heroine. Her mother is repre-
sented as almost fiendish. An interesting memoir
of Mademoiselle Rachel's career traces her fortunes
from her humble origin to the summit of theatrical
celebrity. A sketch, entitled " Queen Stork,"
relates how a young lady assumed the arduous office
of director of a boy's school, during the illness of
the principal, and her successes and difficulties.
" Thanatos Athanatos " continues its rambling
records of thoughts and reflections suggested by
the King of Terrors, showing him sometimes as the
skeleton of grim legends; and again, as iu the mole
graceful and genial early tradition, as an angel,
crowned with flowers. " The By-ways of History'
give us a paper with the curious title of " Pro-
testers who were never Protestants," a large class,
including many eminent and worthy names, fore-
most amongst whom the writer cla-ses the two
distinguished friends, Sir Thomas More and Eras-
mus. The class be alludes to are those who upheld
the necessity of reform in the customs and manage.
ment of the Church of Rome, though not in its
I doctrine, and that many such existed at tke time
of the Reformation, who would have asserted their
opinions with greater force if Luther had never
rebelled against the Papal authority. " Count
Horace's Sporting Exploits" is the title
French
then
recital of the adventures and feats of a
sportsman, who professes to have " shot elephantseeh
in Ceylon, lions in Africa, tigers in India, hippo-
ptaulUseo at tho Gape, reindeer ill " MTV) black

beats in Russia," al,d :o have only elle objeci: 'eft
unattained—shootiwz bea,s in Spitzb9rfie-o.
Seas ,n the Sec.,nd" conticars the nielan.lo;y
recital of Selilia Dalrymple's drbts and extravit-
gance. The reader all interest in her, when
she continues her mad couree e%pcul;ture, and
this appears hardly natural. F.-1.2 rnwit have ben
worse than thoughtless and fond of :ix,,rte:-lient, to
have wilfully increased debts which amounted to
such a frightful sum. A criticism on the memoirs
of Beranger suitably JUN a place in Monkshood's
new book notes. From the poetical department
we extract the following graceful verses, suggested
by a touching story told of the great sculptor
Danneker, who, it is sail, when sinking into
dotage, used to send his love to his chef d'anevre the
statue of Ariadne.

DANNEKER TO ARIADNE.
Br W. CHARLES KENT, AUTHOR OF " ALETIIBIA."
My love to her—my love to her—
The dreaming sculptor sighed,
While life's autumnal leaf grew sera :
And still that word he bado them bear
The eve before he died. •
My love to her—my love to her—
My passion sad my pride
My life's devotion thither bear— -
Aye, take it all, said he;
No sweeter thought can over stir
These lips, whose lightest tones aver
She's all in all to me :
My love to hor—my love to her—
My soul's idolatry !
Methinks I see her standine. hero
The creature of ray hand,
Whose grace a glory will confer
On me through earth's remotest year,
While burns the Day-G,,d'a brand
My love to her—my love to her—
Till Time runs out his sand !
She smiles, she smiles, 'mid all my care—
Whose beauty like the flame
Of mind through marble shining clear,
Revealed the golden hart inger
That lit my lowly naru3 :
My love to her—my lovo to her—
The Mistress of my fame !
Bright issues from the monster's lair
That virgin blithe and coy,
Whose limbs symmetrical appear,
Though alien to the thrills of fear,
Yet warm with throbs of joy :
My love to her—my love to her
A love without alloy !
A vital lustre gilds the air
Were tenderly she leans,
Along yon grizzly form whose glare
Shot gleams of horror far and near

Around the Grecian scenes :
My love to her —my love to her—
My own bright Queen of Queens !
No flaw is hers, no faintest blur
Who 'neath the forming blows,
The mallet like a dulcimer
Struck down the chisel's iron spur
Iu Att's parturient throes :
My love to her —my love to her—
Who like some nymph arose—
Arose with that angelic air
Which time and death defied :
The alms, at once, and almoner
Of Beauty to the realms that bear

A heart to truth allied:
My love to her—my love to her—
My Bourg affianced bride !

Colburn's New Monthly Magazine.—An into-
rusting paper on some peculiarities of Birds and
Insects is the first to meet the reader. It is founded
on two rec,nt French works by M. Michelet,
treating respectively of Ornithology and Entomo-
logy. Many are the curious and instructive facts
cited from those who have observed the wonderful
ways of these creatures. The peculiar forewarning
possessed by birds of the changes of the atmosphere
is a remarkable and undisputed fact. " Had Napo-
leon," observes the author, "taken notice of the
premature migration southward of the birds of
the north iu 1811, he would have saved an army."
" The Voyage of the Rushing Water" is the first
instalment of one of the author of Ashley's inte-
resting tale, and promises to be somewhat m lan-
ch,dy. The illus'rious name of Cato Major
occupies Sir Nathaniel's Notes on Note-
Worthies. Another biographical paper gives
us a sketch of the troubled life and early
death of Ulrich von Hutten, the poet of the Re-
' formation. "Il Filotino" is a curious piper
abridged from the Italian, purporting to be a con-
versation between the cap and the head. Mr.
Pickersgill's story of " The gifts" is concluded, and
" The Swedish voyage round the world," is con-
tinued by the indefatigable Mrs. Bushby, wbo has
done so much towards extending an acquaintance
with Scandinavian literature. A notice of Mr. St.
John's work on Montaigne, gives a summary of the
life and fortunes of the e.,sayist. " Law and
Lawyers," by E. P. Rowsell, is a somewhat for-
midable subject, though there is no doubt truth in
the view of our present legal deficiencies which is
given us. Tho writer is justly indignant with the
facilities given to the d'shonest and grasping to
take unfair advantage, and while he readily admits
as alluaust do, ,hat there are many highly honour-
able members of the profession, he regrets that
there should be means left open for base and arbi-
trary proceedings. " Trumensee—a Dream of
Youth," is the sketch of an old man's retrospect of
bis earlier days and the eventful epochs of his
career. Nicholas Michell contributes a poem in
memory of General Havelock, which, lik all his
writings, shows a cultivated taste and poetic ability.
In speaking of the hero's career, he says with
vigour and expression

" L )ng years he served his country, patient rose
Up the steep ladder of his great renown."
One of Cyrus Redding's sensible, but occasionally
tedious, political articles, closes the number.

The United Service. —This magazine maintains
its standard character, and discusses the various
questions relating to military matters which are
now justly occupying so much of puhlie attention.
The Cawripore misadventure, Caste in the army,
the Euphrates Valley route to India, and a memoir
of the late lamented General Havelock, ate among
the articles on topics which recent events .have ran.
dared familiar to every reader. The rival service
also engrosses its share of attention. "The Sailor's
Home," and " The Commanders and Lieutenants
of the Royal Navy," are specially devote,l to mari-
time topics, the latter article setting forth the griev-
ances at present existing in the system of naval
promotion. Two biographical papers are promi-
nent subjects of interest in this number. Tte
second notice of the recently published memoirs of
Marshal Marmont is one, and a memoir of Marshal
Radetzlcy the other —the latter givin,; a very com-
plete and interesting summary of the career of the
the Austrian General. The " Reminiscences of a
Visit to the Celestial Empire," by Lieutenant-
Colonel Alexander, are contiuu.d with !heir usual
vivacity, and give us som- information relative to
the supposed difficulties of the Chinese language.
A. translation of an account of the wreck of the
Russian frigate Diana, during an earthquake at
Japan, may attract the curious. " The Editor's
Portfolio" contains its usual comprehensive sum-
mary of public affairs, and echoes the unanimous
opinion of the country in its view of the operations
in Oude. The writer suggests, with much appear-
ance of probability, that the Gwahor Contingent
were by some means in communication with the
insurgents of Oude, and that they were thus ena-
bled to arrange their movements with so much
adroitness :

THE OPERATIONS IN OUDF.—The relief of Lucknow
has been followed by operations as brilliant as its defence
was glorious, and which have sustained, though they
could not augment, the renown shed on the British army
by that memorable stand. Tire garrison of Lnekeow,
indeed, had achieved a prestige that could not, and never
can be surpossed. They have eclipsed Clive's defence of
Arcat on his own ground. Neither Indian nor Euro-
pean history, ancient or modern, can furnish a parallel
to their heroic resistance. The defence of Rochelle, of
Londonderry, of Gibraltar, and of Sebastopol, which
tasked all the resources of military skill, and all the
powers of human endurance, have now been thrown into
the shade ; for in none of these cases were the beseigers
so completely hemmed in, so encompassed and wallad
round by fire, as were the defenders of Lucknow, while,
instead of shattered walls, they were protected by strong
works, deliberat' ly and elaborately constructed. Who
can imagine the agonies of the devoted garrison as, day
by day, it saw its numbers dimin'shed, its provisions
reduced, its situation become more and more deiperate,
and knew the fate that hung over the poor helpless
women and children who shared their privations. But it
is unnecessary to dwell oa these tragic particulars. They
have been set forth, with thr fling emphasis, in the plain
unvarnished narrative which Brigadier Inglis has corn.
municated to the British Government and to the world.
This Iliad is indeed incomplete ; and theolLandwhwenhiehhe
should furnish its second part is now in the dust. Ourg
triumph, great as it is, has been obtained at a high
price. When Nelson bad fulfilled
destroyed the last fleets of Europe,countrywomen
s noEisnagi
purchasedlanddu
b his
death.ht
the sovereignty Looking ofat theour
countrymen
trda s
inn
rescued, seeing those brave men restored to us and those
noble and heroic women preserved, we could not deny
even the life of Havelock for their ransom ; but our
sorrow is not the less proft,und, nor our lamentations
less bitter. Throi4;hout the empire there is but one feel.
ing of regret, and every where steps are being adopted to
testify the rational gratitude for his services, and to
commemorate them by a suitable memorial. Let us
hope the Government will take its tone from the people,
and, on the meeting of Parliament, make a suitable pro
vision for his widow and family.

MISCELLANEOUS.
Tait's Edinburgh Magazine has a very attractive
table of contents, including the political and social
questions of the day, with tales, sketches, and
poems mingled in ple tsant, variety. Sense and re-
flection are found in the more serious portion, and
the thoughtful reader may meet with many sugges-
tive passages.
The Mechanics' It presents its usual
acieutifle
illfOrna tioll for the practical yuecharnO

ant th, atnatelv. All who are in any w'-3* k'n.gage d
in the pu:suit of this science, or inters led iu any
qu-stion relating to it, such as the launch of the
Leviathan, &c., will be certain to find something in
its pages to interest and instruct them. Tha mis.
celianeous intelligence is extensive and various.
The Train prf serves its ccurse along the comie
highway, and though works professedly of this
character are not always the most amusing, still the
non-critical reader may find much entertainment
among its tales and sketches.
Mr. Charles Knight continues Lis Popular His•
tory of England, and firings his readers down to
the exciting period of the civil war.
Shirley Brooks continues his clever story of The
Gordian Knot with spirit, and it promises to main-
t iin his reputation.

Ask Mamma is a story, for sportsmen, by th
author of " liandly Cross. ' The illustrations, by
John Leech, are not the least attractive part of it.

LITERATURE.

The Life of John Banim, the Irish Novelist. By
P. J. Murray. Lay, King William-street,
Strand.
• We imagine that the name of John Banint will
be chiefly remembered as associated with "Tales of
the 01-Lira Family," a work which stamped him
as a novelist of considerable power and imagina-
tion, though numerous other productions, emanat•
ing from his fertile pen, give him cl im to the well-
supported distinctions of dramatic poet, reviewer,
and magazine contributor. The subject of this
Biography was born on the 3d of April, 1798, in
, the city of Limerick, being the second son of
parents whose industry and respectability rendered
them worthy members of society, although their
spoons and forks might probably lack the ornament
of "hereditary crest." .11;s father understood and
valued the advantages of education, and his mother
was a woman of gcod mewal capacity : so the son
fared better with regard to scholarly acquirements
than might have been expected, and early in life
ventured on the st'a of literary vicissitude, encoun-
tering some of the triumphant joys, and a large
share of the heart-breaking sorrows, usually attend-
ing such a perilous embarka",ion. John Ranh; if
we may believe his biographer—and Mr. Murray
appears to write with truthful simplicity—was com-
paratively free from the habits of recklessness and
improvidence which, unfortunately, are linked
with the memory of many who have "consumed
the midnight oil" in the world's Service. His career
was tinged with the deep shadows of Sal vator Rose
rather than the glowing tints cf Claude Lorraine ;
but physical suffering and pecuniary difficulty only
served to reveal in his nature a patient endurance
and a noble pride, which afford a profitable lesson
to those who peruse his history, and prove
" How hard it is to climb
The steep where Fame's proud temple shines afar."
John Banim died at the early age of forty-four,
leaving a name of which Ireland may be justly
proud. We ,:re induced to give an extract from one
of his letters to his brother, as illuq•ative of his
analytical perc'ption and cultivated taste :-
4‘ Dublin, December 28th, 1820.
"My dear Michael,—Poetry is a different thing
altogether from what I considered it to be some time
ago. Aglod poem is not the fire flash of inspiration, it
is rather the steady sober light of a large pile of solid,
inflammable materials, first collected with choice and
patience, and then fired with a steady and skilful hand.
From what you recollect of my verbose effusions, you
will judge how little I knew of the craft.
"Yon confound the poet and the philospher ; they
are different beings.
"RECEIPT TO MAKE A PHILOSOPHER.
"To make a philosopher, take a subdued and austere
understanding, a knowledge of all the theories and facts
nn all the subjects, things, system; matters, and
essences in the world; and over and under and round
about the world ; in the body of man ; in the mind, soul,
spirit, and heart of man ; in his brain, and in his mo-
tions, actions and formations—of all compouals, simples
and intelligences in the air, sky, and space above the
earth and in the waters under the earth, and in the
eternities above the air, sky, and space, or below the
waters.
" Take a consummate and intimate acquaintance with
all the histories of all the nations that have ever existed
and do exist ; of all the languages ever spoken by man,
in every age and nation ; accompany these mere acquire.
ments, with an understanding prepared to appreciate--
a judgment capable of enumerating, arranging, compar-
ing, discriminating, combining, separating, and deducing.
To generate and mature your accompaniments, keep the
mind, for God knows how long before, exclu,ively exer-
cised in the most rigid, practical, and matter-of-fact
habits, and this done, you have your philosopher. New
for—

"A RECEIPT TO MAKJ A POET.

" Let the mind, by early practice and associations,
attain, first, a quick susceptibility of the beauties of
nature in her material works and in her immaterial com-
plex operations ; in the heart and passions of man as
produced by extrinsic circumstances. Keep the fancy
and itnav,ination always up, always ready to be fixed by
the slightest touch from a beautiful scene, a pathetic ex-
pression of feeling, an impressive situation, an heroic
character, or a romantic a.sociation Let the individual
in preparation feel strongly that tree, rocks, flawers and
sky and water are beautiful ; but you need not teach him
why, pnd by what combined operations and remote con-
tingencies they are so. Let him feel the effect ; be not
anxious ha should understand the cause. Thus qualified
to receive his assorted materials, next cultivate his taste
on the best poetical models ; thus he may leant how-to
select, refuse and combine. After this, initiate him into
a thorough knowledge of rhetoric, that he may acquire
the simplest and shortest way of expressing his feelings.
All this done, shake him well, and continue to shake
him, that the proper ferment and excitation may always
be kept up. And here is your poet.
"N.B.—lf you give him his meals regular he will be-
come indolent and dull.

" If the understanding be exclusively cultivated, can
the imagination soar I The poet and the philosopher are
necessarily dissimilar creafuree. Perhaps a little, only
a little, of the one mingled with the composition of the
other, might make both of them the more perfect. In
building his structure, the philosopher must use the
square and compass, the proper order of architecture
must be observed throughout ; and from the quoin stone
to the pinnacle, everything must be uniform, and solid,
and infrangible. .

4 "With the poet originality mu3t stand for method;
diversity for order.—And throughout the whole of his
fairy palace, inside and outside, the line of beauty must
play and carve with easy and unaffected grace and
vivacity."

Curiosities of Natural _History. By Francis T.
Buckland. Bentley, New Burlington-street.
Mr. Buckland has presented us with an agreeable
melange of subjects and anecdotes, connected with
frogs, rats, snakes, fish, and monkeys. Some of
the stories related are very wonderful. A tame
rat—the property of an omnibus driver—and a
gifted monkey, belonging to the author, are the
most startling heroes of the recitals ; and those who
wish to be amused for an hour or two, without
being over scrupulous as to the indisputable vera-
city of the information conveyed, will be amply
gratified by dipping into this volume.