The Sun.
London, England, 1858-11-22 00:00:00

while the opening verse of a poem, called " The
Deathbed," aro suspiciously similar to some of Mrs.
Hemans. Mrs. Hemans writes—
" 'Twas early day and sunlight streamed
Soft through a quiet room."
Miss Trevanion writes—
" 'Twas early morn, the sun's first rays
Streamed through a dreary room."
This is inexcusable, and the less to be pardoned as
some of her verses show her to be capable of
writing original v erses of sweetness if not of power,
and quite able to gratify, many readers. " The
Pictures in the Stream," is ingeniously designed
and well carried out. "Verse," by C. Boner, is a
volume of a higher character, possessing more
vigour of thought and strength of expression. Had
the author been more severe in his selection and
omitted many pieces which are too trifling for pub-
lication, the volume would have been more accept-
able. Still there is much that shows thought and.
reflection, though not proving any high poetic ca-
pacity. When his subjects are good his lines are
often fine, as those on "Columbus" and the "Death
of the Emperor of Russia." A collection of
translations from the German is added at the end
of the volume. "An Hour Ago" presents a formi-
dable front to the adventurous reader. .538 pages
of close print occupied by
.one continuous poem
chiefly in blank verse, requires very great ability
in the writer, or very great patience in the reader.
In the present instance, we fear, it is the latter
quality which will be required. It would be un-
just to say that there is no talent in the work, and
it is enlivened by historical illustrations and stir-
ring passages, but the attempt is too ambitious for
any ordinary writer. The chief faults apparent
through most of these writings are too great ambi-
tion and too little originality. Each should devote
• himself, if he intends to pursue the poetical career,
to that style of verse and subject to which his
powers are best adapted, and should studiously
avoid any resemblance to the works of other
writers. We do not anticipate any great work of
genius from any of these poets ; but they may, by
a diligent and careful cultivation of their powers,
please and refine the taste of those who love the
wayside flowers of verse, as well as the amaran-
thine glories of our older poets.

Phantastes. A Farie .Romance for Men and
Women. By George M'Donald, author of
" Within and 'Without." Smith and Elder.
This is a peculiar production, which will never-
theless most likely grove agreeable to some. There
is originality in its sketches, and a freshne: s
in many passages that distinguish it from the mere
everyday fairy anecdotes. The hero's adventures
in Dream-land are interesting, and the reader's at-
tention is excited, alike by the solemn warnings he
receives from the: strange company he meets with,
and the dangers he encounters from his neglect of
these prophecies. In this neglect of good advice it
does not appear that the dwellers in fairy regions
differ very considerably from the denizens of the
working-day world. Those who wish to beguile a
weary hour, or indulge a taste for the fanciful and
romantic, cannot do better than peruse this volume,
in which lively imaginings and brilliant descrip-
tions have reproduced the land of the fays in glow-
ing lines and manifold attractions.