The Sun.
London, England, 1861-08-01 00:00:00

The Dublin University Magazine.

The first article is on "Edward Spenser—The
State Papers," it is interesting to peruse as afford-
ing information that may not be generally known
regarding the poet. It is stated that Spenser was
distantly related to the house of Althorpe, and
boasts himself as being "the meanest descendant
of a noble family," the descendants of which justly
consider him as having conferred lasting lustre on
their name." It is mentioned that a mistake pre-
vails that Spenser owed his rise to patronage more
than to merit. He went to Ireland as secretary to
Lord Grey, and it is suggested here that he
remained after that nobleman in the emerald island,
and then proceeded with his opus magnum. "Indeed
in his prefatory sonnets to Lords Grey and Ormond,
he intimates that his great poem " the wild fruit
which savage soil hath bred„had been composed in
Ireland. Other proofs could be adduced and inter-
nal evidence in the work itself shows how largely
Irish personages, scenes, and superstitutions,

" Gleam through Spenser's elfin dream."

" An only Son" is continued at some length, and
Burkitt becomes a person of great importance in
many ways. He then conducts himself in a 'most
heartless style, but that does not prevent his
advancement in the social scale. In a future
instalment we shall doubtless learn the
consequences of his deceitful transactions,
There is an article on " The Count de Montemolin,"
which is very interesting, and furnishes us with
details of that distinguished personage that cannot
prove otherwise than acceptable. After dwelling
on the royal exile's calamitous degradation of his
fair fame, and on his sudden death, we meet with
an account of an interview with that is sure to
attract notice. Thus, in describing his appearance,
do we find the following passage :
"It was during this lengthened conversation—l may
remark, a conversation chiefly relating to political affairs,
with especial reference, above all, to his own individual
aspirations and intentions in respect to the possible future
of the Spanish Government—it was while we were talking
thus together upon themes affecting his whole nature the
most profoundly, that I had occasion to note what appeared
to me at the time, and still appears in retrospect, the sin-
gular contradictions of his temperament, the bewildering—
almost impossible—certainly the wholly irreconcilable
incongruities of his idiosyncrasy. Frankness itself in the
avowal of his opinions, he was so, nevertheless, with an
ineradicable air of reservation. With a readiness to articu-
late his sentiments at almost any length, whenever the
whim prompted or the occasion seemed to require some
more elaborate explanation, he yet bore about him an ap-
pearance of inscrutable taciturnity. Fluent—almost voluble
—in his delivery, he nevertheless interrupted his remarks
with frequent hesitations. Gracious—even cordial—in his
address, there was still an expression of gloom almost for-
bidding diffused over his countenance. The one word
applicable to his 1)ok' was—downcast."
Although now it is alike to the unhappy
heir of palaces without a home. whatever
were his schemes and his projects, it is a melan.-
choly satisfaction to dwell upon them, and to
think he was sincere in his views and earnest in
his motives. It is mentioned in relation to the
conversation—

" I am to the last persuaded that the resolutions avowed
to me by his royal highness were—and for one good reason
immediately to be specified—worthy of being, I will venture
to say, implicitly relied upon. Wherefore, is it asked ?
Wherefore, this extravagant reliance ? Simply and solely
because the exiled prince had come at length to recognise,
not merely with a Machiavellian cunning in the recogni-
tion, but with the calm deliberation of a genuine enlighten-
ment—that it was to the interests no less of the king than
of the people, that the basis of the government should be
broad, that its very genius should in the fullest sense of the
word be liberal, that its whole character should throughout
its entire framework, from summit to foundation, from
centre to circumference, be strictly and essentially consti-
tutional. Not in vain had he lived here amongst us, not
in vain had ho breathed our English atmosphere. In
arguing the whole weighty problem with the Count de
Montemolin, I gave credence to his candid statement of
his convictions for the self- same reason that lent impor-
tance to the words of the Moor Alfaqui, in the Romance
Muy Dolorosa.'
- - -

-
Because he answered and because
He spake exceeding well of laws—
Y como el otro de leyes
De let, tambien hablava.'
Enough, however : the day-dreams and aspirations, the
lofty designs and the heart-earnest resolutions have alike
faded out, together with the vanished life of Montemolin."
" A Chapter on Dogs " is an entertaining sketch of
that interesting animal. There are many anecdotes
related that are of an amusing and striking
nature, and altogether this paper is a very
readable one. "On a Roman Scarf" is a fan-
ciful reminiscence, suggested by the sight
of an old relic. "As I smooth out the
faded Roman scarf from its crumpled folds come
pouring scenes, houses, churches, broken columns,
gold, silver, incense, and processions, a more bewil-
dering miscellany than ever conjuror shook out of
his wonderful handherchief." " The Rivals of
Kirshnapore" is the first part of an Indian narra-
tive that promises to be very exciting, as it will
refer to the Indian mutiny in the course of the next
instalment most probably. There is an article on
"Earl Stanhope 's Life of William Pitt," which
contains subject for study for graver readers.
" Scenes and Customs in Cracow" is a light sketch
that deserves perusal; and other articles of interest
appear, among which may be recommended that on
" Buckle and Mon talembert," which is written with
great ability. The verses are entitled "Legend
Lays of Ireland," and " The Northman's Foray."

Fraser's Magazine.
Mr. Fronde continues his researches among the
Archives of Simancas, and brings to light much of
the correspondence between the Bishop of Aquila,
Spanish Ambassador in London, and his dark and
unscrupulous sovereign. The date of most of these
letters is just three centuries ago, when Cecil and
the honest supporters of Elizabeth were dismayed
at her wild project of marrying Robert Dudley,
afterwards Earl of Leicester. These documents are
very interesting, and show us much o f the secret
working of Court manceuvrers and intriguers ; they
testify also t i Mr. Froude's fidelity and industry
as a historian. The story of " Good for
Nothing, or all Down Hill," by the able
author of " Digby Grand," is continued
with interest. Poor Ada Latimer receives a letter
from her long-lost husband, and thus learns the
fatal news before the return of the despairing Gil-
bert. The other story, " Ida Conway ' is brought
to a conclusion. Count Ernest and Ida are
recon-
ciled, and their long tried affection is at last re-
warded, but their happineFs is clouded by the
melancholy death of poor Dorothea, who allows her
despair to drive her to suicide. An essay on the
" Italian States and Rulers in the last half of the
15th century" will repay perusal. It sums up the
chief incidents of that eventful age, and sketches
the career of some of its great men. It was a stir-
ring
.time for Italy, and the Sforza, Visconti and
Medici were fitting leaders of their respective
states. It was an era when the power of the inde-
pendent states was gradually becoming absorbed in
the influence of the great monarchies, and many
regrets have been expressed by Sismondi and other
historians for the decadence of those Italian repub-
lics which fill so prominent a part in the history of
the middle ages. This change is considered by the
writer before us to have been inevitable and not
altogether disastrous ; but, whether or no the reader
agree in this opinion, he may find matter of inte-
rest in the article. It is remarked that Francesco
Sforza, the celebrated Duke of Milan, who rose to

that dignity from a mere soldier of fortune, was the
statesman who merits the praise of having first sys-
tematically acted on the theory of " the balance of
power." "The law by which European politics have
been regulated for the last three hundred years ;
the law in consequence of which Spain and Austria
end France and Russia have each in their turn been
checked by the combination of other States, when
their territorial increase was such as to excite a
general apprehension, is only the system of Fran-
cesco Sforza and his disciples, the Medici, adapted
to the scale of continet,tal interests." A view of
the state of Italian literature during the last half
of the fifteenth century is also taken, end it is sin-
gular that many of the warlike chieftains of that
stormy period, were distinguished for their literary
tastes and for their encouragement of artists, poets,
and scholars, Little did they imagine, as the
writer before us remarks, what mighty re-
volutions their care for literature was
fostering, and little did the scholars and
and philosophers of that day foresee the awakening
effects which the invention of the printing press
and the intercourse of mind with mind should have
en the intellect and conscience of the civilized
world; effects which justify the writer when he speaks
of the sixteenth century as a marvellous epoch in
the history of the human mind. A. K. H. B. gives
us "A Discourse of Immaturity: or Concerning
Veal," adding that by veal he understands the im-
mature productions of the human mind, immature
compositions, immature opinions, feelings and
tastes. The essay is not one of the author's best,
although containing doubtless a good deal of truth
and sense. An article on the causes of the Disrup-
tion of the American Union, states the author's
views with clearness and decision, and takes some-
what original views of this all important subject.

United Service.

The first article is on the subject of the "Reserve
of Naval Officers," in which the conduct of the
First Lord of the Admiralty in extending to the
officers of the Mercantile Marine the advan-
tages of furnishing a reserve of officers for the
Royal Service, under the rank of lieutenants, (or
rather, as the bill brought into the Housetf Lords
by the Duke of Somerset intimates, up to that
rank). The whole subject is well considered ; the
First Lord is eulogised for thus, to a certain extent,
throwing open ft,e naval service to mercantile
officers, so many of whom, from constant service
and great practical experience, are superior
to the general run of naval commanders.
A paper on " Camps of Instruction, and
Cavalry Movements" enters into the general
details of the subject. " The Medical Staff in
Ceylon," consists of the reprint of an article from
the Colombo Observer, on the subject of the unfair
distinction lately made by the Secretary for War
between the Medical Officers on the Staff, and those
on the regimental service, together with remarks
by the editor, who states as follows, in concluding his
introductory remarks :—" We have been stationed
in Ceylon, in a capacity sufficiently medico-military,
and with a service there sufficiently extended, to
enable us to corroborate and establish all the facts
advanced." It would seem that previous to the
Ist of April, 1860, the medical men were on an
equal footing whether they belonged to the Staff
or to regiments, but that after the Ist of April,lB6l,
the allowance to the Staff has been increased by
one-half. This is the grievance complained of, and
the pros and cons are duly discussed. An article
on theHarbours of Dover, Holyhead, and Alderney,
will be read with interest by all Englishmen,
although it may not suit the taste of Messrs.
Cobden, Bright, and Co., and other pro-Franco
gentlemen. After considering the above-mentioned
harbours, and our general defences, the writer con-
cludes as follows—

It is against England alone and English commerce in the
event of a war that these ports are constricted, and not
merely for the purpose of defending Fiance against aggres-
sion by England. The blow that may be struck from
Cherbourg will be aimed at our heart. If our "faithful
ally" wishes to strike, he strikes home—he is capable of
surprises—and he is in the habit of dealing his first blow so
as to leave but little necessity for a second. Such straight-
forward conduct ought not to be lost upon us, nor should it
prevent us in the same amicable spirit from taking amp's
measures of defence. In forgetfulness of the past, let us
keep up a good Channel fleet, and in friendliness for the
future, let us cram our ships with 100-pounder Armstrong
guns, let us increase our iron-sides, augment our armies,
enrol more volunteers, and cover the land with fortifications.
When we have emulated our great ally in this costly and
destructive process, and given way to our feelings, we can
then imitate him, and invite him to pay us a visit, so that
he may form an opinion of our state of preparation to give
him a warm reception when he chooses to call profession-
ally, or in the way of business. The sympathy between
the two Governments will not be disturbed in the least.
For of course we look upon Cherbourg and the new mili-
tary harbour at the Chaucay islets, as well as the camp, as
a practical joke, but we do not intend to let our "faithful
ally" outdo us in this sort of facetiousness. And further,
if the pamphlet of Captain Le Foilleny echoes the senti-
ments of the great mass of out French friends, and its per-
mitted and extensive circulation induces a belief that it
does, then a rapid transit across the Channel from one or
more of the "ports d'aggression" of our funny allies and
the landing of 100,000 Zouaves and other pleasant visitors
upon our shores, is one of the comical tricks he has in store
for our amusement. Allow us to add, in conclusion, when
our "faithful ally" has completed his means of attack, it
will be only a proper acknowledgment for the civil things
he is preparing for us, if we call upon him for his congra-
tulations on our means of defence.

The United Service deserves great credit
for the interest it displays in the reform
of Greenwich Hospital; the subject is again
referred to in this number. This magazine
devotes but little space to light literature,
subjects of national and military interest occupying
the greater portion of its pages ; but we meet with
an interesting narrative of an adventure of a sol-
dier in the jungle. The tale is written as though
related by a comrade, and is almost beyond belief;
but the author informs us, at the conclusion, that,
although the names are not real, the narrative is
true ; and, after the extraordinary occurrence which
lately took place in Northumberland-street, why need
we hereafter doubt anything ; did it not substan-
tiate the fact that " truth is stranger than fiction."
Ever alive to the interests of Great Britain, the
editor furnishes a paper on " The Movements of
our Neighbours, and Hints for our Militia
and Volunteers," " The Prospects of Turkey ;"
under the new regime great improvement is looke
forward to, and the existence of Turkey, as a nation,
is not now considered impossible. An account of
the recent trial of armour plates at Portsmouth is
given, and we have papers on " Marching Soldiers,"
The Rifle Contest and Volunteer Reviews," "The
Indian Army," and " The Future of Cavalry,"
which are all well written. The General Naval
and Military Intelligence concludes the number.

Bentley's Miscellany.

As we propose almost immediately to review
the whole of Mr. Ainsworth's new Historical
Romance, THE CONSTABLE OF THE TOWER, now
that it has drawn to its conclusion, we shall
content ourselves with remarking here upon the
particular stage arrived at by the narrative in the
penultimate instalment of it in the pages of
Bentley's Miscellany. The August number, just
published, comprises within it, as the closing con-
tribution, the last chapter (the tenth) of the Third
Book, and the two first chapters of the Fourth, or
final Book of "The Constable." The handsome and
ambitious hero of the tale, " The Admiral," is—as
the reader tolerably well understood the matter
last month—arrested. With him, face to face with
him, is confronted Sir William Sherington. And
subsequently, as the last incident here related,
until the readers of Bentley shall obtain the con-
cluding instalment of the story in September, the
Admiral contrives to send a missive to the fair
young Princess Elizabeth. At this moment, how-
ever, we purposely refrain from further comment
upon a narrative, the remarkable elaboration of
which, as a Historical Romance, we shall take
occasion upon the very earliest opportunity to
comment upon, as it certainly deserves to be com-
mented upon : " The Constable of the Tower"
assuming to itself high rank among Mr. Ains-
worth's many noble romances of a historic character,
As the current number of Bentley closes with
three additional chapters of Harrison Ainsworth's
" Constable," it opens with two new chapter's of
"Lorn Loriot's Adventures," the serial en-
titled " Crooked Usage,"—penned with un-
tiring vivacity by the practised hand of
Dudley Costello. The capture of poor Loriot
at the banker's when innocently presenting
the second forged cheque is c Apitally described.
Frederick Marshall gives us another instalment (the
fifth) of his series of papers on France—the instal-
ment this month relating to Food. A fourth
section of Monkshood's Mingle Mangle about Town
and Country sprinkles the pages devoted to it with
a shower of the daintiest poetic quotations. J. E.
Carpenter's song " The Fireman" admirably
adapted for music—has been suggested, of course,
by the melancholy fate of Mr. Braidwood. Those
who have a relish f r such subjects in this hot thirsty
t
weather, will do well to glance at the paper about
"the Taste for Wine in England." The
contributionty l written
though it is, is to our mind a great s
deal
entitled "Regenerated Almacks," ma
rto
written for the subject. i 0
The Salons
of of Vienna
smartly
and Berlin," seems to hint in every word It of
having been penned by some young precis Writer
promoted from the Foreign-office to a dipio.
rnatic post in one
or other of the capitalel
named, as attaché at one of the legations.
rind
dsisdoems
e twostanoz,,a
ther papers not here particularised
by
Nicholas MiAell, the August
number of Bentley contains one
; of ()coda's spar};_
and How
ling, all but impertinent, nearly witty, invariably
tie of
amusing 1-E
hestarMarquis'siettes of highactics, life
this time descri "
T
succeeded ; or, A Bet I once made at the eontshels-
rY-
vative." The description of the blase man of
the Marquis of
fashion, the youngerof