The Sun.
London, England, 1859-02-02 00:00:00

THE MAGAZINES.

Blackwood.—The first article is an admirable
one, entitled " Mirage Philosophy." It treats of
Carlyle's " Frederick the Great." It is written in
au attractive style, indulging in pleasant satire on
some of the author's vagaries, and in one passage,
in particular, the peculiar style is imitated most
successfully. " What," it is asked, "if thou, the
sworn foe of shams, have deserted to the enemy ?
What if thou, the denouncer of windbags, art also
thyself a Professor of Flatulence ?" ,The inconsist-
ency of his remarks is pointed out in a forcible
manner—how, on important occasions, his writing
is unequal, as when, after relating that the king
had imprisoned his son, he says, " Here has a
business fallen out, such as seldom occurred before."
Another noticeable peculiarity is mentioned, that
of Carlyle's persisting in "distinctness at any price,
by a trick, if not by other means." He always
styles the Emperor Leopold "the little. Kaiser in
the red stockings." The King of Prussia is always
"Majesty," and the King of Poland is the "phy-
sically strong." At the conclusion of the article it
is thus observed :

" In a former part of this paper we said that, considering
the style in which Carlyle's thinking is done, the popula-
rity it has attained is marvellous. One distinguishing
feature renders it especially so. It is probably the most
arrogant Style that anybody who did not profess to believe
himself inspired ever wrote in. The author seems to look
down on us as if from some skyey eminence—much as Jove,
seated on Olympus, may have looked down on mortal doings
by the banks of the Scamander, sometimes in wrath, some-
times in contemptuous compassion. One might suppose
from his invariable tone, that the only veracious, the only
sincere, the only clear-sighted individual, who surveyed
this terrestial scene, was Thomas Carlyle ; that no one else
had a conscience, knew good from bad, was able to exert
himself to any purpose whatever, or had the smallest sense
of ' the Divine Significance of Life.' The human race is
adrift in a fog, above which he sits serene, and marks their
futile efforts to blunder through a grim smile for some, a
condescending pity for others, while for .general guidance
and encouragement he exclaims, with Puck, ' Lord, what
fools these mortals be !' Even his favourite heroes he
patronises as if they were good little boys—patting them
on the back, pinching their ears, and calling them nick-
names as Cromwell and Napoleon did with their generals.
But take, comfort, Thomas—be assured you are not the sole
excellence produced, or producible, by this despicable nine-
teenth century.- Other men have appeared, and will ap-
pear in it, sounder in philosophy, clearer of vision, more
original in genius, of no less pure, though less uproarious
rectitude, and of more commendable modesty than your-
self. People who know nothing of Fichte or his
.; Sensuous
Appearances,' have led and will lead very good lives, and
do their duty in this world—and some day admiring
readers will get tired of your oppressive virtue, and begin
to inquire what singular hap has befallen you, that you
should be so contemptuous and impatient of your brother
insects. _

It is this arrogance of tone, of which the History of
Frederick contains many examples, that now induces us to
speak our opinion so plainly of the book. Yet we would
much rather have fouud it worthy of all praise, or at least
such praise as former experience led us to expect we
should think it entitled to—no stinted share. With all his
obtrusive faults we, like most careful readers of Carlyle,
feel grateful to him for two things. First, for his sugges-
tiveness—starting, as he so often does, ideas high or deep,
productive of trains of thought in -other minds ; secondly,
because he has always successfully opposed the vile Utili-
tarian spirit, whether manifesting itself in the methodic
plainness of Bentham, or the specious worldliness of Ma-
caulay. And most sincerely should we rejoice to see his
great gifts, freed from crotchet and affectation, as nobly
employed as heretofore."

" Objectionable Books" is the name of a paper
which contains some very just strictures on the
course that a clergyman recently pursued regard-
ing the literature of a country parish. Certainly,
in none of the books here cited can any impropriety
be seen, and no unprejudiced or impartial reader
will fail to agree with the forcible language in
which such unwise conduct is denounced in this
criticism. "Falsely Accused" is the subject of a
most painful record, which informs us how justice,
or rather injustice, was carried on in " Nurnberg"
in the year 1790. It is almost incredible
to what an extent of folly and wickedness
the town-people allowed their fancies and preju-
dices to carry them. There 'is a continuation of
the remarks commenced last month on the " Popu-
lar Literature and the Periodical Press." This
article, like its predecessor, is most ably written,
and will no doubt afford gratification to many
interested on the subject. The writer adduces
various arguments as to the advantages of anony-
mous writing and, impressively observes, that
in " this one question is involved the whole cha-
racter of the English press—the nature of its mis-
sion, the glory of its history, the seal of its des.
tiny." Altogether, this may be considered as a
valuable addition to the contents of the magazine,
from the clearness with which its views are ex-
pressed, and from the elevated tone villich pervades
its \sentiments. "How we went to Skye," is an
amusing sketch of the adventures that befel some
travellers. The chief interest of the relation con-
sists in the innumerable difficulties that the unfor;
timate party
.encountered in the prosecution of their
pilgrimage, in which several accidents and occur-
rences are described in a ludicrous manner, that is
most entertaining. " A Cruise in Japanese
Waters " is continued in a third instalment. It is
not yet concluded, and furnishes information of
various sorts connected with the place and the
people, and interspersed with anecdotes, which ren-
der it worthy of attention. There is a paper on
" Itawlinson's Herodotus," which will suit the
learned reader, and which appears to treat of the
subject in a superior manner.

Tice Dublin.—ln the present number there is not
so much vivacity as is usually met with in this
periodical. The story of " Gerald Fitzgerald" is
not continued. " The Townland of Garanisky" is
a peculiar tale. It is entitled, " A Curious Story of
a Marriage and a Murder," and the events that give
rise to its name are very remarkable. It is written
with vigour, and one feels interested in its perusal,
although it cannot be called pleasing. Only a very
simple girl could have allowed herself to be entrap-
ped as Rosy did, but it is satisfactory to find her
persecutors caught iu their own toils, for a more
nefarious scheme could hardly have been devised.
The first of a series of essays by clergymen of the
United Church in Ireland is presented to notice. It
is called " The Analogy between the-Decline of
Paganism in the Roman Empire- and its present
Decline in India." Although evidently . written
with care, and displaying ability, it is not likely
that this subject will prove attractive to the gene-
ral reader: In a paper called." Love;Lore," a recent
French work by Michelet is criticised. The general
'style 'of it seems to be justly censured on account
of the impressions it conveys. Some passages are
here quoted in illustration of the remarks.
'" Tenant Right'_' is an article which contains some
I) graphic accounts of the disthrbances in Ireland,
and mentions'' as a 'primary cause the desire to
terrify landlords into the reduction of rents. The
_following • paragraph, taken from the Dundalk
Democrat, exemplifies the argument here used
--" We have been on a tour through the
neigh-
louring counties, and are assured that the murder
'of Mr. Mauleverer has been attended with very
good effects." Some observations are made on
Lady Tourists in the Two Sicilies," which are
entertaining, and contain some sensible observa-
tions on the countries referred to. Some space is
devoted to the_ consideration of Mr. Massey's His-
tory of England. After discussing its merits, a
hope is expressed that he will continue his labours.
." We are assured that he will bring sound political
principles, a love of truth, a spirit of research, and
a fund of good sense to assist him, in the difficult
attempt." Some verses on " The Grave of Felicia
:Hemans, in St. Anne's Chnrch, Dublin," are written
-with taste and feeling, and the following allusions
to the last resting places of some of the chiefs of
song are striking and effective :--

Is not England's greatest, glory granted
In the centre of her busiest life,
And her old memorial Abbey haunted
With a murmur of perpetual strife ?
Thousand curious careless glances scan it,
And the corner where the poets lie,
Listening underneath their weight of granite
To the sea of life that surges by.
True, like fair ship in a land-lock'd haven,
Where no storm may touch the shelter'd wave,
Shakespeare, by his own immortal Avon,
Sleepeth ever in his guarded grave.
True, our Wordsworth hath not left his mountains,
He lies tranquil in their grand embrace,
Lull'd his car by Rotha's silver fountains,
Rydal's shadows on his silent face.
True, tho white moon, like a lonely warder,
Guards a fair tomb in a ruined aisle,
Where the gentle Minstrel of the Border
Hath all Dryburgh for a burial pHs.
But the veriest child of Nature's teaching
Whom she took a peasant from the plough,
Stoop'd her highest laurels to his reaching :
On her daisied bosom sleeps not now.
High aspiring, genius, earthly troubles,
In a dose mean suburb lie asleep;
Not where silver Nith or Cluden bubbles,
Not where banks of bonny Doune are steep.
Let the Poet lie among his brothers,
Where great words of Christian truth shall be ;
He that hath most fellowship with others
Is most Christ-like in his sympathy.

Fraser's.—A memorial sketch of the career of one
of our Indian heroes meets the reader on opening
Fraser, "Hodson, of Hodson's Horse," is the title
of the paper, and it is founded on the biography of
that officer, recently published by his brother. The
account here given of his eventful career, and the
interesting passages extracted from the memoir will
induce many readers to peruse for themselves such
a noble testimony to English valour and endurance.
The shrewd and amusing writer of speculative
social articles furnishes us with an account of his
musings in a railway train in the dim, early morn-
ing. A good deal of truth mingles with a little
prejudice in his moralising, but the correctness of
his observations on nervousness, most readers will
admit. His closing remarks, too, on the system of

intentional exaggeration are. very frequently
exemplified in daily life. He is a pleasant writer,
and treating of subjects within the reach and com-
prehension of all, his papers afford an agreeable
variety from more weighty or didactic treatises.
A " Sketch of Life in. New Zealand" gives us
a series of lively pictures of the antipodes:
Frederick Tennyson contributes a poem entitled.
" Song of an Old Man," addressed to his mother,
written with feeling and expression, though not
remarkable for poetic excellence. HolmbY,
House," the tale of the civil war, which commenced
last month, is continued. Lord Falkland hag
already passed from its pages, and the clouds o',
domestic discord are thickening round the actors;
The Rev. Barham Zincke contributes his second
paper on Mr. Gladstone's recent work. The writer
is evidently familiar with his subject, and with the
epoch referred to. His article will interest the
scholar, and perhaps enable the less cultivated
reader to form some idea of the peculiar claire;
teristics of the race and the age, which witnessed
the production of those great poems, since who!:
creation, as an eminent writer has finely sal'
" everything that is changeable in our world hal
changed." " Schloss-Eishausen" is continued, and
the second part of the mystery makes it still mom
mysterious. The reader will await the third P3l:
with some curiosity, as it must puzzle the mkt
accomplished solver of literary problems to unravel
the intricacies of this extraordinary affair. The
life and labours of the late Dr. Buckland forte
the subject of a highly interesting paper, will%
gives several extracts from the writings of thaA
accomplished scholar and scientific philosopher. 0.
brief article on playgoing, commends the stag!;
under proper management, as a promoter of nlOll4
and mental culture. •

Bentley.;--An attack on Mr. Bright's view df re.
form defends the aristocracy from his -sweep
censures. " Recollections of Charles Strange ~
,"
the title of a singular story, that is forcibly t0,1,Z.
but the events are extremely improbable. mt
gotten goods are seldom so obligingly restored'
i.
" The Diary of Lady Morgan" affords the
.subject
for a paper of pleasant reminiscences of an ag'
most of whose luminaries, whether literary or social,
have long since passed away. Another interesting
topic is found in the second article on " Sir Henri
Sydney's Autobiography:" It gives:acurious glimPßei
into the details of mediaeval life, and is full,°'
curious anecdotes connected with the history of we
time. " The Horrible Revenge," and " The Conl-
mercial Room at W--," are two tales which are
both very mediocre, and not particularly, pleasing'
"A Frenchman in Kentucky" is the title of an
amusing paper founded on a recent French work,,.
The completion of " Horace Walpole's Letters
discusses the peculiarities of that remarkable cor
respondence :—*

These nine volumes contain matter for - all 111°4*
grave and gay, contemplative and frivolous ; for student!
of English history, social progress, and human nature I"
large and in little. What a span in the eighteenth cent
—beginning with the eighth year of George 11. and enclitg
at a period when the French Revolution had recover
from its Reign of Terror, and the star of Napoleon,„;,,W9B
beginning to flame amazement' on the world.
that interval what Ministries rise and fall, what reputatio':
are won and sometimes lost, what successions of beautio°
flourish and fade—all of them registered in this far
glancing correspondence. Mr. Cunningham, who charac;
terises the letters as absolute jests and.story books, ant
the exact standard of easy engaging writing,' points
their value as preserving the ' dark jostlings for
_plac,l°
the many Administrations which governed England,' m',-;
the fall of Sir Robert Walpole to the accession of "I'
younger Pitt. Horace, we are reminded, knew the 1015
bers of the Broad Bottom and Coalition ministries; ,
ae
seen or known (certainly knew a great deal about) tu
many mistresses of the four Georges, from the Duchess f
Kendal to the Countess of Suffolk, from Miss Vane to Aar
Fitzherbert. 'He was known to two kings and to WI
children. He lived throughout a long life in the be
society, and in the best clubs. His means were awe'
and every reasonable desire he seems to have gratified. ,
a boy he had kissed the hand of king George 1., and as 7.
man in years had conversed with :two young men, who
after his own death succeeded King George 111. on tti:
throne of England. He had seen in the flesh two of t,l
heroines of De Grammont and the . Restoration, La Belle
Jennings and Arabella Churchill, and lived long enough
to offer his coronet to two ladies (Mary and Agnes Bevil'
who lived far into the reign of Queen.Victoria.' "
Mr. Dudley Costello's story of " Faint heart
never won fair lady" has at length reached its COw
elusion, which, truth to tell,• is at the close some-
what hurried. If the events are riot very probable,
they are at least novel,. and if the story is occx
sionally tedious to the critical reader, there are
many lovers of elaborate romance who will dill
appreciate its merits. "Up among the Pandies,
continues the relation of the author's personl
experiences in India with interest. "Monkshood
finds an attractive subject' in ;the new volume by •
the American Macaulay, as stiie historian of Philip
the Second has been termed, only on the ground,
apparently, of being the most eminent historian
and essayist of his country. In this new volume,
Mr. Prescott is occupied. with the " Rebellion al
the Moriscoes," and the " War with the Turks.
The critic gives a very interesting account of
the cruel persecutions suffered by the unfortunaP
Moors. The only poetical contribution in the
number• is from the pen of Mr. Thornbury, entitle a;
" Rhymes for Baby Alice," and we are sorry to On
it so totally unworthy of his reputation.

Colburn s United Service.—A paper on ,
Navies of England and France takes a review' (11
the present position of the rival marine forces, an;
strongly recommends that neither pains nor expense
ought to be spared to keep us "far a-head of all
other naval powers." In this opinion all parties
and factions, with the exception of the Peace-at"
any-price " sect appear to coincide, and we nu/
therefore hope that immediate steps will be takell
to bring our navy to the greatest possible effiel;
ency. " Our military departments ' are, discussea
immediately after the rival service, and the anoma'
bons position of the War-office and the Horse'
guards are strongly reprehended by the writer. A
paper on the operations in Oude laments that, since
the fall of Delhi and the last actions under General
Havelock, there has been no decisive action. The
Earl of Dundonald's interesting memoirs form the
subject of an article which traces his distinguish!,
career.from his earliest achievements, and rende7,
full justice to his 'great and efficient services.
review of the Indian Rebellion is commenced, and
discusses the probable causes of that catastrophe'
The writer arrives at the conclusion that the inSur'
rection was a military one, but that the great bodY
of the people have been strictly neutral. Another
paper on Indian topics is the continuation of `the
narrative of the movements of the Azimghur field-
force, which proceeds at some length, and gives an
interesting record of some of the important events
of the Indian campaign. The Editor's portfolio,
and the Naval and Military intelligence, contain
their usual complement of information.

The New Monthly.—A lengthened paper on Bri;
tish Columbia gives us a view of some of the 011°'
features of the new colony. " The Assize Cause
continues• to narrate the complicated events eon'
nected with the theft from the Riverton Registry
It is an interesting tale, pleasantly written, but vre
fear will noit end so cheerfully as the happy condo'
sion of the trial would seem to indicate. " Stereo'
scopic Glimpses " is the attractive title of a net
series of poetical pictures. This first one shows lig
Pope at Twickenham, grieving over the loss of bi°
mother, and amidstlall the luxuries and refinement! 4 •
of his home sitting desolate arid forlorn. Masses‘E-
Life of Milton receives a careful and encouragie
criticism. " Craig Luce Castle," by Mrs. Bushbyr
is idle first part of a story that is painful and
gloomy. It is a relief to turn from its dreary r©'
cords to the prosaic troubles of. poor Mr. Pickle*
now in a panic at the garotters in his neighbour'
hood. Lord Ravensworth's recent volume of trans-
lations from Horace is highly commended. The
second edition of the History of the Royal Sappers
and Miners enables an admirer of that valuable
corps to trace the efficient services rendered 11
them since their first formation. " Herr Ernst
Mitterkamp " continues his curious autobiography •
The memoirs of the Empress Catherine 11. are dis-
cussed and quoted at some length. " Evalla "is
continued, but not yet brought to a conclusion. A
paper on the Italian Question discusses the aspects
of European politics, and the probable reply to the
important questiori which is now agitating Courts
and Cabinets, " Aurons nous la guerre."