The Sun.
London, England, 1844-08-01 00:00:00

AINSWORTH'S MAGAZINE.

Mr. Leigh Hunt's poetical criticisms, under the
conciliatory title of " A Jar of Honey from Mount
Hybla," are here resumed. The critic, as might be
.expected, is lavish in his praises of Fletcher's Faithful
Shepherdess, whose pastoral propriety and simplicity,
however; are sadly marred by the introduction of the
\lronton Shepherdess, whose language, on one oc-
casion*, is not only coarse, but grossly ohscene, to a
degree, indeed, that is not surpassed by any dramatist
of that not very refined or scrupulous age. The poem,
too, notwithstanding its numerous descriptive beau-
ties, has much that is stiff, and cold, and artificial in
its tone.. In his present chapters of the " Court of
Queen Anne," Mr. Ainsworth gives us a spirited
sketch of the trial of that bigoted quack, Dr. Sacche-
verel,'Who, for some weeks, threw John Bull into a
perfect state of phrenzy. The "hum of Men" is a
smart satire on some of the most notorious follies of
the day. In the notice. of the " Story of a Feather,"
which, it may be remembered, appeared from time to
time in detached portions in Peach, occur some kindly
and judicious remarks on the general character of
Mr. Jerrold's writings. "The audience at a play of
Mr. Jerrold's," says the Reviewer, "is often worth
watching. As the dialogue flings its shells and
crackers about the house, you detect the guilty crea-
tures of the world of pomps, and vanities, and lusts of
the flesh. The explosion of the sharp, scorching joke,
is heard in loud laughter; but look, and you will see
people wince here and there, uneasiness shadowing
their mirth. While it affects a neighbour, the satire
has a honeyed sweetness for them ; but self-applicatin,
which they cannot suddenly avoid, present- turns
it to wormwood." Mr. Jerrold., as any one
may see, who has ever witnessed the performance of
one of his searching comedies, is no favourite with
the dress-circles, and still less with the private boxes,
wherein people f mark and likelihood are so fond of
ensconcing themselves. The reason is obvious. He
is not sufficiently smooth and conventional enough for
them. He treats their elegant, well-bred, drawing-
room sensibilities too rudely. He is too intolerant of
their hypocritical common-places and aristocratic as-
sumptions., He calls a rogue a rogue, whether he has
graduated at St. James's or St. Giles's, and has not
the slightest respect for even the knightly garter, if it
encircle the leg of a scanip. His productions are excel-
lent illustrations of the old adage that the " naked
truth is exceedingly unlovely ;" and it is as rich a treat
as the eye of a philanthropist could desire, to see how
the polite, fastidious box-circle winces at his stinging
taunts, as with the dazzling rapier of his wit b.-,
pierces through the thick coatings of their vanity.
But though no great favourite among 'the higher
classes—who must regard him with "something of the
same awe with which children 'regard an ogre—Mr.
Jerrold is admired and, preciated by all who have a
genuine heart beating in their bosoms, and who do
not turn from humanity with contempt because it
may happen to be clothed in rags and call itself a
pauper. The " Prussian Paddy Grenadier," is a tale
whose leading incidents may he found in the " Life
and Times of Frederick the Great." The author
should have. acknowledged the source to which he is
indebted. " Cruising for a Cutlet," is a sprightly
essay, from which we quote some amusing hints and
suggestions for the benefit of diners-out.
Suit your conversation to your company. Tespect-
ing anecdotes, have a certain number stores up in your
memory, ready to do their duty when called upon ; but.
be particularly careful never to lug in one of them out of
place, but be equally prompt, whenever an opportunity
occurs, to avail yourself of it. Thus, the conversation
turns upon Wellington, -you immediately begin—
,,
heard a most characteristic anecdote of the great man
lately: Commander Hall of her :Majesty's yacht, who
had done.the State some service' in China, was anxious
to he presented to the hero of a hundred fights, upon an
Victoria
and in which the Duke went on board the
and Albert. The name of the commander was men.
tioned to the Duke, who said he should be delighted to
be introduced to the gallant officer, The vainqueicr eleB
vainqueurs went through the yacht, and was about to
leave it, when lie turned round to the captain; and said,
introduce me to your commander. The ceremony tool;
place.. Happy to know you, Commander Hall. you
'are a brave fellow ; fought like a hero in the Nemesis,
in China. Gallant, gallant. God bless you,' holding
out his hand at the same time. The son 'of Neptune
warmly grasped the veteran warrior's hand, exclaimincr,
I would rather have that blessing than that of t 164
Archbishop of Canterbury, and all the Bishops put to-
gether.'
After telling your story, wait, (as the professed actors
do) for the applause, and do not be carried away by it,
or be led to tell another story, until an equally favour-
able opportunity occurs. , If the subject turns upon poli-
tics, quote Sheridan and the pure elector of that im-
maculate borough of Stafford. " So, Mr. Sheridan, you
are about to give us reform; that's right, only think, in
some towns there are poor fellows, hear say;thatset
nothing at all for their votes; that an't right, and wants
reforming altogether. Talking of reform," you may
continue, " I mustotell you a most extraordinary circum-
stance that occurred during the last reign. Lord --
paid a visit to Bedlain; among the inmates was a poor.
woman,- who happened to -ask :his Lordship his name;
Oh,' replied the latter, I'm Mr. Smith,' giving a tra-