Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1823-11-26

" Hte beW "" IT, jew Aofh, OOtS'
1928.
We have perused this work with
great deal of interest, and regard it as
a valuable acquisition to our national
literature. Each day brings forth some
new offspring of American genius and
if we advance in Literary compassionate
The ratio that we have done for con-
siderable time past, it will be no remote
period ere we attain an elevated rank.
And in no case have we been disposed
TO congratulate the public more than in
this. The author of Konigsmarke is
one of the genuine disciples Of the
Tznickerbocker School, whose works
have so often delighted the reading
community and we greet him after his
long silence with satisfaction, and view
the work before US as the precursor of
many sterling productions.
Mr. Paulding holds in derision the
sickly "chif-chaff and nonsense which
has been the order of the day; and
seems disposed to aid in the introduce
ton of a more correct taste among the
readers of6ctitious narrative. He pre-
sents Us with no Kings nor Dukes; no
Lord Mcrtimers, nor Col. Belgraves,
nor Amandas; his heroes and heroines
are sensible and agreeable people. The
Long Finne is Interesting, without play
ing at whist, or wearing quizzing glass !;
and the beautiful Christiana is engaging
without being ''the victim ofsentiment -
the Heer Piper is a character truly
comical, and natural withal; and Lob
Dotterel; the High. Constable of Elsin-
burgh, has every attribute Of the true
and legitimate tip-staf
A vein of the most sportive wit per-
vades the whole book; and Comus
himself could not help tittering
at the exploits of the Jumping Stur-
geon, (alias Lob DottereD in the battle
of the Ohio. The description of that
warriors performances is truly unique j;
and whoever can read it and preserve
the tranquility of his muscles must have
the gravity of Turk. AS for us, we
indulged in an unstinted laugh; and we
think that the Jumping Sturgeon may
compete for the palm of superior pow
ers. with Achilles himself.
Nor is the book, though generally IA
= cetious, wholly destitute of scenes of
tender interest. In several passages
we felt our eye become dim, though but
tor moment; for with the versatility of
Byron in Don Juan, he changes C from
grave to gay. from giddy to severe
Bombie of the Frizzled Head is design
ed as burlesque upon one of the favor
tie characters Of the Great unknown
that OF cro1king sibyl; and, indeed,
we think afr. Pauldiqg has placed in an
nniavorable light, this general accom-
paniment Of the Wagerly Novels.
But though we admire Konigsmarke
as whole, we think that the author has
IN some parts overweight his subject
Many expressions designed as pleasan-
tries, are only trite tests; and some of
the Incidents, and Of the mottos perfx-
ed to the chapters, are hackneyed and
thread-bare. His style is occasionally
careless, and many favorite phrases are
too often repeated. Thus, "shrewd
indications" is to be met with frequently.
and-s that likely .tellov Cupid is to be
found in every book.
We do not mean these remarks as
disparagement of Mr. Paulding's gene.
raj merits; We point out what we deem
faults, that he may read his works with
a more careful eye for the time to come.
The genius, talent, and spirit displayed
IN this tale are convincing proofs that
the above are not radical defects, but
are to be attributed only to negligence
IN composition. 1t is our sincere wish
thatwe may soon hear again from this
agreeable author; and we trust that
the accounts of his publisher will afford
"shrewd Indications of the approba-
tion of the public. G.
SINGULAR FATE OF ANEXToRTIoNER
Monsieur Foscue, one of the farmers
general OF the province of Languedoc.
10 France, about the middle of last CEN
fury, had amassed considerable wealth
toy grinding the faces of the poor, and
by every other means, however low.
Dase' or cruel, which ingenuity could de-
wise or rapacity execute. BY these
means ne had rendered himself univer-
sally hated, and every one in his province
was wishing his downfall. 1t was prob
aoly In consequence of some hint of his
wealth which had been given by some
one or other of, the numerous enemies
MS avarice and cruelty had made him,
.ua' ne was one day ordered by govern