Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-08-06

a note which will not exactly chord with that OF
triumph in the institution Of equal privileges un-
der which we live, when he considers, how prodl-
gious, within the last score of years. has been
the influence of one mnd-that Of Sir Walter
Scott-over the minds Of the American People:
and with what glory the magic of his genius
invests this phantom Of rank in visions OF the ro-
mantle spirit?
am not complaining of this character Of the
wonderful productions in question, as iauit III
their author, either such, as lover OF his eouh
try. 1t is neither;-it is far otherwise. In the
former relation, it became him undoubtedly 10
give them that character. availing himself to the
utmost of the fit resources for excitement, Tor
those who were to have the giving Of his fame;
and, in the latter, writing where he wrote. II he
gave it to them on set purpose, with view to the
effect of which am speaking, he might II think
he would,-be acting in this patriots worthy
part; for the institutions of his country are to be
served, are to be recommended, are to be secnr-
ed, by the prevalence of that taste Tor ARTIFICIAL
distinctions in society, which those works 90 20
justify, and exalt, and confirm. Those lnshta-
lions NAV be best in the abstract, tor society al
ready constituted like the English: At all events,
it may be much better 10 stand by them, than to
have all thrown back INTO the elements, tor the
chance of superseding them with something, which
might turn out, after all, to be no better, or to be
no worse. And, On either of these suppos'tions,
he who does any thnis to attach the people to them
does to the people themselves an emlnentiy soou
deed.
But. what NAV be one na,ons's meat, may none
the less be another's prison. Take the instance
of the story of the Woodstock, or the Cavalier,
for a striking illustration of what have now IN
view. No one ought to wonder, it 1t could be
revealed to him, that that single tale has added
century's life to the monarchy OF England. IL
was better worth a peerage in that view, than ma
nv state service of which this has been the re-
ouital. Without the moral being Obtruded, which
would be unskilfn, it is nothing less than the most
artiul plea for LOYALTY to the monarch's person.
The obligation and attractiveness of this senti'
ment are brought out. in the most affecting sltua-
tions, with all the writer's power. SO that undis-
eliminating minds can scarcely escape the impress
sion, that il is absractly noble one. 1t was not
meant to be escaped Not escaped, it will make the
English reader more devoted subject. But
not escaped, --taking effect, and what may not
have effect in the hands of genius?-what fa'se
tone of feeling would be created in the clsatlan-
tic reader, to whom men in this relation should be
nothing, who owes;no allegiance but to the state
The remark is not, repeat it, that the instiu-
tons strengthened by the force OF sentiment which
makes the kew note of English literature, are bad
institutions where they exist; this consideration.
well founded or otherwise, would not be to the
pOint;-but that they are not ours, and w0uid not
be good for us: and therefore it can scarcely be
eventually good that they should be made, BY the
power of fine writing to take hold of our feelings
aud imasinations. Nav call them without dis
courtesy, "hesh-pots Of Egypt" to be desired
in their place, but to which it were best Tor US.
who have come thence, not TO be looking back!
Nor is it so much that there is danger OF our pre-
ferences being thus positively won to those for.
esn institutions, though certainly young and
imaginative minds are ductiIe:-but that this an
tagonist current Of feeling may qualify and tame
the fervent love, With which it greatly concerns
the republic that every citizen should regard Its
own.-its own institutions, that involve far other
principles.
The Messrs. HARpERs, Of New York, have
published as the fifth and sixth volumes OF the
" Library of Select Novels" the new work ell
titled the You've DUKE, BY the author of Vivian
Grey.
The writer to whom is referred the authorship
Of this work, has attained high standing among
the writer's of the times, and the YOUNG DUKE"
is undoubtedly destined to increase aud extend
his well acquired fame The work is not remark
able for exuberance of plot, but it is to be admir-
ed for bold satire, fine sentiment, and very good
writing. We add description of the heroine
of the novel;
She was very young. that is to say, she had,
perhaps, added year or two to sweet seventeen.
an addition which, while it does not deprive the
sex of the early grace of girlhood, adorns them
with that indefinable dignity which is necessary
to constitute perfect woman. She was nottail,
but as she moved forward displayed figure SO
exquisiteiy symmetrical, that for moment the
duke forgot to look her face. and then her head
was turned away; yet he was consoled moment
for his disappointment BY watching the move
ments of a neck SO white. and round, and long,
and delicate, that it would have become Psyche.
and might have inspired Praxiteles. Her face
is again turned towards him 1t stops too soon,
yet his eye feeds upon the outline of cheek not
too full, yet promising Of beauty, like hope OF
paradise.
She turns her head, she throws around
glance, and two streams Of liquid light pour from
FL