Southern planter., 1832-06-09

enlisened by strokes Of lurkiug humpr aud glcam-
ings Of elegant fancy, aud resemble those loose
sketches in the portfolio of foe painter, which
however careless the outline, OF compon:place the
subject, bclvay, nevertheless evident touches ofthe
master hand.
With hsmOre recent contributors 70 the liiera-
ture orhis country the frsi ofwhch is the inysha-
bic Life Of Columbus, our readers arc Of course
acquainted Respecting the supedor excellence
ofths cpmpnsilion there seems 10 be but one opin-
ion throughout the learned circles. Il ellis va
cancyin 10 English history, aud no ono living could
have succeeded better. The golden materials for
the History Of Columbus could not havo been com
miiied 10 any more appropriate individual, for he
stands nearly iu the same relation 10 oup literary,
az his immortal subject Hoes 10 OUT natural henri
sphere, both having in their own departments steer
ed boldly out into regions unexplored, and Produc
cd their discoveries 20 the astonishmcn of the ems
tcrn continent.
His works vary, perhaps more in character than
those Of any other living writer--OtheFs have all
been distinguished IN some peculiar department
Mr.. Irving with the easy confidence Of genius, has
struck into several Of the most opposite description,
and il is difficult, IL not impossible, 10 decide IN
which be has manifested the most power Theper-
feet beauty Of his sentimental piecoa-ther touch
ing pa,hos, aud tender refinement, claim the palm
Of supotioriiy. There il Atrfe Of his, briefsto-
ry ofcommon life, called the "Nle," which strong
iy tcmpis Us 10 such a conclusion. lfhe hsd not
sought any other walk, he must have acquired
fame in ,his.-Yes-this Is his forte. Bot then
his bumor, of which he isa perfect master--lhe
broad and irresistible burlesquc Of fKnickerbocker,
fraughl with sly drolery and good natpfcd satire;
the ludicrous drawing inlerspcred through the
Sketch Book the fine wit m Salmagundi, and the
rich vein opened in Bracebndge Hall--yes, there
can be no doubt ofit-he is happlest 4 The humoT'
ous Il Is on 6olincatons Of this nature that he
mnA resths claim tosupefiority. BY tho way,shego
Is yet another field opening 10 our vew--history.
Ills later works are not found only on tho toilette
Of beauty and fashion--in the hands Of the young
alone, OF Of tho old and grave 10 their lighter mo-
menis; but on tho table Of the learned and wise-
in the library Of the thoughtful siatesman the So
; we're scholar There Is something digni6ed in
writing history, and this Mr.. Irving has done ad-
mirObly. lie has advanced loarIerly and success
fully 70 higher grade Of literature and iamo; and
as he addresses grave circle Of readers, and onp
more important theme, there is visible IN his man
y neF an appropriate change, strongly chaTacteugle
of the good sense Of the author He has relaxed
the studied elegance Of his style for true persplcu'
! iiy and mhnly strength. We miss the .smcothness
I and polish, but recognize the praoeful shape md
Q fine material The sweet melody Of the Sketch
a Book would become tiresome in an extended his
tory. he has therefore properly modified Il for The
: occasion, and has commenced most romantic and
powerfully interesting series ofevents Ia form at
lraciiyc to every reader and wo suspect this will
carry bis name farther into future time than even
the fascinating offspring Of his emlier years, and
more excited fancy.
We conclude this cuuory view uf the life Of
Washington Irving with our sincere congratulations
,, to ouF readers on their prospect Of soon welcoming
him again at least fos brief period, 70 these his
native shores Yet bis visit here will form a new
era in HE quiet and happy life, and will mot b .
delightful event 10 us, old and young, hisHlends
& and readersi We cannot refrain from drawing a
) thousand pretty pictures Of these things -liow for.
J. cibly-~with what mixture Of melancholy and Joy,
and merriment and Tegrot, must they strike such
: mind as hist He must write another Sketch Book
that's ceriain.--We have porod, with delightful
!. fancy, over the voyage ofthe delightful enthusiast
from his native plain country, with the mighty
:, world, broad and brilliant, before him. Now Let
:, as read the wanderers homeward thoughts, and
\ hopes, ari (eas and recolleciions Time--imc
+ has been busy with him, and with al around bun.
= There viii be shsdow on the forehead, and shud-
: owy thoughts beneath il, and the ghons ofa thou
y sand buried hopes and wishes vii i.t ucross his
Imagination, os he hangs, on his return, over the
le same restless waves and muses. on the haunts Of
/ Doph Iieyeper, g. the misty blue hills of "Seepy
q Hollow and The old angles and narrow lanes,
o steeped-rooied Dutch houses, and alihcmerfy in
D. habiianis Of the "good city Of Manhatianp How
At we should love to tread with him through The lab
yriDths Of his changed and growing metropolis, and
D, 10 follow him in all his meetings with old iacosi e
h sec him recognize the wild and lovely girl whom he
Is left romphg 10 exuberani youth, now appearing tc
d his eyes, chmlened down into the sweet mother
a. with aaroup Of glowing and miniature hkenesses
b. gazing u az the author Of the Sketch Book; anc
Nc then 10 watch with him the stately man whom he
Sc left eeci in the vgor of health, converted int
Q 4 dim a. faded resemblance Of his former self will
er bent shoulders, a scanned forehead and trembling
al hands.
" From sbs Ye,y.Enrlana Marazn,