The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-04-01
that strive to compress and stiae its languid

that strive to compress and stide its languid
and agonizng energies"
In manner singularly impressive, Mr. Soule
gave a most extraordinary, beautiful. and
solemn prophecy Of Lord Pownall. But the
reyerent hush which succeeded its sublime
close Mr.. Cas- may his shadow henceforth be
less and less y had the bad taste to break, by
the exclamation, lie wGs an old fogy after my
oun hearth half expected to hear the cry,
"Put him out" The courtly and somewhat
flstidious speaker looked staggered at first
but he turned the interruption to account in a
very characteristic manner, actually compli-
menting the General stretch of Parliament
airy courtesy, if not of Christian charity Mr..
Soule's peroration struck me as rather abrupt,
as not so well rounded, so perfectly finished as
/ had expected; but it was very fine, the last
sentence in especial.
Last night, Ole Bulls concert came off with
immense ectdt. There was the most brilliant
audience ever recollect to have seen in Wash
ington 90.
Ole Bull and his music are Gone and indi-
visible" 1t is the fullest expression of his
soul-the perfect utterance, the strong and ju-
bilant outpouring of his nature He seems to
create sounds absolutely new to every ear
sounds you never hope to hear elsewhere on
Nature, from the most wondrous of human
voices, or from any instrument by the cunning
of man contrved. You receive them as the
peculiar, sole, inimtable language of rare
and most individual genius His genius to the
imagination takes all forms and suggests all
images of vitality, power, passion, mirth, JOY
ance, and within. Sometimes, when in full ca
reer, it seems to dash along like bold rider
on berry steed-n0w it seems the surge of
waves, now the rush of hame-now the silvery
shout or low gurgle of mountain streams-now
the dainty carol of birds or the frolicsome
come and go" of the night winds, at play
with the summer leaves
1t is not always his grandest and most bril-
liant passages which move one most deeply
and thoroughly. There are notes which he
filings from him as of little worth--small, sepa-
rate melOdes-single pebbles of sound, which
go ringing down into the deeps of the soul,
while the slumbering emotions they disturbed,
circle on circle, 60 widening into the infinite
All that marvellous violin close quarters,
indeed in which to compress such countless
wonders and delights-as rare a marvel as
the miraculous pitcher of Jove, or that petite
boits of Pandora, which once imprisoned NJ
| the wOcs ann lNss,nences OF the w6fio.
That magic bow you cannot believe it, in
| the hand of Ole Bull, a mere thing of wood
and horse-hair-more like it seems to the wand
of an enchanter, with which he charms and
conjures forth the obedient music The look
and manner of Ole Bull, while he is playing,
are peculiarly attractive and graceful. He has
little action but that is all expressive and har-
monious. His tall, symmetrical form sways to
his music, like young tree to the breath of
the wind, and his fine face is ever a.glOw with
the high joy of the poet and the artist He
has that peculiar northern warmth, which is
all the more bright and genial to us, that it is
kindled among snows-like the ruddy fre-side
glow, shining through cottage windows on
winters night. Finally, you are as entirely
satisfied with the man as with the artist, and
readily receive him as worthy master and
interpreter of the divine mysteries of music.
Leutze's great painting of Washington
crossing the Delaware" now being exhibited
in the rotunda at the Capitol, is attracting
much attention, and elciting much praise.
And it is a noble work. think never saw a
picture so gloriously alive in every figure in
every point. 1t has great boldness of design
and executiOn-but no extravaganza, think,
no seeking after dramatic effect. 1t is wildly,
but not highly colOred-thoroughly finished
but nowhere Overdone. 1t would make an
enviable fame for the artist, were not that good
work already accomplished.
GRACE GREENWOOD.