New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1856-05-15
NEW PUBLICATIONS

MEMOIRS or RICHARD CUMBERLAND. Written by
himself With Illustrative Notes by HENRY fLADERs'
e1o. PIP. Ss7. Philadelphia: Parry & Mcmillan.
Cumberland was not man of much mark as
writer. and holds no considerable place in English IT.
erature. His novels never found their way to the
heart of the public his epic poems are seldom alluded
10 but in terms of rdicue and he known at this day
chiefly by his dramas, The West Indian" and " The
Jew which are not without certain degree OF merit.
But his birth and position gave him access to the most
cultivated London society, and he was on an intimate
footing with many Of the most eminent men OF his day.
He was born at Cambridge in 1884, under the roof
of the celebrated Bentley his maternal grandfather
His ancestors on both sides were distinguished for
their eminonce in literature circumstance on which
nc nrides himself not little. Richard Cumberland,
Bishop Of Peterborough, was his great grandfather
q man Of remarkable simplicity and worth OF charsc'
ter with some reputation in his day as an antagonist
Of Hobbies. His work ode Legbus Nature, is still
referred TO as q respectable production Of English
philosophy. OF his grandfather Bentley, the author
gives some interesting "reminiscences He denies that
the famous philologst was the arrogant grabbed
eync which his enemies have represented him. Nor
was the big hat nmortszed by Pope, though OF for
midAble dimensions, ever made to minister 10 his
pride az stated in the Dunciad His domestic habits
were those Of the devoted student. He slept in the
room next 10 his library. He never saw his family
till the hour Of dinner. Then he laid aside his scho-
asic gravity and conversed cheeruly on every topic
tina. came up. He entirely indifferent to pecun-
iaIy affairs and left the arrangement Of his household
entirely TO his wife. But in spite of the favorable
light in which he is presented by his partial grandson,
Bentley will always be Justly regarded as an over
bearing and pcjant;c critic, an opnionated scholar,
and an exaggerated prototype Of the offensive school
Of johnson and Par.
Cumberland sfather was clergyman u the oldfash-
ioaed stamp in the Established Church. He had q
small living the country, and in the discharge OF his
clerical functions exhibited a primitive simplicity
worthy of DR.. Primrose himself. He combined the
duties of justice Of the peace with those of his sacred
Office but his store of legal knowledge was scsnty,
and trusted more to the convivial resources Of his
cellar and kitchen for the settlement OF differences
than TO tie rigid construction of the law This appeal
TO the beer. barrel and larder made him immensely
popular. Every one that knew him was his friend,
and be had only TO speak the word to command the
services of large circle of acquaintance. He was
MIGHTY fox hunter. after the shion Of his times. His
nersou was light and elegant, and he was daring and
accomplished rider. In early youth, his passion tor
bo,.es had even led him to ride matches at Newman
t but this practice he laid asde hardly compati-
bic with the dignity of his profession The mother OF
Cumberland inherited her fathers critical tastes. she
was an admirable reader of poetry. 1t was iavorue
evening entertainment to read one Of Shakespeare
play. with her son, who was thus early inoeuia'ed
with love Of the drama.
Ills first visit to the theater was, OF course reai
event in his boyish experience. He saw Ganick III the
character of Lothario. Qun, Ryan, Mrs. Cibber, and
Mrs. Pntchaid took part i'll the performance. Inc
young amateur had seat 10 the front row OF the gal
ley where he enjoyed q good view of the stage
Quin made his appearance on the rsing OF the cur
tain in green velvet coat embroidered down the
scans, and full-bottomed peiwig, rolled
stockings, and high heeled sgus7e.toed :h9ss, he