New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1865-05-25

this point, the present volume is brought to
close, with the reflection, that destiny was about
to open new path in the career of her favOrite
son. Cesar had faith in his destiny, and conf
dence in his genius; but faith is an instinct, not
calculation, and genius has forebodng sense
of the future, without divining its mysterious
course.
The parallel between the career Of julius Ca
sar and his own, although not distinctly alluded
to, is evidently never absent from the mind OF
the author, aud strikes the keynote in the COM
position of his work. His acceptance Of the
Providential, or fatalistic theory Of historical
development is intended to support this re-
semblance and illustrate the imperial dynasty
Of France by comparison with tho fortunes OF
the illustrious Roman conqueror. The task de-
manded no small degree Of ingenuity and skill;
and these qualities are conspicuous throughout
the volume. The facts in the case are lucidly
arrayed; every striking circumstance in con-
rfirmation of tho main purpose Of the work il
brought forward without comment, but with great
artistic effects there is no attempt at argument,
no special pleading, no anxiety for the success
of the cause; but all is arranged to produce q
strong impression on the mind of the reader.
and Undue him with the conviction that the
course Of tic usurper is ordained OF Heaven, and
the foulest acts Of ambition and tyranny are used
by Providence for the development Of the Sace.
The volume often exhibits great acnteness and
subtlety Of thought; it's language is as limpid,
and coloress, and cold as spring-waier; it be-
trays no passion, no emotion, no vital interest
in humanity, no personal tastes, prejndices, or
prepossessions; its pages, in that respect might
have been the product of intellectual machinery;
as, In regard to research, historical learning,
and methodical arrangement, itmay be assumed,
is very likely to be the case. But whatever lit.
erary aids tho imperial author has been able to
command in the preparation of his work, Its
consummate ability will hardly be questioned;
its condensed and luminous statements perpetu-
ally awaken admiration; aud its whole tone and
character afford powerful testimony to the
boldness and sagacity of the mind TO which It
owes its origin.
The translation Of this volume is by no means
credi,able to English scholarship. 1t bears the
marks OF excessive haste, Of timidity, or OF want
of experience and skill in the use of Language
perhaps Of all combined. Tie first construction
tha, suggested itself TO the translator appears
to have been choscn,-thc adherence 10 the
or yna, though the sense il often mistaken, is ct
the expense OF idiomatic freshness, and betrays
servie tendency, and the prevailing awkward
ness and slipshod inelegance Of phrase would be
disgraceiul to a schoolboy. Frequent omissions
occur, leaving sentences, and clauses OF sem
'ercos, with no attempt 1T translation snd the
delicate shades Of meaning expressed by the apt
selection Of word, or the skllful turn OF a
phrase, are almost wholly neglected. The vol
ume has none OF the freedom and grace Of move
nent. which next 20 verbal correctness, is the
highest accomplishment Of the translator; it
reads throughout like version from foreign
language; showing o stiffness and Formally of
construction, and q painful monotony, which
cannot Justly be charged upon the original.