The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1869-05-07

For The 1Egis and htel1ige7'eer.
"Stasdies In Shakespeare"
BOOK OF ESSAYS. BY MARY PRESTON

A BOOK OF ESSAYS. BY MARY PRESTON.
This is the title of small volume recent
ly published in Philadelphia, but comes to
us with local association that we are
pleased to recognize and as the authorcss
has been frequent and pleasant contribu-
tor to the Agis and InteILigencer, we think
a notice of her book, through our columns,
may be acceptable. First, we would ex-
press admiration for the simple beauty OF
its binding-the purity of its type-its
few but expressive words of dedication.
"The Studies are developed in num-
Der ofessays written upon the leading char.
acters in Shakespeare's plays. Theauthoress
in her disssctions, makes prominent the
idea that the great dramatist, in his deli
neations Of human nature, was always true
in his readings of the human heart; and
her efforts bring out, with good effect, the
latent beauty of his heroines and heroes,
and we think even his ''gems" borrow a
new lustre from the interest of her pen.
In the essay upon Macbeth" we have a
acoman's defence ola wife's devotion, in
the character of Lady Macbeth, with a
somewhat metaphysical dissertation upon
the innate homage paid to "bracery," though
exhibited in deeds repugnant to our ma
lures.
In the Merchant of Venice" there is q
just castigation of the literary taste of our
day, which accepts for its heroines, as por-
trayed by our novelists, "women remark
able for nothing but their puerile tastes and
aimless lives" while Shakespeare's "ideal
ofwomanhood" Portia .is neglected, though
u pure and true representation of her sex.
IN VII ,Nf ,a1
ambition, is made the text, from which
the essayist educes the conclusions, that
''the crowd (populace) have no fitness in
exercising an influence in government" and
"that all men were not born free and equal,
however Jefferson may have sought to
have innoculated apeople with such doc
trine y and this quotation prOoes that she
| is not afraid TO speak her sentiments.
king Lear" illustrates the fact that even
the paternal love may become obliterated
by an intense love of self, and in the essay
we have much that is good and instruc-
ton.
"Othello'' we read with lively interest
and are pleased to accept the somewba,
dogmatical assertion, that "Othello acas
sohite man." Of "Queen Catherine" she
writes: 81 never read Henry the Eighth's
matrimonial experiences, withouta curious
sensation Of horror, such as Mrs. Grum
midge's words best express, "the creeps :" but
we like this essay, which makes us better &C
quainted with suffering woman" "Aougl
every inch a queen" -
We know that Cardinal Wolsey," like
Luciter Of olden time, fell from his higl
estate, and we accept the sentiment which
says: There is nothing more promotive
of Christian faith than u study OF these cx
traordinary characters, who having sacri
feed their all at the shrine of world,
ambition, have left US their stand-marl
of the happiness which worldly success car
bestow."
1.-TWO Gentlemen of Verona" In thi
essay We are pleased to recognize, as GU
essayist declares, IA true gentleman" in tn
tactcr Of Valentine. and if the STANDARD