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1829.] Speculations on Literary Pleasures-Blackwood's Mogazine. 319

sitive of misrepresentation and aspersion), "I remember Chillingworth somewhere puts up this request to his adversary Knot,-Sir, I beseech you, when you write again, do us the favour to write nothing but syllogisms; for I find it still an extream trouble to find out the concealed propositions which connect the parts of your enthymeme. As now, for example, I profess to you I have done my best to find some cement which may tie the antecedent and this consequent together.' Those who often write with powerful success, in the present day, if they are not sometimes better logicians, are certainly better rhetoricians than Knot,-their antecedent and consecutive of a sentence are correct, but their hypotheses and their doctrines, having reference to these Reviewers, when weighed by candour and strong sense, are not unfrequently as little convincing or satisfactory as the ambiguities of the opponent of Chillingworth.

Following on the same side with the Edinburgh Review, of avowed and habitual self-complacency (although in politics they are the antipodes to each other), Blackwood's Magazine, as it may be termed in point of talent a leading publication among its brethren, so is it fond of manifesting the same indifference, bordering on scorn, for some literary claimants of other times. -When Blackwood condescends to leave trifling-a staple in literature in which he is immoderately fond of indulging-he often rises to sense and energy. He contends for the peerless superiority of his own age in almost all points in which society can be viewed; and that national egotism for cotemporaries, both men and things, which we all more or less feel, often whispers his forgiveness. But in these cases, the positions should be made out by reason and argument, which is not sometimes the case. Indeed, if it has been said that Blackwood, instead of the latter, has not unfrequently penned a tirade of immeasured virulence, enlivened with little of ingenuity or wit, the charge is not by any means destitute of some colour of support. To occasional strong sense and penetrating views, Blackwood endeavours, by a happy versatility of pen, to embody in his graphic delineations such an admixture of the imaginative and the gay, as with due allowance to the thinking of the times, shall sustain

an untiring interest. That in this attempt he has sometimes attained to high success, all will admit; but that he sometimes essentially fails, and in the irrelevancy of matter, and incredible flippancy of style with which he nauseates the reader, becomes tiresome, is equally plain. Tastes are various, but Blackwood must know that he is not upholding either taste or literature by indulging sometimes in delineations so nearly allied to coarseness and buffoonery, as abundantly to justify the imputations which have been made on this subject.

But it

Novelty, in the imaginative realms of fiction-in weaving narratives and adventures, especially when attended with success, has always its numerous imitators; and the New Monthly, and several other publications of periodical fame, have emulated a talent so worthily exemplified in him, who, it should seem, opened to his cotemporaries a vein whose ore, if not always genuine, at least has passed current. may be doubted if this new feature in periodical writing (for the coarse horselaugh, the obstreperous merriment which endeavours to throw an interest, nauseating as it is, into "pages of inanity," are classical embellishments which have of late grown much into fashion,) is much auxiliary of that general taste and good sense which is, nevertheless, our boast.

It will, on all hands, be admitted, that the present age, viewed on the side of science and general intelligence, may extend the light of knowledge through a larger portion of her society. We have been said also to abound more in sterling genius; and the variety both of the learning and the talents of many of our Professors will not be disputed; but the taste may be complained of, which can tolerate and legitimatize wit of a very questionable character, and every way opposed to that used by Melmoth, Burke, Johnson, or Junius. Though Junius has been termed, not with much injustice, politically an assassin of private character, as well as a scourge of public delinquency, we quote him because the genteel irony, the resistless pungency of satire, and the finished elegance of diction which characterize this author, (upon whom ingenuity has been exhausted in vain for the last half century) have no parallels in the present

age.

320

Speculations on Literary Pleasures-Shakspeare.

In science, as well as in art, how ever, the course of literature in the last century witnessed the names of men whose genius, although prompted by spirits who had preceded them in discovery, evinced a master-growth. Just images in literature, sound and penetrating views of mankind,-views sought out from a profoundness and penetration that certainly yield to nothing in these more modern times, although ushered to the world with a less obtrusive tone,-were not the less conspicuous in upholding the genius of British literature and science. In their several departments, Brindley and Smeaton, Watt, Ferguson, and Hutton, on the side of science, all original speculators, and on the other hand, Johnson and Goldsmith, as centrai suns amid a host of other names in the latter period of the last century,-may rank very high indeed in the scale of human attaininents. And yet the entire works of the century (those at least destined to live in an after age) are before the public eye, corruscations of genius, which, radiating from the authors of by-gone days, were apotheosized respectively, in their age, as intellects of the highest order. The first period of this century indubitably obtained, from all, this high suffrage, until the Edinburgh Reviewers, some eight or ten years back, were at most marvellous pains to prove that their claims were founded in fallacy. It was left for our innovating days to advocate principles tending to prejudice the opinion which had so long gone forth, that Swift, Addison, Bolingbroke, and Pope, stood on very high ground, alike as caustic satirists who had successfully probed the follies of mankind, or as Mentors whose lessons had elevated its manners and thinking. An age or two afterwards, a galaxy of giant intellects, as they may almost be termed, expressed their opinions on men, things, and books, in the celebrated coterie at the Mitre. Will their characters also, in the face of the works they have left us, be next impugned? There are few observers, perhaps, who would hesitate to acknowledge that the French are more just to the memory of their most shining æras of national genius, than the English. Their Boileaus and their Fenelons, their La Bruyeres and La Fontaines, the elder Crebillon, with many others not of the very first order, are names which are still mentioned

[April,

with enthusiasm and reverence; and while their Corneille, like Shakspeare with us, occupies the first place in their poetry, they hesitate not to do homage to genius, which they acknowledge at the same time to be of subordinate walk and attributes.

The mention here of Shakspeare, a star in our literature, which crowned the commencement of the seventeenth century with such laurels, might suggest to a plain reader a book which may be said to bring up the rear among the very latest of his critical encomiasts-Drake's "Memorials." English literature has, for some time past, been much indebted to Drake for his services. His various works prove him to be possessed at once of taste and research. He writes with taste, but of his judgment some might be inclined to doubt, in view of his last work, "Memorials of Shakspeare." We know that it has long become fashionable to cull sentiments of origi nality and pathos, especially from the works of the seventeenth century; and on the other hand, that Shakspeare's fame will, as is confidently predicted in certain quarters, increase, as the progress of the nineteenth century shall still develope the variety and depth of his genius, a position of which we have not much doubt. Devoted as we are

to the works of our great dramatist,accustomed, from very childhood, to linger with delight upon the magic and fairy illusions of his creative pen, we need scarcely repel any charge of fastidiousness as it regards him. But who does not see, that at this time of day, a volume of eulogistic critiques, marshalled from the writings of a host of encomiasts, is a work somewhat supererogatory. Drake's former work ("Shakspeare and his times") would, one might naturally enough suppose, have given him opportunity of embodying almost every thing relative to his author, ungleaned by former critics; then why, a plain reader would be tempted to ask, usher in upon the general mart of literature a work of amplification, which can scarcely, from the nature of the materials, do more than go over the old ground of telling his countrymen already recognized truths?

Expletives of excessive praise, ingeniously multiplied, are apt to nauseate, however eminent their object. The million, and the well informed, it may

1829.]

Speculations on Literary Pleasures.

be said, alike delight to aberrate amidst the wilds and beautiful creations of Shakspeare's pen; this alone, were the commentaries of all his scholiasts annihilated, would attest his power. But Drake's Memorials, many of them, rise to a perfect idolatry. The book which he has industriously gleaned, alike from authors of judgment and writers, who deserve little other title than rhapsodies, amounts indeed to a perfect apotheosis. If it be said that the matchless vigour of Shakspeare's genius justifies the collector, it may be asked, with reference to this work, are we told all this now for the first time? These critiques, isolated in the various authors from whom they are drawn, are recognized with a ready assent; but accumulated, they oppress with the nausea of repetition, and although we ever read with interest MEMORIALS of Shakspeare, provided a new position in criticism, or a new beauty of thought be elicited, yet it will be thought by many, that this, in common with the attempt of Mr. Hazlitt (who a few years back wrote a book on Shakspeare full of laudatory epithets, but almost empty of any thing else), if it only reiterates old things, is not altogether a safe one. If it be felt on the one hand by those who, by reading, wish to gather new ideas, that Hazlitt attempts to create an impression in favour of the critic (meaning himself), by running into excessive strains of encomium on the poet,-it will be recollected, how ever, on the other, that Shakspeare lived two centuries ago, and upwards, and that, great as he is on great occasions, it has become safe for writers to notice him in the full magnificence of encomiastic phraseology. It may possibly also be recollected, that he burst forth as a phenomenon, and that his age, however abounding in talent, could not exactly appreciate that mind which eclipsed all its compeers; the Janguage, therefore, of the nineteenth century, has reference to the precocity of his genius, and might, it is possible, have been qualified with more limitation, had he lived in the earlier part, or the middle of the last century. Drake would probably plead precedent for his Memorials, in the example of the celebrated Schlegel, whose high encomiastic language, as applied to our great Bard, is not least in imparting interest and splendour to the pages of GENT. MAG. April, 1929.

321

the work in question. But if Schlegel's character of Shakspeare, as cited by Drake, swells sometimes to hyperbole, it may be observed that Shakspeare is not alone, with him, the felicitous object of this sort of poetical idolatry. A portion of his peroration, extracted from the eloquent eulogium of Calderon, in his "Lectures on the Drama," may serve to prove that the great Eng-› lish Dramatist did not occupy a higher place in the language of his encomiast than the illustrious poet of Spanish liteterature. "Calderon's poetry," says Schlegel, "whatever the subject may ostensibly be, is an unceasing hymn of joy on the splendours of creation. With delighted astonishment he celebrates the wonders of nature and of, human art, as if he saw them for the first time in all the attraction of novelty. It is," adds the critic, "the first awakening of Adam, accompanied by an eloquence and justness of expression, which an intimate knowledge of nature, the highest cultivation of mind, and the most mature reflection, could alone produce. When he united the most opposite objects, the greatest and the smallest, the stars and the flowers, the sense of his metaphor always expresses the relation of his creatures to their common Creator." And again, “The poet abandons himself to the highest flights of fancy, and his representations seem almost too ethereal for earth." And yet, be it remarked, another distinguished foreign critic has spoken of Calderon under very considerable limitation of this universality of praise.

Sufficient, perhaps, has at various times been said of the difficulty which foreigners, even the most intelligent, feel in appreciating rightly the genius of Shakspeare. The old errors, and. the illiberal criticism of Voltaire on this subject, were long ago sufficiently refuted by the elegant Mrs. Montague; but yet the scholar, who is in a certain degree a citizen of the world, will yet so far entertain a deference to the opinions of other intelligent nations, as to imagine it possible that other opinions,. although somewhat differing from our own, may not be always altogether the effect of prejudice and blindness. In this idea, the general sentiments scattered up and down in La Harpe's "Cours de Literature" (which indeed we do not expect to be assimilated on

322

Mementoes of the Hyde Family.

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Riccall Vicarage, Jan. 29.

HEREWITH I send you an exact transcript of the fly-leaves at the end of a small quarto bible in my possession, printed by Henry Hills in London, 1660. The book has clearly been in the possession of Lady Frances Hyde, the youngest daughter of the great Lord Clarendon. She was born in 1658, at Brabant, and married in 1675 to Thomas Keightley, esq. of Hertingfordbury, Herts, which estate he soon sold, and removed to Ireland. By him she had. a large family, who mostly died young. She was separated from her husband for 27 years, and was left his widow in 1718-19. Her daughter was married to Lucius O'Brien, esq. of Carrofin, in the county of Clare, and became his widow in 1717. Mrs. K. appears to have been, like her sister the Duchess of York, a devout Roman Catholic. Probably these mementos of Mrs. Keightley's family, may be worthy of a place in your valuable Miscellany. F. K. Yours, &c.

My brother James was drowned betweene Scotland and england May ye 7th, 1682. Lady Ossery died January y 25th 1684-5. Lady Rochester died aprille y 12, 1687. the Queene died december ye 28th, 1694. Lady Clarendon died July ye 17th, 1700. Lord Jesus have mercy on their souls.

My deare niece Mrs. Catherine Hyde. dyed March y 15th, 1707-8. Lord Jesus receive her soule.

Lady Conway dyed january y 25th, 1708-9. Lord Jesus receive her soul.

My deare brother Clarendon dyed 8ber yo 31st, 1709, he was 71 ye June before he dyed. and Mrs. Ann Hyde daughter to my Lord Hyde dyed the same day. Lord Jesus receive their souls.

My deare friend Mrs. Hutchens dyed janu. ye 11, 1709-10, at 3 a clock in the affter noone. Lord Jesus receive her spirit.

The next day, jan. ye 12th, 1710, Mr. Colson's house tooke fire in my chamber, and I and all the family in danger of being

[April,

burnt in our beds: God of his infinite mercy make me thankfull as I ought for so great a preservation, and grant I may never forget it.

(The above comprises the second page of the first end paper.)

I was married July the 9th, 1675, on a friday.

My daughter Catherine was borne gber ye 29th, 1676, on a sunday at hartingfordbury.

James was borne feb. y 1st, 1677-8, on friday, London.

William was borne in Ierland, at Corneveigh, March ye 15th, 1678-9, on saturday.

My 2 sons, Edward and Thomas, were borne at corneveigh, March ye 11th, 167980, on thursday.

ffrank was borne at corneveigh, 8ber the 25th, 1681, on wednesday.

My 2 sons, Christopher and francis, were borne at Mallow, 9ber the 10th, 1682, on thursday.

My daughter Lawrence was born at Killbrew, January ye 12th, 1684-5; she lived but to be baptised.

Jamey died may the 18th, 1681, aged 3 years and 3m.

Willy died may ye 15th, 1679, 2 mounths

old.

Ned and Tom died at a weeke old, 167980. They lie all 4 together in the old ruined church by youghhall parke in Munster,

Ierland.

Kitt died july ye 15th, 1683, and is buried at Mallow.

my son francis, ye Last of all my boys, died March y 14, 1687-8, and is buried in new church by St. Jame's, London.

My daughter Lawrence died as soon as borne.

(This comprises the first page of the second end leaf.)

My daughter obrien was brought to bed aprill the 7th, 1705, of a son; it was Easter even; on Easter day he was baptized, my Brother Rochester and Sr Donah obrien godfathers. Mrs. Hamilton Godmother, and he is named Edward.

My Daughter was brought to bed of a son feby. ye 23d 1707-8, at her house at Carrafin, his name is Thomas.

March the 22nd, 1709-10, on a wednesday, my daughter was brought to bed of a daughter at her house at Carrofin in the county of Clare, she was named Lucy after Mr. Ó. B. mother. The poor deare Baby died Aprille y 5th, 1710, of convulsion fits.

July the 15th, 1711, my daughter was delivered of a girle, Lady Dalkeith Godmother, her name Ann.

May ye 5th, 1711, poor Mrs. Colson djed. Lord Jesus have mercy on her soul, may she rest in peace.

Mr. Lucius O'Brien, my daughters hus

1829.]

Hyde Family-Reres by Family.

323

band, died at Paris, janu. ye 17th, new stile, his sins, oh lay not invincible ignorance to his charge.

1717, God forgive him his sins.

(This comprises the second the second end leaf.)

page

of

Mrs. Henrietta Hyde, eldest daughter to my Lord Hyde, died of the small pox, july ye 3d 1710.

It pleased God to take to himself my deare Brother, may the 2nd, 1711, on a Wednesday. Lord Jesus have mercy on his soull; he was the march before he died 70 years old.

The Princes Maria Louisa Stuart, youngest daughter to King James, departed this life Aprill the 28th, new stile, 1712. Lord Jesu receive her soul and reward her sufferings in thy heavenly kingdom.

My deare nephew Cornebury dyed feb. y 13th, 1712-13. God Almighty rest his soul.

Queen Ann dyed August y 1st, 1714. God give her rest.

My deare Nephew the Earle of Clarendon dyed the 31st of March, 1723: it was passion sunday; by thy blessed passion sweet Jesu I beseech thee to looke on the sincerity of his hart and his great charity. Lay not his follys to his charge, but have mercy on his poore soul.

(This comprises the first third end leaf.)

page

of the

Mr. Kei. went for england and left me att Mallow, xber ye 17th, 1682.

I went to Dublin for the first time may the 19th, 1684. Mr. Keight came out of England to Dublin, July 14th, 1684.

I got a fright on the 10th of March, 1679-80, and fell in labour next day since which time, gber ye 8th, 1725, my daughter Obrien came to London, I had the comfort of seeing her affter an absence of 20

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absence.

(This comprises the second page of the third end leaf.)

gber ye 28th, 1710, my Lady Hyde was brought to bed of a son. God send him life and health; tis Ld. Cla. birth day also.

It pleased Allmighty God to take Mr. Keightley out of this world janu. y 19th, 1718-19; O God lay not his follys to his charge.

It pleased Allmighty God to take to himself my deare Grand child Ann O Brien ;. she dyed Aprill ye 16th, 1719, at eleven a clock before noone; she would have bin 8 years old if she had lived to the 15th of July. March the 30th 1722, my good friend Mr. Charles Leslye departed this life at his owne house at Glas Lough in the county of Armagh, Ierland. Oh God of mercy f

(This comprises the first page of the fourth end leaf,)

The Dutches of Yorke my onely sister, dyed the last of march, 1671, in the 34th year of her age. May she rest in peace.

July the 30th, 1722, poor Lady Clifton dyed in child bed of a daughter. Lord Jesu have mercy on her soul. She was the youngest and last of Ld. Clarendon's childeren.

(This comprises the second page of the fourth end leaf.)

My ffather dyed at Rouen on ye 9th of 10ber 1674. O Lord have mercy on him. my mother dyed August ye 9th 16....

are

(The two above mementoes written on a blank page, between the Revelations and Sternhold and Hopkins's version of the Psalms.)

Mr. URBAN,

S accuracy is of the highest impor

shall make no apology for intruding on your notice the following corrections of mistakes in Miller's History of Doncaster.

P. 321. He says he knows of no, register at Thriberg earlier than 1787; whereas, having had myself reason to refer to them, I find they go as far back as 1599.

P. 321. He gives the following inscription as being on the south side of the chancel in the church at Thri berg.

Here lies the body of Sir Samuel Reresby, Bart., who was governor of York in the year 1688. He died the 16th of August, 1748, æt. 69.

The errors are these; his own name was Sir Leonard, not Samuel. 2dly. He never was governor of York, as is obvious from the inscription itself, or he would have been in that situation at nine years of age, which he himself observes in a note. The Topographer, vol. 111. p. 294, might have served to correct the mistake, where it' stands as follows:

"Here lies the body of Sir Leonard' Reresby, Bart., youngest son of Sir John Reresby, Bart., who was governor," &c.

In page 320 is as follows:

"Sir William Reresby, son and heir of Sir John, sold the estate to John Saville of Medley, esq., who was in possession of it in 1705, BUT shortly afterwards reduced to a low condition."

Does it not appear from the wordof this sentence, that it was John

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