These three great agents are but now beginning to work effectually in human affairs. Society, in the present age, is on the eve of a mighty change-is in the act of transition from a lower to a higher state; and human powers-a Swedish king, a Russian emperor, or an alliance holy or unholy of all unearthly potentates, can no more arrest its progress than they can prevent the transition of

the living generation to another state of being. Where they attempt it by resisting reforms in church or state, and adhering to laws and social arrangements unsuitable to the intelligence and civili. sation of the age, we see in Sweden the result a social demoralisation for the time, aggravated rather than healed by the establishments for national education and religion.”

DIARY OF A LOVER OF LITERATURE.
By THOMAS GREEN, Esq. of Ipswich.

(Continued from Vol. XIV. p. 245.)

1817.* Aug. 15.-Felibien praises Tempesta highly for facility of spirit and expression, displaying in his prints the powers rather of a painter than engraver. Reveley calls him "the graphic Froissart." Callot engraved 1380 pieces; Tempesta 1800! Vandyck was accustomed to finish a head in a day, not quitting it till it was completed, except the very last touches. His carnations were more tender and delicate than those of Rubens, approaching nearer to the tints of Titian. Guido could never satisfy himself with an eye, nor Aug. Caracci with an ear. Domenicheno seems to have been the most reflective and expressive of painters. Poussin said of him, "6 Qu'il ne connaissait point d'autre peintre, pour ce qui regarde l'expression!" and he considered Raffaele's Transfiguration, Volterra's Descent from the Cross, and Domenicheno's St. Jerome, as the finest pictures in Rome. Titian, it appears, like our Wilson, was in the habit of retouching copies of his works and passing them off for originals. He applies to P. Testa a saying of Theocritus, of Anaximenes,-that "he had a torrent of words, without a drop of sense or judgment.'

Aug. 23.-Finished Felibien's Vies des Peintres. It is a pity that he had not closed his work with Poussin. The long muster-roll of his contemporaries and compatriots, about the middle of the 17th century, eked out with tedious descriptions occasionally of their works, the works of men of no note or general interest, unseasonable dissertation, and ridiculous tales, form altogether a most lame conclusion. He mentions Matthieu, an Englishman, who painted portraits, and worked "dans les Gobelins aux ouvrages du Roi," who died in 1674. He warns towards the close against the seductions of colouring, and states that Poussin, who addressed himself to the intellect rather than the senses, gave to the carnation of his figures that grey tone which they naturally derive from the interposition of the air.

Sept. 3.-Called on Mr. Frost. He said that an intelligent correspondent of Ladbroke's, who had had many opportunities of observation, said that Wilson's pictures were divisible into the red and the olive; that the latter were esteemed the best, and the former always suspicious.

Sept. 5-Read the last art. in Edinb. Rev. (55) on the works of the author of Waverley, Tales of my Landlord, &c. rich in sense and taste, and exquisite discernment; nothing can be more profound nor just than this

By a mistake the date of the last Diary was given Aug. 1806, instead of Aug. 1817.-ED.

† An amateur artist of great talent, then living at Ipswich, since dead.-ED.

esist.

ad.

Gents

vili.

the

the

дод

remark," that there is a quiet under-current of life, which keeps its deep and steady course in its eternal channels, unobstructed, or at least, but slightly disturbed, by the storms which agitate its surface." How felicitous a metaphor, and how happily expressed!

*

Sept. 7.-Read the oriental romance of The Caliph Vathek, translated by Dr. Henley, displaying wonderful powers of imagination, and in descriptions of luxury and horror, dashed with perpetual traits of the ludicrous: very unusual, however, in Eastern tales. Nothing can transcend in terrible effects, the Temple of Eblis. The moral seems not quite congenial to our feelings, for curiosity of knowledge seems the evil reprobated rather than the crime originating from a disposition morally depraved in its nature. Sept. 21.-Read St. Pierre's Paul and Virginia. An engraftment of Rousseau's philosophy on the wretched stock of French pastoral. Can any man of common sense believe that beings educated like Paul and Virginia would be what they are represented? nothing but the affecting catastrophe redeems this tale from contempt. The occasional attempts to give vividness by circumstantiality of description are most abortive and ludicrous.

Sept. 23.-Beloe, in the Sexagenarian, abuses G. Wakefield for saying that Porson was reserved and dull in conversation; and yet he himself says in the thirty-fifth chapter, that Porson by no means excelled in conversation, and neither wrote nor spoke with facility: he positively insists that Porson was not guilty of any intemperance when alone. Yet I have seen ranges of porter-pots in his windows in the Temple, which furnished striking indications to the contrary.-Much disgusted with the weakness and prejudices of this book.

Sept. 27.-Read Sheridan's Speeches on the Begum Charge in Hastings's trial, part of which I indistinctly heard. There is rather too much ambitious sparkle in them, and a want of breadth and keeping. The occasional flights of eloquence too, do not seem to rise spontaneously out of the occasion, but to be particular efforts, and a sort of rhetorical clap-traps. Probably they were better on delivery, or it would be difficult to account for the rapture they excited.

Oct. 2.-Walked at the back of Holywells to Dunham reach and along the shore, till I opened on the bay spreading to Nacton; cold, but light day-tide rising-sweet scene. Mr. Berners told me that there was no account of the origin of Freston Tower,-probably built about the age of James the First, and merely a belvidere.

Oct. 4.-Pursued Edinb. Rev. No. 56. They justly remark on Miss
Edgeworth's Tales, that the principles of action which we should endeavour
as moralists to inculcate, are not those which are of the most solid and
constant use in life, those are otherwise provided for,-but to rouse the
kinder and nobler feelings of our nature-emotions, the occasions for
which are indeed of rare occurrence, and which would be naturally mis-
chievous were they to become predominant, but of the excess of which
there is little fear, however forcibly excited; and which, so far as they

Mr. Green was apparently not aware that this inimitable tale was the production
of Mr. Beckford's genius: it is one of those few works which occasionally appear,
that no other person but the author could have written. No further proof is wanting
of Mr. Beckford's genius, than the creation of Fonthill, and the composition of Va-
thek; and yet he has no other claims in literature to our admiration.
Rector of Rendlesham in Suffolk, is said to be the author of the notes to the English
dition, which might be both curtailed and added to with equal advantage.-ED.

Dr. Henley,

can be excited, operate most beneficially in correcting the selfish propensities of our nature. I like these acute observations founded on a penetrating and comprehensive view, containing both sides of the question. The critique on Byron's Manfred appears almost as fine-toned as the poem to which it relates. I am glad they conclude with comparing this wonderful drama to the Prometheus of Eschylus, of which it has all along reminded me.*

Oct. 8.-Read through Phillips's Walk to Kew: he is somewhat too fond of wandering aside out of his depth as he goes along in physical, metaphysical, moral, economical, and statistical speculations; but his intentions seem pure, and he at least stirs the stagnant pool of reflection and research. He says the hum of the metropolis can be distinctly heard at Putney by listening near the ground. The description of the deserted KitCat Club-room, and the transformation of the archiepiscopal Palace at Mortlake, are very feelingly given. The occasional reflections, though sometimes erroneous perhaps, seem perfectly well meant; and the whole, but for too ambitious a display of philosophizing, would be in the highest degree at once instructive and amusing.

Oct. 12.-I am vexed at the diatribe in the Edinburgh Review (No. 56) on Burke, under Coleridge's Life. The charge of inconsistency, I am satisfied still, is unfounded; and the other accusations on his character and genius, though not without some foundation, are, I am equally persuaded, greatly overcharged. Jeffery's personal appearance, too, in this article, I must think extremely ridiculous: these literary gods should never unveil themselves, and the present occasion is certainly not dignus vindice nodus.

Oct. 21. Read Fosbroke's British Monachism, a large but indigested accumulation of facts. The extracts from Sir Richard Torkington's Diary of his Pilgrimage to Jerusalem in 1517 are extremely amusing.

Oct. 23.-Mr. called after breakfast, and spent all the morning with me. Various and lively discussion on theology, morals, politics, metaphysics, poetry, and law. Lord Ellenborough so disgusted with the deportment of the French judges, that he could bear it no longer, and quitted the court. Sir S. Romilly never, on any occasion, making display-succincturging nothing beyond what the case in his consummate judgment demands -rejects troublesome briefs. Hazlitt had fifty guineas for the last article against Coleridge in the Edinburgh Review. Jeffery, wonderfully voluble, writes his critiques after his evening skirmishes in literary parties -was, like me, stupified at Bentham's strange and absurd tract on Reform in Parliament. Dugald Stewart received youths at 400l. a year, professing to teach nothing, but merely to gain the benefit of his table and conversation-fond of money. Lord Castlereagh, possessing great temper, courtesy, and courage-a dexterous debater. Walked with -as far as Stoke park in pleasant chat and discussion.

Dec. 8.-Found by Drake's Shakspere that the fee given for a performance of the regular players in town was 107. or 207. in the neighbouring palaces. Sixpence was the price of admission to the pit and galleries at the Globe and Blackfriars, and sixpence or a shilling for seats and stools on the stage. The custom of seats on the stage my mother well

It does not appear to me that the resemblance between these two dramas is very striking. On the Prometheus, read the profound observations of Mr. S. T. Coleridge, in his Lit. Remains, vol. ii. p. 323.-Ed.

remembers here. The net receipts at the Globe and Blackfriars never amounted to more than 207. and averaged about 91.* The pay of a principal performer amounted to about 70l. per annum. Shakspeare, as author, actor, and proprietor, Malone thinks might clear about 2001. per

annum.

Dec. 14.-I forget whether the line

"A dateless bargain to engrossing Death!"

has been cited as a proof of Shakspere's education in the law. Another instance in Henry VI might be adduced. "With blood he sealed a testament of never-ending love." I find in Drake, that Dicky Price, the Earl of Suffolk's fool, died so late as 1728. In 1602, Shakspere bought 107 acres of land adjoining his purchase of New Place in Stratford for 3207. In June 1610, on a suit of his for a small debt at Stratford, the writ is signed by his cousin, Thomas Green, Esq., who though resident at Stratford, and clerk to the corporation, had chambers in the Middle Temple, and was a barrister in Chancery. The extract in Drake, from the Diary of Thomas Green, relating to a visit from his cousin Shakspere, Nov. 17, 1614, respecting au Inclosure Bill, is curious enough.

Dec. 26. In the evening went to the theatre to see Kean in Richard. Full house: sate between Mrs. Frere and Mrs. Dillingham. All expectation -first impression in the soliloquy of vulgar coarse..ess, awkward swing of the shoulders, and methodist tones. Throughout unquestionably deficient in the dignity of a kingly villain. In sarcastic and ferocious passages, a snarling tone croaked hoarsely out, like the growl of an hyæna. Bits of his acting beautiful, particularly the whisper to Buckingham, "I wish the bastard dead;" but oftener failing. Great in the scene with his wife, in the tent scene, and, above all, in wildly continuing the fight with Richmond, when mortally wounded and disarmed; but in the previous scenes of battle, his rage rendered impotent from hoarseness, and his gesticulation extravagant and monstrous.

Dec. 27.-Went again to the theatre to see Kean in Sir Giles Overreach. Great throughout, but rising as he advanced to transcendant excellence. Exquisite in his instructions to his daughter- transcendant in his conference with Lord Lovell, rendering villany sublime by energy. In the scorching, withering glare of his red anger in the last scenes, and the ghastly agonies of his final despair, overpowering with horror. The finest acting, unquestionably, and beyond all comparison, I ever beheld. How his mind and frame endure such dreadful convulsions is wonderful. His deep sepulchral tones are here in character.

Dec. 29.-Dined at Mr Pearson's to meet Mr. Kean-bland and gentlemanly in his manners, without any theatric strut. Reverted readily to

his former situation, and said that he had performed Shylock, danced on the tight rope, and played Apollo in Midas, with an encore to every song, the same evening. Anxious for applause, as a test of approbation; never unseasonable, but always a stimulus to exertion. Mr. Kean is a small man, neatly made, with delicate, but marked and expressive features, fine dark sultry eye-gave a vivid representation of his cold haughty repulse on his first introduction to Kemble. Had given instructions to Braham in acting, but with ridiculous result -Went to the play-Othello.

*It appears that the nightly expenses of Drury Lane were about 2501. The nightly average of receipts during Mr. Kean's acting was 4841. 98." See Bunn's Stage, vol. iii. p. 27, and p. 100.-ĒD.

GENT. MAG. Vol. XV.

D

Sweden wishes to secure from her union with Norway is the advantage of not being attacked at her back, as has always been the case in her former wars with Russia (see in 1778, and latterly in 1808); and the expectation of such a security is, we believe, not a very great pretension of Sweden, considering the sacrifices made by her for this Union-sacrifices consisting not alone in the chances which she might fairly have had in 1812 and 1813 to recover Finland, heretofore an integral part of the kingdom, and not a separate one like Norway; but in giving up her

last German possession, Pomerania, the only remaining trophy of her great Gustavus Adolphus in hazarding for it a dangerous war with the then colossal power of Napoleon, and in obtaining this so-called Union at the gates of Christiana, with an army of 50,000 men, and not at the gates of Stockholm, where there is no record in history of a foe ever having set his foot. All that Sweden requires is, justice for what she has done to effect the Union so conducive to the happiness of the Norwegian people."

But there are other subjects besides these which are political, that have fallen within the scope of Mr. Laing's observation, and which will repay the reader's curiosity. His sketches of the Fins and Laplanders are of this description; his remarks on the indeldta system in the army, -on the religious sect called the Læsere, something resembling our Methodistshis anecdotes of the reigning sovereign-his view of Stockholm-his scenic sketches of the country, are all of interest, although we are obliged to pass by them in silence; but our antiquarian zeal forbids us not to linger for a short time on the shores of Gothland, to visit its remarkable capital of Wisby. Mr. Laing says,

"This ancient city is the most extraordinary place in the north of Europe. It is a city of the Middle Ages-existing unbroken and unchanged, in a great measure, to the present day; it appears to have undergone less alteration from time, devastation, or improvement, than any place of the same antiquity.-The appearance from the sea of this mother of the Hanseatic cities is very striking, from the numerous remains of churches and other ancient structures. I counted thirty-five towers, spires, or prominent ruins. On landing, the aspect is equally novel. Ancient streets, well paved, cross each other in all directions. The ruins of the churches are of very extraordinary beauty and workmanship. The whole city is surrounded by its ancient wall, with towers square, octagonal, and round, as they stood in the thirteenth century, and with very little demolition. The wall is entire, and above thirty feet high for the greater part, and in no place demolished. Of forty-five towers upon it the greater part are entire.-The wall is built on rock stretching from the sea at one end round the city to the sea at the other. There appear marks both of an inner and outer wall. This wall was built in 1288, and is, perhaps, the most entire specimen of ancient fortification remaining in the north of Europe. This curious city, which might accommodate within its area

thirty or forty thousand persons, contains at present only four thousand two hundred and sixty-eight inhabitants, badly lodged, in little tenements, under edifices of great cost and magnificence, which the former inhabitants reared with the superfluity of their wealth. You scarcely see a human being moving in streets once crowded with the wealthiest merchants of all countries. Long before the Hans Towns were heard of, Wisby had been the great emporium of commerce in the north of Europe; the markets in which the productions even of the east, brought by caravans to Novogorod, and across the Baltic, met the furs and metals of the north, and the buyers of the south of Europe.-Wisby was, in the tenth and eleventh centuries, one of the most important commercial cities in Europe.* Its mercantile laws were regarded as the most perfect, and they were transferred to France by Saint Louis, whose code of the Isle of Oleron was copied from the constitutions of Wisby, and these contain the principles of maritime, mercantile, and international law. Wisby had a population of twelve thousand burgesses, besides tradesmen, &c. in the thirteenth century. The foreigners in the eleventh century were so numerous that each nation had its own church and house of assembly.-Judging from the numerous ruins of costly structures, the remains of her former magnificence,

*The establishment of the Hanseatic league took place in 1241.