EDINBURGH DRAMA.

"THE best laid schemes of mice and men,
Gang aft ajee."

And so hath it fared with us. We had said to ourselves, that not one of Young's performances should escape us. But circumstances have shortened, on more than one evening, the duration of our visit to the theatre. We have been able to gain only flying glances of his Benedict, and his Lord Townly-his Macbeth we saw throughout. In the first-mentioned character-at least in what part of it we saw he was most admirable. He was beautifully supported by Miss Jarman's Beatrice, and that threw life and mettle into his retorts. His Macbeth is the only Macbeth on the stage. Kean's wants unity-Kemble's wants depth-Macready's is a cross-breed between Kean and Kemble, and, like all mulattoes, not extremely agreeable-Vandenhoff's is lubberly-Young's is indeed Macbeth. At his first meeting with the witches, we see that their poisonous insinuation has at once corrupted his blood. His interview with Duncan was bland and courtier-like. In the scene where his wife steels him to the enterprise, he made us feel that he had indeed no spur to prick him on, but

66

Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself,

And falls on the other side."

His energy returned to him only when, stung by the lady's taunts, he turned round upon her

"I dare do all that may become a man,
Who dares do more is none."

In the scene of the murder, his stealthy exit into Duncan's
In his in-
chamber oppressed us with a sense of terror.
terview with the men he hires to murder Banquo, he
was dressed in robes of royal state, and you felt that the
diadem which circled his brow, had communicated to him
that regal feeling which inspires a more sustained de-
portment. The manner in which he received intelli-
gence of the queen's death was beautiful, and the tones
in which he uttered

person.

"She should have died hereafter,"

were indeed those of one who feels himself alone in the
world. And in all these changes we were never allowed
to forget that they are moods of the mind of the same
Macbeth was throughout the wayward and
mystical metaphysician, yielding to impulse and delusion,
and framing sophisms to reconcile himself to his actions,
yet outwardly, the sinewy soldier and wary statesman.
We have left ourselves some brief space wherein to
We were much disap-
advert to our permanent troops.
pointed in Miss Jarman's Ophelia, but she has redeemed
herself nobly since. Violante is one of those characters
Of her Rosalind we
in which she is peculiarly happy.
saw too little to entitle us to sit in judgment upon it.
Her Beatrice was playfully spiteful as the original, but
with a richness of feeling swimming in her eyes, which
"Disdain and
scorn rode sparkling in her eyes," and yet how prettily
and tenderly she stooped to the lure! Her Mrs Beverley
was a powerful piece of acting. And in Lady Townly
Such
she was enough to make one forswear marriage.
a wife would be the very devil-like evil habits, she
would nestle more closely in our heart the more we felt
convinced she was destroying our repose.

at once softened and enhanced her wit.

Mrs Stanley is a useful and clever actress, but if she has any sense she will never attempt Lady Macbeth again. Her mawkish and puling performance almost neutralized Young.

We have long wished to speak seriously with Brindal, and we are happy that we are able to do so at a time when he has been making himself particularly agreeable. His Lewson was a spirited piece of acting; his Laertes, Count Basset, Don Pedro, Frederick, all extremely creditable. He has spirit and intelligence; what he wants In -at least what he appears to want--is sentiment. general, when he wishes to look tender, he screws his face into a shape which is any thing but engaging; and we still remember how, in the "Youthful Queen," instead of leaving his monarch's presence with the subdued air of respectful sympathy which became a gentleman,

ORIGINAL POETRY.

THE DYING DAUGHTER.
By D. MacAskill.

MOTHER, dear mother, leave me not alone:
A little longer let my fond eyes gaze
With rapture into thine.

Oh! let the tone
Of thy loved voice, soothe, as in bygone days,
My yearning heart, and lull it into peace,
Till all my strugglings and deep throbbings cease.
One smile will bring, to my sad memory back,
Past joys, from the cold hoary wings of time;
And to my longing eyes, as on a beaten track,
Shall rise the glad scenes of my own bright clime-
The lake far stretching in the pale moonbeam,
The hill, the waving wood, and rushing stream.
The deep glens winding far amid the hills,
The moss-wreathed stone, harebell, and wild bird's song,
The glad fish springing 'mid the glancing rills,
The magic calm of even, that stirs among
The fresh green leaves, where rests the weary sun,
To cool his brow when his fleet race is run.
Weep, weep not thus my mother-sob not so;
But when the hand of death is on my brow,
Talk thou of those bright days when, long ago,
Like some swift bird I wander'd. Even now
The past comes o'er me, like the perfumed breath
Of summer flowers, borne o'er our purple heath.
Away among the hills there is a grave—
The white grass now weeps o'er it, and the wind
Ripples the stream, that carelessly may lave
The few wild buds the storm hath left behind;
Yet will the breath of spring restore anew
The stream its calmness, and the flowers their hue.
There rests my sister, and the birch-trees weave
A hatchment o'er her; often have we wept,
When we together, some long sunny eve,
Have sat, and pluck'd the envious weeds which crept
Oh! is not that spot fair?
Around her tomb.
When I am free, mother, I would sleep there.

LITERARY CHIT-CHAT AND VARIETIES.

A SECOND Series of Sketches of Irish Character, by Mrs S. C. Hall, will be published in a few days. A second edition of the first Series will make its appearance at the same time.

The third and concluding volume of Dr Nare's "Life and Times of Lord Burleigh," is ready for publication. "The Staff Officer, or the Soldier of Fortune," by Oliver Moore, is about to appear.

Mr Andrew Picken is preparing for the press "The Club Book," a work made up of contributions from well-known authors. Mr M'Phun, of Glasgow, has reprinted the authenticated list of the House of Commons who voted on the second reading of the Reform bill, in RED and BLACK. The style in which this reprint is

executed is extremely creditable. It may be seen at Mr Tait's, in

Prince's Street.

In octavo, with a portrait and fac-simile, the Life of Thomas Mair, Esq. advocate, younger of Huntershill, who was tried for sedition before the High Court of Justiciary in 1793; with an ac count of his trial and some extraordinary facts and correspond. ence, never before published. By Peter Mackenzie, writer, Glas

His motions are he all but shook his fist in her face. frequently abrupt and ungraceful, and his attitudes conWe mean when he tucks his vey an idea of pertness. hand beneath his coat-tails, cocks his chin, and gledges We with his bright wicked eyes, like a cock-sparrow. tell him freely of these matters; for we should be sorry to see an actor of real cleverness and energy lost for want of knowing that he occasionally gives offence. commend Mr Brindal to the manager's special attention-minster Review is the best that has appeared.-Frazer is lively,

he has good stuff in him.

We re

We laid it down as a prinWho next? Oh, true! ciple in our first article, that a positively bad author ought, for humanity's sake, to be put out of pain as soon as possible. We beg leave to do that favour to Mr Wilkins. He is a bad actor in grain, and, what is worse, he prides himself in his defects, and obtrudes them on our notice. He brings to our recollection, alternately, an awkward automaton, and the sign of the Saracen's Head. ALBERT.

gow.

Necropolis Glasguensis; or, Considerations on Monuments and Sepulture, by John Strang, is in the press.

PERIODICALS AND PAMPHLETS.-The last number of the West

although rather too servile a copy of Blackwood, and the New
Monthly above its average. The former contains a beastly cari-
cature of Professor Wilson-an amusing article entitled, "Poetry
of the Sandwich Islands”—and an article on Castilian Poetry,
by a young and able townsman of our own, Mr Maxwell Cowan,
The latter is graced by an admirable and characteristic portrait of
We think we can trace the hand of Allan
the author of the Pilot.
Cunningham in the "Master of Logan."-The Harmonicon con-
tains some good matter, along with a rather startling discovery-
that of all Tramontanes, the English pronounce Italian most cor.
rectly. With the exception of the French, they pronounce it
the worst. We may have a word or two with this publication next

Saturday. A new monthly periodical has been started at Glas. gow, "The Literary Museum." There is talent in it-and, what is more, there is sufficient available talent, and an extensive enough population in that city, to support such a publication if rightly managed. Look to that promising work the Aberdeen Magazine. We are doubtful, however, whether the conductors of the Literary Museum see their way clearly-but shall wait the appearance of another number before we decide.-A number of pamphlets anent railways lie before us, upon which we, in the language of the Court of Session, propose to make avizandum. ANCIENT ANNALS OF IRELAND.-Mr John D'Alton, the erudite author of an essay on "The Ancient History and Antiquities of Ireland," published in the sixteenth volume of the Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy, read at a meeting of that body, held on the 28th of February, a paper in which he enforced powerfully the necessity of publishing the ancient annals of Ireland. We have voluminous collections of the ancient history of almost every European nation- Scriptores Angliæ, Germaniæ, Galliæ, Italici nay, even the scanty relies of Scottish history have been pub. lished-while the Irish chronicles still remain in manuscript. This fact has naturally given rise to a suspicion, that the works thus withheld from the public must have little innate worth. It is impossible, however, to glance at the catalogue of Irish MSS. at Stowe, and the portions of Irish annals published at the Buckingham press, without feeling that this doubt is destitute of foundation. The catalogues of the Irish MSS. in the British Museum, in the repositories of Oxford, in the Library of Lambeth, in the Tower of London, and in various other places, give additional reason to anticipate many valuable contributions to the early his. tory of Ireland. The contents of these collections are chiefly lives of the Kings of Ireland, and annals of the different Kingdomslives of Saints-and collections of the Brihon Laws. lished Annals, no less an authority than Sir James Macintosh has Of the pub. said," The Irish nation, though they are robbed of many of their legends by this authentic publication, are yet enabled by it to boast that they possess genuine history several centuries more ancient than any other European nation possesses in its present spoken language; they have exchanged their legendary antiquity for historical fame." For our own part, we look forward to the publication of these documents as the only source whence we can derive any information respecting the laws, customs, and character of a Celtic nation. The race was borne down in Gaul and in Spain before it had attained to such a stage of civilisation as to be able to commit its own language to enduring records-our Scottish Celts have ever been a broken body, without political union, and without literature-Ireland alone can furnish us with annals of a Celtic nation, expressing its feelings in its own thoughts and language. Mr D'Alton states that the funds of the Irish Academy are inadequate to the execution of such a project-that those of the University are locked up from such an application-and suggests an application to the throne. We are averse to the alternative, as likely to beget jobbing and sycophancy-two plagues from which Ireland has already suffered more than enough. Perhaps the most advisable plan would be a Parliamentary commission to give to the world all records of a public character-and an association of gentlemen of fortune and literary eminence, like our Bannatyne or Maitland Clubs, to publish such private and curious documents as throw light upon manners and literature. ART AND ARTISTS.-An association of young artists, consisting at present of ten members, has been constituted in London. Their object is, with a view to improvement in the higher departments of art, to meet three times a-week, for the purpose of copying from living models, single or in groups, The exhibition of Hayden's Napoleon opened on Easter Monday. We are sorry to observe a man of genius stooping to such a mode of attracting visitors, as to announce that a study of Napoleon's "real hat" will be exhibited.-Macdonald's works are undergoing the ordeal of London criticism. Hitherto it has been-with one single exception-generous and honest; sometimes with a greater, sometimes with a less tendency towards fault-finding, but always such as Macdonald's genius deserves, and the affection of his friends could wish.-L.E.L. has put forth some verses in the Literary Gazette, purporting to be the prayer of Macdonald's Supplicating Nymph. They do not strike us as being worthy either of the author's genius, or the work which has suggested them. The general meeting of the contributors to the "Artist's Benevolent Fund," was held at Freemasons' Hall, the 25th ultimo. The number of associated artists is 212. The fund, which is maintained by subscriptions and donations of patrons of the fine arts, is devoted to the exclusive relief of the widows and orphans of members. For themselves, the associated artists have established an annuity fund, from which they receive, for a small annual contribution, substantial relief on any occasion when they may be prevented from pursuing their occupation. The anniversary festival takes place on the 7th of May, and the Duke of Wellington has consented to preside. CHIT-CHAT FROM GLASGOW.-We have our recess from Politics and Pleasure, at this season, as well as Parliament; and take the interval of leisure to resume our harmless gossip.-Our latest

festivities have been the Highland Ball, and a bumper-benefit for the Infirmary. The former was as superb as tartan and tartlets could make it--but exclusive as Almack's-and stories of maneu. ter was spiritedly got up, under the auspices of the worthy trea vres to obtain tickets are at present the staple-ton talk. The lat surer to the institution. We must not omit a charity sale of fancy works for our city mission, nor the clever catalogue of its not, however, quite at a close. wares in verse, by a talented lady of this city.Our gaieties are We are promised a farewell the halcyon times of the gentlemen's Subscription Concerts. visit from Yaniewicz,- who was such a favourite here in He brings his daughter with him; and will find, we doubt not, that Glasgow can appreciate his worth and talents.-Our illumination was both quieter and more splendid than yours, I send you. The report, that one of our worthy Editors had been as may be guessed by the magniloquent description in the ballad burnt in effigy, was all a joke. In spite of his obstinate but honest prejudices, no man is more popular-even with the crowd, who still cherish an affectionate remembrance of him as their volunteer colonel. [The last piece of intelligence has given us unfeigned satisfaction. It would have been a painful thought to us that our beloved Glaswegians could, in their political animosi. ties, have forgotten the genuine worth of one of the most witty and friendly fat men in Scotland. Marry, if they will be burning their editors in effigy, there is one whom we would right gladly recommend to their tender mercies. A certain malevolent spirit, who goes about prying, poking, and intermeddling every where. For the benefit of those who may be haunted by this incubus, or succubus, we may state that a spell has been discovered which effectually drives him away. Pronounce but the name of Sir Walter Scott, and he immediately disappears, leaving behind him sundry odours, less agreeable than strong. This plan was tried to disturb with his presence.-Subjoined are a few stanzas from with success at a late public dinner which Hobgoblin threatened the ballad alluded to by our correspondent. The concluding verse is, indeed, as he emphatically terms it, "delicious."—E. L. J.]

THE GRAND ILLUMINATION.

""Twas on the twenty-eight of March,
It being pleasant weather,
In Glasgow town a great concourse
Of people met together;
The Lord Provost and Magistrates,
'Twas by their approbation,
That on that night they were to hold
The Grand Illumination.

*

*

"Now join with me in one accord,
Before I end my ditty,
And toast a health unto the Lord
Provost of Glasgow City;
And to the Magistrates also,

Long may they fill their station.
The Reform Bill has got through
That caused the Illumination.
"Now for to miss brave Captain Graham,
Would really be a pity,

Who does command the Policemen
Belonging to this city;

And likewise all those gentlemen
Who is for information,

We'll toast, and then I'll drop my pen,

To the next Illumination.""

entitled "Neucha's Cave, or the South Sea Mutineers," and is Theatrical Gossip.-The Easter melo-drama at Covent-Garden is founded on Byron's poem of "The Island."-Spohr's Azor and Zemira has been brought out at the same theatre. The story of this opera is our " Beauty and the Beast."-At Drury-Lane a tale of enchantment has been produced-by name "The Ice-Witch; or the Frozen Hand." In opposition to Spohr, Mozart's "Zauberdeservedly successful seasons.-At Liverpool, Moore's Fire-worflöte" is to be given.-The Adelphi and Olympic have closed after shippers has been wrought up for the stage. The last scene presents, (according to the programme) "The Gheber's glen and secret pass, with clumps of trees and rocks, by moonlight, which suffer this fate we know not.-Young appears to-night in Hamlet is totally destroyed by fire." Whether the moonlight or the rocks for his benefit. The Edinburgh theatre will close for the season on the 4th of June.

SAT.

WEEKLY LIST OF PERFORMANCES.

APRIL 2-9.

As You Like it, & The Robber's Wife.
Macbeth, & The Three Hunchbacks.

MON.

TUES.

Hamlet, & Perfection.

THURS.
WED.
FRI.

The Provok'd Husband, & 'Twould Puzzle a Conjuror.

Macbeth, & Paul and Virginia.

The Gamester, & The Bee-Hive.

BOURRIENNE'S NAPOLEON. THE ONLY

COMPLETE TRANSLATION.

This Day was Published, in four thick volumes, Price 20s. extra cloth bds., or on small paper, Price 14s., embellished by a beautiful and hitherto unengraved Portrait of Napoleon asleep in his Study, after David, and other Engravings,

enough to warrant a reprint.-" B. B." is in the right--had his MEMOIRS of NAPOLEON BONAPARTE.

From the French of M. FAUVELET DE BOURRIENNE, Private Secretary to the Emperor.

By JOHN S. MEMES, LL.D., F.A.S.L., Hon. M.I.R.N., A.S.A., &c. Author of "The History of Sculpture, Painting, and Architecture," &c.

CONSTABLE and Co., Edinburgh; and HURST, CHANCE, and Co., 65, St Paul's Churchyard, London.

This enlarged Edition may now be considered the only complete translation of Bourrienne's extraordinary work, and besides the various pamphlets written by Napoleon, including his "Notes on Egypt," will be found to contain an interesting Life of Bourrienne.

"The volume is a collection of fugitive pieces; some are long, some short; some glad, some sad; some in praise of ladies fair, and some in praise of fairer nature. Their distinguishing feature is spirit; there are continual gleams of beauty, and gushes of melodious versification; but the main impression left upon the reader's mind, is, that the author is a determined lover of strength and scorner of affectation; that his mind is earnest, impassioned, and sincere; that he is one who never writes on tinted paper, or forbears splitting his pen when it affronts him. Mr Bell, with the taste of good feeling, evidently despises the prevailing literary fashion of the day -that of playing the juggler with emotions; his love is real love; and equally real are his fits of exultation and depression. * * We look for his next appearance with high, but confident expectations."-The Athenæum.

"The most prominent features of Mr Bell's poetry are manly vigour, and clearness; just, and often impassioned feeling; great power of picturesque description; and sound judgment."Edinburgh Literary Journal.

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SINDE at HYDERABAD; a SKETCH of the HISTORY of CUTCH, from its first connexion with the British Government in India, till the conclusion of the Treaty of 1819; and some Remarks on the Medical Topography of Bhooj.

By JAMES BURNES,

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"This volume contains the desultory efforts of Mr Bell's muse in the different phases of her humour-grave and gay-the bold, the sportive, the pathetic, and the sentimental. We entertain little fear of being detected in a dishonest verdict, when we pronounce them to be the outpouring of a superior spirit-of a man who has breathed the rarer atmosphere of the Mons Sacer, and who, if he resolve to continue his devotions at the shrine of song, will make unto himself a name of which his grandchildren-if he have the good fortune to attain patriarchal honours-may be proud. As the offering of one not yet a trigintarian, they decidedly hold out the prospect of high achievement; and if we might venture to speculate in what branch of poetic literature, we should say the drama. The accurate per- THE BRIDAL NIGHT, THE FIRST POET, ception of human feeling, and the vigorous expression of that perception which they exhibit, lead us right on' to this conclusion." -The Englishman's Magazine.

"We feel a difficulty in deciding which of the departments of this lovely volume (in its look the fairest we have seen since the annuals appeared) is to be preferred."-Scots Times.

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"Mr Bell is no servile imitator of the style of others he trusts to the stores of his own mind, and they seldom play him false; for there is scarcely a page in this little volume that does not present lines of either power or pathos; and (a rare quality) every variety of style-the tender-the playful-the grave-the impassioned-he assumes with equal ease and felicity."-La Belle Assemblée. London: HURST, CHANCE, and Co. Edinburgh: HENRY CON

STABLE.

THE WESTMINSTER REVIEW,

No. XXVIII.,

Just published,

In one volume, 12mo, price 7s. 6d. Cloth,

and other Poems. By DUGALD MOORE, Author of "The
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