phy; but the work is neither in teresting, nor does it contain much important information. In our passage down the Ohio, there are but few objects to detain our attention, and, launched into the Mississippi, we might almost as well be at sea. The delays of the dependent Spanish government had before been made publick, and had therefore lost much of their interest; and the petty disputes of party faction could never claim more, than a local consideration. The knowledge of the coast of Florida, and of the rivers which discharge themselves into the gulf of Mexico, is balanced by the tedious difficulties, which are always met with in penetrating uninhabited deserts, and by the barrenness of a sea-voyage. The comments are few, and those the remarks of a common mind. The language is frequently inelegant, and sometimes incorrect. The passages, quoted above, we believe to be fair specimens of the style, which never rises above plain narration. Upon the whole, we must conclude, that the work is very much inferiour to what it ought to have been; and that a small pamphlet, with the maps, which we must again call valuable, would have contained as much information as the quarto, through which we have la boured. Inquiry; and yet, if nothing but the quantity of brass be regarded, we are hardly losers by the exchange. Mr. Wortman's book has all the the properties of a cent, except its currency, and its value. It has as dull a countenance, and as drossy and cumbrous a nature. One can hardly be persuaded to read the first paragraph of a volume of 300 pages, when the preface contains an insolent boast, under the name of an apology, that the work is produced in a few idle hours, without care or attention." It is but justice," says Mr.W." to observe, that the following pages have only occupied the leisure moments of less than four months, and been written amidst the constant interruption of business." There was no necessity for this haste-no eager impatience of the publick drove Mr. W. to the press. It is effrontery to introduce to the world, under the imposing title of a "Political Inquiry," a volume, composed in a time almost too short for an amanuensis to copy its pages. The affectation of wri ting quick is contemptible; yet in this country it too frequently sup plies the ambition of writing well. The calamus currens is for clerks and secretaries, not for those who would instruct or inform mankind. But, perhaps, it is well that Mr. W. published thus hastily, for if he had taken longer time, there is reason to fear, that, instead of writ ing better, he would have written more. It is difficult to say what Mr. W.'s book is, or to what class of productions it belongs. This would be, "to give to any nothing A local habitation and a name." Its most striking characteristick is the absence of ideas. The reader wades through it, meeting only at great intervals with a sentiment, which deserves either censure or approbation. It is a vast Serbonian bog, where there is nothing to bear up his steps. Every thing sinks beneath him, nor can the eye glance far enough to behold an inch of solid ground, on which to rest its hopes. Declamation, without genius or spirit, false reasoning, without ingenuity enough to be called sophistry, and an inveterate hostility to the rules of grammar and composition, are principal features in this performance. In the very first paragraph he valorously takes up arms against the "monarchick sway" of grammar. "We will [shall] neither be able to reflect with accuracy," &c. In the same page he says, "Political institution should emphatically be considered as that science, which proposes for its object the promotion of general felicity."Words may be emphatically spoken, and perhaps, by a figure, emphatically written, but who ever heard of considering, or deliberating on a subject emphatically?— Yet, as Mr. W. has no emphasis in his book, perhaps we ought to indulge him in claiming it for his brain. Farther on, he says, " civil society, as well as her sister sciences" ! &c. We open the book, by accident, at the 65th page, and from that, and those immediately following, will transcribe a few paragraphs, as specimens of Mr. W.'s style and sentiments. The first sentence which meets our eye is this. Speaking of poetry and metaphysicks, he observes," such are the studies which elude the utmost profundity of intellect"! He proceeds. "Not so with rational politicks. Every truth is luminous; every principle is clear, perspicuVol. III. No. 10. 3 W ous, and determinable; its doctrines are established in the common sentiments and feelings of mankind; its positions are maintained and enforced by universal experience." Does not Mr. W. know that political science has, more than any other, divided the opinions of mankind, and that, after a discussion of many centuries, very few principles are yet settled? What "position" of politicks is maintained by universal experience? Can he name one, that has been received by the one millionth part of the population of the world since the creation? In page 67 are these shrewd remarks. "Man, therefore, is the only actor upon whatever theatre human conduct is destined to become exhibited. To whatever object our imagination is extended, to the statesman in the cabinet, the philosopher in his closet, or the hero in the field; wherever we direct our contemplation, to battles and to sieges, negociations or hostility, treaties of peace, convention of commerce, or declaration of war; it is man that acts and suffers." Wonderful counsellor! Have you then discovered that human beings alone can be the authors of human actions? Page 68. "The duties attached to the intercourse of nations and individuals, arise from the identical fountain of obligation, and must therefore be, in a great mea sure, familiar to every understanding." Page 69. "Without pretensions to superiour discernment, every person can as easily perceive what conduct in one nation violates the rights, and operates to the detriment of another, or what acts of a government infallibly terminate in personal injury and oppression. Hence then it is an obvious position, that every intelligent being must necessarily possess a sufficient standard of political discrimination. Can the obstinacy of scepticism demand still farther illustration?" No, no, illustrious Tunis, the "obstinacy of scepticism" is a weak, shivering victim beneath the scymeter of such logick. It doubts of nothing while you reason, although you should attempt to prove the muddiness of your own brain. In page 171 are the following sentiments, which come fresh and strong' from the school of Godwin. "It has been rendered sufficiently plain, that a virtuous government cannot become materially injured by misrepresentation; for the most acrimonious and violent invectives will be the most open to detection. Why then should punishment be inflicted? Will the confinement of my body within a prison, or the removal of my property to the publick treasury, render me a better man? Will such severity be calculated to conciliate my affections towards the government? or will it be likely to inspire me with lasting resentment? If I have been guilty of malicious detraction, let corroding Envy, sickening Jealousy, and vulture passions torture and prey upon my heart. Believe me, I should be punished by misery more agravated, than the horrours of an inquisition." This is genuine. The disciple has excelled the master. These sentiments are too good to die with a first reading. Let us view them in another shape. The doctrines, which Tunis so ingeniously applies to cases of malicious libel, must be equally applicable to other transgressions of the law. On mur der, for instance, he would reason in the same way. "It has been rendered sufficiently plain, that society cannot be materially injured by the death of one individual: for the most barbarous and violent deeds will be the most open to detection. Why then should punishment be inflicted on a murderer? Will the confinement of my body within a prison, will chains or the gallows render me a better man? Will such severity be calculated to conciliate my affections towards society? or will it be likely to inspire me with lasting resentment? If I have been guilty of wilful murder, let corroding Envy, sickening Jealousy, and vulture passions torture and prey upon my heart. Believe me, I should be punished by misery more aggravated, than all the horrours of hemp"!!! Such are the torrents of nonsense, which a man, who calls himself a counsellor, is capable of pouring forth, as a subject closely connected with his professional studies. Believe us, Mr. Counsellor, if these be your sentiments, the cap and bells would become you more than the long robe, and you would shew better in Bedlam, than the Forum. ART. 56. The Lay of the Last Minstrel, a poem, by Walter Scott, Esq.-— Hugh Maxwell, Philadelphia. 12mo. 1805. THIS work is neatly and accurately re-printed, and is a good specimen of the rapid progress, which this country is making towards typographical excellence. European Reviewers have so justly displayed the beauties, and appreciated the merits of this interesting composition, that we have little, if any thing, to add to their remarks; but we cordially join them in praising a poem, which has afforded us exquisite pleasure, and which" has raised its author to a permanent rank among the classical poets of his country." In towns, where trade occupies every thought, at all times and seasons, and in every company monopolizes the greatest share of conversation; where its maxims and spirit pervade every class of society, and would confine all mental exertion within its own contracted sphere; it must be peculiarly gratifying to the few, whose faculties are not shackled and benumbed, to read of other times, of other manners, of other men ; with different objects in view, with more ardent, as well as nobler passions; and whose vices, while they neither exceeded in number or enormity those of later times, were balanced by many virtues ; among which unbounded generosity, steady friendship, faithful love, and heroick valour, shone conspicuous. It is therefore with great satisfaction, that we strongly recommend, to the rising generation particularly, this vivid effort of genius and learning; but as it is probable more attention will be paid to samples, than to mere recommendation, we shall select a few specimens, and vouch for the goodness of the whole. The introduction is poetical and interesting in the highest degree. An aged Minstrel, wandering near the Castle of Branksome, was admitted by the Dutchess of Buc cleugh, and, after being hospitably treated, to gratify her and her ladies, he sings to his harp a tale of arms and chivalry, in which the names and actions of her ancestors are commemorated. And an uncertain warbling made- He swept the sounding chords along; Those, who have any relish for charmed with his description of the beautiful and sublime, will be Melrose abbey. If thou wouldst view fair Melrose aright, Go visit it by the pale moon-light; night, And each shafted oriel glimmers white; and die; When distant Tweed is heard to rave, man's grave; P. 33. But the imagery and language in the following pages are awful and terrifick in the extreme, when William of Deloraine, who was sent to the monk of St. Mary's aisle, opens the tomb of the cele brated Michael Scot, to take from thence his book of magick. The pillared arches were over their head, And beneath their feet were the bones of the dead. His hoary head in silver rolled, Like a pilgrim from beyond the sea: His left hand held his book of might; A silver cross was in his right: The lamp was placed beside his knee: High and majestick was his look, At which the fellest fiends had shook; -Still spoke the monk, when the bell And all unruffled was his face tolled one! Lo, warrior! now the cross of red Points to the grave of the mighty dead; Within it burns a wonderous light To chase the spirits that love the night: That lamp shall barn unquenchably, Until the eternal doom shall be." Slow moved the monk to the broad flag-stone, They trusted his soul had gotten grace. P. 43-46. After this scene of horrour, the imagination is gradually composed, and soothed with the tenderness of love and beauty. Where are two figures to be found more happily designed, and finely contrasted, than Margaret of Branksome, and "Baron Henry, her own true knight"? A fairer pair were never seen To meet beneath the hawthorn green. Which the bloody cross was traced He was stately and young and tall; upon; He pointed to a secret nook; A bar from thence the warrior took ; And the monk made a sign with his withered hand, The grave's huge portal to expand. With beating heart, to the task he went ; With bar of iron heaved amain, Till the toil-drops fell from his brows like rain. It was by dint of passing strength, That he moved the massy stone at length. I would you had been there to see, Danced on the dark-brow'd warrior's mail, And kissed his waving plume. Before their eyes the wizard lay, Dreaded in battle, and loved in hall : And she, when love, scarce told, scarce hid, Lent to her cheek a livelier red; When the half sigh her swelling breast Against the silken ribband pressed; When her blue eyes their secret told, Though shaded by her locks of gold,Where would you find the peerless fair With Margaret of Branksome might compare! P. 48. of When arrived at this part his lay, the old Minstrel breaks off, and observing the interest he had excited in female bosoms, he says, And now fair dames, methinks I see, Alas! fair dames your hopes are vain! P. 49. |