which take the preposition de; and of those which take the preposition à. Tables of the prepositions themselves follow, divided according to their regimens; and lastly, we have a table of adverbs of time, place, order, quantity, manner, and comparison. As this work was composed chiefly for the sake of the English nation, it is a pity that the rules and precepts are not in English; as, in the present form, the work can be useful only to those who have made considerable advancement in the French language. To such we recommend M. de Levizac's book, as a most useful vade mecum in their future progress. This grammar is only one part of the author's plan. He condi tionally promises a System of Rhetoric, of the same cast; with a treatise On the Art of Translating; as applicable to the French and English languages. We trust that he has met with sufficient encou ragement, by the sale of his grammar, to accomplish his design. Art. 22. The Little Family. Written for the Amusement and Instruction of young Persons. By Charlotte Sanders. 12mo. 2 Vols. 5s. sewed. Dilly. 1797. We have been peculiarly pleased with the perusal of this compen dium of moral amusement for young readers; especially with the author's particular attention to the culture of benevolence and compassion. Yet it is to be observed that even benevolence itself may be carried to an impracticable excess; for it is hardly to be imagined that the children here instructed, or their amiable mother, should always have money at hand [even to profusion] for every opportunity that may occur. We much approve the introduction of circumstances and situations in town life; of virtuous distress; and of contented industry; which are here brought to view. Many such situations, no doubt, are to be found in the living world; and a variety of modes of usefulness may with great propriety and good effect be chalked out, for the advantage of young minds, in proportion to circumstances of rank and ability. Two short dramas are introduced, viz. the Bird's Nest,' and the Little Gamester;' which, especially the latter, may afford sa lutary admonition to readers much farther advanced in years than those for whom this work has been immediately designed. We should not forget to observe, also, that astronomy, easily and happily introduced, is one part of the rational entertainment here provided for the three children, the eldest of whom is twelve years of age. It may, however, be thought somewhat unnatural for them to discuss, with so much readiness, the distances of the planets from the sun, with their dimensions, motions, &c. &c. Yet, sublime and vast as the subject is, we will not say that its introduction into this work is absolutely useless. If such juvenile understandings cannot comprehend the whole of what they read, they may possibly gain some benefit from their early attention to so noble a study. On the whole, whatever slight imperfections a critic might discover in these little volumes, we may justly recommend them as having a tendency to inform and meliorate the understanding and the heart; while they serve, very agreeably, to amuse the imagination. Art. Ged..s. Hi. & G. Art. 23. The Refuge. By the Author of the Guide to Domestic 45. 6d. The short preface and longer introduction to this volume indicate the writer's good sense and observation. Lavinia, a lady of family and fortune, is left when very young to the care of an aunt, who is deeply interested in forming her niece to the polite and useful accomplishments, which endear society and embellish life. Under proper tuition, Lavinia answers all the expectations and wishes that had been raised: elegant in form, graceful in manners, she is early introduced to the most fashionable circles, and received with flattering attention: but amid affluence and splendour, pleasure and praise, she still finds that happiness is absent. Reason and religion concurred to censure the thoughtless round of gaiety and dissipation; the present was melancholy, the future terrifying. To such a state of mind the succeeding pages of the work are adapted. The language is generally good, they contain some just and useful remarks, and they doubtless spring from the best intention:-but to discuss them farther would be to enter into the endless disputes in which high-calvinism and antinomianism are involved, and even to combat with the vague declamation of methodism :-for, though this writer is more correct and polished than some of that class, he abounds in repetition, and quotes numerous detached passages of Scripture, which, when viewed in a just connection, might lead to different conclusions from those that are here inferred. Art. 24. A Present for a Little Girl. 8vo. IS. Darton and Co. 1797. And a very pretty present it is! Neat, and well adapted to the little people for whom it is intended. The cuts, too, are remarkably well executed; which we are glad to see; for why should not the pictures which are designed for the information, as well as the amusement of children, have the advantage of being good likenesses? For our part, we have no objection to neatness and elegance, even in the nursery. Art. 25. Youth's Miscellany, or a Father's Gift to his Children : consisting of Original Essays, Moral and Literary; Tales, Fables, Reflections, &c. Intended to promote a Love of Virtue and Learning, to correct the Judgment, to improve the Taste, and to humanize the Mind. By the Author of the Juvenile Olio, &c. 8vo. pp. 294. 4s. bound. Newberry. 1798. The favourable reception given to his former work has encouraged this author, as we are informed in a sensible advertisement, to persevere in his plan; and has strengthened his conviction that his fabours are not destitute of utility. The above title makes known to the reader what he is to expect:-natural history very suitably employs some of the pages; and the whole is well calculated to interest the attention of young minds, and to improve them. If, therefore, we have perceived some deficiencies of a less important kind, we shall * See M. R. vol. xix. N. S. p. 233. Hi. not stop to point them out. The letters or essays are short, and Art. 26. Obedience rewarded, and Prejudice conquered; or the History 28. 6d. year: The history of Mortimer is but short, as the reader may expect when he is informed that it is not extended beyond his fifteenth but his family scenes and connections, his compliance as to the course of life proposed for him, the affection and wisdom of his mother, with other circumstances and incidents, are likely to interest the young reader, and at the same time convey principles and sentiments that may be useful in any station. The book accords very well with the account in the title-page, which informs us that it is written for the amusement and instruction of younger minds.'-The charitable expenditure, however, is rather profuse, and the supply furnished for the purpose is extraordinary and improbable. Hi. Do Art. 27. The New Children's Friend, or pleasing Incitements to Wisdom and Virtue, conveyed through the Medium of Anecdote, Tale, and Adventure; calculated to entertain, fortify, and improve the juvenile Mind; translated chiefly from the German. 12mo. PP. 171. Is. 6d. Vernor and Co. 1797. This little work corresponds more completely with the promises of its title-page than is often found to be fact.-Trivial objections may indeed be made, as in p. 78, where we read, his father learnt him Latin,' instead of taught; which rather surprized us, as the language is generally correct, and, at times, rather above some of the readers for whom the volume is designed; and to whom we can recommend it. Do POETRY, &c. Art. 28. The Whig's Supplication; or, the Scots Hudibras: a mock ciple; from whose burlesque rhymes we are not disposed to hazard an extract, lest we should pollute our pages. Art. 29. The Invincible Island, a Poem. With Introductory Observations on the present War. By Percival Stockdale. 8vo. 2 s. Clarke. 1797. In this zealous antigallican publication, our old friend shines more in the respectable character of a patriotic Englishman, than in that of a poet. His present composition is not sufficiently animated by dignity of sentiments, or any towering flights of imagination. Art. 30. Elegies and other Small Poems. By Matilda Betham. 12mo. 3s. 6d. Boards. Longman. The following extract from the preface to this collection will exemplify the good sense and modesty of the writer: I commit these trifles to the press with the anxiety necessarily resulting from a desire that they may not be deemed altogether worthless. Though the natural partiality of the writer may be somewhat strengthened by the commendations of friends and parents, I am well aware that no apology can give currency to imperfection. I have not vainly attempted to ascend to the steeps of Parnassus. If, wandering at its foot, I have mistaken perishable shrubs for neverdying flowers, the errors of a youthful mind, first viewing the fascinating regions of fancy, will not be rigidly condemned; for wherever there is true taste, there will be genuine candour.' The poems turn on a variety of subjects, some of which perhaps are not happily chosen: for example, the Fraternal Duel, we think, is liable to very just objections: it is a tale calculated to inspire horror, without exciting sympathy; for surely the premeditated murderer of his brother must be rather an object of indignation than compassion; and the moral tendency of the following lines may be questioned: Yet, if remorse could expiate his guilt, If the worst sufferings could the crime erase, Then Anselm's penitence obtain'd him grace.' It must be allowed that it is the height of presumption to set bounds to the mercies of God: ut may it not give encouragement to vice, to flatter ourselves with the expectation of pardon for the greatest crimes, on the easy terms of what we call repentance: which, after all, may be fallacious, or at best imperfect? We should probably have omitted this reflection, which may be deemed too serious for the occasion, did we not think that our writers of fictitious history, whether in prose or in verse, are often too indulgent to vice, and apt to ascribe too great an efficacy to repentance. With pleasure we now turn to the general consideration of this lady's poetical talents, which are beyond the common sphere of merit. Miss Betham's imagination appears to be lively and vigorous, though tinged with a melancholy cast; probably the effect of her course of reading, rather than arising from any experience of the cala Ham.... mities of life. Her versification is sometimes incorrect; but it is, in general, harmonious and pleasing. The following poem may be given as a favourable specimen : THE TERRORS OF GUILT. Yon coward, with the streaming hair, Is Guilt!-Behold, he hears the name, awry. Impatient Envy, with a fiend-like sneer, And shades of blasted Hopes, which still are hovering near! All other woes will find relief, And time alleviate every grief; Memory, though slowly, will decay, And Sorrow's empire pass away. And waft reflection to the skies; For Conscience still, with tingling smart, And འ |