Now had he seen her in her winding sheet, Came to him like a ghost, which in the grave A broken heart, in prayer and humble hope, 1 Of the other characters in this Epic Tragedy we need not particularly speak. Siverian, who has married Roderick's mother, is the principal one, and acts a suitable part. The descriptive passages of this poem, are, perhaps, the most perfectly pleasing; and the mind of the reader, sick of carnage, tumult, and devastation, reposes gladly on these, when they open with refreshing sweetness around him. Many are the pictures of moonlight by poets of every nation; a lovelier than the following was never presented. The allusion to the stars, which, few in number, and diminished to points, on such a night,' appear immeasurably further distant than when they shine through total darkness, the allusion to these, in connexion with their elevating influence, forms one of those rare and exquisite associations of natural imagery with moral sentiment, which constitute the essence of the purest poetry. How calmly gliding through the dark blue sky The watchman on the battlements partakes Of yonder sapphire infinite, are seen, Musing on worlds beyond the grave he stands, Breathes forth her hymn of praise.' pp. 175, 176. We were startled, at the opening of the sixteenth section, by an address to the Virgin Mary, which, from the lips of Roderick, or Pelayo, might have been very well, but from a Protestant poet in his own character, is intolerable, and what no licence of his art, in our apprehension, will justify. Much fault, no doubt, will be found with the conduct of the fable. We have no space left to anticipate what others may say, but for ourselves we freely confess, that the poem produced its strongest effects upon us rather at intervals, than in gradation. It abounds with dramatic scenes, which, in point of situation, grouping, character, and dialogue, may challenge any thing of the kind in English poetry. Among these we may particularize the meeting between Florinda and Roderick, when, as her confessor, she tells him all the secrets of her heart, unsuspected by him before; the first interview between Roderick in disguise, and his mother; the scene in which Florinda brings Roderick, still unknown to her, into the Moorish camp, and introduces him to her father, Count Julian. None of these, however, surpass in pathos or mystery the death of the latter, who, previously to the last battle, is basely stabbed by a Moor, and carried to a little chapel, dedicated to St. Peter, that he may die in peace. We have purposely omitted giving any extracts from the foregoing, because they ought to be read entire, and we wished to make a copious quotation here, as a fair specimen of the Author's powers. Roderick, as father Maccabee, still unsuspected by Florinda and Count Julian, receives the confession and renunciation of errors, from the expiring apostate, according to the Roman Catholic faith, with the orthodoxy of which we have nothing to do in this instance. The dying Count Then fix'd upon the Goth his earnest eyes. Whereto they pledged me in mine infancy..: Roderick raised His eyes to Heaven, and crossing on his breast Him who was lost, and in that name absolve I also must partake! The Lord hath heard My prayers! one sacrament,.. one hour,..one grave, .. One resurrection! That dread office done, Count Julian with amazement saw the Priest Roderick! exclaim'd The dying Count,. . Roderick!.. and from the floor The spear hung heavy in his side, and pain Him who hath done the wrong!.. He closed his eyes Might yet be heal'd, the wrong redress'd, the throne Of that waste life which millions misbestow!.. And this wide wreck the will and work of Heaven, Thou followest!.. kiss me, child!.. and now good night! Her cheek was flush'd, and in her eyes there beam'd Art. IV. Discourses on the Principal Points of the Socinian Controversy. By Ralph Wardlaw, Glasgow, 8vo. pp. viii. 441. Price 10s. Hamilton, 1814. (Concluded from Page 253.) THE sixth discourse is on the Test of Truth.' After an elaborate discussion of the preceding subjects, in which there are continual references to a test already established, we were surprised to find this discourse introduced. Mr. Wardlaw seems aware of its appearing an illogical arrangement, and assigns the following reason for it. The previous discussion, it occurred to me, of one at least of the principal points of controversy, might furnish ready and appropriate illustrations of the principles which are now to be laid down;-illustrations, which could not otherwise have been easily obtained, without awkward and embarrassing anticipation In this way, the argument which has already been closed, will afford means of elucidating the principles on which it has itself been conducted, and of demonstrating the rectitude of these principles, so that we may apply them with the greater confidence, to the topics of future consideration.' p. 163. With this reason, we are not satisfied. It is obviously requisite in the beginning of any controversy, to settle (if it can be settled,) the standard of reference, beyond which there shall be no appeal, and the testimony of which shall be considered decisive It appears to us far more awkward and embarrassing,' to reason on principles yet to be proved, and which are all along taken for granted, than to intermingle in the very discussion of such principles, occasional allusions, for the sake of illustration, to the points depending on them, as their ultimate authority. But Mr. W. has himself proved, that such a previous discussion is practicable; and that the test of truth' may be ascertained without any awkward anticipations. We can find no reasoning in this sixth discourse, which would in the least degree confound the reader, who should venture to place it first in the series. If, (and we have no doubt that it will be the case) another edition be called for, we would recommend the Author to alter the collocation; and, omitting the first раragraph, make it the introductory discourse.' 6 Should such an improved arrangement be adopted, we would recommend, an ampler illustration of the province of human reason in theological inquiries. What is said, is highly satisfactory; but a more expanded and minute detail is desirable; and particularly in reference to the Socinian Controversy. The subtle and ambidextrous ingenuity of Socinians in evading an argument resting ultimately on scriptural authority; their professed respect for that authority, notwithVOL. III. N'S. 2 E |