Metrical Chronicle of Britain, supposed to have been written by Layaman, a priest on the Severn, early in the thirteenth century, is said to be not the least remarkable. This, however, we have not seen, and we will offer no opinion concerning it; except to express our regret that it has not yet been published. A learned Dane would have presented us with this and many other treasures, had we allowed him. Let us hear his language as to Beowulf:

"This poem, though published abroad fifteen years ago, where it has excited considerable attention, seems almost unknown to the English literary world. And yet it is the earliest known attempt, in any vernacular dialect of modern Europe, to produce an epic poem: and far from being a dull and tedious imitation of some Greek or Latin examples, — like most modern epics- it is an original Gothic performance; and if there be in me any spark of poetic feeling, I have no hesitation in affirming that any poet, of any age, might have been proud to produce such a work, while the country which gave it birth might well be pleased of him in return. I know there are tastes called classical, which will turn away in disgust when they are told that the poem consists of two fabulous adventures, not very artificially connected, except by the person of the hero; and that these episodes, which relate to historical traditions of the north, are rather unskilfully inserted. But I think such classical scholars as have a squeamish repugnance to all Gothic productions, should remember that when they. settle themselves down in the little circle of the ancient world, they have banished themselves from the modern, and, consequently, have made their opinions on such a subject of very little importance. Hence, without calling that artificial which is rude, or that masterly which is childish, whether of ancient or modern date, I will merely observe, that Beowulf, the Gothic hero of the poem, combats, in the prime of his life, with Grendel and his mother, two goblins who are the foes of Hrothgar king of Denmark; and in his old age fights with Steore-heort, the fiery dragon, which during a thousand years has brooded over unprofitable gold, and in this encounter, though victorious, he loses his life. Now it is evident that such a tale may be told in a very absurd manner; but it is equally clear that it may also be embodied in a very lofty and interesting strain: for my own part, I have no desire for the converse of any man who would not be delighted with the simple yet animated dialogue, the beautiful descriptions, and

the noble sentiments which abound in Beowulf. When I also remember how distinctly and vividly the characters of the principal personages are drawn and supported, of Beowulf, the hero of Wiglaf, his youthful and enthusiastic friend — of Hrothgar, the royal bard and philosopher; I cannot but feel regret that time has not spared us the name of this early Gothic Homer, and my wonder is lessened, that a master-spirit like Shakspeare could arise in the country where the very children of her poetry should have attempted and achieved such masterstrokes of genius."

Dr. Grundtvig may reproach the literary indifference of the English with whatever force he is able*; he will make no impression on either the government or the people. The truth is, that we are not a literary nation; that, with much pretension, we have little claim to the distinction. Instances of neglect more disgraceful than even that of Beowulf might easily be enumerated; but such an exposition would be useless. While almost every other country in Europe is making rapid strides in literary glory, England, by her indifference to every species of sound literature, is as rapidly retrograding: in works, whether of learning or of genius, her modern press is below that of Germany, or France, or Italy, or the Scandinavian kingdoms, or even Spain; so that, in time, she bids fair to reach the level of Portugal.† Neither to our universities in a corporate nor to their professors in an individual capacity; neither to our established church, nor to our literary coteries, is literature in the slightest degree indebted on the contrary, all are hostile to its interests.

The contempt which he sometimes expresses, and which he every where intimates, for the current literature of this country, is most richly warranted. Englishmen as we are, we thank him for the lesson, even though it will have no effect.

+ Turner's Anglo-Saxons, vol. iii. p. 286. Taylor, Historic View of German Poetry, vol. i. p. 78. Grundtvig, "Prospectus and Proposals of a subscription for the Publication of the most valuable Anglo-Saxon Manuscripts, illustrative of the early Poetry and Literature of our Language, most of which have never yet been printed."

What is become of this eminent scholar and his "Proposals?" Could not EIGHTY subscribers' names be procured? (see condition 3. of subscription,) or has the editor, as is reported, from some cause still more disgraceful to the country, left it in disgust ? In either case we regret his relinquishment of the design :- 1st, Because if it should ever be entrusted to the Record Commission, it will not be so ably executed. 2dly, Because such a commission would spend as many years over it as any individual of ordinary diligence would spend months.

1

There are many other remnants of Saxon antiquity, few of which have been printed. They are, indeed, of a character not likely to find favour with the public; yet from them many hints might be derived, which, though individually without much value, would, in the aggregate, throw considerable light on the history of manners. Unfortunately there are none professedly historic, except the Saxon Chronicle, and a few fragments. The mass consists of lives of saints, homilies, translations, or expositions of Scripture, and on points of discipline. It has, however, long been well known, that hagiology is capable of contributing something to our historic knowledge; and, though this fact has made no impression in England, it has been otherwise in France and Germany. Such indefatigable searchers into the hidden stores of hagiology as Mabillon and the Bollandists, have done more for history than writers of far prouder names. From these Saxon remains, however, we will extract only a short homily, apparently addressed to ecclesiastics only. It will enable the reader to form a tolerable notion of the religion and pulpit eloquence of the times.*

"I beseech and enjoin you, dearest men, that in this life you deeply bewail your sins, since in the life to come your lamentations will be of no avail. Here let us listen to the Lord, who desires us to accept remission of sins. Here his clemency is surpassing; hereafter he will be inexorably severe. Here his mercy is over us; hereafter will be eternal judgment. Here we may have temporal joy, but there anguish without end. Here are the delights of time; there eternal tortures. Here is laughing; there shall wailing be: there shall our sumptuous raiment be spread over eternal flames. Here we have pride of mind; there will be its inevitable result, darkness enduring. Strive, dearly beloved, after things future; always be solicitous about your souls: weep in this world, that you may not weep in the world to come. Beware lest you be there humbled, lest you be sent into darkness that may be felt, into fire that may not be quenched. Who, dearest brethren, is so

Part only of this homily has yet been translated (by Mr. Turner, vol. iii. p. 503.), and that very inadequately, and in some parts unfaithfully. +Periphrasis, as we have before observed, is the great sin of the Saxon

writers.

hardened as not to bewail and dread the wrath to come? What, I ask, is better for us in this world than always to do penance for our sins, and to redeem them by almsgiving, by which we may escape everlasting punishment when this world and all that is in it shall pass away, and when purity of soul alone can satisfy Almighty God? * There the father cannot aid the son, nor the son the father, but every one will be judged according to his works. Man! what art thou doing? be not like the brute beasts: think and reflect on the difference which God has drawn between us; he has conferred on us an understanding soul, which brutes have not. Oh man! watch! pray! beseech while thou hast the power. Remember that for thy

sake God descended from his high estate, and took upon him a lowly one, that by so doing he might raise them to the life supernal! Vain will be gold and silver to deliver us from that pain, that fire unquenchable, those serpents undying, which now whet their gory teeth to wound and lacerate our bodies without mercy, when the great trumpet shall sound, and a voice exclaim, to those who have truly fasted +, 'Arise, beloved of Christ! behold your heavenly King! Your immortal Bridegroom approaches; ye shall now see him whom you loved before your bodies became dust! Arise, and behold the great and terrible King! Come and receive that glory which God will this day bestow upon you, which eye hath not beheld, which ear hath not heard, which hath not entered into the heart of man to conceive!' On the contrary, how different his language to sinners: Ye impious and wicked, too, arise! for, behold, this very day, shall ye be left in the infernal gulf in which you felicit; glory and rejoicing shall be exchanged for sorrow!' How wretched, how unhappy they, who, because they have neglected the commands of God, must hear this terrible sentence! Let us not follow them; but let us always have the hour of death before our eyes; because the glory of this world is short, and frail, and fleeting, and worldly things are poor. Where are the kings who were once among us, where the mighty of this world? where is their gold, where their precious garments? Ah, how lamentable the exchange, - for a short life, eternal death! for a brief glory, enduring sorrow! for a gleam of light, darkness appalling! for a small enjoyment,

"What is better to us in this world than to be penitent for our transgressions, and to redeem them by almsgiving?" Turner's translation. He has thus rendered the passage with the view of suppressing the Roman catholic doctrine obviously contained in the original,-penance.

If we should find catholicism, or Mohammedanism, or paganism, or devilism, in our ancient authors, what is our duty? To render it faithfully. Surely the historian is not to be implicated in opinions which, though he records, he may condemn.

+Meaning, those who have mortified the fleshly lusts-wholly omitted by Mr. Turner.

pains so cruel and pitiful! for a short laugh, tears so bitter and everlasting! There is darkness thick and fire unquenchable ! there are horrid tormenting prisons! there agonies without end, there chastisements unspeakable, are reserved for the wretches who despise the commandments of God: to them shall no rest be vouchsafed, except on that day when Christ our Saviour rose from the dead. Now hear the spiritual vision of a certain holy man. He saw the soul of one forced to leave the body; but the soul durst not issue forth, because she saw execrable fiends standing before the body. 'What art thou doing?' enquired one devil, why not come out? Will Michael the archangel with a legion of angels come to carry thee away?''No fear of that!' replied another devil: 'I know this soul well; day and night was I with her!' When the soul saw and heard these things, she began miserably to cry, and to exclaim, 'Woe unto me that I was ever born! that I ever entered this impure accursed body! Then looking at it, she said, Vile wretch, it was thou which didst seize the substance of other men, which was always intent on laying up treasures on earth, which arrayedst thyself in sumptuous apparel; when thou wast scarlet, I was black; thou wast cheerful, but I was sorrowful; thou didst rejoice while I wept. Now thou art a loathsome corpse, fit food for worms; a time thou mayest remain here; but while I in misery and wailing must be led to hell, let the body also be afflicted with various torments.' And the devil cried out, Pierce his eyes! because with them he planned all manner of injustice: pierce his mouth! because with it he ate and drank what he pleased, and uttered what he pleased: pierce his heart! because in it there was no religion, mercy, or love of God.' These things sorely afflicted that miserable soul, to which they fastened very black wings; and when they were taking it away, it suddenly beheld a glorious light, and it asked the devils what this meant. And they replied, Dost thou not remember, that it is that celestial glory and joy from which thou wast taken when thou didst enter the body? Now shalt thou pass through these beautiful mansions, but there thou must not remain: now shalt thou hear the angelic hosts, and the glory of the saints; but there thou art not permitted to stay!' Again the wretched soul with much anguish wept and said, 'Woe unto me that ever I beheld the light of the world!' The devils conducted it wailing and groaning, and delivered it to certain fiery dragons, which breathed flame and brimstone; and into the raging furnace of their open jaws it was cast. Wherefore, dearest brethren, let us place this before our eyes as a warning; let us acknowledge and believe that such punishments await the wicked. But let us never distrust the mercy of God. It be

་