assisted, as in the two former papers, by Addison and, particular," says a biographer, "involved him in others, he met with great success. much embarrassment, which was heightened by the Subsequently he was elevated to a seat in Parlia-loss of his theatrical patent, in conséquence of his ment, from which he was soon after expelled, having opposition to the Peerage Bill." by some means incurred the resentment of the minis ters. But a short time, however, after the accession of George I. he was chosen to represent Borougbridge in the House of Commons. He was also knighted, appointed Governor of the King's Comedians, and after the rebellion of 1715, he was made one of the commissioners for the forfeited estates in Scotland. Here he again enjoyed the smiles of fortune and the favor of his sovereign, but he did not long remain thus prosperous. He lost his government offices "by his opposition to the Peerage bill," and was reduced to comparative poverty. We have given this brief sketch of Steele's life, because it illustrates, if it does not prove the truth of the proposition that the same individual may be both simpleton and philosopher,-totally unfit to provide for his necessary wants, yet skilled in the mysteries of science, and rich in the lore of accumulated ages; a walking contradiction, possessing all the qualities of mind necessary to make him great in the world of philosophy and letters, and at the same time destitute of the requisite judgment to conduct successfully the affairs of every-day life; a giant in theoretical disputation, but a liliput in practical wisdom. And while we think that the numerous examples In 1721, after having, for some time, suffered the inconveniences of a limited income, the tide of fortune began to change, and the authority over Drury-afforded by the lives of eminent scholars and writers lane Theatre was again restored to him. In this situation, however, as usual, his want of calculation and foresight, involved him in pecuniary difficulties, and he was obliged in 1722 to retire to Wales, where, seven years after, a paralytic stroke terminated his life. The cut which heads our article, represents the cottage in which he lived many years, situated about midway between Camden Town and Hampstead, on Haverstock-hill, and not far from London. A tavern in its immediate vicinity is said to have been much resorted to by the wits of his day. The whole career of Sir Richard Steele was marked by strange vicissitudes of fortune, mostly attributable to his peculiar disposition of mind. He married twice, and, each time, gained, by the connection, a respectable fortune; yet his circumstances were never unembarrassed, for some visionary and impracticable scheme constantly engrossed his attention. These schemes rarely succeeded, and thus squandering his income in attempts to increase it, he ultimately suffered from absolute want. justify us in believing this, we further venture,though deferentially-to assert, upon the ground of observation, that there is an opposite class of men, who, while they possess all the tact and judgment which enables them to grow rich, are yet destitute of all that is essential to make them intellectually great. There are exceptions to this, as to all other rules, yet the distinction between those two classesbetween those who strive for material riches, and those who seek for mental wealth-has, in all ages, been clearly defined. The God of wealth, and the presiding genius of intellectual preferment, are both exacting patrons, and require of their devotees, no slack allegiance. He who would win the favor of the one, or the other, must do full service; if he would wear the honors of the latter, he must first disregard the golden charms of the former; and if he choose rather to luxuriate in sensual splendor, he must bid adieu to higher intellectual delights, and forget, in the absorbing cares of Mammon, the precious wisdom of the scholar, "A scheme for bringing fish to market alive, in and the glorious visions of the poet and philosopher. FOREST MUSIC. BY MISS MARY HE forest the forest! I love the deep chime That swells from its depths in this late autumn time; The music of Art, although finished it be, Is nought to this anthem so wild and so free. It is here! it is there! like presence unseen, It stirs every leaf on those branches of green; The dark shrouded cypress, the feathery pine, E. LEE. The wide spreading oak, and the sycamore fine, As its silver thread windeth, the dim valley through; 'Neath the well tutor'd tones of the dear human voice; That rests on my senses, as in the dark dell, I list the full chant, which the light-fingered breeze, > Calls forth from these wood-harps, the musical trees, EDITOR'S TABLE. E have, again, article that may now or henceforth be found on its only room for a word or two on the contents of the number presented to our readers. Good matter has been crowded in upon us so freely that we have been obliged to fill pages that were intended for our special converse with our friends-we call all our readers friends, for we are sure that none can go with us month after month, without friendly feelings being awakened. In selecting articles from the many received, we aim at the good of our readers, sat the same time that we study to interest them. The leading paper for this month is "The Revolt of Masaniello," from Alexander Dumas' recent work, "The Coriccolo," yet unrepublished in this country. A Parisian bookseller has entered into a contract with this celebrated author, to travel over the whole world and write out, as he progresses, his impressions of each country and people. The result of his sojourn in Naples is a work entitled "The Coriccolo," or Curricle, comprised in four rich and racy volumes. From this we have procured the fine translation just mentioned. The story of the Neapolitan fisherman is one that is widely known, and upon which has been founded the celebrated opera bearing his name. Dumas' version of it has some new points, and throws over the whole a new, a stronger interest. "Sketches of Italy" is an article from the pen of a gentleman attached to the Baltimore Bar, who has recently made the tour of Europe. His observation is accurate, and his style graceful and flowing, while his notices of men and things are dictated by clear common sense and good feelings. We are much gratified at being able to furnish for our readers his "first impressions" of things abroad. No American can read, without strong emotions of pleasure, his fine allusions to Hiram Power, the Sculptor. From our fair correspondent, H. M. we have some sweet little poems, and a good sketch, entitled the "Two Mothers," from Miss S. A. Hunt of New York, a very promising magazine writer. PROFESSOR FROST also furnishes a good article. We had like to have forgotten MR. SULLIVAN'S paper on Music, which is the commencement of a series on that subject. We promise our readers in these articles some fine criticisms on music as it is, from one who has the ability to make them. Altogether, we think the reader will find this one of the best numbers of our magazine that has been issued Other articles, not specified, will also well repay a perusal; as we trust will every pages. To CORRESPONDENTS.-We have several articles on hand that we will either publish in our next number, or refer to specially in our notice to correspondents. NEW PUBLICATIONS. Essays on the Nature and Principles of Taste. By Archibald Alison, LL. B. F. R. S. With corrections and improvements by Abraham Mills, A. M. Professor of Rhetoric and Belles Lettres. New York: Harper & Brothers. Amongst the numerous theories formed concerning the nature and principles of taste," the one advo{cated by the learned author of these essays, is preeminent. The opinion that there is an original and essential aptitude to please in particular forms, colors, sounds, and motions is held to be erroneous, and the doctrine advanced, that "the beauty and sublimity which are felt in the various appearances of matter, are finally to be ascribed to their expressions of mind, or to their being directly or indirectly the signs of those qualities of mind, which are fitted by the constitution of our nature, to affect us with pleasing or interesting emotion." This opinion coincides with a doctrine of the old Platonic school of philosophers, and has since been ably sustained by many eminent writers, among whom are Doctors Ried Akenside, Hutchinson and Spence. Mr. Alison attributes the effect which the qualities of matter produce, in exciting emotions of sublimity or beauty, to this-that each of these qualities is either from nature, from experience, or from accident the sign of some quality capable of producing emotion, or the exercise of some moral affection." These qualities of matter may be signs or expressions of mental qualities, in the following waysI. "As the immediate signs of the powers or capacities of the mind," as in the works of human art, which are significant of the wisdom, invention or tastes of the artist. II. As the signs of those affections or dispo sitions of the mind which we love, or with which we are formed to sympathise;" as the notes and motions of animals, which are expressive of their joy, happiness or pain, the tones of the human voice, which are significant of the various emotions by which the speaker is animated, &c. These the author calls the direct expressions of mind. But there are still other means by which the qualities of matter become significant to us of the qualities of mind. This is done indirectly," or by means of less universal and less permanent relations." 1st, "From experience when peculiar forms or appearances of matter are considered as the means or instruments by which those feelings or affections of the mind are produced, with which we sympathise, or in which we are interested." 24, "From analogy or resemblance; from that resemblance which has every where been felt between the qualities of matter and of mind, and by which the former becomes so powerfully expressive of the latter." 3d, "From association in the proper sense of that term, when, by means of education, fortune, or accident, material objects are connected with pleasing or interesting qualities of mind, and from this connection become forever afterwards expressive of them. Thus, the objects which have been devoted to religion, to patriotism, or to honor, affect us with all the emotions of the qualities of which they become significant;" natural scenery is thus, often, rendered more beautiful and pleasing from the events which are connected with it. 4th," From individual association; when certain qualities or appearances of matter are connected with our own private affections, or remembrances, and when they give to these material qualities or appearances, a character of interest which is solely the result of our own memory or affections." To us, however, the "End or Final Cause" of this constitution of our nature,-to which the author most eloquently adverts, is the strongest evidence of the truth of his theory. The objects of taste are impartially distributed among mankind. The material combinations which constantly surround us, are capable of imparting to us either pleasure or pain. The nature of these combinations must then be the standard by which we judge of the amount of pain or pleasure we receive. If the beauty or sublimity of these material objects existed originally and independently in themselves, and if, therefore, certain colors, sounds, or forms were alone beautiful, there must consequently have been a great disproportion between the happiness of mankind, for then all men to whom these appearances were unknown, must necessarily have been deprived of all the enjoyment which the scenery of external nature could give :"-and not only would this be the case, but the gratification arising from the infinitely diversified forms and combinations of matter, would have been denied them. The author, in his general view of the subject, dverts to the stimulus which this love of variety has given to the fine arts in every age and in conclusion, maintains, that, were objects beautiful, independently of any associations connected with them, and without being the expressions of those qualities of mind which we are formed to love, admire or respect, the emotions of taste would be less refining and ennobling, from the fact that, in this case, the objects which excited them, would in themselves be less exalted, while they would, at the same time, be divested of that significancy, which makes them the exponents of something higher and purer, existing in the moral and mental world. But give to outer objects the power of expression, and they become, as it were, the alphabet of a high and exalted language-the universe around, impressed as it is, with the evidences of design and contrivance, is then a vocabulary of words and thoughts, which lead the mind up, from its own beauties, to the glorious perfection of its great Designer. The limits assigned to notices of this kind will not allow us to say more, but we cannot conclude this brief review, without acknowledging the benefit which the editor has conferred upon general readers, in so improving and amending this excellent work, as to make it still more improving and useful to them. A Philosophical Inquiry into the Origin of our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful, With an Introductory Discourse, concerning Taste. By the Right Hon. Edmund Burke. Adapted to Popular Use by Abraham Mills, Teacher of Rhetoric and Belles-Letters. 12mo. New York, 1811. Harper & Brothers. The character and merits of Mr. Burke's excellent work, are too well known, to require an extended notice. It has long been considered a valuable aid in that branch of philosophical inquiry, whose province is to search into, and develope the hidden causes of the emotions excited by the contemplation of the terribly grand, or beautiful. The benefit of such investigations is made most apparent by the author. "Whatever turns the soul inward on itself, tends to concentrate its forces, and to fit it for greater and stronger flights of science. By looking into physical causes, our minds are opened and enlarged, and in this pursuit, whether we take, or whether we lose or gain, the chase is certainly of service. If we can direct the lights we derive from these exalted speculations upon the humble field of the imagination, while we investigate the springs and trace the course of our passions, we may not only communicate to the taste a sort of philosophical solidity, but we may reflect on the severer sciences some of the graces and elegancies of taste, without which, the greatest proficiency in these sciences, will always have the appearance of something illiberal." The editor, Mr. Mills, has materially assisted in making this work, suitable for schools and general use, by expunging those passages in the original text, which violate that delicacy of expression that should peculiarly characterise the language of books designed for schools, and juvenile learners. He has done so, without iuterrupting the chain of reasoning pursued by the author. In order further to facilitate the study of the work, he has translated into English all the quotations which occur in Latin and Greek, and has thus greatly assisted to a thorough comprehension of the work, all those who are not familiar with these languages. He has also appended questions, at the bottom of each page, the answers to which, embrace the substance of the author, and constitute in fact a complete digest of the work. These improvements have given increased value to the original treatise, and furnish ample assistance to students and teachers in schools and colleges, especially. The typography of the work, by the Harpers is, of course, excellent. matron. The characters are well delineated and the lessons of piety and wisdom as drawn from their several lives, are beautiful for their fervor, and valuable for their truth. PUBLISHERS' DEPARTMENT. A Mirror for Dyspeptics, from the Diary of a Landlord. By J. M. Sanderson, Franklin House. Philadelphia: Zieber & Co. This little work, which is very well written, is full of practical wisdom and good sense, and though the public seems inclined to treat the subject or "science" (as Mr. S. calls it) of eating, as of no great importance, the writer, from his long experience and observation as maître d'hotel, has succeeded in making it appear that it is really more worthy of attention than is generally imagined. He maintains the position that carelessness as to what and how we eat ruins more constitutions than intemperance in drinking,{nati and the neighboring towns. We recommend him and that bad cooks are worse enemies to health, than bad physicians. His advice, in regard to the choice of food is wholesome, and were the thoughtless gourmand to listen to his warning voice, there would doubtless be fewer pale-faced dyspeptics, and croaking invalids. Agincourt. A Romance. By G. P. R. James, Esq. This is No. 44 of Harpers' Library of Select Novels, and, like the most of those issued in this series, is a work of deserved popularity. Mr. James has won great fame as a novelist, and, notwithstanding the apparent sameness in his plots, we think him one of the first writers of the age. The glances he gives at "olden times," are such as to afford his readers a good idea of the customs, habits, and condition of society characterizing them, while by weaving into his stories real events, he clothes history in the more attractive garment of romance, and thus makes amusement instruction. No. 16 of Harpers' Pictorial Bible, is fully equal to the former numbers. It is beautifully embellished, and in mechanical execution is unsurpassed by any similar work of the present day. When completed, this edition will be decidedly the most splendid ever issued either in Europe or America. MRS. HALL'S SKETCHES OF IRISH CHARACTER Some six or seven numbers of this richly illustrated work have appeared. The sketches, themselves, are among the finest in the language, and are so considered by all who have read them. We are glad to see the press speaking out with so much unanmity in regard to this work. Girlhood and Womanhood. By Mrs. A. J. Graves. CINCINNATI-We have appointed Mr. C. M. RAMSDALE our agent for Cincinnati and the West, generally. He is now engaged in canvassing for subscribers to all of our publications, both in Cincin particularly to our friends in that vicinity, as a gentleman from whom they can obtain promptly, and earlier than through any other source, both the Ladies' Musical Library and Mrs. Hall's beautifully illustrated Sketches of Irish Character, as well as this magazine. WESTERN VIEWS.-The artist mentioned in our January number, as having been engaged to furnish us with a series of original pictures of western scenery, is MR. GODFREY N. FRANKENSTIEN, of Cincinnati. These will be painted from drawings made by himself on the spot, and be well engraved by good artists. Our magazine for this year will contain several of them. In the March number, we shall give one of his new views of Niagara, taken from Belleveue Spring, about a mile and a half below the Falls. It is a beautiful picture, and cannot fail to please every subscriber to our magazine. AMERICAN VIEWS.-One peculiar feature in our work will be its views of American Scenery. No. I. of these we give this month; No. II. will appear in March. CALANTHA.-The engraving of CALANTHA in this number has been pronounced by persons of taste to be the most exquisitely finished and beautiful steel plate that has ever appeared in any magazine in this country. In our prospectus we promised a series and face, and exquisite finish, any thing that has yet of female figures, "far surpassing, in loveliness of form appeared in any American Magazine." Here is the first of this series, and we are sure that no one will say that we have failed, at least in this instance, to redeem our promise. Let none suppose that we will fail to do so in a single instance. We think before we promise, and promise nothing but what we can and will do. MUSIC BY MAIL. LADIES' MUSICAL LIBRARY.-The external appearance of this excellent publication we have considerably improved, in accordance with the prevailing taste for covers printed in colors. The work is still edited by an eminent professor of music in this city. The price is only one dollar and a half per annum, In this volume we have a series of sketches, in and the quantity of music furnished, over seventy which the authoress portrays the female character, pieces! It appears monthly, and each number confirst in the giddy school-girl, and then as the wisetains from six to seven pieces of music at a cost of but 12 cents; could any thing be cheaper? It goes by mail, like all other periodicals, and affords to ladies in the country, and in country towns, the very means of receiving piano music, long so much desired. In the large cities, it is sold by regular agents, every month, at 12 cents each number. It has been the custom, we have learned, for a certain class of persons, interested in the sale of sheet music, to decry the Musical Library. Now, it is only necessary for us to say, that the work is carefully edited by a well known musical professor, whose standing as a composer and teacher of music is a guarantee that taste and sound judgment must A letter addressed to the editor, dated Oswego, N. Y. Dec. 27, and charged $1 314 cents, remains in the post office. Reason-Postage not paid. PITTSBURG.-Mr. James Arthur is our agent in Pittsburg. MRS. HALL'S SKETCHES OF IRISH CHARACTER.— This elegantly printed and illustrated work, meets with a warm approval in all quarters. The follow preside over its pages. Let those who have beening are a few of the many notices of the press which prejudiced against the "Library," without having have been received by the publishers. seen it, purchase a few numbers, and they will find themselves no longer sceptics in regard to its excellence. We have received the three first numbers of this justly celebrated work. They are issued in a style that would do credit to any English publisher. In these times, when the country has been inundated with trashy literature, under a false idea of cheapness, these beautiful tales will be hailed by every lover of good taste, as the dawning of a better state of things.-Native American, Boston. OUR JANUARY NUMBER.-We feel truly gratified at the warm welcome that has been accorded to our January number in all directions. It has been pronounced by a large portion of the press, and by individuals of taste, to be the most perfect specimen of a magazine issued for 1815. We do not ourselves say that this is really so, because none can be more conscious of its defects than we are; but we shall not attempt to gainsay the general voice. One thing, however, is certain, that we see where our work can be improved, and our hands shall be busily engaged in doing the work of improvement. We are determined that "Arthur's Magazine" for 1845 shall be among the most beautiful, as we know that it will SKETCHES OF IRISH CHARACTER.-From Messrs. stand side by side, unblushingly, with the best peri-E. Ferrett & Co. Philadelphia, we have received the odicals of its class in the country. The Ladies' Musical Library for January contains the following pieces. We give, also, the contents of the February number, that the character of the music may be seen. JANUARY. The Tennessee Galopade, original. MRS. HALL'S SKETCHES OF IRISH CHARACTER.— We have received three numbers of this beautifully illustrated and admirable work. It is got up in splendid style-and when complete, will make a book worth a hundred of the flimsy things which have, of late years, flooded the country. Two copies of the work can be had for five dollars.--Washingtonian, Ohio. The three first numbers of their serial edition of Mrs. The Heart Bow'd Down, a popular song from the Leslie" alone.-Compiler, Gettysburg, Pa. Bohemian Girl. Egyptian Air. Opera March, from Masaniello and Norma. Blue Beard's March. The Chain and the Ring, a new song. By Lover. FEBRUARY. Annen Polka. By John Strauss. E. Ferrett & Co. have sent us Nos. 1 and 2 of Mrs. Hall's Sketches of Irish Character, illustrated with beautiful engravings. They are printed on fine white paper in the handsomest style of typography; and contain "A Wise Thought," "Ann Leslie," and "Larry Moore," three of those inimitable sketches by Mrs. S. C. Hall.-People's Advocate, York, Pa. MRS. HALL'S SKETCHES--We have from the pub The Fair Land, Poland. Song from the Bohe-lishers, E. Ferrett & Co. Philadelphia, the first five mian Girl. By Balfe. Take back the Gems you gave me, a favorite song. By G. Linley. One Struggle More, a New Ballad, words by Lord Byron, the music composed expressly for this work. By C. Jarvis. The New Year's Galopade, original. numbers of "Sketches of Irish Character," by Mrs. S. C. Hall. This series fully justifies the description we have given in our prospectus. It is hand somely embellished, and embraces a number of the most interesting Irish tales on record.-Baltimore Visiter. All who are acquainted with the writings of Mrs. Hall, know her striking and faithful delineation of The Philadelphia Polka, arranged expressly for the Irish character. These Sketches are in her hap this work. Barcarolle. By Weber. piest vein, and will well repay a perusal.-Ledger, Pottstown, Pa. |