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proportion to their admiration of the scholar, whose writings they were impatient to peruse, yet it will not be considered of unreasonable duration, when we are told that other avocations, continued and urgent, have claimed the greatest share of the editors' time and attention, and that even much of what they could devote to this object was occupied in decyphering, transcribing, and arranging the notes of P. written in an extremely minute character, and in an infinite variety of places. This excuse pleaded by the editors to extenuate the appearance of delay, we doubt not will be readily acknowledged by all genuine scholars, more pleased to express their obligations for such a gift, than disposed to impute blame for the tardiness of the donation. With as little cause will the editors have to fear any reproach for having injudiciously produced what the prudence of P. would have withheld: for after an attentive examination of the volume we scarcely find a single passage liable to such an imputation; although it must be confessed that his exertions have not on all occasions been crowned with equal success. But whatever difference of opinion may exist on this point, all will be ready to applaud the resolution of the editors to present, as often as possible, the very words of P., and to use a studied brevity in their own language, whenever they found it necessary to add any thing with the view of elucidating his memoranda. And here we regret that the editors have neglected to state to which of them these occasional remarks belong, as we are in consequence unable to attribute a proposed correction of Euripides Electr. 1081. to its rightful owner.

From the public testimony which Messrs. Monk and Blomfield have

in their respective works given of their admiration of P. and of their attachment to those pursuits which formed the subject of his latest thoughts, we were led to hope that every publication consecrated by the hand of P. would be studiously sought after and diligently examined. Had these hopes been realised, we should have found some additions to the series of Emendations of Athenæus, supplied from a perusal of his collation of the Harleian MS. of the Odyssey, and of his communications to Robert Walpole, recorded in that editor's collection of Comic Fragments. To dwell, however, on these omissions, which we confess are not numerous, seems unnecessarily captious, and we pass on to other subjects which the perusal of the Preface suggests. Towards the close of it we learn, and gladly echo the report, that among the still unpublished papers of P. are to be found remarks on the prose writers of Greece, and on Latin authors of both kinds, together with an infinite number of corrections of the remaining Comedies of Aristophanes, besides egregious specimens of critical skill in the emendation of Hesychius and other Lexicographers. That some of these precious proofs of Porson's genius may yet be given to the public, is more than hinted at; particularly the notes on Aristophanes; which the editors state, may perhaps, on a future day, give occasion to a new edition of that facetious poet. Of the publication of the rest we scarcely feel ourselves warranted in holding out very strong hopes; since it is an event which the editors themselves rather wish to take place than bid us expect. In this wish we fervently join. For if there be one work capable of increasing our knowledge of the best

writers of Greece, and of affording us often the only means for frequent restoration of numerous corruptions, that work is the Lexicon of Hesychius; which, though groaning under the weight of interpolations of ancient and modern times, and debased by the errors of transcribers, editors, and printers, in every form of mutilation, addition, and transposition, will nevertheless, when freed from the mist which now surrounds it, be able to throw light on many passages, whose obscurity we might, by other means, vainly attempt to dispel. We conjure, therefore, the rulers of Trinity College, by the names of Pearson, Bentley, and Porson, whose devotedness to Greek Literature was equalled only by the unbounded extent of their acquirements in it, and who have all given the best proof of the estimation in which they held Hesychius by the attention which they bestowed upon him, not to suffer the labors of Porson on that Lexicographer to slumber in oblivious dust, on the same shelf with those of Bishop Pearson, to whose unpublished notes, from the specimen sent to him, and afterwards incorporated into his edition, the venerable, the learned, and guileless Alberti has paid a not inconsiderable tribute of applause. Distant, however, as is the probability of such an event taking place, it is possible that our appeal may be anticipated, and our most ardent wishes gratified, ere this be dismissed from the compositor's rule; much in the same way as the classical lamentations of the editors, for the non-publication of the late MS. Lexicon of Photius, were hushed, ere the sentence expressive of their sorrow was returned to them in the shape of a wet proof-sheet.

But in thus wandering from the

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subject, within which we originally intended to confine ourselves, we have exceeded the due bounds of moderation; we therefore proceed to the second topic, which, however, will not detain us long, respecting the means adopted for the preservation of the Porsoniana.

During the life of Porson, reports were circulated that he meditated editions of Eschylus, Aristophanes, and the Lexicon of Photius. Whether these reports originated with himself, or were the innocent tricks of his friends, played off with the view of inducing him to undertake what they felt conscious none could execute so well as he, we know not. Were we to estimate what his intentions were from his published or inedited works, we should say that he had totally laid aside all thoughts of giving Eschylus or Photius to the world; for had such undertakings been uppermost in Porson's thoughts, we hardly conceive but that much more would have been found amongst his papers thereto relating, than appears to be recorded. But as Porson had not obscurely hinted that he had committed a great variety of remarks to paper; some of which, it was thought, were connected with one or all of the above-mentioned objects; and as it was known that he did not indulge in the habit of speaking an untruth, or of writing what had not been well digested, it was naturally expected that his papers would be numerous and valuable.

His friends (and the contents of the present volume prove them the friends also of mankind) determined to use their best endeavours to secure a safe asylum in the library of a learned society, for the matchless productions of that man, whose hints are often of more real service

than the labored and lengthened effusions of a whole herd of Spanheims and Heynes. Among these noble spirits, the friends of Porson, and of Grecian literature, the first in influence and exertion was Matthew Raine whose name will ever be breathed, by all who knew him, in accents of love for the amiable qualities of his heart; the grander features of whose character have been acknowledged by the voice of loud and general applause, in testimony of his tried and steady attachment to the calls of freedom and friendship in distress. memory will be embalmed in the hearts of the wise and good, long after the clamor of bigotry, which would have vilified his faith, shall be hushed in silence, or subside in contempt.'

His

This humble tribute to the memory of one, whose exertions, exhortation, and recommendation, caused the Porsoniana to be collected, purchased, and edited, will not be thought out of place in the notice of a volume, for the appearance of which so much is due to Matthew Raine; of whom not to have made some mention would have been unjust.

Before we dismiss this subject, we must express our regret that the editors have omitted to state whether the report, which was circulated by Dr. Raine himself, and which we suppose reached their ears, had any foundation, respecting the existence among the Porsoniana of a complete collection of the Comic Fragments: an undertaking which was peculiarly adapted to the genius of Porson, whose extent of reading and felicity of conjecture would have enabled him to rival, if not surpass, his great predecessor Bentley, in his celebrated collection of the fragments of Callimachus.

Of his Inaugural Oration on Euripides, the editors have deservedly spoken in high terms of commendation. To its elegance and perspicuity is joined an apλa truly Euripidean, and perfectly in unison with the unaffected language of that poet, who formed the subject of his discourse; and never have we witnessed an equal chastity of taste, except in David Ruhnken, who, from a singular gift of Nature, improved by art, was able to infuse an air of Classicality through his writings, which no time, no labor, could of itself attain.

Of the Observationes Varia, which, it is conceived, were possibly intended for a specimen of a Miscellanea Critica, the greater number Porson on different occasions subsequently published, as the editors have partly observed.

Some of the Notule on the tragedians have likewise since his death been given to the world by different scholars, who have either had access to the papers and books from which this collection is made, or to similar copies, or are indebted to those friends to whom Porson made frequent communications. Professors Gaisford and Monk have published the Notes on the Hippolytus, Supplices, and two Iphigenias of Euripides: and Mr. Blomfield the Notes on the Prometheus, and S. C. Thebas of Æschylus. Of the Notes on these two tragedians, those on the plays just mentioned are the most valuable, and in point of number those on the other works of the same dramatists are trifling, with the exception of the remarks on the Bacchæ and Electra of Euripides. In all, however, there are neat and certain restitutions to be found, more so than in the Notes on Sophocles,

1 For a short Biographical Sketch of Dr. Raine, see Classical Journal, No. XI.

which consist chiefly of references to authors ancient or modern, where a various reading or conjecture is to be met with: to which, however, must be added the collations of two Harleian MSS. containing the Trachiniæ and Philoctetes, Ajax, and Electra. But though this volume contains a very few of Porson's conjectures on Sophocles, the editors inform us (and the truth of their observation is testified by Gaisford's Notes on Hephaestio) that P. had corrected very many passages of Sophocles, some of which he communicated to his friends: but of the rest Death has deprived the learned world: a loss, which they who are best acquainted with that beautiful, but corrupted poet, will most feelingly deplore, especially since the chance of discovering better MSS. than those which Aldus had access to, is, we think, extremely small.

Among the notes on the Comic Fragments are some extremely happy conjectures; specimens of which, and of the remarks on Athenæus, it was our intention to produce, but where all is excellent selection is diflicult, and we are unwilling to anticipate the pleasure which the critical scholar will feel in fastening upon and devouring the dainty fare which this volume offers.

We had almost omitted to state that the volume is a beautiful specimen of typography. We wish we could say as much for the engraving of Mr. Fittler. The bust, from which the head was taken, deserved a better fate.

An Index Auctorum, with another Index Rerum et Verborum, are sub-joined at the conclusion.

SELECT PORTIONS OF THE NEW VERSION OF PSALMS. By the

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PREFACE TO THE FOURTH EDITION.

The necessity of a reformation in the performance of Congregational Psalmody, and the means proposed to effect it, have been strongly enforced in the Preface to the Music of this Selection, by quotations from the writings of Dr. Watts, Dr. Browne, Dr. Vincent, and Dr. Burney. Another extract on the subject of psalmody, from the present Lord Bishop of London's Charge to the clergy of the diocese of London, at his primary visitation this year, may be deemed sufficient.

His lordship has pointed out the necessity of a reformation in the performance of parochial psalmody, pedients for that purpose; and also and recommended many excellent ex

"That a selection should be made of proper portions of the Psalms from the new version."

Of such importance is the cultivation of psalmody, not only in the opinion of this eminent divine, but of the clergy and public in general; which, indeed, is fully shown by the different editions of this work that have been sold in the short time it has been published. By the use of this book, congregations will know the psalms and tunes that are to be sung for every Sunday throughout the year: and as only those words are here printed which are to be sung, they will have no need to seek in their Prayer-books the different, and often distant stanzas of a psalm.

The WORKS of THOMAS OTWAY. With Notes, Critical and Explanatory, and a Life of the Author, by THOMAS THORNTON, ESO. London, Turner. 1812. 3 Vols. Svo. Pr. 11. 16s. bds.

The admirers of original talent will be happy to renew their acquaintance with some of the brightest ornaments of the English drama, which are here presented to their notice, under the advantage of elegant typography and appropriate illustration. We proceed to abstract the editor's biographical account of his author.

Thomas Otway was born, March 3d, 1651, at Trotton, near Midhurst, Sussex, upon the borders of the river Arun; being the only son of the Rev. Humphrey Otway, rector of Wolbeding, in the same county. He was educated at Wicke-ham school, Winchester, and originally intended for the church. At the age of 18, he entered at Christ Church College, Oxford, early in the year 1669. His connexions here appear to have been highly respectable; but the narrow circumstances in which he was placed by the sudden death of his father, compelled him to leave the university, without taking a degree. In 1671, he came to London, unprovided with any regular means of subsistence. After an unsuccessful essay on the stage, he sought the patronage of men of rank and fashion, to whom his social qualifications rendered him highly acceptable. Among his friends were, the young Earl of Plymouth, a natural son of the king, and the notorious Earl of Rochester. The editor concludes,

That where vice was recommended by double attractions, namely, his interest and inclination, he seldom reVOL. I.

strained his appetite of intemperance; and that every step he made to win the favor of his patrons, he receded from decency and virtue. pp. xiv. xv.

He spent some time in a course of dissipation, and at length roused himself to attempt dramatic composition. His first production, intitled Alcibiades, was written in the heroic couplet, and had some success, although it gave no promise of future eminence. His abilities were probably repressed by a compliance with the absurd custom, inapplicable to the English language, but at that time popular, of composing in rhyme; a style first introduced in compliment to the depraved taste of the king, who allowed himself to be too much swayed by continental influence, both in poetry and politics. Don Carlos, written also in rhyme, was performed the next year, and met with uncommon encouragement; less owing to intrinsic merit, than to the patronage of the Earl of Rochester, who was led, at that period, by some capricious motive, to bestow his favor on Otway, in opposition to Dryden, although he afterwards lampooned the former. In the next year, 1677, he produced Titus and Berenice, and the Cheats of Scapin. The first of these pieces was imitated from Racine; the latter from Molière.

Mr. Thornton here makes the following remarks:

The encouragement which French literature received during the reign of Charles II. was not, probably, beneficial to our own, since it repressed the exertions of native genius, and imposed upon the nation, especially in dramatic composition, a taste not congenial with its character. English audiences were oftener indebted, for theatrical entertainment, to Racine, Corneille, or Moliere, than to Shakspeare, and our other early dramatists;

NO. II.

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