TRANSLATIONS.

The Iliad of Homer, translated into English Blank Verse. By the Rev. James Morrice, A. M. late Student of Christ Church, Oxford, Rector of Betshunger, in the County of Kent, and Vicar of Flower, Northamptonshire. 8vo. 2 vols. pp. 679.

COWPER'S blank verse translation of the Iliad will not, we think, be superseded by Mr. Morrice's transla tion, which is frequently deficient both in dignity and grace. We must, nevertheless, own that, in some parts, Mr. Morrice has displayed a respectable portion of poetical talent.

The Remains of Hesiod the Ascræan, translated from the Greek, into English Verse; with a preliminary Dissertation and Notes. By Charles Abraham Elton. Small Svo. pp. 390.

THERE seems reason to believe that we shall, in time, possess standard translations of all the classical authors. Hesiod has hitherto been known to the English reader only by the feeble version of Cook. He has now had ample justice done to him by Mr. Elton. We do not, indeed, hesitate to say, that Mr. Elton has left nothing to hope from any future translator. The dissertation and notes manifest great critical knowledge, and are elegantly written.

Poems and Translations, from the Minor Greek Poets and others; written chiefly between the Ages of ten and six

teen, by a Lady. Dedicated, by Permission, to Her R. H. the Princess Charlotte of Wales. Small 8vo. pp. 222.

THIS is a volume which it is not possible to read without astonishment. Some of the poems which it contains were written at the early ages of seven and eight. If, indeed, the volume were filled with mere verses, there would be nothing to wonder at. There are numbers who scribble at an early period. But the wonder is, that a person so young should write good poetry. The translations are from the Greek, Latin, Italian, and French, and are executed with vigour and grace. The originals are animated, correct, and elegant, and the versification is exceedingly musical. In blank verse also, that most difficult species of verse, this lady writes as well as she does in rhyme.

Poems. Consisting of Translations from the Greek, Latin, and Italian. With some Originals. By Mrs. Ware, of Ware-hill, Herts. Small 8vo. pp. 230.

THIS Volume does credit to the learning, taste, and talents of Mrs. Ware. The translations, which are from some of the best authors in the Greek, Latin, and Italian languages, are not merely done into English, but executed with spirit. The original pieces are elegant and pleasing.

The Satires of A. Persius Flaccus, translated, with Notes on the Original, by the Rev. F. Howes, A. M. 8vo. pp. 170.

THIS translation is paraphrastic, but is executed with spirit. It ought to find a place in every collection

of versions from the Latin poets. The notes, likewise, are numerous, and display great reading and critical knowledge.

Imitations and Translations from the Ancient and Modern Classics, together with Original Poems never before pub lished. Collected by J. C. Hobhouse, B. A. of Trinity College, Cambridge. 8vo. pp. 255.

THE principal contributors to this elegant volume are the Editor and Lord Byron. The portion furnished by the Editor consists chiefly of translations. They are executed with taste and poetical spirit. Among the poems of Lord Byron are some, of an amatory kind, which possess exquisite sweetness and tenderness. All the poems in the volume are worthy of praise.

Fables and Satires, with a Preface on the Esopean Fable. By Sir Brooke Boothby, Bart. Small 8vo. 2 vols. pp. 488.

THE Fables contained in these two volumes are chiefly translated from Phædrus, Avienus, and several other ancient and modern writers; only a few are originals. Sir Brooke Boothby has done great justice in his translations, which are close, concise, and happily turned. The satires, four in number, are pleasant compositions.

Il Pastor Fido, or the Faithful Shepherd, a Pastoral Tragic Comedy, attempted in English Blank Verse, from the Italian of Signor Cavalier Giovanni Battista Guarini. 8vo. pp. 249.

THE present translator declares that he was induced to engage in his task by "a strong impression that,

hotwithstanding the old translation in rhyme by Sir Richard Fanshaw, the English reader has still to be introduced to the beauty, the sublimity, and the exquisite tenderness of Guarini;" and he expresses his fears that he has perhaps been too adventurous.” That he felt such an impression we rejoice; that he has been too adventurous we deny. The success of his attempt proves that he was in the right to dare. His translation is elegant, faithful, and spirited; and is not likely, we think, to be speedily surpassed.

Select Idylls; or Pastoral Poems. Translated from the German of Solomon Gessner. By George Baker, A. M. Crown 8vo. pp. 256.

THIS is, we believe, the first attempt which has been made to translate, or at least to translate any number of, the Idylls of Gessner into English verse. Mr. Baker has been successful in his attempt. He has selected from his author, with judgment; his translation is elegant and poetical, and it will doubtless find a place in the library of every lover of poetry.

Solomon: a Sacred Drama. Translated from the German of Klopstock. By Robert Huish. 8vo. pp. 261.

THIS sacred drama is intolerably long and intolera bly dull. We have read it through, because it was our duty to do so; but we seriously doubt whether any person, except a reviewer, and that, too, a very conscientious reviewer, will ever perform the same achievement. To render the task of reviewing his work more disagreeable, which was quite unnecessary, the translator has set at defiance all the laws of versifica

tion. He threatens us with three more dramas, and an original poem of ten cantos; but we hope that he will relent, and not behave with such unmerciful severity.

DRAMA.

UNACTED PLAYS.

Panthea, Queen of Susia, a Tragedy, in five Acts. 8vo. pp. 89.

We do not know that this is the worst tragedy in the world; though we are much inclined to believe that it is. At all events we are quite sure that there cannot be a worse. It is one heavy mass of nonsense and dulness, unenlightened by a single ray of genius, or even of sense. To say a word more about it would be a shameful waste of time and paper.

The Abdication of Ferdinand; or, Napoleon at Bayonne ; an Historical Play, in five Acts. 8vo. pp. 77.

If the author of this piece be not entirely divested of common sense, he will never again think of writing a play. He has not one of the qualities which a dramatic author should possess. His drama is, to say no worse, a tame, drawling performance, guiltless of any thing like poetry, and the metre in which it is written is such an up and down hobbling sort of metre, that to read it or listen to it, is a heavy penance to any person who has a tolerable ear.