The
ago corn was threshed with the flail by subjects duly inserted in the index, and photographic plates are beautifully repro-
the Carltonians.
ago corn was threshed with the flail by subjects duly inserted in the index, and photographic plates are beautifully repro-
the Carltonians.
Athenaeum - London - 1912a
" But, though sleep is well, The Heralds of the Dawn.
By William where the king's governance is sage, mild,
sleep is not life's crown.
Watson. (John Lane. )
and in communion with the welfare and
own
## p. 527 (#397) ############################################
No. 4411, May 11, 1912
THE ATHENÆUM
527
a
were
en-
Volmar, the for all the weakness of the last line - We put a very extreme case, to show
victorious captain of the king's armies, is the line “Thou wert more callous than the unsoundness of his principle, for
assassinated on the very threshold of his the lean-lipped sea,
” and “I am hurt we have no such respect as he has for
triumph by the man whose daughter he with flying splinters of the truth,” are of the votes of the ignorant majority of any
had maltreated. The simmering discon- exceptional potency. The standard of such nation. But in lesser matters the same
tent of the people, fomented by the im- resonance is not maintained. Mr. Wat- thing is true. He speaks of the Dis-
prisonment of their leader Brasidas, finds son's blank verse in this volume seems to establishment and Disendowment of the
explosive vent at the trial of the slayer, relapse from imaginative prowess into State Church as a measure of unmixed
and the king, yielding to the pressure of smoothness, aptness, and an uncalled-for good in allaying bad feelings and remov
events, abdicates in favour of his son, reticence. At times he is almost raffiné-
reticence. At times he is almost raffiné ing injustice. Probably it was on the
the representative of a more enlightened his metrical instinct of too stoical and whole a necessary measure, but not without
régime. Such, in skeleton, is the theme, complacent temper. The primum the gravest drawbacks, and much damage
slender enough in all conscience. Its mobile of imagination droops and appears to the whole country. It is only true in
symbolism is but barely adumbrated, to have passed its full-fledged condition. the sense of the very Low Church Pro-
and the significance of the conception, Perhaps this treatment by comparison, testant that the Disendowed Church
strangely isolated, is not confluent with if not invidious, is a trifle unfair to Mr. has gained in vitality. In breadth and
the broad and stately passage of the verse. Watson. His high qualities, though im- inclusion of strict Churchren it has lost,
Mr. Watson's play lacks that unity of paired, are distinctly perceptible in his Socially it meant the loss of a class of clergy
design which bears the stamp of inevit- new play. His expression lacks the zest who were all, since the religious revival
ability in art; it is not even a tessellated of discovery ; but it retains its choiceness, of the early nineteenth century, resident
mosaic; it consists rather in a number of the grave ceremony of its harmonies. What gentlemen, living civilized lives, and
detached episodes, somewhat fortuitously full and measured utterance is conveyed spending their incomes among their
strung together. It is a painted description by these lines ! -
Catholic as well as their Protestant neigh
rather than a dramatic play.
bours. The former probably earned three-
How covetable that strictly bounded mind,
No shreds of twilight hanging loose upon it!
fourths of the wages paid by the Protestant
Throughout the perusal of the poem Mine own leans out into the Dark, and so rectors. This loss was never replaced by
we were deterred from an undiluted enjoy-
Hazards its very balance, in hope to catch
The footfall of events ere they arrive,
the appropriation of the fund to education
ment of it by a subconscious suspicion
And from the Dark wins nothing.
or to charity. The local poor all lost
that the blank verse was too plausible to
heavily by the disappearance of the Estab-
reach the richer seams of mental and emo-
lished clergy and their households. The
tional expression. Mr. Watson appears to
local squires also lost their best and most
us to have compromised not with the
world, but with his muse. He has clipped Gladstone and Ireland : the Irish Policy of cultivated neighbours, and
the wings of his verse, checked its feeling
Parliament from 1850 to 1894. By Lord couraged by this and by land legis-
lation to desert their homes and sell
for adventure, and kept it tethered, so to
Eversley. (Methuen & Co. )
speak, in the home pastures. One of his We have before us in this book a very
their places to common farmers. Then
trees were cut down, gardens and avenues
salient characteristics has been, and con candid and able statement, but the neglected, and the country allowed to fall
back a century in civilization. These
achievement in proportion, in the exquisite story is told from the standpoint of a very melancholy facts are not stated as
, ,
fusion of matter and form, has been such who often sees only one side of a question, charge against Liberal legislation in Ire-
place him beside År. Doughty in this and takes no account of practical diffi- land. Some great change was necessary.
a class were idle,
culties or losses which more than counter- The landlords
respect is to provide a rare fillip to the balance theoretical
gaing. His volume is thriftless, and extravagant, and had lost
piquancy of contrast. They are
Apollo and Hephæstus of the modern The moral to be drawn is that the best, were the creditors, who had no regard for
a commentary on the following thesis : control of their estates. The real owners
poetic Parnassus, which is many leagues in fact the only safe, guide for legislation for the sufferings of the
poor. But in the
nearer earth than the cosmogonies of
former ages. Mr. Watson's technique interests and wants, is to be found in the Gladstone undertook in a spirit of large
and craftsmanship can be of surpassing demands of its representatives. ” This justice and charity, it was impossible to
quality. Mr. Doughty is a leviathan in
the workshop of art. Mr. Watson is not
sentence expresses
confident belief distinguish between the honest, but op-
master of numerous stops and keys of in Parliamentary representation, and pressed poor and the idle, drunken,
blank - verse melody. He has the Mar-
assumes that it expresses the will of the worthless tenant who was in arrear owing
whole nation.
lowesque limitations of resource the
It is, moreover, very vague to his own vices, and not to the oppression
Marlowesque sonorousness and style of in the expression separate interests and
in the expression “separate interests and of his landlord. The majority of those
marshalling his lines into dignified bat- wants,” by which we suppose the author ultimately reinstated in their farms were
talions. His blank verse is a pageant, But it would be far truer if it meant struggle had
means“ separate from those of England. " idlers, while those who by a great
honestly paid their rents
scrupulously purged of tawdry and ex-
traneous elements. He is the trained divergent or conflicting interests and got no consideration except that of having
poet, and makes us feel his poetry as a
wants among the Irish people, and if their future rents reduced, and of this
disciplined rapture, the consummation of so, the demands of the majority of its unfairness they often complained very
the ordered, delicate manipulation of the Parliamentary representatives may be bitterly.
These are but a few of the difficulties
capacities of language. In The Heralds anything but safe, and far from just.
of the Dawn' we are apprehensive that The signal defect in the representation of which Lord Eversley, with his Radical
his method has overlapped, even sub-
Ireland was that for a long time it re- optimism, has ignored. He goes even
merged, his purely inspirational ebullience. presented mainly the Protestant and land- further when he tells us that the inter-
The result is division; the captain of holding minority: Now, on the contrary, fering with trial by jury, which has been
words has felled the poet. The fine, of the Catholic majority. Nor is it a case mistake, for the refusal of juries to
it expresses mainly the interests and wants so often practised in Ireland, was a great
puissant outburst of Brasidas,
where any sane statesman can afford to find verdicts would have compelled the
I do defy it
neglect the minority, which is most Government to remedy grievances a
To lay a hand upon me. With a signal
valuable to the country by its wealth, generation sooner than this was effected.
I could call forth a host as from the ground, its intelligence, and its high traditions. There may, of course, be great public cases
Who, if you dared to cast me in yon prison,
Would batter down its walls founded in blood,
But if the majority of its representatives in where a patriot is saved by a patriot jury
Its doors dabbled with blood, its towers that rise Parliament were to vote the exile of from the persecution of the Crown; but
Out of a fen and rank morass of blood,
Unpacified blood, pot to be quieted,
Protestants, Lord Eversley would appar- in Ireland, and in the common affairs
Not to be put to sleep in the earth at all,
ently think it a wise and safe thing to do. of life, juries brought up in opposition to
a
as
a
-
## p. 528 (#398) ############################################
528
THE ATHENÆUM
No. 4411, May 11, 1912
English law would find a thousand false ifinite varieties of shades between Yes testant, and therefore a heretic whose
verdicts, and refuse to find true ones,
and No. He was able to make a reply such morals could not be sound. But the
without any further effect than the de- that no one could distinguish or disentangle English Nonconformist conscience flared
the facts. Some people [sic] called this
moralization of the people. No murderer casuistry or sophistry. I have heard high up at once, and Gladstone felt compelled
who even pretended that his crime was
agrarian or political would be convicted ;
authorities say that the art of casuistry ought to become its trumpeter. Then the
not to be neglected. Call it by what name
bishops met and followed suit. Here the
prosecutions to maintain lawful rights we may, the use of language in this way is sequence is interesting, and should have
would be balked, and a good part of the at times necessary in the House of Commons been told us. The author never tells us.
business at the country assizes would in the interest of the public or for the clearly what can be inferred from the facts,
consist in tampering with the jurors purpose of perplexing an unscrupulous [? ] even as he states them, that the Nationalist
beforehand. Lord Eversley, with his opponent. "
party drew a distinction between the
notions of English justice and fair play, We with difficulty refrain from writing a accidental murder of Lord F. Cavendish,
does not appreciate the profound differ- commentary on this delightful passage. which they deplored as a calamity, and that
ences which exist in the Irish public. But we shall cite from Lord Eversley's of Mr. Burke, concerning which their omin-
These differences are due, no doubt, to book an instance where it was obviously ous silence spoke volumes. The latter
special causes—in particular the long required. Chap. xviii. is entitled "The crime had even been recommended in
misgovernment by England. But there Kilmainham Negotiations, and in it is a one Irish paper shortly before the event.
are also influences of race and of religion detailed account of the various parleys held He speaks of Sir G. Trevelyan as the
which make it unsafe to argue that what between Gladstone, Forster, and Parnell very strongest of Chief Secretaries, and Sir
is safe and sound in one country is safe through the mediation of Capt. O'Shea. It M. Beach as among the ablest. The usual
and sound in the other. Nor do we for resulted in a change of policy by Gladstone, judgment in Ireland was that the former
one moment think that a stray visit to the resignation of Forster, and the release was a very sensitive gentleman of great
Lord Clanricarde's country, and an inquiry of Parnell. Yet in the next chapter charm, the second a most laborious official
which Mr. Shaw-Lefevre (as he then was) Lord Eversley quotes the words in which with an imperturbable temper.
made, helped him in any way to find out Gladstone announced Parnell's release : But a critic who has lived all through
the truth. The Radical M. P. visiting “ It is an act done without any negotia- the period in Ireland, and known almost
Ireland is surrounded by such a cloud of tion, promise, or engagement whatever. ” | all the men concerned, finds so much to
plausible deceivers that not one in fifty In anybody else such a statement would qualify and question in the details of the
succeeds in penetrating the mist and have been not only a downright lie, but book that no review could possibly
discovering the real facts. In this case also a piece of shameless effrontery, for the contain it. To such a critic the book is
we have excellent evidence that he did negotiations were known to many. But of the highest interest and value, for it
not find them out, so far as they justified had Gladstone been challenged, he would reminds him step by step of all the blunders
or explained the landlord's side. We
no doubt have begun defining negotiations and the very few successes of the English
cannot but regret that he did not accept in so many ways as to evade the censure management of Ireland. The further
the post of Chief Secretary when it was he justly deserved.
he justly deserved. The whole story observation, with which we will conclude,
offered him, for we are confident that, brings to our recollection the very differ is this : Could any one venture to write
if he had made a deeper study of ent judgment of Kinglake, which we a similar volume on the Tory policy during
Irish affairs, he would have found the commend to Lord Eversley's attention: the same period ?
solution not so simple as he now appears Gladstone, Gladstone! That man uses
to consider it. On the other hand, we his conscience not as a guide, but as an
think his severe strictures on Lord accomplice, and it holds the dark lantern
Salisbury's Irish policy largely justified. for him when he is going out to commit a
THREE COUNTIES.
Twenty years of coercion is no real states- burglary. "
man's resource, and the cynical disregard
THE volume ‘ Life in a Yorkshire Village'
Here and there Lord Eversley omits will be of great interest to men of the
of the Irish which Lord Salisbury dis- important facts or important sequences North Country. Carlton-in-Cleveland has
closed more than once, even in public, of events. Thus in giving a sketch of been selected as
showed that he was wholly unfit to deal Parnell's provenance, he absolutely ignores
a type, though there
with the Irish problem. "Lord Eversley his father, so leading the reader to suspect villages in the vicinity. We have no doubt
seems to be little to make it
surpass
other
evidently thinks no better of Mr. Balfour, that he was some objectionable person. that long before the Domesday record
but we cannot discuss living politicians We can supply the missing information, was written Carlton was a quiet cluster of
here.
and gladly do so. John Parnell was a dwellings. Perhaps there may have been
Turning to his personal estimate of most respected squire—the brains-carrier houses there even in the Roman time, and
Gladstone, we cannot but admire his of the county, to use an Irish phrase. He at a still earlier date the valley provided
unstinted delight in, and wonder at, was consulted by all the gentry regarding men with water and wood for fuel. But
the great Liberal leader. And no doubt their private affairs. He played cricket Robert de Brus is the first person of whom
every word he says of Gladstone's amazing for his county, and kept a ground in his Mr. Blakeborough takes notice. He died
personality, his vigour, his earnestness, place for many years. It was this pre- in 1141, and was buried in the Abbey of
his δεινότης, to use a peculiarly apt eminence which induced the relatives of a Gisburne.
Greek word, is very true and loyal, young lord in the county who would large possessions, became the property of
Gisburne. Afterwards Carlton, with other
and will touch a vibrating string in every run the risk of visiting the United States the Meinells. The author carries down
Liberal heart.
to insist on Parnell accompanying the the history of the place to the seven-
But his account of the psychological wealthy youth. Parnell was equal to teenth century, when, as in most other
idiosyncrasies of his hero, though per- the task : he brought his young lord home parts of England, the working-classes
fectly honest, is sometimes comical when safe, but was caught himself in the
he comes to defend them. Here is a wiles which the county dreaded, for he fathers had been in happier days.
were far less prosperous than their fore-
Times
passage :
married an American girl of violent mended, however, during the next cen-
While a supreme master of lucid expo-
anti-English opinions, which she trans-
mitted to her son.
sition, he was also an adept in the use of
There was no feeling
Life in a Yorkshire Village. By J. Fairfax
subtle distinctions, and of phrases, which stronger in both mother and son than Blakeborough. (Stockton-on-Tees, York-
tended to obscure rather than to throw light hatred of England.
shire Publishing Co. )
on the subject under discussion. There are Here is another instance. When the
Shropshire. By John Ernest Auden. “The
occasions when a Minister cannot give a
Parnell-O'Shea scandal became public the Little Guides. ” (Methuen & Co. )
direct answer to an inopportune question Irish Nationalists expressed their con- Rambles in Somerset. By G. W. and J. H.
known Ministers, and even Prime Ministers, tinued support of the leader, in disregard of Wade. (Same publishers. )
who, unable to say either Yes or No, would his private character. In this the Irish
A Somerset Sketch-Book. By H. Hay Wilson.
resort to lies. To Mr. Gladstone there were bishops acquiesced. For he was a Pro- (Dent & Sons. )
66
66
## p. 529 (#399) ############################################
No. 4411, May 11, 1912
THE ATHENÆUM
529
waxes
are
6
tury,” says Mr. Blakeborough, who goes term is, we believe, rightly used. As a walk or drive in any particular direc-
on to remark that the villagers were given efforts are now being made to insist that tion. At times this substantial book
to baiting bulls in the early part of the all such mounds are early Norman, it may
a little dull, as in the long-
eighteenth century. It can scarcely be be as well to give Mr. Auden's slightly drawn accounts of the histories of Bath
doubted that they enjoyed this exciting qualifying note -
and Bristol, which are scarcely in accord
diversion long before the date he mentions. The use of 'Saxon as a convenient
with the title of the book. Nor has
From the · Lay of Havelok the Dane,' descriptive epithet is in no way intended to the
the penultimate chapter on Exmoor,
to quote no other authority, it is clear exclude the possibility that some of the entitled 'The Haunt of the Red Deer,'
that bull-baiting was a favourite amuse-
mounds early Norman. Stockaded caught much of the spirit and romance
ment of medieval England. At Carlton mounds were a simple form of defence of that district; in fact, it is too
the diversion probably did not die out Shropshire was debatable ground between prosaic to please the true lover of that
till it was made illegal, which was, we
believe, as late as 1839. Even now the day, the weight of probability inclines to the be frankly acknowledged that the authors
the Saxon and the Welsh, even after Offa's enchanting region. Nevertheless, it must
bull ring may be seen.
view that in this county such earthworks have given us several attractive chap-
Mr. Blakeborough has done well to were mostly erected in pre-Norman times, ters, foremost
among which
stand
collect the folk-lore and traditional cus- when they would be much needed by the those of “The Island Valley of Avilion,'
toms of the parish;
we wish that early West Saxon and Mercian settlers. ”
Across the Mendips,' and 'Quantox-
others would work as hard as he has done. The index might have been better, being land. ' It may be remarked that the
He has ascertained that Carlton has no insufficient for those who desire to know spelling Quantocks on the map is
maypole now, though one was standing where to look for references to such much to be preferred. The authors ought
forty years ago. În North Yorkshire, subjects as screenwork, low-side windows, also to have known better than to give
Sinnington and Slingsby still have their and ancient glass, or for earthworks and the name Hurlstone_Point to the fine
maypoles, and we trust they may con- Roman pavements. The · Leicestershire headland of Porlock Bay, the insertion of
tinue to retain them.
and Rutland' and other members of this the letterl being a mere modern vulgarism,
We are told that as late as ten years series have all these and other important falsifying place - name history.
The
ago corn was threshed with the flail by subjects duly inserted in the index, and photographic plates are beautifully repro-
the Carltonians. Though there are pro- emphasized by being printed in italics. duced and particularly well chosen.
bably one or two of the implements Surely the present volume should have Miss Wilson's 'Somerset Sketch-Book
left in the village, they are seldom used, followed the same plan.
is a modest-looking volume of quite a
yet it is pleasant to learn that on hill-side
To ramble in Somerset is a vast under different calibre. It is a series of charm-
farms a mile or two away the old fashion taking, if there is the slightest idea of ing country sketches, chiefly gathered in
still persists.
doing it on any thorough scale. The area the Mendip country, and full to the brim of
Shropshire is the largest of England's of this shire, embracing a great tract of real “Zummerset” village life. Though
inland counties, and has within its bounds diversified country, extending from the there is but little definite topographical
every variety of natural charm. To the Avon to the Exe, is almost sufficient to information, no other county could, one
student of home scenery an extensive provide rambles for a score of years. Much thinks, have produced the different cha-
knowledge of Shropshire is essential. of the central fenland may be destitute of racters and scenes in these twenty and
Nevertheless, not a few cultured English- any particular attraction, but almost odd descriptive tales and pictures of
men, to whom the Lake district, Devon- everywhere else the land is scored with genuine peasant life. The effect of read-
shire and Cornwall, Shakespeare's country, hills and valleys. The fair surroundings ing them one and all, and then reread-
the Peak of Derbyshire, the Yorkshire of Bath, the rocky ravines of the Men ing them, on a somewhat jaded elderly
and Northumbrian coast-line, or the dips, the timber - clad slopes of the critic who knew and loved the sweetness of
quieter joys of Surrey downs and wood. Blackdowns on the southern border, the Somerset, especially the confines of Ex-
lands are quite familiar, have to plead charming combes of the Quantocks, moor, in the days of his youth, was to fill
guilty to a comparative ignorance of and still further west the rolling wastes of him with a burning desire to revisit
Shropshire. Those who know this county Exmoor or the wide vale of Porlock the slumberous old villages wherein
either well or partially can scarcely fail -all these ought to prove full of fascina- such incidents occurred. "The Plough-
to welcome Mr. Auden's little book. We tion for lovers of nature in either its more ing Match,' The Sheep-Shearing,' and
might, perhaps, have had with advantage mellow or its wilder moods. Even in the The Rat-Catcher' are full of delightful
more information about the attractions less winsome fenlands there are the and sympathetic touches ; pathos is aptly
of scenery and mountains, and it is gleaming apple orchards of Glastonbury, blended with humour, and the whole
strange that only trifling incidental refer- the prodigal corn lands of Taunton Dean, sweetened by fragments of the soft rich
ence is made to the old forests of Shrop- and the mysterious mist - laden marshes Zummerset dear to the ears that
shire. Fully half of the county was of Sedgemoor. Here, too, in this know it. When the rat-catcher's favourite
subject to forest jurisdiction under the plain district, prevented from relapsing cripple child lay a-dying, the mother had
Normans, and it has been shown in the into a morass by an elaborately planned a visit from his half-sister, who was both
“Victoria County History of Salop,' system of drainage, there are infinite dairywoman and henwife at the rectory.
vol. i. , that the story of the forestry is of attractions for the antiquary and the At the end of a page or two of eerie
much interest. But those who know this ecclesiologist in the discovered haunts suggestions as to the cause and possible
border shire the best will find little to of the early lake - dwellers, the ruins cure of the illness, she thus concludes :
complain of in the matter of omission. of Glastonbury, and the yet standing "If 'twer the ague, put a spider in the
Churches
dealt with
a fabrics of the great church of Wells and water, and drink 'en when he do curly up.
generous scale. Many of them in the its surroundings.
That be a good cure, but if it be they fits,
north are small, and have wooden belfries, With so much material, it is small thou should’st make 'en swally hairs from
but there are good cruciform examples, as wonder that Messrs. G. W. and J. H. the cross on a donkey's back. An' must be
a she’un, look, since he'm a boy, or else
at Ludlow, Shrewsbury (St. Mary's), and Wade in their “Rambles in Somerset'
Parson's donkey wu'd ha' done. But thou'd
Ellesmere, as well as other interesting adopted a different plan from that followed
best not tell Parson. An' Parson too, look,
fabrics of different periods such as Stan by the books on Sussex and Surrey with
he do pray beautiful, 'twould be good for
ton Lacy, Heath Chapel, Acton Burnell
, like titles issued by the same publishers. the child if he'd say a prayer over 'en. But
Chelmarsh, and Tong. The old castles, In those two cases the authors gave chap- I'll send thee the hairs from Cox's donkey
several of the half-timbered manor houses, ters descriptive of real walks and rides to Stoke, and mind thou don't let Doctor
and the ruins of monasteries like those of or of actual rambles. In the book now know or happen he 'll not give thee his own
Buildwas, Lilleshall, and Much Wenlock, before us a fairly successful attempt is
stuff, an' it be mortal good, for sure, but
thero cassn't be no harm to use what them
receive adequate and careful attention. made to cover a great deal of ground
as went before us did use, for there be some
The word " Saxon” is affixed to a short after an orderly method, but there is things as the gentry don't know on. So
list of mounds, and in all except one the no endeavour to reproduce the charm of mind thou don't tell Parson. ”
are
on
## p. 530 (#400) ############################################
530
THE ATHENÆUM
No. 4411, May 11, 1912
2/6
or
are
OF
lands, and will be of interest and value to Young (Eveline), BALLADS, Songs, AND
NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS.
students of the subject and to those who POEMS, 1/6 net.
Fifield
require to know the main features of con- The author asks the reader's forbearance
[Notice in these columns does not preclude longer temporary law on a wide scale. For the with such an air of genuine modesty that we
review. )
practising lawyer the work is obviously not are disarmed. Her book is the expression
Tbeology.
designed, except for occasional reference. of a placid optimism and a gentle piety
For ready use the index is unsatisfactory. which have, indeed, no necessary connexion
Lilley (James Philip), FOUR APOSTLES : THE
TRAINING OF CHRISTIAN MISSIONARIES,
Jones's Book of Practical Forms for Use unobtrusive verse a suitable medium for
with poetry, but she has in her smooth and
S. P. C. K. in Solicitors' Ofices, Vol. I. , 5/ net.
her thoughts. Some of the shorter poems
The four are the middle group of the
Wilson
twelve-St. Philip, St. Bartholomew, St.
Third edition, revised and enlarged.
are reprinted from The Quiver.
Matthew, and St. Thomas. The aim of the
book is analogous to that of a sermon, i. e. ,
poetry.
Bibliograpby.
personal edification in this case tending Beesly (A. H. ), POEMS OLD AND NEW, 1/ net. National Library of Wales : BIBLIOTHECA
towards the better realization of the ideal
Longmans CELTICA, a Register of Publications
of a missionary) by means of the study of Mr. Beesly is a polished and versatile relating to Wales
and the Celtic Peoples
characters of the New Testament. Diffi- | poet. He is most successful in his dramatic and Languages for the Year 1910.
culties, critical otherwise,
thus verse, which, if not profound, is infected
Aberystwyth
rightly enough left on one side. We notice with a happy, careless vigour which endows Sonnenschein (William Swan), THE BEST
some indulgence in sweeping statements, it with charm. He is, however, too thought- BOOKS, a Reader's Guide to the Choice
less easy to tolerate in a written than in a less and impulsive, and should learn to of the Best Available Books in every
spoken discourse.
cultivate rather than dally with the Muse.
Department of Science, Art, and Litera-
Ormanian (Malachia), THE CHURCH
Garrod (H. W. ), OXFORD POEMS. Lane
ture, with the Dates of the First and
ARMENIA, translated from the French
These poems, which are terse, epigram-
Last Editions, and the Price, Size, and
Edition by G. Marcar Gregory, 5/ net. matic, and closely knit, have an erudite
Publisher's Name (both English and
Mowbray tone about them, exhaling a chaste and
American) of each Book, Part II. , 14/
A significant contribution to ecclesiastical sober aroma. Their quality oscillates be-
net.
Routledge
history, from an avowedly orthodox point tween the pedestrian and a gravity that is
This Part supplies (1) fourteen sections
of view. The historical does not clash so
not without solemnity. In spite of the dealing with Law of all kinds, Political
conspicuously with the doctrinal attitude exactitude of the form, however, the thought Economy, Commerce, and Education under
as might be expected, and we are provided is frequently commonplace. Some few of the heading Society,' and (2) nine sections
with an adequate, if not comprehensive these superior little cameos remind us of concerning Geography, Ethnology, Travel,
survey of the evolution, doctrine, discipline, Clough.
and Topography. Our examination of the
liturgy, literature, and prevailing conditions
book shows that considerable pains have
of the Armenian Church. The translation Goldsborough (F. C. ), POEMS AND SONNETS.
been taken to bring it up to date, while the
is finished and learned. There is a good
Nutt
details added in smaller type are always
index, and the two appendixes contain
The author pours forth cataracts of images, illuminating, e. g. , Mr. Henry James is
statistics of dioceses and a chronology of the metaphors, and analogies from an abundant
described as a liter. man resid. in Rye
Patriarchs. Bishop Welldon contributes an
conception, as yet undisciplined by a mature
not a typical Amer. -in-Eur. ” The list of
Introduction.
regard for form. His imagination is long- books under English Counties' is decidedly
sighted, but entirely incapable_of con-
Priest's (A) Outlook : Passages from the trolling its exuberant impulses. Banalities which has its monograph, under Warwick-
well done. But we miss Compton Wyniates,
Letters of Laurence Enderwyck, with a are rife among things well worth a second
shire.
Prefatory Note by the Rev. H. F. B. perusal. In spite of prolixity and verbosity,
Mackay, 1/ net.
Mowbray there is vitality in the verse.
The index, which is necessary to facilitate
A number of semi-devotional letters from
the ready use of the book, is reserved for
Part III. , to be issued shortly.
the strict doctrinal Roman Catholic stand-Graves (Charles L. ), THE BRAIN OF THE
point. The author seems to us somewhat
NATION, AND OTHER VERSES, 3/6 net.
Smith & Elder
bistory and Biograpby.
narrow in outlook, and his style is cumbrous
and heavy. Nor are the subjects of wide
Mr. Graves has a pretty turn for a rhyme
and an
appeal. There is an excessive estimate of His satires are gay and irresponsible little
esprit " which covers many sins.
Anethan Baroness Albert d'), FOURTEEN
YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC LIFE IN JAPAN,
Oscar Wilde's verse.
flourishes that will
an otherwise
with an Introduction by H. E. Baron
Stock (Eugene), THE SERVANT, A BIBLICAL idle hour being plausibly spent. He rejoices
Kato, 18/ net.
Stanley Paul
STUDY OF SERVICE TO GOD AND MAN, in small darts of careless and good-humoured
Miscellaneous jottings and gossip revolving
2/6
S. P. C. K. criticism thrown haphazard, at all angles, round the diplomatic world of Tokyo,
The chapters which give the different and in prolific numbers.
Yokohama, and other centres of Court and
Greek words for service
servant,'
official life between the years 1893 and 1906.
with the instances of their use in the New
Haswell (John), POEMS, 5/ net.
Baroness d’Anethan, the wife of the Belgian
Testament, may well prove useful to the
Sunderland, Hills; plenipotentiary, writes her reminiscences
reader who knows a little Greek, and wants a
London, Simpkin & Marshall
in diaristic form, and mingles much that is
thread for reading and meditation. It is force of Mr. Haswell's verse.
It is no light task to discover the driving superficial, and ephemeral with more interest-
He is a fluent
practically impossible at this time of day to writer, obviously seasoned to metrical com
ing matter. The chronicling of endless
rounds of social engagements is as tedious
duty of service that has not been said position, and addicted to ingenuities of for the reader as lists of dates.
and said beautifully-before ; we found the versification. He hardly ever writes bad
hortatory parts of this book less satisfactory. nothing salient in his book.
We find Borst-Smith (Ernest F. ), CAUGHT IN
verse, and seldom good verse.
CHINESE REVOLUTION : A RECORD OF
RISKS AND RESCUE, 2/6 net.
Law.
Thomas (Gilbert), BIRDS OF PASSAGE, AND
Fisher Unwin
Bowker (Richard Rogers), COPYRIGHT, ITS
OTHER VERSES, 2/6 net.
This book relates an episode which, fortu-
HISTORY AND ITS LAW: BEING A SUM-
Chapman & Hall
nately, was of an isolated character. It
MARY OF THE PRINCIPLES AND PRAC-
We meet with no adventures in Mr. illustrates the dangers of the missionary life
TICE OF COPYRIGHT, with Special Refer- Thomas's verses, but his natural speech and in China, and the curious temperament of
ence to the American Code of 1909 and quiet spirituality have a certain power of the Chinese people. When the revolt of
the British Act of 1911, 21/ net.
appeal. " He is at home with the placid the troops at Wuchang early in October last
Constable things of life, “ the good green earth,
became known at Sianfu, and the Manchu
This American book aims at being a com-
grandfather clock; yet his smoothness tends garrison fell victims to revolutionary fury,
prehensive work on copyright, especially to monotony, and betrays, we think,
a lack it was contrary to the intentions of the leaders
with reference to the new American code.
of strength. Some of the pieces are re- of that movement that the wife of a Swedish
Having taken part in the development of printed from Country Life, The New Age, missionary, six children, and their tutor were
copyright law for many years, as editor and other journals.
massacred by the mob. Of two parties
of The Publishers Weekly and The Thyrea : A SONNET SEQUENCE FROM concerned in the outbreak-one composed
Library Journal, and as Vice-President of SANATORIUM, by J. F. , 6d. net.
chiefly of scholars, the other of adherents of
the American (Authors') Copyright League,
Melrose a secret society, the latter were responsible
Mr. Bowker is well equipped for his task. We can see little justification for the for the murders. At this moment there
His book is a survey of the past history publication of these five sonnets, inspired were other missionaries, belonging to the
&nd present position of copyright in many though they are by genuine feeling.
Baptist Missionary Society, residing at
66
ensure
23 and
66
THE
or a
А
## p. 531 (#401) ############################################
No. 4411, May 11, 1912
531
THE ATHENÆUM
man.
some
Yen-an-fu and other places north of Sianfu, remarkably by their conduct after his death pensions is duly noted.
There are many
and in great danger. Advice to leave for in conveying his body from the centre of valuable tables in the preliminary part of
the coast without delay having been received Africa to the coast. It is printed in bold type, the book. The one which deals with tin
from official sources, they started for Sianfu, and has a good index. The map, however, is production is of special interest at a moment
where order had been restored. Mean- on a painfully small scale, and names are occa- when there is much talk of Nigerian tin,
while a band of brave men set out from Tai- sionally, spelt in different ways. g. , Lake and it should be noted that the total produc-
yuan-fu-graduates of Oxford, Cambridge, Moero in the text, Mweru on the map, and tion of Nigeria is wholly unimportant when
Harvard, and Continental universities, nine Meron in the index. The terms in which compared with the output of many other
in all—to effect their rescue. Starting on the Royal Geographical Society is referred British colonies. We had hoped to find a
December 3rd, they overtook the author to on p. 137 are to be regretted.
table of the oil production of the world, but
and his companions on their way south, and
it is missing, and the facts can only be
in spite of all obstacles brought them in Lovat-Praser (J. A. ), JOHN STUART, EARL OF ascertained by search under the heading of
safety to Sianfu on Boxing Day. Ten
BUTE, 2/6 net.
each country. This makes us still wish
days later the party-now numbering, with
Cambridge University Press that it were possible to enlarge the index,
Chinese, 150 persons, of whom twenty-six
This brief account of George III. 's un- for such things as oil and tin find no place
were Swedish and English missionaries,
popular minister is clear, just, and compre- there. We also wish that the index could
married and single, besides several children
hensible ; and its failure to give any living be brought up to date, so as to include the
-was able to proceed to Honan-fu, where a
impression of Lord Bute's character is - Additions and Corrections. In the ‘Ad-
special train, sent for their relief by Yuan
probably due mainly to the reserved and ditions, for instance, we are given the latest
Shih-kai (now President of the Republic),
uncommunicative disposition of that noble- Cabinet of New Zealand, but there is no
awaited their arrival.
sleep is not life's crown.
Watson. (John Lane. )
and in communion with the welfare and
own
## p. 527 (#397) ############################################
No. 4411, May 11, 1912
THE ATHENÆUM
527
a
were
en-
Volmar, the for all the weakness of the last line - We put a very extreme case, to show
victorious captain of the king's armies, is the line “Thou wert more callous than the unsoundness of his principle, for
assassinated on the very threshold of his the lean-lipped sea,
” and “I am hurt we have no such respect as he has for
triumph by the man whose daughter he with flying splinters of the truth,” are of the votes of the ignorant majority of any
had maltreated. The simmering discon- exceptional potency. The standard of such nation. But in lesser matters the same
tent of the people, fomented by the im- resonance is not maintained. Mr. Wat- thing is true. He speaks of the Dis-
prisonment of their leader Brasidas, finds son's blank verse in this volume seems to establishment and Disendowment of the
explosive vent at the trial of the slayer, relapse from imaginative prowess into State Church as a measure of unmixed
and the king, yielding to the pressure of smoothness, aptness, and an uncalled-for good in allaying bad feelings and remov
events, abdicates in favour of his son, reticence. At times he is almost raffiné-
reticence. At times he is almost raffiné ing injustice. Probably it was on the
the representative of a more enlightened his metrical instinct of too stoical and whole a necessary measure, but not without
régime. Such, in skeleton, is the theme, complacent temper. The primum the gravest drawbacks, and much damage
slender enough in all conscience. Its mobile of imagination droops and appears to the whole country. It is only true in
symbolism is but barely adumbrated, to have passed its full-fledged condition. the sense of the very Low Church Pro-
and the significance of the conception, Perhaps this treatment by comparison, testant that the Disendowed Church
strangely isolated, is not confluent with if not invidious, is a trifle unfair to Mr. has gained in vitality. In breadth and
the broad and stately passage of the verse. Watson. His high qualities, though im- inclusion of strict Churchren it has lost,
Mr. Watson's play lacks that unity of paired, are distinctly perceptible in his Socially it meant the loss of a class of clergy
design which bears the stamp of inevit- new play. His expression lacks the zest who were all, since the religious revival
ability in art; it is not even a tessellated of discovery ; but it retains its choiceness, of the early nineteenth century, resident
mosaic; it consists rather in a number of the grave ceremony of its harmonies. What gentlemen, living civilized lives, and
detached episodes, somewhat fortuitously full and measured utterance is conveyed spending their incomes among their
strung together. It is a painted description by these lines ! -
Catholic as well as their Protestant neigh
rather than a dramatic play.
bours. The former probably earned three-
How covetable that strictly bounded mind,
No shreds of twilight hanging loose upon it!
fourths of the wages paid by the Protestant
Throughout the perusal of the poem Mine own leans out into the Dark, and so rectors. This loss was never replaced by
we were deterred from an undiluted enjoy-
Hazards its very balance, in hope to catch
The footfall of events ere they arrive,
the appropriation of the fund to education
ment of it by a subconscious suspicion
And from the Dark wins nothing.
or to charity. The local poor all lost
that the blank verse was too plausible to
heavily by the disappearance of the Estab-
reach the richer seams of mental and emo-
lished clergy and their households. The
tional expression. Mr. Watson appears to
local squires also lost their best and most
us to have compromised not with the
world, but with his muse. He has clipped Gladstone and Ireland : the Irish Policy of cultivated neighbours, and
the wings of his verse, checked its feeling
Parliament from 1850 to 1894. By Lord couraged by this and by land legis-
lation to desert their homes and sell
for adventure, and kept it tethered, so to
Eversley. (Methuen & Co. )
speak, in the home pastures. One of his We have before us in this book a very
their places to common farmers. Then
trees were cut down, gardens and avenues
salient characteristics has been, and con candid and able statement, but the neglected, and the country allowed to fall
back a century in civilization. These
achievement in proportion, in the exquisite story is told from the standpoint of a very melancholy facts are not stated as
, ,
fusion of matter and form, has been such who often sees only one side of a question, charge against Liberal legislation in Ire-
place him beside År. Doughty in this and takes no account of practical diffi- land. Some great change was necessary.
a class were idle,
culties or losses which more than counter- The landlords
respect is to provide a rare fillip to the balance theoretical
gaing. His volume is thriftless, and extravagant, and had lost
piquancy of contrast. They are
Apollo and Hephæstus of the modern The moral to be drawn is that the best, were the creditors, who had no regard for
a commentary on the following thesis : control of their estates. The real owners
poetic Parnassus, which is many leagues in fact the only safe, guide for legislation for the sufferings of the
poor. But in the
nearer earth than the cosmogonies of
former ages. Mr. Watson's technique interests and wants, is to be found in the Gladstone undertook in a spirit of large
and craftsmanship can be of surpassing demands of its representatives. ” This justice and charity, it was impossible to
quality. Mr. Doughty is a leviathan in
the workshop of art. Mr. Watson is not
sentence expresses
confident belief distinguish between the honest, but op-
master of numerous stops and keys of in Parliamentary representation, and pressed poor and the idle, drunken,
blank - verse melody. He has the Mar-
assumes that it expresses the will of the worthless tenant who was in arrear owing
whole nation.
lowesque limitations of resource the
It is, moreover, very vague to his own vices, and not to the oppression
Marlowesque sonorousness and style of in the expression separate interests and
in the expression “separate interests and of his landlord. The majority of those
marshalling his lines into dignified bat- wants,” by which we suppose the author ultimately reinstated in their farms were
talions. His blank verse is a pageant, But it would be far truer if it meant struggle had
means“ separate from those of England. " idlers, while those who by a great
honestly paid their rents
scrupulously purged of tawdry and ex-
traneous elements. He is the trained divergent or conflicting interests and got no consideration except that of having
poet, and makes us feel his poetry as a
wants among the Irish people, and if their future rents reduced, and of this
disciplined rapture, the consummation of so, the demands of the majority of its unfairness they often complained very
the ordered, delicate manipulation of the Parliamentary representatives may be bitterly.
These are but a few of the difficulties
capacities of language. In The Heralds anything but safe, and far from just.
of the Dawn' we are apprehensive that The signal defect in the representation of which Lord Eversley, with his Radical
his method has overlapped, even sub-
Ireland was that for a long time it re- optimism, has ignored. He goes even
merged, his purely inspirational ebullience. presented mainly the Protestant and land- further when he tells us that the inter-
The result is division; the captain of holding minority: Now, on the contrary, fering with trial by jury, which has been
words has felled the poet. The fine, of the Catholic majority. Nor is it a case mistake, for the refusal of juries to
it expresses mainly the interests and wants so often practised in Ireland, was a great
puissant outburst of Brasidas,
where any sane statesman can afford to find verdicts would have compelled the
I do defy it
neglect the minority, which is most Government to remedy grievances a
To lay a hand upon me. With a signal
valuable to the country by its wealth, generation sooner than this was effected.
I could call forth a host as from the ground, its intelligence, and its high traditions. There may, of course, be great public cases
Who, if you dared to cast me in yon prison,
Would batter down its walls founded in blood,
But if the majority of its representatives in where a patriot is saved by a patriot jury
Its doors dabbled with blood, its towers that rise Parliament were to vote the exile of from the persecution of the Crown; but
Out of a fen and rank morass of blood,
Unpacified blood, pot to be quieted,
Protestants, Lord Eversley would appar- in Ireland, and in the common affairs
Not to be put to sleep in the earth at all,
ently think it a wise and safe thing to do. of life, juries brought up in opposition to
a
as
a
-
## p. 528 (#398) ############################################
528
THE ATHENÆUM
No. 4411, May 11, 1912
English law would find a thousand false ifinite varieties of shades between Yes testant, and therefore a heretic whose
verdicts, and refuse to find true ones,
and No. He was able to make a reply such morals could not be sound. But the
without any further effect than the de- that no one could distinguish or disentangle English Nonconformist conscience flared
the facts. Some people [sic] called this
moralization of the people. No murderer casuistry or sophistry. I have heard high up at once, and Gladstone felt compelled
who even pretended that his crime was
agrarian or political would be convicted ;
authorities say that the art of casuistry ought to become its trumpeter. Then the
not to be neglected. Call it by what name
bishops met and followed suit. Here the
prosecutions to maintain lawful rights we may, the use of language in this way is sequence is interesting, and should have
would be balked, and a good part of the at times necessary in the House of Commons been told us. The author never tells us.
business at the country assizes would in the interest of the public or for the clearly what can be inferred from the facts,
consist in tampering with the jurors purpose of perplexing an unscrupulous [? ] even as he states them, that the Nationalist
beforehand. Lord Eversley, with his opponent. "
party drew a distinction between the
notions of English justice and fair play, We with difficulty refrain from writing a accidental murder of Lord F. Cavendish,
does not appreciate the profound differ- commentary on this delightful passage. which they deplored as a calamity, and that
ences which exist in the Irish public. But we shall cite from Lord Eversley's of Mr. Burke, concerning which their omin-
These differences are due, no doubt, to book an instance where it was obviously ous silence spoke volumes. The latter
special causes—in particular the long required. Chap. xviii. is entitled "The crime had even been recommended in
misgovernment by England. But there Kilmainham Negotiations, and in it is a one Irish paper shortly before the event.
are also influences of race and of religion detailed account of the various parleys held He speaks of Sir G. Trevelyan as the
which make it unsafe to argue that what between Gladstone, Forster, and Parnell very strongest of Chief Secretaries, and Sir
is safe and sound in one country is safe through the mediation of Capt. O'Shea. It M. Beach as among the ablest. The usual
and sound in the other. Nor do we for resulted in a change of policy by Gladstone, judgment in Ireland was that the former
one moment think that a stray visit to the resignation of Forster, and the release was a very sensitive gentleman of great
Lord Clanricarde's country, and an inquiry of Parnell. Yet in the next chapter charm, the second a most laborious official
which Mr. Shaw-Lefevre (as he then was) Lord Eversley quotes the words in which with an imperturbable temper.
made, helped him in any way to find out Gladstone announced Parnell's release : But a critic who has lived all through
the truth. The Radical M. P. visiting “ It is an act done without any negotia- the period in Ireland, and known almost
Ireland is surrounded by such a cloud of tion, promise, or engagement whatever. ” | all the men concerned, finds so much to
plausible deceivers that not one in fifty In anybody else such a statement would qualify and question in the details of the
succeeds in penetrating the mist and have been not only a downright lie, but book that no review could possibly
discovering the real facts. In this case also a piece of shameless effrontery, for the contain it. To such a critic the book is
we have excellent evidence that he did negotiations were known to many. But of the highest interest and value, for it
not find them out, so far as they justified had Gladstone been challenged, he would reminds him step by step of all the blunders
or explained the landlord's side. We
no doubt have begun defining negotiations and the very few successes of the English
cannot but regret that he did not accept in so many ways as to evade the censure management of Ireland. The further
the post of Chief Secretary when it was he justly deserved.
he justly deserved. The whole story observation, with which we will conclude,
offered him, for we are confident that, brings to our recollection the very differ is this : Could any one venture to write
if he had made a deeper study of ent judgment of Kinglake, which we a similar volume on the Tory policy during
Irish affairs, he would have found the commend to Lord Eversley's attention: the same period ?
solution not so simple as he now appears Gladstone, Gladstone! That man uses
to consider it. On the other hand, we his conscience not as a guide, but as an
think his severe strictures on Lord accomplice, and it holds the dark lantern
Salisbury's Irish policy largely justified. for him when he is going out to commit a
THREE COUNTIES.
Twenty years of coercion is no real states- burglary. "
man's resource, and the cynical disregard
THE volume ‘ Life in a Yorkshire Village'
Here and there Lord Eversley omits will be of great interest to men of the
of the Irish which Lord Salisbury dis- important facts or important sequences North Country. Carlton-in-Cleveland has
closed more than once, even in public, of events. Thus in giving a sketch of been selected as
showed that he was wholly unfit to deal Parnell's provenance, he absolutely ignores
a type, though there
with the Irish problem. "Lord Eversley his father, so leading the reader to suspect villages in the vicinity. We have no doubt
seems to be little to make it
surpass
other
evidently thinks no better of Mr. Balfour, that he was some objectionable person. that long before the Domesday record
but we cannot discuss living politicians We can supply the missing information, was written Carlton was a quiet cluster of
here.
and gladly do so. John Parnell was a dwellings. Perhaps there may have been
Turning to his personal estimate of most respected squire—the brains-carrier houses there even in the Roman time, and
Gladstone, we cannot but admire his of the county, to use an Irish phrase. He at a still earlier date the valley provided
unstinted delight in, and wonder at, was consulted by all the gentry regarding men with water and wood for fuel. But
the great Liberal leader. And no doubt their private affairs. He played cricket Robert de Brus is the first person of whom
every word he says of Gladstone's amazing for his county, and kept a ground in his Mr. Blakeborough takes notice. He died
personality, his vigour, his earnestness, place for many years. It was this pre- in 1141, and was buried in the Abbey of
his δεινότης, to use a peculiarly apt eminence which induced the relatives of a Gisburne.
Greek word, is very true and loyal, young lord in the county who would large possessions, became the property of
Gisburne. Afterwards Carlton, with other
and will touch a vibrating string in every run the risk of visiting the United States the Meinells. The author carries down
Liberal heart.
to insist on Parnell accompanying the the history of the place to the seven-
But his account of the psychological wealthy youth. Parnell was equal to teenth century, when, as in most other
idiosyncrasies of his hero, though per- the task : he brought his young lord home parts of England, the working-classes
fectly honest, is sometimes comical when safe, but was caught himself in the
he comes to defend them. Here is a wiles which the county dreaded, for he fathers had been in happier days.
were far less prosperous than their fore-
Times
passage :
married an American girl of violent mended, however, during the next cen-
While a supreme master of lucid expo-
anti-English opinions, which she trans-
mitted to her son.
sition, he was also an adept in the use of
There was no feeling
Life in a Yorkshire Village. By J. Fairfax
subtle distinctions, and of phrases, which stronger in both mother and son than Blakeborough. (Stockton-on-Tees, York-
tended to obscure rather than to throw light hatred of England.
shire Publishing Co. )
on the subject under discussion. There are Here is another instance. When the
Shropshire. By John Ernest Auden. “The
occasions when a Minister cannot give a
Parnell-O'Shea scandal became public the Little Guides. ” (Methuen & Co. )
direct answer to an inopportune question Irish Nationalists expressed their con- Rambles in Somerset. By G. W. and J. H.
known Ministers, and even Prime Ministers, tinued support of the leader, in disregard of Wade. (Same publishers. )
who, unable to say either Yes or No, would his private character. In this the Irish
A Somerset Sketch-Book. By H. Hay Wilson.
resort to lies. To Mr. Gladstone there were bishops acquiesced. For he was a Pro- (Dent & Sons. )
66
66
## p. 529 (#399) ############################################
No. 4411, May 11, 1912
THE ATHENÆUM
529
waxes
are
6
tury,” says Mr. Blakeborough, who goes term is, we believe, rightly used. As a walk or drive in any particular direc-
on to remark that the villagers were given efforts are now being made to insist that tion. At times this substantial book
to baiting bulls in the early part of the all such mounds are early Norman, it may
a little dull, as in the long-
eighteenth century. It can scarcely be be as well to give Mr. Auden's slightly drawn accounts of the histories of Bath
doubted that they enjoyed this exciting qualifying note -
and Bristol, which are scarcely in accord
diversion long before the date he mentions. The use of 'Saxon as a convenient
with the title of the book. Nor has
From the · Lay of Havelok the Dane,' descriptive epithet is in no way intended to the
the penultimate chapter on Exmoor,
to quote no other authority, it is clear exclude the possibility that some of the entitled 'The Haunt of the Red Deer,'
that bull-baiting was a favourite amuse-
mounds early Norman. Stockaded caught much of the spirit and romance
ment of medieval England. At Carlton mounds were a simple form of defence of that district; in fact, it is too
the diversion probably did not die out Shropshire was debatable ground between prosaic to please the true lover of that
till it was made illegal, which was, we
believe, as late as 1839. Even now the day, the weight of probability inclines to the be frankly acknowledged that the authors
the Saxon and the Welsh, even after Offa's enchanting region. Nevertheless, it must
bull ring may be seen.
view that in this county such earthworks have given us several attractive chap-
Mr. Blakeborough has done well to were mostly erected in pre-Norman times, ters, foremost
among which
stand
collect the folk-lore and traditional cus- when they would be much needed by the those of “The Island Valley of Avilion,'
toms of the parish;
we wish that early West Saxon and Mercian settlers. ”
Across the Mendips,' and 'Quantox-
others would work as hard as he has done. The index might have been better, being land. ' It may be remarked that the
He has ascertained that Carlton has no insufficient for those who desire to know spelling Quantocks on the map is
maypole now, though one was standing where to look for references to such much to be preferred. The authors ought
forty years ago. În North Yorkshire, subjects as screenwork, low-side windows, also to have known better than to give
Sinnington and Slingsby still have their and ancient glass, or for earthworks and the name Hurlstone_Point to the fine
maypoles, and we trust they may con- Roman pavements. The · Leicestershire headland of Porlock Bay, the insertion of
tinue to retain them.
and Rutland' and other members of this the letterl being a mere modern vulgarism,
We are told that as late as ten years series have all these and other important falsifying place - name history.
The
ago corn was threshed with the flail by subjects duly inserted in the index, and photographic plates are beautifully repro-
the Carltonians. Though there are pro- emphasized by being printed in italics. duced and particularly well chosen.
bably one or two of the implements Surely the present volume should have Miss Wilson's 'Somerset Sketch-Book
left in the village, they are seldom used, followed the same plan.
is a modest-looking volume of quite a
yet it is pleasant to learn that on hill-side
To ramble in Somerset is a vast under different calibre. It is a series of charm-
farms a mile or two away the old fashion taking, if there is the slightest idea of ing country sketches, chiefly gathered in
still persists.
doing it on any thorough scale. The area the Mendip country, and full to the brim of
Shropshire is the largest of England's of this shire, embracing a great tract of real “Zummerset” village life. Though
inland counties, and has within its bounds diversified country, extending from the there is but little definite topographical
every variety of natural charm. To the Avon to the Exe, is almost sufficient to information, no other county could, one
student of home scenery an extensive provide rambles for a score of years. Much thinks, have produced the different cha-
knowledge of Shropshire is essential. of the central fenland may be destitute of racters and scenes in these twenty and
Nevertheless, not a few cultured English- any particular attraction, but almost odd descriptive tales and pictures of
men, to whom the Lake district, Devon- everywhere else the land is scored with genuine peasant life. The effect of read-
shire and Cornwall, Shakespeare's country, hills and valleys. The fair surroundings ing them one and all, and then reread-
the Peak of Derbyshire, the Yorkshire of Bath, the rocky ravines of the Men ing them, on a somewhat jaded elderly
and Northumbrian coast-line, or the dips, the timber - clad slopes of the critic who knew and loved the sweetness of
quieter joys of Surrey downs and wood. Blackdowns on the southern border, the Somerset, especially the confines of Ex-
lands are quite familiar, have to plead charming combes of the Quantocks, moor, in the days of his youth, was to fill
guilty to a comparative ignorance of and still further west the rolling wastes of him with a burning desire to revisit
Shropshire. Those who know this county Exmoor or the wide vale of Porlock the slumberous old villages wherein
either well or partially can scarcely fail -all these ought to prove full of fascina- such incidents occurred. "The Plough-
to welcome Mr. Auden's little book. We tion for lovers of nature in either its more ing Match,' The Sheep-Shearing,' and
might, perhaps, have had with advantage mellow or its wilder moods. Even in the The Rat-Catcher' are full of delightful
more information about the attractions less winsome fenlands there are the and sympathetic touches ; pathos is aptly
of scenery and mountains, and it is gleaming apple orchards of Glastonbury, blended with humour, and the whole
strange that only trifling incidental refer- the prodigal corn lands of Taunton Dean, sweetened by fragments of the soft rich
ence is made to the old forests of Shrop- and the mysterious mist - laden marshes Zummerset dear to the ears that
shire. Fully half of the county was of Sedgemoor. Here, too, in this know it. When the rat-catcher's favourite
subject to forest jurisdiction under the plain district, prevented from relapsing cripple child lay a-dying, the mother had
Normans, and it has been shown in the into a morass by an elaborately planned a visit from his half-sister, who was both
“Victoria County History of Salop,' system of drainage, there are infinite dairywoman and henwife at the rectory.
vol. i. , that the story of the forestry is of attractions for the antiquary and the At the end of a page or two of eerie
much interest. But those who know this ecclesiologist in the discovered haunts suggestions as to the cause and possible
border shire the best will find little to of the early lake - dwellers, the ruins cure of the illness, she thus concludes :
complain of in the matter of omission. of Glastonbury, and the yet standing "If 'twer the ague, put a spider in the
Churches
dealt with
a fabrics of the great church of Wells and water, and drink 'en when he do curly up.
generous scale. Many of them in the its surroundings.
That be a good cure, but if it be they fits,
north are small, and have wooden belfries, With so much material, it is small thou should’st make 'en swally hairs from
but there are good cruciform examples, as wonder that Messrs. G. W. and J. H. the cross on a donkey's back. An' must be
a she’un, look, since he'm a boy, or else
at Ludlow, Shrewsbury (St. Mary's), and Wade in their “Rambles in Somerset'
Parson's donkey wu'd ha' done. But thou'd
Ellesmere, as well as other interesting adopted a different plan from that followed
best not tell Parson. An' Parson too, look,
fabrics of different periods such as Stan by the books on Sussex and Surrey with
he do pray beautiful, 'twould be good for
ton Lacy, Heath Chapel, Acton Burnell
, like titles issued by the same publishers. the child if he'd say a prayer over 'en. But
Chelmarsh, and Tong. The old castles, In those two cases the authors gave chap- I'll send thee the hairs from Cox's donkey
several of the half-timbered manor houses, ters descriptive of real walks and rides to Stoke, and mind thou don't let Doctor
and the ruins of monasteries like those of or of actual rambles. In the book now know or happen he 'll not give thee his own
Buildwas, Lilleshall, and Much Wenlock, before us a fairly successful attempt is
stuff, an' it be mortal good, for sure, but
thero cassn't be no harm to use what them
receive adequate and careful attention. made to cover a great deal of ground
as went before us did use, for there be some
The word " Saxon” is affixed to a short after an orderly method, but there is things as the gentry don't know on. So
list of mounds, and in all except one the no endeavour to reproduce the charm of mind thou don't tell Parson. ”
are
on
## p. 530 (#400) ############################################
530
THE ATHENÆUM
No. 4411, May 11, 1912
2/6
or
are
OF
lands, and will be of interest and value to Young (Eveline), BALLADS, Songs, AND
NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS.
students of the subject and to those who POEMS, 1/6 net.
Fifield
require to know the main features of con- The author asks the reader's forbearance
[Notice in these columns does not preclude longer temporary law on a wide scale. For the with such an air of genuine modesty that we
review. )
practising lawyer the work is obviously not are disarmed. Her book is the expression
Tbeology.
designed, except for occasional reference. of a placid optimism and a gentle piety
For ready use the index is unsatisfactory. which have, indeed, no necessary connexion
Lilley (James Philip), FOUR APOSTLES : THE
TRAINING OF CHRISTIAN MISSIONARIES,
Jones's Book of Practical Forms for Use unobtrusive verse a suitable medium for
with poetry, but she has in her smooth and
S. P. C. K. in Solicitors' Ofices, Vol. I. , 5/ net.
her thoughts. Some of the shorter poems
The four are the middle group of the
Wilson
twelve-St. Philip, St. Bartholomew, St.
Third edition, revised and enlarged.
are reprinted from The Quiver.
Matthew, and St. Thomas. The aim of the
book is analogous to that of a sermon, i. e. ,
poetry.
Bibliograpby.
personal edification in this case tending Beesly (A. H. ), POEMS OLD AND NEW, 1/ net. National Library of Wales : BIBLIOTHECA
towards the better realization of the ideal
Longmans CELTICA, a Register of Publications
of a missionary) by means of the study of Mr. Beesly is a polished and versatile relating to Wales
and the Celtic Peoples
characters of the New Testament. Diffi- | poet. He is most successful in his dramatic and Languages for the Year 1910.
culties, critical otherwise,
thus verse, which, if not profound, is infected
Aberystwyth
rightly enough left on one side. We notice with a happy, careless vigour which endows Sonnenschein (William Swan), THE BEST
some indulgence in sweeping statements, it with charm. He is, however, too thought- BOOKS, a Reader's Guide to the Choice
less easy to tolerate in a written than in a less and impulsive, and should learn to of the Best Available Books in every
spoken discourse.
cultivate rather than dally with the Muse.
Department of Science, Art, and Litera-
Ormanian (Malachia), THE CHURCH
Garrod (H. W. ), OXFORD POEMS. Lane
ture, with the Dates of the First and
ARMENIA, translated from the French
These poems, which are terse, epigram-
Last Editions, and the Price, Size, and
Edition by G. Marcar Gregory, 5/ net. matic, and closely knit, have an erudite
Publisher's Name (both English and
Mowbray tone about them, exhaling a chaste and
American) of each Book, Part II. , 14/
A significant contribution to ecclesiastical sober aroma. Their quality oscillates be-
net.
Routledge
history, from an avowedly orthodox point tween the pedestrian and a gravity that is
This Part supplies (1) fourteen sections
of view. The historical does not clash so
not without solemnity. In spite of the dealing with Law of all kinds, Political
conspicuously with the doctrinal attitude exactitude of the form, however, the thought Economy, Commerce, and Education under
as might be expected, and we are provided is frequently commonplace. Some few of the heading Society,' and (2) nine sections
with an adequate, if not comprehensive these superior little cameos remind us of concerning Geography, Ethnology, Travel,
survey of the evolution, doctrine, discipline, Clough.
and Topography. Our examination of the
liturgy, literature, and prevailing conditions
book shows that considerable pains have
of the Armenian Church. The translation Goldsborough (F. C. ), POEMS AND SONNETS.
been taken to bring it up to date, while the
is finished and learned. There is a good
Nutt
details added in smaller type are always
index, and the two appendixes contain
The author pours forth cataracts of images, illuminating, e. g. , Mr. Henry James is
statistics of dioceses and a chronology of the metaphors, and analogies from an abundant
described as a liter. man resid. in Rye
Patriarchs. Bishop Welldon contributes an
conception, as yet undisciplined by a mature
not a typical Amer. -in-Eur. ” The list of
Introduction.
regard for form. His imagination is long- books under English Counties' is decidedly
sighted, but entirely incapable_of con-
Priest's (A) Outlook : Passages from the trolling its exuberant impulses. Banalities which has its monograph, under Warwick-
well done. But we miss Compton Wyniates,
Letters of Laurence Enderwyck, with a are rife among things well worth a second
shire.
Prefatory Note by the Rev. H. F. B. perusal. In spite of prolixity and verbosity,
Mackay, 1/ net.
Mowbray there is vitality in the verse.
The index, which is necessary to facilitate
A number of semi-devotional letters from
the ready use of the book, is reserved for
Part III. , to be issued shortly.
the strict doctrinal Roman Catholic stand-Graves (Charles L. ), THE BRAIN OF THE
point. The author seems to us somewhat
NATION, AND OTHER VERSES, 3/6 net.
Smith & Elder
bistory and Biograpby.
narrow in outlook, and his style is cumbrous
and heavy. Nor are the subjects of wide
Mr. Graves has a pretty turn for a rhyme
and an
appeal. There is an excessive estimate of His satires are gay and irresponsible little
esprit " which covers many sins.
Anethan Baroness Albert d'), FOURTEEN
YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC LIFE IN JAPAN,
Oscar Wilde's verse.
flourishes that will
an otherwise
with an Introduction by H. E. Baron
Stock (Eugene), THE SERVANT, A BIBLICAL idle hour being plausibly spent. He rejoices
Kato, 18/ net.
Stanley Paul
STUDY OF SERVICE TO GOD AND MAN, in small darts of careless and good-humoured
Miscellaneous jottings and gossip revolving
2/6
S. P. C. K. criticism thrown haphazard, at all angles, round the diplomatic world of Tokyo,
The chapters which give the different and in prolific numbers.
Yokohama, and other centres of Court and
Greek words for service
servant,'
official life between the years 1893 and 1906.
with the instances of their use in the New
Haswell (John), POEMS, 5/ net.
Baroness d’Anethan, the wife of the Belgian
Testament, may well prove useful to the
Sunderland, Hills; plenipotentiary, writes her reminiscences
reader who knows a little Greek, and wants a
London, Simpkin & Marshall
in diaristic form, and mingles much that is
thread for reading and meditation. It is force of Mr. Haswell's verse.
It is no light task to discover the driving superficial, and ephemeral with more interest-
He is a fluent
practically impossible at this time of day to writer, obviously seasoned to metrical com
ing matter. The chronicling of endless
rounds of social engagements is as tedious
duty of service that has not been said position, and addicted to ingenuities of for the reader as lists of dates.
and said beautifully-before ; we found the versification. He hardly ever writes bad
hortatory parts of this book less satisfactory. nothing salient in his book.
We find Borst-Smith (Ernest F. ), CAUGHT IN
verse, and seldom good verse.
CHINESE REVOLUTION : A RECORD OF
RISKS AND RESCUE, 2/6 net.
Law.
Thomas (Gilbert), BIRDS OF PASSAGE, AND
Fisher Unwin
Bowker (Richard Rogers), COPYRIGHT, ITS
OTHER VERSES, 2/6 net.
This book relates an episode which, fortu-
HISTORY AND ITS LAW: BEING A SUM-
Chapman & Hall
nately, was of an isolated character. It
MARY OF THE PRINCIPLES AND PRAC-
We meet with no adventures in Mr. illustrates the dangers of the missionary life
TICE OF COPYRIGHT, with Special Refer- Thomas's verses, but his natural speech and in China, and the curious temperament of
ence to the American Code of 1909 and quiet spirituality have a certain power of the Chinese people. When the revolt of
the British Act of 1911, 21/ net.
appeal. " He is at home with the placid the troops at Wuchang early in October last
Constable things of life, “ the good green earth,
became known at Sianfu, and the Manchu
This American book aims at being a com-
grandfather clock; yet his smoothness tends garrison fell victims to revolutionary fury,
prehensive work on copyright, especially to monotony, and betrays, we think,
a lack it was contrary to the intentions of the leaders
with reference to the new American code.
of strength. Some of the pieces are re- of that movement that the wife of a Swedish
Having taken part in the development of printed from Country Life, The New Age, missionary, six children, and their tutor were
copyright law for many years, as editor and other journals.
massacred by the mob. Of two parties
of The Publishers Weekly and The Thyrea : A SONNET SEQUENCE FROM concerned in the outbreak-one composed
Library Journal, and as Vice-President of SANATORIUM, by J. F. , 6d. net.
chiefly of scholars, the other of adherents of
the American (Authors') Copyright League,
Melrose a secret society, the latter were responsible
Mr. Bowker is well equipped for his task. We can see little justification for the for the murders. At this moment there
His book is a survey of the past history publication of these five sonnets, inspired were other missionaries, belonging to the
&nd present position of copyright in many though they are by genuine feeling.
Baptist Missionary Society, residing at
66
ensure
23 and
66
THE
or a
А
## p. 531 (#401) ############################################
No. 4411, May 11, 1912
531
THE ATHENÆUM
man.
some
Yen-an-fu and other places north of Sianfu, remarkably by their conduct after his death pensions is duly noted.
There are many
and in great danger. Advice to leave for in conveying his body from the centre of valuable tables in the preliminary part of
the coast without delay having been received Africa to the coast. It is printed in bold type, the book. The one which deals with tin
from official sources, they started for Sianfu, and has a good index. The map, however, is production is of special interest at a moment
where order had been restored. Mean- on a painfully small scale, and names are occa- when there is much talk of Nigerian tin,
while a band of brave men set out from Tai- sionally, spelt in different ways. g. , Lake and it should be noted that the total produc-
yuan-fu-graduates of Oxford, Cambridge, Moero in the text, Mweru on the map, and tion of Nigeria is wholly unimportant when
Harvard, and Continental universities, nine Meron in the index. The terms in which compared with the output of many other
in all—to effect their rescue. Starting on the Royal Geographical Society is referred British colonies. We had hoped to find a
December 3rd, they overtook the author to on p. 137 are to be regretted.
table of the oil production of the world, but
and his companions on their way south, and
it is missing, and the facts can only be
in spite of all obstacles brought them in Lovat-Praser (J. A. ), JOHN STUART, EARL OF ascertained by search under the heading of
safety to Sianfu on Boxing Day. Ten
BUTE, 2/6 net.
each country. This makes us still wish
days later the party-now numbering, with
Cambridge University Press that it were possible to enlarge the index,
Chinese, 150 persons, of whom twenty-six
This brief account of George III. 's un- for such things as oil and tin find no place
were Swedish and English missionaries,
popular minister is clear, just, and compre- there. We also wish that the index could
married and single, besides several children
hensible ; and its failure to give any living be brought up to date, so as to include the
-was able to proceed to Honan-fu, where a
impression of Lord Bute's character is - Additions and Corrections. In the ‘Ad-
special train, sent for their relief by Yuan
probably due mainly to the reserved and ditions, for instance, we are given the latest
Shih-kai (now President of the Republic),
uncommunicative disposition of that noble- Cabinet of New Zealand, but there is no
awaited their arrival.
