fidence, and by perseverance the most refractory | returned at full speed to Kars, found the may be overcome. A horse when first encum- treacherous merchant quietly smoking his chibered with harness, if immediately attached to a bouque in the caravanserai, furiously accused, vehicle, is astonished, when required to move, deprived him of the brilliants which he had at finding a pressure on his shoulders which he unjustly obtained, beat him severely with brihas never previously experienced. He discovers dles, belts, and pipe-sticks, with the full and another novel apparatus of confinement; he is, unqualified approbation of the bystanders, and in fact, trammelled and endeavours to escape; finally only abstained from dragging him before probably he plunges, kicks, or rears, and be- the Cadi from the fear that the signalement of comes difficult to manage; but by the simple some of the party might be unpleasantly faprocess just recommended, all that is obviated. miliar to the myrmidons of the magistrates of —Hints on Training, by Cecil, in the Sporting Kars. Having thus regained possession of the Review. brilliants, they hastened on towards Teheran. SET A THIEF TO CATCH A THIEF.-Some * * A fresh plan was soon formed, and eight years ago, the diamonds of the Austrian Dindar Aghar mounted his horse, without heedambassadress were stolen from her toilette table ing either his aching bones or the jeers and by some peculiarly cunning and daring thieves. curses of the other inmates of the khan, who A large reward was offered for the recovery of regarded him as a not only dishonest trader, but the gems, and Dindar was deputed by his supe- far worse-as a detected impostor. He rode as riors to the office of a detective in this parti- fast as possible on the road towards Persia, until cular case. In the course of a week, Dindar, his horse, knocked up by two hard days' trawhose scent no Border bloodhound ever sur- velling over stony ground, became too lame to passed, got a clue to the originators of the rob- proceed. Dindar, who was as good a judge of bery. The plunderers were numerous, and as the equine race and as adroit a haggler as the the jewels could not be sold without great risk canniest native of Yorkshire, purchased a strong of detection in Constantinople, they had resolved shaggy yaboo from a peasant for a trifle, and to carry them for sale to Teheran, where they pursued his journey. Pushing on unremitingly, had no doubt of finding a ready market for and seeking a little frequented pass in the mountheir valuable booty among the nobles of Persia. tain range, Dindar had the gratification of ar Dindar Agha found out their intended route, riving before the robbers among the wideand on the arrival of the rascals at Kars, a re- spreading plains of Persia. It was some spectable merchant from Koordistan, in a high time before he encountered a band fit for his cap of black sheepskin and a huge robe, entered purpose; the Koords were too savage and their caravanserai, and very dexterously ma- treacherous, the Uzbecks too fierce and morose, naged to extract from them, in the course of the Eelyauts too pastoral and gentle to be the conversation, an avowal that they had diamonds allies of this Candiote Ulysses. At last he arfor sale. For these the pretended merchant,rived among the black tents and picketed camels who was no other than our old friend Dindar, offered to give a handsome price, and thus save them the trouble of continuing their journey to the capital of the Shah. After a great deal of bargaining, the robbers agreed to sell the jewels for ninety thousand piastres, or nine hundred pounds sterling, and with apparent reluctance and hesitation the merchant produced a heavy leathern bag and counted out the sum in silver beschliks. The money was some fictitious coin manufactured by a gang of forgers in England or Russia, and which had been seized by the Vizier and confiscated. The wily Dindar had provided himself with a large supply of this counterfeit money, and was thus enabled to purchase the gems of the Baroness von for a few handfuls of clipped pewter. The robbers left Kars joyfully on their homeward route. At their first haiting-place, however, some of the more wary began to suspect the accommodating merchant who had so opportunely interposed to save them the weary ride to Teheran. Perhaps Dindar, aware of the worthlessness of his circulating medium, was too eager and too compliant in bargaining to suit his feigned character of a greedy trader. At any rate, the thieves examined the contents of the moneybag, and discovered the beschliks to be spurious imitations, even greasier and more adulterated than the Sultan's shabby coin. * * The gang of a tribe of Turcomans-a people brave, hospitable, and faithful, but with exceedingly medieval ideas of the rights of property. To the chieftain of this horde, Sultaun Moorad, Dindar told a plaintive tale of wrong and violence. He had been cheated out of the price of a set of superb jewels, which he had sold to some Kafirs of merchants at Kars. The unbelieving dogs, rank Sheahs and heretics, as well as swindlers (Sultaun Moorad was a Sounie), had taken away the money they had paid him for the diamonds by force, after he had given his receipt, and when he complained at the footstool of justice, the Cadi of Kars-that son of a burnt father and grandsire of asses-had taken a bribe from the thieves to apply the bamboo to Dindar, and to drive him with blows from the court-him an old man and a Mussulman! Whereupon there had remained no other resource to the ill-treated and disconsolate Dindar than to prostrate himself in the dust of the Turcoman encampment, to grasp the spear of the chief, to kiss the hem of his robe, and to adjure the brave and victorious Sultaun Moorad, before whom the universe trembled, to put himself at the head of his lion-eating warriors, and surprise the robbers on their road to Teheran. Dindar added, that besides the diamonds the rascals had above ninety thousand piastres in silver in their possession, and that he should be content with the restitution of the gems, leaving the money to his valiant ally, whom he finally implored, by the beard of his father and the salt of his hospitality, to protect and avenge him. The Turcoman chief sympathized with the wronged and injured Dindar, and his eyes sparkled at the mention of the piastres. He agreed to punish Dindar's enemies, and to restore him the gems, and forthwith plucked his spear from the ground where it was planted before his tent, mounted his steed, which had borne him on many a day of battle and chappow, and called around him his young men, who mustered gladly at the first announcement of a foray. To the astonishment and dismay of the Stamboul thieves, as they emerged from the in tricate passes of the mountains into the open plains, they were charged by an overwhelming force of Turcoman cavalry. Half of their number fell beneath the scimitars and lances of Sultaun Moorad and his followers, and the survivors, having been stripped and plundered, were detained in a state of slavery among the wild horde. As for Dindar, the chief kept his word most faithfully. The diamonds were given up to the wily Cretan, who returned forthwith to Constantinople, restored the jewels to the Baroness von and duly claimed and received the reward. The Turcoman chief was content with the counterfeit coin.-" Stamboul ;” by the author of "The Bridal and the Bridle.” of very LITERATURE WOMAN'S RECORD; OR, SKETCHES OF ALL DISTINGUISHED WOMEN, FROM "THE BEGINNING" UNTIL 1850. By Sarah Josepha Hale, Editor of "The Lady's Book;" author of "Traits of American Life," &c., &c.-(Sampson Low & Co.-Mrs. Hale, as many of our readers may be aware, is an American authoress considerable repute; and assuredly the eight-hundred-and-odd pages of letter-press which are here presented to the reader stamp her as one of the most industrious of literary labourers. We should say this, had her whole life been consumed in the task, instead of, as she tells us, three years. In truth, we wish she had bestowed more time, and corrected many inaccuracies which have crept in. Critics are allowed to have "hearts of stone" in the matter of fault-finding; but really it is with a sort of compunction we point out flaws in the execution of this stupendous undertaking. There is something in the mere title that almost takes one's breath away-" -"all distinguished women from the beginning!" even from Eve to the notabilities of to-day! What one human mind could be comprehensive enough to grasp such a subject, even if devoting to it an entire life and undivided energies? It is obvious that such a scheme could only be carried out on the plan of a cyclopædia, and be executed by many hands. It is possible, nay, even likely, that one who should write excellent biographies of one sort, would be far from successful with others. The writer who would delight to paint the gorgeous State of Cleopatra, and, bringing classic lore to aid him, would "beggar description" in showing her forth, would perhaps give us only a cold chalk-drawing of Caroline Chisholm; and so in a thousand instances. And thus in a book not made up of selections, but professing to embrace every sort of notoriety of female character, it is not the more stirring for being professedly from one hand. But tameness or sameness of style is of less consequence than are inaccuraciesand these, we are sorry to say, abound. We do not pretend to have read this voluminous work through, but we have dipped into it, and among other mistakes we find Mrs. Opie is reported to have died in 1849; whereas this venerable and highly-esteemed lady is still alive. Lady Emmeline Stuart Wortley is called a wife, when, unhappily, she has been a widow for years. Lady Eastlake is still mentioned only as Miss Rigby; Mrs. Loudon is written of in entire ignorance of her true literary position. In fact, we have found so many blunders, which we know of our own knowledge to be such, that naturally our faith is weakened with regard to those "lives" of which we are more ignorant. Then there are many noticeable omissions; while people of such small account, that we will venture to say the world in general has never heard of them before, are here dragged forth and exhibited-like infusoria under a microscopecertain women of genius, whose writings are influencing opinion or forming a taste, are altogether ignored. For instance, there is no mention of Geraldine Jewsbury, of Miss Mulock (author of "The Head of the Family"), or the author of "Margaret Maitland,"-three novelists surely of sufficient note. Nor is Lady Duff Gordon included, or poor Louisa Sheridan, or many others we could name. Nevertheless, with all these drawbacks, the comprehensiveness of the work renders it a valuable addition to the library; and if Mrs. Hale will spend another three years in revising her pages, correcting her mis-spelling of names, erasing mistakes, and withdrawing her " microscopic objects" to make way for the really famous women whose names are omitted, she will in all probability enjoy the honour and satisfaction of finding her work accepted by the British and American public as a very precious gift, and as a new proof of the literary ability and industry of her sex. SELECT SPECIMENS OF ENGLISH PROSE. By Edward Hughes. F. R. A. S., and Head Master of the Royal Naval Lower School, Greenwich Hospital, &c. &c.-(Longman.)This work is of a very different order from the 66 elegant extracts" of former years. Instead of being a mere collection made in the "scissors and paste" fashion, it is such a compilation as could only have been produced by a scholar of refined taste and extensive reading. The book is divided into six sections-English classics of various epochs, down to our living Macaulay and Dickens, being laid under contribution. In fact, it is a delightful repertory of choice morsels in history, natural philosophy, science, adventure, and imaginative writing, and though intended for youthful readers, will be welcomed by many children of a larger growth. THE BRIDGES OF LONDON. ARE MORE BRIDGES NEEDED? ANSWERED AFFIRMA TIVELY. By Francis Bennoch. — (Effingham Wilson.)-The man who is destined to be a leader among the people, and who would rightly use the power confided to him, ought to possess qualifications of no common order. He must be endowed with a brain of untiring energy and sagacity; a heart expanded with wide sympathies; a disposition which revolts at wrong and meanness; persuasive manners; a liberal and practical knowledge of human nature; an enlightened acquaintance with the Arts and Sciences; and a powerful eloquence, which can command the attention and assistance of those whom it is necessary to make co-operators in the onward march of improvement. dull project interesting by a reference to facts. Take for instance the following extract from his speech delivered before the Court of Common Council: "Let them contrast their bridge accommodation with that of Paris. They would find that over the Seine, in a distance of four miles and a half, there were fourteen bridges, or one in 580 yards (Hear). If they added the others leading to the old city, the number would be increased to twenty-seven, all of which were free (Hear, hear); while the population was little more than one-third that of London. If distance should alone determine the number of bridges necessary, and if Paris was to be taken as the standard, instead of six bridges in London, they ought to have forty-two (Hear). And what still more aggravated the evil was, that between London and Westminster they had but one free bridge, and that was broken-backed (a laugh). If they took Lyons, another French city, as an example, they bridges over the Saône; and in three miles and a half they had seven over the Rhône-nine altogether, As there the population was only 350,000, or about one-seventh of ours, and if population were to be taken as the criterion for the number of bridges required to place London on a level with Lyons in that respect, there ought to be one hundred and thirty-two, instead of seven bridges (Hear). would find that in five miles there were twelve "One objection may be urged, which has generally made weight; but in this instance opposition would be fruitless, as he believed the building of a church where church accommodation was needed, would overcome the scruples of the Bishop of London; and permission to pull down St. Mary's, Fish Street, would easily be obtained. He (Mr. Bennoch) had caused statistics of the attendances at the services of churches in that locality to be taken, and was astonished to find, that in seven churches within 200 yards of the one proposed to be removed, only 250 persons were present. In one at the corner of Old Change and Watling Street there was a congregation of 150, leaving only 100 for the other six churches, leaving an average of not quite 17 each, so the removal of one would not greatly overcrowd the others." In the author of the small pamphlet before us we have such a man-one who, while blessed with the rare gifts of poetry and oratory, is a stedfast and successful merchant, and who takes a delight in laboriously mastering the practical details of those sagacious plans which have for their chief end the public good. Do you want a poem written on any generous and fervid subject? He will write it with the true poetic fire. Do you give a soiree? He will be the life of the party. Are more schools to be established? There he is, hard at work in their behalf. Is there any great reform needed for the physical and mental health of the people? You will find him in the front rank of its advocates. Even the convenience of the City of London, and the regulation of its traffic, are not too prosaic and Ladies ought to feel some little interest in this weighty a subject to stir his enthusiasm and discussion: how many have lost trains and apemploy his little leisure; and now he comes for-pointments by being blockaded in our present ward with a well-digested plan for building a crowded thoroughfares. The new bridge would new free bridge (larger than London Bridge) be constructed of iron, and, with its approaches, over the Thames from St. Paul's Church-yard it is calculated to cost considerably less than to the Surrey side. He manages to make this £150,000. A truly great fact! MUSIC. By the I SLEEF, BUT MY HEART WAKETH. THE GREAT NUGGET POLKA. Words by the Rev. W. H. Henslowe; the composer of "Dig! Dig!" (Jewell and Letchmusic by his Sister. (Novello.) ford, Soho Square.) This is a very charming song. The words are far above the average of modern ballads, and the melody is both striking and original. Those of our readers, however, who are acquainted with Miss Henslowe's "Prythee Sweetheart," and "There's nothing like One's own Home," will readily take our word for the merits of her new song. Indeed, she deserves to rank among the most efficient of our song writers. We had occasion lately to give deserved praise to some of Mr. Yrigoyti's songs, and now he proves himself a successful composer of dance music. "The Great Nugget Polka" is lively and effective, as a polka should be. Whether Diggings" polkas are danced at the " we really cannot say; but perhaps the title will attract purchasers, and sometimes prove a soulvenir of absent friends. or not, AMUSEMENTS OF THE MONTH. THE OPERA AND THE THEATRES. Verdi's opera of "Rigoletto" was produced at the ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA on the 14th ult., being a novelty to the London public, though a on the continent. The story is a sort of paraproduction which has gained some reputation phrase of Victor Hugo's "Le Roi qui s'amuse;" the adaptation softening down some of the immorality and repulsiveness of the original. Nevertheless, the subject is so completely melodramatic - one incident, indeed, bordering on the horrible-that it never can take rank as a grand opera, or be considered the embodiment of true tragedy. The principal characters were supported by Mario, Ronconi, Tagliafico, Mesdames Bosio, Nantier, Didiée, &c.; and such artists might well have rescued a far inferior work from failure. The decorations and scenery were also magnificent. Speaking of the opera itself, the Musical World says:"There is little offensive music in 'Rigoletto;' the ears are seldomer stunned than in most of the composer's other works; and there is, we fancy, less pretence in the writing. Nevertheless, Verdi's sins are apparent in every scene. Poverty of ideas, an eternal effort at originality never accomplished, strange and odd phrases, lack of colouring, and a perpetual swagger in the dramatic effects, are unmistakably true Verdi. Most of all, the composer is deficient in the serious parts; and poor Ronconi, with all the fire and power of his genius, could not lend interest to his music. Yet there are airsmelodies, if you will-in Rigoletto,' which are sure to find favour with the barrel-organs. First of all is the ballata in the last act, Donna e mobile,' so enchantingly sung by Mario, a very pleasing and catching tune, if not new, and worked out with effect. There is an agreeable tune, too, in the duet between Ronconi and Madame Bosio, in the second scene; aud another in the aria of Gilda, in the same scene. Mario's first song, also, we fancy, will find admirers. A quartet in the last act, skilfully managed and well-voiced, is the best piece in the opera. In the theatres of Italy it creates a furore. At the Royal Italian Opera, on Saturday night, it was encored." many At the HAYMARKET a clever three-act comedy, entitled "The Mouse Trap," has been produced. It is from the pen of the Rev. Mr. White, author of "The King of the Commons," and evinces a good deal of quaint and original humour. The plot is far too complicated to be easily described; it may be enough to say that it affords abundant scope for the acting of Mr. Buckstone, Mrs. Fitzwilliam, and other public favourites, who make up the very efficient corps of the present management. At the ADELPHI a great innovation has taken place-nothing less than the production of a Shakspere play, "The Merry Wives of Wind sor." This theatre has so long been associated with pieces, which however excellent and attractive in themselves, have still been of the melodramatic order-though more people really bills has seemed something strange. Mr. Weblike a good melodrama than confess to the taste -that the recent announcement in the Adelphi ster, however, has proved the capability of a set of actors supposed to be unused to the "legitimate" drama. Mrs. Keeley was a most excellent Mrs. Page, and Madame Celeste brought the force of her decided and original talent to the impersonation of Mrs. Ford, making the part indeed "her own." Mr. Webster was inimitable as Falstaff, showing not only that he had studied all the minute shades and consistencies of the character, but that he had the genius to embody them. Mr. Keeley and Mr. Wigan were admirable as Sir Hugh Evans and Caius. Indeed, it is many years since the play has been produced with anything approaching such a cast. At the PRINCESS's Mr. Westland Marston's beautiful play of "Anne Blake" has been repeatedly acted with some additions and alterations by the author, which certainly elucidate the plot, and make it clear to "the meanest capacity." We have already given our opinion of the noble acting of Mrs. Kean in this play. The veteran, Mr. T. P. Cooke, has also appeared as William in "Black-eyed Susan," and proved that he can touch tender hearts by his delineations of Dibdin's and Douglas Jerrold's nautical hero, as effectually as he did twenty years ago. At the ST. JAMES'S Mademoiselle Rachel is about to make her rentree, and will shortly apfamous play, which has had such a furore pear as Lady Tartuffe, in Madame Girardin's during the past season in Paris. MR. AGUILAR'S CONCERT. Mr. Aguilar is a young composer and pianist, who is rapidly, and yet steadily rising to the very highest rank in his profession. He has not been puffed into fame by a clique; nor has he won temporary applause by clap-trap manœuvres; but the praises of true critics have and the recognition of his merits by the public become each season more hearty and distinct, which took place at the Hanover-square Rooms more and more positive. His annual concert, on the evening of the 4th ultimo, afforded a great treat to the lovers of good music, and was the occasion of introducing Mr. Aguilar's new Trio for pianoforte, violin, and violoncello. It is a composition of great beauty, in G minor, and though evidencing that its composer has studied in the pure school of Beethoven and Mendelssohn, is sufficiently distinct and original to free him from all charge of being an imitator. He has, in fact, genius, and makes music the medium for its interpretation. When we men tion that this Trio was performed by Vieux-| NEW SOCIETY OF PAINTERS IN WATER-COLOURS. (SECOND NOTICE.) Chas. Davidson, and Bennett are, as usual, exRowbotham, Aaron Penly, D. H. McKewan, handling. Another great success of the evening was M. Vieuxtemps' wonderfully brilliant Fantasie on airs from "I Lombardi," in which he was ad-quisite in landscape; not only in their choice of mirably accompanied on the piano by a lady subjects, but in their free-and-easy manner of whose name did not transpire: and Herr Hausmann's Fantasia on popular Scotch airs proved the subtle power of the violoncello. Among the vocalists were Mademoiselle Anna Zerr, and Madame Doria-both of whom were in superb voice-Herr Hoelzel, the noted Lieder singer, and Herr Reichart. MRS. JOHN MACFARREN'S MATINEE MUSICALE. The first of Mrs. John Macfarren's Matinées took place on the 7th ultimo ; and despite a cold, wet day-belonging rather to February than May, cheerless enough to chill and damp the spirits of any but the very ardent-the New Beethoven Rooms were crowded with an appreciating audience. Matinées always attract more ladies than gentlemen, and the former are the quieter applauders; but the perfect attention of an audience is as true a mark of it being pleased as the clapping of hands and stamping of feet; and we are very certain that Mrs. Macfarren's exertions were duly estimated. She is herself a most charming pianist, with a light, brilliant, and most certain touch; one who executes difficulties with that apparent ease which deceives superficial judges as to their existence, while after all she makes mechanical execution not an end, but the wonderful means of expressing the very soul and poetry of music. It is impossible to listen to her playing without perceiving that she feels and understands the sentiments she is expounding. This was particularly observable in a trio of Mendelssohn's, in which she was accompanied by M. Sainton on the violin, and Signor Piatti on the violoncello. It went most delightfully. Beethoven's Sonata in G minor (No. 3 Op. 30), pianoforte and violin, executed by Mrs. Macfarren and M. Sainton, was also agreat triumph. Miss Bassanosang two or three songs, and especially the Lascia ch'io pianga" most exquisitely: and Miss Cicely Nott, with her clear, bird-like voice and true intonation, charmed the whole room. Madame Macfarren sang her husband's new song, "Mother, they talk of a soldier's grave," very ably. It is a beautiful composition, the melody of which grows upon the ear: we think, however, that the German Lied, "Das Alpenhorn," which Madame Macfarren subsequently sang, suits her voice still better. The concert con cluded with a grand duet for two pianofortes, magnificently played by Mrs. John Macfarren and M. Benedict. The second Matinée, we observe, is announced for the 4th June. No. 22. "Lake of Como," by J. L. Rowbotham, possesses the clear atmosphere and the brilliant tints of foliage which belong to the enchanted climate of Italy. No. 23. "Moonrise in Holland," is equally well treated, by the same artist. No. 45. "Haddon Hall, Derbyshire," by Wm. Bennett, possesses all the sylvan beauties of an English scene. Vacher, in his "Shrine of Santa Rosalia, Palermo," has departed from his blue lakes and purple mountains, in which he was so effective, and which we prefer to his interiors. the hand of an artist and the eye of a poet, still Chas. Davidson, ever fresh and green, with delights us with his choice bits. "On the Tees, looking towards Bernard Castle," is perfect nature. You hear the rushing water, and see the broad-leafed trees waving in the wind. Mr. and Mrs. Wina Oliver have some charming productions. F. S. Prout's "Australian Gold Diggers," must create great interest to all who have friends in that land of marvels. "The Boudoir," by Benjamin Drew, is an attractive subject well treated. J. H. Mole has given many charming pictures; and where all are so good, it is difficult to say which is the best. No. 80. "Reading the Scriptures," is one of those touching scenes in rural life which at once attract the heart of the spectator. The interior of a cottage; an old man taking his evening's recreation (a pipe) after a day of toil, whilst his little grandson reads to him out of "The Book of Life." The words have attracted the attention of the granddaughter, who, in the background, has paused in her occupation to listen. There is an error in the height of the girl; who, if near enough to hear "The Word," would be seven feet high. The proportions are right for extreme distance; but wrong if the listener is to know what is going on. With this exception, the picture is a gem. The three prominent figures are exquisite. The peaceful contentment of the old man, the earnest intensity of the boy reading, and the luxurious ease of the sleeping dog (who lies at his master's feet), are graphically sketched by the hand of the artist. No. 280. "The Singers," by E. H. Wehnert, is an extraordinary picture-more like tapestry than a painting-fit to adorn a sanctuary; but not calculated, with its mystic symbols, to please the common eye. The more it is studied the more elaborate it appears. The artist must have had high inspirations to produce such a work. 000. |