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    LITERATURE.

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    afresh in the present -dearth of news . Some , howuver , are inclined to think ... that , the princes are taking up the dispute to create a diversion and stifle the cry for reform of the Diet * In the address presented to the Duke of Saxe Coburg it will be seen that the framiers have dragged in the Duchies- ^ - strikins resolutely to the plural number , as if it were an undisputed fact that both Holstein and Schleswig formed part of Germany . It cannot be too often shouted into English ears that Schleswig is , and always was , a Danish dukedom , and can be no the in

    more considered German because some of - habitants speak a dialect of the German , than the kingdom of Belgium can be regarded as a part of France because many of the people , and all the educated , speak French . This question is destined to be the origin of a sanguinary war of races , iu which other nations will most probably be invited to take a part . England will be appealed to , and very likely we shall see a Teutonic and a Scandinavian party arise in consequence . It is a very menacing piece of nonsense indeed , and ought to be looked to in time .

    Since writing the foregoing , I have come into possession of an authentic copy of another declaration issued by the united association of democrats and constitutionalists . This declaration runs as follows :- — The present dangerous state of Europe and of Germany , and of the necessity of sacrificing party objects to the great aim of all patriots , viz ., the unity of the whole of Germany , have brought tor gether men from all quarters and of different parties ^ to come to an understanding with regard to the means to be adopted to obtain this result . These men proclaiming their adhesion to the declaration of Eisenach , issued on the 17 th of July , have united upon the following points : — .

    1 . We see in the present state of politics dangers most menacing to the independence of . our country , and which have been rather increased than diminished by the peace concluded between Austria and France . . . 2 . These dangers take their rise from the faulty Constitution of the Germanic Confederation , and can only be averted by an immediate alteration in this Constitution-3 . For this purpose it is absolutely necessary that the German Diet be dissolved by a strong and lasting Central Government of Germany , take its place , and that a German national Parliament be instantly summoned . 4 . Under present circumstances the most , effective steps to the attainment of this goal can be taken by Prussia alone , therefore it ought to be our endeavour to induce Prussia to take the initiative .

    5 . Should Germany be again directly threatened from abroad , the command of the military forces , and the diplomatic representation abroad , of Germany , should be confided to Prussia till the definitive institution of the Central Government of Germany be adopted . 6 . It is the duty of every German to support the Prussian Government by all means , that is to say , so far as the aims and views of that Government are based upon the principle that the mission of the Prussian State coincides in general with the wants and wishes of the German people , and so far as the efforts of that Government are directed to the attainment of a strong and free national constitution of Germany .

    7 . We expect of all Germans , whether they belong to the democratic or the constitutional party , that they will make the claims of party subservient to national independence , and that they will strive unanimously and perseveringly to attain a powerful Gorman Constitution . , Tins declaration is considered by liberals to be of great importance ; the names of the subscribers are not yet made public . They will prove to be , with- ' > out doubt , the lenders of the 'liberals , or . rather , I should say , the mouth-pieces of the liberal and constitutional idea in all quarters of Germany . The Pruesinn Government is engaging persons connected with the mercantile profession for the expedition now fitting out for China , Japan , and

    the eastern sens generally . For this purpose onvoys arc now on their way to the sea-ports . Cap * tain Jaokinann , commander of one of the Prussian corvettes , is mentioned as being appointed tpitlie command of the expedition . Prince William of Hesaia , son-in-law of the Elector , will go out with the expedition as a captain of one of the vessels . The pest under which Mecklenburg is now suffering threatens to extend to other quarters , as no precautions seem to bo taken to prevent communication with the infected districts . Wo hear of the cholera in Hamburg , in some parts of Hanover , and In some of the manufacturing districts . A very auadon change has taken place in the weather , which le npw very cool i this may have the otfbct of chocking its further progress .

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    rpHE principal occurrence which we have to notice JL this week is the lamented death of the poet Leigh Hunt , which took place on the morning of Sunday last . To use the words of a contemporary , Leigh Hunt may be said to be the last of a group of poets and essayists who achieved fame almost contemporaneously in the earlier years of this century . His name and writings have been associated with those of Byron , Shelley , Coleridge , Hazlitt , Lamb , Wordsworth , Southey , Scott , Moore , Jeffery , and many more ^ -all of whom have now passed away . The five first named were his personal friends and associates . The character of Leigh Hunt ' writings is very varied . As an essayist lie had occasionally flashes Of that odd humour which in Charles Lamb ' s

    writings is so irresistible and unique , but their prevailing , characteristic was a delicate sensitiveness of thought which seemed sometimes carried to excess . To readers who love bold positive dogmas Leigh Hunt seemed always too considerate , too capaple of seeing many sides of a question ; but the peculiarity was evidently the result of very widespread sympathies , and a thorough conscientiousness in literary expression . Those who knew him personally also recognised in his writings the natural gentleness and " charity that thinketh no evil" which marked him as a man . There probably were few men more ready to admit the possible and probable possession of virtues and redeeming qualities in others ( even in those most clearly convicted of offences ) than was Leigh Hunt , and this tendency , weakens the force of expression in many of his written opinions . It gave to hasty observers an impression prejudicial to his

    manliness ; but Leigh Hunt proved bis moral courage more decisively than by denunciation of opinions adverse to his own . In days when Liberal opinions wfcre dangerous he expressed them firmly and fearlessly , and he suffered with calm constancy an imprisonment which a slight submission could have easily evaded . His rank as a poet is a matter more for literary disquisition than for any biographical sketch : few will deny the happiness and beauty of many of the passages in the " Story of Rimini , " his longest and probably his best known poem . Of late years his writings have not been many . Leigh Hunt was born on the 19 th October , 1784 ; at the time of his death he had nearly attained , therefore , his seventy-fifth year . His father was an American refugee , who , taking part with the British in the great He volution , came to England to find a home there more suited to his , views

    than the colony he was forced to quit . He shortly afterwards entered the church , and obtained a living at Southgate , in Middlesex , where the subject of the present notice first saw the day . Leigh Hunt was educated at Christ ' s Hospital , where Coleridge and Lamb also received their education . Early in life he obtained an appointment in the War Office ; but this he gave up in 1808 , in order to take part in the editorial management of the Exam iner , which He assisted his brother John in establishing . Some few years before , when he was about one-and-twenty , he had contributed various papers to ., > another weekly journal—the . JYews- ^ stavted by the same relative £ amongst them a number of dramatic

    criticisms werp distinguished by much fearless talent and impartiality . It was in the Examiner , however , that he first put forth all his powers as a journalist , and wrote upon political subjects in a tone tht \ t subjected him to the persecutions of those against whom his attacks were principally directed . Op more than one occasion was the new Liberal journal brought before the law courts , at the instigation of the Tories . Twice the accusations against it broke down , but at last Leigh Hunt , having ventured to cast a slur upon the personal attractions of the Prince Regent , a conviction was assured . Some courtly scribe had described the first gentle- ? man in Europe as an "Adonis ; "' tile merciless editor of the Examiner improved the expression by tfcan

    changing it to Adonis of fifty , " This was not to be borne . The Princo Rogont , in rage . nnd indignation , instituted a prosecution against the proprietors of the out-spoken journal , based upon charges behind which the real offence was conveniently screened ; a verdict of guilty was pronounced ; and tho brothers Hunt wore each sentenced to a fine of £ 500 and two years ' imprisonment . Evon after this they might have escaped from tho penalties imposed upon them had thoy but consoled to modify thoir political views j but this , of coursq , they refuser ] , and upon leaving their confinement returned to tho Examiner with renewed energy . Tho paper continued tp take rank ns tho first of its class , under the able direction of Loigh Hunt , and maintained this position for many

    years . Ultimately it passed from his . hands , and suffered a diminution of the popularity by -which it had lot \ Q been , sustained . During nearly four years Leigh Hunt resided in Italy , to which country he had repaired at the invitation of Shelley and Byron and iii order to establish a new weekly newspaper under the title of the Liberal . With the latter poet he resided for some time , though the best understanding did not prevail between them . Leigh Hunt laboured with great industry , both in journalism and in literature , upon his return to England . During many years his pen scarcely * stopped or paused . * In poetry , in drama , and in fiction , he achieved almost equal success . His " Story of Rimini , " his " Captain Sword and Captain Pen , "

    and his " Legend of Florence , " are all works of a high class , instinct with true poetic feeling , and marked by great delicacy of expression . The lastnamed work was frequently played at . CoVent Garden , Miss Ellen Tree sustaining the part of the heroine , and it has been revived in more recent years at Sadler ' s Wells Theatre , and at Windsor Castle . Among his novels , " Sir Ralph Esher" occupies a high rank . His principal works would fill a long list , if their mere titles alone were given : " The Indicator , " " The Companion , " " The Seer , '' " Men , Women , and Books , " " Table Talk , " " Stories from the Italian Poets , " "A Jar of Honey from Mount Hybla , " " The Town , " " The Old Court Suburb , " and an autobiography , represents some of the

    principal results of his literary labours . But to these must be added . many very fine translations from the Italian , including Tasso ' s " Aminta , " and Redi ' s "Bacco in Toscana , " besides a translation of the " Lutrin " Boileau . His essays and critical compositions are remarkable for much grace and elegance . Leigh Hunt was intimately familiar with the comedies of the' Restoration arid with the drama of the Elizabethan era . He edited the works of Congreve , Wycherly , and Farquhar , accompanying the text with critical comments , showing a true appreciation of those witty and brilliant writers . Altpgether , Leigh Hunt ' s productions show much power of

    style , blended with great poetic feeling and cultivated taste . He was essentially a genial ami graceful writer , with something of the quaint pleasantry of Charles Lamb and the delicate sensitiveness of ^ Ihomas Hood . He has written many works which will not soon be forgotten ; and more than one that will take , perhaps , a-permanent place in our literature . Leigh Hunt had been in weak health for some time past : but he continued liis literary labours almost to the last . Lately he ' contributed to , the Spcotator newspaper a series of papers under the title of the " Occasional , " graced by much of his old charming manner and pJayful expression .

    Leigh Hunt had enjoyed , since 1847 , a pension of 2001 . a year , granted to him by the Government at the instance of Lord John Russell . With reference to the rumoured engagement with Mr , Dickens to lecture in America , we find it stated , on the authority of the New York Evening Post , that he is under engagement to give sixty readings at sundry places in the United States , i" tho course of the autumn ; and that the honorarium is to be 25 , 000 dollars , paid at starting , besides one fourth of the net profits of the entertainments . We incline to the opinion that the projected engagement will not be carried out .

    We hear of an Electro Printing Block Company , formed to bring into practical operation certain patents known as Collins ' Patents , "for the cheap reproduction , on an enlarged or reduced scale , of original drawings and existing engravings , mans , and prints , and for making therefrom electro-blocks for surface printing , either at the hand or steam press . " It is stated that by these pate nt processes illustrated works can be executed at un immenso saving , in cost , and that the processes must be largely employed in all branches of trade " whore tho first cost pf expensive engraving Has , under the present system , to bo renewed with every variation in size or form . " Amongst the names

    attached to tho prospectus wo notico Messrs . Wm . Bradbury , F . M . Evans , A , J . CapGlund . M . 1 ., Herbert Ingram , M . P ., Charles Knight , Mark Lomon , and S . L . Sothehy . , Tho town council of Berlin has just subscribed 1 . 000 Z . to a foundation in honour of liumbolilt , doatined to afford aid to learned mon and travellers in tho prosecution of tho studies to which ho devotea his long life . The annual meeting of tho Acadomio i ' rnnfaiso , for the distribution of prizes for litomry poriurmanoos and meritorious conduct , took phioo a di » y or two ago at tho Institute . It was presided over by w-Gulzot , who dolivorod an address suited to tho occasion . Not a political allusion was to b ^ hoard , oui some eloauont noriods woro introduced upon tno tno

    march of humanity and civilisation , and upon oxerolso by tho humbler classes of virtues tnat proved that good examples of dlslntorostodnoBs ana of courage wore to bo found in tho smallest vlllagosi instancing tho prissos having boon gained by two

    Literature.

    LITERATURE .

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    LITERARY NOTES OF THE WEEK .

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    1012 THE LEA DE B ,. [ No * 493 . Sept . 3 , 1859 .

• Citation
  • Leader (1850-1860), Sept. 3, 1859, page 1012, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2310/page/16/