and as far as I may presume to judge, with admirable success. His version of this singularly beautiful poem has been lately given to the world in the “Revue des Deux Mondes.” I was so charmed with the work that I could not refrain from endeavouring in my turn to render M. Vitet’s delightful French version into the best English I could attain to, thus making the poem (which by rights belongs to both nations) our own as well as theirs. I have not succeeded nearly as well as I could have wished; but such as it is, I submit my attempt to the public, thinking that in an age like the present it may not be amiss to bear to English hearths this simple and touching record of the loyalty and bravery, the truth and warm affection, and the fervent though somewhat rude piety of those who became our ancestors. The poem contains about four thousand verses; but it has not been given at full length by M. Vitet who thus expresses himself upon the subject:- ‘It might have been better, perhaps, to have translated the whole, but this our limits did not permit. We have contented ourselves with a rapid exposition of what was merely secondary and accessory....but we have endeavoured to reproduce the principal part of the work – what may be called the heart of the subject – with complete integrity. These we have translated faithfully, without abbreviation or the least alteration in what may be called the most naives anachronisms, or the most credulous hyperboles.’
I have, for myself, most scrupulously adhered to the same plan as regards M. Vitet’s translation, and have not allowed myself in the slightest deviation from the most careful adherence to the simplicity of my original. I must here take the occasion to offer my sincerest thanks for the politeness and liberality with which M. Vitet has authorised me to publish my translation, and then begin, as he himself does, with the first lines of the ancient poem.”
The Last Lecture of the half session of the Institution was delivered by the Rev. J. H. Blake, of Sandhurst, the date being Dec. 17th, and the subject being “Great Men and Little Men.” J. C. Savery, Esq. occupied the chair on that occasion; and the lecture, though not uninteresting, was not so attractive as most of Mr. Blake’s previous efforts.
Philosophical Society.
The first assembly of this society for 1860 was held in the Castle-hotel the chief business of the evening being to read a paper by J. Penhall, Esq., that had been written by Dr. Knox, author of “The Races of Man”. The object of the writer appeared to be to further make known the views which he had already set forth in his book – a volume that was written -
