1822.] REVIEW. Britton's History of Lichfield Cathedral. ter-pieces of art are before us. Of this the account of York affords a striking instance, where we search in vain not only for the defects, but even for description of the beauties apparent in its structure, both being alike forgotten in indiscriminate panegyrick. These faults are the natural consequences of that zeal and enthusiastic ardour in the cause of Ecclesiastical Antiquity which characterize the work throughout; still they are faults, and we trust, that should Mr. Buckler again come before the public, they will be diminished, without any diminution of the invaluable quality to which they owe their origin. 2. The History and Antiquities of the See and Cathedral Church of Lichfield; illustrated by a series of engravings of views, elevations, plans, and details of the Architecture of the Church; with biographical Anecdotes of the Bishops of Lichfield and Coventry. By John Britton, F. S. A. 4to. pp. 50. [16 engravings.] Longman and Co. WE have already noticed the preceding portions of "The Cathedral Antiquities of England;" and are pleased to see the Author persevere in this va luable and interesting work. Since the completion of Lichfield Cathedral, we learn that Oxford has been finished, that Canterbury is far advanced, and that Wells is preparing. Let us hope that the Prelates, and numerous Clergy, attached to these national establish ments are liberal patrons of such a work for it cannot fail of being peculiarly interesting to all those persons who derive their honours and fortunes from these foundations. Lichfield is truly classic ground. Its name is interwoven with some of our finest literary associations. We love to let our fancy dwell among the scenes where Johnson, and Garrick, and Darwin, passed the days of their boyhood: we love to trace, in the aspect of the landscape, the embryos of the imagery which embellishes their classic pages: we love to breathe the same air, and to view the same objects, which imparted to them their first ideas when life was young." At the name of Lichfield, we think of Anna Seward and her literary friendships; of the eccentric Mr. Day and his pretty tale; and of Miss Edgeworth and her tell-tale morality: we think of Lady Mary Wortley Montague and her clever letters; and of the venerable Bishop Newton and his learned investigations. 48 All these are parts of our associations, and they are indelibly linked together in the remembrance of the whole reading population of England. or We have to thank Mr. Britton for adding another splendid link to the chain. Many there are who esteem the spot as classic ground, yet cannot personally inspect its beauties;—and we all know, that verbal descriptions, however accurately glowingly penned, can impart nothing but vague and unformed images. But in th's beautiful volume, the picturesque Cathedral of Lichfield, its three pyramidal towers, the neat and elegant cheerfulness of its interior, and the rich tracery of its windows and its doorways, are so graphically delineated, that after inspecting them, they must ever live in our recollection. The execution of the engravings is in the same superior style of art which the public are already acquainted with Antiquities, and the other works of the in the preceding parts of the Cathedral author. Their beauty also is equalled by their accuracy,—all the plans, elevations, and ornaments, being laid down from actual measurement, so as to afford an excellent study for the professional architect, as well as for the amateur of the fine arts. The historical part is characterized by taste, judgment, and critical acumen; and much curious information and amusing anecdote is introduced to embellish the narrative and enliven the drier details. Regretting that we cannot spare room for extracts, we refer our readers to the work itself, with which, we are sure, every admirer of British antiquities and British arts must be much delighted. 3. Ariconensia or, Archæological Sketches of Ross and Archenfield, illustrative of the Campaigns of Caractacus, the Station Ariconium, &c. with other matters never before published. By Thomas Dudley Fosbroke, M. A. F. A.S. Author of "British Monachism," &c. 12mo. pp. 195. Nichols and Son. THIS little but elaborate work, which has been printed at Ross as a companion to the " Wye Tour," is singularly interesting. It commences with an illustration of the campaigns of Caractacus (a subject lately discussed by two valuable correspondents, see our last volume, pp. 421, 512.) and Ostorius, learnedly supported, and as satis factory as under the circumstances san 44 REVIEW.-Fosbroke's Sketches of Ross and Archenfield. can be reasonably expected. The station Ariconium is fixed at the Bollatree, beyond exception; and the Roman roads in the vicinity are carefully investigated by the maps, but the subject would take an antiquary three months to explore. Mr. Fosbroke then gives us some very curious archaisms, local customs, and superstitions, some not to be found in the Popular Antiquities. The Biography of the "Man of Ross," accompanied by a good portrait, is not less valuable. The general character of the scenery round Ross is thus briefly described: "Town, site of. A ridge ascending from the East, overhanging the Wye, which serpentines below, in strong curves. "North East. A fine and down country, mounting into a ridge above Crow Hill; beyond which is an exquisite view of the Town, with the rich back-ground of Penyard, and the Chace. North. A tamer country, but irregular, rich and cultivated; with breaks of wood, &c. in ridges: in the distance, picturesque Hills-The whole surface sprinkled with spires, good houses, cultivated lands, and rich meadows. "West. Cultivated ground gently ascending. Acornbury and the Welsh Hills in the distance. "South. A gentle undulating descent to the river, flanked on the left by the Chace and Howl Hill, and closed in by the ridges and hills forming the exquisite Banks of the Wye, in semi-circle from the West to the South. "East. Flat rich country, skirted by the Chace and Penyard, and lofty edge of the Forest of Dean.' In the course of the work, Mr. Fosbroke has given an account and pedigree of his family, with a sketch of his own Life, which we shall extract, as a mark of the respect we entertain for his talents and well-earned reputation: "The incidents in the life of a reading Man are few. I was educated under the the Rev. Mr. Milward, of Billericay in Essex, and at Petersfield in Hampshire, until I was nine years old. I was then transferred to St. Paul's School, London, from whence I removed to Pembroke College, Oxford: the High master of St Paul's (Dr. Roberts) having offered me a Teasdale Scholarship in that amiable and friendly Society. It had been suggested, and in some degree acted upon, that I should become a special Pleader, but it was my father's dying wish, that I should be placed in the Church, because it was a family custom; although a profession, which extinguishes all power of rising in the world by personal means. I took the degrees of B. and M. A. and Holy orders, in [Jan. the course usual; and, in 1796, published the " Economy of Monastic Life," a poem in Spenserean measure and style, written upon Darwin's doctrine, of using only precise ideas of picturesque effect chiefly founded upon the sense of Vision. The reviews were faI then devoted myself to Archæology, (including the Saxon language) and studied eight or more hours every day. According to a rule, which I have uniformly observed, of following only the best patterns of every science, I determined to publish only records, manuscripts, or other matters, new to the public. Upon this plan, I compiled my "British Monachism" from the rich stores of the BritishMuseum and the Bodleian Library. Messrs. Nichols purchased the copy-right, and the work appeared in 1802, in two volumes octavo. All the Reviews were flattering, without a single exception. I was at the same time warmly solicited to undertake "an OriThe first thing known of the kind was a ginal History of the County of Gloucester." Mortem, complete, down to the reign of Manuscript Copy of the Inquisitions post Richard III. copied for the use of Henry Lord Stafford; and the providential coincidence of thus being indebted for the main support of my book to that family, was an exquisite gratification. My labour being then importantly eased, I was enabled sooner to perfect my collections from the public offices and libraries; the subscription was warmly encouraged by the Nobility and Gentry, and an opposition was vainly attempted. The publication of this work introduced me to a young man of good family and considerable estate, who offered me a vourable; and, in 1799, I was elected F.A.S. living in his gift, worth 500l. a year. Through heedlessness of expence, he became involved, and I voluntarily permitted him to dispose of the living, that he might not curtail his estates. He proposed to present me with a 1000l. instead; but bad company and misfortunes both prevented that, and the continuance of the connexion. About the same time, I declined an annuity of 2001. a year from a female friend of fashion, because I was fearful that it might involve me, as an author, in publications not compatible with my clerical profession. Of both these acts of self-denial, the relinquishment of the living and annuity, which I might have honourably secured by management, to the eventual service of the parties, as well as myself, I have had ample time to repent. Upon the conclusion of the County History, I was engaged by an eminent Bookseller upon terms of six guineas per sheet, and an Encyclopædia of Antiquities at two hundred and fifty pounds, with promises of other profitable engagements. In 1810 he failed; and I determined to relinquish my situation in a very refined and opulent neighbourhood, for the execution, in rural retirement, of humble plans, rendered necessary for the interests of an increas 1822.] REVIEW.-Fosbroke's Sketches of Ross and Archenfield. ing family; and I accordingly removed to Walford in Herefordshire. Soon afterwards I had the honour of illustrating the unpublished Statues in Mr. Hope's Collection; and was offered a Chaplaincy in the Forces, but was obliged to decline it, because I must have gone abroad, and left my children uneducated. In 1814 I published and stereotyped an "Abridgment of Whitby's Commentary on the New Testament," for which I received the unsolicited praise of Dr. Napleton, Chancellor of Hereford, and other dignitaries. In 1815 the "British Monachism having risen to double the sale price, a splendid edition was published in quarto, and the work was respectfully quoted by Sir Walter Scott, in his novel of the Monastery, and favourably noticed in the Quarterly Review. In 1819 I finished the "History of the City of Gloucester," another handsome quarto, and have now in the press, "Extracts of Smyth's Lives of the Berkeleys," which will complete my fifth quarto, and attest my obligations to a kind public, and some excellent friends of distinction." At the end of the General History Mr. F. has given a facetious parody, by himself, of Collins's Ode to the Passions, and has entitled the parody, "The Last Thirty Years." It is a mere jeu d'esprit. We shall give two stanzas for the amusement of our readers. "But oh! how alter'd was its marching tone, rung, The soldier's call, to tippling idlers known; Pipe-clay'd Militia-men* rejoic'd to hear, spear. "Last came FINANCE'S dubious trial, They saw in Lombard street the Bankers [bound. As if he would one time or other pay, pp. 112, 113. Alluding to the old Trained Bands of the London Citizens. 45 We should think, that we neglected our duty to the publick, if we omitted to give Mr. F.'s judicious remarks concerning Pedigrees, Preface, iii. iv. "The author wished to add Genealogical Notices of respectable families, but notwithstanding the obvious truth of Sir Joseph Ayloffe'sRemark concerning pedigrees, (Pref. to Edmondson's Heraldry, i. 88.) and the daily loss of estates, and the deterioration of titles to them, because parties do not know where ancestors were baptized, married, and dination of thinking to foolish old saws, buried; yet Echoism, or a slavish suborprevents the mind keeping pace with the improvement of the age. Echoism has perpetuated the prejudice, that pedigrees are claims to honour, which ought to be modestly declined, not necessary adjuncts, as they really are, to Title-Deeds and Family Bibles. Strength of Character consists in an undeviating devotion to good sense; and if pedigrees in many rich families cannot be carried far back, it proves the facility of rising by poor relative may also possess; and as it is commerce and prudence. This facility a sometimes impossible to interest the feelings of the wealthy, unless a private advantage be connected with the propositions made to them, it is proper to state, that the real rich heirs of such a fortunate person, may lose their just claims for want of knowing his consanguinity. At present concealment is obobserved, as a method of Vaccination against the Small Pox of poor relations, whereas, were the Heraldic Visitations revived, (and they might well be so, under proper respect to the liberty of the subject,) the pedigree might be preserved, and privacy also secured." We have made this extract, under the hopes that it may suggest a useful hint to the Gentlemen of the Heralds' College. We think that the College might be made a most useful Court of Record, and be very serviceable to the publick, and the other Courts, in regard to Genealogy. Though a matter of considerable delicacy and difficulty, we think, that the College, with the aid of some good legal advisers, might present a judicious proposition, with which Parliament would close. 4. Malay Annals, translated from the Malay Language, by the late Dr. John Leyden, with an Introduction by Sir Stamford Raffles, F. R. S. pp. 361. THIS volume is more curious than interesting. It consists of translations traditions of the Malays. These wild of several of the most popular tales and and unpolished legends, of comparatively insignificant value of themselves, become important, inasmuch as they 46 REVIEW.-Malay Annals. serve to illustrate the character and customs of a people of whom but little information has been recorded. In these islands, as well as on the continent of India, the commencement of authentic history can only be dated from the introduction of Mahommedanism; but the elements of an earlier record are unquestionably to be traced in those rude narratives founded in a great measure on, and consequently explanatory of, the peculiar institutions and habits of the nation with whom they originated. Such glimmerings (as Dr. Leyden was accustomed to observe) are very faint, but, in the absence of all other lights, they are worth pursuing. The amiable and learned translator of these singular Tales was a man who, to an extensive acquaintance with the Eastern languages, superadded a refined taste and a vivid perception of the sublime and beautiful, however rough the garb in which it might be enveloped. The death of Dr. Leyden, just at the period when the world was most likely to reap the fruits of his various and indefatigable researches amongst Asiatic literature, can never sufficiently be deplored. The Author of the "Scenes of Infancy," died at Java on the 28th August 1811, after three days illness, in the thirty-sixth year of his age. Of the heavy and pompous Preface attached to this volume by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles we have only to remark, that like the too cumbersome tail of a kite, it impedes the flight it was intended to assist. Instead of his tedious notice of Java, Sir Stamford Raffles would have done well to have illustrated by notes and references the present work, many parts of which, unaccompanied as they are by either note or comment, are utterly and hopelessly inexplicable. The principal person in the following curious legend bears no slight resemblance to Strongback, in the Fairy Tale. "The Adventures of the Champion Badang. "There was a man at Salwang who cultivated the ground, and who had a slave named Badang. He was a native of the [Jan. country of Sayang, and his master was in the constant habit of sending him to clear the jungle. It happened on a time that Badang had set in the river a snare for fish; and on going next morning to examine it, he found no fish; but he found the scales and bones of them. These he cleared out into the river, and again prepared the snare; and from the scales that were thrown into the river on this occasion, it has acquired the The same circumstance occurred for several name of the Scaly River, or Sungey Basisi. days successively, when the curiosity of Badang was excited; and come,' says he, let us try to see what it is that constantly eats our fish. Badang accordingly concealed himself one night among the reeds to watch the snare, when he saw a hautu, or spectre, who came to eat the fish that were caught. His eyes were red as fire, his hair hanging down to his middle, and in his hand coarse and matted as a basket, his beard you seeing this he made his heart strong, and pray don't kill me, and I will give you any gift you please.' Badang listened to this proposal: And if I should desire riches,' thought he, they would all belong to my master; or, if I should ask the gift of invisibility, I might nevertheless die; but if, in like manner, I were to ask for strength to perform my master's business,-yes trulythat would be of some advantage to me. Give me strength then,' said he, so that I may be able to rend up by one hand by the roots, trees of one or two fathoms girt." 6 Very well,' said the hautu, if you wish for strength, I will give it to you, provided you can agree to lick up my vomit. Very and I will eat it up; then the spectre vowell,' said Badang to the hautu. Vomit, mited an immense vomit, and Badang swallowed it up, holding, however, the spectre by the beard. When he had eat it up, he tried his hand on the largest trees, and shivered them to pieces with the greatest facility. On this he released the spectre's beard, and returned to his master's dwelling, shivering all the trees before him, and clearing away the brushwood with the waving of his hand, till he had cleared away the deep forest almost like a plain. When his mascleared the forest. Badang replied, I have ter saw this scene, he enquired who had done it.' How could such a person as you have you for the purpose? Then Badang do it,' said his master, and what faculty related the whole affair to his master, who thereupon gave him his freedom. Immediately the news reached Singhapu ra, skall The ne e ci u be e c wala Serang, anda tametha Bai. the spuit sume and the sad pro heart of the Lich fame of Budung, he pre the trick se de vuci le wet for an setzet Linsef before the Raik, and requested oar, are sti. to be seen a Cowan Sevane- IIS DETILISIOL vs SugaRUL IN NE However batang market a Snctate the isso pay voi hum The Rain of the next day after be set in him a carro of sarade, mi sic-cas for his food. Aber is next be again set out for Jones ÚL & CENE DOCHEN, the Ram of Station constructed a row, of the sind names Ping, fees fictioms in length, at the Raja's rendence. Wim it was fristed he triest fly men to launch it, but they were unatue. It was then essayed by two or three hundred and afterwards by two or three thousand, al of whom were unable to succeed. Then the Raja ordered Batang to attempt it alone, and be launched it with such force that in few directly to the opposite sture. After this exploit the king appointed him a champion,, or huiu-talang, and his fame extended even to the land of King "There was in the land of Kline, at this time a champion of such amazing force that nobody could venture to contend with him, who was named Nadi Vara Vierama. This personage the Raja of King, on hearing of the prowess of Badang, sent to Singhapura to contend with him in wrestling, desiring him to stake seven ships, with their loading, on the contest. The champion arrived at Singhapura with his seven vessels, and paid his respects to Sri Rama Vicrama, inform ing him that he was a champion who had come to enter the lists of wrestling, and the stake that he was ready to lay on the issue of the contest. The Raja ordered Badang to contend with him, and they began the contest, and continued to play for some time, during which Badang always appeared to have the advantage in a small degree. There was a huge stone lying before the Raja's hail, and the king's champion said to Badang, 'Let us now come to a serious exertion of strength, and lift up this stone, and let him be reckoned worsted who shall be unable to lift it. Very well,' said Badang, do me however the favour to lift it up first.' The Kling champion began, and proved unable to lift it up; at last, exerting all his strength, he lifted it up to his knee, and then let it fall. Now take your turn,' said he, to Badang: very well,' said Badang, and Ferme prosected, and sent a mangrubuni named Im Fuyash Tenaek, to contact him 2: Singhapura, and sent a letter wong with him. When they arrived at Singhpa they were contacted into the presence of St. Rama Vierama, surrounded with al is minie najus, paranaztries, mir-sidas, banderas, and champions, by Mala Indra Bequia, mounted on an elephant of state, and presented the letter of the Raja of Perlac, where it was read by the Rhateb, and appeared to be couched in the finest terms. Then the Raja, after Ten Parpatch Pendek had paid his respects to him, ordered him to be seated beside Tun Janhaga Dinding, while Bandrang seated himself with Badang. Then the Raja enquired of the ambassador on what business his brother Raja had sent him. He replied, he has sent me to conduct this champion Bandrang to essay his strength with badang. If Bandrang is conquered, my master is content to quit one storehouse full of commodities, and if Badang is worsted do you the same. Sri Rama Vierama assented, and appointed them to play next morning. Then the Raja retired, and the assembly retired to their place. Then Sri Rama Vicrama summoned Badang, and told him, he was to play with Bandrang tomorrow. Badang represented that Bandrang was the most powerful champion of the time, and that no one was reckoned equal to him? "If therefore I should be conquered do not be disconcerted: perhaps, therefore, it may be best to invite him this evening to an entertainment, when I shall endeavour to discover if I can contend with him.' The Raja assented, and immediately invited Tun Parpatih Pendek and Bandrang, with their followers, to an entertainment. They came accordingly, and Bandrang and Badang were seated together. Then Badang approached Bandrang, who immediately pressed his knee down upon that of Badang, but Badang quickly extricated himself, and having raised his own knee, pressed down that of Bandrang, who could not, with all his efforts, raise his knee: this was done so secretly, that none observed it but themselves. After |