The Legendary Ballads of England and Scotlard. Compiled and edited
by John S. Roberts. (Warne and Co.)—There are about two hundred ballads in this collection, and it comprises, all or nearly all, that arc most popular and deserve to be so. The Scotch ballads are as well represented here as in Dr. Mackay's or Mr. Robert Chambers's collection, and the range is considerably wider, since this volume contains our best English ballads also. Each ballad is preceded by a brief introduction, and has been carefully collated by the editor, who states that, to the best of his judgment, he has "expunged all modern interpolations." We think that Mr. Roberts has performed his task wisely and reverently, and that this book, although it will not
satisfy the passionate students of our ballad literature, is well adapted for general service. The old balladmongers, as all readers know, wrote in honest, homely language for homely people. They are fine moralists, but their words, like those of the Old Testament, are sometimes more remarkable for force than refinement. There is little, however, in this compilation to offend the sensitiveness of an age which shrinks from plain speaking, but likes to break the commandments delicately, and to have its pictures of vice well draped and gorgeously coloured. We may add that the book belongs to the series of " Chandos Poets," and is a well printed and handsome volume.
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