—Numantia : a Tragedy. By Miguel de Cervantes. Translated by
James Y. Gibson. (Kegan Paul and Co.)—To the ordinary English reader, the name of Cervantes is known only as the author of the inimitable "Don Qaixote." He was, however, a prolific writer, who produced sonnets, dramas, and romances which were and are deservedly popular in Spain, and some of whicb have a European reputation. The tragedy now presented to English readers by Mr. Gibson marks an epoch in the history of the Spanish drama, and
has thus an intereet even apart from its intrinsic merits. Modern Europe had prodnced no tragedies to speak of at the time when it VMS written, and necessity as much as inclination compelled Cervantes to take the old Attic dramatists as his models. The play to which the Numantia is most nearly related is the Perste, and the comparison is not altogether to the discredit of the former. Mr. Gibson's version is, on the whole, very creditable. He is almost always spirited, and it is very seldom that his verse has that forced sound which at once betrays the translation. His notes are short and to the point, and seem to explain all the allusions which could cause any difficulty. Readers of this book will not find a modern drama, with complicated plot and regular development ; but to those who take pleasure in genuine poetry, instinct with patriotic pride and full of fire, it should be welcome.
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