The Scarlet Judges. By Eliza F. Pollard. (S. W. Partridge
and Co. 6s.)—This is "A Tale of the Inquisition in the Nether- lands." We have more than once expressed a doubt whether such subjects are well suited to books of this kind. We have no wish to seal any pages of history, certainly not those which con- tain the terrible story of religious persecution. The lesson they teach is as much needed now as ever. But when we think of the probable readers we hesitate. Apart from this, the story is effectively written. The figures of the. Countess Tessa, the much-suffering Mopsa, wild Dirke Brederode, in particular, are vigorously sketched. Nor can we complain of want of vigour in portraits which are not meant to attract. Here is a specimen :- " Six men sat round the table in the chief council chamber. Monks of the Dominican Order in white serge gowns and ropes round their bodies, tonsured heads and shaven faces, they were for the most part much alike,—sleek and fat, thick-lipped with small eyes, animal faces devoid of intellect, but with every evil passion written thereon with the indelible hand of Nature." The one exception to this unpleasant uniformity was scarcely an im- provement : " His countenance was not devoid of intelligence, nor was it so entirely animal as his companions, but for that very reason it was fearful, verily satanic." Is not this a little hard, even on Inquisitors ?
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