Translations of English Poetry into Latin Verse. By Francis W.
Newman. (Trubner.)—The most curious feature in these translations is that they "were not made for exercise or amusement, but as part of a practical scheme for instruction in Latin." The theory which they are intended to support is stated summarily in Mr. Newman's preface, and may well call for discussion. The translations themselves cover a wide range of English poetry, and are rich in varieties of Latin metre. Some of the metres are now to us, as, for instance, the one chosen for Longfellow's "Rainy Day," where the established sequence of hexameter and pentameter is pleasingly interrupted. At times, too, Mr. Newman is forcible enough in his reproduction of spirited English pieces, and there is much originality about him. We cannot analyze his volume at any length, but we think some of his verses deserve praise and the whole book attention. Perhaps if we had to apportion our praise we should pick out the translation of the "Pilgrim Fathers " for most favourable notice. We should also pick out the first line of " Sunset on
the Sea," "0 quam ears mihi hora revertit, qua monitor lux !"
for blame.
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