27 FEBRUARY 1897, Page 23

Basile the Jester. By J. E. Muddock. (Chatto and Windus.)—The

fortunes of the hero are woven with those of Mary Queen of Scots, and no more interesting subject could be chosen for a historical romance. We are compelled, however, to say that the author has wasted the opportunity. He has some good scenes—notably, the murder of Rizzi° and that of Darnley—but the dialogues and many of the scenes are so spun out that interest evaporates from them before the critical moment comes. This is a pity, for the characters move naturally enough, though their talk wants life; and the life of the period is well described, the author having spared no pains to make himself acquainted with it. Renaud is en impossible character, but Basile interests us, and will interest those who read Basile the Jester_