Queen Elizabeth and the Levant Company. By the Rev. H.
G. Rosedale, D.D. (H. Frowde. 10s. 6d. net.)—That this is a sumptuous volume, with its facsimiles, portraits, Ise., is plain enough ; we do not feel so certain about the intrinsic importance of its contents. It is a curious little bit of by-play in the diplomacy of the sixteenth century ; at least it seems little to nap but then the "Grand Signior" at Constantinople was a much greater person in those days than he is in these. It appears that the English Ambassador makes a successful venture for the Sultan's favour, and then, by bad luck, the Sultan (Muted II.) dies. His son, Mahomet III., succeeds, and another present is wanted. How are the h )me authorities to be persuaded to furnish it? Will the Queen come forward and do it in the Company's stead? A favourable account of the new Sultan is arranged for and sent home. This is the document which Dr. Rosedale has discovered, and gives at length. Comparing it with contemporary despatches from the Venetian Ambassador, we see that it is much more full, and perhaps a little more favourable to the new Sultan. In one hideous detail both accounts agree,—the strangling of the nineteen brothers of the new ruler. "It is the custom," philosophically remarks the scribe, "and the people are used to it."
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