Tasso's Enchanted Ground; the Story of the "Jerusalem Delivered." (Hatchards.)—In
this book wo have an excellent Idea, admirably car- ried out. No one who understands the Italian language well enough to read the celebrated epic of Tassel will ho deterred from doing so by the elegant synopsis which this volume offers for his aid, and to those who are unacquainted with Italian, it will afford a real andrare pleasure. The story of the groat Crusade is briefly but beautifully told ; the author has selected the episodes with taste and dis- cretion, formed them into a harmonious whole, and perfectly pre- served the martial, romantic, and religious spirit of the poet, the in- tensity of faith, and the ardour of devotion which are breathed forth in the pages of Tasso, as he tolls how "many sufferings did the pious Captain and devoted band who delivered the Holy Sepulchre of Christ endure in tho glorious conquest ; but in vain did the infernal powers lend their aid to tho people of Asia and Libya,—Lloavon favoured the champions of the Cross, and united them under its sacred standard." The author has preserved the lofty tone of the poem in his direct and simply.formed narrative with groat success ; it comes out beautifully in the story of " Tancred," the prayer of Godfrey, the messages de- livered by the Archangels, the rescue of Rinaldo from Armida, and above all, in the recital of the death of Clorinda by the hand of Tanored, in that over-famous and most tragic of single combats. This, the only extract our space allows, is a fair example of the author's skill :—
" Regardless of rules of skill, they attacked each other with inde- fatigable obstinacy, while the combat became at every moment closer and more desperate. Thrice did the lady elude the vigorous grasp of the knight, and then they again had recourse to their too fatal swords. At length both paused to rest for a moment in the deadly strife, as the last star of night was fading before the earliest ray of sun in tho east. Tancred behold with cruel satisfaction the wounds ho had inflicted, for little did he in his blind folly foresee the endless remorse and misery ho was preparing for himself. He at length broke silence, saying, 'It is our misfortune to have no witness but that of night to our valour. I pray you, if so much courtesy bo not out of plaoo between fair com- batants, to toll me your name, that I may know whom to honour, whether I conquer or am conquered.' The haughty maiden replied that she preferred to remain unknown, adding that she was one of those who had caused the fatal fire, Tanored, justly irritated at this declaration, now felt only an ardent desire for vengeance, and the combat was re- sumed with more determination than skill or strength on either side, until Clorinda received a mortal wound that felled her, fainting and exhausted to the ground, bathed in her life-blood. Her lust words breathed a gentle spirit of Christian faith, hope, and charity. Sho said, ' My friend, you have conquered. Pray for my soul, and give me holy bap- tism, ore it be too late.' Fho soft and pleading tones of her voice sank into the heart of Tancred, and brought tears of pity into his oyes. He hastened to a stream that rippled from the side of the bill, and filling his helmet with the clear water, sadly approached the still unknown warrior, to perform the sacred rite so earnestly sought. With trembling hand he unclasped the helmet covering the yet unseen face, and controlled the anguish of his soul as he became aware of the fatal truth, lost his emotion should render him unable to give her the spiritual life that was all now left to her. As ho repeated over her the holy words of baptism, a smile of heavenly peace and happiness became impressed upon her lily and violet-hued countenance, that lent to it fresh beauty. She gently extended her cold hand in sign of parting amity, and passed into a calm and untroubled rest."
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