Three Days of a Father's Sorrow. A Book of Consolation,
from the French of Felix Bungener. (Smith, Elder, and Co.)—This is a good translation of a good book. Indeed, M. Bungener's "Three Days" is one of the most simply and naturally pathetic pieces of writing that we have met with for some time. In speaking of the author's "Life of Colvin" we had occasion to express our respect for his intellectual gifts and accomplishments. The little volume before us reveals so far not less estimable qualities of heart. Critics like the unhappy individual who betrays his large incapacity in the Times by running his head against Tennyson's In Memoriam will regard this narrative, which speaks of grief for the loss of a little child only in her third year, as quite un- pardonable; but no one, as it seems to us, who believes in the sacred- ness and great disciplinary power of sorrow will rise from the perusal of M. Bungener's touching pages in other than a very reverential and sympathizing mood. There are natures whose sorrow sinks in and keeps silence. There are others who do not feel less deeply, but to whom speech is a necessity ; and surely the Poet Laureate has vindicated the right which even "private sorrow "has to give utterance to itself, if it chooses to use it. But M. Bungener has written not merely a story of loss and pain, he has given us a Book of Consolation, and among other wise and fruitful suggestions, what he says touching the healing virtue for the sorrowful which lies in working for others is above all criticism of ours.
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