The Schoolmaster aril his Son. By K. H. Caspari. (Wells
Gardner, Darton, and Co.)—The simple annals of the old school- master at Sommerhausen form an exceedingly touching story. The scene is laid in the time of the Thirty Years' War. Udalrictus Gast, the schoolmaster, had several children, but his love and pride were especially centred in his first-born. The young man, not content with the quiet village life, went to the wars, greatly to his father's distress. But his going was not prosperous. On several occasions he performed deeds of great gallantry, and yet by some strange misfortune missed the reward and honour due to him. A curse seemed, indeed, to rest upon all he did. And when his valour at length brought its rightful recognition, wounds and privation had brought him near to death; he had but strength to creep home and die. Only his father remained to welcome him with the same unfailing love. The rest, friends and relatives, had been swept away by the plague. The story is told in simple, graceful language, and with great pathos. Perhaps some objection might be taken to the frequent Scriptural quotations ; but, after all, they are well in accordance with the pious, simple-minded schoolmaster, whose faith alone sustained him through so many terrible troubles.
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