War Songs of the Germans, with Historical Illustrations. By Professor
Blackie. (Edmonston and Douglas.)—Professor Blackie dedicates his little book to Mr. Carlyle, whose style, indeed, and manner of thought it not unfrequently recalls. The "historical illustrations" are very readable ; the songs are rendered into the spirited verse which Professor Blackie knows how to write. We are furnished at the same time with the original words and with the music. Among the nine songs are those that are on every one's lips, " Vaterland " and " Die Wacht am Rhein," &c., and others less known as " Was Blaaen die Trompeten," and KOrner's "Sword Song." We must enter a gentle protest against some of the Professor's talk, that about Blucher especially. It is doubtless true that the man had much of whatever may be meant by "genuine aoldatesque Burschicosity " about him, but yet, "not to put too fine a point on it," he was an old rafflan, who fought in a cause that was too good for him. One hates to hear this light talk about "dicing and other military recreations" which "decent, smooth-faced, respectable people" object to. After all, the Commandments are the Commandments, even though a man is a soldier, and wears a moustache.
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