22 FEBRUARY 1879, Page 23

The Monk of Yaste. From the Spanish, by Mariana Monteiro.

(IL Washbourne.)—The retirement of the Emperor Charles V. must always have the fascination, both for writers and readers, which is produced by a romantic and mysterious event ; but after Stirling's delightful and exhaustive account of the " Cloister Life," it is difficult to be pleased with another attempt in the same direction. Still, as a Spanish version of the subject, apparently written in English also by its author, it claims an indulgence which could not otherwise be accorded. We can hardly think the author has gained, even in pathos, by exchanging the motherly Donna Magdalena of the real history for the lovable girl of her story.