BOOKS ON THE TABLE.
1. Caractacus, a Metrical Sketch, in twelve cantos. We can- not flatter the author of Caractacus that he is likely to redeem modern poetry from the sort of disesteem into which it has fallen. The writer is very energetic, however; and, by the abrupt turns of his temper, would seem to have chosen his subject in honour of his native country of Wales. A more Welsh speech could not have been put into the mouth of any one, than old Caradoc's eulogy on freedom. Thus spake the Silurian king- " Freedom—'tis a sound so sweet Unto mine ear, and that of slavery so abhorred—
Their difference the opposite of things extreme; Life, death—love, hate—bliss, pain—hot, cold—sweet, sow—. The steep-down brightness of the vertic sun,
Black, dungeon-like, and subterraneous-gloom!
Life, *ith defeat, were death a hundred fold: So be our war-cry—Victory or Death!"
Glory to the race of Ap-Shenkirs!
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