Fiction
GRAZIELLA. By A. de Lamartine. Translated by Ralph Wright. (The Nonesuch Press. 12s. 6d.)—This example of the liquid eloquence and the, pleading grace. of Lamartine, within its new covers, sprigged with rose and green, seems as pretty as spring-flowers, or the ghosts of spring flowers. The hero is eighteen, and in Italy, fired-with the love. of liberty and antique beauty. He goes wandering with a friend, intoxicated with the same dreams, till they find themselves in Naples. Finally he makes himself at home with an Isehian fisher's family ; and the pure and lovely Graziella is enchanted by the romantic stranger. The corailleuse is a touching figure. At first her emotion quivers in the key of Paul et Virgime, the book that wakes her young heart to love ; but at times she has the wild sweetness of a Haidee. The young man, not yet understanding the serious- ness of her devotion, leaves her too long ; and Graziella vanishes away in a requiem of dreamy regret. Delicate sensibility, infinite sadness, enthusiasm for Nature, noble attitudes, music of guitar and tambourine, pictures in radiant tones of colour—the small sea-idyll of the melodious Lamartine can still importune a smile and a sigh. The illustrations by Jaquier are roguishly in keeping. Their child-like naivete and quasi-accidental washes of coral. green, and violet heighten the spirit and humour of the lines, Impressions of the two young men in their flowing cloaks, arrested in frankly emotional and declamatory poses, are particularly delightful. The translation, it should be said, is really harmonious.
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