to give a charm to their works by delineating the manners o. domestic life, by describing the character of the human heart, and, not unfrequently, by giving us correct details of historical events. The true purpose of these fictitious narratives should be improvement as well as entertainment, and besides producing a temporary excitement, they may leave lasting impressions. Nothing can be better calculated to produce these results than the connection of interesting occurrences in real life by a series of well arranged fictions. Thus while we are entertained and informed, we may receive instructive moral lessons. It is important, for instance, that the memory of momentous events in the history of our country should be perpetuated; not with reference to the intelligence, alone, of society, but that recollections of the past may serve to direct us for the future, and inspire us with a just national pride, and a desire to preserve national glory. It may be said that history will do all this; but no very extensive survey is needed, to ascertain that the great body of society have neither opportunity nor inclination to read elaborate histories, and moreover, that truth itself will make a stronger and deeper impression on most minds, when adorned and embellished by the imagination of the poet. There exists in every heart some sensation of the romantic, without which life would oftentimes seem weary, stale, and unprofitable,'—that, like all other means of happiness, may be abused, but which, when properly regulated, is a relief in seasons of sadness, and renders even the sunshine of prosperity more radiant and beautiful. We cannot agree with

those who think that the recurrence of this sensation should be repressed, unless when it enervates the mind, and renders it incapable of directing the conduct;-since it is to this kindling of romance that we are indebted for the power of reviving the memory of past felicity. Cheered by its influence we throw off the burden of present ill, and hope for a brighter and better prospect to come; inspired by its exciting power, we survey the wonders of nature, and the creations of art with increased delight, and awakened by its thrilling impulses we contemplate with rapture the actions and fame of the good and great, and are impelled by the resolution to imitate their example, and hope for their reward. In short, this perception of the romantic is, in truth, that aliquid immensam infinitumque,' the object of Tully's aspiration; it is the nurse of patriotism, and if not the foundation of virtue, is, at least, always associated with it. The peculiar province of poetry, is to provide food for this

mental appetite, and, while it gratifies the imagination, to convey salutary lessons. Among the most useful kinds of poetry, we consider the romances of the author of Waverly. It is true that they are without metre and rhyme, but they are written in the language of passion, and have all the effect of poetry upon the reader. The character of our country in this species of writing, has been very respectably sustained by Cooper and others, whose productions, though they are many of them obvious imitations, are yet happy and successful imitations, of their great master's works. To this class of historical novels, belongs the subject of our present article.

Yorktown is written, as its name indicates, for the purpose of commemorating one of the most interesting events in the Anglo American history. The time of action is near the close of the campaign of 1781. The principal characters, are Edward Leslie and his sister Helen, orphans, under the guardianship of Colonel Walstein, the former of whom has left the protection of his uncle and joined the American army, and Louis St Olmar, a young French volunteer in the same cause, who is also an orphan, but has been protected by the Count D'Aubigne from his early infancy. The first volume, besides introducing the above mentioned characters to the readers, contains an account of two or three skirmishes between detachments from the different armies, in one of which Edward is made prisoner, and is in danger of being executed as a spy, when his escape is affected through the ingenuity of his sister. In the course of this volume also, St Olmar becomes acquainted with, and attached to Helen. Another personage, Maude or Matilda Steinkirk, must also be noticed, as of great consequence to the denouement. Once the heiress of a wealthy family in Germany, she has been seduced and ruined by Col. Walstein, and is now forced by the author to enact the part of a witch. She accordingly thrusts herself with very little ceremony, into almost every scene of the book,-for it is a great convenience of your witch,that she needs no announcing, the author thinking himself at liberty to introduce such personages as necessity may require. This kind of machinery generally fails of producing the desired effect,-for in the first place, it needs no small share of ingenuity to bring out a first rate witch; and again, as much judgment as ingenuity is necessary to manage her in such a manner that she may not "o'erstep the modesty of nature." Witches have so long been regularly served up with the hero and heroine of each successive novel, that their incessant ravings have ceased to excite any emotion in the rea

der save disgust. The character is at best but a bad imitation of an equivocal original, and we would suggest the propriety of laying it aside for other novelty.

To proceed with the story :-St Olmar has persuaded Helen to become his wife, and she reluctantly yields herself to him, that she may thus avoid a union with Col. Clifford of the royal army, whose suit is favoured by the lady's uncle and guardian. The marriage scene is wrought up with much skill, and we give it to our readers entire.

'During the interval in which Helen awaited their arrival, she traversed the apartment with hasty and agitated steps, restless with anxiety and trembling at the faintest sound. The languor of despondency had yielded to an unnatural excitement, incident to those who feel themselves driven, as a last and desperate resort, to a measure, whose result is doubtful, and may be fatal, but which they are compelled to adopt, as the only chance of escape from certain misfortune. She dreaded the moment which was approaching, yet longed to have it pass, and the tumult of fear and hope gave added lustre to her eyes, and a brilliancy to her complexion, which, while they heightened her native beauty, betrayed the secret disturbance of her mind. The hand of her watch was just upon the hour of seven, when a light, quick step approached the door; it opened, and St Olmar stood before her. He was alone; but his smiles, so gay and happy, assured her he but preceded Mr Bramley. St Olmar read her anxious look, and hastened to say,

"Yes, he consents, dear Helen, and waits in the adjoining room." ""And did he say nothing to oppose our project ?" asked Helen, scarcely able, through emotion, to articulate.

""At first," returned St Olmar, "he was inclined to think it hasty and illadvised; but my representations could not fail to convince him, and he yielded, not only willingly, but with approval, to my wishes. Yet he is not alone, dear Helen; Dr Bryan, at my request-"

"And wherefore," interrupted Helen," should he come? Yet I need not ask," she said, recollecting herself; "he is to perform an essential part of the ceremony, and since I have no father to do the office, I must be content to accept the service of a stranger."

'She spoke in a hurried tone; and St Olmar, alarmed by the agitation which her looks and manner too evidently betrayed, strove with the most soothing tenderness, to compose and reassure her. Nor were his efforts unavailing; she became calm, and as she listened to his gentle words, which fell like balm upon her troubled spirit, her eye softened, her heart ceased its tumultuous throbbings; and, when, at the end of fifteen minutes, he left her, to summon Mr Bramley and his friend, she felt a degree of confidence and hope, unknown to her before, through all the agitations of that trying and eventful day. Timna followed the gentlemen into the apartment, and, after carefully securing the lock of the door, placed herself near her mistress, and awaited with impatience, the commencement of the ceremony.

"Mr Bramley and Dr Bryan payed the usual compliments of meeting to Helen, and the former, with the affectionate interest which long and in timate acquaintance warranted, made a few remarks on this unexpected event, and expressed his ardent wishes for its happy result. St Olmar watched with anxiety, Helen's changing colour, and saw that her faint

replies were uttered with a painful effort. He feared, lest that firmness, with which he had striven so hard to inspire her, should be again destroyed; and, feeling that every moment was precious, he urged Mr Bramley, in a whisper, to commence the ceremony, without longer delay. He accordingly did so; and Helen, with her eyes bent upon the ground, endeavoured to banish every present anxiety from her thoughts, and to remember only the sacred vows she was about to take upon herself, and the responsible duties of that new and tender connection which she was in the act of forming.

'The devotional fervour of Mr Bramley's manner, and the solemnity with which he repeated the beautiful service of the church, aided her endeavours, and she listened with profound attention, and an air of serenity, which did not escape the observation of the watchful bridegroom. But when the clergyman pronounced those startling words, if any man can show just cause why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him speak now or forever hold his peace,' not only Helen, but St Olmar, involuntarily trembled, lest the figure of Colonel Walstein, or that of the still more dreaded Maude, should start up to blight their opening hopes.But not a sound disturbed the breathless silence, and, after a momentary pause, Mr Bramley proceeded with that interesting interrogatory which is first addressed to the bridegroom. St Olmar's response was distinct and audible, and uttered with a fervent sincerity which came directly from the heart; but it was scarcely pronounced, when a terrible and wellknown voice exclaimed, "Do it, then, at your peril, Louis St Olmar!" and the tall figure of Maude Mansel strode into the midst of the appalled circle! her eyes, fierce even to frenzy, threw their angry glances upon the unhappy Helen, who, pale and motionless with terror, would have fallen to the floor, had not the supporting arm of St Olmar upheld her.

"Yes, do it at your peril!" she repeated, shaking her hand, with a menacing gesture, at Št Olmar. "And you, priest of God," she said addressing Mr Bramley," depart, while yet you may with innocence; there is cause why these two should not be joined together."

"Show it, then, or I proceed to conclude the ceremony,' said Mr Bramley firmly. "I should prove myself an inefficient minister of peace and consolation, if I suffered the angry look and unauthorized word of a mad woman, to turn me from my duty. I must have a reason, and a powerful one too, why I should leave this rite unfinished, or you, yourself may remain to hear me pronounce my blessing on this union." "Heed her not,' exclaimed St Olmar, earnestly; "her ravings are idle as the wind, and all she says, false as her wicked heart. Let the ceremony be finished, Mr Bramley; make me the legal protector of this trembling girl, and I will defy that woman's utmost malice, nor dread her power to harm me, be it what it will." "You her protector!' exclaimed Maude, with angry scorn; " and who are you, that boast yourself thus strong? Answer me that, young man."

""I am one who has no fear of you," returned St Olmar, "but who loaths your presence, as he would the venomous and stinging serpent, which might chance to cross his path. Why came you here to interrupt my happiness? to tear from me my trembling bride, even at the moment when her lips were about to plight to me her troth forever? "But you

shall not sever us," he said in uncontrolled agitation;" look up, my Helen; why should that cheek be blanched, that eye cast down in terrour? what has innocence to fear from guilt? I will protect you love; yes, I, who have just repeated vows, which declare me in the sight of God and man your wedded husband!"'

'Helen did look up, but it was to meet the fixed and piercing gaze of Maude, and again her head sunk upon the arm of the sofa, where St Olmar, alarmed by her faintness, had hastened to place her. He bent down to sooth her, when Maude seized his arm, and drawing him apart,

"Your vows were lost in the air," she said, in a low emphatic tone; "and hers, my timely entrance have delayed forever. Forbear to interrupt me," she continued; "I will speak, and you must hear. Helen Leslie is not-cannot-never shall be your's! Every thing forbids it, and you must submit. Louis St Olmar, remember you the night, on which those

letters❞—

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"Ay, what of them ?" he exclaimed, his interest painfully awakened by her mysterious intimations.

แ

They contained the secret of your history," she said, speaking scarce above her breath; " and that picture-could you look at it, and your heart not tell you that you gazed upon the features of a father ?",

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"Mock me not, woman!" exclaimed St Olmar, with a burst of strong emotion; or if, indeed, you speak not falsely, tell me his name, and by what strange mystery it should be known to you ?"

"That tale is for another hearing," she replied; "yet the truth is on my lips, when I declare the crimson tide which swells your heart and burns upon your cheek, and that which dances in the veins of Helen Leslie, to be streams from the same fountain; young man, it is nature which attracts you towards her, and you have thought it a more passionate sentiment. I reveal no more at present-and now, go wed her if you dare!"

Amid the confusion occasioned by a communication so unexpected, and which is interpreted by both parties to mean that Helen and St Olmar are brother and sister, Maude takes an opportunity to convey Helen away, and effectually conceals her for some time. Several succeeding chapters are occupied with the attempt of Edward and St Ölmar to discover Helen,their efforts proving successful through the instrumentality of Rupert, son of Maude, and, as appears by the sequel, of ColWalstein, also. The surrender of Cornwallis is hurried over in a manner, not at all to our satisfaction; but as a favourable specimen of our author's manner we transcribe the death of Rupert who is wounded in a skirmish.

She

'From the painful contemplation of such an object, St Olmar was recalled by the low murmurs of Rupert's voice, and he felt it a relief to turn from a countenance, on every line of which the steps of ungoverned passion had left their burning traces, to the meek, and calm, and holy quiet, which breathed from that face, through whose mortal decay triumphed the celestial beamings of the immortal spirit. Rupert opened his eyes, and looked upon each one who stood around him; but their gaze rested upon Helen, and her name, in low and faltering tones, escaped his lips. bent over him; "I am here dear Rupert," she said, in accents, which seemed to arouse him from the lethargy of death; he looked up with a smile of heavenly sweetness, and feebly pressed the hand which she had placed in his; but he did not speak; and the silence, which Helen's low soft tones had for an instant broken, remained undisturbed, for another painful interval. It was, however, of short duration; Rupert again opened VOL. I-No. I.

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