6 changed their emphasis, and are consequently pronounced as different words; and many have changed their sense, so that, although the use of them formerly could not offend the nicest ear, at present it would be a transgression against elegance and propriety. We instance in 'ax,' frequently used by Chaucer for ask; livin,' for believe; bedradde,' for to dread; begiled,' for imprisoned; 'thilke,' for thine; emforth,' for according to; bejaped,' for deceived, &c. These things produce so much unintelligible nonsense, rhythmical discord, and apparent vulgarity, to the ear of a modern, that but comparatively few read our old poets: we therefore lose the early flashes of our country's genius. 6 6 still remain some little inelegancies, and numerous expletives, which might, without prejudice, be spared: these should be corrected in another edition. CHAUCER. Licurge himself, the grete king of Trace; And as the guise was in his contree, Ful highe upon a char of gold stood he. With foure white bolles in the trais. Instede of cote armure on his harnais, With nayles yelwe, and bright as any gold, Chaucer first struck the British lyre He hadde a beres skin, cole-blake for old. with success. He triumphed over the His longe here was kempt behind his bak, barbarian sounds of the uncouth lan- As any ravenes fether it shone for blake. guage then in use, and from inhar-A wreth of gold arm-gret, of huge weight, Upon his hed sate ful of stones bright, monious materials produced a sym- Of fine rubins and of diamants. phony which roused the poetical ener- About his char there wenten white alauns, gy of his countrymen. He is there- Twenty and mo, as gret as any stere, fore deservedly styled the father of To hunten at the leon or the dere, English poetry. The sounds became And folwed him, with mosal fast ybound, Colered with gold, and torettes filed round. more melodious in the immortal Shak- An hundred lordes had he in his route speare's hands; 'the divine Milton' Armed full wel, with hertes sterne and stoute. brought them to perfection; and the melody has been continued through a train of noble bards to the present day. Chaucer is universally allowed to possess great beauties; we are therefore pleased with any attempt to make him more easily understood. But in order to modernize his antiquated style, it is necessary to translate him, for such an alteration would really deserve that name. The work we have before us is executed with considerable judgment. The author appears to have imbibed the poetic spirit of Chaucer; he has therefore taken care that none of our venerable poet's brilliancies are lost. In many instances, where Chaucer is almost as unintelligible to one unacquainted with him, as if he had written in an unknown language, the author has completely modernized his poetry; and in other instances where Chaucer may be understood, although with difficulty, as much of his own style and language is preserved as possible, after lopping off his superfluities. Indeed, in some instances, his lordship has been so careful to preserve Chaucer's own language, that there THE SAME AMENDED BY LORD -With Palamon did pace blows: And, like a griffon, look'd he round about, And as the guise did in his country hold, Their glossy sides like summer milk in hue: No armour had he of device, and riveted His long straight hair was comb'd behind his A golden circle of enormous weight, sate, The above specimens shew the necessity of this work, and the manner of its execution. To those from whom the beauties of our venerable poet have hitherto been hid by the veil of his antiquated language, we recommend this work, assuring them that they have the splendid bard of the fourteenth century habited in a modern garb. In the display of his poetical talents his lordship appears under many disadvantages. Fettered with an original, the ideas of which he was bound to preserve, he had no opportunity of introducing any new combination of thought; and every bright coruscation of genius that might have blazed before him, he was bound to suppress. It is only in works where an author is free to make his own selections, that his abilities can shine in their fairest forms. If Pope had only translated the satires of Donne, his name would never have ascended so "high on Parnassian hills" as it now appears. A species of dog. directed to seek after that happiness which endureth for ever: the various classes of Christians firmly united to accomplish one great end: the infidel objection against our holy religion, from the little interest taken by professors in the extension of its light over the world, answered. It is the grain of mustard-seed sown by the great husbandman, which shall grow till it become a great tree, casting its shadow over the hills and the valleys, and spreading its influence from the river to the ends of the earth. Such being our opinion of this institution when we first heard of "The Porteusian Bible Society," (so called Porteus, with whom the plan origiout of compliment to the late Bishop nated.) the impression made upon our minds was not the most favourable towards it; however, after an examination of its nature and object, we were satisfied that no apprehensions need be entertained of its interfering with the business or injuring the interests of the former, as its specific obthe sacred volume, by distinguishing, ject is to assist uninformed readers of with an appropriate mark, those chaplated to inform their judgments and affect their hearts. ters in the Bible which are best calcu The Bible is the word of God; and upon the belief and right application of its principles depend our eternal interests: every successful attempt, therefore, to direct the minds of men to its important truths, and gain the attention of the young and ignorant to its careful study, merits our warmest acknowledgments and most decisive support. That an indiscriminate reading of the scriptures is not the most "excellent way," has been the judgment of sober Christians in all ages of the church. In latter times selections have been recommended by many eminent men, both in the church and among dissenters: Porteus, Gastrell, Locke, Bennet, Watts, Wesley, &c. We, however, rather hesitate as to the propriety of putting such selections into the hands of persons instead of the Bible itself, since there can be no question that selections from the Bible lose, in a high degree, the authority of the Bible. They are viewed as a mere book, and not as THE BOOK which has God for its author. This objection lies not against the Porteusian Bible. Another reason why we prefer the plan before us, is-it is not so calculated to encourage a partial reading of the scriptures. It puts the whole of the sacred volume into the hand of the reader; and while it assists him by pointing out those passages which are especially adapted to his state, it recommends to his careful reading, and mature reflection, the whole of the word of God. ་ "All scripture is given by inspiration of God,' and it is earnestly requested that this may be considered as the motto and foundation of the Porteusian Bible Society.' But it is universally acknowledged, that all scripture is not alike suited to the instruction, comfort, and edification, of all classes of readers. It is therefore of importance to bring before persons those portions of the word of God which are adapted to their state: that by exciting a pleasing interest in the mind, they may be led to search THE WHOLE OF THE SACRED VOLUME." (Prospectus p. 1.) With these sentiments we perfectly agree, and we shall proceed without further remarks, to lay before our readers the plan, and some specimens, of the work. Prefixed to the Bible is an Index, which comprises: REPENTANCE.-Repentance necessary.-Wherein it consists.-Exhortations to it.-Motives.-If genuine, will obtain pardon.-The danger of delaying it. FAITH.-Faith in God necessary to please him.-Must be unfeigned and durable.-Insignificant without the works of charity and love.-Faith without works compared with the faith of devils. JUSTIFICATION.-Justification not to be attained by the law.-Nor by any works of our own.-Is given unto us by the grace of God.-Through the merits and blood of Christ.—By the means of faith.-In answer to prayer. Under each of these heads the reader is referred to a number of scripture passages where the doctrine is explicitly taught. The latter part of the work, we should observe, is chiefly an abridgment of Bishop Gastrell's "Christian Institutes:" and is, we believe, well calculated to instruct the rising generation in the principles of the Christian faith; being a short compendium of it in the language of HOLY WRIT. We must not omit saying, that the I. An index of reference to suitable work is so free from every thing like portions of scripture, prayer, and ex-party feeling, that neither the high hortation, under various circumstan-churchman nor the rigid dissenter ces of Christian experience and affliction. II. A collection of scripture doctrines, duties, and promises, relative to the temporal and spiritual interests of parents, children, servants, and others. III. A table of reference to the discourses, parables, and miracles, of Christ; arranged in chronological order. IV. The scripture promises arranged under each separate book throughout the Holy Bible. V. A collection of scripture precepts, promises, and threatenings, exhibiting the Christian's faith, duty, and privileges. The whole arranged under separate heads, and delivered in the words of holy writ. This occupies 96 closely and beautifully printed pages: and it is obvious that much care and great judgment have been used in compiling this part of the work: though we do not wish it to be understood that we view it as faultless, or incapable of amendment. We select the following as specimens of the work: need scruple putting it into the hands of his children. The Bible which follows is the "Authorised Version:" having the chapters distinguished as we before observed. The chapters thus marked are distributed into three classes: "I. Those of a more spiritual or moral nature. "II. The leading historical chap ters. "III. Our Lord's discourses, &c. and other peculiarly important chapters." Such is the nature of the work before us; and we doubt not that it will be found extensively and permanently useful. In the event of a seventh edition being called for, (which will doubtless be the case shortly, as the list of subscribers is large and respectable,) it would be well if the Index were printed with a larger type, as it is a lamentable fact, that many of those persons to whom the work would be exceedingly useful, are past the meridian of life, and with them, "those that look out of the windows be darkened." ON DISCOUNT. MR. EDITOR. SIR, Mr. Bonnycastle observes, that no rule "in arithmetic has been the occasion of more disputes than that of equation of payment. Almost every writer upon this subject has endeavoured to shew the fallacy of the methods made use of by others, and to substitute one of his own." This difference of opinion, I apprehend, must, in a great measure, be occasioned by simple interest being employed in the calculating of discounts. This will appear more obviously by a familiar example. A. owes B. £115. to be paid at the end of three years. B. proposes to take £100. ready money, that being the present worth at 5 per cent. per annum discount. A. replies, I can do better, I shall put my money out on interest, and by that means I shall have the use of the interest which I shall receive half-yearly for three years, whereas, were I to accept your offer, I should transfer that advantage to you; which would, in effect, be to pay you the odd £15. at six half-yearly instalments, and you know that not a penny of the debt is due till the end of three years. Allow me 5 per cent, discount, compound interest, and you shall have the money. In equation of payments, when the common rule is used, which some writers have defended as the true one, it is plain that the debtor will have the advantage, inasmuch as he will receive the whole of his interest at the equated time; which he would not otherwise be entitled to till the time of the last payment. Several authors have called the time at which the sum of the present worth of all the payments will amount to the given debt, the sure equated time. That this rule fails, is on account of the erroneous principles upon which the rule for finding the present worth is founded. That it actually does fail, may be proved thus: the sum of the present worth, at the equated time of all the payments then not due, added to the amount of all the rest at the same time, would equal the given debt, if the rule were true; but it does not, and therefore the rule is false. Even Malcolm's rule is not above the reach of objection; especially No. 40.-Vol. IV. when one of the payments is small in respect of the other, and the time between them very long. But, until a different mode of calculating discount be adopted, it seems as if it would remain the only true one, for it is plain at what point of time soever, between the days on which the two payments are due, the whole debt is discharged, that the creditor is entitled to interest for the first payment; and likewise that the debtor ought to be allowed discount for the second payment, for the time it is paid over soon; and that when these happen to be equal, they destroy each other. Now the point of time when the interest of the first payment is equal to the discount of the second, is what Malcolm's rule precisely shews; and therefore, agreeably to the above principles, it must be the true rule. But as it is extremely tedious, and as a result, which approximates very near to the truth of it, may be obtained by the following rule, I offer it for insertion in your valuable Magazine. RULE. Find the equated time by the common rule, rejecting fractions, when they are small. Find the present worth, at this equated time, of each payment then not due. or Substitute each of these present worths for its respective sum payment, and repeat the operation by the common rule for the true equated time. The above rule is founded upon this principle: The interest of any sum for any given time, is equal to the discount of its amount for the same time: thus, if the interest of £100. for a year be £5. the discount of £105. (which is the amount of £100. for a year) for the same time will be £5. I am, Sir, Your's, Shiney-Row, Feb. 16, 1822. A. B. Answer to a Query on Marriage Rings, to J. H. B. IN answer to the inquiry, col. 294, respecting the first usage of the ring in the marriage ceremony, nothing can be given with absolute certainty. The origin of the custom is fixed by some in the early times of the Hebrews, on the authority of a text in Exodus xxxv. 22. Some again affirm, that the 2 H ancient Hebrews used no nuptial ring; | of Julian the apostate, are spoken of whilst others further contend, that as troops, whose personal prowess was they gave it in their marriages in the such, that they were reputed invincistead of a piece of money, which they ble; the Galls observing that the had been used to give before; which bravest among the Roman forces were money was about its equivalent in called gentiles and scutarii, approprivalue. The Greeks and Romans, ac- ated the derivative appellation of cording to Tertullian, used the mar- | Esquires (it is said) from this circumriage ring in the same manner, and stance, to the boldest and bravest from them the primitive Christians among themselves. Every body has took it up very early. A formula of made himself more or less familiar consecration was added by the Chris- with the duties of the squires of old tians to the former ceremonies, and romance, as the attendants of knights there is little doubt of that period in their doughty expeditions at a later having been the æra of its present period; those days of chivalry, howusage, when they first received the ever, have now passed away, with custom from the heathens. 'the glory of them." It need not be said that other "modifications" of the use of this title have since prevailed, and other "qualifications" for its assumption been admitted-a spirit of commerce has gradually superseded the spirit of chivalry, Tempore mutantur, (as Partridge says,) et nos mutamur in illis: and the institutions of chivalry have left but a faint trace behind them of their primitive exist OMEGA. Answer by J. B. Chivers, Schoolmaster, St. Austell, to the third question, "On Animal Increase," inserted in the Imperial Magazine for February 1, col. 200. Ir appears by the nature of the question, that the increase in the first year will be 0; in the second, 1; in the third, 1; in the fourth, 2; in the fifth, | 3; in the sixth year, 5, &c. &c. to 20 years. Therefore, by the nature of progression, the whole series will be 10,945, which is the increase required in 20 years;-if for 40 years, the amount would be 165,580,140. A similar answer has been received from Robert Hall, Jun. Colchester. | 66 ence. 66 The title, as now established among us, continues to be next below that of knight, and is the right, by law, of "all younger sons of noblemen, and the eldest sons of such younger sons,” as also the eldest sons of knights, and their sons successively," and, if such an office be still kept up, "the four esquires of the king's body;" and if such a ceremony (which I suppose to be now obsolete,) be ever performed, "esquires created by the king, by putting about their necks a collar of SS's, and bestowing on them a pair of silver spurs." So runs the authority to which I am indebted for most of the above information. I believe not even members of Parliament have a direct legal claim on this title, in virtue of their office as representatives. No modification whatever, of this law, has taken place; by custom and courtesy, however, which in many cases are allowed by lawyers to be paramount to law heads of ancient families"-men of patrician descentmembers of parliament-those who fill certain offices under governmentor who belong to either of the liberal professions-share in this title, as also perhaps other sorts of men of less note, "patrician desert," who claim such a distinction on the score of pro |