To keep off mildews, and all weatherharms: Strange ministrant of undescribed sounds, And wither drearily on barren moors: The many that are come to pay their vows Be still the unimaginable lodge For solitary thinkings; such as dodge Conception to the very bourne of heaven, Then leave the naked train: be still the leaven We hope that our readers begin to feel that there are some (not ordinary) beauties in the volumes of Mr Keats. He is, perhaps, the poet, above all case we were challenged to produce others, that we should refer to, in single lines of extraordinary merit. He is very unequal in his earlier volumes certainly, (and what poet is not?) but there are beauties which might redeem ten times the amount of any defects that they may contain. Speaking of Zephyr, before sunrise, he says, he Fondles the flower amid the sobbing rain. This seems to us very charming, and it is quite in the spirit of that mythology which has invested the west wind and the flowers with such delicate personifications. Again, speaking of Peona, the sister of Endymion, who sits by him while he sleeps, he says, — as a willow keeps A patient watch over the stream that creeps Windingly by it, so the quiet maid Held her in peace: so that a whispering blade Of grass, p. 24, or any other trivial thing, might be heard. We have given the title of Mr Keats's second volume of poetry, and That spreading in this dull and clodded it was our intention to notice it, but earth, Gives it a touch ethereal-a new birth: An unknown-but no more: we humbly screen With uplift hands our foreheads, lowly bending, And giving out a shout most heaven rending, Conjure thee to receive our humble Pæan Upon thy Mount Lycean! Even while they brought the burden to a close, A shout from the whole multitude arose, Aye those fair living forms swam heavenly Thermopyla its heroes-not yet dead, this we find we must defer doing at present, and we have only space enough to give a few more single lines, or ideas from Endymion, but these our readis sufficient to say, that the flowers ers will, we doubt not, appreciate. It which we select are by no means rare. Look at the effect of a single word,— -Sometimes A scent of violets, and blossoming limes, Loiter'd around us. p. 34. The following lines were quoted against the author, in a London Review. They are irregular, perhaps, but still very beautiful, we think. Endymion the cave is secreter Than the isle of Delos. Echo hence shall stir Counting his woe-worn minutes, by the strokes Of the lone wood-cutter. p. 55. view of the coast, will appear in the ensuing number of the Edinburgh Philosophical Journal, and we must A butterfly is sent to guide him: refer such of our readers as desire fur he follows it ACCOUNT OF THE DISCOVERY OF We have often of late regretted that we live in an age when no expected discoveries of strange lands can stir up enterprise, and reward our eternal desire for something new. When our minds have not been filled with the terror of revolutions, the dread of subjugation,- -or the joy of victory, (which have pretty well occupied us these last thirty years,) we have longed for the return of those days of ignorance, every one of which brought to the ravished ears of our ancestors some golden tale of new worlds, more sweet than all the fables of the east. As we surveyed our Atlas, however, we were quite in despair, and concluded, that, except the interior of Africa, no part of the world, capable of bearing the foot of the wanderer or the keel of a ship, was so unexplored, that we could ever hope to hear of any new continents, or any more varieties of the human race. To our surprise reports have recently been circulated, that a Terra Australasia has actually been seen by a British merchant ship. At first we treated this as an Irish or American report, both of which are generally famous for not being true; but our credulity has been conquered by the kindness of a friend, and the certainty of the discovery put beyond question. We hasten to lay before our readers an extract from the information which he has transmitted from Valparaiso. The whole, accompanied by a chart and ther information to that publication. Mr William Smith, master of the brig Williams of Blythe, in a voyage from Buenos Ayres to Valparaiso, fanthered better by preserving a more cying that Cape Horn might be weathan usual southerly course, being on the 19th of February 1819 in lat. 62° 40' south, and long. 62° W. imagined he saw land, amidst fields of floating ice, at the distance of two leagues. At this time, encountering hard gales of wind, accompa nied by flying showers of snow, he thought it prudent to haul off to the northward during the night. Next day, (February 20,) he again stood in for his supposed land, At noon his latitude by observation was 62° 17' S., long. 60° 12′ W. by an excellent chronometer. The weather was moderate, and the atmosphere clear, when he again made the land. He was deterred from approaching nearer, by fearing blowing weather. He observed, however, to the westward more land, which he approached to the distance of ten miles. Both appeared to be islands, and bare, barren, and rocky. Feeling himself in a responsible situation with regard to his ship and cargo, he contented himself with this distant survey, and on his arrival at Valparaiso, related to the English there every thing he had seen, who all ridiculed him for his credulity. He was not, however, to be thus easily laughed out of his own observation; and, on his return to the River Plate in June following, was determined, if possible, to verify what he had seen. He steered in the latitude of 62° 12' S., but when he reached the longitude of 67° W. he became so beset with loose pack ice, that he was alarmed for the safety of his ship and cargo, and obliged to give up the attempt. On his arrival at Monte Video, he was again ridiculed for his credulity, and almost led to renounce his former conclusions. His account reached the ears of some American merchants, who endeavoured to obtain from him the true situation of the land, and offered to charter his ship on a voyage of discovery. He, however, to his credit, refused to disclose the longitude and latitude to any but a British-born subject: though he honourably offered drawing to a close, the boat pushed to conduct the vessel himself, and, if off, the master, with the most pruno land existed, to receive no freight; dent views, hauling off the shore but that was not the object of the other with his ship. The harbour appearparty, and Jonathan withdrew his ed to abound with the real spermacontract. The honest Englishman, at ceti whale. Seals and sea-otters alength having obtained freight a se- bounded, as also an animal differing cond time to Chili, set off on his voy- from the sea-otter. Next morning at age, and, on the 15th of October last, day-break, he could perceive the land at 6 P. M., being then about the same tend in a S. E. direction. Keeping his latitude and longitude as before, he course to southward and westward, discovered the same land, bearing he saw several other islands, all about S. E. by E. three leagues, the weather three leagues from the main-land, and being hazy. He bore up for it, ap- all alike barren and rocky. He afterproached within four miles, and prov- wards made a point of land which ed it to be a large barren rock, inha- he called Cape William, and could bited only by innumerable penguins: distinctly perceive, with a telescope, he sounded in 40 and 60 fathoms, pro- trees which bore a resemblance to Norcuring a bottom of black sand. At way pines: Indeed, he describes the day-light next morning he again whole appearance of the land, as stood in for the island; and at 8 A. being more like the Norwegian coast M. the weather being very clear, than any he ever saw. he could plainly distinguish the mainland, bearing S. S. E., the island being distant from it about three leagues. The main-land presented itself as a cape, to which the coast tended in a N.E. direction, having peculiar marks, of which he took rough sketches: he stood in, and ran along the land as far as the point, to which he gave the name of North Foreland, obtain ing all the way regular sounding of sand and gravel, lessening gradually from 35 to 20 fathoms; the bottom was good and regular. The island bearing N. W., distance seven leagues, he observed the appearance of a good harbour, and sent a boat's crew and his first mate on shore, where they planted a board with the Union-jack, and an appropriate inscription, with three cheers, taking possession in the name of the King of Great Britain. To the main-land was given the name of New South Shetland, on account of its lying in about the same latitude as the Shetland Islands. It was barren and rocky, the highest points being covered with snow. At the place of landing the spot was barren, being stony, not of rounded pebbles, but of bluish-g -grey slaty pieces, varying in size from very large to very small. The harbour appeared to proceed inland as far as the eye could reach, and to afford a good anchorage. This place was called Shireff's Cove, in honour of the Commanding Naval Officer in the Pacific. An abundance of birds were seen so tame, that they could be approached without disturbing them. The day The weather at daybreak next day becoming more settled, he descried another headland, which he named Smith's Cape: The weather being remarkably clear and fine, he proved it to lie in latitude 62° 53′ S.; longitude 63° 40′ W. From Smith's Cape, the land appeared to extend in a south-westerly direction; but however eager his desire to extend his search, he concluded that he had fully attained his object, having proved the existence of the coast for the distance of 250 miles. He therefore shaped his course to the northward; and in the month of November reached the Port of Valparaiso. One may judge of the sensation produced in the breast of an Englishman on hearing the relation of Mr Smith; every one became struck with the advantages which a British settlement would offer, not only to our whale fisheries, but to our commercial inte rests in that quarter of the globe. Until the political arrangements of these countries (Spanish colonies) become in some degree settled, the consequences resulting from the animosities that may possibly arise between the many contending parties must necessarily be feared. Those who were here during the affair at Cancharayada, well know the value of any thing like a British settlement, however miserable, to retire to. On the arrival of the Williams in November last, there was a general and simultaneous feeling among the English merchants, who instantly set about taking up a vessel, of discovery at their own expence. Mr Smith, on his arrival, having transmittted his observations to the commanding officer in the Pacific, Captain Shireff of the Andromache, this excellent officer, ever alive as well to British interests as to the pursuit of objects of science and utility, instantly chartered the same brig Williams on Government account, in order to make an accurate and regular survey of the coasts and harbours. The Williams, refitted completely with every necessary for the voyage, put to sea in one week, (on the 19th December,) being placed under the charge of Mr Edward Bransfield, master of the Andromache, and several assistants, who were all ordered to observe, collect, and preserve every object of natural science during the prosecution of the more important objects of the expe which should be chartered on a voyage ried on in this hemisphere, must be immediately struck with the immense benefit which the acquisition of New Shetland might offer as a British settlement. There are at this time upwards of 200 American whale-ships lucratively employed in the Pacific, when Great Britain cannot boast of more than 30 or 40. This fact is enough to exhibit the advantage of this settlement; but we must also take into view the whole trade with Buenos Ayres, Chili, Peru, and the immensely extensive provinces of the interior, which is increasing with strides unknown, and establishing a demand for articles of British manufactures, that must eventually prove the channel for the consumption of British produce, and the employment of British capital. If we consider, too, that these countries must eventually become places of barter and entrepôt to our Indian and China trades, then must the importance of the situation, if it can admit of a settlement, be strikingly apparent. Comparing this spot with the Cape of Good Hope and New Holland, it will be seen that these three places form equi-distant depôts in the Southern Hemisphere, respectively situated so as to defend, if not to command, a superiority of trade with more extensive markets than were ever offered to any commercial nation at any former period in the world; and this, too, at a time when the late eventful circumstances in the history of Europe have turned in no small degree British commerce out of those channels in which it has flowed uninterruptedly for so many years. dition. There is reason to believe this land has been twice before discovered, first by some Spaniards or Portuguese prior to 1569, and afterwards by Theodore Gerrards, one of the first Dutchmen who passed into the South Sea. This, however, does not take from the nierit of Captain Smith, nor make the re-found Continent less a novelty to us, who never before heard any accurate account of its existence. As yet it remains an interesting topic of conversation, whether New Shetland be an island of considerable size, or if it be part of a continent. It is by no means an improbable supposition, that it is connected with Southern Thule, the most southerly point of Sandwich Land seen by Captain Cook in 1775, and situated in 59° 30′ lat. S., and 27° 30′ W. long., as there exists, according to the account given of Sandwich Land by Dr Forster, some resemblance between it and New South Shetland. The climate of New Shetland would seem to be very temperate, considering its latitude; and, should the expedition now sent out bring assurances that the land is capable of supporting a population-an assumption which the appearance of trees and the abundance of birds seen on landing, render very probable-the place may become a colony of some import ance. Those who are aware of the extent to which the whale-fishery may be car can No one can deny that the want of a British settlement contiguous to the coast of South America is seriously felt. Since the abandonment of the Falkland Isles, we have no possession,-not even a watering-place, -nearer than the Cape of Good Hope or New Holland; and no one calculate upon the absolute necessity Great Britain may one day feel for such a possession. Under every point of view, as well national, commercial, and scientific, must the discovery of New South Shetland be valued; and without doubt the results of the present expedition will be anxiously looked for by every well-wisher to his country. Valparaiso, Jan. 1820. 1820. SPECIMENS OF A NEW TRANSLATION In the present rage for innovation in Literature, as in every thing else, the standard works of antiquity are in great hazard of being neglected. Schiller and Goethe seem to be coming in the room of Sophocles and Euripides, and the chaste tone of classical composition is too often sacrificed to the prevailing taste for effect which so frequently outrages nature, and even outherods Herod." The mild graces of the comic muse of Terence are not very likely to attract notice in such circumstances, they depend, too, so much on the elegance of the expression, that it is scarcely possible to do them justice in any translation; yet we were very agreeably surprised, to find that an old and valued friend had been employing his leisure hours, in the decline of life, in this liberal attempt. We believe he has nearly completed the whole six comedies, and he has been so obliging as to put the first of these, the Andrian, into our hands, with permission to give to the publie a specimen of the manner in which it has been executed. We shall accordingly quote the first scene of this pleasing drama, in which the writing in the original is so remarkable for a beautiful simplicity, and which, although here stript of its versification and poetical refinement, is yet brought out with truth and nature, which can scarcely be overlooked by our readers. THE FAIR ANDRIAN. Scene, Athens. ACT I. SCENE I.-SIMO, SOSIA, Servants, with provisions just brought from market. Si. You others, now go home, and take the things along with you. Come hither, Sosia-a word with you. So. I know your meaning, Sirthat I take care to have the things well cooked. Si. Not that; 'tis something else. So. In what besides can my poor talents be of use? Si. No talents now are wanted; only that you be, as I have always found you, faithful and discreet. So. I long to hear what you desire of me. VOL. VII. Si. You know with what indulI have treated you-how light gence your service, ever since I bought you when a boy. Because you served me well, and had a mind above your state, I made you free ;-the best reward Í could, I have bestowed on you. So. That goodness, Sir, I bear in mind. Si. I don't repent. So. I'm glad to think that I have done, or still may do, what pleases you, and I rejoice I have your approbation; but, I own, this putting me in mind of all your favours wounds a little-sure you cannot think I have forgot them? Tell me in a word, Sir, what you want of me. Si. I shall; and, first of all, I must inform you, that the marriage you expect to-day does not take place. So. Why is it so given out then? Si. You shall hear the whole from first to last, and so you'll better know the manners of my son, and my design, as well as what I wish of you in this affair. When he had ceased to be a stripling, Sosia, more liberty was granted him, that we might know his dispositions; for, before, we could not know them, while his tender years, the awe he stood in, and the authority of those who brought him up, re strained him. So. You are right. Si. Now most young men, you know, devote themselves to this or that delight in hunters and in hounds or else frequent the schools to hear philosophers. He showed no rage for any one of such pursuits, but yet was moderately fond of all:-that pleased me. So. And with reason; for it is, I think, of chief import in life, that nothing go too far. Si. Such was his life. With ease he bore the different humours of his friends-was quite devoted to thementered warmly into their affairs-was rough to none and ne'er preferred That's the way himself to others. to gain unenvied praise, and many friends. So. He showed much sense; for, now-a-days, men's love is won by complaisance the naked truth excites their hatred. Si. Now, about three years ago, there came a woman to this neighbourhood from Andros-forced by poverty, and cold neglect of those P |