Contribution Page

The object of this little work, is to evince, that the passions are noble, or base, as they are modified by generous, or sordid feelings, and that even misery may be extracted from that heart, which is open to the happy influence of philanthropy.

Although this moral principle is constantly kept in view, the tale is of a mixed character - including, in the compass of two small volumes, a novel and a romance. Whether the author was impressed with the dread of becoming tedious, or whether she thought with Voltaire that, ‘tous les genres’ were admissible, with the exception of the ennuyeux, it is certain that she has given scope to her various powers with considerable versatility. Without attempting to epitomize the work, we shall present a brief outline of the romantic part; which, though introduced in an episodical shape, forms the basis of the whole. Cornelius is an Irishman of the last century, who, in consequence of the restrictions at that time imposed on his Catholic countrymen, received his education at Rome, where he became intimate with the exiled princes of the house of Stuart, and devoted to their cause. He is recalled to Ireland, whence, growing impatient of inaction and obscurity, he resolves to emigrate, but previously visits a friend in England, with whose sister he becomes so much enamoured, that his resolution is shaken, and he is about to relinquish his purpose, when the Pretender makes his irruption into England. Cornelius is impelled by a romantic sense of honor to fulfil his former engagements, and is consequently involved in ruin. He is renounced and even persecuted by his friend; but Susanna proves more constant, and after preserving his life, unites her fate with his, and becomes the partner of his exile.

Unwilling to separate wholly from Britain, they settle in America, where Cornelius, sensible of his former error, and anxious to restore to his son the birthright he has himself forfeited, endeavours to obtain a pardon, but just as this is achieved, he is visited by domestic misfortunes, and after a catastrophe, related with strong pathos, he leaves America, a desolated man, without one object in existence. His feelings, on revisiting Madeira, to which he had first conducted his wife, on leaving Europe, are tenderly expressed; but his grief is at length assuaged by philanthropy: he returns to Europe; and, re-visiting England, relieves from extreme penury the widowed mother of Altamont, to whom, however, he is only known by the name of Valsinore. [49] The object of his bounty becomes the wife of Mr Bruce, a clergyman with more worth than wealth, who superintends the education of her son; and, at a proper period, apprizes him of the secret donation. Of the mysterious benefactor all traces are lost, when another remittance, presented under the same signature, leads Altamont to hope that he is still in existence. But this opinion he forgoes, on tracing the name of Valsinore to a recluse at La Trappe, who had since perished. On his return to England he is fully occupied with his passion for Cordelia, the heroine of the novel. The incidents connected with their mutual love, we profess not to communicate; but, in the sequel, Cornelius, who, under another character, has been endeared to both, having been previously reconciled to the brother of his Susanna, avows himself the kinsman of Altamont, unites him to Cordelia, and with patriarchal felicity closes his eyes in the house of his fathers.

Miss Benger is already known as the author of one of the three poems, published in Bowyer's volume, to commemorate the Abolition of the Slave Trade; and it is obvious that the sentiments, contained in the present work, are in unison with those of her former essay.