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We have been greatly interested and gratified by the perusal of this additional volume, which is fully equal in merit to the former part of [237] the work. The first story in this collection, which is intitled the Officer's Tale, is particularly well-imagined, and contains many touching incidents. The Clergyman's Tale, which follows, is of a more solemn and gloomy cast, and levies indeed a heavy tax on the sympathetic feelings of its readers. - If we were inclined to point out any imperfection in this pleasing publication, we should mention that there is rather too much similarity in the ground-work of both these stories. In the first, a son meets, without knowing, his mother; in the second, the wandering son encounters his father without discovering him. - The language is generally correct, and even elegant: but it is occasionally turgid or obscure, when an effort at sublimity is unavailingly made. Indeed, we have long had opportunities of observing that no circumstance is so injurious to style, as the passion for fine writing. When writers of real merit, like the authors of the present volume, countenance this species of false taste, it is the duty of the critic to point out the mistake, and to remind both authors and readers that the most simple and true expressions are always the most forcible.

At the end of the volume, the writers remove the thin veil of reality which they had placed before these stories, in saying that they were related by travellers at an Inn at Canterbury; and they are now confessed to be day-dreams, to which Miss S. L. acknowledges she has been always subject. Addressing herself to the reader, she says, 'if you should find this as pleasant as I have done, why we may hence forward recite tales without going to Canterbury.' We have no doubt that many of her readers will be happy to take a nap with her; and, 'old as we are,' we beg to enrol ourselves in the number.

[complete] Provided by Julie A. Shaffer, September 1999.