A Dissertation on the Hebrew Roots, intended to point out their extensive Influence on all known Languages, by the late Rev. Alex. Pirie, of Newburgh. 12mo. pp. 186, Edinburgh; Williams and Smith, London, 1807. Price 5s. THOSE who claim for the Hebrew language the character of "the parent language of the universe," are surely intent on doing it ample honour; but it is not so easy to justify this character as to insist on it. Nevertheless, if we abate something of this assumption, we may safely allow that the Hebrew has undeniable claims'tɔ deep antiquity; that either by itself, or by some of its cognate dialects, it has spread more or less over a considerable part of the western world. Many of its roots are interwoven, beyond any reasonable doubt, with the ancient languages of Europe, as well as with those of Arabian Asia: and we should be glad of an opportunity of perusing the labours of a competent Welsh scholar, in which the Hebrew languages and the ancient British were purposely compared. We know that this is incidentally done by Lhuyd; but a more explanatory and reasoning performance, comprising customs and manners also, is what we desire. Specimens we have seen lead us to infer, that an ancient Briton, who understands Hebrew, must find in it much similarity to his own language, and that various notions still extant among the uncorrupted parts of the population in Wales, are very probably derived from a source, of which the East is rather the seat than the West. We suspect, too, that the Gaelic has many ideas and turns of speech, in common with the Hebrew; and when we opened the work before us, we were in hopes of finding our suspicions verified. We have not, however, been so fortunate. The He author has, as is usual, traced many brew notions through Greek and Latin words, to which he has annexed some French and English, a little Italian, and Scottish. He adds, also, on some words, the Saxon, Swedish, and Danish, but in a manner which evidences pretty strongly that he is acquainted with these languages only through the medium of a dictionary. We extract, as a specimen of Mr. Pirie's performance, the first word which occurs. **a, max, ab, abbè. These words originally conveyed the idea of fertility. VOL II. Lit. Pan. July, 1807.] Hence they were used by the Hebrews to denote a father, green ears of corn, &c. The Syriac N, the Greek and English abba, i. e. father, still convey the same idea. As the governor of an abbey was always called the father of the religious house, so denominated, the Saxons called him abud or abbod, as the French and English still call him abbot; and as every structure of that kind was reared in some fertile plain, hence the building itself was called by the Latins abbatia, from whence the French abbaie and the English abbey, which last is the Hebrew term precisely. The English abbacy, denoting the rights and jurisdiction of an abbot, the Latin abutessa, the Saxon aludesse, and French abbesse, are obviously of the same original.” This article is certainly incorrect.The English has no abba: it occurs, indeed, Rom. viii. 15. but is a Syriacism. From Syria it travelled westward, and with the office of abbot the Saxons received the appellation: it is not, therefore, Saxon, but a foreign term naturalized, after the conversion of that people to Christianity. Besides, it conveyed, when addressed to an abbot, no idea of fertility, since those under his care were not his natural offspring. Moreover, every abbatial structure was not erected in a fertile plain. But, as we wish to be favourable to works which contain some information, though not all that we desire, we transcribe another article, on which the author approaches much nearer to our opinion. "6 1 cron, corn, carn. "This word has held a very dignified place in all languages. It signifies to emit rays of light, to shine, and as horns resemble rays of light, it also denotes horns. The horned animal exerts its strength by its horns; hence it also signifies strength, dominion, a kingdom. This last idea it has in the Greek, καρανος, κραίνω, κρανίως κραντης, κρινομαι, κρίνω, judico; and gua, judicium, condemnatio, from whence the Latins took their crimen, criminalis, which became our crime, criminal. "As a crown is an ensign of royalty or dominion, the root which was used by the Hebrews to convey these ideas has been generally chosen to express it by. Thus corona, Lat. couronne, couronnement, couronner, Fr. and crown, coronary, coronation, coroner, coronet, Eng. with the Italic coronetta. As this badge of dignity is worn on the top of the head, the 2 B Fame word is used both in French and English to denote that part of the head still, as it was formerly in the Greck and Latin languages. Thus, xpava, xganov, cranium, pericranium, with the French crane. Our crane, craneage, derived immediately from cran, Sax. kran, Teut. kraene, Belg. garan, Brit. are all originally from in its substantive estate, with the nun final, denoting any thing which digs deep, as the long beak of the bird called crane in English, whereby it preys on fishes. called horns, Ezek. xxvii, 15; a crown As the hair resembles horns or rays of light, it was called crinis, Lat. crin, Fr.; or perhaps because hair was the emblem of strength, and is the crown of na-jecting curvature at the ends of a bow, or ture, which she has placed upon the head at the stern of a ship; nopaves, a prince of man. A fountain, the head of the or ruler; Kernaw or Cornwall, a pro springs or rivulets, was called ngnon agnus, vince projecting into the sea, a promon in Greek. Hence, as fountains issue tory, &c. It will appear, from a due from a small cleft or chink in a rock, such consideration of these instances, that our a chink or cleft is called creneau, Fr. author has taken a secondary idea for a crena, Ital. and cranny, English. primary. In general, that idea, which, though most simple, is most capable of being applied to various subjects, may be presumed to have been the original; but, whenever an idea is restricted to a speci fic subject, that is not the true root. "Horns, we have observed, were denoted in Hebrew by p corn; and the same word is but little varied in cornu, Lat. corne, Fr. with our cornet, corniculate, cornific, cornuted, &c. Also every thing growing or placed on the top or head went by the same name ; as the Saxon and English corn, the Scotch cairn, and the Welsh' carnedd, a heap of stones thrown together on the top of a mountain or hill, and the fires which the Druids kindled upon it. The French corniche, and the English cornice, are evidently of this original; as is the English crown, meaning the chief silver coin. small Εκ των τε Βίωνος, Μοσχο, και Τυρταιο σεσωσ- "As Saturn was considered in the heathen mythology as the chief god, or at the head of the genealogy of the deities, he was called in Greek goves, and as he was the most ancient of the gods, his name denoted antiquity or long dura. tion, as povos, duration, povos, ancient kronic, Belg. crone, crony, Eng.; chronique, Fr. chronical, chronicle, chronotype is in our opinion much too small for loger, chronometer. Eng." If, instead of giving this root the primary idea of shining, the author had considered it as importing to project, to stand up, over or above others, he would have Deen nearer to the truth. E. gr. rays of light are projections from a luminous body; horns are projections from the head of an animal; the tusks of elephants are projections from their cheeks, thence was been enabled to render this edition su perior to others. We presume that it is correct; but, to say truth, the Greek pleasant reading, even with our best spectacles. If the editor had not thought pro per to print it wholly in capitals, like the Parma Anacreon, yet he might have chosen his type a size larger to advantage. A Latin version is added, ab Ernesto Gulielmo Higtio. It is a work of merit, and we recommend it to the attention of such of our learned readers, as wish to com prise their classics in a nutshell. 3. count of other ancient buildings, particu Description of the Cathedral Church of Ely; larly connected with the convent; and with some Account of the Conventual Buildings. Illustrated by Engravings. By 'George Millers, M. A. Minor Canon. Royal 8vo. pp. 185. price 12s. White, London. 1807. THOUGH We felt it our duty to treat the intention of Mr. Lingard's work with some severity, p. 771, yet we are not guilty of indifference to the piety of our ancestors, or insensibility to their merit. We are, in fact, rather jealous of ourselves on the contrary account; and are conscious of a predilection for the study of antiquities, which, notwithstanding the jokes of the uninitiated, we esteem it no dishonour to avow. Among the most interesting edifices of our island, Ely Cathedral holds a distinguished rank, and the public has been gratified with a copious description of it, from the learned and accurate pen of Mr. Bentham. But Mr. B's work is a library book, and not calculated for the information of casual visitors, who yet desire somewhat more saEtisfactory than "the lean and legendary tradition of the verger, the oral historian of the place." With this laudable view - Mr. Millers composed a Guide to Ely Cathedral, which having been favourably received, he has now enlarged, embellished, and presented to the public in a very handsome portable edition. Our author has taken this opportunity to explain to those, to whom the study is new, the characteristics of English ecclesiastical Architecture; which he divides into-1. the Saxon style; 2. the Norman style; 3. the early English style; 4 the ornamented English style; 5: the florid English style. These, he very properly illustrates by specimens taken from the different parts of the cathedral and convent, the history of which he is narrating. He agrees decidedly with those who explode the term Gothic, from the language of English antiquaries; and he strongly insists on its entire abolition. In this, we fear, he will fail, though his opinion be correct. He then particularly surveys the buildings, their parts and connections, gives their history, and describes their present state. The Cathedral claims precedence, of course, with the remains of the cloister and chapter house, the deanery and other buildings. He also gives some ac closes with a list of dignitaries, a summary chronology, and tables of the principal dimensions, &c. by way of appendix. The work is very respectable: the reverend author has seen with his own eyes, this time, and thereby has corrected some errors into which he had fallen in his former edition, and which had equally misled his predecessors. His remarks are useful, judicious, and intelligent; and though, like a true antiquary, and a still truer member of a conventual establishment, he is desirous of losing nothing in point of antiquity, yet he does not offend by his manner, nor insist on our acquiescence merely on his ipse dixit. He gives his reasons, permits us to judge for ourselves, and by his frankness inclines us to favour his opinion. Whenever dilapidations of ecclesiastical buildings are mentioned, we are apt to recollect with asperity the barbarous animosity of the graceless saints who could not or would not distinguish between the doctrines of popery and the place whence they desired to expel them; but we are not displeased to find these zealots relieved from a part of the odium attached to them. Speaking of the destruction made among the monuments in this cathedral, Mr. M. observes, "What now remain, are probably but a small portion of what once existed. Most profane havoc has been made among them. We are apt to refer all mischief of this sort to the æra of the great rebellion in the seventeenth century; but the truth is, that a great deal was done long before that time. Weever complains bitterly of it. The dæmon of destruction was let loose very early in the days of the reformation, under pretence of obliterating the traces of superstition. That might have been done, without such excessive devastation. If an image was an object of adoration, it might have been quietly removed, without injury to any adjoining part. If it were simply an ornament, why remove it at all? At any rate, pinnacles and crockets, coats of arins and flourishes in brass, seem to have been very inoffensive things. If "Orate pro anima" were superstitions in fact (as no doubt it was), still it was both pious and affectionate in principle. It was the last fine tie between departed and surviving neighbours, friends, and brethren. However, if it could not be pardoned on that consideration, it might have been erased without destroying the whole record. But a brass plate was worth something, and a stone might be of more use somewhere else, or might possibly be large and thick enough to be divided. So that paltry avarice masqued itself under the guise of zeal. The depredators were numerous and active. They had great example and authority; that of the visitors at the time of the dissolution, and, a few years afterwards, the more venerable sanction of bishops. Here, bishop Goodrich, a zealous reformer, "all issued his injunction, in 1541, that Images and Bones of suche as the Kyng's "people resorted and offered unto, Item, the "Ornaments, Writings, Table-monuments of Miracles or Pylgrymage, Shryne, Co"verying of Shryne appertaining to the saide Images and Bones, should be so done away and abolished, that no memory of them might in future remain." p. 88. Here was license and warrant for abundance of mischief; but it opened a door to much more still than was literally expressed. Not a word is said of the disposal of these spoils, they are only ordered to be done away. No doubt those who owed canonical obedience on this occasion, most conscientiously performed it, and took effectual care that the offensive objects should be seen no more. It is only to be hoped, that bishop Goodrich's injunc tions did not cause any of the mischief which has been done to the chapel of his immediate predecessor, bishop West. Among the many monumental records that have been some how or other done away, who will not lament that that of prior Walsingham is included; for that great man died prior of his monastery, and had even been elected bishop, but the choice of the convent was set aside by a papal provision. p. 87, &c. To the western door of the cathedral is annexed a portico, called," The Galilee": Mr. M. thinks, that here the penitents used to sit, till re-admitted into the church; and as Galilee bordering on the Gentiles, was the most remote part of the Holy Land from Jerusalem, so was this the most distant from the sanctuary, and the sacred mysteries. Some would, however, query, whether this name may not have a reference to that of the jewry," which is connected with several churches, and has never been so satisfactorily accounted for, as to leave no room for further explanation. We learn, that the mouldings and other ornamented parts on the outside of this building, worn away by time or injury, were curiously restored when the tower. was repaired, by a composition which seems to harden by exposure to the weather, and at present to have all the properties of solid stone." We should be glad if the nature of this composition, which has stood the test of experience, were better known. It appears that, by a very injudicious addition, to the tower of the west front, that front has been overloaded, and expences to the amount of many thousands of pounds have been at different times incurred in consequence: a striking lesson this to improving architects! Among the most curious reliques of remote antiquity in the cathedral is, the lower part of a stone cross, with its square pedestal, which after having been used as a horse block, at Haddingham, in the Isle of Ely, was removed hither by the judicious care of Mr. Bentham. It is erected to Ovin, steward to Queen Etheldreda, the foundress; and is inscribed Lucem tuam Ovino da Deus et requiem. Amen. Mr. M. takes a good deal of pains to jus tify his ascription of equal antiquity to the. ruins of the conventual Church, the history of which he traces from St. Etheldreda in 673, to its destruction by the Danes 870, its reparations by the priests. who soon afterwards inhabited it, its restoration to its former state in the reign of Edgar the great rebuilder of monasteries, 970, by St. Ethelwold bishop of Winchester, till the new Conventual Church was begun in 1081, consecrated 1106, and converted into a Cathedral 1109. If our author be right, this is one of the very oldest works now remaining of our Saxon ancestors. We cannot enter into the history of this structure but shall merely hint at the octagon and lantern, in the center of it: which does infinite honour to the skill of Alan de Walsingham, the sacrist in 1322. "Nobody can behold without admiring the skill, which has suspended rather than supported, a very heavy timber roof over so wide an area without a pillar." It rests upon eight strong piers and arches, instead of four, as is usual. Why is not this lantern introduced as an object in one of the plates? A plan of the relative situations of the buildings described, ought also to have been given. The plates, however, are neatly executed, and are very useful; the subjects are chiefly such as Mr. Bentham had not noticed; and we think the volume is a desirable medium between the extensive investigation of Mr. Bentham, and the fugitive information usually comprised in a mere local "Guide," The volume is neatly not pompously printed and we notice this merit the more readily, because we are given to understand that it is the performance of youths who have been trained up in opposition to a combination among the workmen, which threatened very serious and extensive injury to literature, had it not been opposed with spirit and effect by the office where this work was printed, and by a few others, including ourselves. All the Talents, a Satirical Poem in three Dialogues. By Polypus. Pp. 81. Price 3s. 6d. Stockdale, London. Against the late Ministry. Ridicule is an irresistible weapon. It takes effect when all others fail; and by treating grave follies with a ludicrous levity, is of more avail than volumes upon volumes of solemn reproof or of dry dissertation. The present little work is written with this conviction. It often laughs at errors which deserve to be treated more seriously; but had this been the case, the end of the satire would not have been answered. The author's severity against some of our late governors, amounts to personality; and this will be thought the chief merit of the poem, by one party, though whether it may please the other, is doubtful. A character at which neither party can be offended is that of Bonaparte; which we shall extract. Behold, my friend, o'er Europe's hapless land, New suns shall shine and double moons appear; And steers his plumes athwart the dark profound, Favoured by Heav'n, let Britons bend the knee, And thank that awful Pow'r who keeps us free; Own HIM our strength, on HIM repose our all, Sedate in triumph and resign'd to fall., *Favoured by Heav'n let Britons bend the knee.] -I think I may say (but meekly let me say it, and with awful reverence), that Providence watches over this empire with an eye of peculiar regard. England seems to be solemnly selected and delegated to interpose a barrier between partial subversion and universal anarchy: to punish the punishes of nations; to heal the wounds of agonizing Europe, and to sit like a wakeful nurse, watching at her side, and administering to her lips the medicine of salvation. We stand on a noble, but a dreadful elevation; responsible in ourselves for the future happiness of the human race. We have a spirit, a constitution and a religion: unrivalled, unparalleled, unprecedented. From these sources I draw my politics, and these tell me, we shall triumph. The red right hand of Providence is every where visible. Even at this moment it is performing the promised work of Papal Extirpation. Persevere then, Britons, in the mighty task before you. To recede from it were ruin. Be firm and you triumph-fear, and you fall. All the Blocks! or, an Antidote to All the Talents. A satirical poem, in Three Dialogues. By Flagellum. 8vo. pp. 76. Price 2s. Boards. Mathews. London, 1807. Against the present Ministry. As pretty an instance of a blunt satire, as we have lately met with: what could induce the author to write it we can conceive, but what could induce the Bookseller to print it exceeds our conjecture. The writer would be very severe on the present ministry if he knew how; at least he affects great asperity and wrath against them, but his anger has little nature in it, and less poetry. However, he may do the said ministry service in another form; for he reminds us of what was attributed to the ins of former days, and what might have been repeated in his instance, had his talents been thought worthy of the purchase: The ministry-(God bless the King) |