that wicked cunning which deeply plans, and scruples not as to the means, by which these plans are consummated; yet here also there is a difference; one acts with a settled purpose--the other has already stained her robes with murderous by a base remorse which fears the discovery of her former crimes. which the defenders of this play have conducted the discussion of its merits and defects. It has long been a "bone of contention" amongst critics, and though it is perhaps one of those plays which are least read and admired by general readers, we think it one of the finest of Shakespeare's drama-guilt, and works out her horrid schemes, impelled tic efforts. True, there is less depth and philosophy of thought-less subtlety of reasoningless of fiery and absorbing passion, than in some others, more deeply studied, but to make amends for this, there is an interesting intricacy of plot, without confusion,-a romance of incident and character, heightened by the distance of time, { and by the rudeness of the age; an admirable portraiture of totally dissimilar individuals, which are yet all true to nature, and finally an engrossing interest is thrown over the whole, which leads the reader eagerly on from point to point in the development of events, until he arrives at a happy termination to them all. From these comparisons we see that the characters in Cymbeline are not less perfect than those in his deeply wrought tragedies. Their delineation is as correct, but in lighter colors, than in his more admired portraits. The plot of this play is almost entirely of the poet's own invention. He found the name of Cymbeline as a king of ancient Britain in an old history, (Hollingshed's) and drew the character of Imogen from an almost forgetten tale of the fifteenth century, which he embellished and introduced into his plot as one of the principle (and as we think one of his most perfect) female characters. In the introduction of real events, he has in some instances been said to have made history The constant Imogen is a twin conception with the devoted Desdemona; Posthumus and Othello are the same jealous heroes; Iachimo and Iago are both polished traitors; and yet there is a difference between these similar characters. Imo-conform to the play, more than to have conformed gen's attachment was that which had grown with her years from infancy, whereas Desdemona loved from some strange wild impulse; her devotion was flamed by suddenly kindled admiration; the love of Posthumus was milder than that of Othello, and the current of his grief at the supposed dishonor of his wife, was less boisterous and rapid, but not less deep and passionate; Iachimo was treacherous from impulsive vanity, and from mere This introduction of real names and events imthoughtlessness, while Iago was a villain of fixed parts an appearance of reality which increases the and premeditated purpose. In the Queen of Cym-interest of the play, and this reality is in turn beline, and in Gertrude, Hamlet's mother, may more enhanced from the charm which his own be traced a strong resemblance. Both possess imagination sheds around it. his play to history," yet he has been excused for this on the ground of obscurity in the chronicles of those times, and on account of their general unimportance. Although, as has already been observed, he was indebted to history and tradition for one or two incidents, these are but a portion of the outline, which he has perfected, and embellished with his own genius. For Arthur's Magazine. A PRAYER. SLEEP visits her unwooed, as to the leaves Her gentle spirit from the shock of ill! O grant her but the seeds of bliss thus sown N. E. [Description of the plate engraved for this number of Arthur's Magazine, from an original painting by Mr. G. N. Frankenstein of Cincinnati.] N IAGARA Fallstions, however, we leave to those who will be are situated eight more likely to arrive at satisfactory conclusions. miles above Lew- The plate given in the present number, represents the falls, as they appear from Robinson's "Chinese Pagoda," which is one of the best, if not the best point from which to view them. The spectator is elevated seventy-five feet above the cataract, from which position the eye takes in all the landscape, and the general appearance of the falls, as admirably copied by the artist. The most prominent features, embraced in the picture, we shall briefly describe. iston, on Niagara river, about equidistant from Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Navy, and Grand Islands divide the river about a mile above the falls, between which points, the water gradually descends fifty-seven feet, in rapids. The banks, in some places, are one hundred feet in height, but, generally preserve the level of the country. The river is three-quarters of a mile in breadth, at the grand falls, which forms a semi-circular curve, extending to the greatest length on the American side. The ground immediately below the spectator.supposing him to look from the Pagoda"contains the Ferry-house, from which the ferry stairs descend the perpendicular precipice. Various trees and vines flourish on the verge of the precipice in front of the ferry-house, which partially conceal from view the river and falls. The rocks in the lower part of the picture, up which the spray is dashing, are at the bottom of the American fall, which is the nearest in this Its actual height, is, however, greater than that of the other-(the Horse-shoe or British fall)-— the first being one hundred and sixty-four feet, and the latter being but one hundred and fifty-eight feet in depth. The appearance of the land between the two lakes has convinced many that the falls have greatly receded from their former position; and this opinion is sustained by the following ascer-view, and consequently the largest in perspective. tained facts: The level of Lake Erie is two hundred and thirty-four feet above that of Lake Ontario. This descent to the northward is not made by a gradual slope of the land, but by steep and sudden precipices at different intervals, between which stretch broad and level plains. The greatest of these declivites is at Lewiston, eight miles below the present situation of the falls. The appearance and general formation of the banks, indicate that here must have been the original site of this mighty cataract; although we believe that observation has failed to determine how long it has taken to cut this rocky channel, or what length of time will be required to extend it on to Lake Erie. These specula The platform at the edge of the fall, has been recently built, by S. L. Ware, Esq. It projects ten feet over the edge of the precipice, and, while leaning over its side and gazing upon the fearful abyss below one is made sensibly to feel and appreciate the grandeur and majesty of the place. The rapids above the falls, are, as may be seen in the picture, interspersed with numerous small islands; the most distant of which, called The "Luna Island," divides the American fall, leaving on the other side a narrow strip of water. which has been named "Centre Fall." larger one immediately beyond is "Goat, "-(or as it is more appropriately called by some) Iris," Island. From Centre Fall, a path may be seen winding up its bank, which has received the appellation of Hog's Back". -a rather inappropriate name for such a grand and beautiful spot! The ferry stairs at this place, are about to be taken down, as a road through the rocks is being cut, to enable carriages to cross the river. 66 Beyond Iris Island is the grand " Horse-Shoe" or British Fall, from which a vast cloud of spray is continually ascending. This cloud is particularly dense in the morning, the time of day, when the sketch was taken. The tower among the rocks, projecting above the surface of the water, at this portion of the fall, was built by the proprietors of Iris Island, Augustus and Peter B. Porter, the latter of whom is now deceased. The view from its summit is fine. On the Canadian side is "Table Rock," the cavity below which, forms the entrance through which visitors pass behind the falls. A short distance below, are the buildings, in which are furnished dresses necessary for this purpose. The precipice is descended by means of excellent spiral stairs, winding down, in front of the buildings. None ever regret this excursion ;one thing is certain,-none ever ought. The British Rapids are seen beyond this fall, and the high, wooded banks of Canada, bound the river in the distance. Iris Island, than which there are few more beautiful spots upon the globe, together with the other islands, and the surrounding river banks, have been left, as far as possible, in a state of nature. This speaks highly for the good taste and judgment of the proprietors, and it is to be hoped that this spot will ever remain in such hands. We have thus given an enumeration of the principal and most interesting features in this most sublime of all scenes. We confess that it is nothing but an enumeration;-a cold catalogue of the separate and distinguishing beauties of this pre-eminently beautiful spot;- but this is all we can do. Description, when measuring with such a subject, its feeble powers, becomes yet weaker from its useless exertion, and praise degenerates into disparagement. The Falls of Niagara must be seen; otherwise all ideas of their appearance or grandeur are inadequate. The engraving accompanying this present number, expresses with great accuracy the outlines and general appearance of the Falls, though it is exceedingly difficult,-and we might suppose impossible-to preserve distinctness, when so many objects, scattered over so large a space, are brought within such small compass. The difficulty however which has been thus thoroughly overcome, only speaks the louder in praise of the talented young artist,-Mr. Godfrey N. Frankenstein,-of Cincinnati, Ohio, who took on the spot the sketch from which the plate is engraved. |