Marie.—i.e. Charles and Mary. By the Author of Adéle de Senange. 12mo. Paris. 1802. De Boffe, London.1
Our great dramatist observes that "the
web of our life is of a mingled yarn;"2 and
novelists in general illustrate [Page 544] this maxim, by leading the heroes of
their stories through a great variety of adventures, and placing them in situations
of the most extravagant contrast. The
author of the little volume before us affects none of the sublimities of
this art, but contents himself with conducting Charles and Mary along a smooth and
easy path, with no other than the ordinary thorns which lovers find in their progress
to the Temple of Hymen; such as a little jealousy, or occasionally the transient
image of a troubled thought. Cupid plays Charles no tricks; and if the young man's
horse had manifested equal gentleness towards his master, there would have been no
disaster to interest our compassionate feelings: but that unruly animal throws his
rider, and occasions a contusion on the brain, which introduces a delirium, and makes
us tremble a moment for the hero's brains. When, however, we find that his mistress
would marry him even when he is out of his senses, we
pronounce him the most favored of lovers, and bid him farewell.