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1830.]

Bishop Monk's Life of Bentley.

the notice of some of the distinguished scholars of the University, with whom his own merits soon placed him on a footing of intimacy. Here Bentley fully availed himself of the boundless treasures of the Bodleian, and collected materials for various works which he meditated in widely different departments of literature. About this time, he was employed by some leading heads at Oxford to negotiate the purchase of the Library of Isaac Vossius, supposed to be the richest private collection in existence; but, from some deception employed by the persons with whom he had to negociate, the treaty was broken off, and the library, without any fault of his, lost to Oxford. Bentley now meditated, as the foundation of his fame, a complete collection of the Fragments of the Greek Poets: a vast un

dertaking, and of stupendous difficulty, as may be imagined from the collection Bentley actually made of the fragments of one single author, Callimachus. The project was, however, abandoned for very valid reasons, since, as Dr. Monk observes, "the object is better answered by several editors, each peculiarly versed in his own author, annexing to his entire works the fragments of those which have perished." Bentley at this time

also devoted a considerable attention to the Greek Lexicographers, and undertook, at Bishop Stillingfleet's suggestion, to publish them in columns in one Cor pus; but on finding that it was almost impracticable, he abandoned the scheme; but the notes he had prepared were exceedingly valuable, especially on Hesychius, by far the most important, but the most corrupt, we do not say of all ancient Lexicons, but of all Greek writers, since of this there is only

one most incorrect MS. in existence.

But while Bentley was meditating this and other works of magnitude and importance, mere chance directed his attention to a subject which was the means of establishing his unrivalled fame as a Critic. Among the numerous Chronicles compiled from ancient sources by early Christian writers, of the events from Adam to their time, was that of Joannes Malelas. Of this only one copy was in existence. An edition of this author had been prepared by Gregory and Chilmead of Oxford, accompanied with learned notes; and was now brought out at the Oxford press under the superintendence of Dr. Mill, afterwards the editor of the Greek Testament. To this work, the cele

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"The various and accurate learning, and astonishing sagacity displayed in this Epistle, attracted the attention of every person capable of judging upon such subjects. The originality of Bentley's style, the boldness of his opinions, and his secure reliance upon unfailing stores of learning, all marked him out as a scholar to be ranked with Scaliger, Casaubon, and Gataker. Notwithstanding the reluctance with which the pretensions of a new author are usually admitted, and the small number of persons to whom such selves, we find that the fame of our Critic writings were likely to recommend themwas at once established: among foreign scholars in particular, the sensation produced by this essay of a young and unknown writer, seems to have been unexampled; and Grævius and Spanheim, the chiefs of the learned world, pronounced him the rising constellation of literature,' and anticipated the brilliancy of his course. The learning of this essay seems like the overflowing of an inexhaustible stream: of the many topics which claim attention, we may particularly notice that the true nature of the compilation of Hesychius, and the mode by which its errors might be corrected, was here first made known and that, by following the path pointed out by Bentley, the main improvements in this Lexicon from that day to the present must be attributed. The style of the Epistle is auimated and lively, and implies the gratification felt by a writer engaged in a field where his resources are abundant, and where he is sure to instruct and interest his reader. A person who opens it with the expectation of a dry disquisition upon certain abstract topics, is agreeably surprised by meeting with information not less entertain

ing than profound; and is irresistibly carried on by the spirited character of the remarks.

"Such was the production which established the fame of Bentley, at the age of twentynine, in the highest rank of literary eminence; and from that moment the eyes of every scholar in Europe were fixed upon his operations. Great as is the number of persons who have since appeared with success in this department, it would not be easy to name a critical essay which, for accuracy, ingenuity, and original learning, can take place of the Appendix to Malelas.” ”

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Bentley now resolved to devote himself to Theology, but being summoned back to the Classics by the general voice of the learned world, he set himself to prepare new editions of Philostratus, Hesychius, and Manilius; three authors

32

CLASSICAL LITERATURE.

(says Dr. Monk) of such different descriptions, and requiring in the Editor such different qualifications, as form a proof of the fertility of his learning and the energy of his mind. He never actually brought out any one of these writers, leaving Philostratus to Olearius, and Hesychius to Alberti; but his apparatus of critical remarks on the two last were very valuable to the above editors some years afterwards. Bentley was now (1692) appointed Boyle's Lecturer, and the subject of the discourses was a Confutation of Atheism, in opposition to Spinoza and Hobbes, whose pernicious principles, though they had been ably combated by Cudworth and Cumberland, yet required to be assailed in some more popular and effective man

ner.

"The reader of these discourses," says Dr. Monk," is informed and delighted by the variety of knowledge which they contain, and their close and convincing train of rea soning. The success with which Bentley unmasks the tenets of the atheist, grapples with his arguments, and exposes his fallacies, has never been surpassed, and scarcely equalled, in the wars of controversy. He steadily follows up his antagonist, and never fails to dislodge him from his positions. Various as are the topics which come under discussion, he appears at home in all, and displays a familiarity with metaphysics, natural history, and philosophy, altogether wonderful in a person coming fresh from the field of classical criticism."

In the course of this work Bentley availed himself of the aid of Newton's immortal discoveries in philosophy, and indeed was the first to make them known to the world. To do this the more successfully, he corresponded much with Newton himself, and was aided by many valuable suggestions from him, so that, as our Biographer says, "This department of natural Theology

has never yet been so satisfactorily illustrated. The style is remarkable, not only for its vigour, but for a certain epigramma tic and witty turn, which gives it a pecuHar character and effect, original, manly, and uncompromising, and every sentence has its weight."

Before the year was over, Bentley was presented to a Prebend in Worcester Cathedral, and his residence fixed for the months when the Bishop was át Worcester. The reputation and promotion which he had now attained produced the usual effect, envy, which was increased by a certain haughtiness of manner and vain-gloriousness which grew with his growth and strengthened

' [July,

with his strength, and which may chiefly, perhaps, be attributed to his being in a great measure self-taught. This year Bentley commenced a correspondence with the celebrated J. J. Grævius of Utrecht, the most distinguished scholar of his time; which continued until the death of Grævius. All their letters are preserved, and are highly interesting, on various accounts. Grævius had now in hand an edition of Callimachus, to which Spanheim furnished an ample Commentary, and Bentley a full collection of the frag ments dispersed in various authors, more than doubling those of former editors, and evincing a learning and critical acumen equal to that of almost any of his productions. In 1692-3, Bentley was appointed Keeper of the King's Library, at a salary of 2001. a year, then a considerable sum. In 1694, he was summoned to preach his second course of Boyle's Lectures. His subject was the defence of Christianity against the objections of infidels. These were unfortunately never given to the world, and in whose possession the MS. now is, Dr. Monk has never been able to discover. Amidst these engagemen's and this rising fame, Bentley became involved in that dispute which forms a prominent feature in his life, the Controversy on the Epistles of Phalaris. The origin and progress of this is detailed with great perspicuity and ability by our Biographer. We know not whether we shall make it fully understood to the reader in the following slight sketch.

This dispute had its origin in the controversy concerning the respective merits of the Ancients and the Moderns, in which Fontenelle and Perrault strenuously, but incautiously, maintained Sir W. Temple as stiffly maintained the superiority of the Moderns; while the claims of the Antients: running into the opposite extreme, by claiming for them a superiority in every department, not only in genius and taste, but in philosophy and science. His rea soning is, however, inconclusive, his views shallow, his credulity ridiculous, his manner too dogmatical; and his whole work savours more of a College declamation than a calm enquiry. However, it was much read and applauded, even by Boileau and Racine; but the imperfections of the disquisition became apparent to unprejudiced and cool thinkers. This induced Wotton to put forth his "Reflections on

1830.]

Bishop Monk's Life of Bentley.

Ancient and Modern Learning," in which he weighs the arguments of the rival champions, and adjusts the respective claims to superiority. This sound, judicious, and candid inquiry, was especially acceptable, after the shallow and declamatory ones which had preceded it. Though professedly an umpire, he inore frequently sides with Fontenelle than with Sir W. Temple. Among other arguments for the decay of human genius, the latter had ventured to pronounce that the oldest books extant were still the best in their kind, adducing as examples what were believed to be the most ancient prose writers, the Fables of Esop, and the Epistles of Phalaris. These Bentley, in conversation with Wotton, maintained to be "neither old nor good, nor even genuine;" and undertook to furnish his friend with proofs of their being forgeries, in time for the publication of his work, but, owing to a press of business and a disposition to procrastinate, he failed in his engagement, and thus Wotton's publication appeared without any notice of the Tyrant or the Fabulist. However, the panegyric on Phalaris by the most popular writer of the day, excited in the public a wish to become acquainted with his inimitable Epistles. The Dean of Christ Church, Oxford, had been accustomed to set his best scholars to give new editions of classical works, and to present a copy of each to every young man in his college as a newyear's gift, which reminds one of that kind of joint stock system by which the learned Benedictines were enabled

to send forth those noble editions of the Greek Fathers. The Editor selected for Phalaris was the Hon. Mr. Boyle, brother to the Earl of Orrery, assisted by Mr. Freind (afterwards the celebrated physician) his private tutor. For the service of this edition it was thought proper to collate MSS. one of which was in the Library of St. James's. Mr. Boyle wrote to a bookseller of the name of Bennet, desiring him to get this MS. collated; who, after many unaccountable delays, applied to Mr. Bentley (before he was librarian) as he was one day in his shop, to procure a loan of the MS.; but as the application had not been made to him, Bentley took no great trouble about the matter, and even spoke slightingly of Phalaris. Bennet still, however, procrastinating, after a fresh application for the collation, laid the blame of the delay on BentGENT. MAG. July, 1830.

33

ley, who was now librarian, and asserted that he had spoken disparagingly both of the book and its editors. This being implicitly believed by Boyle and his friends, convinced them that Bentley had acted uncourteously. After another and more urgent letter, the bookseller (still neglectful of the business) happening to meet Bentley in the street, renewed his request for the MS. which was delivered the same day, with an injunction, however, to lose no time in returning the book, as he was going shortly out of town, and must replace it. This promptitude in granting the request, at the earliest period of his being librarian, was surely anything but uncourteous or disobliging. The time of his leaving London now approaching, and as he was to set off on a Monday morning for Worcester, he the preceding Saturday applied to Bennet for the book, which had been in his possession five, or, as some say, nine days. The bookseller, however, had neglected to put the book into the hands of the collator (who was a mere corrector of the press) until the very last, so that comparatively little of the MS. was collated when Bentley demanded and obtained the book. To conceal his blame throughout the whole affair, the wily bibliopole thought it his interest to create such a thorough quarrel between the parties as might preclude all future explanation. Now in this affair it is clear that no blame can be attached to Bentley; and Boyle was only censurable for giving too implicit credit to an unworthy agent. On the publication of the Phalaris, the Editor reflected upon Bentley for this fancied uncourteousness, by the words, "cujus MSi copiam ulteriorem Bibliothecarius, pro singulari sud humanitate, negavit." Whereupon Bentley wrote to Boyle, explaining the real state of the case, and requiring that the offensive leaf should be cancelled, This, as the work was already published, was impossible. There were indeed other modes of retractation, but Boyle coldly rejected all pacific overtures. And thus his whole conduct was alike unjustifiable. Bentley was urged by his friends to publicly vindicate himself from the calumny; but his good sense withheld him from bringing private complaints before the public. And thus the affair for the present terminated.

(To be continued.)

34

CLASSICAL LITERATURE.—On Macaronic Poetry.

ON MACARONIC POETRY.

MR. URBAN,

July 20.

[July,

Ὁσ ̓ ἐξισώσει σοὶ τε καὶ τοῖς σοῖς τέκνοις.
Edip. Tyran. Sophocles.

Assiouradingbours the net Εσωσα σ', ὡς ἴσασιν Ἑλλήνων ὅσοι.

sufficiently occupied in perusal of works of real instruction or amusement, there have been learned triflers in every age, who have amused themselves at least (if not their readers), by the production of almost impossible literary buffooneries. A man of this class puts you in mind of one of the gifted followers of the valiant Captain Tranchemont, who was obliged to tie his legs together, that he might not overrun his prey. If the readers of these difficiles nuga, are as open to ridicule as the writers, perhaps I should not say much on the subject, as I confess to having looked over several of these publications in my earlier days. The best excuse is, that an overgrown puzzle, which might require days to compose, is skimmed through in a few minutes. Having made a few memoranda, chiefly on Macaronic poetry, I now offer them for your service; with some hesitation, as their length may seem more than the subject warrants. Still, as I am not aware that it is to be found elsewhere in a connected form, it may save some loss of time to those inclined to throw away a leisure hour or two in search of these quaint compositions, by referring them to the principal works. As you have also given notice that you are desirous of receiving Classical communications, and thus fill up the blank left by the decease of the Classical Journal, I am the more emboldened to send this paper; not that it has any claim of regular connection with Classic literature, but that Journal itself, confined as it expressly was to one branch, did not think it incompatible to publish at length one of Dr. Geddes's Macaronic Poems, together with notices of the Pugna Porcorum, and other similar oddities.

Previously to entering on the Macaronic writers, it may not be out of character to touch on some other peculiar and affected styles of versification, bearing some analogy to it. For some of the examples I am indebted to the Journal just mentioned, especially for those from the classic writers, among whom may be found the following accidental specimens of alliteration: Ἐν πεδίω πεπόλιστο, πόλις μερόπων ανα θρώπων.-Homer.

Medea Euripides.

Infans namque pudor prohibebat plura pro-
fari.-Horace.

Non potuit paucis plura planè proloqui.-
Plautus.

Libera lingua loquuntur ludis liberalibus.—
Nævius.

But our business at present is with affected alliteration, such as the line of Ennius,

O Tite, tute, Tati, tibi tanta, Tyranne, tulisti:

also verses of this description,

Machina multa minax minitatur maxima muris;

and,

At Tuba terribili tonitru taratantara trusit ;
and the well-known lines on Wolsey,
Begot by butchers, but by bishops bred,
How high his Highness holds his haughty
head!

attributed to Porson,
to which may be added the following,

Cane decane cane, ne tu cane cane decane,

De cane sed canis cane decane cane.

However, as poems of this kind are usually classed as Macaronic, we will refer them to that head, and just mention the labours of some learned lippogrammatists, with a few other studied trifles, to which the following anecdote, given by D'Israeli in the second volume of his amusing "Curiosities of Literature, may serve as an apt illustra tion:

"The Orientalists are not without this literary folly. A Persian poet read to the celebrated Jami a gazel of his own compo. sition, which Jami did not like: but the writer replied, it was, notwithstanding, a curious sonnet, for the letter Aliff was not to be found in any one of the words! Jami sarcastically replied, You can do a better thing yet; take away all the letters from

every word you have written.'"

This Jami appears to have been a severe reviewer: his recommendation

might be of service at present to other than alliterative works, and many resplendent with brilliant type and hotand short-lived currency, would, like pressed paper, forced into a fictitious the burnt bank-notes, be reduced to a valueless residuum.

Among the most laborious of these literary experimentalists, is Tryphio

1830.]

CLASSICAL LITERATURE.-On Macaronic Poetry.

dorus, a Greek poet and grammarian of Egypt, in the sixth century. Anxious to out-do Homer, he wrote a poem on the destruction of Troy, in twenty-four books, from the first of which the a was carefully excluded, from the second the B, and so on, through the alphabet.

D'Israeli mentions a prose work by Fulgentius, in twenty-three chapters, wherein a similar system of exclusion is adopted for the Latin alphabet: also an ode by Pindar, where the letter s is purposely omitted; and five novels by Lopes de Vega, the first of which is without the vowel a, the second without e, &c. In the Anthol. Græc. edit. H. Steph. are poems in praise of Bacchus and of Apollo, on a different plan. They consist of twenty-four lines, each word in the first line beginning with a, in the second line with B, and so on, e. g.

Αβροκόμην, ἀγροικον, ἀοίδιμον, ἀγλαό-
μορφον,
[xaitny,
Βοιωτόν, βρόμιον, βακχεύτερα, βοτρυο-
Γηθόσυνον, γονόεντα, γιγαντολέτην, για
λόωντα,

Διογενή, δίγονον, διθυραμβογενή, διόνυσον.
There are some well-known English
lines in the same style, ridiculing the
siege of Belgrade, and beginning
An Austrian army awfully arrayed,
Boldly by battery besieged Belgrade.

Even the learned Aldhelm indulges himself occasionally with some curious fancies. In the preface to his poem De Laude Virginum, consisting of thirtyeight lines, the first and last lines contain the same words, but in the last line they are retrograde. The respective lines begin with the successive letters of the first line, and finish with those of the last line: thus, the first and last lines, and the collected initial and final letters of the lines, consist of the same words; but, in the last line, the words occur backwards, and in collecting the final letters, they must be read upwards.

Rhopalic verses (from pómanov, the club of Hercules) begin with a monosyllable, and gradually increase, as, Rem tibi confeci, doctissime, dulcisonoram. Also,

Spes Deus æternæ stationis conciliator.
And,
Ωμάκαρ Ατρείδη, μοιρηγενές, ὀλβιόδαιμον.
Il. y. 182.
Another class consists of those, the

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invention of which is attributed to
Sotades; hence sometimes called Sotadic
verses: though, a higher authority is
sometimes given for these, as the first
specimen is said to have been an ex-
temporary effusion of some unfortunate
dæmon, who was carrying (by com-
pulsion, of course) a certain fat canon
of Combremer, from Bayeux to Rome;
they read the same backwards and for-
wards.

Signa te, signa, temerè me tangis et angis,
Roma tibi subitò motibus ibit amor.
Other examples are,

Si bene te tua laus taxat, sua lautè tenebis.
Sole medere pede, ede, perede melos.
Also,

Et necat eger amor non Roma rege tacente,

Roma reges una non anus eger amor. where the word non serves as a pivot.

These verses are also called palindromes, from πάλιν and δρομέω. In the following line, not only is the verse itself a palindrome, but each particular word also,

Odo tenet mulum, mappam madidam tenet

Anna.

Round the font at Sandbach in

Cheshire, and many other places, in-
cluding the Church of St. Sophia, at
Constantinople, is this inscription:
NIYON ANOMHMA MH MONAN
OYIN.*

A lawyer once chose for his motto "Si nummi immunis." And a noble lady who had been forbidden to appear at the Court of Queen Elizabeth, from certain suspicions against her, "Ablata, at alba;" the device on her seal being the moon partly obscured by a cloud.

The words madam, eye, and a few others, are palindromes; so that, like the bourgeois gentilhomme, who talked prose all his life without knowing it, we repeat extemporary palindromes daily, in utter ignorance of our talent. This is a redeeming quality, by the bye, to conceal any talent we have, when we are so proud of displaying those we have not. Indeed, our talents may often be divided in the same way as some handwriting I have heard of; first, such as nobody can find out; second, what none but ourselves can discover; and thirdly, what our friends also can discern. We will close these palindromes, after mentioning an English one by Taylor, the water-poet,

Lewd did I live & evil I did dwel,
* See our June Magazine, p. 487.

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