ated by the Greek poets many centuries before the Christian era. SCOTT. There is certainly somewhat of Grecian simplicity in the old song itself; and if Pindar had been an Irishman, I think he would have celebrated this favourite haunt in a style not very different from Millikin's classic rhapsody. PROUT. Millikin, the reputed author of that song, was but a simple translator from the Greek original. Indeed, I have discovered, when abroad, in the library of Cardinal Mazarin, an old Greek manuscript, which, after diligent examination, I am convinced must be the oldest and " princeps editio" of the song. I begged to be allowed to copy it, in order that I might compare it with the ancient Latin or Vulgate translation which is preserved in the Brera at Milan; and from a strict and minute comparison with that, and with the Norman-French copy which is appended to Doomsday-book, and the Celtic-Irish fragment preserved by Crofton Croker, (rejecting as spurious the Arabic, Armenian, and Chaldaic stanzas on the same subject, to be found in the collection of the Royal Asiatic Society,) I have come to the conclusion that the Greeks were the undoubted original con trivers of that splendid ode; though whether we ascribe it to Tyrtæus or Callimachus will depend on future evidences; and perhaps, Sir Walter, you would give me your opinion, as I have copies of all the versions I allude to at my dwelling on the hill. SCOTT. I cannot boast, learned father, of much νους in Hellenistic matters; but should find myself quite at home in the Gaelic and Norman-French, to inspect which I shall with pleasure accompany you: so here I kiss the stone! The wonders of "the castle," and " cave," and "lake," were speedily gone over; and now, according to the usage of the dramatist in presenting his characters to the spectators, modò Roma, modò ponit Athenis, we shift the scene to the Grecian tabernacle of Father Prout on Watergrasshill, where, in that rustic parlour described in the last Number of REGINA, round a small table sat Scott, Knapp, and Prout a triumvirate of critics never surpassed in keen and judicious scrutiny. The papers before them fell into my possession when the table was cleared for the subsequent repast; and thus I am able to submit to the world's decision what these three doctors could not decide, viz. which is the original version of the "Groves of Blarney." The Groves of Blarney. LE BOIS DE Blarnaye. I. The groves of Blarney, That spontaneous grow there, In the rocky nooks. The sweet open air. I. Charmans bocages! Vous me ravissez, Vous réunissez! Rochers sauvages, De gentils oiseaux: D'éternelle verdure; II. 'Tis Lady Jeffers Owns this plantation; In all the nation, Can with her compare. Such walls surround her, In her battlement. II. C'est Madame de Jefferts, Quand, allumant sa mêche, Fit irréparable brèche. Ἡ Ὑλη Βλαρνικη. Blarneum Nemus. α. Της Βλαβνιας αἱ ὑλαι Φερισται, καλλίφυλλαί, Όπου σιγῇ ρεουσι Βασιλικον ροδον τε. Εν ενδιαίς αησιν. β. Ταυτης ΙΕΦΕΡΕΣΣΑ Καλη και χαρίεσσα Του Αμμονος ὁ διος, Ακροπολεως περάσας. I. Quisquis hic in lætis Lympharum perstrepit echo, Ire per arva putas. Rubet undique flos sine fuco, Ac ibi formosam Cernis ubique rosam; Suaviter hi flores Miscent ut amabis odores; Nec requiem demus, Nam placet omne nemus! II. Fœmina dux horum Regnat Jeferessa locorum, Pace, virago gravis, Componeret ei Cleopatram, Nullâ est violanda balistâ: Turris erat diris Non penetranda viris ; Tamen illic fecit hiatum, Et ludos heros Lusit in arce feros! III. There is a cave where No daylight enters, But cats and badgers And mossed by nature III. Il est dans ces vallons Où jamais nous n'allons IV. There gravel walks are And meditation In sweet solitude. "Tis there the lover May hear the dove, or Would be so engaging Those shady groves, IV. Ici l'homme atrabilaire Quand une nymphe cruelle L'a mis au désespoir, Sans qu'il puisse émouvoir |