account of his own translation of Juvenal-Dryden: that they go not so close" as to "tread upon the heels of their Author, and hurt him by their too near approach. A noble Author would not be pursued too close by a translator. We lose his spirit when we think to take his body. The grosser part remains with us, but the soul is flown away in some noble expression, or some delicate turn of words or thought." CHARTERHOUSE, June 9th, 1849. H. W. P. ENGLISH SELECTIONS. LORD BERNERS. 1467-1532. I. WHAT condign graces and thanks ought men to give to the writers of histories, who with their great labours, have done so much profit to the human life. They show, open, manifest, and declare to the reader, by example of old antiquity, what we should enquire, desire, and follow; and also what we should eschew, avoid, and utterly fly; for when we (being unexpert of chances) see, behold, and read the ancient acts, gests, and deeds, how and with what labours, dangers, and perils they were gested and done, they right greatly admonish,' ensign, and teach us how we may lead forth our lives; and farther, he that hath the perfect knowledge of others' joy, wealth, and high prosperity, and also trouble, sorrow, and great adversity, hath the expert doctrine of all perils. And in that I have not followed mine author word for word, yet I trust I have ensued the true report of the sentence of the matter; and as for the true naming of all manner of personages, countries, cities, towns, rivers, or fields, whereas I could not name them properly nor aptly in English, I have written them according as I found them in French; and though I have not given every lord, knight, or squire his true addition, yet I trust I have not swerved from the true sentence of the matter. *** And if any fault be in this my rude translation I remit the correction thereof to them that discreetly shall find any reasonable default; and in their so doing, I shall pray God to send them the bliss of heaven. Amen. Preface to Translation of Froissart. II. THE DEATH OF JACQUES DARTUEL (D'ARTEVELDE) THESE words set them of Gaunt on fire: and as he rode through the street, he perceived that there was some new matter against him, for (he saw) such as were wont to make reverence to him, as he came by, he saw them turn their backs toward him, and enter into their houses. Then he began to doubt; and as soon as he was alighted in his lodging, he closed fast his gates, doors, and windows: this was scant done, but all the street was full of men, and specially of them of the small crafts: there they assailed his house both behind and before, and the house was broken up; he and his within the house defended themselves a long space, and slew and hurt many without; but finally he could not endure, for three parts of the men of the town were at that assault. When Jaques saw that he was so sore oppressed, he came to a window, with great humility, bare-headed, and said with fair language; Good people, what aileth you, why be ye so sore troubled against me; in what manner have I displeased you, shew me, and I shall make you amends at your pleasures. Then such as heard him, answered all with one voice; We will have account made of the great treasure of Flanders, that ye have |