This industrious writer was born at Gijon, in 1749, and died at Cadiz in 1829. He may be termed the Vasari of Spain, as the historian of the artists of his country. His two biographical works, the one on her painters, the other on her architects, are a rich mine of materials. The former was published in six volumes 8vo, in 1800: the latter, in four volumes 4to, was almost the last work on which he was engaged, and did not appear till 1829. Besides these, he was the author of various other publications on the principal edifices in Seville, and had completed a ‘History of the Roman Antiquities in Spain;’ a ‘General History of Painting;’ a work on ‘Architecture,’ and other pieces, which yet remain unedited. As a fellow-townsman, as well as an artist of considerable genius, he was much assisted by Jovellanos, who, when Minister of State, gave him a valuable appointment at Madrid under the government. When that eminent individual fell, his friends had to suffer also, and Cean Bermudez, deprived of his appointment, had to return to Seville, where he instituted a school for drawing. It was no doubt under the feelings of regret, occasioned by the reflection of having his friends involved in his misfortunes, that Jovellanos wrote to him the Epistle selected for translation in this work. 4. Page 16. “Merit of first bringing into favour.” See Hermosilla, ‘Juicio Critico de los principales Poetas Españoles de la ultima era,’ vol. i. p. 11. 5. Page 18. “Epistle to Cean Bermudez.” From Works of Jovellanos, Mellado’s edition, vol. iv. p. 226. 6. Page 30. “To Galatea’s Bird.” From the same, p. 369. 7. Page 32. “To Enarda.--I.” From the same, p. 368. In submission to the recommendations of several friends to give the original of at least part or the whole of some one poem of each author, from whose works the translations have been made, selections of such as the English students of Spanish literature would probably most desire, are offered for their comparison. Riñen me bella Enarda Los mozos y los viejos, Por que tal vez jugando Te escribo dulces versos. Debiera un magistrado (Susurran) mas severo, De las livianas Musas Huir el vil comercio. Que mal el tiempo gastas! Predican otros,--pero Por mas que todos riñan Tengo de escribir versos. Quiero loar de Enarda El peregrino ingenio Al son de mi zampoña Y en bien medidos metros. Quiero de su hermosura Encaramar al cielo Las altas perfecciones; De su semblante quiero Cantar el dulce hechizo Y con pincel maestro Pintar su frente hermosa Sus traviesos ojuelos, El carmin de sus labios, La nieve de su cuello; Y vàyanse à la … al rollo Los Catonianos ceños Las frentes arrugadas Y adustos sobrecejos, Que Enarda serà siempre Celebrada en mis versos. 8. Page 33. “To Enarda.--II.” From Works of Jovellanos, vol. iv. p. 364. 9. Page 46. “Epistle to Domingo de Iriarte.”