range of modern vision, and into touch with modern sympathies. All that is of value in Firdusi, to the reader of to-day, will be found in this version of Atkinson, while the philologist or the antiquarian can satisfy their curiosity either in the original, or in the French versions whose fidelity is above suspicion. For it is bare justice to say that James Atkinson's Firdusi is one of those translations, even though it be at the same time an abridgment, which have taken their place in the rank of British classics. It is the highest praise that can be given to a work of this character to say that it may be placed on the bookshelf side by side with Jeremy Collier's "Marcus Aurelius," Leland's "Demosthenes," and the "Montaigne" of Charles Cotton. It embalms the genuine spirit and life of an Oriental poem in the simple yet tasteful form of English narrative. The blending of verse and prose is a happy expedient. If we may use the metaphor of Horace, we should say, that Mr. Atkinson alternately trudges along on foot, and rises on the wings of verse into the upper air. The reader follows with pleasure both his march and his flight, and reaches the end of the volume with the distinct impression that he has been reading a Persian poem, and all the while forgotten that it was written in the English language. E.W. THE SHÁH NÁMEH KAIÚMERS According to the traditions of former ages, recorded in the Bastan-námeh, the first person who established a code of laws and exercised the functions of a monarch in Persia, was Kaiúmers. It is said that he dwelt among the mountains, and that his garments were made of the skins of beasts. His reign was thirty years, and o'er the earth He spread the blessings of paternal sway; Wild animals, obsequious to his will, Assembled round his throne, and did him homage. He had a son named Saiámuk, a youth Of lovely form and countenance, in war Brave and accomplished, and the dear delight Of his fond father, who adored the boy, And only dreaded to be parted from him. So is it ever with the world--the parent Still doating on his offspring. Kaiúmers Had not a foe, save one, a hideous Demon, Who viewed his power with envy, and aspired To work his ruin. He, too, had a son, Fierce as a wolf, whose days were dark and bitter, Because the favoring heavens in kinder mood Smiled on the monarch and his gallant heir. --When Saiámuk first heard the Demon's aim Was to o'erthrow his father and himself, Surprise and indignation filled his heart, And speedily a martial force he raised, To punish the invader. Proudly garbed In leopard's skin, he hastened to the war; But when the combatants, with eager mien, Impatient met upon the battle-field. And both together tried their utmost strength, Down from his enemy's dragon-grasp soon fell The luckless son of royal Kaiúmers, Vanquished and lifeless. Sad, unhappy fate!