The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. II., No. 3, February, 1836Various
General
The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. II., No. 3, February, 1836
Various
American literature -- 19th century -- Periodicals
It is proper--we are persuaded--that Rienzi should be held up in these
many different points of view, if we desire fully to appreciate its
own merits and the talents of Mr. Bulwer. But regard it as we will, it
is an extraordinary work--and one which leaves nothing farther to
accomplish in its own particular region. It is vastly superior to the
"Last Days of Pompeii"--more rich--more glowing, and more vigorous.
With all and more than all the distinguishing merits of its noble
predecessor, it has none of its _chilliness_--none of that platitude
which (it would not be difficult to say why) is the inevitable result
of every attempt at infusing warmth among the marble wildernesses, and
vitality into the statue-like existences, of the too-distantly
antique.
We will conclude our notice of Rienzi with an Extract. We choose it
not with any view of commending it above others--for the book has many
equally good and some better--but to give our readers--such of them as
have not yet seen the novel, an opportunity of comparing the passage
with some similar things in Boccaccio. We may as well say that in all
which constitutes good writing the Englishman is infinitely the
superior. What we select is Chapter V, of the sixth Book. Irene, the
betrothed of the noble Roman Adrian di Castello, being in Florence
during the time of the Great Plague, is sought by her lover at the
peril of his life. Overpowered by a fever he meets with Irene--but his
delirium prevents a recognition. She conveys him to one of the
deserted mansions, and officiates as his nurse. Having thrown aside
her mantle, under the impression that it retained the infection of the
Pestilence, it is found and worn by another.
THE ERROR.
For three days, the three fatal days, did Adrian remain bereft of
strength and sense. But he was not smitten by the scourge which his
devoted and generous nurse had anticipated. It was a fierce and
dangerous fever, brought on by the great fatigue, restlessness, and
terrible agitation he had undergone.
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