The favors and contributions of our friend Pertinax Placid, Esquire, are particularly welcome; and we hereby give him due notice that we adopt him as a member of our literary family. In the "Tale of a Nose," he has illustrated with admirable humor the curious philosophy of dreaming; and in "Content's Mishap," he has clothed a fine moral in the charms of flowing verse.
No. II. on the Fine Arts will be read with more than ordinary pleasure, by all who can estimate glowing descriptions of beauty and grace, and the enthusiasm of an artist. The style of the article is most captivating.
We are pleased to welcome again to our columns, our old and much respected friend "Nugator," and equally so to learn that he is convalescent from a severe illness which has kept his pen idle for some time. His letter contains some allusions to politics, which in general we deem an unsuitable subject for a journal on the plan of the Messenger. But his remarks are expressed in so good humored a manner, that we are convinced they can afford no offence. The detail of his researches is highly amusing, and given in his usual agreeable style.
The selected article, a "Scene in Real Life," is characterized by deep and impressive pathos. We are happy to say that its author will probably become a contributor to our columns.
It would be uncourteous and in violation of our feelings, to omit noticing the poetical contributions to this number. We particularly recommend to our readers the "Apostrophe of an Æolian Harp," a strain of harmony and sentiment struck by a master hand from the chords of a truly poetic lyre.—"The Last Gift" is also the product of a fertile and glowing spirit. It comes to us wrapt in the mists of the anonymous; but if, as we trust, Corydon has not wept himself to stone, we should gladly receive his further favors. "Nature and Art" is from a feminine hand, which has before awakened strains of rich music and sentiment in our pages. "The Last Indian" by our valued friend Larry Lyle, is a magnificent description of a somewhat extravagant dream. It exhibits even a greater degree of power than his former contributions. The "Winter Scenes at Williamsburg," give a pleasing and vivid description of the gaiety which reigned at that interesting place during the past season. There are also several minor pieces in which we doubt not our readers will perceive much merit.
SOUTHERN LITERARY MESSENGER.
VOL. I.] RICHMOND, MAY 1835. [NO. 9.