Arimas. By H. Peckwater, A.M. (Simpkin, Marshall, and Co.) —After
reading a few pages of Arimas, it struck us that the author had been happily inspired. Here, wo thought, is the Pocahontas and Captain John Smith's romance transferred to the scenery of "the Earl and the Doctor." Of course, the most fascinating of Princesses would be the Pocahontas, and some gallant Englishman the successful lover. Visions of Pocahontas and her maidens clad in graceful socques, of shy and growing love, of danger, devotion, and triumph, rose before us. Fondly we hoped that the wit and vivacity of the Earl of Pembroke's book would not be wanting. But "broken is the golden bowl, the spirit flgwn for ever !" Mr. Peckwator quickly and thoroughly shattered our vain imaginings. Sakigitz, who should have been the Pocahontas, has, indeed, the externals, but lacks the moving soul. Captain John Smith, hero called Brown, is a frigid per. son, given to dull discussions with an mama (or shampooer). Very wearying are the satires of the ammo. on European customs, and very dreary the author's exposition of the social and political system of Arimas. Brown is a half-hearted defender of Western ideas, too prone to the exhibition of unillustrativo learning. Throughout, the story lacks movement and interest. The author appears to have a quality which, if better expressed, would be humour.
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