THREE NIGHTS IN A LIFETIME-1N15-SHAIRLOCH. THIS work is composed of
two stories, both of which are tales of vehement passion. The Three Nights is a sentimental story, laid in England, and of modern manners. Inis-shairloch is a tale of romance and superstition, placed in the centre of the Highlands, and amid scenery where the writer is evidently at home. The time runs on for some years previously to the Rebellion of 1745; in which the hero takes a decided part. Of the first story we think little, save that it is a very successful picture of passion. 33ut Inis-Shairloch is the production of a writer of genius. It turns upon superstition and crime: these are indeed pigments of a • glaring and striking hue, but they are in this tale handled by one well qualified to inspire the passionate sentiments he is himself ani- mated with. In incident, in character, in scenery, it is a mixture of the terrible and the beautiful, the pathetic and the horrible, the lovely and the repulsive. The story is of the heir of a Highland chieftain, a M'Alpin; who procures the death of his uncle's mis- tress, to hinder a marriage which would have prevented his suc- cession. A wild curse is pronounced on the young man by the woman's mother; and the tale is the narrative of its fulfilment to the letter.
The writer, we are sure, is not an unpractised one; but we are not aware of having read any prior production from his pen. If he be a new writer, it may be some encouragement to him to learn,
f May be so.
that though traces of imitation, or rather the presence of a type or original, may be almost constantly detected, Inis-shairloch exhibits proofs of strength and vigour of imagination scarcely to be rivalled by any writer of the day. Sir WALTER Scorr has been the day and night study of the author; but none except nature and reflection could give the power in which he rejoices. Inhabitants of large towns, persons pursuing sedentary employ- ments, ladies and gentlemen of stagnant sensations, and those who are tired and fatigued with the repetition and sameness of every-day enjoyments, will do well to peruse the tale of Inis-shair- loch : it will operate like a thunderstorm on a heavy and clogged atmosphere, and clear the moral air by the wholesome process of agitation.
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