n Mr. Fuller's
preface as containing, for the most part, matter never before given to
the world in book form, and also poems and prose fragments never before
published.

In this volume, two papers seem to us to ask for especial mention. One
of these is a review of Carlyle's "Cromwell," written when the book was
fresh before the public. It deserves to be read for its felicity of
diction, as well as for the justice of the thought expressed. If we take
into consideration the immense popularity of Mr. Carlyle in America at
the time when this work of his appeared, we shall prize the courage and
firmness with which Margaret applies to it her keen power of criticism.
The moral insufficiency of the doctrine of the divine right of force is
clearly shown by her; and her own view of Cromwell's character maintains
itself in spite of the vituperations with which Carlyle visits those who
will not judge his hero as he does. She even returns these threats with
the following humorous passage at arms:--

"Nobody ever doubted his [Cromwell's] great abilities and force of will;
neither doubt we that he was made an instrument, just as he proposeth.
But as to looking on him through Mr. Carlyle's glasses, we shall not be
sneered or stormed into it, unless he has other proof to offer than is
shown yet.... If he has become interested in Oliver, or any other pet
hyena, by studying his habits, is that any reason why we should admit
him to our pantheon? No! our imbecility shall keep fast the door against
anything short of proofs that in the hyena a god is incarnated.... We
know you do with all your soul love kings and heroes, Mr. Carlyle, but
we are not sure you would always know the Sauls from the Davids. We
fear, if you had the disposal of the holy oil, you would be tempted to
pour it on the head of him who is taller by a head than all his
brethren."

Of Cromwell himself, the following is Margaret's estimate:--

"We see a man of strong and wise mind, educated by the pressure of great
occasions to the station of command. We see him wearing the religious
garb which was the custom of the times, and even preaching to himself as
well as others. But we never see Heaven answering his invocations in any
way that can interfere with the rise of his fortunes or the
accomplishment of his plans. To ourselves, the tone of these religious
holdings-forth is sufficiently expressive: they all ring hollow....
Again, we see Cromwell ruling with a strong arm, an