1831.] The Popular Literature of France. 49 



affirm, that out of the whole 1,200, there is not a single one containing 

 a rational and pure morality, which would bear a moment's comparison 

 with " Poor Richard," known in France under the title of La Science du 

 bofi-homnie Richard. We must, however, in justice remark, that, except 

 the Catechisme Poissard, these works diminish in circulation every 

 year, particularly the obscure compositions, such as the Aventures de 

 Roquelaure. This observation is the summary of all we have said. It 

 is evident that a portion of the common people is beginning insensibly 

 to despise the works which they had so long found sufficient for them : 

 but there is nothing to supply their place; the public are at once too 

 much and too little advanced in intellect ; they no longer relish the 

 doctrines de sapience of the fifteenth century, bvit they cannot yet under- 

 stand the works which writers, who have either too much or too little 

 genius, are daily bringing out for their especial use. The Civililes 

 pueriles et ho7inetes, in which the faithful are recommended " not to 

 comb their hair at church," as if we were still in the reign of Louis 

 XIII., when the fops of the court only shewed themselves in the holy 

 edifice to ogle their mistresses and repair the coquettish edifice of their 

 head-dress, are no longer adapted to the comprehension of the public ; 

 but they would be equally far from understanding the Code de la toileile 

 and the Ma7U(el de I'hoimne de hon-ton. In this situation a wise direction 

 to the popular press woidd assuredly be an immense benefit in its 

 immediate effects, and even in its reaction; and a spark of the genius 

 of Paul Louis Courier would not be superfluous in directing, to the 

 desired end, a reform of which it was his mission to be the Luther ; 

 but the traditions of his method exist, and there is sufficient talent to 

 make the application of them. Ameliorations have already been intro- 

 duced ; may they continue, with the precaution derived from experience 

 not to attack violently the habits, and even the prejudices, which cannot 

 be conquered in a day. Instruction must be gradual and prepared for 

 the multitude (to use the words of the author of Emile), " as bread ia 

 cut up for children by the nurse." Then if the government interferes at 

 all, let its action be invisible. From time immemorial it has been 

 regarded with a distrust, alas ! but too justifiable. But in proportion as 

 official interference is fatal, an indirect and supervising influence will 

 be advantageous ; and in order to exercise it, a minister of the interior 

 should, perhaps, revive the mysterious excursions of the Caliph Haroun- 

 al-Rasched, to inquire not what the people say, but what they read. 



LODGINGS IN THE STRAND. 



What a charming place this London is for high heads and low pockets, 

 for a man whose pride and whose pence preserve an inverse ratio to each 

 other ! Talk of the declension of the drama, the degeneracy of acting- 

 it is all " voj; el prceterea nihil" — there are more livelihoods gained by 

 histrionic representations at the present day in London than there ever 

 were. It is not necessary for an actor of genius to confine his exertions 

 within the walls, or to the boards of this or that edifice dedicated to 

 scenic illusions ; it may not be poHtic for many to have their names ex- 

 hibited in relation to their calling in a play-bill, that the world may 

 recognize them as disciples of Thalia or Melpomene ; or never to follow 

 their art, but in the sock or buskin, its types and badges— no ! be the 



M.I\I. New Series.— \ Oh. XII. No. 07. H 



