authoress shines out in almost every page. The early novels of Miss Burney form the most pleasing memorials of her name and history. In them we see her quick in discernment, lively in invention, and inimitable, in her own way, in portraying the humours and oddities of English society. Her good sense and correct feeling are more remarkable than her passion. Her love scenes are prosaic enough, but in 'showing up' a party of 'vulgarly genteel' persons, painting the characters in a drawing-room, or catching the follies and absurdities that float on the surface of fashionable society, she has rarely been equalled. She deals with the palpable and familiar; and though society has changed since the time of 'Evelina,' and the glory of Ranelagh and Mary-le-bone Gardens has departed, there is enough of real life in her personages, and real morality in her lessons, to interest, amuse, and instruct. Her sarcasm, drollery and broad humour, must always be relished."
ARBOUVILLE, COUNTESS D',
Who died in April, 1850, was a woman of real genius. Her writings appeared in Paris, at first anonymously, she being by nature particularly sensitive, and unwilling to be known as a candidate for literary honours. Her first work, entitled "Resignation," was published in 1840. This was followed by the "Village Doctor," "La Histoire Hollandaise," and a volume of poems called "The Manuscript of my Aunt," the introduction of which is a touching little story of early death. The poems of this writer, like her prose works, are of a tender, elegant, and mournful character; a poetic melancholy inspires her every thought, and colours every picture which she draws. Her best production is the "Histoire Hollandaise." This tale is beautifully written; it is like a strain of mournful music that rends the very soul of the reader. The death of Madame d'Arbouville must be deplored as a loss to the reading world, which reasonably anticipated yet more admirable things from her pen.
ARCHIDAMIA,
The daughter of king Eleonymas of Sparta, was famed for her patriotism and her courage. When Pyrrhus marched against Lacedemon, it was resolved by the Senate that all the women should be sent out of the city; but Sparta's women would not listen to this proposition. Sword in hand, they entered, with their leader, Archidamia, the senate chamber, and administered to the city fathers a severe reproof for their Want of confidence in woman's patriotism, and declared that they would not leave the city nor survive its fall, if that should take place.
ARCHINTA, MARGHERITA
Was born at Milan towards the beginning of the sixteenth century. She was of noble birth, but more distinguished for her talent than for this accident of nature. She composed many lyric poems, and pieces of music, according to the taste of that age.
ARC, JOAN OF
Generally called the Maid of Orleans, was born in 1410, at the little village of Domremy, in Lorraine. Her father was named Jacques d'Arc, and his wife, Isabella Romee; Isabella had already
