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+charset=UTF-8" />
+
+ <title>The Mirror of Literature, Issue 336.</title>
+
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+<body>
+<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11282 ***</div>
+
+ <hr class="full" />
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page241" name="page241"></a>[pg 241]</span>
+
+ <h1>THE MIRROR<br />
+ OF<br />
+ LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION.</h1>
+ <hr class="full" />
+
+ <table width="100%" summary="Banner">
+ <tr>
+ <td align="left"><b>Vol. XII. No. 336.]</b></td>
+ <td align="center"><b>OCTOBER 13, 1828.</b></td>
+ <td align="right"><b>[PRICE 2d.</b></td>
+ </tr>
+ </table>
+ <hr class="full" />
+
+<h2>
+ Richmond Palace
+</h2>
+
+<div class="figure" style="width: 100%;">
+ <a href="images/336-1.png"><img width="100%" src="images/336-1.png"
+alt="Richmond Palace" /></a>
+ </div>
+
+<p>
+ Richmond has comparatively but few antiquarian or poetical visiters,
+ notwithstanding all its associations with the ancient splendour of the
+ English court, and the hallowed names of Pope and Thomson. Maurice sings,
+</p>
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<p> To thy sequester'd bow'rs and wooded height,</p>
+<p> That ever yield my soul renew'd delight,</p>
+<p> Richmond, I fly! with all thy beauties fir'd,</p>
+<p> By raptur'd poets sung, by kings admir'd!</p>
+</div></div>
+<p>
+ but ninety-nine out of a hundred who visit Richmond, thank the gods they
+ are not poetical, fly off to the <i>Star and Garter</i> hill, and content
+ themselves with the inspirations of its well-stored cellars. All this
+ corresponds with the turtle-feasting celebrity of the modern <i>Sheen</i>; but
+ it ill accords with the antiquarian importance and resplendent scenery of
+ this delightful country.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Our engraving is from a very old drawing, representing the palace at
+ Richmond, as built by Henry VII. The manor-house at Sheen, a little east
+ of the bridge, and close by the river side, became a <i>royal palace</i> in
+ the time of Edward I., for he and his successor resided here. Edward III.
+ died here in 1377. Queen Anne, the consort of his successor, died here in
+ 1394. Deeply affected at her death, he, according to Holinshed, "caused
+ it to be thrown down and defaced; whereas the former kings of this land,
+ being wearie of the citie, used customarily thither to resort as to a
+ place of pleasure, and serving highly to their recreation." Henry V.,
+ however, restored the palace to its former magnificence; and Henry VII.
+ held, in 1492, a grand tournament here. In 1499, it was almost consumed
+ by fire, when Henry rebuilt the palace, and gave it the name of RICHMOND.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Cardinal Wolsey frequently resided here; and Hall, in his Chronicles,
+ says, that "when the common people, and especially such as had been
+ servants of Henry VII., saw the cardinal keep house in the manor royal at
+ Richmond, which that monarch so highly esteemed, it was a marvel to hear
+ how they grudged, saying, 'so a butcher's dogge doth lie in the manor of
+ Richmond!'"<a id="footnotetag1" name="footnotetag1"></a><a href="#footnote1"><sup>1</sup></a>
+</p>
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page242" name="page242"></a>[pg 242]</span>
+ Queen Elizabeth was prisoner at Richmond during the reign of her sister
+ Mary; after she came to the throne, the palace was her favourite
+ residence; and here she died in 1608. Charles I. formed a large
+ collection of pictures here; and Charles II. was educated at Richmond. On
+ the restoration, the palace was in a very dismantled state, and having,
+ during the commonwealth, been plundered and defaced, it never recovered
+ its pristine splendour.
+</p>
+<p>
+ The survey taken by order of parliament in 1649, affords a minute
+ description of the palace. The great hall was one hundred feet in length,
+ and forty in breadth, having a screen at the lower end, over which was
+ "fayr foot space in the higher end thereof, the pavement of square tile,
+ well lighted and seated; at the north end having a turret, or clock-case,
+ covered with lead, which is a special ornament to this building." The
+ prince's lodgings are described as a "freestone building, three stories
+ high, with <i>fourteen turrets</i> covered with lead," being "a very graceful
+ ornament to the whole house, and perspicuous to the county round about."
+ A round tower is mentioned, called the "Canted Tower," with a staircase
+ of one hundred and twenty-four steps. The chapel was ninety-six feet long
+ and forty broad, with cathedral-seats and pews. Adjoining the prince's
+ garden was an open gallery, two hundred feet long, over which was a close
+ gallery of similar length. Here was also a royal library. Three pipes
+ supplied the palace with water, one from the white conduit in the new
+ park, another from the conduit in the town fields, and the third from a
+ conduit near the alms-houses in Richmond. In 1650, it was sold for
+ 10,000<i>l</i>. to private persons.
+</p>
+<p>
+ All the accounts which have come down to us describe the furniture and
+ decorations of the ANCIENT PALACE as very superb, exhibiting in gorgeous
+ tapestry the deeds of kings and of heroes who had signalized themselves
+ by their conquests throughout France in behalf of their country.
+</p>
+<p>
+ The site of Richmond Palace is now occupied by noble mansions; but AN OLD
+ ARCHWAY, seen from <i>the Green</i>, still remains as a melancholy memorial of
+ its regal splendour.
+</p>
+
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ EPITOME OF COMETS.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ (<i>For the Mirror</i>.)
+</p>
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<p> "Hast thou ne'er seen the Comet's flaming flight?"</p>
+</div></div>
+<h4>
+ YOUNG.
+</h4>
+<p>
+ Comets, according to Sir Isaac Newton, are compact, solid, fixed, and
+ durable bodies: in one word, a kind of planets, which move in very
+ oblique orbits, every way, with the greatest freedom, persevering in
+ their motions even against the course and direction of the planets; and
+ their tail is a very thin, slender vapour, emitted by the head, or
+ nucleus of the comet, ignited or heated by the sun.
+</p>
+<p>
+ There are <i>bearded</i>, <i>tailed</i>, and <i>hairy</i> comets; thus, when the comet is
+ eastward of the sun, and moves from it, it is said to be <i>bearded</i>,
+ because the light precedes it in the manner of a beard. When the comet is
+ westward of the sun, and sets after it, it is said to be <i>tailed</i>,
+ because the train follows it in the manner of a tail. Lastly, when the
+ comet and the sun are diametrically opposite (the earth being between
+ them) the train is hid behind the body of the comet, excepting a little
+ that appears around it in the form of a border of hair, or <i>coma</i>, it is
+ called <i>hairy</i>, and whence the name of comet is derived.
+</p>
+<p>
+ For the conservation of the water and moisture of the planets, comets
+ (says Sir Isaac Newton) seem absolutely requisite; from whose condensed
+ vapours and exhalations all that moisture which is spent on vegetations
+ and putrefactions, and turned into dry earth, may be resupplied and
+ recruited; for all vegetables increase wholly from fluids, and turn by
+ putrefaction into earth. Hence the quantity of dry earth must continually
+ increase, and the moisture of the globe decrease, and at last be quite
+ evaporated, if it have not a continual supply. And I suspect (adds Sir
+ Isaac) that the spirit which makes the finest, subtilest, and best part
+ of our air, and which is absolutely requisite for the life and being of
+ all things, comes principally from the comets.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Another use which he conjectures comets may be designed to serve, is that
+ of recruiting the sun with fresh fuel, and repairing the consumption of
+ his light by the streams continually sent forth in every direction from
+ that luminary&mdash;
+</p>
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<p> "From his huge vapouring train perhaps to shake</p>
+<p> Reviving moisture on the numerous orbs,</p>
+<p> Thro' which his long ellipsis winds; perhaps</p>
+<p> To lend new fuel to declining suns,</p>
+<p> To light up worlds, and feed th' ethereal fire."</p>
+</div></div>
+<h4>
+ THOMSON.
+</h4>
+<p>
+ Newton has computed that the sun's
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page243" name="page243"></a>[pg 243]</span>
+ heat in the comet of 1680,<a id="footnotetag2" name="footnotetag2"></a><a href="#footnote2"><sup>2</sup></a>
+was, to
+ his heat with us at Midsummer, as twenty-eight thousand to one; and that
+ the heat of the body of the comet was near two thousand times as great as
+ that of red-hot iron. The same great author also calculates, that a globe
+ of red-hot iron, of the dimensions of our earth, would scarce be cool in
+ fifty thousand years. If then the comet be supposed to cool a hundred
+ times as fast as red-hot iron, yet, since its heat was two thousand times
+ greater, supposing it of the bigness of the earth, it would not be cool
+ in a million of years.
+</p>
+<p>
+ An elegant writer in the Guardian, says, "I cannot forbear reflecting on
+ the insignificance of human art, when set in comparison with the designs
+ of Providence. In pursuit of this thought, I considered a comet, or in
+ the language of the vulgar, a blazing star, as a sky-rocket discharged by
+ a hand that is Almighty. Many of my readers saw that in the year 1680,
+ and if they were not mathematicians, will be amazed to hear, that it
+ travelled with a much greater degree of swiftness than a cannon ball, and
+ drew after it a tail of fire that was fourscore millions of miles in
+ length. What an amazing thought is it to consider this stupendous body
+ traversing the immensity of the creation with such a rapidity; and at the
+ same time wheeling about in that line which the Almighty had prescribed
+ for it! That it should move in such inconceivable fury and combustion,
+ and at the same time with such an exact regularity! How spacious must the
+ universe be, that gives such bodies as these their full play, without
+ suffering the least disorder or confusion by it. What a glorious show are
+ those beings entertained with, that can look into this great theatre of
+ nature, and see myriads of such tremendous objects wandering through
+ those immeasurable depths of ether, and running their appointed courses!
+ Our eyes may hereafter be strong enough to command the magnificent
+ prospect, and our understandings able to find out the several uses of
+ these great parts of the universe. In the meantime, they are very proper
+ objects for our imagination to contemplate, that we may form more
+ extensive notions of infinite wisdom and power, and learn to think humbly
+ of ourselves, and of all the little works of human invention." Seneca saw
+ three comets, and says, "I am not of the common opinion, nor do I take a
+ comet to be a sudden fire; but esteem it among the eternal works of
+ nature."
+</p>
+<h4>
+ P.T.W.
+</h4>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ SONNETS.
+</h3>
+<center>
+ BY LEIGH CLIFFE, AUTHOR OF "PARGA," "THE KNIGHTS OF RITZBERG," &amp;c.
+</center>
+<p>
+ (<i>For the Mirror</i>.)
+</p>
+<h3>
+ TO THE SUN.
+</h3>
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<p> Hail to thee, fountain of eternal light,</p>
+<p> Streaming with dewy radiance in the sky!</p>
+<p> Rising like some huge giant from the night,</p>
+<p> While the dark shadows from thy presence fly.</p>
+<p> Enshrin'd in mantle of a varied dye,</p>
+<p> Thou hast been chambering in the topmost clouds,</p>
+<p> List'ning to peeping, glist'ning stars on high,</p>
+<p> Pillow'd upon their thin, aërial shrouds;</p>
+<p> But when the breeze of dawn refreshfully</p>
+<p> Swept the rude waters of the ocean flood,</p>
+<p> And the dark pines breath'd from each leaf a sigh,</p>
+<p> To wake the sylvan genius of the wood,</p>
+<p> Thou burst in glory on our dazzled sight,</p>
+<p> In thy resplendent charms, a flood of golden light!</p>
+</div></div>
+<h3>
+ TO THE MOON.
+</h3>
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<p> Spirit of heaven! shadow-mantled queen,</p>
+<p> In mildest beauty peering in the sky,</p>
+<p> Radiant with light! 'Tis sweet to see thee lean,</p>
+<p> As if to listen, from cloud-worlds on high,</p>
+<p> Whilst murmuring nightingales voluptuously</p>
+<p> Breathe their soft melody, and dew-drops lie</p>
+<p> Upon the myrtle blooms and oaken leaves,</p>
+<p> And the winds sleep in sullen peacefulness!</p>
+<p> Oh! it is then that gentle Fancy weaves</p>
+<p> The vivid visions of the soul, which bless</p>
+<p> The poet's mind, and with sweet phantasies,</p>
+<p> Like grateful odours shed refreshfully</p>
+<p> From angels' wings of glistening beauty, tries</p>
+<p> To waken pleasure, and to stifle sighs!</p>
+</div></div>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ EMBLEM OF WALES.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ (<i>For the Mirror</i>.)
+</p>
+<p>
+ It is supposed by some of the Welsh, and in some notes to a poem the
+ author (Mr. P. Lewellyn) says he has been confidently assured, that the
+ leek, as is generally supposed to be, is not the original emblem of Wales,
+ but the sive, or chive, which is common to almost every peasant's garden.
+ It partakes of the smell and taste of the onion and leek, but is not so
+ noxious, and is much handsomer than the latter. It grows in a wild state
+ on the banks of the Wye, infinitely larger than when planted in gardens.
+ According to the above-mentioned author, the manner in which it became
+ the national emblem of Cambria was as follows:&mdash;As a prince of Wales was
+ returning victorious from battle, he wished to have some leaf or flower
+ to commemorate the event; but it being winter, no plant or shrub was seen
+ until they came to the Wye, when they beheld the sive, which the prince
+ commanded to be worn as a memorial of the victory.
+</p>
+<p>
+ <i>Tipton, Staffordshire.</i>
+</p>
+<h4>
+ W.H.
+</h4>
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page244" name="page244"></a>[pg 244]</span></p>
+<h3>
+ HISTORY OF FAIRS.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ (<i>For the Mirror.</i>)
+</p>
+<p>
+ Fairs, among the old Romans, were holidays, on which there was an
+ intermission of labour and pleadings. Among the Christians, upon any
+ extraordinary solemnity, particularly the anniversary dedication of a
+ church, tradesmen were wont to bring and sell their wares even in the
+ churchyards, which continued especially upon the festivals of the
+ dedication. This custom was kept up till the reign of Henry VI. Thus we
+ find a great many fairs kept at these festivals of dedications, as at
+ Westminster on St. Peter's day, at London on St. Bartholomew's, Durham on
+ St. Cuthbert's day. But the great numbers of people being often the
+ occasion of riots and disturbances, the privilege of holding a fair was
+ granted by royal charter. At first they were only allowed in towns and
+ places of strength, or where there was some bishop or governor of
+ condition to keep them in order. In process of time there were several
+ circumstances of favour added, people having the protection of a holiday,
+ and being allowed freedom from arrests, upon the score of any difference
+ not arising upon the spot. They had likewise a jurisdiction allowed them
+ to do justice to those that came thither; and therefore the most
+ inconsiderable fair with us has, or had, a court belonging to it, which
+ takes cognizance of all manner of causes and disorders growing and
+ committed upon the place, called <i>pye powder</i>, or <i>pedes pulverizati</i>.
+ Some fairs are free, others charged with tolls and impositions. At free
+ fairs, traders, whether natives or foreigners, are allowed to enter the
+ kingdom, and are under the royal protection in coming and returning.
+ They and their agents, with their goods, also their persons and goods,
+ are exempt from all duties and impositions, tolls and servitudes; and
+ such merchants going to or coming from the fair cannot be arrested, or
+ their goods stopped. The prince only has the power to establish fairs of
+ any kind. These fairs make a considerable article in the commerce of
+ Europe, especially those of the Mediterranean, or inland parts, as
+ Germany. The most famous are those of Frankfort and Leipsic; the fairs
+ of Novi, in the Milanese; that of Riga, Arch-angel of St. Germain, at
+ Paris; of Lyons; of Guibray, in Normandy; and of Beauclaire, in
+ Languedoc: those of Porto-Bello, Vera Cruz, and the Havannah, are the
+ most considerable in America.
+</p>
+<h4>
+ HALBERT.
+</h4>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ THE VIRGINAL.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ (<i>For the Mirror</i>.)
+</p>
+<p>
+ A rare and beautiful relic of the olden time was lately presented to the
+ museum of the Northern Institution, by William Mackintosh, Esq. of
+ Milbank&mdash;an ancient virginal, which was in use among our ancestors prior
+ to the invention of the spinnet and harpsichord. Mary, Queen of Scots,
+ who delighted in music, in her moments of "joyeusitie" as John Knox
+ phrases it, used to play finely on the virginal; and her more fortunate
+ rival, Queen Elizabeth, was so exquisite a performer on the same
+ instrument, that Melville says, on hearing her once play in her chamber,
+ he was irresistibly drawn into the room. The virginal now deposited in
+ the museum formerly belonged to a noble family in Inverness, and is
+ considered to be the only one remaining in Scotland. It is made of oak,
+ inlaid with cedar, and richly ornamented with gold. The cover and sides
+ are beautifully painted with figures of birds, flowers, and leaves, the
+ colours of which are still comparatively fresh and undecayed. On one part
+ of the lid is a grand procession of warriors, whom a bevy of fair dames
+ are propitiating by presents or offerings of wine and fruits. Altogether,
+ the virginal may be regarded as a fine specimen of art, and is doubly
+ interesting as a memorial of times long gone by.
+</p>
+<h4>
+ W.G.C.
+</h4>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ HERSCHEL'S TELESCOPE.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ (<i>To the Editor of the Mirror</i>.)
+</p>
+<p>
+ Your correspondent, a <i>Constant Reader</i>, in No. 330 of the MIRROR, is
+ informed that the identical telescope which he mentions is now in the
+ possession of Mr. J. Davies, optician, 101, High-street, Mary-le-bone,
+ where it may be seen in a finished and perfect state. It is reckoned the
+ best and most complete of its size in Europe.
+</p>
+<p>
+ It was ordered to be made for his late majesty George III. as a challenge
+ against the late Dr. Herschel's; but was prevented from being completed
+ till some time after. The metals, 9-1/4 inches in diameter, having a
+ diagonal eye-piece, four eye tubes of different magnifying powers, and
+ three small specula of various radii, were made by Mr. Watson.
+</p>
+<h4>
+ J.D.
+</h4>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ ANCIENT ROMAN FESTIVALS.
+</h3>
+<hr />
+<center>
+ OCTOBER.
+</center>
+<p>
+ (<i>For the Mirror</i>.)
+</p>
+<p>
+ The <i>Augustalia</i> was a festival at Rome, in commemoration of the day on
+ which Augustus returned to Rome, after he had
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page245" name="page245"></a>[pg 245]</span>
+ established peace over the
+ different parts of the empire. It was first established in the year of
+ Rome 735.
+</p>
+<p>
+ The <i>Fontinalia</i>, or <i>Fontanalia</i>, was a religious feast, held among the
+ Romans in honour of the deities who presided over fountains or springs.
+ Varro observes, that it was the custom to visit the wells on those days,
+ and to cast crowns into fountains. This festival was observed on the 13th
+ of October.
+</p>
+<p>
+ The <i>Armilustrum</i> was a feast held on the 19th of October, wherein they
+ sacrificed, armed at all points, and with the sound of trumpets. The
+ sacrifice was intended for the expiation of the armies, and the
+ prosperity of the arms of the people of Rome. This feast may be
+ considered as a kind of benediction of arms. It was first observed among
+ the Athenians.
+</p>
+<h4>
+ P.T.W.
+</h4>
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<h2>
+ THE ANECDOTE GALLERY.
+</h2>
+<center>
+ LORD BYRON AT MISSOLONGHI.
+</center>
+<p>
+ [The <i>Foreign Quarterly Review</i> gives the following sketch as a
+ "<i>pendant</i> to Mr. Pouqueville's picture of the poet, given in a
+ preceding page," and requoted by us in the last No. of the MIRROR. It is
+ from a History of Greece, by Rizo, a Wallachian sentimentalist of the
+ first order, and in enthusiasm and exuberance of style, it will perhaps
+ compare with any previous sketches of the late Lord Byron: but the
+ romantic interest which Rizo has thrown about these "more last words"
+ will doubtless render them acceptable to our readers.]
+</p>
+<p>
+ For several years a man, a poet, excited the admiration of civilized
+ people. His sublime genius towered above the atmosphere, and penetrated,
+ with a searching look, even into the deepest abysses of the human heart.
+ Envy, which could not reach the poet, attacked the man, and wounded him
+ cruelly; but, too great to defend, and too generous to revenge himself,
+ he only sought for elevated impressions, and "<i>vivoit de grand
+ sensations</i>," (which we cannot translate), capable of the most noble
+ devotedness, and, persuaded that excellence is comprised in justice, he
+ embraced the cause of the Greeks. Still young, Byron had traversed Greece,
+ <i>properly so called</i>, and described the moral picture of its inhabitants.
+ He quitted these countries, pitying in his verses the misery of the
+ Greeks, blaming their lethargy, and despising their stupid submission; so
+ difficult is it to know a nation by a rapid glance. What was the
+ astonishment of the poet, when some years later he saw these people, whom
+ he had thought unworthy to bear the name of Greeks, rise up with
+ simultaneous eagerness, and declare, in the face of the world, that "they
+ <i>would</i> again become a nation." Byron hesitated at first; ancient
+ prepossessions made him attribute this rupture to a partial convulsion,
+ the ultimate effort of a being ready to breathe the last sigh. Soon new
+ prodigies, brilliant exploits, and heroic constancy, which sustained
+ itself in spite of every opposition, proved to him that he had ill-judged
+ this people, and excited him to repair his error by the sacrifice of his
+ fortune and life; he wished to concur in the work of regeneration. From
+ the shores of the beautiful Etruria he set sail for Greece, in the month
+ of August, 1823. He visited at first the seven Ionian Isles, where he
+ sojourned some time, busied in concluding the first Greek loan. The death
+ of Marco Botzaris redoubled the enthusiasm of Byron, and perhaps
+ determined him to prefer the town of Missolonghi, which already showed
+ for its glory the tombs of Normann, Kyriakoulis, and Botzaris. Alas! that
+ town was destined, four months later, to reckon another mausoleum!
+</p>
+<p>
+ Towards the month of November a Hydriote brig of war, commanded by the
+ nephew of the brave Criézy, sailed to Cephalonia to take him on board,
+ and bring him to Missolonghi; but the Septinsular government, not
+ permitting ships bearing a Greek flag to come into its harbours, Byron
+ was obliged to pass to Zante in a small vessel, and to join the Greek
+ brig afterwards, which was waiting for him near Zante. Hardly was Byron
+ on board when he kissed the mainmast, calling it "<i>sacred wood</i>." The
+ ship's crew astonished at this whimsical behaviour, regarded him in
+ silence; suddenly Byron turned towards the captain and the sailors, whom
+ he embraced with tears, and said to them, "It is by this wood that you
+ will consolidate your independence." At these words the sailors, moved
+ with enthusiasm, regarded him with admiration. Byron soon reached
+ Missolonghi: the members of the Administrative Council received him at
+ the head of two thousand soldiers drawn up in order. The artillery of the
+ place, and the discharge of musquetry announced the happy arrival of this
+ great man. All the inhabitants ran to the shore, and welcomed him with
+ acclamations. As soon as he had entered the town, he went to the hotel of
+ the Administrative Council, where he was complimented by Porphyrios,
+ Archbishop of Arta, Lepanto and Etolia, accompanied by all his clergy.
+ The first words of Byron were, "Where is the brother of the modern
+ Leonidas?" Constantine Botzaris, a young man, tall and well made,
+ immediately stepped forward, and Byron thus accosted him:&mdash;"Happy mortal!
+ Thou art the brother
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page246" name="page246"></a>[pg 246]</span>
+ of a hero, whose name will never be effaced in the
+ lapse of ages!" Then perceiving a great crowd assembled under the windows
+ of the hotel, he advanced towards the casement, and said, "Hellenes! you
+ see amongst you an Englishman who has never ceased to study Greece in her
+ antiquity, and to think of her in her modern state; an Englishman who has
+ always invoked by his vows that liberty, for which you are now making so
+ many heroic efforts. I am grateful for the sentiments which you testify
+ towards me; in a short time you will see me in the middle of your
+ phalanxes, to conquer or perish with you." A month afterwards the
+ government sent him a deputation, charged to offer him a sword and the
+ patent of Greek citizenship; at the same time the town of Missolonghi
+ inscribed him in its archives. For this public act they prepared a solemn
+ ceremony for him; they fixed beforehand the day&mdash;they invited there by
+ circular letters the inhabitants of the neighbouring districts&mdash;and more
+ than twenty thousand persons arrived at Missolonghi. Byron in a Greek
+ costume, preceded and followed by all the military, who loved him,
+ proceeded to the church, where the Archbishop Porphyrios and the bishop
+ of Rogon, Joseph, that martyr of religion and his country, received him
+ in the vestibule of the church, clothed in their sacerdotal habits; and,
+ after having celebrated mass, they offered him the sword and the patent
+ of citizenship. Byron demanded that the sword should be first dedicated
+ on the tomb of Marco Botzaris; and immediately the whole retinue, and an
+ immense crowd, went out of the church to the tomb of that warrior, which
+ had been ornamented with beautiful marble at the expense of the poet.
+</p>
+<p>
+ The archbishop placed the sword upon this tomb, and then Byron, to
+ inspire the Greeks with enthusiasm, advanced with a religious silence,
+ and stopping all on a sudden, he pronounced this discourse in the Greek
+ tongue:&mdash;"What man reposes buried under this stone? What hollow voice
+ issues from this tomb? What is this sepulchre, from whence will spring
+ the happiness of Greece? But what am I saying? Is it not the tomb of
+ Marco Botzaris, who has been dead some months, and who, with a handful of
+ brave men, precipitated himself upon the numerous ranks of the most
+ formidable enemies of Greece? How dare I approach the sacred place where
+ he reposes&mdash;I, who neither possess his heroism nor his virtues? However,
+ in touching this tomb, I hope that its emanations will always inflame my
+ heart with patriotism." So saying, and advancing towards the sepulchre,
+ he kissed it while shedding tears. Every spectator exclaimed, "Lord Byron
+ for ever!" "I see," added his lordship, "the sword and the letter of
+ citizenship, which the government offers me; from this day I am the
+ fellow-citizen of this hero, and of all the brave people who surround me.
+ Hellenes! I hope to live with you, to fight the enemy with you, and to
+ die with you if it be necessary." Byron, superior to vulgar prejudice,
+ saw in the manners of the <i>pallikares</i> an ingenuous simplicity, a manly
+ frankness and rustic procedure, but full of honour; he observed in the
+ people a docility and constancy capable of the greatest efforts, when it
+ shall be conducted by skilful and virtuous men; he observed amongst the
+ Greek women natural gaiety, unstudied gentleness, and religious
+ resignation to misfortunes.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Byron did not pretend to bend a whole people to his tastes and European
+ habits. He came not to censure with a stern look their costumes, their
+ dances, and their music; on the contrary, he entered into their national
+ dances, he learned their warlike songs, he dressed himself like them, he
+ spoke their language; in a word, he soon became a true <i>Roumeliote</i>.
+ Consequently, he was adored by all Western Greece; every captain
+ acknowledged him with pleasure as his chief; the proud Souliots gloried
+ in being under his immediate command. The funds of the first loan being
+ addressed to him, and submitted to his inspection, gave him influence,
+ not only over continental Greece, but even over the Peloponnesus; so that
+ he was in a situation, if not sufficient to stifle discord, at least to
+ keep it within bounds. Not having yet fathomed the character of all the
+ chief people, as well civil as military, he was sometimes deceived in the
+ beginning of his sojourn, which a little hurt his popularity; but being
+ completely above trifling passions, being able to strengthen by his union
+ with it the party which appeared to him the most patriotic, he might
+ without any doubt, with time and experience, have played a part the most
+ magnificent and salutary to Greece. At first he had constructed, at his
+ own expense, a fort in the little isle of Xéclamisma, the capture of
+ which would have given great facilities to the enemies to attack by sea
+ Missolonghi or Anatoliko. Missolonghi gave to this important fort the
+ name of "Fort Byron." This nobleman conceived afterwards, studied and
+ prepared an expedition against the strong place of Lepanto, the capture
+ of which would have produced consequences singularly favourable.
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page247" name="page247"></a>[pg 247]</span>
+ Once in
+ possession of the means of regularly paying the soldiers, he would have
+ been able to form a choice body, and take the town, which did not present
+ any difficulty of attack, either on account of the few troops shut up
+ there, or the weakness of its fortifications. Byron only waited the
+ arrival of the loan, to begin his march.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Thus he led an agreeable life in the midst of a nation which he aimed at
+ saving. Enchanted with the bravery of the Souliots, and their manners,
+ which recalled to him the simplicity of Homeric times, he assisted at
+ their banquets, extended upon the turf; he learnt their pyrrhic dance,
+ and he sang in unison the airs of Riga, harmonizing his steps to the
+ sound of their national mandolin. Alas! he carried too far his benevolent
+ condescension. Towards the beginning of April he went to hunt in the
+ marshes of Missolonghi. He entered on foot in the shallows; he came out
+ quite wet, and, following the example of the <i>pallikares</i> accustomed to
+ the <i>malaria</i>, he would not change his clothes, and persisted in having
+ them dried upon his body. Attacked with an inflammation upon the lungs,
+ he refused to let himself be bled, notwithstanding the intreaties of his
+ physician, of Maurocordato and all his friends. His malady quickly grew
+ worse; on the fourth day Byron became delirious; by means of bleeding he
+ recovered from his drowsiness, but without being able to speak; then,
+ feeling his end approaching, he gave his attendants to understand that he
+ wished to take leave of the captains and all the Souliots. As each
+ approached, Byron made a sign to them to kiss him. At last he expired in
+ the arms of Maurocordato, whilst pronouncing the names of his daughter
+ and of Greece. His death was fatal to the nation, which it plunged in
+ mourning and tears.
+</p>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ MANNERS &amp; CUSTOMS OF ALL NATIONS.
+</h3>
+<hr />
+<center>
+ CEREMONIES RELATING TO THE HAIR.
+</center>
+<p>
+ (<i>For the Mirror</i>.)
+</p>
+<p>
+ Among the ancient Greeks, all dead persons were thought to be under the
+ jurisdiction of the infernal deities, and therefore no man (says Potter)
+ could resign his life, till some of his hairs were cut to consecrate to
+ them. During the ceremony of laying out, clothing the dead, and sometimes
+ the interment itself, the hair of the deceased person was hung upon the
+ door, to signify the family was in mourning. It was sometimes laid upon
+ the dead body, sometimes cast into the funeral pile, and sometimes placed
+ upon the grave. Electra in Sophocles says, that Agamemnon had commanded
+ her and Chrysothemis to pay him this honour:&mdash;
+</p>
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<p> "With drink-off'rings and <i>locks</i> of <i>hair</i> we must,</p>
+<p> According to his will, his <i>tomb</i> adorn."</p>
+</div></div>
+<p>
+ Candace in Ovid bewails her calamity, in that she was not permitted to
+ adorn her lover's tomb with her locks.
+</p>
+<p>
+ At Patroclus's funeral, the Grecians, to show their affection and
+ respect to him, covered his body with their hair; Achilles cast it into
+ the funeral pile. The custom of nourishing the hair on religious
+ accounts seems to have prevailed in most nations. Osiris, the Egyptian,
+ consecrated his hair to the gods, as we learn from Diodorus; and in
+ Arian's account of India, it appears it was a custom there to preserve
+ their hair for some god, which they first learnt (as that author
+ reports) from Bacchus.
+</p>
+<p>
+ The Greeks and Romans wore false hair. It was esteemed a peculiar honour
+ among the ancient Gauls to have long hair. For this reason Julius Caesar,
+ upon subduing the Gauls, made them cut off their hair, as a token of
+ submission. In the royal family of France, it was a long time the
+ peculiar mark and privilege of kings and princes of the blood to wear
+ long hair, artfully dressed and curled; every body else being obliged to
+ be polled, or cut round, in sign of inferiority and obedience. In the
+ eighth century, it was the custom of people of quality to have their
+ children's hair cut the first time by persons they had a particular
+ honour and esteem for, who, in virtue of this ceremony, were reputed a
+ sort of spiritual parents or godfathers to them. In the year 1096, there
+ was a canon, importing, that such as wore long hair should be excluded
+ coming into church when living, and not be prayed for when dead.
+ Charlemagne wore his hair very short, his son shorter; Charles the <i>Bald</i>
+ had none at all. Under Hugh Capet it began to appear again; this the
+ ecclesiastics were displeased with, and excommunicated all who let their
+ hair grow. Peter Lombard expostulated the matter so warmly with Charles
+ the Young, that he cut off his own hair; and his successors, for some
+ generations, wore it very short. A professor of Utrecht, in 1650, wrote
+ expressly on the question, Whether it be lawful for men to wear long
+ hair? and concluded for the negative. Another divine, named Reeves, who
+ had written for the affirmative, replied to him. In <i>New</i> England a
+ declaration was inscribed in the register of the colony against the
+ practice of wearing long hair, which was principally levelled at the
+ Quakers, with unjust severity.
+</p>
+<h4>
+ P.T.W.
+</h4>
+<hr />
+<p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page248" name="page248"></a>[pg 248]</span>
+</p>
+<h2>
+ Pagoda in Kew Gardens.
+</h2>
+
+<div class="figure" style="width: 50%; float: left;">
+ <a href="images/336-8.png"><img width="100%" src="images/336-8.png"
+alt="Pagoda in Kew Gardens."/></a>
+ </div>
+
+<p>
+ In one of the wildernesses of Kew Gardens stands the <i>Great Pagoda</i>,
+ erected in the year 1762, from a design in imitation of the Chinese Taa.
+ The base is a regular octagon, 49 feet in diameter; and the
+ superstructure is likewise a regular octagon on its plan, and in its
+ elevation composed of 10 prisms, which form the 10 different stories of
+ the building. The lowest of these is 26 feet in diameter, exclusive of
+ the portico which surrounds it, and 18 feet high; the second is 25 feet
+ in diameter, and 17 feet high; and all the rest diminish in diameter and
+ height, in the same arithmetical proportion, to the ninth story, which is
+ 18 feet in diameter and 10 feet high. The tenth story is 17 feet in
+ diameter, and, with the covering, 20 feet high, and the finishing on the
+ top is 17 feet high; so that the whole structure, from the base to the
+ top of the fleuron, is 163 feet. Each story finishes with a projecting
+ roof, after the Chinese manner, covered with plates of varnished iron of
+ different colours, and round each of them is a gallery enclosed with a
+ rail. All the angles of the roof are adorned with large dragons, eighty
+ in number, covered with a kind of thin glass of various colours, which
+ produces a most dazzling reflection; and the whole ornament at the top is
+ double gilt. The walls of the building are composed of very hard bricks;
+ the outside of well-coloured and well-matched greystocks, (bricks,)
+ neatly laid. The staircase is in the centre of the building. The prospect
+ opens as you advance in height; and from the top you command a very
+ extensive view on all sides, and, in some directions, upwards of forty
+ miles distant, over a rich and variegated country.
+</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<h2>
+ FINE ARTS
+</h2>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ MR. HAYDON'S PICTURE OF "CHAIRING THE MEMBERS."
+</h3>
+<p>
+ In our last volume we were induced to appropriate nearly six of our
+ columns to a description of Mr. Haydon's Picture of the Mock Election in
+ the King's Bench Prison&mdash;or rather <i>the first</i> of a series of pictures to
+ illustrate the Election, the subject of the present notice being the
+ Second, or the Chairing of the Members, which was intended for the
+ concluding scene of the burlesque. It will, therefore, be unnecessary for
+ us here to give any additional explanation of the real life of these
+ paintings, except so far as may be necessary to the explanation of the
+ present picture.
+</p>
+<p>
+ The "<i>Chairing</i>" was acted on a water butt one evening, but was to have
+ been again performed in more magnificent costume the next day; just,
+ however, as all the actors in this eccentric masquerade, High Sheriff,
+ Lord Mayor, Head Constable, Assessor, Poll Clerks, and Members, were
+ ready dressed, and preparing to start, the marshal interfered, stopped
+ the procession, and, after some parley, was advised to send for the
+ guards.
+</p>
+<p>
+ "About the middle of a sunny day," says Mr. Haydon, "when all was quiet,
+ save the occasional cracking of a racket ball, while some were reading,
+ some smoking, some lounging, some talking, some occupied with their own
+ sorrows, and some with the sorrows of their friends, in rushed six fine
+ grenadiers with a noble fellow of a sergeant at their head, with bayonets
+ fixed, and several rounds of ball in their cartouches, expecting to meet
+ (by their looks) with the most desperate resistance."
+</p>
+<p>
+ "The materials thus afforded me by the entrance of the guards, I have
+ combined in one moment;" or "I have combined in one moment what happened
+ at different moments; the <i>characters</i> and <i>soldiers are all portraits</i>.
+ I have only
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page249" name="page249"></a>[pg 249]</span>
+ used the poets and painters' license, to make out the second
+ part of the story, a part that happens in all elections, viz. the
+ chairing of the successful candidates."
+</p>
+<p>
+ "In the corner of the picture, on the left of the spectator, are three
+ of the guards, drawn up across the door, standing at ease, with all the
+ self-command of soldiers in such situations, hardly suppressing a laugh
+ at the ridiculous attempts made to oppose them; in front of the guards,
+ is the commander of the enemy's forces; viz.&mdash;a little boy with a tin
+ sword, on regular guard position, ready to receive and oppose them, with
+ a banner of 'Freedom of Election,' hanging on his sabre; behind him
+ stands the Lord High Sheriff, affecting to charge the soldiers with his
+ mopstick and pottle. He is dressed in a magnificent suit of decayed
+ splendour, with an old court sword, loose silk stockings, white shoes,
+ and unbuckled knee-bands; his shoulders are adorned with white bows, and
+ curtain rings for a chain, hung by a blue ribbon from his neck. Next to
+ him, adorned with a blanket, is a character of voluptuous gaiety,
+ helmeted by a saucepan, holding up the cover for a shield, and a bottle
+ for a weapon. Then comes the Fool, making grimaces with his painted
+ cheeks, and bending his fists at the military; while the Lord Mayor with
+ his white wand, is placing his hand on his heart with mock gravity and
+ wounded indignation at this violation of <i>Magna Charta</i> and civil
+ rights. Behind him are different characters, with a porter pot for a
+ standard, and a watchman's rattle; while in the extreme distance, behind
+ the rattle, and under the wall, is a ragged Orator addressing the
+ burgesses on this violation of the privileges of Election.
+</p>
+<p>
+ "Right over the figure with a saucepan, is a Turnkey, holding up a key
+ and pulling down the celebrated Meredith; who, quite serious, and
+ believing he will really sit in the House, is endeavouring to strike the
+ turnkey with a champagne glass. The gallant member is on the shoulders of
+ two men, who are peeping out and quizzing.
+</p>
+<p>
+ "Close to Meredith is his fellow Member, dressed in a Spanish hat and
+ feather, addressing the Sergeant opposite him, with an arch look, on the
+ illegality of his entrance at elections, while a turnkey has taken hold
+ of the member's robe, and is pulling him off the water butt with violence.
+</p>
+<p>
+ "The sergeant, a fine soldier, one of the heroes of Waterloo, is smiling
+ and amused, while a grenadier, one of the other three under arms, is
+ looking at his sergeant for orders.
+</p>
+<p>
+ "In the corner, directly under the sergeant, is a dissipated young man,
+ addicted to hunting and sports, without adequate means for the enjoyment,
+ attended by his distressed family. He, half intoxicated, has just drawn a
+ cork, and is addressing the bottle, his only comfort, while his daughter
+ is delicately putting it aside and looking with entreaty at her father.
+</p>
+<p>
+ "The harassed wife is putting back the daughter, unwilling to deprive the
+ man she loves, of what, though a baneful consolation, is still one; while
+ the little, shoeless boy with his hoop, is regarding his father with that
+ strange wonder, with which children look at the unaccountable alteration
+ in features and expression, that takes place under the effects of
+ intoxication.
+</p>
+<p>
+ "Three pawnbroker's duplicates, one for the child's shoes, 1<i>s</i>. 6<i>d</i>.,
+ one for the wedding ring, 5<i>s</i>., and one for the wife's necklace, 7<i>l</i>.,
+ lie at the feet of the father, with the Sporting Magazine; for drunkards
+ generally part with the ornaments or even necessaries of their wives and
+ children before they trespass on their own.
+</p>
+<p>
+ "At the opposite corner lies curled up the Head Constable, hid away under
+ his bed-curtain, which he had for a robe, and slyly looking, as if he
+ hoped nobody would betray him. By his side is placed a table, with the
+ relics of a luxurious enjoyment, while a washing tub as a wine cooler,
+ contains, under the table, Hock, Champagne, Burgundy, and a Pine.
+</p>
+<p>
+ "Directly over the sergeant, on the wall, are written, 'The <i>Majesti</i>
+ of the <i>Peepel</i> for ever&mdash;huzza!'&mdash;'No military at Elections!' and 'No
+ Marshal!'&mdash;on the standards to the left, are '<i>Confusion to Credit, and
+ no fraudulent Creditors</i>.' In the window are a party with a lady smoking
+ a hookah; on the ledge of the window, "Success to the detaining Creditor!"
+ &mdash;At the opposite window is a portrait of the Painter, looking down on
+ the extraordinary scene with great interest&mdash;underneath him is, 'Sperat
+ infestis.'
+</p>
+<p>
+ "On a board under the lady smoking, is written the order of the Lord
+ Mayor, enjoining <i>Peace</i>, as follows:&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+ "Banco Regis,<br />
+ Court House, July 16,<br />
+ In the Sixth year of the<br />
+ Reign of GEORGE IV.<br />
+</p>
+<p>
+ "Peremptorily ordered&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+ "That the Special Constables and Headboroughs
+ of this ancient Bailwick do take into
+ custody all Persons found in any way committing
+ a breach of the Peace, during the Procession
+ of Chairing the Members returned to represent
+ this Borough.
+</p><p>
+ "SIR ROBERT BIRCH, (Collegian) Lord Mayor.
+</p>
+<p>
+ "'A New Way to pay Old Debts,'&mdash;is written over the first turnkey; and
+ below it, 'N.B. A very old way, discovered
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page250" name="page250"></a>[pg 250]</span>
+ 3394 years B.C.;' and in the
+ extreme distance, over a shop, is&mdash;'Dealer in every thing genuine.'
+</p>
+<p>
+ "While the man beating the long drum, at the opposite end, another the
+ cymbals, and the third blowing a trumpet, with the windows all crowded
+ with spectators, complete the composition, with the exception of the
+ melancholy victim behind the High Sheriff.
+</p>
+<p>
+ "I recommend the contemplation of this miserable creature, once a
+ gentleman, to all advocates of imprisonment for debt. First rendered
+ reckless by imprisonment&mdash;then hopeless&mdash;then sottish&mdash;and, last of all,
+ from utter despair of freedom, insane! Round his withered temples is a
+ blue ribbon, with 'Dulce est pro Patriâ mori,' (it is sweet to die for
+ one's country); for he is baring his breast to rush on the bayonets of
+ the guards, a willing sacrifice, as he believes, poor fellow, for a great
+ public principle. In his pocket he has three pamphlets, 'On Water
+ Drinking, or The Blessings of Imprisonment for Debt,'&mdash;and Adam Smith's
+ 'Moral Essays.'&mdash;Ruffles hang from his wrists, the relics of former days,
+ rags cover his feeble legs, one foot is naked, and his appearance is that
+ of a decaying being, mind and body."
+</p>
+<p>
+ Such is Mr. Haydon's "Explanation" of his own Picture; and it only
+ remains for us to give the reader some idea of its most prominent
+ beauties. As a whole, it is very superior to the "Election," highly as we
+ were disposed to rate the merits of that performance. The style is
+ masterly throughout, and every shade of the colouring has all the depth
+ and richness which characterize works of real genius. There is a spirit
+ in every touch which differs as much from the softened and soulless
+ compositions of certain modern artists, as does the florid architecture
+ of the ancients from the starved proportions of these days, or the rich
+ and graceful style of the Essayists from the fabrications of little,
+ self-conceited biographers. In short, the whole scene is dashed off in the
+ first style of art; the subject and humour are all over English&mdash;true to
+ nature, and so forcible as to seize on the attention of the most listless
+ beholder.
+</p>
+<p>
+ We must notice a few of the details. The three guards are foremost in the
+ picture, and in merit; the struggle in their countenances between
+ discipline and a sense of the ludicrous scene before them is admirably
+ represented; as well as the little urchin with his tin sword. The centre
+ figure of the High Sheriff, with his tattered and faded finery of office,
+ is equally clever; but the skill with which the artist has contrived to
+ express his forced mirth, and mopstick bravado, is still more forcible.
+ The troubled countenance of the Lord Mayor is an excellent portrait of
+ the indignation of little authority when perturbed by men of greater
+ place. The faces of the turnkey and the sergeant are likewise admirable;
+ and that of the soldier looking towards the latter for orders, is like an
+ excellent piece of byplay in the farce. The drunken patriot, behind the
+ High Sheriff, is well entitled to the attention which the artist, in his
+ explanation, suggests; but the spectator must not dwell too long on this
+ sorrowful wreck of fallen nature. The group in the foreground of the
+ right hand corner, is an episode which must not be omitted, for it
+ corresponds with the fine portrait in the same situation in the "Election"
+ picture. The reckless dissipation of the fine, young fox-hunter, the half
+ intoxicated chuckle with which he holds the bottle, the grief of his
+ daughter and wife, and the little shoeless boy with his hoop, are finely
+ contrasted with the rich humour and extravagant burlesque of all around
+ them. The slyness of the Head Constable, in the left hand corner, half
+ smothered in his mock robes, is expressively told; and the painter is a
+ capital likeness.
+</p>
+<p>
+ From the success of Mr. Haydon in the particular line of art requisite
+ for scenes of real humour, it is not unlikely that his execution of the
+ first picture, the "Election" may prove one of the most fortunate events
+ in his professional career, and turn out to be one of the "sweet uses of
+ adversity," by eliciting talent which he probably did not believe himself
+ to possess. Much as we admire this style of art, we can but deplore that
+ purchasers cannot be found for such pictures as his <i>Entry into
+ Jerusalem</i>, and <i>Judgment of Solomon</i>, both which, with two others, are
+ exhibited in the room with the Chairing of the Members. Out of the scores
+ of new churches which are yearly completed, surely some altar-pieces
+ might be introduced with propriety; and when we consider the peculiar
+ influence which such scenes as those chosen by Mr. Haydon are known to
+ possess over the human heart, we do not think their entire exclusion from
+ modern churches contributes to their devotional character.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Such pictures are intended for better purposes than mere seclusion in
+ large galleries and mansions, of which there are but comparatively few in
+ England; and it is always with regret that we see these noble efforts of
+ art in such profitless situations. Occasionally a nobleman, or
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page251" name="page251"></a>[pg 251]</span>
+ parochial
+ taste, introduces a valuable painted window, and sometimes an altarpiece
+ into a church; but we wish the practice were more general.
+</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<h2>
+ RETROSPECTIVE GLEANINGS
+</h2>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ ENGLAND IN THE DAYS OF GOOD "QUEEN BESS."
+</h3>
+<p>
+ The misery and mendicity which prevailed in this country before the
+ provisions of the poor laws in the time of Elizabeth became duly enforced,
+ might be proved by the following extract from a curious old pamphlet,
+ which describes, in very forcible language, the poverty and idleness
+ which prevailed in one of the fairest and most fertile districts of the
+ kingdom, viz.&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+ The Golden Vale in Herefordshire, (being ye pride of al that country,)
+ being the richest yet (for want of employment) the plentifullest place of
+ poore in the kingdom&mdash;yielding two or three hundred folde; the number so
+ increasing (idleness having gotten the upper hand;) if trades bee not
+ raised&mdash;beggery will carry such reputation in my quarter of the country,
+ as if it had the whole to halves.
+</p>
+<p>
+ There bee, says this author, within a mile and a halfe from my house
+ every waye, five hundred poore habitations; whose greatest meanes consist
+ in spinning flaxe, hemp, and hurdes. They dispose the seasons of the
+ yeare in this manner; I will begin with May, June, and July, (three of
+ the merriest months for beggers,) which yield the best increase for their
+ purpose, to raise multitudes: whey, curdes, butter-milk, and such belly
+ provision, abounding in the neighbourhood, serves their turne. As wountes
+ or moles hunt after wormes, the ground being dewable, so these idelers
+ live intolerablie by other meanes, and neglect their painfull labours by
+ oppressing the neighbourhood. August, September, and October, with that
+ permission which the Lord hath allowed the poorer sorte to gather the
+ eares of corne, they do much harme. I have seen three hundred leazers or
+ gleaners in one gentleman's corn-field at once; his servants gathering
+ and stouking the bound sheaves, the sheaves lying on the ground like dead
+ carcases in an overthrown battell, they following the spoyle, not like
+ souldiers (which scorne to rifle) but like theeves desirous to steale; so
+ this army holdes pillaging, wheate, rye, barly, pease, and oates; oates,
+ a graine which never grew in Canaan, nor AEgypt, and altogether out of
+ the allowance of leazing.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Under colour of the last graine, oates, it being the latest harvest,
+ they doe (without mercy in hotte bloud) steale, robbe orchards, gardens,
+ hop-yards, and crab trees; so what with leazing and stealing, they doe
+ poorly maintaine themselves November, December, and almost all January,
+ with some healpes from the neighbourhood.
+</p>
+<p>
+ The last three moneths, February, March, and Aprill, little labour serves
+ their turne, they hope by the heat of the sunne, (seasoning themselves,
+ like snakes, under headges,) to recover the month of May with much
+ poverty, long fasting, and little praying; and so make an end of their
+ yeares travel in the Easter holy days.
+</p>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ BEGGARS.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ In the earlier periods of their history, both in England and Scotland,
+ beggars were generally of such a description as to entitle them to the
+ epithet of <i>sturdy</i>; accordingly they appear to have been regarded often
+ as impostors and always as nuisances and pests. "Sornares," so violently
+ denounced in those acts, were what are here called "masterful beggars,"
+ who, when they could not obtain what they asked for by fair means, seldom
+ hesitated to take it by violence. The term is said to be Gaelic, and to
+ import a soldier. The life of such a beggar is well described in the
+ "Belman of London," printed in 1608&mdash;"The life of a beggar is the life of
+ a souldier. He suffers hunger and cold in winter, and heate and thirste
+ in summer; he goes lowsie, he goes lame; he is not regarded; he is not
+ rewarded; here only shines his glorie. The whole kingdome is but his walk;
+ a whole cittie is but his parish. In every man's kitchen is his meate
+ dressed; in every man's sellar lyes his beere; and the best men's purses
+ keepe a penny for him to spend."
+</p>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ CURIOUS MANORIAL CUSTOM.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ At King's Hill, about half a mile north-east of Rocford Church, Essex, is
+ held what is called the <i>Lawless Court</i>, a whimsical custom, the origin
+ of which is not known. On the Wednesday morning next after Michaelmas day,
+ the tenants are bound to attend upon the first cock-crowing, and to kneel
+ and do their homage, without any kind of light, but such as heaven will
+ afford. The steward of the court calls all such as are bound to appear,
+ with as low a voice as possible, giving no notice when he goes to execute
+ his office; however, he that does not give an answer is deeply amerced.
+ They are all to whisper to each other, nor have they any pen and ink, but
+ supply that deficiency
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page252" name="page252"></a>[pg 252]</span>
+ with a coal; and he that owes suit and service,
+ and appears not, forfeits to the lord of the manor double his rent every
+ hour he is absent.
+</p>
+<p>
+ A tenant, some years ago, forfeited his land for non attendance, but was
+ restored to it, the lord taking only a fine.
+</p>
+<h4>
+ HALBERT H.
+</h4>
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<h2>
+ SPIRIT OF THE PUBLIC JOURNALS
+</h2>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ THE PET DOG.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ Dogs, when they are sure of having their own way, have sometimes ways as
+ odd as those of the unfurred, unfeathered animals, who walk on two legs,
+ and talk, and are called rational. My beautiful, white greyhound,
+ Mayflower, for instance, is as whimsical as the finest lady in the land.
+ Amongst her other fancies, she has taken a violent affection for a most
+ hideous stray dog, who made his appearance here about six months ago,
+ and contrived to pick up a living in the village, one can hardly tell
+ how. Now appealing to the charity of old Rachael Strong, the
+ laundress&mdash;a dog-lover by profession; now winning a meal from the
+ light-footed and open-hearted lasses at the Rose; now standing on his
+ hind-legs to extort, by sheer beggary, a scanty morsel from some pair of
+ "drowthy cronies," or solitary drover, discussing his dinner or supper
+ on the alehouse-bench; now catching a mouthful, flung to him in pure
+ contempt by some scornful gentleman of the shoulder-knot, mounted on his
+ throne, the coach-box, whose notice he had attracted by dint of
+ ugliness; now sharing the commons of Master Keep the shoemaker's pigs;
+ now succeeding to the reversion of the well-gnawed bone of Master Brow
+ the shopkeeper's fierce house-dog; now filching the skim-milk of Dame
+ Wheeler's cat:&mdash;spit at by the cat; worried by the mastiff; chased by
+ the pigs; screamed at by the dame; stormed at by the shoemaker; flogged
+ by the shopkeeper; teased by all the children, and scouted by all the
+ animals of the parish;&mdash;but yet living through his griefs, and bearing
+ them patiently, "for sufferance is the badge of all his tribe;"&mdash;and
+ even seeming to find, in an occasional full meal, or a gleam of
+ sunshine, or a whisp of dry straw, on which to repose his sorry carcass,
+ some comfort in his disconsolate condition.
+</p>
+<p>
+ In this plight was he found by May, the most high-blooded and
+ aristocratic of greyhounds; and from this plight did May rescue him;&mdash;
+ invited him into her territory, the stable; resisted all attempts to
+ turn him out; reinstated him there, in spite of maid, and boy, and
+ mistress, and master; wore out every body's opposition, by the activity
+ of her protection, and the pertinacity of her self-will; made him sharer
+ of her bed and her mess; and, finally, established him as one of the
+ family as firmly as herself.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Dash&mdash;for he has even won himself a name amongst us, before he was
+ anonymous&mdash;Dash is a sort of a kind of a spaniel; at least there is in
+ his mongrel composition some sign of that beautiful race. Besides his
+ ugliness, which is of the worst sort&mdash;that is to say, the shabbiest&mdash;he
+ has a limp on one leg that gives a peculiarly one-sided awkwardness to
+ his gait; but, independently of his great merit in being May's pet, he
+ has other merits which serve to account for that phenomenon&mdash;being,
+ beyond all comparison the most faithful, attached, and affectionate
+ animal that I have ever known; and that is saying much. He seems to think
+ it necessary to atone for his ugliness by extra good conduct, and does so
+ dance on his lame leg, and so wag his scrubby tail, that it does any one,
+ who has a taste for happiness, good to look at him&mdash;so that he may now be
+ said to stand on his own footing. We are all rather ashamed of him when
+ strangers come in the way, and think it necessary to explain that he is
+ May's pet; but amongst ourselves, and those who are used to his
+ appearance, he has reached the point of favouritism in his own person. I
+ have, in common with wiser women, the feminine weakness of loving
+ whatever loves me&mdash;and, therefore, like Dash. His master has found out
+ that Dash is a capital finder, and, in spite of his lameness, will hunt a
+ field, or beat a cover with any spaniel in England&mdash;and, therefore, <i>he</i>
+ likes Dash. The boy has fought a battle, in defence of his beauty, with
+ another boy, bigger than himself, and beat his opponent most handsomely&mdash;
+ and, therefore, <i>he</i> likes Dash; and the maids like him, or pretend to
+ like him, because we do&mdash;as is the fashion of that pliant and imitative
+ class. And now Dash and May follow us every where, and are going with us
+ now to the Shaw, or rather to the cottage by the Shaw, to bespeak milk
+ and butter of our little dairy-woman, Hannah Bint&mdash;a housewifely
+ occupation, to which we owe some of our pleasantest rambles&mdash;<i>Miss
+ Mitford</i>.&mdash;<i>Month. Mag</i>.
+</p>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ FROM THE ROMAIC.
+</h3>
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<p> When we were last, my gentle Maid,</p>
+<p class="i2"> In love's embraces twining,</p>
+<p> 'Twas Night, who saw, and then betray'd!</p>
+<p class="i2"> "Who saw?" Yon Moon was shining.</p>
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page253" name="page253"></a>[pg 253]</span>
+<p> A gossip Star shot down, and he</p>
+<p> First told our secret to the Sea.</p>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<p> The Sea, who never secret kept,</p>
+<p class="i2"> The peevish, blustering railer!</p>
+<p> Told it the Oar, as on he swept;</p>
+<p class="i2"> The Oar informed the Sailor.</p>
+<p> The Sailor whisper'd it to his fair,</p>
+<p> And she&mdash;she told it every where!</p>
+</div></div>
+<p>
+ <i>New Monthly Magazine</i>.
+</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<h2>
+ NOTES OF A READER.
+</h2>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ EELS.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ The problem of the generation of eels is one of the most abstruse and
+ curious in natural history; but we have been much pleased, and not a
+ little enlightened, by some observations on the subject in Sir Humphrey
+ Davy's delightful little volume, <i>Salmonia</i>, of which the following is
+ the substance:&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+ Although the generation of eels occupied the attention of Aristotle, and
+ has been taken up by the most distinguished naturalists since his time,
+ it is still unsolved. Lacepède, the French naturalist, asserts, in the
+ most unqualified way, that they are <i>viviparous</i>; but we do not remember
+ any facts brought forward on the subject. Sir Humphrey then goes on to
+ say&mdash;This is certain, that there are two migrations of eels&mdash;one up and
+ one down rivers, one <i>from</i> and the other <i>to</i> the sea; the first in
+ spring and summer, the second in autumn or early winter. The first of
+ very small eels, which are sometimes not more than two or two and a half
+ inches long; the second of large eels, which sometimes are three or four
+ feet long, and which weigh from 10 to 15, or even 20 lbs. There is great
+ reason to believe that all eels found in fresh water are the results of
+ the first migration; they appear in millions in April and May, and
+ sometimes continue to rise as late even as July and the beginning of
+ August. I remember this was the case in Ireland in 1823. It had been a
+ cold, backward summer; and when I was at Ballyshannon, about the end of
+ July, the mouth of the river, which had been in flood all this month,
+ under the fall, was blackened by millions of little eels, about as long
+ as the finger, which were constantly urging their way up the moist rocks
+ by the side of the fall. Thousands died, but their bodies remaining moist,
+ served as the ladder for others to make their way; and I saw some
+ ascending even perpendicular stones, making their road through wet moss,
+ or adhering to some eels that had died in the attempt. Such is the energy
+ of these little animals, that they continue to find their way, in immense
+ numbers, to Loch Erne. The same thing happens at the fall of the Bann,
+ and Loch Neagh is thus peopled by them; even the mighty Fall of
+ Shaffausen does not prevent them from making their way to the Lake of
+ Constance, where I have seen many very large eels. There are eels in the
+ Lake of Neufchatel, which communicates by a stream with the Rhine; but
+ there are none in the Lake of Geneva, because the Rhone makes a
+ subterraneous fall below Geneva; and though small eels can pass by moss
+ or mount rocks, they cannot penetrate limestone rocks, or move against a
+ rapid descending current of water, passing, as it were, through a pipe.
+ Again: no eels mount the Danube from the Black Sea; and there are none
+ found in the great extent of lakes, swamps, and rivers communicating with
+ the Danube&mdash;though some of these lakes and morasses are wonderfully
+ fitted for them, and though they are found abundantly in the same
+ countries, in lakes and rivers connected with the ocean and the
+ Mediterranean. Yet, when brought into confined water in the Danube, they
+ fatten and thrive there. As to the instinct which leads young eels to
+ seek fresh water, it is difficult to reason; probably they prefer warmth,
+ and, swimming at the surface in the early summer, find the lighter water
+ warmer, and likewise containing more insects, and so pursue the courses
+ of fresh water, as the waters from the land, at this season, become
+ warmer than those from the sea. Mr. J. Couch, in the Linnaean
+ Transactions, says the little eels, according to his observation, are
+ produced within reach of the tide, and climb round falls to reach fresh
+ water from the sea. I have sometimes seen them in spring, swimming in
+ immense shoals in the Atlantic, in Mount Bay, making their way to the
+ mouths of small brooks and rivers. When the cold water from the autumnal
+ flood begins to swell the rivers, this fish tries to return to the sea;
+ but numbers of the smaller ones hide themselves during the winter in the
+ mud, and many of them form, as it were, masses together. Various authors
+ have recorded the migration of eels in a singular way; such as Dr. Plot,
+ who, in his History of Staffordshire, says they pass in the night across
+ meadows from one pond to another; and Mr. Arderon, in the Philosophical
+ Transactions, gives a distinct account of small eels rising up the
+ flood-gates and posts of the water-works of the city of Norwich; and
+ they made their way to the water above, though the boards were smooth
+ planed, and five or six feet perpendicular. He says, when they first
+ rose out of the water upon the dry board, they rested a little&mdash;which
+ seemed to be till their slime was thrown out, and sufficiently
+ glutinous&mdash;and then they rose up the perpendicular
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page254" name="page254"></a>[pg 254]</span>
+ ascent with the same
+ facility as if they had been moving on a plane surface.&mdash;There can, I
+ think, be no doubt that they are assisted by their small scales, which,
+ placed like those of serpents, must facilitate their progressive motion;
+ these scales have been microscopically observed by Lewenhoeck. Eels
+ migrate from the salt water of different sizes, but I believe never when
+ they are above a foot long&mdash;and the great mass of them are only from two
+ and a half to four inches. They feed, grow, and fatten in fresh water.
+ In small rivers they seldom become very large; but in large, deep lakes
+ they become as thick as a man's arm, or even leg; and all those of a
+ considerable size attempt to return to the sea in October or November,
+ probably when they experience the cold of the first autumnal rains.
+ Those that are not of the largest size, as I said before, pass the
+ winter in the deepest parts of the mud of rivers and lakes, and do not
+ seem to eat much, and remain, I believe, almost torpid. Their increase
+ is not certainly known in any given time, but must depend upon the
+ quantity of their food; but it is probable they do not become of the
+ largest size from the smallest in one or even two seasons; but this, as
+ well as many other particulars, can only be ascertained by new
+ observations and experiments. Block states, that they grow slowly, and
+ mentions that some had been kept in the same pond for fifteen years. As
+ very large eels, after having migrated, never return to the river again,
+ they must (for it cannot be supposed that they all die immediately in
+ the sea) remain in salt water; and there is great probability that they
+ are then confounded with the conger, which is found from a few ounces to
+ one hundred pounds in weight.
+</p>
+<hr />
+<p>
+ At Munich, every child found begging is taken to a charitable
+ establishment; the moment he enters his portrait is given to him,
+ representing him in his rags, and he promises by oath to keep it all his
+ life.
+</p>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ INFANCY.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ [This is <i>one</i> of the gems of the quarto volume of poetry recently
+ published by the author of the "Omnipresence of the Deity;" but in our
+ next we intend stringing together a few of the resplendent beauties which
+ illumine almost every page.]
+</p>
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<p> On yonder mead, that like a windless lake</p>
+<p> Shines in the glow of heaven, a cherub boy</p>
+<p> Is bounding, playful as a breeze new-born,</p>
+<p> Light as the beam that dances by his side.</p>
+<p> Phantom of beauty! with his trepid locks</p>
+<p> Gleaming like water-wreaths,&mdash;a flower of life,</p>
+<p> To whom the fairy world is fresh, the sky</p>
+<p> A glory, and the earth one huge delight!</p>
+<p> Joy shaped his brow, and Pleasure rolls his eye,</p>
+<p> While Innocence, from out the budding lip</p>
+<p> Darts her young smiles along his rounded cheek.</p>
+<p> Grief hath not dimm'd the brightness of his form,</p>
+<p> Love and Affection o'er him spread their wings,</p>
+<p> And Nature, like a nurse, attends him with</p>
+<p> Her sweetest looks. The humming bee will bound</p>
+<p> From out the flower, nor sting his baby hand;</p>
+<p> The birds sing to him from the sunny tree;</p>
+<p> And suppliantly the fierce-eyed mastiff fawn</p>
+<p> Beneath his feet, to court the playful touch.</p>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<p> To rise all rosy from the arms of sleep,</p>
+<p> And, like the sky-bird, hail the bright-cheek'd morn</p>
+<p> With gleeful song, then o'er the bladed mead</p>
+<p> To chase the blue-wing'd butterfly, or play</p>
+<p> With curly streams; or, led by watchful Love,</p>
+<p> To hear the chorus of the trooping waves,</p>
+<p> When the young breezes laugh them into life!</p>
+<p> Or listen to the mimic ocean roar</p>
+<p> Within the womb of spiry sea-shell wove,&mdash;</p>
+<p> From sight and sound to catch intense delight,</p>
+<p> And infant gladness from each happy face,&mdash;</p>
+<p> These are the guileless duties of the day:</p>
+<p> And when at length reposeful Evening comes,</p>
+<p> Joy-worn he nestles in the welcome couch,</p>
+<p> With kisses warm upon his cheek, to dream</p>
+<p> Of heaven, till morning wakes him to the world.</p>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<p> The scene hath changed into a curtain'd room,</p>
+<p> Where mournful glimmers of the mellow sun</p>
+<p> Lie dreaming on the walls! Dim-eyed and sad,</p>
+<p> And dumb with agony, two parents bend</p>
+<p> O'er a pale image, in the coffin laid,&mdash;</p>
+<p> Their infant once, the laughing, leaping boy,</p>
+<p> The paragon and nursling of their souls!</p>
+<p> Death touch'd him, and the life-glow fled away,</p>
+<p> Swift as a gay hour's fancy; fresh and cold</p>
+<p> As winter's shadow, with his eye-lids seal'd,</p>
+<p> Like violet-lips at eve, he lies enrobed</p>
+<p> An offering to the grave! but, pure as when</p>
+<p> It wing'd from heaven, his spirit hath return'd,</p>
+<p> To lisp his hallelujahs with the choirs</p>
+<p> Of sinless babes, imparadised above.</p>
+</div></div>
+<p>
+ <i>Death, a Poem, by R. Montgomery.</i>
+</p>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
+</h3>
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<p> What a fashionable place</p>
+<p class="i2"> Soon the Regent's Park will grow!</p>
+<p> Not alone the human race</p>
+<p class="i2"> To survey its beauties go;</p>
+<p> Birds and beasts of every hue,</p>
+<p class="i2"> In order and sobriety,</p>
+<p> Come, invited by the Zo-</p>
+<p class="i2"> Ological Society.</p>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<p> Notes of invitation go</p>
+<p class="i2"> To the west and to the east.</p>
+<p> Begging of the Hippopo-</p>
+<p class="i2"> Tamus here to come and feast:</p>
+<p> Sheep and panthers here we view,</p>
+<p class="i2"> Monstrous contrariety!</p>
+<p> All united by the Zo-</p>
+<p class="i2"> Ological Society.</p>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<p> Monkeys leave their native seat,</p>
+<p class="i2"> Monkeys green and monkeys blue,</p>
+<p> Other monkeys here to meet,</p>
+<p class="i2"> And kindly ask, "Pray how d'ye do?"</p>
+<p> From New Holland the emu,</p>
+<p class="i2"> With his better moiety,</p>
+<p> Has paid a visit to the Zo-</p>
+<p class="i2"> Ological Society.</p>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<p> Here we see the lazy tor-</p>
+<p class="i2"> Toise creeping with his shell,</p>
+<p> And the drowsy, drowsy dor-</p>
+<p class="i2"> Mouse dreaming in his cell;</p>
+<p> Here from all parts of the U-</p>
+<p class="i2"> Niverse we meet variety,</p>
+<p> Lodged and boarded by the Zo-</p>
+<p class="i2"> Ological Society.</p>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<p> Bears at pleasure lounge and roll,</p>
+<p class="i2"> Leading lives devoid of pain,</p>
+<p> Half day climbing up a poll,</p>
+<p class="i2"> Half day climbing down again;</p>
+<p> Their minds tormented by no su-</p>
+<p class="i2"> Perfluous anxiety,</p>
+<p> While on good terms with the Zo-</p>
+<p class="i2"> Ological Society.</p>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page255" name="page255"></a>[pg 255]</span>
+<p> Would a mammoth could be found</p>
+<p class="i2"> And made across the sea to swim!</p>
+<p> But now, alas! upon the ground</p>
+<p class="i2"> The bones alone are left of him:</p>
+<p> I fear a hungry mammoth too,</p>
+<p class="i2"> (So monstrous and unquiet he.)</p>
+<p> By hunger urged might eat the Zo-</p>
+<p class="i2"> Ological Society!</p>
+</div></div>
+<p>
+ <i>The Christmas Box.</i>
+</p>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ INSECTS.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ One great protection against all creeping things is, to stir the ground
+ very frequently along the foot of the wall. That is their great place of
+ resort; and frequent stirring and making the ground very fine, disturbs
+ the peace of their numerous families, gives them trouble, makes them
+ uneasy, and finally harasses them to death.
+</p>
+<p>
+ <i>Cobbett's English Gardener.</i>
+</p>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ SIR W. TEMPLE'S GARDEN.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ It was formerly the fashion to have a sort of canal, with broad grass
+ walks on the sides, and with the water coming up to within a few inches
+ of the closely shaven grass; and certainly few things were more beautiful
+ than these. Sir William Temple had one of his own constructing in his
+ gardens at Moor Park. On the outsides of the grass-walks were borders of
+ beautiful flowers. I have stood for hours to look at this canal, which
+ the good-natured manners of those days had led the proprietor to make an
+ opening in the outer wall in order that his neighbours might enjoy the
+ sight as well as himself; I have stood for hours, when a little boy,
+ looking at this object; I have travelled far since, and have seen a great
+ deal; but I have never seen any thing of the gardening kind so beautiful
+ in the whole course of my life&mdash;<i>Ibid</i>.
+</p>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ BULBOUS ROOTS.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ In glasses filled with water, bulbous roots, such as the hyacinth,
+ narcissus, and jonquil, are blown. The time to put them in is from
+ September to November, and the earliest ones will begin blowing about
+ Christmas. The glasses should be blue, as that colour best suits the
+ roots; put water enough in to cover the bulb one-third of the way up,
+ less rather than more; let the water be soft, change it once a week, and
+ put in a pinch of salt every time you change it. Keep the glasses in a
+ place moderately warm, and <i>near to the light</i>. A parlour window is a
+ very common place for them, but is often too warm, and brings on the
+ plants too early, and causes them to be weakly.&mdash;<i>Ibid</i>.
+</p>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ TRAVELLING INVALIDS.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ We cannot refrain from stating our belief, and this on the authority of
+ intelligent physicians, as well as from personal observation, that much
+ mischief is done by committing invalids to long and precarious journeys,
+ for the sake of doubtful benefits. We have ourselves seen consumptive
+ patients hurried along, through all the discomforts of bad roads, bad
+ inns, and indifferent diet, to places, where certain partial advantages
+ of climate poorly compensated for the loss of the many benefits which
+ home and domestic care can best afford. We have seen such invalids lodged
+ in cold, half-furnished houses, and shivering under blasts of wind from
+ the Alps or Apennines, who might more happily have been sheltered in the
+ vales of Somerset or Devon. On this topic, however, we refrain from
+ saying more&mdash;further than to state our belief, that much misapprehension
+ generally prevails, as to the comparative healthiness of England, and
+ other parts of Europe. Certain phrases respecting climate have obtained
+ fashionable currency amongst us, which greatly mislead the judgment as to
+ facts. The accurate statistical tables, now extended to the greater part
+ of Europe, furnish more secure grounds of opinion; and from these we
+ derive the knowledge, that there is no one country in Europe where the
+ average proportion of mortality is so small as in England. Some few
+ details on this subject we subjoin,&mdash;tempted to do so by the common
+ errors prevailing in relation to it.
+</p>
+<p>
+ The proportion of deaths to the population is nearly one-third less in
+ England than in France. Comparing the two capitals, the average mortality
+ of London is about one-fifth less than that of Paris. What may appear a
+ more singular statement, the proportion of deaths in London, a vast and
+ luxurious metropolis, differs only by a small fraction from that of the
+ whole of France; and is considerably less than the average of those
+ Mediterranean shores which are especially frequented by invalids for the
+ sake of health. In Italy, the proportion of deaths is a full third
+ greater than in England; and even in Switzerland and Sweden, though the
+ difference be less, it is still in favour of our own country.&mdash;<i>Q. Rev</i>.
+</p>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ NEWSPAPER LOVE.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ The paper so highly esteemed, entitled, <i>The Courier de l'Europe</i>,
+ originated in the following circumstances:&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+ "Monsieur Guerrier de Berance was a native of Auvergne, whose fortune in
+ the origin was very low, but who by his intrigues succeeded in gaining
+ the place of Procureur General of the Custom-house. He married two wives;
+ the name of the last was Millochin, who was both young
+<span class="pagenum"><a id="page256" name="page256"></a>[pg 256]</span>
+ and handsome. She
+ soon began to find out that her husband was very disagreeable; and what
+ caused her more particularly to remark his faults was her contrasting him
+ with M. Cevres de la Tour, with whom she fell most desperately in love.
+ This passion became so violent, that Madame Guerrier fled into England
+ with her lover, who, in his turn, left his wife behind him in Paris. The
+ finances of these two lovers growing rather low, M. Sevres de la Tour,
+ who was a man of talent, thought, as a plan to enrich himself, to turn
+ editor to a newspaper, and for this purpose started the <i>Courier de
+ l'Europe</i>, which succeeded beyond his most sanguine hopes. Disgust, which
+ commonly follows these sort of unions, caused Madame Guerrier to be
+ deserted by her lover, and she was obliged to turn a teacher of languages
+ for her subsistence.&mdash;<i>The Album of Love</i>.
+</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<h2>
+ THE GATHERER.
+</h2>
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<p> "A snapper-up of unconsidered trifles."</p>
+</div></div>
+<h4>
+ SHAKSPEARE.
+</h4>
+<hr />
+<center>
+ REPLY TO THE DIRGE ON MISS ELLEN GEE, OF KEW.
+</center>
+<p>
+ (<i>See Mirror, page 223</i>.)
+</p>
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<p> Forgive, ye beauteous maids of Q,</p>
+<p class="i2"> The much relenting B,</p>
+<p> Who vows he never will sting U,</p>
+<p class="i2"> While sipping of your T.</p>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<p> One nymph I wounded in the I,</p>
+<p class="i2"> The charming L N G,</p>
+<p> The fates impell'd, I know not Y,</p>
+<p class="i2"> The luckless busy B.</p>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<p> And oh recall the sentence U</p>
+<p class="i2"> Pass'd on your humble B,</p>
+<p> Let me remain at happy Q,</p>
+<p class="i2"> Send me not o'er the C.</p>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<p> And I will mourn upon A U,</p>
+<p class="i2"> The death of L N G,</p>
+<p> And all the charming maids of Q</p>
+<p class="i2"> Will pity the poor B.</p>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<p> I will hum soft her L E G,</p>
+<p class="i2"> The reason some ask Y,</p>
+<p> Because the maiden could not C,</p>
+<p class="i2"> By me she lost her I.</p>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<p> To soothe ye damsels I'll S A,</p>
+<p class="i2"> Far sooner would I B</p>
+<p> Myself in funeral R A,</p>
+<p class="i2"> Than wound one fair at T.</p>
+</div></div>
+<h4>
+ F.H.
+</h4>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ THE BITER BIT.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ In the reign of Charles II. a physician to the court was walking with the
+ king in the gallery of Windsor Castle, when they saw a man repairing a
+ clock fixed there. The physician knowing the king's relish for a joke,
+ accosted the man with, "My good friend, you are continually doctoring
+ that clock, and yet it never goes well. Now if I were to treat my
+ patients in such a way, I should lose all my credit. What can the reason
+ be that you mistake so egregiously?" The man dryly replied, "The reason
+ why you and I, Sir, are not upon a par is plain enough&mdash;the sun discovers
+ all my blunders, but the earth covers yours."
+</p>
+<h4>
+ G.I.F.
+</h4>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ EPITAPH.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ On a tablet in the outside wall of the old church, at Taunton, in
+ Somersetshire, is the following on "James Waters, late of London,
+ aged 49."
+</p>
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<p> Death traversing the western road,</p>
+<p class="i2"> And asking where true merit lay,</p>
+<p> Made in this town a short abode,</p>
+<p class="i2"> Then took this worthy man away.</p>
+</div></div>
+<h4>
+ W.R.
+</h4>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ LIFE.
+</h3>
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<p> Grass of levity,</p>
+<p> Span in brevity,</p>
+<p> Flower's felicity,</p>
+<p> Fire of misery,</p>
+<p> Wind's stability</p>
+<p> Is mortality.</p>
+</div></div>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ NOTICE FROM THE PUBLISHER.
+</h3>
+<p>
+ Purchasers of the MIRROR, who may wish to complete their volumes, are
+ informed that the whole of the numbers are now in print, and can be
+ procured by giving an order to any Bookseller or Newsvender.
+</p>
+<p>
+ Complete sets Vol I. to XI. in boards, price £3. 19<i>s</i>. 6<i>d</i> half bound,
+ £3. 17<i>s</i>.
+</p>
+<hr />
+<h3>
+ LIMBIRD'S EDITION OF THE
+</h3>
+<center>
+ <i>Following Novels are already Published:</i>
+</center>
+<pre>
+ <i>s</i>.<i>d</i>.
+ Mackenzie's Man of Feeling .............. 0...6
+ Paul and Virginia ....................... 0...6
+ The Castle of Otranto ................... 0...6
+ Almoran and Hamet ....................... 0...6
+ Elizabeth, or the Exiles of Siberia ..... 0...6
+ The Castles of Athlin and Dunbayne ...... 0...6
+ Rasselas ................................ 0...8
+ The Old English Baron ................... 0...8
+ Nature and Art .......................... 0...8
+ Goldsmith's Vicar of Wakefield .......... 0..10
+ Sicilian Romance ........................ 1...0
+ The Man of the World .................... 1...0
+ A Simple Story .......................... 1...4
+ Joseph Andrews .......................... 1...6
+ Humphry Clinker ..........................1...8
+ The Romance of the Forest ............... 1...8
+ The Italian ............................. 2...0
+ Zeluco, by Dr. Moore .................... 2...0
+ Edward, by Dr. Moore .................... 2...6
+ Roderick Random ......................... 2...6
+ The Mysteries of Udolpho ................ 3...6
+
+</pre>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<blockquote class="footnote">
+<a id="footnote1" name="footnote1"></a>
+<b>Footnote 1</b>:
+<a href="#footnotetag1">(return)</a>
+
+<p> Mrs. A.T. Thomson, in her <i>Memoirs of the Court of Henry the
+Eighth</i>, says, "On the night of the Epiphany (1510), a pageant was
+introduced into the hall at Richmond, representing a hill studded with
+gold and precious stones, and having on its summit a tree of gold, from
+which hung roses and pomegranates. From the declivity of the hill
+descended a lady richly attired, who, with the gentlemen, or, as they
+were then called, children of honour, danced a morris before the king.
+On another occasion, in the presence of the court, an artificial forest
+was drawn in by a lion and an antelope, the hides of which were richly
+embroidered with golden ornaments; the animals were harnessed with
+chains of gold, and on each sat a fair damsel in gay apparel. In the
+midst of the forest, which was thus introduced, appeared a gilded tower,
+at the end of which stood a youth, holding in his hands a garland of
+roses, as the prize of valour in a tournament which succeeded the
+pageant!"</p>
+</blockquote>
+
+<blockquote class="footnote">
+<a id="footnote2" name="footnote2"></a>
+<b>Footnote 2</b>:
+<a href="#footnotetag2">(return)</a>
+<p>The Comet which appeared in 1759, and which (says Lambert) returned
+the quickest of any that we have an account of, had a winter of seventy
+years. Its heat surpassed imagination.</p>
+</blockquote>
+
+
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11282 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>